Abstract: A waste heat recovery system for use with an engine. The waste heat recovery system receives heat input from both an exhaust gas recovery system and exhaust gas streams. The system includes a first loop and a second loop. The first loop is configured to receive heat from both the exhaust gas recovery system and the exhaust system as necessary. The second loop receives heat from the first loop and the exhaust gas recovery system. The second loop converts the heat energy into electrical energy through the use of a turbine.

Abstract: A waste heat utilization device recovering waste heat produced by an internal combustion engine from a heat medium includes a Rankine cycle circuit including an evaporator, an expander, a condenser and a pump serially arranged in a circulation line along which a combustible working fluid circulates. A casing air-tightly encloses the Rankine cycle circuit to chemically inactivate the Rankine cycle circuit.

Abstract: A waste heat recovery (WHR) system operates in a reverse mode, permitting using the WHR system to transfer heat to the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine. In another configuration, a WHR system may operate in two modes. The first mode removes heat from exhaust gas of an engine to perform useful work. The second mode transfers heat to the exhaust gas. The benefit of this flexible system is that a WHR system is adaptable to rapidly heat exhaust gas at startup and during other conditions where the temperature of the exhaust gas is less than a predetermined operating range. Because of the ability to rapidly warm engine exhaust gas, an exhaust gas receiving system, such as an EGR or an aftertreatment system, may function to reduce the emissions of the engine more quickly. Because this system is reversible, it retains the capability of a conventional WHR system.

Abstract: A vehicle waste heat recovery system may include a first pump, an internal combustion engine, a waste heat recovery device and a condenser. The first pump may be in fluid communication with a fluid. The internal combustion engine may be operable to power rotation of a drive axle of a vehicle and may define an engine coolant passage having an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the first pump. The waste heat recovery device may have an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the engine coolant passage. The condenser may have an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the waste heat recovery device and an outlet in fluid communication with an inlet of the first pump.

Abstract: An energy recovery system and method using an organic rankine cycle is provided for recovering waste heat from an internal combustion engine, which effectively controls condenser pressure to prevent unwanted cavitation within the fluid circulation pump. A coolant system may be provided with a bypass conduit around the condenser and a bypass valve selectively and variably controlling the flow of coolant to the condenser and the bypass. A subcooler may be provided integral with the receiver for immersion in the accumulated fluid or downstream of the receiver to effectively subcool the fluid near the inlet to the fluid pump.

Abstract: An energy harvesting system comprises a first region having a first temperature and a second region having a second temperature. A conduit is located at least partially within the first region. A heat engine configured for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy includes a shape memory alloy forming at least one generally continuous loop. The shape memory alloy is disposed in heat exchange contact with the first region and the second region. A carrier surrounds the conduit such that the carrier is driven to rotate around the conduit by the shape memory alloy in response to the temperature difference between the first region and the second region.

Abstract: A power plant includes an engine configured to receive charge air and produce exhaust. A first turbo machine is configured to be driven by the exhaust and drive a compressor that receives air. The compressor is configured to produce the charge air. A second turbo machine is configured to receive a portion of the exhaust and rotationally drive a pump in response thereto. High temperature and low temperature EGR heat exchangers are arranged in the exhaust gas recirculation passage serially relative to one another upstream from the pump. A heat exchanger arranged in the exhaust gas recirculation passage upstream from the pump. A water separator is arranged in the exhaust gas recirculation passage fluidly between the heat exchanger and the pump. An EGR catalyst is arranged in the exhaust gas recirculation passage upstream from the heat exchanger.

Abstract: In a motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine providing a hot exhaust gas flow which is used as heat source for a Clausius-Rankine cycle process, wherein a pump is provided in the cycle for pumping, pressurizing and circulating an operating fluid, the pumping operation is controlled by a controller depending on the exhaust gas mass flow through an evaporator and possibly also the exhaust gas temperature to vaporize the operating fluid and expanding the vapor under pressure in an expander while generating energy. The vapor is condensed in a condenser to form a condensate which is again returned to the pump.

Abstract: The present invention provides a waste heat recovering device capable of recovering waste heat with good efficiency from various heat sources in an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: In accordance with exemplary embodiments, a Stirling engine is integrated into an exhaust system of a vehicle. The system comprises an engine coupled to a cooling system and an exhaust system. An emission control system is coupled to the exhaust system. A Stirling engine has one end coupled to the cooling system and another end selectively coupled to the exhaust system between the engine and the emission control system, and configured be driven from heat extracted from exhaust gas flow. The Stirling engine drives an electrical energy generator that provides electrical energy for storage in an energy storage system.

Abstract: An energy harvesting system includes a heat engine and a component. The heat engine includes first and second regions, a conduit, and a shape memory alloy (SMA) material. The conduit extends along a central axis. The SMA material surrounds the conduit and is disposed in one of the regions. The SMA material is radially spaced from a secondary axis that surrounds the central axis. A localized region of the SMA material changes crystallographic phase from martensite to austenite and contract in response to exposure to the first temperature. The localized region of the SMA material also changes crystallographic phase from austenite to martensite and expands in response to exposure to the second temperature. The SMA material rotates about the secondary axis in response to the contraction and expansion of the localized region of the SMA material. Rotation of the SMA material about the secondary axis drives the component.

Abstract: A method of assembling an energy harvesting system is provided. The method includes coupling at least one energy storage device in flow communication with at least one apparatus that is configured to generate thermal energy and to transfer the thermal energy into at least one fluid stream. The energy storage device is configured to store the fluid stream. Moreover, the method includes coupling at least one fluid transfer device downstream from the energy storage device. The fluid transfer device receives the fluid stream from the energy storage device. A bladeless turbine is coupled in flow communication with the fluid transfer device, wherein the bladeless turbine receives the fluid stream to generate power.

Abstract: A first heat medium is circulated in a first circulating path (engine cooling circuit) of a heat source (engine) to cool the heat source down by the first heat medium, and exhaust heat from the heat source is absorbed by the first heat medium. A second heat medium is circulated in a second circulating path (exhaust heat recovering circuit) to exchange heat of exhaust air with the second heat medium, and heat of the first heat medium is exchanged with the second heat medium circulating in the second circulation path. The heat of the second medium to which heat is applied due to these heat exchanges is stored in heat storage means (heat storage tank).

Abstract: A waste heat recovery system that efficiently converts waste heat from an engine coolant and an engine exhaust in a vehicle. The system includes a coolant heat exchanger that receives heat from the engine coolant, an exhaust heat exchanger that receives heat from the engine exhaust and an economizer heat exchanger. A plurality of valves control the flow of the fluid in different modes as determined by a power ratio between the heat provided by the exhaust heat exchanger and the heat provided by the coolant heat exchanger, including an economizer heat exchanger after coolant heat exchanger mode at low power ratios, where the fluid from the pump flows to the economizer heat exchanger after the coolant heat exchanger and an economizer heat exchanger before coolant heat exchanger mode at high power ratios, where the fluid from the pump flows to the economizer heat exchanger before the coolant heat exchanger.

Abstract: One or more methods for generating electricity using waste heat are provided herein. The method can include providing an exhaust gas to a first silencing chamber within an inner housing of a heat recovery silencer, flowing the exhaust gas from the first silencing chamber to a second silencing chamber within the inner housing, flowing the exhaust gas from the second silencing chamber to a third silencing chamber within the inner housing and imparting a spiral flow path to the exhaust gas as the exhaust gas enters the third silencing chamber.

Abstract: A waste heat recovery system for use with an engine. The waste heat recovery system receives heat input from both an exhaust gas recovery system and exhaust gas streams. The system includes a first loop and a second loop. The first loop is configured to receive heat from both the exhaust gas recovery system and the exhaust system as necessary. The second loop receives heat from the first loop and the exhaust gas recovery system. The second loop converts the heat energy into electrical energy through the use of a turbine.

Abstract: A high order of thermal efficiency is achieved in a steam engine or steam expander having a piston clearance that approximates zero together with a negligible amount of compression, such that pressure in the clearance volume approximates ambient pressure, i.e. atmospheric or condenser pressure as the case may be at the end of the piston return stroke when the clearance is essentially zero and constitutes a new engine apparatus and Rankine operating cycle that can be referred to as “zero clearance with zero compression”. The steam admission valve assembly can be operated either automatically responsive to piston contact or by means of a cam shaft or electrically by means of a solenoid. A normally open exhaust valve permits residual steam to be exhausted through the piston return stroke, closed by the piston or cam then held closed by a fresh charge of steam.

Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment system for an internal combustion engine includes an exhaust manifold that is configured for fluid communication with an exhaust port to receive an exhaust gas flow. It also includes a primary turbocharger having a turbine inlet configured for fluid communication with the exhaust manifold to receive the exhaust gas flow and pass it to an outlet. It also includes an exhaust bypass valve that is operable for movement between an open position and a closed position, the exhaust bypass valve having an inlet that is configured for fluid communication with the exhaust manifold in the open position to receive the exhaust gas flow and pass it to an outlet. Still further, it includes an exhaust aftertreatment device configured for thermal communication with the exhaust manifold, the device having an inlet configured for fluid communication with the turbine and bypass outlets to receive the exhaust gas flows therefrom.

Abstract: A waste heat recovery system for use with an engine. The waste heat recovery system receives heat input from both an exhaust gas recovery system and exhaust gas streams. The system includes a first loop and a second loop. The first loop is configured to receive heat from both the exhaust gas recovery system and the exhaust system as necessary. The second loop receives heat from the first loop and the exhaust gas recovery system. The second loop converts the heat energy into electrical energy through the use of a turbine.

Abstract: A method and system for waste heat recovery for conversion to mechanical energy. Exhaust is received from an engine into a first heat exchanger where heat from the exhaust is transferred to a refrigerant. The exhaust is then transferred to a regenerator module in order to produce electricity which is provided to a power box. The hot refrigerant from the first heat exchanger is transferred to a kinetic energy recovery system to produce electricity which is also transferred to said power box. The power box provides electricity to a traction motor and the traction motor turns an axle. The refrigerant is then transferred to a refrigerant cooling unit and then to a second heat exchanger wherein ambient air from the regenerator module is cooled. The refrigerant and cooled ambient air can be then transferred to an engine cooling jacket to cool the engine.

Abstract: A steam powered engine system wherein hot exhaust gas produced by a small secondary engine is used to heat water to a temperature above 212 degrees F., the superheated water being injected into a cylinder containing hot compressed gas. The water then flash expands into steam to drive a piston. The hot exhaust gas from the secondary engine is further utilized to scavenge spent gas and liquid from the cylinder during the return stroke of the piston, as well as to maintain a suitably high temperature within the cylinder.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a Stirling engine that uses exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine as a high-temperature heat source and is provided with a starter that drives an output shaft, includes a control unit that drives the starter in starting up the Stirling engine, stops driving the starter when a rotational speed of the Stirling engine reaches a target rotational speed, and then drives the starter again when the rotational speed of the Stirling engine becomes lower than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A power pack has an electrically controlled internal combustion engine which is provided with a turbo charger which is immersed in liquid coolant to reduce the risk of a spark therefrom igniting combustible gas in the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: A waste heat regeneration system includes a pump, a coolant boiler, an exhaust gas boiler, an expander, a first condenser, a gas/liquid separator, and a supercooler. A first flow control valve adjusts the amount of an operating fluid circulating in a first bypass flow path by controlling its opening degree based on a pressure difference P1?P2 corresponding to a temperature difference T1?T2 between the temperature T1 of the operating fluid on the upstream side of the supercooler and the temperature T2 of the operating fluid on the downstream side thereof, thereby maintaining the temperature difference T1?T2 so as to be larger than or equal to a predetermined value necessary for preventing the generation of cavitation in the pump, and ensuring the degree of supercooling.

Abstract: A thermo-electric engine with a working fluid operative in a closed Rankine cycle to enable a harvesting energy from an external source of thermodynamic energy comprising an internal combustion engine or solar energy. The thermo-electric engine comprising an evaporator; a turbine fluidically coupled to the evaporator; a heat exchanger comprising a condenser for receiving working fluid from the turbine; a hot liquid input for coupling to a source of heated liquid coolant from an internal combustion engine to the evaporator; a liquid return for returning liquid coolant to the internal combustion engine; a cooling liquid input to the condenser for receiving cooling liquid from a radiator; and a cooling liquid return for returning the cooling liquid to the radiator. Alternatively, a solar energy collector can power a turbine fluidically coupled to the solar energy collector for receiving working fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for exhaust gas heat utilization comprising a steam generator arrangement (20) to which exhaust gas is applied, in which heat contained in the exhaust gas can be transferred to a working medium for further utilization, characterized by a heat accumulator (38) to which the exhaust gas can be applied, and control means for controlling exhaust gas partial flows according to a value representing the available heat energy of the exhaust gas by the heat accumulator and the steam generator arrangement.

Abstract: For operating an internal combustion engine having a throttle situated in an exhaust line or exhaust return line, in which a heat engine is driven by a quantity of heat produced by the internal combustion engine, in a first non-heating operating mode of the internal combustion engine, a first setpoint value is preset, a first operating parameter that characterizes a temperature of the internal combustion engine is detected, a first triggering value is determined for the triggering of the at least one throttle as a function of the first setpoint value and the first operating parameter, the at least one throttle is triggered in accordance with the first triggering value, and the at least one heat engine is driven by the resulting quantity of heat.

Abstract: When a detection value of a temperature sensor exceeds a set temperature, an ECU increases an opening of a sub-port by controlling a solenoid valve, and as a result, an intake volume of an expander increases. The ECU then adjusts the mass flow rate of a coolant flowing through a boiler so that a detection value of a pressure sensor indicates a pressure as close as possible to an upper limit pressure, on condition that an upper limit temperature is not exceeded.

Abstract: An exhaust heat recovery apparatus includes a Stirling engine and a clutch. The Stirling engine produces motive power by recovering thermal energy from exhaust gas discharged from an internal combustion engine from which exhaust heat is recovered. The motive power produced by the Stirling engine is transmitted to an internal combustion engine transmission through the clutch and an exhaust heat recovery device transmission, and combined with the motive power produced by the internal combustion engine through the internal combustion engine transmission, and is output from an output shaft. If rapid acceleration is required, and the increase in the rotation speed of the Stirling engine therefore lags behind the increase in the rotation speed of the internal combustion engine, the clutch is released. With this configuration, reduction in the power output from the heat engine, from which exhaust heat is recovered, is restricted, and the degradation of the acceleration performance is minimized.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a waste heat recovery (WHR) system and method for regulating exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooling, and more particularly, to a Rankine cycle WHR system and method, including a recuperator bypass arrangement to regulate EGR exhaust gas cooling for engine efficiency improvement and thermal management. This disclosure describes other unique bypass arrangements for increased flexibility in the ability to regulate EGR exhaust gas cooling.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine operating on spherical rotary valves in combination with a steam engine driven by the exhaust heat of the internal combustion engine, both engines are utilized to generate electricity, a portion of the waste steam is also utilized to scrub the pollutants from the exhaust of the internal combustion engine prior to its introduction to the ambient atmosphere.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an internal combustion engine which is optimized with regard to the cooling of a turbine. The engine has at least one cylinder head and block, forming at least one cylinder, and at least one turbine. Each cylinder has at least one exhaust opening for discharging the exhaust gases from the cylinder. An exhaust gas line is connected to each exhaust opening, the exhaust gas lines converging to produce at least one combined exhaust gas line, thereby forming at least one exhaust manifold, which opens into the at least one turbine having a turbine housing. The turbine has at least one flow channel conducting exhaust gas through the turbine housing, and at least one coolant passage integrated in the housing forming a cooling facility. At least one chamber is arranged between the at least one coolant passage and the at least one flow channel conducting exhaust gas.

Abstract: A drive unit and a method for the operation thereof. The drive unit has an internal combustion engine in operative connection with a driven shaft and a reciprocating piston expansion engine in an operative connection with a crankshaft. The driven shaft is mechanically connected to the crankshaft by a clutch in such a way that torque is transmitted from the crankshaft to the driveshaft. The reciprocating piston expansion engine has at least one cylinder, and a fluid is guided from a fluid supply into an interior of the at least one cylinder at least occasionally via an inlet valve and a bypass valve which is arranged in parallel with the inlet valve.

Abstract: An exhaust heat recovery apparatus includes a reciprocating internal combustion engine in which a piston reciprocates in a cylinder to generate motive power; and a Stirling engine that recovers the thermal energy of the exhaust gas discharged from the internal combustion engine and converts the thermal energy into kinetic energy. The Stirling engine is united with the internal combustion engine. A heater that the Stirling engine includes is disposed in an exhaust manifold of the internal combustion engine. With this configuration, it is possible to restrict reduction in the power output from the exhaust heat recovery means.

Abstract: In an exhaust gas heat utilization device of a motor vehicle, comprising an exhaust gas heat utilization cycle in which an operating temperature of an operating fluid of the exhaust gas heat utilization cycle is controlled by adapting a mass flow of the operating fluid through a heat exchanger of the exhaust gas heat utilization cycle in such a way that a maximum permissible operating temperature, in particular the decomposition temperature, of the operating fluid is not exceeded.

Abstract: A high efficiency combined cycle internal combustion and steam engine includes a cylinder with a combustion chamber outward of a piston, a cylinder cap slideably mounted within the piston and a steam expansion chamber inside the piston. The cap can be heated to reduce condensation of steam. Steam remaining when a steam exhaust valve closes can be recompressed prior to admitting the next charge of steam. One valve or a pair of steam inlet valves connected in series act in cooperation to help maximize efficiency. The amount of steam admitted each stroke is regulated by shifting the phase of one steam admission valve of a pair to vary their overlap for determining the steam mass admitted each cycle. Other valves balance steam displacement with the steam generator output to use steam more efficiently.

Abstract: A high efficiency combined cycle internal combustion and steam engine includes a cylinder and a piston with an internal combustion chamber outward of the piston, a fixed cylinder cap and a steam expansion chamber inside the piston. The cylinder cap can be heated to reduce condensation of steam entering from a steam generator fired by waste combustion heat. Following exhaust, residual steam can be recompressed prior to admitting the next charge of steam. A wrist pin connected to an inner end of the piston skirt inwardly of the cylinder cap is coupled to a connecting rod secured to a crankshaft. One valve or a pair of steam inlet valves are connected to communicate in series within the cylinder cap inside the piston. The steam mass admitted is regulated to reduce fuel consumption. Coolant can be superheated in the combustion exhaust manifold.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated engine generator Rankine cycle power system which increases the efficiency of the use of its power output. The system comprises a closed Rankine cycle power generating unit through which working fluid flows and an engine generator, the closed Rankine cycle power generating unit including a waste heat boiler for vaporizing said working fluid by means of exhaust gases discharged from the engine generator, an expander in which the vaporized working fluid expands and performs work to drive a shaft for producing mechanical power, or an electric generator coupled thereto and adapted to produce electrical power, from both the engine generator and the expander, and an external lubrication system in fluid communication with the expander wherein one or more closed Rankine cycle power generating unit components are operationally connected to the electric generator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the conversion of heat energy into another energy form provided with at least one heat input and pressure reservoir module, each comprising a heat-input transmitting device and a pressure reservoir, whereby said device and pressure reservoir are connected to each other for the exchange of fluid and an energy conversion device, connected to the pressure reservoir of the heat input and pressure reservoir module for the exchange of fluid, by means of which the energy built up in the form of fluid pressure in the heat input and pressure reservoir module may be converted into said other energy form.

Abstract: A system for converting heat from an engine into work includes a boiler coupled to a heat source for transferring heat to a working fluid, a turbine that transforms the heat into work, a condenser that transforms the working fluid into liquid, a recuperator with one flow path that routes working fluid from the turbine to the condenser, and another flow path that routes liquid working fluid from the condenser to the boiler, the recuperator being configured to transfer heat to the liquid working fluid, and a bypass valve in parallel with the second flow path. The bypass valve is movable between a closed position, permitting flow through the second flow path and an opened position, under high engine load conditions, bypassing the second flow path.

Abstract: A combination internal combustion and steam engine includes a cylinder having a piston mounted for reciprocation therein with an internal combustion chamber and a steam chamber in the cylinder adjacent the piston and at least one steam exhaust port positioned to communicate with the steam chamber through the wall of the cylinder for exhausting steam at a location in the cylinder wall adjacent to an engine cylinder cap surface that is heated externally to assist in reducing chilling or condensation of steam entering the steam chamber from a boiler fired by waste combustion heat. The invention also permits steam admitted from a steam chest jacketing the cylinder cap to be exhausted from the engine when the steam chamber is in an expanded state whereupon residual steam is then recompressed prior to admitting the next charge of steam with the stream in the steam chamber being heated directly by the combustion chamber as well as by heat from the steam chest. An I.C. exhaust powered heater is a part of an I.C.

Abstract: A rotary vane engine system for using exhaust heat energy of a fuel-based heat engine. The heat engine includes a crankshaft being driven by a combustion cycle, and the heat engine generates exhaust gases by combustion. The system comprises an independent air system, wherein the independent air system contains air separate to the exhaust gases. A heat exchanger system is provided for transferring exhaust heat energy from the exhaust gases to the air contained in the independent air system to generate pressurized air. A rotary vane engine is also provided having a housing, a rotor contained within the housing and coupled to the crankshaft of the heat engine, and a plurality of vanes extending radially from the rotor. The pressurized air is expanded within the rotary vane engine for rotation of the rotor thereby providing drive to the crankshaft of the heat engine.

Abstract: This device is an improvement on an internal combustion engine (ICE) in that the device is a hybrid of an ICE directly linked to a heat engine (HE) via an adjustable transmission to drive the power shaft for the transmission for the car, boat, generator or other equipment. The improvement provides a means of directly receiving the heat from the exhaust of the ICE and using it to power the HE which is linked via an adjustable transmission, such as a continuous variable transmission (CVT). This linkage allows the HE to use the power of the ICE to start turning until the HE has warmed up enough that it can contribute power to the ICE crank shaft, and subsequent final common power shaft for the two engines, such that it acts as a unified, hybrid motor that powers the transmission of a truck, generator or other equipment.

Abstract: A method of combusting a very low cetane number material comprises injecting said material into a combustion cylinder of a heterogeneous-charge compression-ignition engine and supplying to the cylinder inlet port supplying the chamber combustion air or working fluid at a temperature substantially above ambient for substantially the entire time that the engine is running. Other aspects of the invention provide a compression ignition engine for use in the method, and method of using the engine to combust fuels.

Abstract: A waste heat power generation system of a cement calcination plant includes: an AQC boiler having an economizer, an evaporator and a superheater; and a PH boiler having a first evaporator and a superheater. The PH boiler, in addition to the evaporator and the superheater, has a second evaporator on a PH exhaust gas exit side, and a returned hot water from a flasher is introduced into the second evaporator via a steam drum. A hot water heated by the second evaporator is introduced into the steam drum, and a steam from the steam drum is introduced into the low-pressure stage of the steam turbine.

Abstract: A waste heat recovery system for use with an engine. The waste heat recovery system receives heat input from both an exhaust gas recovery system and exhaust gas streams. The system includes a first loop and a second loop. The first loop is configured to receive heat from both the exhaust gas recovery system and the exhaust system as necessary. The second loop receives heat from the first loop and the exhaust gas recovery system. The second loop converts the heat energy into electrical energy through the use of a turbine.

Abstract: A first portion of each of a plurality of Qu-type heat pipes is disposed in a hot gas path, and a second portion of each of the plurality of Qu-type heat pipes disposed away from the hot gas path. Also, the first portion of each of the plurality of Qu-type heat pipes extracts heat from the hot gas path and wherein the second portion of each of the plurality of Qu-type heat pipes creates a vapor that exits each second portion of the plurality of Qu-type heat pipes and away from the hot gas path.

Abstract: A waste heat recovery system for use with an engine. The waste heat recovery system receives heat input from both an exhaust gas recovery system and exhaust gas streams. The system includes a first loop and a second loop. The first loop is configured to receive heat from both the exhaust gas recovery system and the exhaust system as necessary. The second loop receives heat from the first loop and the exhaust gas recovery system. The second loop converts the heat energy into electrical energy through the use of a turbine.

Abstract: A waste heat recovery system includes at least two integrated rankine cycle systems coupled to at least two separate heat sources having different temperatures. The first rankine cycle system is coupled to a first heat source and configured to circulate a first working fluid. The second rankine cycle system is coupled to at least one second heat source and configured to circulate a second working fluid. The first and second working fluid are circulatable in heat exchange relationship through a cascading heat exchange unit for condensation of the first working fluid in the first rankine cycle system and evaporation of the second working fluid in the second rankine cycle system. At least one recuperator having a hot side and a cold side is disposed in the first rankine cycle system, second rankine cycle system, or combinations thereof. The at least one recuperator is configured to desuperheat and preheat the first working fluid, second working fluid, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: In an exhaust heat recovery system for an internal combustion engine, a heat pipe includes an evaporation portion in which a working fluid is heated and evaporated by heat exchange with exhaust heat from the internal combustion engine, a plurality of condensing portions in which the working fluid from the evaporation portion is cooled and condensed by heat exchange with respective subjects to be heated, and connection piping through which the condensing portions are connected to the evaporation portion in parallel with respect to the evaporation portion so as to form a closed circuit. Furthermore, a switching portion is located to switch a flow of the working fluid from the evaporation portion to any one between the condensing portions.