Compact Freon-Free Stirling Refrigeration System

Research and Development is proposed of a novel form of compact freon-free refrigeration system. The proposed unit operates on the Stirling cycle using air as the working fluid. The refrigeratro has an innovative arrangement of four double-acting pistons which will permit a compact, rugged system of high thermodynamic efficiency fabricated from commonly available materials. Another innovative feature is the drive linkage which gives the pistions the correct phase relationship whith a near straight line motion to minimize side forces and wear. The use of ambient air as the working fluid eliminates the need for special refrigerants, such as chlorofluorocarbons, and the hazard of leakage in confined environments and pollution of the atmosphere. The refrigerator may be driven by an electric motor or other forms of prime mover. One possibility is to use a second Siemens-Stirling engine powered by the combustion of diesel fuel, natural gas, biomass, waste heat, or solar energy to develop the mechnanical power necessary to drive the refrigerator.