Abstract: Power generation systems are described. The systems include a shaft, a compressor operably coupled to a first end of the shaft, a turbine operably coupled to a second end of the shaft, a generator operably coupled to the shaft between the compressor and the turbine, and a working fluid arranged in a closed-loop flow path that flows through each of the compressor and the turbine to drive rotation of the shaft. The shaft includes an internal fluid conduit configured to receive a portion of the working fluid at one of the first end and the second end and convey the portion of the working fluid through the generator to the other of the first end and the second end, wherein the portion of the working fluid is rejoined with a primary flow path of the working fluid.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an external heat source engine comprising: —at least one cylinder (2), —a piston (3) that is movable back and forth in the cylinder, —a cylinder head (4) defining a working chamber (5) with the piston and the cylinder, —a heat exchanger (6) for exchanging heat between a working gas and a heat-transfer fluid, —a distribution comprising two rotary slide valves (20, 30) mounted so as to be able to rotate in the cylinder head and bringing the working chamber selectively into communication with the following resources: •a working gas inlet (A), •a cold end (B) of the exchanger, •a hot end (C) of the exchanger, •an exhaust (D). The slide valves (20, 30) comprise internal passages that open through the side wall of same through at least one opening that communicates selectively with the working chamber (5) via at least one opening formed in the cylinder head (4).

Abstract: A magnetic fluid drive unit 100 having a double tube 10 comprising an inner tube 11 and an outer tube 12 formed on the outer side of the inner tube 11, and a magnetic field applicator 30 installed on the outer side of the double tube 10, the inner tube 11 having, in the region where a magnetic field is applied by the magnetic field applicator 30, a high heat conducting region 21 and a low heat conducting region 22 aligned in the lengthwise direction of the inner tube 11, the inside of the inner tube 11 being a heating medium flow path, and the area between the inner tube 11 and the outer tube 12 being a magnetic fluid flow path.

Abstract: A free piston device, comprises a housing with a cylindrical inner wall having a first wall opening and a second wall opening; a cylindrical piston movable in axial direction and rotatable around its longitudinal axis; the piston comprising a first skirt forming a first chamber, said first skirt having at least a first opening in the form of a hole through the wall of the skirt for allowing passage of a fluid directly into or out of said chamber; control means for controlling axial and angular movement of said piston; sensing means for providing signals related to the axial position and/or the angular position of the piston; a digital control unit for rotating the piston around its longitudinal axis in synchronism with its axial movement.

Abstract: A high efficiency, thermodynamically interactive power system incorporating a “thermodynamic battery” operating in the cryogenic range. The “thermodynamic battery” is drawn upon to optimize the efficiency of power generation during times of peak demand and is “recharged” during periods of low demand. The system is ideally suited for (although not limited to) micropowerplants suitable for widely distributed generation of power in or associated with homes and small businesses, reducing transmission loading on the grid and capable of supplying power into the grid during peak load periods. The widely distributed power generation made practical by present inventions also enables distribution of heating and chill service locally on a much larger scale than is possible with large, centralized generation plants.

Abstract: A compressed air energy storage system integrated with a source of secondary heat, such as a simple cycle gas turbine, to increase power production and to provide power regulation through the use of stored compressed air heated by said secondary heat to provide power augmentation.

Abstract: Disclosed illustrative embodiments include modular power infrastructure networks, distributed electrical power infrastructure networks, methods for operating a modular power infrastructure network, and methods for fabricating a modular power infrastructure network.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage and recovery device is disclosed which includes a heat exchanger arrangement configured for guiding a flow of a heat transfer medium between a first end and a second end, and a heat storage material surrounding the heat exchanger arrangement so that a thermal interaction region is formed for thermally coupling the heat transfer medium with the heat storage material. The heat exchanger arrangement is sealed against the heat storage material so that, when in a first operational mode, in which the heat storage material is supposed to receive thermal energy from the heat transfer medium, a compressed gas is usable as the heat transfer medium for transferring thermal energy from the heat transfer medium to the heat storage material.

Abstract: A method of constructing self-powered air-conditioner comprises a convergent divergent nozzle where powered fan pushes air into said nozzle. While the pushed air accelerates toward the nozzle throat it becomes colder as air internal energy transformed into kinetic energy. An axial turbine installed within the nozzle throat extracts energy from the air in the nozzle and drives an electrical generator that provides electricity to the fan electric motor. Alternatively the turbine and fan are installed on common shaft, which could be the electric generator shaft. The cold air within the nozzle throat cools the nozzle throat skin, which serves as air-conditioner core. The cold nozzle skin is wrapped with coiled pipes in which liquid flows, becomes colder and this cold liquid flows away to heat exchanger where air is flowing through it and becomes colder. This cold air is then flows into spaces needed to be air-conditioned.

Abstract: A compressed air energy storage system including a compressor adapted to receive a process gas and output a compressed process gas. A heat transfer unit may be coupled to the compressor and adapted to receive the compressed process gas and a heat transfer medium and to output a cooled process gas and a heated heat transfer medium. A compressed gas storage unit may be coupled to the heat transfer unit and adapted to receive and store the cooled process gas. A waste heat recovery unit may be coupled to the heat transfer unit and adapted to receive the heated heat transfer medium.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a heat engine system containing working fluid (e.g., sc-CO2) within high and low pressure sides of a working fluid circuit and a heat exchanger configured to transfer thermal energy from a heat source to the working fluid. The heat engine system further contains an expander for converting a pressure drop in the working fluid to mechanical energy, a shaft coupled to the expander and configured to drive a device (e.g., generator or pump) with the mechanical energy, a recuperator for transferring thermal energy between the high and low pressure sides, and a cooler for removing thermal energy from the working fluid in the low pressure side. The heat engine system also contains a pump for circulating the working fluid, a mass management system (MMS) fluidly connected to the working fluid circuit, and a supply tank fluidly connected to the MMS by a supply line.

Abstract: The present application provides a reactor for: converting feedstock material into gases; or disassociating or reforming a chemical compound; and/a a mixture to its constituent elements; and/to other chemical forms, and; finally a heating device. The reactor comprises a heating device for discharging an ionized gas into the reactor, a feedstock feeder for injecting the feedstock material into the reactor, and a shell forming a chamber that encloses a portion of the heating device and a portion of the feedstock feeder. The application also provides a method for converting hydrocarbon material into synthetic gases. The method comprises: providing the hydrocarbon material to a burner inserted into a reactor, a second step of supplying ionized gases into the reactor, and a third step of subjecting the burner to a flame of the ionized gases such that molecules of the hydrocarbon material are dissociated to forming synthetic gas.

Abstract: A switchable solar heating device for a gas turbine with a compressor, having a valve for electively bypassing a solar heater arranged between a compressor stage and a turbine stage of the gas turbine. The valve is constructed as a 4-way valve with a compressor port that can be connected to the compressor stage, a turbine port that can be connected to the turbine stage, a solar input port that can be connected to an input of the solar heater, and a solar output port that can be connected to an output of the solar heater.

Abstract: A system and methods for power generation uses non-aqueous solvent. The method includes treating oil sands with a non-aqueous solvent to extract bitumen in an extraction process and separating the non-aqueous solvent from the bitumen in a solvent recovery process. The method also includes heating the non-aqueous solvent, expanding the non-aqueous solvent to generate power, and cooling the non-aqueous solvent. The method further includes recycling at least a portion of the non-aqueous solvent to the extraction process.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for storing energy and generating power and/or heat within a subsea environment. The systems and methods utilize stored compressed air within an air storage chamber to drive an engine/generator system in order to generate power. The engine may or may not utilize combustion. Alternatively, the systems and methods utilize stored compressed air to supply air to a combustor to generate heat. The heat generated can be used for variety of purposes, including to generate steam and to heat heavy oil.

Abstract: A hot-air engine (10) includes a compressor (12), a heating chamber (14), a rotary displacement type working engine (16) and a drive means (22). The compressor (12) has an inlet (12a) and an outlet (12b). The heating chamber (14) has an inlet (14a), in fluid communication with the outlet (12b) of the compressor (12), and an outlet (14b). The working engine (16) has an inlet (16a), in fluid communication with the outlet (14b) of the heating chamber (14), and an output shaft (16a). The drive means (22) connects the working engine (16) to the compressor (12) such that operation of the working engine (16) causes operation of the compressor (12).

Abstract: A device powered by a method of heating a gas by directing X-rays at a mass of hafnium 178 to induce gamma rays. The gamma rays are directed at a heat exchanging apparatus, resulting in a stream of heated gas. This process powers a Hafnium gas turbine engine capable of providing shaft power or thrust to mechanical devices.

Abstract: A method of converting energy into electricity using a gaseous working fluid and an evaporative fluid comprises pressuring the working fluid (20) in a compressor (1), heating the high-pressure working fluid (22) in a recuperator (8) using thermal energy in low-pressure working fluid (34) emerging from a turbine (2), adding energy from an energy source (5, 6) to increase the temperature and enthalpy of the working fluid (32), expanding the working fluid (32) through the turbine (2), using the turbine to generate electricity, and cooling the low-pressure working fluid (34) emerging from the turbine in the recuperator. The method further comprises lowering the temperature and increasing the mass of the high-pressure working fluid (22) after leaving the compressor (1), and/or after leaving the recuperator (8), by introducing the evaporative fluid (48, 49) to produce evaporative cooling.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to a system and method which employ a compressed gas-driven device with a passive thermodynamic composition. Certain embodiments provide a compressed gas-driven (e.g., CO2-driven) device implementation that includes a passive thermodynamic composition which allows for extended use of the device without freezing and without requiring a persistently-maintained, active (e.g., electrically-powered) heating. Further, certain embodiments provide a compressed gas-driven (e.g., CO2-driven) device implementation that includes a passive thermodynamic composition which allows for extended use of the device without freezing and without requiring an ignition heat source (e.g., electrically-powered or pyrotechnic as generator) for heating the device.

Abstract: Disclosed illustrative embodiments include modular power infrastructure networks, distributed electrical power infrastructure networks, methods for operating a modular power infrastructure network, and methods for fabricating a modular power infrastructure network.

Abstract: A system and method for capturing waste heat and converting the captured waste heat into mechanical or electrical energy.

Abstract: A method and system for generating electrical power is provided in which a high pressure synthesis gas stream generated in a gasifier is partially oxidized in an oxygen transport membrane based reactor, expanded and thereafter, is combusted in an oxygen transport membrane based boiler. A low pressure synthesis gas slip stream is split off downstream of the expanders and used as the source of fuel in the oxygen transport membrane based partial oxidation reactors to allow the oxygen transport membrane to operate at low fuel pressures with high fuel utilization. The combustion within the boiler generates heat to raise steam to in turn generate electricity by a generator coupled to a steam turbine. The resultant flue gas can be purified to produce a carbon dioxide product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of regulating the temperature of a heat regenerator (ST1, ST2) used in an installation (10) for storing energy by adiabatic compression of air. The regenerator is subjected to successive operating cycles, each cycle comprising a compression stage followed by an expansion stage. Between two successive cycles, the method consists in cooling a bottom compartment (26a) of the layer of refractory material (26) of the regenerator that is situated in the proximity of the bottom distribution box (24) in order to bring the air leaving the heat regenerator to a temperature that is compatible with the range of temperatures required during the compression stages. The invention also provides such a heat regenerator.

Abstract: A closed vapor system includes a boiler arranged to store a vapor and a heating source configured to heat the vapor to a predetermined temperature. A source of pressure maintains the pressure of the vapor in a range of about 100 pounds per square inch to 150 pounds per square inch. Pressurized vapor is drawn from the boiler at a pressure in the range of about 100 pounds per square inch. A motor is responsive to the torque of the pressurized vapor drawn from the boiler and is configured to rotate a shaft. A compressor pump is responsive to rotation of the motor shaft and is arranged to receive effluent vapor from the motor to repressurize the effluent vapor and return it to the boiler. The closed vapor system may function as a battery, vehicle engine and a stationary power source.

Abstract: A heat engine system with a rotating wheel assembly. The wheel assembly rotates through an expansion zone and a contraction zone. The expansion zone heated. The contraction zone is not heated and may be actively cooled. Weights are supported by the wheel assembly. Each of the weights are movable from a first position that is a first distance from the wheel's center to a second position that is a farther second distance from that center. A temperature activated piston is coupled to each of the weights. Each of the temperature activated pistons move one of the plurality of weights between its first position and its second position as each temperature activated piston rotates on the wheel assembly through the expansion zone and the contraction zone. The movement of the weights dynamically alters the center of mass for the wheel assembly and causes it to turn.

Abstract: An apparatus performs a power cycle involving expansion of compressed air utilizing high pressure (HP) and low pressure (LP) air turbines located upstream of a gas turbine. The power cycle involves heating of the compressed air prior to its expansion in the HP and LP air turbines. Taking into consideration fuel consumption to heat the compressed air, particular embodiments may result in a net production of electrical energy of ˜2.2-2.5× an amount of energy consumed by substantially isothermal air compression to produce the compressed air supply. Although pressure of the compressed air supply may vary over a range (e.g. as a compressed air storage unit is depleted), the gas turbine may run under almost constant conditions, facilitating its integration with the apparatus. The air turbines may operate at lower temperatures than the gas turbine, and they may include features of turbines employed to turbocharge large reciprocating engines.

Abstract: A control system or method for a vehicle references a camera and sensors to determine when an offset of a yaw rate sensor may be updated. The sensors may include a longitudinal accelerometer, a transmission sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, and a steering angle sensor. The offset of the yaw rate sensor may be updated when the vehicle is determined to be stationary by referencing at least a derivative of an acceleration from the longitudinal accelerometer. The offset of the yaw rate sensor may be updated when the vehicle is determined to be moving straight by referencing at least image data captured by the camera. Lane delimiters may be detected in the captured image data and evaluated to determine a level of confidence in the straight movement. When the offset of the yaw rate sensor is to be updated, a ratio of new offset to old offset may be used.

Abstract: Disclosed illustrative embodiments include modular power infrastructure networks, distributed electrical power infrastructure networks, methods for operating a modular power infrastructure network, and methods for fabricating a modular power infrastructure network.

Abstract: A heating, cooling, and power device includes a shaft and an expander coupled to the shaft to rotate the shaft. A first conduit is coupled to the expander and configured to transport a working fluid. A heater is coupled through the first conduit to the expander. A heat pump is coupled to the shaft. An electric machine is coupled to the shaft to produce electricity or mechanical shaft power. A recuperator includes a second conduit coupled between the expander and recuperator. The heat pump includes a first heat exchanger including a second conduit coupled between the expander and the first heat exchanger. An expansion device includes a third conduit coupled between the first heat exchanger and the expansion device. A second heat exchanger includes a fourth conduit coupled between the expansion device and second heat exchanger. A compressor is coupled to the shaft.

Abstract: A metallurgical plant gas cleaning system (5) comprises at least one gas cleaning unit (28), and a gas flow generating device (22) for generating a flow of effluent gas to be cleaned through the gas cleaning unit (28). The gas cleaning system (5) further comprises a heat exchanger (26) for cooling said effluent gas and for generating a heated fluid, and a heated fluid-propelled drive unit (46) for receiving the heated fluid generated by said heat exchanger (26) to power said gas flow generating device (22).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus (10) for generating work, the apparatus (10) comprising at least one circuit for processing a working fluid in a thermodynamic cycle and mounted in a frame (11A) rotatable about an axis of rotation (12), the at least one circuit comprising, a compressor (13) for increasing the pressure in the working fluid, one or more expanders (17) in, on or downstream from the compressor (13) and extending in a direction having a tangential component, at least one channel (22) for the working fluid, a heat exchanger (18) for heating the accelerating working fluid in the channel (22), and a turbine (16) for generating work.

Abstract: An air-handling system selectively heats and/or cools a target space by circulating ambient air from the target space across a heat exchanger. The system operates along an air flow path having an inlet from the target space and an outlet back into the target space. Air-handling turbines or pumps are located near the inlet and outlet. The heat exchanger is placed in the flow path between the turbines or pumps. The heat exchanger transfers heat into or out of the air, causing a natural pressure increase or decrease in the air. The turbines or pumps are configured to harvest work from the induced pressure differential in order to conserve energy. A combustion chamber may be included directly in the flow path upstream of the heat exchanger for combusting a fuel in the air during a high heating mode.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for storing energy, comprising: compression chamber means (24) for receiving a gas; compression piston means (25) for compressing gas contained in the compression chamber means; first heat storage means (50) for receiving and storing thermal energy from gas compressed by the compression piston means; expansion chamber means (28) for receiving gas after exposure to the first heat storage means; expansion piston means (29) for expanding gas received in the expansion chamber means; and second heat storage means (60) for transferring thermal energy to gas expanded by the expansion piston means. The cycle used by apparatus (10) has two different stages that can be split into separate devices or combined into one device.

Abstract: A monitoring system is for an electric vehicle and an electric vehicle supply equipment. The electric vehicle supply equipment is structured to communicate with the electric vehicle to charge the electric vehicle. The monitoring system includes a monitoring component structured to monitor communication and monitor energy or power flow between the electric vehicle supply equipment and the electric vehicle, a storage component cooperating with the monitoring component to store information corresponding to the monitored communication and the monitored energy or power flow between the electric vehicle supply equipment and the electric vehicle, and a power supply structured to power at least one of the monitoring component and the storage component.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to a system and method which employ a compressed gas-driven device with a passive thermodynamic composition. Certain embodiments provide a compressed gas-driven (e.g., CO2-driven) device implementation that includes a passive thermodynamic composition which allows for extended use of the device without freezing and without requiring a persistently-maintained, active (e.g., electrically-powered) heating. Further, certain embodiments provide a compressed gas-driven (e.g., CO2-driven) device implementation that includes a passive thermodynamic composition which allows for extended use of the device without freezing and without requiring an ignition heat source (e.g., electrically-powered or pyrotechnic as generator) for heating the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of converting thermal energy into mechanical energy wherein a working liquid such as is evaporated to generate a stream of a working fluid. According to the invention, the stream of the working fluid is a stream of pressurized distillate produced by evaporation and condensation using a direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) unit, said stream of pressurized distillate having a pressure of at least one bar, and a converter such as a turbine is used for generating mechanical energy from said stream of said pressurized distillate. The invention also relates to an apparatus for performing the method.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for rapidly and isothermally expanding and compressing gas in energy storage and recovery systems that use open-air hydraulic-pneumatic cylinder assemblies, such as an accumulator and an intensifier in communication with a high-pressure gas storage reservoir on a gas-side of the circuits and a combination fluid motor/pump, coupled to a combination electric generator/motor on the fluid side of the circuits. The systems use heat transfer subsystems in communication with at least one of the cylinder assemblies or reservoir to thermally condition the gas being expanded or compressed.

Abstract: Various thermodynamic power-generating cycles employ a mass management system to regulate the pressure and amount of working fluid circulating throughout the working fluid circuits. The mass management systems may have a mass control tank fluidly coupled to the working fluid circuit at one or more strategically-located tie-in points. A heat exchanger coil may be used in conjunction with the mass control tank to regulate the temperature of the fluid within the mass control tank, and thereby determine whether working fluid is either extracted from or injected into the working fluid circuit. Regulating the pressure and amount of working fluid in the working fluid circuit helps selectively increase or decrease the suction pressure of the pump, which can increase system efficiency.

Abstract: A compressor system includes a gear box having a first drive gear, a second drive gear and a first driven gear. A prime mover is coupled to the first drive gear and is operable to input rotational power to the gear box and a compressor is coupled to the first driven gear and is operable in response to rotation of the first driven gear to produce a flow of compressed gas. A heat exchanger is positioned to receive the flow of compressed gas and a flow of fluid and is operable to cool the flow of compressed gas and heat the flow of fluid to produce a flow of heated gas. A screw expander is coupled to the second drive gear and is operable in response to the flow of heated gas to input rotational power to the gear box.

Abstract: An exemplary system and method for storing and retrieving energy in a thermoelectric energy storage system is disclosed. The thermoelectric energy storage system includes a working fluid that is circulated through a first and second heat exchanger, and a thermal storage medium that is circulated through the first heat exchanger. The second heat exchanger is in connection with a first thermal bath during a charging cycle and with a second thermal bath during a discharging cycle. In this way roundtrip efficiency is improved through minimizing the temperature difference between the first thermal bath and the hot storage tank during charging, and maximizing the temperature difference between the second thermal bath and the hot storage tank during discharging.

Abstract: A method of heating a gas by directing X-rays at a mass of hafnium 178 to induce gamma rays. The gamma rays are directed at a heat exchanging apparatus, resulting in a stream of heated gas. This process powers a Hafnium gas turbine engine capable of providing shaft power or thrust to mechanical devices.

Abstract: An efficient thermal engine is disclosed. In some embodiments, a remainder of energy remaining after an expansion cycle is used to power a subsequent compression cycle. In other embodiments, novel configurations for a larger expansion volume than compression volume are provided. In addition, work of compression may be reduced in a compression cycle, and recovered in an expansion cycle.

Abstract: A thermal magnetic engine and a thermal magnetic engine system are disclosed. The thermal magnetic engine includes a fixed element, a rotation element, working fluid and a fin structure. The rotation element includes a working material. The rotation element rotates relative to the fixed element. The working fluid flows through the rotation element and forms a temperature difference on the working material. The fin structure is disposed on the rotation element. The rotation element rotates along a rotating direction due to the temperature difference on the working material and/or due to the flowing of the first working fluid through the fin structure.

Abstract: A traction control system and methodology that utilize a phase-out and phase-in of maximum drive torque and/or a regenerative brake torque based on vehicle speed and road slope.

Abstract: An engine/heat pump is shown. The preferred model has at least one expander, being a centrifugal pump and at least one compressor, being a centrifugal pump, the rotor for the expander and the rotor for the compressor being on the same axle. The axle and rotors and all rapidly moving parts are surrounded by the working fluid, which is a monatomic gas within a substantially stationary container not pierced by any moving part. An electric dynamo also completely surrounded by the gas rotates magnets in an aerodynamic configuration simulating a group of horseshoe magnets. The dynamo coils between the ends of the magnets are also in an aerodynamic structure but stationary. The output wires extend through the gas container wall. Heat exchangers are on the paths between compressor and expander.

Abstract: Aircraft with an emission-free drive and method for emission-free driving of an aircraft. The aircraft includes a drive device structured and arranged to generate thrust, a lift device structured and arranged to generate lift, and a heat engine structured and arranged to convert thermal energy into kinetic energy to drive the drive device. The heat engine includes at least one flat-plate Stirling engine drivable by solar thermal radiation.

Abstract: A novel engine for producing power from a temperature differential with additional benefits of low cost, high efficiency, quiet operation minimal wear of components, and the ability to produce power or cooling from low grade heat sources.

Abstract: A process (10) for co-producing synthesis gas and power includes in a synthesis gas generation stage, producing a hot synthesis gas and, in a nuclear power generation stage (12), heating a working fluid with heat generated by a nuclear reaction to produce a heated working fluid and generating power by expanding the heated working fluid using one or more turbines (16), with additional heating (14) of the heated working fluid by indirect transfer of heat from the hot synthesis gas to the heated working fluid.

Abstract: Devices and methods for moving a working fluid through a controlled thermodynamic cycle in a positive displacement fluid-handling device (20, 20?, 20?) with minimal energy input include continuously varying the relative compression and expansion ratios of the working fluid in respective compressor and expander sections without diminishing volumetric efficiency. In one embodiment, a rotating valve plate arrangement (40, 42, 44, 46) is provided with moveable apertures or windows (48, 50, 56, 58) for conducting the passage of the working fluid in a manner which enables on-the-fly management of the thermodynamic efficiency of the device (20) under varying conditions in order to maximize the amount of mechanical work needed to move the target quantity of heat absorbed and released by the working fluid. When operated in refrigeration modes, the work required to move the heat is minimized. In power modes, the work extracted for the given input heat is maximized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of converting thermal energy into mechanical energy using a non-gaseous working medium present in an apparatus comprising a plurality of heat exchangers and an outgoing shaft. In accordance with the invention, the apparatus used comprises a multitude of chamber units, a chamber unit comprising an inlet for introducing heat exchange medium and an outlet for discharging heat exchange medium as well as a closed chamber having a heat exchanger wall for exchanging heat between working medium inside the closed chamber and the heat exchange medium introduced into the chamber unit via said inlet for introducing heat exchange medium and heat exchange medium is passed around so as to do work when it is giving off heat to a chamber unit containing relatively cool working medium and recuperate heat when it is passed through a chamber unit containing relatively warm working medium. The invention also relates to an apparatus for performing the method.