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== Goal == <!--T:33-->
</translate>


[[File:Animation cycle recepteur ideal.gif|frame|right|<translate><!--T:34--> receiver cycle<br />(heat pump)</translate>]]
==Presentation==
<translate><!--T:35-->
To develop a reversible [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_engine heat engine], which circulates a gas in a closed circuit between two insulating cylinders of different volumes, through two heat exchangers, in order to approach the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnot_cycle Carnot cycle].


<!--T:36-->
The Dada engine is a dual-mode operation heat engine which moves a working gas in a closed circuit between two cylinders of different volumes, via two heat exchangers selected by passive valves, so as to approach a Brayton/Joule cycle. It can function either as an external heat engine or as a heat pump, refrigerator. The working gas may be inert: helium, nitrogen or air.
This machine can be used to design heat pumps or refrigerators without greenhouse gases such as R93, as there is no phase change. It could also be used as a motor, producing mechanical energy by transferring heat from a hot source to a cold source.


<!--T:37-->
[[File:Crankcooler.webp]]
On a similar principle, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stirling_engine Stirling engine] has been around for two centuries, in this engine the cylinders are also the heat exchangers, the innovative idea here is to transfer heat as the gas passes from one cylinder to another.


<!--T:38-->
On a similar principle, the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stirling_engine Stirling engine], which has been in existence for two centuries, carries out heat transfer within the cylinders; the idea here is to transfer heat as the gas passes from one cylinder to another. During its cycle, the engine undergoes a compression and an expansion, interspersed with phases of heat exchange that are ideally isobaric. The valves determine the direction of flow through the heat exchangers. Between the end of compression and the start of expansion, all of the gas passes through the hot heat exchanger. During expansion and until the start of compression, all of the gas passes through the cold heat exchanger.
In the theoretical machine that [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicolas_L%C3%A9onard_Sadi_Carnot Sadi Carnot] used to describe his ideal cycle, the hot and cold sources must act alternately in the same place, which seems technically unfeasible. The use of two cylinders and two heat exchangers makes it possible to imitate this machine, but induces friction and dead volume.</translate><br clear=all>


<translate>
Heat exchangers are a key component of this machine, they must provide maximum heat transfer surface area relative to internal volume, while minimising pressure drops. So far, only microtube heat exchangers have been considered. The cylinders and pistons are made from a material with low thermal conductivity. The piston kinematics can be achieved using various methods, achieving maximum efficiency requires a complex motion which can be accurately approximated using a 6-bar linkage, while a simple crank-connecting rod system will allow operation at reduced efficiency. For refrigeration applications, numerous mechanisms are possible, such as cams, actuators, solenoids, etc.


== Ideal cycle == <!--T:39-->
There still exist no prototype of the Dada engine. A comprehensive [[Thermodynamic_and_Mechanical_Study|thermodynamic and mechanical study]] has been carried out, which served as the basis for the design of a [[0D simulator]]. This is an open-source project, any help is welcome.


=== Motor cycle === <!--T:40--></translate>
==Motor cycle==


{| class="wikitable"
[[File:Motor cycle.webp]]
|<translate><!--T:41--> '''1 Adiabatic compression:''' The gas is compressed in the small cylinder, increasing its temperature.</translate>
|[[File:moteur_compression_adiabatique.png|frameless|<translate><!--T:42--> the large cylinder remains empty</translate>]]
|-
|<translate><!--T:43--> '''2 Isothermal expansion:''' The gas expands from the small cylinder to the large cylinder, receiving heat in the first heat exchanger.</translate>
|[[File:moteur_detente_isotherme.png|frameless|<translate><!--T:44--> the small cylinder empties completely while the large cylinder partially fills</translate>]]
|-
|<translate><!--T:45--> '''3 Adiabatic expansion:''' The gas continues to expand in the large cylinder, reducing its temperature.</translate>
|[[File:moteur_detente_adiabatique.png|frameless|<translate><!--T:46--> the small cylinder remains empty</translate>]]
|-
|<translate><!--T:47--> '''4 Isothermal compression:''' Gas is compressed from the large cylinder to the small one, and heat is extracted in the second heat exchanger.</translate>
|[[File:moteur_compression_isotherme.png|frameless|<translate><!--T:48--> the large cylinder empties completely while the small one fills completely</translate>]]
|}


<translate>
===Phase I — low-pressure heat exchange, ideally isobaric===
=== Receiver cycle === <!--T:49-->
Almost all of the gas is transferred from the large cylinder to the small cylinder via the cold heat exchanger, heat is extracted from gas, causing its volume and temperature to decrease.
</translate>


{| class="wikitable"
===Phase II — Compression, ideally adiabatic===
|<translate><!--T:50--> '''1 Adiabatic expansion:''' The gas is expanded in the small cylinder, reducing its temperature.</translate>
The large cylinder closes completely, the small cylinder compresses the gas, causing its volume to decrease while its pressure and temperature increase.
|[[File:Recept_detente_adiabatique.png|frameless|<translate><!--T:51--> the large cylinder remains empty</translate>]]
|-
|<translate><!--T:52--> '''2 Isothermal expansion:''' The gas expands from the small cylinder to the large cylinder, capturing heat in the first heat exchanger.</translate>
|[[File:Recept_detente_isotherme.png|frameless|<translate><!--T:53--> the small cylinder empties completely, while the large cylinder fills completely</translate>]]
|-
|<translate><!--T:54--> '''3 Adiabatic compression:''' The gas is compressed in the large cylinder, increasing its temperature.</translate>
|[[File:Recept_compression_adiabatique.png|frameless|<translate><!--T:55--> the small cylinder remains empty</translate>]]
|-
|<translate><!--T:56--> '''4 Isothermal compression:''' The gas is compressed from the large cylinder to the small one, releasing heat in the second heat exchanger.</translate>
|[[File:Recept_compression_isotherme.png|frameless|<translate><!--T:57--> the large cylinder empties completely while the small one partially fills</translate>]]
|}


<translate>
===Phase III — High-pressure heat exchange, ideally isobaric===
== Thermodynamics == <!--T:58-->
All of the gas is transferred from the small cylinder to the large cylinder via the hot heat exchanger, it absorbs heat, causing its volume and temperature to increase.


<!--T:73-->
===Phase IV — Expansion, ideally adiabatic===
(Updated September 2026)
The large cylinder opens fully, the small cylinder participates in the expansion and opens slightly, the volume of the gas increases, while the pressure and temperature decrease.


=== First Study === <!--T:59-->
==Receiver cycle (heat pump, refrigerator)==


<!--T:60-->
[[File:Receiver cycle.webp]]
An analytical study of the receptor cycle is available here:
[[Special:MyLanguage/Thermodynamic_and_Mechanical_Study|Thermodynamic and Mechanical Study]]


<!--T:74-->
===Phase I — Compression, ideally adiabatic===
{{caution|I made extensive use of AI to complete this work; I have carefully proofread and edited it, and I consulted three major LLMs to obtain different perspectives. At this stage, validation by a qualified human is required.}}
The small cylinder closes completely, the large cylinder closes partially, the volume decreases, while the pressure and temperature increase.


===Phase II — High-pressure heat exchange, ideally isobaric===
All the gas is transferred from the large cylinder to the small cylinder via the hot heat exchanger, the gas releases heat there, its volume and temperature decrease.


=== Numerical Application === <!--T:61-->
===Phase III — Expansion, ideally adiabatic===
The small cylinder opens fully, the large cylinder participates in the expansion and opens slightly, the volume of the gas increases, while pressure and temperature decrease.


<!--T:62-->
===Phase IV — low-pressure heat exchange, ideally isobaric===
The development of a software solver and the first numerical applications will follow shortly.
Almost all of the gas is transferred from the small cylinder to the large cylinder via the cold heat exchanger, the gas absorbs heat there, and its volume and temperature increase.


== Mechanics == <!--T:63-->
==Way to a real machine==


<!--T:64-->
In Dada engine, the heat exchangers remain active throughout the cycle, compression and expansion cannot be perfectly adiabatic. In order to minimise irreversibilities, these phases must be brief in relation to the thermal time constants, dead volumes and internal volumes of the heat exchangers will be kept to a minimum.
The technical possibilities for animating the pistons are numerous, particularly for the receiver cycle, solenoids, camshafts, cylinders … but a simple [[Special:MyLanguage/4-bar mechanism|4-bar mechanism]] seems promising for the realization of an efficient low tech heat pump:</translate>[[File:Animation recepteur 4 barres.gif|center|<translate><!--T:65--> Heat pump animated by two symmetrical 4-bar mechanisms</translate>]]
 
Heat transfer through the heat exchangers results in pressure drops, a perfect isobaric process is unachievable. To minimise these losses, the duration of the heat transfer is extended to limit the flow rate, and the heat exchangers must offer as little resistance as possible to the passage of the gas.
 
A comprehensive thermodynamic analysis of the cycle was carried out using extensive AI. I learnt a great deal while writing this, and although I believe this work to be rigorous, it requires an expert review: [[Thermodynamic_and_Mechanical_Study]].
 
Based on the equations established in this study, a 0D simulator was developed in Python (entirely by AI, including documentation) in order to determine the optimal dimensions and parameters of this machine in various configurations: [[Dada_Engine_Solver]]. I used it to size a cooling cell using air as working gas, powered by a pedal mechanism. I hope to size an air small demonstrator engine in the coming weeks, followed by a heat pump and a motor using helium as working gas.


<translate>
<translate>

Revision as of 17:42, 10 October 2026

Presentation

The Dada engine is a dual-mode operation heat engine which moves a working gas in a closed circuit between two cylinders of different volumes, via two heat exchangers selected by passive valves, so as to approach a Brayton/Joule cycle. It can function either as an external heat engine or as a heat pump, refrigerator. The working gas may be inert: helium, nitrogen or air.

File:Crankcooler.webp

On a similar principle, the Stirling engine, which has been in existence for two centuries, carries out heat transfer within the cylinders; the idea here is to transfer heat as the gas passes from one cylinder to another. During its cycle, the engine undergoes a compression and an expansion, interspersed with phases of heat exchange that are ideally isobaric. The valves determine the direction of flow through the heat exchangers. Between the end of compression and the start of expansion, all of the gas passes through the hot heat exchanger. During expansion and until the start of compression, all of the gas passes through the cold heat exchanger.

Heat exchangers are a key component of this machine, they must provide maximum heat transfer surface area relative to internal volume, while minimising pressure drops. So far, only microtube heat exchangers have been considered. The cylinders and pistons are made from a material with low thermal conductivity. The piston kinematics can be achieved using various methods, achieving maximum efficiency requires a complex motion which can be accurately approximated using a 6-bar linkage, while a simple crank-connecting rod system will allow operation at reduced efficiency. For refrigeration applications, numerous mechanisms are possible, such as cams, actuators, solenoids, etc.

There still exist no prototype of the Dada engine. A comprehensive thermodynamic and mechanical study has been carried out, which served as the basis for the design of a 0D simulator. This is an open-source project, any help is welcome.

Motor cycle

File:Motor cycle.webp

Phase I — low-pressure heat exchange, ideally isobaric

Almost all of the gas is transferred from the large cylinder to the small cylinder via the cold heat exchanger, heat is extracted from gas, causing its volume and temperature to decrease.

Phase II — Compression, ideally adiabatic

The large cylinder closes completely, the small cylinder compresses the gas, causing its volume to decrease while its pressure and temperature increase.

Phase III — High-pressure heat exchange, ideally isobaric

All of the gas is transferred from the small cylinder to the large cylinder via the hot heat exchanger, it absorbs heat, causing its volume and temperature to increase.

Phase IV — Expansion, ideally adiabatic

The large cylinder opens fully, the small cylinder participates in the expansion and opens slightly, the volume of the gas increases, while the pressure and temperature decrease.

Receiver cycle (heat pump, refrigerator)

File:Receiver cycle.webp

Phase I — Compression, ideally adiabatic

The small cylinder closes completely, the large cylinder closes partially, the volume decreases, while the pressure and temperature increase.

Phase II — High-pressure heat exchange, ideally isobaric

All the gas is transferred from the large cylinder to the small cylinder via the hot heat exchanger, the gas releases heat there, its volume and temperature decrease.

Phase III — Expansion, ideally adiabatic

The small cylinder opens fully, the large cylinder participates in the expansion and opens slightly, the volume of the gas increases, while pressure and temperature decrease.

Phase IV — low-pressure heat exchange, ideally isobaric

Almost all of the gas is transferred from the small cylinder to the large cylinder via the cold heat exchanger, the gas absorbs heat there, and its volume and temperature increase.

Way to a real machine

In Dada engine, the heat exchangers remain active throughout the cycle, compression and expansion cannot be perfectly adiabatic. In order to minimise irreversibilities, these phases must be brief in relation to the thermal time constants, dead volumes and internal volumes of the heat exchangers will be kept to a minimum.

Heat transfer through the heat exchangers results in pressure drops, a perfect isobaric process is unachievable. To minimise these losses, the duration of the heat transfer is extended to limit the flow rate, and the heat exchangers must offer as little resistance as possible to the passage of the gas.

A comprehensive thermodynamic analysis of the cycle was carried out using extensive AI. I learnt a great deal while writing this, and although I believe this work to be rigorous, it requires an expert review: Thermodynamic_and_Mechanical_Study.

Based on the equations established in this study, a 0D simulator was developed in Python (entirely by AI, including documentation) in order to determine the optimal dimensions and parameters of this machine in various configurations: Dada_Engine_Solver. I used it to size a cooling cell using air as working gas, powered by a pedal mechanism. I hope to size an air small demonstrator engine in the coming weeks, followed by a heat pump and a motor using helium as working gas.

Is it free?

Totally! The description of this invention is published here under Creative Commons Zero license, however I cannot guarantee that all or part of this machine is not currently protected by a patent.

I sincerely hope that this idea will help reduce greenhouse gases emissions, and I'm convinced that making it free is the best thing I can do to facilitate its development and rapid spread.

You can help!

By contributing with your ideas, knowledge, translations, corrections to the wiki; and also links to your work in case you don't want to contribute under the CC0 license.

Just register and edit.

You can also make a donation.