Cyclone Power Technologies secures European patent on its heat regenerative external combustion engine

The European Patent Office has issued a notice to grant Cyclone Power Technologies a patent on its heat regenerative external combustion engine. Cyclone’s invention is a high-efficiency modern steam engine, known as a Schoell Cycle engine, capable of running on virtually any liquid or gaseous fuel, and creating far fewer noxious emissions than comparable internal combustion engines.

Two of the many aspects that make Cyclone’s engine unique are its multiple heat-regenerative processes and water lubricated system, both of which lead to higher efficiencies and greater power output given its small size and weight. The company is currently developing prototypes for use in automobiles, power generators, solar thermal installations and waste heat recovery applications.

“We are delighted by the decision of the European Patent Office,” stated Cyclone’s COO and Director, Frankie Fruge. “Europe presents enormous commercial possibilities for our environmentally friendly engine, as many nations of the EEU have well developed renewable energy programs for solar thermal, biomass and waste energy recovery – areas where we feel our solution can dominate in the market.”

The EPO is the gateway for patent protection in 39 European nations, which collectively comprise the largest economy in the world by nominal GDP. Currently, Cyclone has a license with Renovalia Energy in Spain to develop solar thermal power installations; a representative agreement with MEO Products in the United Kingdom to pursue military applications throughout Europe; and additional agreements pending for other alternative power applications.

The patent in the EEU marks the sixth and largest international patent for Cyclone’s engine. The company received patent protection for its engine in Korea, China, Russia, South Africa and Australia in 2009, in the United States in 2006, and then on the engine’s proprietary combustion chamber in the U.S. in 2008.

Related categories:  Biofuels and biomass   Geothermal energy   Solar power and photovoltaics 

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