Abstract: Cascading Closed Loop Cycle (CCLC) and Super Cascading Closed Loop Cycle (Super-CCLC) systems are described for recovering power in the form of mechanical or electrical energy from the waste heat of a steam turbine system. The waste heat from the boiler and steam condenser is recovered by vaporizing propane or other light hydrocarbon fluids in multiple indirect heat exchangers; expanding the vaporized propane in multiple cascading expansion turbines to generate useful power; and condensing to a liquid using a cooling system. The liquid propane is then pressurized with pumps and returned to the indirect heat exchangers to repeat the vaporization, expansion, liquefaction and pressurization cycle in a closed, hermetic process.

Abstract: A Cascading Closed Loop Cycle (CCLC) system is described for recovering power in the form of mechanical or electrical energy from any thermal energy source whose temperature is sufficiently high to vaporize a pressurized light hydrocarbon medium such as propane or propylene. A light hydrocarbon medium is vaporized in multiple indirect heat exchangers; expanded in multiple cascading expansion turbines to generate useful power; and condensed to a liquid using a cooling system. The light hydrocarbon liquid medium is then pressurized with a pump and returned to the indirect heat exchangers to repeat the vaporization, expansion, liquefaction and pressurization cycle in a closed, hermetic process.