Abstract: A method and a device for recovering heat from an engine and for converting the heat into mechanical energy using an expansion machine. A heat accumulator fluid is guided in a primary circuit by means of a primary pump and is firstly heated by the waste heat of the combustion engine by means of a heat exchanger, is transferred into a heat accumulator and recirculated to the first heat exchanger, and, secondly, the heat accumulator fluid is guided in a secondary circuit by said heat accumulator fluid being extracted in the vapor state from the heat accumulator and being supplied to the expansion machine, and being condensed by means of a condenser downstream thereof and being recirculated into the heat accumulator by means of a secondary pump. The primary circuit of the heat accumulator fluid is connected to the secondary circuit exclusively via the heat accumulator.

Abstract: A method and a device for recovering heat from an engine and for converting the heat into mechanical energy using an expansion machine. A heat accumulator fluid is guided in a primary circuit by means of a primary pump and is firstly heated by the waste heat of the combustion engine by means of a heat exchanger, is transferred into a heat accumulator and recirculated to the first heat exchanger, and, secondly, the heat accumulator fluid is guided in a secondary circuit by said heat accumulator fluid being extracted in the vapor state from the heat accumulator and being supplied to the expansion machine, and being condensed by means of a condenser downstream thereof and being recirculated into the heat accumulator by means of a secondary pump. The primary circuit of the heat accumulator fluid is connected to the secondary circuit exclusively via the heat accumulator.

Abstract: A waste-heat turbine unit is equipped with a rotating cylinder that is formed as a hollow body that carries a blading on its exterior. The blading is subjected to the exhaust gases of an internal-combustion engine that is a component of a drive assembly, particularly for motor vehicles. The blading, that is located adjacent to exhaust gas duct outlets of the internal-combustion engine, extends spirally along the cylinder. As a result, the stability of the cylinder is increased, and the heat transfer from the exterior to the interior of the cylinder is optimized, whereby the utilization of energy is improved.

Abstract: This drive unit comprises an internal combustion engine and a waste heat turbine unit wherein the energy contents of the exhaust gas are utilized. The waste heat turbine unit is provided with a rotating cylinder fashioned as a hollow member, carrying on its outside blading exposed to the exhaust gases. A medium convertible into steam is supplied by means of a device to the inside of the cylinder. This medium expands in the steam turbine unit with the generation of power.

Abstract: A drive unit of the type that includes an internal combustion engine and a waste-heat turbine unit that has a compressor, a secondary turbine, and an exhaust-gas turbine with hollow blades, within which the kinetic and heat energy of the exhaust gases are utilized in a superimposed work process is improved by forming the blades as pipes of at least an approximately circular cross section increases the degree of efficiency by better utilization of the kinetic energy of the exhaust gases in the exhaust-gas turbine by increasing the difference between the entering and exiting speeds thereof. In accordance with preferred embodiments, the pipes forming the turbine blades can be arranged in one circular ring or in multiple concentric rings. Additionally, the profile of the outer circumference of the blade-forming pipes, in accordance with one embodiment, is shaped to increase the flow resistance thereof.

Abstract: A drive assembly, especially for motor vehicles, of the type comprising an internal combustion engine and an exhaust gas turbine unit including an exhaust gas driven turbine is improved by virtue of structure for utilizing the heat energy of the exhaust gases of the internal combustion engine in addition to the kinetic energy. According to a preferred embodiment, the exhaust gas turbine unit comprises, in addition to the exhaust gas turbine, a compressor and a secondary turbine for deriving power from the heat energy of the exhaust gases. Still further, another feature includes the provision of a heat exchanger for transferring thermal energy from the exhaust gases to a working medium after the working medium has been compressed by the compressor, the heat exchanger being formed by hollow blades of the exhaust gas driven turbine.