Abstract: In some implementations, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus may include a first steam engine, an intermediate storage, and a second steam engine. The first steam engine may include a first inlet and a first exhaust, wherein the first inlet receives steam from a source of thermal energy. The intermediate storage may be coupled to the first exhaust, wherein the intermediate storage stores thermal energy provided by steam from the first exhaust. The second steam engine may include a second inlet coupled to the intermediate storage. Moreover, at least one of the first steam engine and the second steam engine may produce work. Furthermore, the first steam engine may be driven by the steam received from the source of thermal energy, and the second steam engine may be driven by steam from at least one of the intermediate storage and the first exhaust. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: In some aspects, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus may include a cylinder for a reciprocating steam engine, wherein the cylinder further comprises a cylinder ring. The cylinder ring may include a face and a heel, wherein the face makes contact with a piston of the reciprocating steam engine, wherein the heel inserts into a cavity formed on an inner surface of the cylinder, wherein the cavity is positioned in a region of the inner surface proximate to a top of the piston, when the piston is at a bottom dead center position. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: In some implementations, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus may include a first steam engine, an intermediate storage, and a second steam engine. The first steam engine may include a first inlet and a first exhaust, wherein the first inlet receives steam from a source of thermal energy. The intermediate storage may be coupled to the first exhaust, wherein the intermediate storage stores thermal energy provided by steam from the first exhaust. The second steam engine may include a second inlet coupled to the intermediate storage. Moreover, at least one of the first steam engine and the second steam engine may produce work. Furthermore, the first steam engine may be driven by the steam received from the source of thermal energy, and the second steam engine may be driven by steam from at least one of the intermediate storage and the first exhaust. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: A thermal power plant is disclosed that comprises a heating system (10) that utilizes solar radiation for heating a working fluid, a turbine (11) to which, in operation, the working fluid is delivered, a condenser (13) located downstream from the turbine and arranged for condensing vapour exhausted from the turbine, and a cooling system (14) associated with the condenser. The heating system comprises a field of reflectors (17) that, during diurnal periods, are arranged (for example by pivoting) to reflect incident solar radiation to a receiver (18) for heating the working fluid. The cooling system (14) is arranged in operation of the power plant to transport a coolant fluid to which heat is transferred during vapour condensing and it comprises a subterranean heat exchanger incorporating conduits (27) through which the coolant is recirculated when cycling through the condenser.