Abstract: An energy source for a closed cycle engine including a boiler (10) having a working fluid chamber (12) in heat exchange relation with a reaction chamber (14). A closed flow path loop (16, 34, 36, 38, 44, 46, 52) including a turbine (18) receives working fluid from the fluid chamber, provides a power output and returns the fluid to the chamber. Lithium (80) is reacted with water (70) in the reaction chamber (14) to generate heat for heating the working fluid and hydrogen. Oxygen, obtained by decomposition of sodium superoxide (82) elsewhere in the system, is fed to the reaction chamber (14) and combined with the hydrogen to provide water and additional heat for the working fluid.

Abstract: A chemical energy power plant includes control of steam temperature to prevent turbine damage while allowing throttling of the power output level and rapid response to commands for changed power output level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing a thermodynamic cycle involves utilizing partial distillation of a multi-component working fluid stream. At least one main enriched solution is produced which is relatively enriched with respect to the lower boiling temperature component, together with at least one lean solution which is relatively impoverished with the respect of lower boiling temperature component. The main working fluid is expanded to a low pressure level to convert energy to a usable form. This spent low pressure level working fluid is condensed by dissolving with cooling in the lean solution to regenerate an initial working fluid for reuse. A portion of the impoverished fraction may be injected into the charged gaseous main working fluid in order to obtain added work and to increase system efficiency by decreasing the temperature of the output fluid flow when the fluid flow would otherwise have been superheated.

Abstract: A hydraulic engine which uses liquid fluid as the working medium consists of a housing structure, a liquid fluid inlet passage, a fluid outlet passage, a liquid fluid pump, a fluid actuator, coupling means connecting the two, fluid flow diffusing means, a combustion chamber, an energy exchange zone, a fuel and air supply means, a combustion ignition means, a power takeoff actuator means, a power takeoff means, and a fluid separating means. Liquid fluid enters the engine inlet where it travels to the energy exchange zone. Here exhausted combustion product in the form of a gaseous fluid is introduced into the liquid fluid where it is combined. The mixture is exhausted through the outlet passage of the engine in the form of a liquid fluid-gaseous fluid stream. Upon entering the outlet passage, the mixture is directed to a fluid separating chamber where the working liquid fluid of the engine is separated from the gaseous combustion product.

Abstract: The present invention is a multi-step process for generating energy from a source heat flow. Such a process comprises passing a heated media having a mixture of a low volatility component and a high volatility component into a phase separator. The vaporous working fluid is withdrawn from the phase separator and passed into a work zone, such as a turbine, wherein the fluid is expanded. The expanded vaporous working fluid is withdrawn from the work zone and passed into a direct contact condenser or absorber. The separated weak solution is withdrawn from the phase separator and passed into counter-current heat exchange relationship in an interchanger with a portion of media from the direct contact condenser or absorber. The media from the direct contact condenser or absorber is withdrawn and passed into a fluid pressurizing zone.

Abstract: A working fluid in the gaseous state at some initial temperature and pressure is expanded polytropically to a resulting exhaust fluid having some lower temperature and pressure in order to produce useful work. Large quantities of a motive liquid are then employed as the vehicle for approximating an isenthalpic compression of the working fluid. The preferred method for effecting this recompression is to reduce both fluids to a single liquid phase which is then energized. Thereafter the two fluids can be reconstituted to their initial states to complete the thermodynamic cycle which, depending upon the fluids selected, can be located in a broad range of the temperature spectrum.

Abstract: A method of generating energy in which working fluid fractions of differing compositions are generated, are subjected to heating in a first evaporator stage, are combined, the combined stream is then evaporated and is expanded to convert its energy into usable form. Thereafter the combined stream is processed to regenerate the differing working fluid fractions for reuse.

Abstract: This invention relates to a solar energy system wherein chemical A is converted into chemical B in the presence of a photo-sensitizer with the absorption of considerable heat, which heat can be redelivered at will by placing chemical B in contact with a catalyst. The catalyst is stable at high temperatures permitting operation through the phase change from liquid to vapor with consequent use of chemical B for performing work in engines, heat pumps and the like.

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: Method and multiple-stage absorber for effecting gradual absorption of a gas in a solvent under controlled conditions so as to obtain a high-enthalpy solution of the gas in the solvent with maximum recuperation of the heat of absorption. This is achieved by passing the solvent and the gas in respectively opposite directions through a plurality of discrete absorption stages so as to form a relatively concentrated solution and recirculating this solution through some or all of said absorption stages, counter-currently to the flow of the solvent, so as to extract heat from some or all of said stages by indirect heat exchange with the fluid in said stages; and extracting additional amounts of heat from some or all of said absorption stages by indirect heat exchange with a coolant fluid which is passed through said stages.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the production of compounds from gas mixture by the plasma method, particularly useful for the production of nitric oxides from atmospheric air as a step in producing synthetic nitrogenous fertilizer. According to the novel method, a supersonic speed is imparted to the gaseous medium flowing through the reactor in which an electrical discharge is produced, and at least part of the energy of the gaseous medium exiting from the reactor is converted into electrical energy.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the generation of energy from the oxidation of aluminum comprise means for breaking up the continuity of the passivating oxide layer on the aluminum surface by exposing said surface to a mercury-, indium- or gallium-containing substance, exposing the surface-treated aluminum to a fluid which is capable of oxidizing said aluminum, and withdrawing useful energy from the oxidation reaction. The oxidizing fluid may be air, with the energy-withdrawing means a thermal engine, preferably of the closed cycle type. Alternatively, the fluid may be an aqueous electrolyte, preferably a neutral saline, mildly alkaline or mildly acidic solution, with the energy-withdrawing means comprising an electrochemical cell.

Abstract: A method of generating energy which comprises utilizing relatively lower temperature available heat to effect partial distillation of at least portion of a multicomponent working fluid stream at an intermediate pressure to generate working fluid fractions of differing compositions. The fractions are used to produce at least one main rich solution which is relatively enriched with respect to the lower boiling component, and to produce at least one lean solution which is relatively improverished with respect to the lower boiling component. The pressure of the main rich solution is increased whereafter it is evaporated to produce a charged gaseous main working fluid. The main working fluid is expanded to a low pressure level to release energy. The spent low pressure level working fluid is condensed in a main absorption stage by dissolving with cooling in the lean solution to regenerate an initial working fluid for reuse.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for storage, in chemical form, of a quantity of mechanical or thermal energy, and for recovery, in mechanical form, of the energy stored; the invention also relates to devices for implementation of this method. The device comprises chambers for containing a non-ideal solution of a vapor and a liquid and chambers for containing liquified vapors separated from the non-ideal solution, these chambers being in close thermal contact, and whose volumes are connected by ducts to a motor for recovery of the stored energy during the recovery phase. Said motor can operate as a compressor for imparting the energy to be stored during the storage phase. The invention applies to the storage of any mechanical, electrical or thermal energy, and its recovery at the time of need.

Abstract: A system which stores and uses thermal and chemical energy to provide shaft power during either the charging or discharging cycles. The system is based upon a reversible transfer of gaseous fluid from a holding tank to a receiver. In operation, the fluid generates electricity or other mechanical power by doing work on a turbine or other device positioned between the tank and receiver. The fluid is heated by an external source and is particularly adapted for use with solar energy. The working fluid and an absorbent combine to form the chemical solution. In the charge cycle, heat is applied to the holding tank which distills the fluid. The fluid condenses in the condenser and is held in the receiver. In the discharge cycle, heat is transferred from the still warm holding tank to the receiver by means of piping. The fluid vaporizes and returns to the holding tank.

Abstract: A fluid-impervious self-inflatable sealed pouch containing separately compartmented first and second gas generating components which, upon admixture in successive discrete quantities, generate gas, causing the pouch to expand gradually from an initial collapsed condition to an ultimately fully expanded condition. Within the pouch is a mechanically rupturable solvent-containing member optimally including a measured quantity of one of said components and the other said component is enclosed by a water-soluble film barrier of polyvinyl alcohol, methylcellulose or the like, additional inner receptacles within the pouch contain measured quantities of said one component for successive release into said admixture caused by expansion of said pouch.

Abstract: The gas powered vehicle has a reservoir for holding liquified gas, means to evaporate the liquified gas and a delivery conduit to deliver gas from the evaporating means to a motor to power the motor. A heat exchanger is provided for thermal communication between a condensing buffer substance and the expanded gas flowing into the receiving means. A refrigeration means pumps heat from and cools the condensing substance to a temperature low enough to condense the expanded gas received from the motor.

Abstract: In a method of storing energy in a two-vessel system, in which one vessel (1) containing a first substance (2) comprising two components, one of which is driven off from and is caused to become absorbed by the other component, respectively, at the supply of energy to and the withdrawal of energy from the system, respectively, energy is stored in the system by pumping said one component out of said one vessel (1).A system for carrying out this method comprises a two-vessel system, in which one chamber (1) contains a first substance (2) which comprises two components, one of which may be driven off from the other component, which on its side has the capability of absorbing said one component. The system also comprises an energy converter (6) adapted for the sucking or pumping out of said one component and which is incorporated in a conduit (4) connected to said one chamber (1).Thanks to the above method and system it has become possible to store mechanical or kinetic energy, e.g.

Abstract: Enthalpy is recovered from hot industrial effluents by converting a working fluid into a foam in a flashing unit and using the foam to propel a turbine located within or at the output of the flashing unit. For liquid effluents the effluent itself serves as the working fluid. For gaseous effluents a liquid is heated by the gas and then the liquid is used as the working fluid. If the effluents contain undesirable levels of pollutants working fluid is cleaned before it is flashed. The specification discloses both impulse and reactive turbines which the foam can propel.

Abstract: High, intermediate and low pressure stages are provided in a thermal machine including sealed chambers permitting maintenance of respective pressures but permitting flow of vapor from one vessel to a second within a stage and providing for the flow of an absorbent solution among the vessels in different stages. The intermediate stage includes resorption and regeneration vessels which are thermally coupled, respectively, to a generation vessel and an absorption vessel in the high and low pressure stages, so that a variable fraction of the absorber heat may be transferred to the regenerator and of the resorber heat to the generator. The name Variable Effect refers to this variable internal heat transfer which permits the machine to adjust to a wide range of available heat source and heat rejection temperatures while maintaining high efficiency.

Abstract: Energy is extracted from a high-temperature high-pressure working fluid by augmenting flow of the working fluid with a flow of gas having a molecular weight less than the fluid, utilizing some of the energy from the working fluid to induce addition and mixture of the gas in an ejector creating a flow of the mixed fluids having a greater mass and lower temperature than the initial flow of working fluid and supplying the mixed fluids to a turbine which converts the energy in the mixed fluids into mechanical energy. The exhausted fluids are separated and at least the augmenting gas is recycled to the ejector. The gas is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, helium, nitrogen, air, water vapor, or an organic compound having a molecular weight less than the working fluid, and the working fluid is selected from the group consisting of an inorganic element, an inorganic compound, or a fluorocarbon.

Abstract: A solar pumping system, comprises, a pumping housing which defines a pump chamber therein which is adapted to be positioned in the ground below ground water level. Displacer means in the form of, for example, a bladder, arranged within the pump chamber, is capable of displacing liquid out of the pump chamber in response to a pressurized medium acting thereon to expel the water out of the chamber and up to a level above the ground for use. A suction valve connected into the chamber permits the ground water to flow into the chamber and a discharge valve connected out of the chamber permits the outflow of the ground water during the action of the displacer means. The construction includes a solar collector having at least one hydride conduit which is adapted to be exposed to the sun for solar heating to act on the hydride to cause hydrogen to be formed, the pressure of which acts against the displacer means to displace the ground liquid out of the pump chamber.

Abstract: A new power system employs aluminum as a primary fuel resulting in a total energy/volume ratio several times more favorable than gasoline. The system includes a fuel store, a reactor which may be the same mechanical element as the store and means to utilize the released energy. Illustratively, aluminum may be reacted with steam to form aluminum oxide with the release of large quantities of usable energy. After the reaction, the aluminum oxide may be reconverted to aluminum.

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 combied 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 two-phase thermal energy conversion system employs an evaporable liquid such as water, and a gas which is not liquefiable within the operating temperature and pressure ranges, such as air. The water and air are mixed and one of the two or both are heated so that the water evaporates and is absorbed by the air to result in a pressure increase. The increase of pressure or volume can be converted into mechanical energy by a prime mover such as a turbine or reciprocating piston engine. The heat of condensation is utilized and converted into mechanical power while the temperature and pressure are reduced. The liquid, such as water, may be below its boiling point. If the water consists of salt water, fresh water is derived as a condensation product from the prime mover.

Abstract: A fast-acting, self-resetting hydride actuator comprising an enclosure containing hydrogen, and an actuating means communicating with the interior of the enclosure responsive to changes in pressure of the hydrogen gas and adapted to provide an actuating force based upon a change in pressure of the hydrogen gas. The actuator also comprises an electric resistance means inside the enclosure which includes a resistor element made in whole or in part of a hydridable electric conductor and means for passing electric current through said resistor element.

Abstract: A carbide-powered engine useful for automobiles and the like and comprising a water tank from which water is pumped into a pressure container enclosing a block of compressed carbide. Acetylene buildup in the container passes through an accelerator valve, connected to the throttle of the engine, and through an idler valve operated by an electro-magnet, both valves being spring pressed to the closed position. Upon attainment of a predetermined pressure in the manifold, the electro-magnet is de-energized to effect closing and complete sealing of the container.

Abstract: A sealed package for pressurizing the contents of dispensing containers. The package contains chemicals which react to develop gas pressure to expand the package when in the dispensing container. A series of sequentially rupturable pockets add further increments of internal pressure as dispensing proceeds. These pockets, and additional pockets containing chemicals for initiating package pressurization, are formed in an outer film heat-sealed to a second outer film to define the package. The rupturable pockets are covered with a tape to maintain the chemicals isolated until rupture is effected by progressive lift-off of the tape as the package expands.

Abstract: A thermochemical energy storage and mechanical energy converter system utzing a turbine. The system has a power or discharge phase, and a reactivate or charge phase. In the power phase ammonia gas is released by CaCl.sub.2.8NH.sub.3, expanded in a turbine and combined with ZnCl.sub.2 to form ZnCl.sub.2.NH.sub.3. In an example of the reactivate phase, ammonia gas is released by ZnCl.sub.2.NH.sub.3 and added to CaCl.sub.2.NH.sub.3 to form CaCl.sub.2.8NH.sub.3.

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: The present invention provides a machine for transferring heat from a lower to a higher temperature without wasting external work. The machine includes a regulator to regulate the mean temperature of the machine by regulating the value of the lowest temperature of the machine. The regulator includes an automatically functioning instrument, and the regulation of the mean temperature of the machine to maintain it at a predetermined value provides stable operation for the machine.

Abstract: A method of optimizing, within limits imposed by a heating medium from the surface of an ocean and a cooling medium from an ocean depth, the energy supply capability of a gaseous working fluid which is expanded from a charged high pressure level to a spent low pressure level to provide available energy, the method comprising expanding the gaseous working fluid to a spent low pressure level where the condensation temperature of the working fluid is below the minimum temperature of the cold water, and regenerating the spent working fluid by, in at least one regeneration stage, absorbing the working fluid being regenerated in an absorption stage by dissolving it in a solvent solution while cooling with the cold water, the solvent solution comprising a solvent having an initial working fluid concentration which is sufficient to provide a solution having a boiling point, after dissolving the working fluid being regenerated, which is above the minimum temperature of the cold water to permit effective absorption of

Abstract: An improved scoop is usable in combination with a wheel providing a rotating peripheral surface with an annular body of liquid supported on that surface and rotating with the wheel. The improvement comprises:(a) The scoop projects partially into the rotating annular body of liquid;(b) The scoop is mounted for rotation about an axis and in a forward direction in response to force transmission to the scoop from liquid entering the scoop;(c) The scoop has an interior surface that is locally curved to turn the entering liquid for discharge from the scoop in a relatively rearward direction; and(d) Substantially the entirety of the scoop interior rearwardly of said interior surface is rearwardly open to the exterior.

Abstract: A heat engine comprises first and second tanks radially mounted for rotation with respect to an axis of rotation and so as to be spaced from each other, a conduit connecting the tanks for transfer of fluid therebetween, a relatively heavy fluid disposed in the tanks for transfer therebetween, apparatus for heating the heavy fluid, and apparatus for introducing a relatively volatile fluid in a condensed state into direct contact with the heavy fluid for vaporization of the volatile fluid at predetermined times during the rotation of the tanks about the axis of rotation such that the expansion of the vaporized volatile fluid causes the heavy fluid to be cyclically transferred from a predetermined one of the tanks to the other of the tanks so as to maintain the rotation of the tanks about the axis of rotation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a gas powered, closed loop power generating system which generates power substantially as a result of the flow of gas through its power generating means. Gas flows through the power generating means because of a pressure drop caused by dissolving the gas in a solvent medium on the exit side of the power generating means. The solution is then separated into the solvent medium, and the gas. The gas pressure is raised and it is then fed back into the power generating means while the separated solvent medium is recycled to redissolve more exiting gas. A process for generating power is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gas powered motor has a reservoir for liquefied gas, a supply passage from the reservoir leading through one side of a heat exchanger to the motor and a container holding a buffer substance in heat conductive relationship with the reservoir. The buffer substance acts to supply heat to the liquefied gas while undergoing a chemical, physical crystallographic or other change of state to assist in maintaining the supply of gas to the motor from the reservoir. The motor exhaust leads to a vessel containing a condensing buffer substance which absorbs, persorbs or otherwise associates with the gas accompanied by a release of heat. The condensing buffer substance is in heat conductive relation with the other side of the heat exchanger in the gas supply to the motor to superheat the gas supplied.

Abstract: A method of operating a heat engine where heated gas is introduced into a venturi or a convergent/divergent nozzle. The heated gas is cooled in a low pressure region by fluid injection the resultant mixture then being passed through the divergent or diffuser part of the venturi or nozzle to a working apparatus. A heat engine is also disclosed which operates according to this method which includes a heat source coupled to a venturi or convergent/divergent nozzle. The nozzle can be substituted by a loop or cyclone. Means are provided to inject fluid into the gas stream in the nozzle loop or cyclone.

Abstract: Thermodynamic process for exploiting thermal energy available at high temperatures, where a multiple-substance working medium is decomposed in a high temperature range by this high-temperature thermal energy into a condensed (solid or liquid) first component and a gaseous second component and these two components are again united in a low temperature range, releasing effective heat. The multiple-substance working medium contains one of the combinations CaO/H.sub.2 O and metal/hydrogen, where the term "metal" comprises metallic chemical elements and alloys which combine with hydrogen under positive heat of reaction.

Abstract: An externally cooled, absorption engine apparatus and method, the apparatus including a closed cycle system having a first fluid and a second fluid, the first fluid constituting a working fluid and having a relatively lower boiling point while the second fluid constitutes a solvent for the first fluid and has a relatively higher boiling point and a relatively high degree of absorptivity for the first fluid. The apparatus further includes a distillation column, a superheater, a mechanical expansion engine, an externally cooled absorption column, and heat exchange apparatus. The distillation column separates the first fluid or working fluid from the solvent with heat energy supplied by an external combustion source and the superheater increases the thermal energy thereof prior to passing the working fluid through the mechanical expansion engine. The mechanical expansion engine converts thermal engine in the working fluid vapor to mechanical energy.

Abstract: The principle of the acid/soda fire extinguisher is applied to generating pressure in the expansible chamber of a power plant or engine.Pressure is generated in a first container by adding sulfuric acid to a bicarbonate of soda solution and the pressurized solution is applied alternatively to the two sides of a double acting piston. The unpressurized side of the piston is alternatively connected to a second container for the collection of used solution.When the solution in the first container is used up, the solution in the second container is activated by the addition of more sulfuric acid and the cycle is reversed.

Abstract: A regenative absorption engine apparatus and method, the apparatus including a closed cycle system having a first fluid and a second fluid, the first fluid having a relatively lower boiling point, the second fluid having a relatively higher boiling point and also a relatively high degree of absorptivity for the first fluid. The apparatus further includes a distillation column, a superheater, a mechanical expansion engine, an absorption column, and heat exchange apparatus. The distillation column is used to separate the first fluid from the second fluid with heat while the superheater increases the thermal energy of the first fluid prior to passing the first fluid through the mechanical expansion engine. The mechanical expansion engine converts thermal energy in the first fluid to mechanical energy. The backpressure in the first fluid on the downstream side of the mechanical expansion engine is lowered by absorbing the first fluid with the second fluid in the absorption column.

Abstract: There is provided an improved energy converting system for converting low temperature heat energy into mechanical energy. The energy converting system includes an absorption system including a carrier fluid and a working medium absorbable by the carrier fluid. Evaporator means receives the low thermal energy and converts the working medium from a liquid to a gas. The gaseous working medium is then absorbed by the carrier fluid, and the concentrated mixture of working medium and carrier fluid goes into a separator wherein the medium and fluid are separated by compression. A condenser means is provided for removing heat from the gaseous working medium and thereby converting the gaseous working medium into a liquid. Energy converting means are provided associated with one of the above means for converting the energy in the system into other forms of energy, such as into mechanical energy.

Abstract: A liquid powered, closed loop power generating system which generates power substantially as a result of the flow of a pressurized liquid through its power generating means is disclosed. The liquid flows through the power generating means and into a dissolving means wherein it dissolves a pressurized gas to form a solution, thereby reducing the pressures of both gas and liquid. The solution is separated into gas and liquid whereby both are repressurized. The liquid then flows back to the power-generating means and the gas flows back to the dissolving means, whereby both materials are recycled. A process for generating power is also disclosed.

Abstract: A saturated non-convective solar pond is employed as an unmixing device in conjunction with reverse electrodialysis or pressure-retarded osmosis for power generation.

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 an immiscible working fluid, e.g. a hydrocarbon such as isobutane, in a heat exchange column, the brine or hot water therein flowing countercurrent to the flow of the working fluid. The column can be operated at subcritical, critical or above the critical pressure of the working fluid. Preferably, the column is provided with a plurality of sieve plates, and the heat exchange process and column, e.g.

Abstract: A power generating plant which includes a direct contact-type heat exchanger. A low-boiling point medium such as freon and a heat-source medium such as heated oil, are injected from a lower portion of the heat exchanger so that the two media are brought into direct contact with each other thereby vaporizing the gaseous low-boiling point medium. The low-boiling medium acts as a working fluid while it circulates through a closed cycle of the plant which includes a turbine and a condenser. The heat-source medium, circulates in a closed cycle of the plant which includes a heating unit.

Abstract: A process and system for recovery of energy from geothermal brines or other hot aqueous solutions of a non-volatile solute, by direct contact heat transfer using staged evaporator-condenser units operating with a low boiling water-immiscible liquid hydrocarbon. Each stage comprises a closed vessel divided into two compartments, an evaporator and a condenser, by a bubble cap tray similar in construction to those used in distillation. Hot geothermal brine or other hot aqueous liuqid is introduced into the liquid hydrocarbon contained in the lower compartment of each stage, causing boiling of the hydrocarbon at a temperature difference of 2.degree.-4.degree. F. Hydrocarbon vapors pass from the evaporator compartment through the bubble caps to the upper condenser compartment where they are condensed in contact with a cooler water stream, and the condensed hydrocarbon is returned to the lower compartment.

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: In a process for recovering mechanical work in a heat engine there is used as a working medium in the heat engine a gas to which vapor is added having a H-value lower than the H-value of the gas, the gas being caused to absorb the condensation heat from the vapor by condensation of the vapor under essentially isothermal expansion. A heat engine for carrying out the process comprises; an isothermal compressor to which a liquid injection mechanism is connected; an isentropic compressor; an expansion machine to which a vapor generator is connected; and at least one additional expansion machine with liquid separator; said compressors and expansion machines being included in a closed circulation system for the gas serving as a working medium.

Abstract: A distillation/absorption engine including apparatus for utilizing a lower boiling point, working fluid and a higher boiling point, absorption fluid, the absorption fluid having a relatively high degree of absorptivity for the working fluid. The apparatus includes a distillation column for separating the working fluid from the absorption fluid and a condenser/storage system for storage of the separated working fluid which is condensed and stored as a condensate. An absorption reboiler is used to revaporize the condensed working fluid. The revaporized working fluid is superheated in a superheater before producing mechanical energy in a mechanical expansion engine such as a turbine or the like. Thermal energy for the absorption reboiler is obtained from the heat of absorption generated by absorbing with the absorption fluid the spent working fluid from the mechanical expansion engine. Absorption of the spent working fluid also lowers the backpressure for improved efficiencies.