Idea for generating power in space or in water

In outer space, one side of an object is very hot and the other side is very cold. Using these phenomena, how about a Stirling Engine to generate electrical power in space? A portion of the mechanical energy developed by the engine could be used to rotate the sides of the Stirling Engine to alternately heat and chill a gas. The rest of the mechanical energy could be used for electrical power generation.

You could also use the above Stirling Engine concept for generating power on or in the water. In a generator of this type, one side is colder because of the temperature of the water. The sun could heat the other side of the generator. You could use a Fresnel lens to intensify the sun's rays. Thinking of a light channel, you could even direct the sun's rays down to a lower depth in the water where the water is colder, and therefore have a greater temperature differential than if the generator were on the surface of the water. Again, a portion of the mechanical energy developed by the engine could be used to rotate the sides of the Stirling Engine to alternate hot with cold. The rest of the mechanical energy could be used for electrical power generation. In addition, the water could act as a low friction bearing, similar to those bearings in hydroelectric plants.

Possible Start Building Blocks –

• Existing concepts for Crookes Radiometer, other "external combustion” engines, etc.


• USPTO Class/Subclasses for "How-To" ideas - 60/520, 60/517, 60/526

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