Abstract: The invention shows making useful work by using low grade thermal energy or even ambient thermal energy, via a thermodynamic cycle. The thermodynamic cycle uses heat addition at constant volume as a main building block, avoiding use of a pump and saving pumping power. The inventive thermodynamic may operate in a batched thermodynamic activity approach. In addition, a recuperation heat exchanger (782) may be utilized for a high degree of recuperation, i.e., recovery of the thermal energy from the cycle exhaust. Smart controls effect the process. The cycle, in a batched approach may include stop/realign/restart, as one option, taking 10, 15 seconds each, and the cycle itself every, for example, 2 minutes, to reduce the vessel (456) size.

Abstract: The present invention comprises, in one embodiment, a process for producing energy through a thermodynamic cycle comprising transforming a first working fluid having at least two components into usable energy and a first exhaust stream; diverting at least a portion of the first exhaust stream to form a diverted first exhaust stream; transferring heat from the diverted first exhaust stream to the first working fluid, thereby partially condensing the diverted first exhaust stream to form a partially condensed diverted first exhaust stream; separating the partially condensed diverted first exhaust stream into a vapor stream and a liquid stream; and transforming the vapor stream into usable energy. The present invention also comprises a system for producing energy through novel implementation of a thermodynamic cycle.

Abstract: The present invention comprises, in one embodiment, a process for producing energy through a thermodynamic cycle comprising transforming a first working fluid having at least two components into usable energy and a first exhaust stream; diverting at least a portion of the first exhaust stream to form a diverted first exhaust stream; transferring heat from the diverted first exhaust stream to the first working fluid, thereby partially condensing the diverted first exhaust stream to form a partially condensed diverted first exhaust stream; separating the partially condensed diverted first exhaust stream into a vapor stream and a liquid stream; and transforming the vapor stream into usable energy. The present invention also comprises a system for producing energy through novel implementation of a thermodynamic cycle.