Abstract: A thermodynamic system and method for performing work includes a working fluid and a fluid pump for pumping the working fluid through a cycle. A thermal input supplies heat to the working fluid. An expansion device downstream of the thermal input converts at least the heat of the working fluid to useful work. A heat exchanger downstream of the expansion device has a first portion to transfer heat from downstream said expansion device to a second portion at or upstream of said thermal input. A conversion device expands the working fluid with constant enthalpy from a higher to a lower pressure.

Abstract: A thermodynamic system and method of producing useful work includes providing a working fluid and a fluid pump, or compressor, for pumping the working fluid in a cycle. A thermal input is provided for supplying heat to the working fluid. An expansion device downstream of the thermal input converts motion of the working fluid to useful work. A heat pump is provided. A number of different means of implementing the heat pump are presented, including direct transfer of working fluid mass flow. The heat pump pumps heat from one portion of the working fluid to another portion of the working fluid. For some applications, a regenerator, or recuperator, may be used to transfer heat from a high temperature portion of the working fluid to a lower temperature portion.

Abstract: A thermodynamic system and method of producing useful work includes providing a working fluid and a fluid pump, or compressor, for pumping the working fluid in a cycle. A thermal input is provided for supplying heat to the working fluid. An expansion device downstream of the thermal input converts motion of the working fluid to useful work. A heat pump is provided. A number of different means of implementing the heat pump are presented, including direct transfer of working fluid mass flow. The heat pump pumps heat from one portion of the working fluid to another portion of the working fluid. For some applications, a regenerator, or recuperator, may be used to transfer heat from a high temperature portion of the working fluid to a lower temperature portion.