AU2024323672B2

AU2024323672B2 - Thermal energy differential extraction assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2024323672B2
Application number: AU2024323672A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Wing Chuen Kay Chui
Original assignee: Nrt Thermal Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Nrt Thermal Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2023-08-11
Filing date: 2024-08-12
Publication date: 2026-03-26
Anticipated expiration: 2044-08-12
Also published as: WO2025035175A1; AU2024323672A1; CN121712977A

Abstract

A thermal energy extraction assembly or system for converting thermal energy differentials into kinetic energy and/or electrical energy, the thermal energy extraction assembly comprising a conduit operatively connected with a reciprocating motion arrangement, the conduit comprising a pair of heat exchanging sections arranged having at least one fluid flow diverter configured to establish selectable and/or alternative fluid flow paths according to one or more characteristics of the reciprocating motion arrangement and/or a temperature of the fluid and/or a pressure of the fluid; and at least one fluid flow inducing device for inducing a flow of a fluid through the conduit and the reciprocating motion arrangement; wherein the reciprocating motion arrangement is operatively configured to move according to an expansion/contraction of the fluid. The one or more characteristics of the reciprocating motion arrangement comprises a position of the reciprocating motion arrangement and/or a speed of the reciprocating motion arrangement.

Description

kind of regional protection available): ARIPO (BW, CV,

Published: with international search report (Art. 21(3))

- - wo 2025/035175 PCT/AU2024/050862

1

THERMAL ENERGY DIFFERENTIAL EXTRACTION ASSEMBLY TECHNICAL FIELD

[1] The present invention relates a thermal energy differential extracting

assembly.

BACKGROUND

[2] Any references to methods, apparatus or documents of the prior art are not to

be taken as constituting any evidence or admission that they formed, or form part of

the common general knowledge.

[3] Thermal energy differences exist in nature as well as within small systems

throughout the developed world. Stirling engines are known however solutions which

can effectively and efficiently utilise the thermal energy differences have not been

developed and as such widespread adoption has not yet occurred.

[4] One of the critical challenges is the inability of existing systems to efficiently

convert low-grade thermal energy differentials-often characterized by small

temperature differences-into substantial kinetic or electrical energy. This inefficiency leads to limited practical applications, particularly in renewable energy

systems where harnessing such thermal energy could significantly reduce dependence on finite fossil fuels and lower emissions.

[5] Renewable, cheap and/or free energy sources are sought in an effort to reduce harmful emissions and reduce and/or eliminate reliance on finite fossil fuels.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[6] In an aspect, the invention provides a thermal energy extraction assembly for

converting thermal energy differentials into kinetic energy and/or electrical energy,

the thermal energy extraction assembly comprising:

a conduit operatively connected with a reciprocating motion arrangement, the

conduit comprising a pair of heat exchanging sections arranged having at least one

fluid flow diverter configured to establish selectable and/or alternative fluid flow paths wo 2025/035175 PCT/AU2024/050862 according to one or more characteristics of the reciprocating motion arrangement and/or a temperature of the fluid and/or a pressure of the fluid; and at least one fluid flow inducing device for inducing a flow of a fluid through the move according to an expansion/contraction of the fluid.

[7] In an embodiment, the pair of heat exchanging sections is arranged between

[8]

[9]

arrangement comprises a position of the reciprocating motion arrangement and a

parallel.

[14] In an embodiment, the heat exchanging sections comprises a conductive material for assisting and/or improving the exchange of thermal energy from the

exchanging section.

[15] In an embodiment, the reciprocating motion arrangement is coupled with a

kinetic energy harvesting device.

[16] In an embodiment, the kinetic energy harvesting device is a generator and/or wo 2025/035175 PCT/AU2024/050862

3

[19] In an embodiment, the pair of fluid flow diverters are configured to operate

according to a timer.

[20] In an embodiment, the at least one fluid flow diverter is configured to operate

according to a temperature of the fluid.

[22] In an embodiment, the reciprocating motion arrangement comprises an

[23] In an embodiment, the conduit is rigid.

[24] In an embodiment, the fluid comprises a coefficient of expansion greater than

[25] In an embodiment, the fluid comprises a mass less than or equal to air.

[26] In an embodiment, the fluid comprises an inert gas.

[27] In an embodiment, the fluid comprises air, hydrogen, helium, nitrogen or

[28] In another aspect, the invention provides a method of converting relative

differential in thermal energy into kinetic energy and/or electrical energy, the method

providing a closed loop conduit having a pair of selectable and/or alternative

heat exchanging sections arranged having at least one fluid flow diverter for diverting

a fluid within the conduit through a respective one of the heat exchanging sections of

flowing a fluid through the closed loop conduit having the pair of selectable

switching the at least one fluid flow diverter between the respective heat

exchanging sections according to one or more characteristics of the reciprocating

motion arrangement and/or a temperature of the fluid and/or a pressure of the fluid,

wherein the one or more characteristics of the reciprocating motion arrangement wo 2025/035175 PCT/AU2024/050862

4

comprises a position of the reciprocating motion arrangement so as to selectively

vary the thermal energy of the fluid to operate the reciprocating motion arrangement

flowing a fluid through a closed loop conduit having alternative heat exchanging sections for selectively varying the thermal energy of the fluid;

operatively connecting the closed loop conduit through a reciprocating motion

[30] In an embodiment, the method further comprises arranging the heat exchanging sections between a pair of the fluid flow diverters.

excluding the heat exchanging sections from the respective environments.

motion arrangement to a generator for generating an electrical current.

exchanging sections in parallel.

[34] In an embodiment, the method further comprises switching the fluid flow diverters according to one or more characteristics of the reciprocating motion

arrangement.

wo 2025/035175 PCT/AU2024/050862

5

the thermal energy extraction system comprising:

a conduit operatively connected with a reciprocating motion arrangement, the

fluid flow diverter configured to establish selectable and/or alternative fluid flow paths

according to one or more characteristics of the reciprocating motion arrangement

more characteristics of the reciprocating motion arrangement comprises a position of

at least one fluid flow inducing device for inducing a flow of a fluid through the

conduit and the reciprocating motion arrangement;

move according to an expansion/contraction of the fluid.

[37] In another aspect, the invention provides an assembly and method for selectively flowing a fluid through alternative heat exchanging sections of a conduit

generate electricity.

[38] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be

information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed

the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number

to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a block diagram of the stages of the fluid flow according to an

embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is an example of operation of the thermal energy extracting assembly

based on a set time period according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a plan diagram of the thermal energy extraction assembly shown

in Figure 1, including a regenerator.

Figure 7 is a plan diagram of the thermal energy extraction assembly shown

in Figure 5, including a regenerator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[39] Figure 1 illustrates a thermal energy extraction assembly 10 according to a

preferred embodiment of the present invention. The thermal extraction assembly 10

provides a solution for converting thermal energy differentials into kinetic energy

and/or electrical energy. The thermal energy differentials may be provided passively

from pre-existing sources or provided specifically for the thermal extraction assembly

10. This will be discussed in more detail below.

[40] The thermal energy extraction assembly 10 comprises a conduit 12 which is

operatively connected with a reciprocating motion arrangement. The conduit 12 is

preferably provided in a closed loop or at least a loop having a constant volume of

fluid. In the preferred embodiment, the reciprocating motion arrangement comprises

a piston and cylinder arrangement 20. The piston and cylinder arrangement 20 may

include a piston 20A and a cylinder 20B. In alternative embodiments, the

reciprocating motion arrangement may comprise an expansion chamber, an inflatable bladder and/or other reciprocating motion arrangements known in the art.

[41] Throughout the specification and in the preferred embodiment, the thermal

flow diverter 16A is used, the conduit 12 is connected at the other end of both of the

heat exchanging sections 30A, 30B. However, there will be limited flow from the heat wo 2025/035175 PCT/AU2024/050862

7

suitable for diverting the flow of fluid can be used.

[42] In relation to Figures 2 to 4, the specification will refer to the present

embodiment. The person skilled in the art would appreciate that a single flow diverter

16A would be sufficient.

[43] The fluid flow diverters 16A, 16B are connected by way of alternative heat

exchanging sections 30A, 30B. Accordingly, the conduit 12 may be selected to

connecting one of the heat exchanging sections 30A, 30B with the conduit 12. The

respective heat exchanging section 30A, 30B. In the preferred embodiment as seen

conduit 12.

of the fluid.

[47] The property of the fluid may include a temperature of the fluid and/or a

pressure of the fluid.

wo 2025/035175 PCT/AU2024/050862

8

[49] In an example, the fluid flow diverters 16A, 16B switch between the respective

heat exchanging sections according to one or more characteristics of the

the reciprocating motion arrangement including the position of the reciprocating

a pressure of the fluid so as to selectively vary the thermal energy of the fluid to

operate the reciprocating motion arrangement between an extended position and a

[51] In another example, the one or more characteristics of the reciprocating

motion arrangement comprises a position of the reciprocating motion arrangement

and one or more of: a temperature of the fluid and a pressure of the fluid.

[52] The thermal energy extraction assembly 10 comprises at least one fluid flow

inducing device, such as a fan 14. The fan 14 is configured to induce a flow of the

fluid present within the conduit 12 to circulate throughout the conduit 12. In some

embodiments, there may be multiple fans 14 positioned at points around the conduit

12 to assist in the circulation of the fluid.

[53] The heat exchanging sections 30A, 30B are preferably at the highest temperature differential available for a given installation. Some limitations based on

location, equipment, insulation may limit the temperature differential able to be

achieved. As mentioned above, the conduit 12 is fluidly and operatively coupled with

the reciprocating motion arrangement. The reciprocating motion arrangement is

retracted or a contracted configuration according to the expansion of the fluid within

the reciprocating motion arrangement and the conduit.

and cylinder arrangement 20 comprises a volume for receiving the fluid. As the

thermal energy in the fluid increases, the fluid expands thereby causing the piston wo 2025/035175 PCT/AU2024/050862

9

20A to move to or towards the contracted or retracted configuration. The present

invention cycles between the different thermal energy of the heat exchanging sections 30A, 30B to cause the piston and cylinder arrangement 20 to cycle between

the extended/expanded configuration and the retracted/contracted configuration.

[55] When moving between the extended configuration and the retracted configuration, the piston 20A may move linearly.

gearbox that converts the linear motion of the piston 20A into rotational force to drive

of the thermal energy, the conduit 12, excluding the heat exchanging portions 30A,

regenerator 31 can be used to store heat temporarily. In this case, 4-way flow

[61] After the hot side cycle is done, the regenerator cycle is on before the cold

side cycle starts, also when the cold side cycle is done, regenerator cycle is on

before hot side cycle starts, as follows: Hot->Regenerator->Cold->Regenerator- wo 2025/035175 PCT/AU2024/050862

10

[62] Referring now to Figure 2, there is provided a block diagram broadly outlining

the operation of the present invention.

[66] At block 420, the flow diverter fluidly connects the other side of the heat

cylinder 20B of the piston and cylinder arrangement 20.

[67] At block 425, as the temperature of the fluid in the cylinder 20B and the

in a reciprocating manner.

[68] Referring to Figure 4, there is provided an extended design of the thermal

energy extraction assembly 10 for use in supplementing a power output, such as the

power output provided by a solar power system 100. The thermal energy extraction

10 as seen in Figure 4 comprises a control unit 60 which may comprise a microcontroller which is configured with firmware having instructions to control the

operation of the fluid flow diverters 16A, 16B. The control unit 60 may have a number

of inputs for receiving readings, statuses, data, or other information from a number of

sensors. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the control unit 60 receives

readings, statuses, data or other information such as, the temperature of the fluid in

the conduit and/or the piston and cylinder arrangement 20, the position of the piston

20A within the piston and cylinder arrangement 20, the status of each of the fluid

flow diverters 16A, 16B, the respective temperatures of one or both of the heat

fan 14 in accordance with the readings, status, data or other information which was

received.

system's output power. This adaptability is useful for energy storage systems. The

movement speed of the piston will be varied so the frequency of the power wo 2025/035175 PCT/AU2024/050862

11

so that it generates a steady 50Hz or 60Hz of AC electricity.

[70] In some embodiments, the reciprocating motion arrangement may be coupled

with a kinetic energy harvesting device, such as a generator 70. The reciprocating

motion arrangement may be connected by way of a crank 72 which is pivotably

connected to the piston 20A of the piston and cylinder arrangement 20. As the

reciprocating motion arrangement reciprocates, the generator 70 will generate an

electrical power for use by an electrical appliance.

unit 60 may be configured to operate the fluid flow diverters 16A, 16B to switch

of the fan 14 so as to increase/decrease the flow of the fluid through the conduit 12

[72] Referring to Figure 3, there is provided an example time whereby the temperature of the fluid in the cylinder represented by the cyclical line of the graph

oscillates between the hotter temperature TH and the cooler temperature TC. TH wo 2025/035175 PCT/AU2024/050862

12

heat exchanging section 30A, 30B which the fluid in the conduit 12 is flowing

through.

that flows through when the conduit 12 is fluidly connected to that heat exchanging

allow the ambient air to pass around it for cooling the air that flows through when the

conduit 12 is fluidly connected to the heat exchanging section 30B. The heat

of a desired thermal energy or alternatively, the conduit 12 may pass through or be

incorporated within an appliance or structure with the desired thermal energy for the

respective heat exchanging sections 30A, 30B.

[74] The fluid within the thermal energy extraction assembly 10 is preferably an

inert gas which comprises a mass less than or equal to air and/or a coefficient of

expansion greater than or equal to the coefficient of expansion of air. Ideally, the

expansion and contraction of the fluid is larger than that of air. However, as air is

readily available, it may be suitable in many cases, particularly where there is a large

temperature differential. In some embodiments, the fluid may be one of many different fluids or combinations of fluids such as, but not limited to, air, hydrogen,

helium, nitrogen or neon. As the thermal energy extraction assembly 10 comprises a

closed loop of conduit, the volume of fluid in the conduit remains constant.

[75] The method will now be described with reference to the Figures generally.

into kinetic energy and/or electrical energy using a thermal energy extraction

assembly 10 as described above. Flowing a fluid through a closed loop of conduit

flow diverters 16A, 16B. However, the benefits of the present invention may be

achieved from a single fluid flow diverter 16A. As mentioned above where a single wo 2025/035175 PCT/AU2024/050862

13

heat exchanging section 30A, 30B not selected by the fluid flow diverter 16A. The

conduit 12 is fluidly connected to the cylinder 20B of the piston cylinder arrangement

20. Applying pressure so as to move the piston 20A of the piston cylinder

arrangement 20 according to the effect of the temperature differential on the fluid in

the conduit and the cylinder 20B of the piston cylinder arrangement 20. The fluid flow

diverters 16A, 16B are switched upon one or more characteristics of the

diverters 16A, 16B may occur after a set period of time. Alternatively, switching the

[77] The method may further comprise insulating as much of the conduit as

differential.

thermal extraction assembly 200 provides a solution for converting thermal energy

differentials into kinetic energy and/or electrical energy. The thermal energy

differentials may be provided passively from pre-existing sources or provided

detail below.

wo 2025/035175 PCT/AU2024/050862

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[81] The thermal energy extraction assembly 200 comprises a conduit 212 which

is operatively connected with a reciprocating motion arrangement. The conduit 212 is

[82] Throughout the specification and in the preferred embodiment, the thermal

the form of two pairs of on-off valves 216A, 216B. Each on-off valve of one of the

pairs is connected in series to another on-off valve of the other pair by the heat

[83] As such, the flow diverter (pair of on-off valves) on the inlet side is implemented with two separate On-Off valves connected to the inlet side of Cold and

Hot side heat exchangers, with only one valve open at a time. The same mechanism

is applied to the outlet side.

[84] Each on-off valve may include a rotating plate with slots. The plate's rotation,

which may be controlled electronically by a control unit (such as control unit 60,

described elsewhere), rapidly opens or closes the slots.

[85] In the broadest sense, the thermal energy extraction assembly 210 requires

only one pair of on-off valves 216A to perform the invention. Where a single pair of

on-off valves 216A are used, the conduit 212 is connected at the other end of both of

the heat exchanging sections 230A, 230B. However, there will be limited flow from

the heat exchanging section 30A, 30B not selected by the pair of on-off valves 216A.

As noted above, the two pairs of on-off valves 216A, 216B are connected by way of

be selected to define two different closed loop configurations each configuration by

fluidly connecting one of the heat exchanging sections 230A, 230B with the conduit

230A, 230B are fluidly connected with the conduit 212 in parallel with each other.

wo 2025/035175 PCT/AU2024/050862

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be isolated or otherwise bypass the respective one of the heat exchanging sections

230A, 230B. In some embodiments, if the pairs of on-off valves 216A, 216B are out

of alignment, the conduit 212 may not be closed loop and/or fluid may not be able to

flow.

[87] The fluid flow path is determined by the operation of the two pairs of on-off

valves 216A, 216B. The two pairs of on-off valves 216A, 216B are configured to

exchanging sections 230A, 230B so as to define a closed loop within the conduit 212

with the conduit 212.

[88] The two pairs of on-off valves 216A, 216B are selected and/or switched based

and/or a fluid pressure so as to selectively vary the thermal energy of the fluid to

[93] In a more particular example, the fluid flow diverters 16A, 16B switch between

the respective heat exchanging sections according to one or more characteristics of

a pressure of the fluid so as to selectively vary the thermal energy of the fluid to wo 2025/035175 PCT/AU2024/050862

16

operate the reciprocating motion arrangement between an extended position and a

retracted position.

embodiments, there may be multiple fans 214 positioned at points around the conduit 212 to assist in the circulation of the fluid.

[96] The heat exchanging sections 230A, 230B are preferably at the highest

achieved. As mentioned above, the conduit 212 is fluidly and operatively coupled

with the reciprocating motion arrangement. The reciprocating motion arrangement is

configured to move between an expanded or an extended configuration and a retracted or a contracted configuration according to the expansion of the fluid within

reciprocating motion arrangement and the conduit.

[97] As the conduit 212, including the heat exchanging sections 230A, 230B are

preferably rigid, any expansion of the fluid within the conduit 212 will result in

movement of the reciprocating motion arrangement. For example, where the piston

and cylinder arrangement 220 comprises a volume for receiving the fluid. As the

thermal energy in the fluid increases, the fluid expands thereby causing the piston

220A to move to or towards the expanded or extended configuration. Whereas, as

the thermal energy in the fluid decreases, the fluid contracts thereby causing the

piston 220A to move to or towards the contracted or retracted configuration.

exchanging sections 230A, 230B to cause the piston and cylinder arrangement 220

to cycle between the extended/expanded configuration and the retracted/contracted wo 2025/035175 PCT/AU2024/050862

17

drive the kinetic energy harvesting device.

[101] As the efficiency of the present invention is directly proportional to the control

of the thermal energy, the conduit 212, excluding the heat exchanging portions

230A, 230B is substantially isolated from the environment to prevent the transfer of

thermal energy from the fluid to the environment.

[102] Furthermore, the conduit 212 may comprise a material which has properties

lined with a low thermal conductivity and/or low heat capacity material to minimise

unwanted heat transfer between the fluid and the conduit. As an example, the

one set of three on the inlet side and the other set of three on the outlet side.

than dumping it, although the system can function without the regenerator 31.

separate but interconnected assemblies. There person skilled in the art would readily

appreciate that the present invention may be provided in a number of ways which in

some embodiments may be more apt for description as a assembly whereas in others more apt for description as a system.

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[107] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language

more or less specific to structural or methodical features. The term "comprises" and

the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in

the art.

Claims

19 CLAIMS 20 Feb 2026 2024323672 20 Feb 2026

1. A thermal energy extraction assembly for converting thermal energy differentials into kinetic energy and/or electrical energy, the thermal energy extraction assembly comprising:

a conduit operatively connected with a reciprocating motion arrangement, the conduit comprising a pair of heat exchanging sections arranged having at least one 2024323672

fluid flow diverter configured to establish selectable and/or alternative fluid flow paths according to one or more characteristics of the reciprocating motion arrangement and/or a temperature of the fluid and/or a pressure of the fluid, wherein the one or more characteristics of the reciprocating motion arrangement comprises a position of the reciprocating motion arrangement; and

at least one fluid flow inducing device for inducing a flow of a fluid through the conduit and the reciprocating motion arrangement;

wherein the reciprocating motion arrangement is operatively configured to move between an extended position and a retracted position according to an expansion/contraction of the fluid. 2. 2. The thermal energy extraction assembly according to claim 1, wherein the pair of heat exchanging sections is arranged between a pair of fluid flow diverters. 3. 3. The thermal energy extraction assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the one or more characteristics of the reciprocating motion arrangement comprises a position of the reciprocating motion arrangement, a temperature of the fluid and a pressure of the fluid. 4. 4. The thermal energy extraction assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pair of heat exchanging sections are arranged in parallel. 5. The thermal energy extraction assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one fluid flow inducing device comprises a fan configured to induce a flow of the fluid present within the conduit to circulate throughout the conduit. 6. 6. The thermal energy extraction assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the conduit apart from the heat exchanging sections is substantially insulated from the surrounding environment.

20

7. The thermal energy extraction assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 20 Feb 2026 2024323672 20 Feb 2026

7.

6, wherein the heat exchanging sections comprises a conductive material for assisting and/or improving the exchange of thermal energy from the respective environments and the fluid passing through the respective heat exchanging section.

8. The thermal energy extraction assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the reciprocating motion arrangement is coupled with a kinetic energy harvesting device. 2024323672

9. The thermal energy extraction assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the reciprocating motion arrangement is operatively coupled with a generator for converting rotational motion into electrical power.

10. The thermal energy extraction assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the pair of fluid flow diverters are further configured to operate according to a timer.

11. The thermal energy extraction assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the reciprocating motion arrangement comprises a piston and a cylinder arrangement.

12. The thermal energy extraction assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the fluid comprises a mass less than or equal to air and/or a coefficient of expansion greater than or equal to air.

13. The thermal energy extraction assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the fluid comprises an inert gas.

14. The thermal energy extraction assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more regenerators for storing thermal energy.

15. A method of converting relative differential in thermal energy into kinetic energy and/or electrical energy, the method comprising: providing a closed loop conduit having a pair of selectable and/or alternative heat exchanging sections arranged having at least one fluid flow diverter for diverting a fluid within the conduit through a respective one of the heat exchanging sections of the conduit;

flowing a fluid through the closed loop conduit having the pair of selectable and/or alternative heat exchanging sections;

21

operatively connecting the closed loop conduit through a reciprocating motion 20 Feb 2026 2024323672 20 Feb 2026

arrangement;

switching the at least one fluid flow diverter between the respective heat exchanging sections according to one or more characteristics of the reciprocating motion arrangement and/or temperature of the fluid and/or pressure of the fluid so as to selectively vary the thermal energy of the fluid to operate the reciprocating motion 2024323672

arrangement between an extended position and a retracted position,

wherein the one or more characteristics of the reciprocating motion arrangement comprises a position of the reciprocating motion arrangement.

16. A method of converting relative differential in thermal energy into kinetic energy and/or electrical energy, the method comprising:

operatively connecting the closed loop conduit through a reciprocating motion arrangement;

switching the at least one fluid flow diverter between the respective heat exchanging sections according to one or more characteristics of the reciprocating motion arrangement and/or a fluid temperature and/or a fluid pressure so as to selectively vary the thermal energy of the fluid to operate the reciprocating motion arrangement between an extended position and a retracted position,

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, further comprising arranging the heat exchanging sections between a pair of the fluid flow diverters.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, further comprising insulating the conduit excluding the heat exchanging sections from the respective environments.

19. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 18, the method further comprising connecting the reciprocating motion arrangement to a generator for generating an electrical current.

22

20. The method according to 15 to 19, the method further comprising controlling a 20 Feb 2026 2024323672 20 Feb 2026

speed of a fan configured to induce a flow of the fluid present within the conduit to circulate throughout the conduit to vary the output from the reciprocating motion arrangement.

20A 20B

20

10

12

16B

I C

30A 30B

HOT COLD

12 12

16A H C

14

FIGURE 1 wo 2025/035175 PCT/AU2024/050862

400 Fan Induces Flow of fluid through Conduit

405 Flow diverter fluidly connects

section

410 415 TH TC

420 Flow diverter fluidly connects

conduit

425 Expansion chamber expands/retracts in accordance with fluid reaction

FIGURE 2

td

TH

TC Time

FIGURE 3 wo 2025/035175 PCT/AU2024/050862 3/6

72 70

the The

= Server

X

Swich Times

FIGURE 4

20A

100

Control

Terms

20B 60

30A

12

20 14

12

16A 12 16B

10

30B wo 2025/035175 PCT/AU2024/050862

220A 220B

200

220

212

216A

230A 230B

HOT COLD

212 212

216B

214

FIGURE 5 wo 2025/035175 PCT/AU2024/050862 5/6

20A 20B

10

20

k 12

16C

Ho iR C

30A 31 30B

HOT Regenerator COLD 12 12

16D H° OR °C

14

FIGURE 6 wo 2025/035175 PCT/AU2024/050862 6/6

200

220B 220A

212

216C

230B 31

212 212

216D

214

FIGURE 7