Thermo-volumetric motor

A thermo-volumetric motor (10) includes a continuous incompressible fluid path in the form of a hydraulic oil path (12), a continuous compressible fluid path in the form of a refrigerant path (14), and a solar collector (18). The solar collector (18) is adapted to absorb heat from a heat source, in this example, sunlight. The hydraulic oil path (12) includes a pressure transfer mechanism, in this example a pair of hydraulic cylinders (20A, 20B) located in a parallel flow arrangement. The oil path (12) further comprises an actuating device, in this example a hydraulic loader (22), in fluid communication with a first heat exchanger (24). The refrigerant path (14) comprises a pump (28) operatively coupled to the hydraulic motor (22), and a heat transfer device, in this example a second heat exchanger (25). The refrigerant path (14) further comprises a cooling unit, in this example a first accumulator or condenser (32), used for cooling the refrigerant. The second heat exchanger (25) comprises a shell and tube arrangement wherein refrigerant is passed through a helical tube, and a first phase change substance, such as sodium acetate trihydrate, is contained within the shell.