Abstract: A method of obtaining work (e.g. electrical energy) in a counterpressure steam system in which the steam is expanded to produce work, e.g. drive an electrical current generator, in which the steam, prior to the expansion, is passed into isobaric heat exchange at an elevated pressure with expanded steam and is then heated substantially isobarically by externally supplied heat. After expansion and at a relatively low pressure, the steam is substantially isobarically cooled.

Abstract: A process for generating steam with sensible low-temperature waste heat wherein preheated feed water is expanded in a succession of pressure stages after picking up the sensible heat from the fluid carrying the waste heat, and the vapor generated in each stage by the expansion is saturated, compressed to the pressure of the next higher pressure stage and then admitted thereto, i.e. combined with the steam of this next higher stage. The system allows waste heat recovery from low temperature heat carriers where this waste heat was discarded in the past.