Abstract: The present invention relates to a power generation system, using refrigerant as an agent to circulate between a warm heat source and a cold heat sink, thereby producing electric power and alleviating the thermal pollution in the environment, gasifying liquid natural gas, and heating the produced natural gas toward ambient temperature.

Abstract: A power plant includes a steam boiler that delivers a rated amount of high-pressure steam at rated temperature and pressure to a steam turbine having a high-pressure stage and at least one low-pressure stage driven by low-grade steam exhausted from the high-pressure stage. A main generator, driven by the steam turbine, furnishes electricity to a variable load. When the load decreases below rated value, the boiler operation is maintained, but low-grade steam exhausted from the high-pressure stage of the turbine is diverted from the low-pressure stage to a heat store large enough to accumulate heat during the time that the power plant operates at less than rated load. A waste heat converter, having its own generator, is responsive to the low-grade heat stored in the heat store, and can be operated selectively to furnish electricity to the load to supplement the output of the power plant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electricity generation system, using freon as an agent to circulate between a warm heat source and a cold heat sink, recapturing electrical energy on one side and alleviating thermal pollution in the environment on the other side.

Abstract: A combination power plant including an ocean thermal energy conversion power plant and a steam generation power plant. Water discharged from a condenser in the ocean thermal energy conversion power plant is mixed with water discharged from an evaporator in the ocean thermal energy conversion power plant. The mixed water is used as cooling water for a condenser in the steam generation power plant. Part of the water discharged from the condenser in the steam generation power plant is used as heating water for the evaporator in the ocean thermal energy conversion power plant.

Abstract: A combined cycle (Brayton and Rankine) system for generating electrical power is disclosed. A gas turbine directly connected to an electrical generator is powered by compressed heated air, the air heated, after passing through the compressor section of the turbine, by passage through a high temperature gas-to-air heat exchanger through which hot combustion flue gases (by burning a biomass or other fuel) are also passed. The flue gases, after passage through the heat exchanger, are used to generate steam for powering a steam turbine or for other purposes.

Abstract: In a combined generating plant utilizing a fluidized bed combustor in which coal or other carbonaceous fuel is burned at substantially atmospheric pressure, an external heat transfer unit is provided through which a portion of the hot solids of the fluidized bed is circulated through tubular channels. Clean air from an air compressor is passed through the heat exchanger unit around the outside of the tubular channels, so receiving heat through them from the hot solids circulating therethrough, and is expanded in a gas turbine. The flow of hot solids through the tubular channels is controlled independently of the operation of the combustor so as to accomodate varying loads on the generating units. Steam for a other uses is generated by a conventional boiler and superheater in the combustor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the overall operating efficiency of a gas turbine system by purifying relatively hot turbine exhaust gas to remove environmentally harmful components therefrom, by converting a portion of the thermal energy of the exhaust gas to mechanical work and by reclaiming a portion of the thermal energy of the exhaust gas by transferring it to other fluids. Purification to remove harmful components is advantageously accomplished using regenerators. Conversion of thermal energy to mechanical work is usefully accomplished in a primary turbine motivated by hot combustion gas and in a helper turbine motivated by a relatively hot heat exchange fluid which has derived its thermal energy by exchange with heated solids in thermodynamically efficient regenerators.

Abstract: Power is produced from a methane-containing cryogenic liquid such as LNG by compressing the liquid and employing the compressed liquid as a refrigerant in the condensers of two closed and independent power cycles. The heat exchange medium in the first of the cycles evaporates in a lower temperature range than that at which the heat exchange medium in the second cycle condenses. The first heat exchange medium is condensed by heat exchange in a first heat exchange step with the compressed cryogenic liquid and the second heat exchange medium is condensed by heat exchange in a second heat exchange step with compressed cryogenic liquid recovered from the first heat exchange step and evaporating first heat exchange medium. Power is recovered from the expansion engines associated with the two power cycles.

Abstract: Solar power plant, including a tower, a solar heater disposed on the tower, a plurality of reflectors disposed in a given area for irradiating the solar heater, a water-steam circuit connected to the solar heater for conducting working medium thereto, a steam turbine connected in the water-steam circuit, a preheater for the working medium in the form of additional sunlight collectors being disposed outside of the given area and being connected to the water-steam circuit upstream of the solar heater, and means for adjusting the pressure in the water-steam circuit to cause the pressure of the steam in the solar heater to approximate the atmospheric air pressure outside.

Abstract: The present turbine system has two mechanically interconnected turbines, each having a closed loop fluid passageway connecting its outlet to its inlet for recirculating the turbine fluid. The hot exhaust from each turbine heats the inlet fluid to the other turbine in a heat exchanger in the corresponding loop. A cooler is connected to another heat exchanger in each loop to cool the turbine exhaust after it has heated the inlet fluid for the other turbine. A heater is connected in each loop just ahead of the turbine inlet to supply additional heat to the inlet fluid.

Abstract: The seed, in the form of K.sub.2 SO.sub.4, is fed into an MHD combustor, mechanically recovered, and recycled. Sulfur dioxide in the discharge of the MHD channel is recovered downstream by a fluidized bed of lime/limestone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electricity generation system, using freon as an agent to circulate between a warm heat source and a cold heat sink, recapturing electrical energy on one side and alleviating thermal pollution in the environment on the other side.

Abstract: A heating power plant and a process for operating the power plant with the power plant containing a thermal power installation for producing mechanical motive energy for driving an energy supply device as well as waste heat which may be utlized for heating purposes in the power plant. The thermal power installation may be shut down or operated at slight partial loads during periods of low energy needs with hydrogen being introduced into a metal hydride storage device which is capable of absorbing hydrogen. At times of higher energy need the thermal power installation is kept in operation under greater load conditions and hydrogen is removed from a metal hydride storage device which is capable of releasing such hydrogen. The release enthalpy required for releasing the hydrogen is provided by waste heat from the thermal power installation or by ambient air.

Abstract: An indirect gas turbine power plant is provided which includes primary and secondary combustors wherein fuel is burned and heat is conveyed to a turbine working medium which is subsequently passed through the turbine section of a gas turbine. The gas turbine includes both a compressor section and a turbine section. The primary combustor has a first inlet for receiving exhaust air from the turbine section, a second inlet for receiving fuel and an outlet for the discharge of products of combustion. The secondary combustor includes a first inlet for receiving at least a portion of the products of combustion from the primary combustor, a second inlet for receiving a portion of the products of combustion of the secondary combustor, and an outlet for the discharge of the products of combustion of the secondary combustor. An air heat exchanger for conveying heat from the products of combustion to the compressed air is positioned within the secondary combustor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air compressing system in which ambient air is drawn through a turbine driven flow-thru compressor into the intake of a primary compressor, and the hot effluent from the primary compressor is utilized to provide superheated vapor to drive the turbine.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a nuclear reactor plant having a primary medium circuit including a nuclear reactor for generating a flow of heated primary working medium and a heat exchanger having a primary side to receive the flow of heated primary working medium. In accordance with the invention, a compressor is connected to the secondary side of the heat exchanger to receive a flow of secondary working medium therefrom which has been heated in heat exchange relation by the primary working medium for compression to a given temperature. By exchanging the heat at a lower temperature and subsequently pumping up the exchanged heat, a thermally highly stressed heat exchanger is replaced by a thermally highly stressed compressor.

Abstract: Spent steam from a steam driven electric generating power plant is condensed by heat rejection to a refrigerant in a closed loop. The closed refrigerant loop contains an expander and a compressor, and a heat exchanger in a cooling tower. The compressor and expander are integrated so that (1) in an upper cooling cycle at the upper end of the ambient or air temperature range, only the compressor is operated within its operating range, (2) in a lower cooling cycle at the lower end of the ambient or air temperature range, only the expander is operated and (3) in a middle cooling cycle at the middle range of the ambient or air temperatures, when the turn-down of either the compressor or the expander is a limiting factor, both of them are operated.

Abstract: A power plant includes a primary and a secondary power cycle, with the secondary power cycle including a thermal reservoir adapted for the absorption of heat rejected from the primary power cycle during the simultaneous generation of power from the secondary power cycle. Heat is withdrawn from the thermal reservoir during periods of reduced power demand, allowing latitude in the scheduling of heat rejection from the power plant.

Abstract: Process and system for recovery of energy from geothermal brines and other hot water sources by direct contact heat exchange between the brine or hot water, and a working fluid exiting the top of the heat transfer column is expanded through an expander to produce work. The discharge from the expander is cooled to condense working fluid which is separated in an accumulator from condensed water vapor present in the working fluid, and the condensed working fluid is pressurized and fed back to the heat transfer column. Uncondensible gas together with working fluid losses are vented from the accumulator. In order to decrease the amount of uncondensible vent gas from the accumulator, and the loss of working fluid therein, the hot water or brine feed to the heat transfer column is initially degassed as by flashing, the extent of degassing being controlled based on the concentration of uncondensibles in such hot water or brine feed.

Abstract: A cyclic energy transformation apparatus and method for developing streams of working fluid flow with different energy characteristics. The working fluid being passed through a container which effectuates a vortical ring flow pattern. The fluid in one stream is discharged from the container as high pressure flow. The fluid in another stream is discharged from the container as a high temperature flow. The separate streams can be used independently or in conjunction with each other for performing useful work.

Abstract: In the present system, Freon is recirculated in a closed loop which includes a first heat exchanger having a tank for holding Freon in a liquid state at elevated temperature and pressure, and second, third, and fourth heat exchangers which receive Freon at different times from the first heat exchanger by gravity flow and successively cool, heat and discharge the heated Freon in a liquid state through a fluid motor whose discharge is connected back to the tank in the first heat exchanger. Water from the cooling tower of a steam power plant is used to cool the Freon in the first heat exchanger and at different times in the other heat exchangers. Hot water from the waste steam outlet of steam turbines in the steam power plant is used to heat the Freon at other times in the second, third and fourth heat exchangers.

Abstract: Radiative heat rejection for the condensate of a steam system in which panels painted with titanium dioxide are put out in the desert and water as a heat exchange fluid is flowed on the underside of the panels. They will radiate into the night sky and produce significant cooling and provide for rejection of condenser heat from Rankine cycle water and steam turbines as well as reflect the sun. In addition to titanium dioxide panels one can use reversible plastic mattresses floating on a cool pond coated black on one side and silver on the other and with the black surface up at night, silver surface up in the daytime; they too will provide radiative heat rejection.

Abstract: Gas and combined gas/steam power cycles in which chemical energy is stored in a gaseous working fluid by radiolytic dissociation at a temperature below the temperature of thermodynamic macroscopic dissociation, such that the dissociated portion of the working fluid exists under conditions of macroscopic thermal non-equilibrium. The dissociated fluid components are then recombined with the energy of recombination adding heat to the working fluid for extraction in the power cycle.

Abstract: A primary working gas is heated in a high-temperature nuclear reactor and ives at least one primary turbine set to operate an electrical generator to generate electric power. Heat is abstracted from the primary gas by recuperative heat exchange and the primary gas is compressed and heated by the recuperative heat exchange and introduced into the nuclear reactor for further heating therein. Upon the development of an increased electrical power demand, a secondary gas is heated by the recuperative heat exchange and drives an auxiliary turbine set and electric power generator to supply this peak demand.

Abstract: An improved combined cycle gas turbine and steam turbine power plant is disclosed in which the energy source for both the steam turbine portion of the system and the gas turbine portion is a pressurized fluidized bed combustor fueled by a carbonaceous fuel such as coal. Combustion gas discharged from the pressurized combustor is processed for minimal cleanup and temperature conditioning prior to passage through a heat exchanger to heat a stream of pressurized air for driving an air-gas turbine. Following the loss of sensible heat energy through the heat exchanger, the lower temperature combustion gas is expanded through a second, combustion gas turbine so that a portion of the remaining energy is extracted at a lower temperature, avoiding problems of hot gas corrosion and fouling within the turbine. A compressor, driven by one or both gas turbines, provides both the pressurized air supply for fluidization of the bed and the stream of air to the air-gas turbine.

Abstract: A dry-type cooling system for condensing steam in a steam operated electric power generating plant and disposing of the heat withdrawn, by converting some of the heat to a form of power or work, such as electric power, and rejecting some of the heat to the air. The system requires a power input at relatively high ambient air temperatures, but such power consumption is offset by power produced during cooling with ambient air at lower temperatures.The cooling system utilizes a closed loop containing a suitable refrigerant fluid. The loop contains a steam condenser in the hot-well of a steam system of an electric generating plant, and a heat exchanger in a cooling tower through which air enters at atmospheric temperature and exits at an elevated temperature. The closed loop is branched to incorporate two consecutively operable cooling cycles employing the same refrigerant fluid.

Abstract: Improved power cycles for improving the production of power and refrigeration and for conserving thermal energy, utilizing as a common basic characteristic, a hydride-dehydride-hydrogen power cycle in which hydrogen is reversibly combined with a hydride-forming material at a relatively low temperature and pressure, the hydrided material is then heated at constant volume to chemically compress the hydrogen, and finally the material is dehydrided by further heating the material to release hydrogen gas at relatively high pressure and temperature. The pressurized high temperature hydrogen gas as thus developed is used in various ways for producing power and refrigeration, including functioning as a low temperature heat sink for certain auxiliary or ancillary power cycles, prior to recycling the hydrogen gas for reuse in the described hydride-dehydride-hydrogen cycle.

Abstract: Temperature induced density differences between two connected columns of a fluid establish a pressure differential which is converted into kinetic energy for driving a power generating unit responsive to fluid flow.

Abstract: A quantity of aluminum is in heat exchange contact with a potassium loop and a steam/water loop. The potassium loop includes a solar energy collector and the solar-heated potassium melts the aluminum to store thermal energy as latent heat of fusion. The steam/water loop extracts steam at 1,000.degree. F. as long as at least some of the aluminum is in the molten state. The steam/water loop includes a steam power turbogenerator unit as user; the quantity of aluminum should suffice to yield, upon resolidification, sufficient heat to satisfy the energy demand of the unit during night time.

Abstract: A system using a number of flash chambers for converting the heat energy of geothermal brine to useful work. The system uses steam from flashed brine to vaporize a portion of distilled water or distillate in one or more heat exchangers to produce steam to drive a turbine which, in turn, operates a generator or the like to produce useful work. Before the distillate reaches the heat exchanger, it is preheated as it flows through a series of flash chambers in countercurrent relationship to the flow of geothermal brine therethrough. The brine flashes in each flash chamber and the flashed vapor mixes with the distillate flowing through the flash chamber to pre-heat the distillate. The heat energy of the unvaporized part of the distillate in the heat exchanger can form additional steam which is also supplied to the turbine. The heat content of the unflashed part of the distillate can be used in several ways to heat a working fluid in a closed loop containing a second turbine.

Abstract: A combined cycle steam and gas power plant is disclosed in which energy for generating steam to drive a steam turbine and for heating air to drive a gas turbine is provided by combustion of a single carbonaceous sulfur-bearing fuel such as coal at nearly atmospheric pressure in a sulfur-sorbing fluidized bed combustor. Fluidizing and combustion air for the combustor is furnished by exhaust from the gas turbine, and an air heat exchanger within the combustor allows indirect heating of air for driving the gas turbine so that corrosion of gas turbine hardware by the products of combustion is avoided.

Abstract: A hybrid power system comprising a pair of energy converters operating on a closed Rankine cycle, each energy converter having a vapor generator for vaporizing a high molecular weight working fluid in response to heat furnished from a burner associated with the generator, a turbo-generator responsive to vaporized working fluid for generating electrical power, a condenser responsive to the exhaust vapors from the turbo-generator for converting such vapors into a condensed liquid, and means for returning the condensed liquid to the vapor generator; sensors for sensing the electrical output of the turbo-generator of each converter; and a control system responsive to the sensors for controlling the burners in the converters so that each converter furnishes about half the electrical load on the system in normal operation thereof; one of the converters, termed the primary converter, operating with a working fluid having a higher boiling point than the working fluid in the other converter which is termed the seconda

Abstract: Heat energy from hot geothermal fluids supplied by different temperature wells is transferred by heat exchange into a power fluid cycle, preferably of the dual fluid type, at different points in the cycle, which both enables an increase in peak cycle temperature to be achieved and allows more heat energy to be transferred into lower temperature points in the cycle. The result is an increase in the amount of power which can be developed per unit of geothermal fluid supplied.

Abstract: A thermal power plant of the type in which excess energy produced by the plant during off-peak load periods is used to produce compressed air which is then accumulated in a storage tank. The compressed air is withdrawn from storage during peak load periods and delivered to a hot air turbine for generation of additional energy. A heat exchanger is incorporated in he compressed air line leading from the storage tank to the hot air turbine and steam is supplied to the heat exchanger for heating the compressed air prior to delivery to the hot air turbine. Heating steam can be produced by electrically heating water in a storage tank or it can be constituted by bleeder steam taken from an auxiliary steam turbine facility, or it can be taken from a steam storage tank.

Abstract: Sensible heat in the hot effluent gas stream leaving a partial oxidation gas generator for the production of gaseous mixtures comprising H.sub.2 +CO i.e. synthesis gas, reducing gas, or fuel gas, is used at maximum temperature to heat a stream of heat transfer fluid preferably comprising a portion of the product gas circulating in a substantially closed loop. The heat transfer fluid serves as the working fluid in a turbine that produces mechanical work, electrical energy, or both. Further, the heat transfer fluid leaving the turbine may be used to preheat hydrocarbonaceous feed and free-oxygen containing gas which is then introduced into the gas generator. Optionally, by-product superheated steam may be produced at high temperature levels for use in the gas generator and as the working fluid in an expansion turbine. The high steam superheat temperatures results in higher conversion efficiencies.

Abstract: An improvement in the process for the generation of electrical power in which heat released by exhaust gases derived from the combustion of gaseous products in a coal gasification process is stored and utilized to generated increased electrical power during peak demand periods.

Abstract: Improved power cycles for improving the production of power and refrigeration and for conserving thermal energy, utilizing as a common basic characteristic, a hydride-dehydride-hydrogen power cycle in which hydrogen is reversibly combined with a hydride-forming material at a relatively low temperature and pressure, the hydrided material is then heated at constant volume to chemically compress the hydrogen, and finally the material is dehydrided by further heating the material to release hydrogen gas at relatively high pressure and temperature. The pressurized high temperature hydrogen gas as thus developed is used in various ways for producing power and refrigeration, including functioning as a low temperature heat sink for certain auxiliary or ancillary power cycles, prior to recycling the hydrogen gas for reuse in the described hydride-dehydride-hydrogen cycle.

Abstract: A cascaded, two-fluid, rotary Rankine cycle engine is provided having improved efficiency and being capable of operating with a power fluid which is solid at ambient temperature.

Abstract: The invention described herein is a Method and Process for the direct absorption of radiant solar-thermal energy by and within a radiant-heat absorbing fluid.More specifically, however, it is a total system for the direct absorption of radiant solar-thermal energy and its conversion, for the purpose of generating useful mechanical or electrical power. Wherein within the scope of the total system, a radiant-heat absorbing fluidic compound is used which comprises minute particles of colloidal size, suspended within a transparent heat-transfer fluid, having a high boiling point and being circulated within a first highly light-transparent and a second highly light-reflecting wall.Wherein that fluidic compound's optical density is such that incoming concentrated, radiant solar-thermal energy, after penetrating said light-transparent wall, will penetrate no more than one and three-quarters depth of said contained, circulating fluidic compound.

Abstract: A low temperature energy carrying apparatus and method adapted for central cooling which comprises a hydrate circulating system for a liquid hydrate agent and hydrate crystals incorporated with a conventionally designed water circulating system. In the hydrate circulating system, the hydrate crystals are feed to the users side together with cooled water and decomposed therein into hydrate agent and cooled water absorbing the latent heat of decomposition. Therefore, the temperature of the cooled water during transport thereof to the users side is stabilized and in addition to the sensible heat of the cooled water the latent heat of the hydrate crystals can be utilized in the users side, thereby improving cooling effect in the users side. Also, the hydrate circulating system is adapted to use a hydrate agent in the liquid phase area which allows the operation of the system to be stabilized.

Abstract: A temperature differential power plant is combined with a nuclear power plant and employs the temperature differential between hot water discharged from cooling the nuclear reactor, steam obtained from the nuclear reactor, and cold water taken in from an outside source such as the sea. The generated output and thermal efficiency of the entire power equipment is thereby increased; the temperature of the hot water discharged from cooling the nuclear reactor is decreased to aid in the recirculation thereof and eliminate hot water pollution; and, only the cold water taken in is discharged with its temperature being controllable so as not to create a cold water pollution problem. Temperature differential power plants can be used in stages with the hot water discharged from cooling the nuclear reactor passing successively from one stage to the next.

Abstract: A steam turbine power plant having associated therewith a closed loop flow arrangement for extracting heat from the power plant and supplying the extracted heat to an external heat load. Included within the flow arrangement is a predetermined number of heater elements, each of which extracts steam having a predetermined heating capacity associated therewith from a predetermined number of separate locations within the power plant. The heat so extracted is transferred to a heat transfer medium flowing at a predetermined flow rate within the closed loop arrangement. The extracted heat is exchanged to the heat load within a heat exchanger element connected within the flow arrangement. The amount of heat extracted from the power plant is functionally related to, and automatically limited by, the flow rate of the heat transfer medium within the closed loop arrangement. The flow rate of the heat transfer medium is itself functionally related to the flow rate of the motive fluid for the power plant.

Abstract: In the disclosed thermal power plant an alkali metal vapor energy conversion circuit is arranged in heat transfer relationship with an additional circuit whose working medium does not vigorously react with alkali metal. Diphenyl, terphenyl are disclosed as suitable media. The additional circuit may in turn be in heat transfer relationship with a steam circuit, in which event the additional circuit is interposed between the alkali metal energy conversion circuit and the water vapor (steam) circuit. The upper process temperature of the interposed energy conversion circuit is between about 420.degree. and 480.degree. C, preferably between 440.degree. and 470.degree. C. The transfer of the heat from the interposed circuit to the water vapor circuit preferably takes place in a temperature range in which the absorption by the water vapor circuit proceeds substantially isothermally.

Abstract: A heat exchanger in a close cycle gas turbine power plant has, on its heat abduction side, a system of cooling units connected to it by means of which the efficiency of the plant is considerably increased. Such units consist of evaporators and vapor turbines with condensers and air coolers, the vapor turbines being driven by vapors generated in the evaporators. The latter, in turn, are heated by the heat abduction side of the heat exchanger in the main cycle. The exhaust vapors are precipitated in condensers and cooled down by air coolers and recoolers and partly circulated back to the heat abduction side of the heat exchanger in the main cycle.

Abstract: The waste heat of an open gas turbine system used to heat a flow of liquified natural gas is recovered and passed via an intermediate heat exchange circuit or system to the flow of liquified natural gas. The intermediate circuit uses hydrocarbons which may or may not have been halogen-substituted as the heat exchange medium. The heat is extracted from the flue by closed piping systems which use water as a heat carrier as well as a system which uses an anti-freeze agent such as methanol. The anti-freeze circuit permits injection of the anti-freeze agent into the intake of the gas turbine while a rectifying column allows recovery of the anti-freeze agent. The intermediate circuit includes a vapor turbine which expands the hydrocarbon medium after the hydrocarbon medium receives heat in order to produce useful work.

Abstract: The plant obtains heat energy from a diesel engine plant in order to vaporize a flow of liquid natural gas. The obtained heat is conducted via a circuit containing a hydrocarbon heating agent to the liquid natural gas pipeline. In one embodiment, heat energy is also obtained from a further heat source such as sea water to heat the liquid natural gas. In another embodiment, a part of the heat energy obtained from the diesel engine plant is used directly to heat the liquid natural gas.

Abstract: This invention relates to the air conditioning of a building complex comprised of one or more zones, utilizing solar insolation and terrestrial re-radiation to a maximum extent and supplemented by external energy as may be required. The principle of thermodynamic availability is employed in a water source system advantageously storing heated and chilled fluid for subsequent heat exchange, and by the diversion of high heat range fluid through a Rankine cycle prime mover for motivation of vapor compression refrigeration or the generation of electrical power dependent upon the availability of solar energy and the demand of said refrigeration, whereby heat energy is claimed and reclaimed and made available to reduce the net energy requirements necessary to provide both heating and cooling of said building complex zones.

Abstract: In a thermoelectric generating plant utilizing heat to generate electric energy and having a recirculating water system in which the water is heated during passage through the plant and must be cooled before recirculation to the plant thus causing a heat loss and resultant loss of energy; the combination therein of apparatus for recapturing a portion of the normally lost energy. The apparatus includes a natural air draft, cooling tower for the flow of air from the bottom to the top thereof and disposed in the recirculating water system for receiving the heated water and passing the heated water through the flow of air at generally the bottom thereof for cooling the heated water and heating the air to cause a natural draft flow of air up through the tower.

Abstract: Waste heat in the form of the sensible heat of flue gases, sensible and latent heat of geothermal sources, etc., is converted to usable energy. When the energy source consists solely of sensible heat of a gas or a liquid which is not the working fluid, the liquid working fluid is heated by the energy source and then expanded in a hot liquid turbine wherein partial vaporization occurs with decrease in pressure. The working fluid is thereby accelerated as thermal energy is converted to kinetic energy and internal energy of the vapor. The hot liquid turbine can be a hot liquid impulse turbine wherein the expansion occurs in the inlet nozzles and the mixed phase working fluid then impinges on the moving buckets of the impulse turbine transferring the kinetic energy to shaft work.

Abstract: The invention concerns an aerocondenser for a thermal power station, comprising, more particularly, a first heat exchanger for reheating the air by exchange of heat with a fluid having a freezing point lower than 0.degree. C, for example, a Freon substance, the respective rates and surfaces of exchange between the fluid having a low freezing point and the water vapor being such that the air is heated to a temperature appreciably above 0.degree. C, before beginning to effect a heat exchange with the water vapor to be condensed.