Abstract: An apparatus and method generates energy and, optionally, produces fresh water using osmotic processes that are driven by energy embodied in the heat of evaporation of water. An osmotic chamber transfers fresh water into a brine solution by osmotic pressure across an osmotic membrane. A mass transfer unit uses the osmotic pressure to maintain a high pressure concentrated brine solution within the osmotic chamber while providing for replenishing diluted brine solution with concentrated brine solution. The volume increase in the concentrated brine solution as it is diluted drives a motor to generate useful output energy. A concentrator uses dry air to concentrate dilute brine solution from the motor to a concentrated brine solution for return to the osmotic chamber.

Abstract: Low grade heat recovered from various sections of an integrated gasification system is used to drive an absorption chilling cycle. In an exemplary embodiment, the recovered low grade heat is used to heat a two component working solution that is pumped through a closed cycle absorption chilling system. The heated working solution is separated into a rich stream and a lean stream. The rich stream is condensed to produce a liquid rich stream that is throttled to reduce its temperature and then evaporated to produce a cooling load. The cooling load may be used for auxiliary cooling needs in the integrated gasification system. The rich vapor stream produced by the evaporating step is mixed with the lean stream to produce a mixed stream, which is cooled in an absorber to produce the working solution for the cycle to be repeated.

Abstract: A method of operating a Kalina cycle power generation system, includes directing a stream of superheated binary working fluid to a turbine where it is expanded to produce power. A first portion of the expanded binary working fluid is directed to a distiller/condenser where it is transformed into a first concentration binary working fluid, having a first concentration of a component of the binary working fluid, and a second concentration binary working fluid, having a second concentration of the component. At least the first concentration binary working fluid is directed to a regenerative heat exchanger. A second portion of the expanded binary working fluid is also directed to the regenerative heat exchanger. The first concentration binary working fluid is transformed into a vaporized binary working fluid and the second portion of expanded binary working fluid is transformed into a feed binary working fluid in the regenerative heat exchanger.

Abstract: Method, device and system for converting the kinetic energy of randomly moving particles into a usable form of mechanical energy. The device (74) includes a cylinder (75) which supports selectively permeable membranes (76) covered on one side with molecular gates. The cylinder (75) is encircled by another body (c) having stationary blocking surfaces (d) interposed between the selectively permeable membranes (76) to restrict the motion of particles contained between the cylinder (75) and the body (c). In a different embodiment, the device (74) may include a magnet for effecting ion separation. The method comprising the steps of selectively blocking particles moving in one general direction within the device while permitting the passage of particles in the opposite direction such that a vectorial force acting on the apparatus is generated.

Abstract: A method for generating electric power, such as at, or close to, natural gas fields. The method includes conditioning natural gas containing C.sub.3+ hydrocarbons and/or acid gas by means of a membrane separation step. This step creates a leaner, sweeter, drier gas, which is then used as combustion fuel to run a turbine, which is in turn used for power generation.

Abstract: A waste heat recovery system includes a chamber. A gas inlet and gas outlet direct the flow of hot gas from a waste heat source to and from the chamber. A working fluid inlet port and working fluid outlet port direct the flow of multicomponent working fluid to and from the chamber. A plurality of heating surfaces are disposed within the chamber. The heating surfaces are formed of tubes which transport the flow of multicomponent working fluid from the inlet port to the outlet port such that the flow of the hot gas from the gas inlet to the gas outlet transfers heat from the hot gas to the flow of multicomponent working fluid.

Abstract: A method of operating a Kalina cycle power generation system, includes directing a stream of vaporized binary working fluid to a turbine where it is expanded to produce power. A first portion of the expanded binary working fluid is directed to a distiller/condenser having multiple heat exchangers where, using the multiple heat exchangers, it is transformed into a first concentration binary working fluid, having a first concentration of a component of the binary working fluid, and a second concentration binary working fluid, having a second concentration of the component. At least the first concentration binary working fluid directed to a regenerative heat exchanger. A second portion of the expanded binary working fluid is directed to the regenerative heat exchanger where the first concentration binary working fluid is transformed into a vaporized binary working fluid and the second portion of expanded binary working fluid is transformed into a feed binary working fluid.

Abstract: A method of operating a power generation system is provided. The system includes a turbine, a regenerative heat exchanger, a boiler, and a superheater. The turbine receives a stream of first working fluid and expands the first working fluid to produce power. The regenerative heat exchanger receives a stream of the expanded first working fluid from the turbine and a stream of second working fluid, for example from the RHE or DCSS of a Kalina type system. The exchanger transfers heat from the expanded first working fluid to the second working fluid to heat the second working fluid and condense the expanded first working fluid. The boiler receives and vaporizes a stream of the condensed first working fluid. The superheater receives and superheats the vaporized stream of first working fluid and the heated stream of second working fluid to form the stream of first working fluid.

Abstract: A method of operating a power generation system is provided. The system includes a turbine, a regenerative heat exchanger, and a vapor generator. The turbine receives a stream of working fluid and expands the working fluid to produce power. The regenerative heat exchanger has a plurality of condensing heat exchangers which transfer heat from the expanded working fluid to condense the expanded working fluid. The vapor generator vaporizes the condensed portions of working fluid to form the stream of working fluid. In operating the system, a respective portion of the expanded working fluid is directed to each of the condensing heat exchangers, and the amount of condensed working fluid at at least one of the condensing heat exchangers is regulated.

Abstract: A novel pressure-exchange ejector is disclosed whereby a high energy primary fluid compresses a lower energy secondary fluid through direct fluid-fluid momentum exchange. The pressure-exchange ejector utilizes non-steady flow principles and supersonic flow principles to obtain an ejector-compressor which can attain substantially higher adiabatic efficiencies than conventional ejectors while retaining much of the simplicity of construction and the low manufacturing cost of a conventional ejector. By virtue of the capabilities of the ejector to compress high volumes of secondary fluid, an ejector refrigeration system utilizing water and other environmentally benign refrigerants is disclosed.

Abstract: A device for storing and releasing hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas can be used to drive pneumatic mechanical mechanisms. The hydrogen gas is stored in a metal hydride material. The metal hydride is in thermal contact with a thermoelectric module (10) (TEM). When acted upon by an electrical current through the TEM one volume of metal hydride (12) is heated and releases hydrogen gas while a second volume of metal hydride (28) is cooled and absorbs hydrogen gas. There is a pressure difference generated between the heated volume and the cooled volume. This difference in pressure is used to drive a pneumatic-mechanical mechanism to perform work.

Abstract: A method of operating a power generation system, such as a Kalina cycle power generation system, which includes a turbine, regenerative heat exchanger and vapor generator, is provided. The turbine receives a stream of first working fluid and expands the first working fluid to produce power. The regenerative heat exchanger receives a stream of the expanded first working fluid from the turbine and a stream of second working fluid, and transfers heat from the expanded first working fluid to the second working fluid to heat the second working fluid and condense the expanded first working fluid. The vapor generator receives a stream of the condensed first working fluid and transfers heat from an external heat source to the condensed first working fluid to heat the condensed working fluid for use in the stream of first working fluid.

Abstract: A heat transfer process for a liquid (5) using counterflow, direct contact with another, immiscible fluid (1), of differing temperature and density, in the presence of a free floating media bed (7). Heat transfer within the liquid (5) occurring as a consequence of direct contact with the immiscible fluid (1) of differing temperature. The counterflow motion a consequence of buoyancy forces resulting from the different densities of the liquid (5) and immiscible fluid (1). The media bed (7) being of a nature preferentially wetted by the immiscible fluid (1), thereby providing a large film type surface area of the immiscible fluid (1) for direct contact heat transfer with the liquid (5). The free floating nature of the media bed (7) resulting from the materials comprising the media being of a density intermediate between that of the liquid (5) and that of the immiscible fluid (1).

Abstract: Pressurized byproduct gas from an air separation system is work expanded and the resulting work is used to compress supplemental feed air which is combined with a main feed air stream to supply a total air feed to the air separation system. Supplemental air can be provided only during off-design operation when the main feed air stream is insufficient to provide the total air feed to the system. Alternatively, supplemental air can be used continuously in combination with a reduced main feed air stream to provide total feed air to the system.

Abstract: A method of operating a power generation system is provided. The system includes a turbine, a distiller/condenser, a boiler, and a superheater. The turbine expands a superheated multicomponent working fluid to produce power. The distiller/condenser transforms the expanded multicomponent working fluid into first and second concentration multicomponent working fluids. The first concentration multicomponent working fluid has a first concentration of a component of the multicomponent working fluid. The second concentration multicomponent working fluid has a second concentration of the component which is different than the first concentration. The boiler vaporizes a feed multicomponent working fluid. The superheater superheats the vaporized feed multicomponent working fluid to form the superheated multicomponent working fluid. In operating the system, the temperature of the vaporized multicomponent working fluid is sensed.

Abstract: Boron, silicon and/or arsenic in geothermal steam is removed by contacting the steam with an alcohol containing at least four carbon atoms or polyols having at least two carbon atoms.

Abstract: A vapor generator includes a first plurality of tubes configured to direct a multicomponent working fluid so as to be subjected to process heat from a direct fired source, and a second plurality of tubes configured to direct a single component working fluid so as to be subjected to the process heat. The first plurality of tubes form a furnace wall with the multicomponent working fluid being supplied to the furnace wall in a vapor state. The multicomponent working fluid absorbs a portion of the process heat from the furnace wall thereby cooling the furnace wall. A backpass receives flue gases, and the second plurality of tubes are located in the backpass to absorb heat from the flue gases of the backpass so that the single component working fluid increases in temperature and the flue gases are cooled.

Abstract: In a combined cycle power system having a gas turbine and one or more bottoming cycle expansion turbines for driving one or more generators, compressor inlet air to the gas turbine is cooled. An extraction is taken from the distillation condensation sub-system of the Kalina cycle and throttled to a lower pressure, with a corresponding temperature drop for supply to a low pressure evaporator in heat exchange relation with ambient air flowing to the compressor inlet to cool the ambient air. The partially evaporated multi-component mixture exiting the low pressure evaporator is returned to the spent vapor stream from the low pressure expansion turbine for combination therewith and condensation. Consequently, compressor inlet air inlet to the gas turbine is cooled, thereby increasing mass flow and turbine output.

Abstract: A method is provided which refurbishes a Rankine cycle vapor generator initially having a plurality of Rankine heaters for supporting a Rankine cycle subsystem. The method removes at least one of the Rankine heaters, and replaces the at least one removed Rankine heater with a non-Rankine heater for a Kalina cycle subsystem. The vapor generator comprises a first plurality of tubes for receiving a first working fluid, and a second plurality of tubes for receiving a second working fluid. The first plurality of tubes are directed along a first path exposed to heat from a heat source to increase the temperature of the first working fluid within the first plurality of tubes. The second plurality of tubes are directed along a second path exposed to heat from the heat source to increase the temperature of the second working fluid within the second plurality of tubes.

Abstract: A method for generating electric power from natural gas or the like that has a low Btu value and a high nitrogen content. The method involves a membrane separation step to remove a portion of the nitrogen from the gas. The upgraded gas is used as fuel for a turbine or other driver, which provides mechanical power to drive an electric power generator.

Abstract: A power generating system is powered by a circulating working fluid that is heated by heat of condensation deposited in a concentrated brine solution. The brine solution is concentrated by introducing a relatively dilute brine solution at a first location in a brine concentrator and collecting a relatively concentrated brine solution formed from the relatively dilute brine solution at a second location in the brine concentrator. A dry air flow is introduced at the second location and directed toward the first location to maintain a differential partial pressure between the air flow and the brine solution effective to evaporate solvent from the brine solution as the brine solution moves from the first location to the second location.

Abstract: A method of implementing a thermodynamic cycle by expanding a gaseous working stream to transform its energy into a useful form and produce an expanded gaseous stream, removing from the expanded gaseous stream an extracted stream, absorbing the extracted stream into a lean stream having a higher content of higher-boiling component than is contained in the extracted stream to form a combined extracted/lean stream, at least partially condensing the combined extracted/lean stream, combining at least part of the combined extracted/lean stream in condensed form with an oncoming working stream including a rich stream having a lower content of higher-boiling component than is contained in the extracted stream to provide a combined working stream, and heating the combined working stream with external heat to provide the gaseous working stream.

Abstract: A multistage two-phase turbine having multiple stages to receive fluid, each stage having an inlet and outlet comprising nozzles at the inlet to each stage to accelerate the fluid that consists of a mixture of gas and liquid, to form two-phase jets; a rotating separator structure to receive and separate the two-phase jets into gas streams and liquid stream in each stage; the turbine having a rotating output shaft, and there being structure to convert the kinetic energy of the liquid streams into shaft power; structure to remove the separated liquid from at least one stage and transfer it to nozzles at the next stage; structure to remove the separated liquid from the last stage and transfer it to primary outlet structure; and structure to remove the separated gas from at least one stage and transfer it to a secondary outlet structure.

Abstract: Carbon dioxide; from a boiler flue gas stream is separated, recycled and utilized for gasification of coal or biomass to increase fuel utilization and to decrease the carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere.

Abstract: Work is recovered from a first process stream in a high temperature range by heating and vaporizing a condensate-containing mixed component working fluid, expanding the vapor in an expansion turbine to generate work, and condensing the turbine exhaust by indirect heat exchange with a second process stream in a low temperature range to provide the condensate-containing mixed component working fluid. The composition of the working fluid is changed in response to a change in the high temperature range, a change in the low temperature range, or changes in both temperature ranges in order to maintain the efficiency of the work recovery step. The working fluid can be a mixture of ammonia and water. The first and second process streams can be process streams in a combined cycle power generation system or an ammonia synthesis plant.

Abstract: A process for transmitting or storing energy in which a gasseous working fluid is compressed and cooled, relative to isentropic compression, by a coolant. The energy used to perform the compression is recovered by expansion, while heat from the coolant is used to reheat the working fluid, thus maximizing efficiency.

Abstract: Converting heat in a primary fluid (e.g., steam) to useful energy by multistage expansion of the primary fluid, heating of a multicomponent working fluid in a separate closed loop using heat of the primary fluid, and expansion of the multicomponent working fluid. The primary fluid in a vapor state is expanded in a first stage expander to obtain useful energy and to produce a partially expanded primary fluid. The partially expanded primary fluid stream is then separated into liquid and vapor components and split into a vapor stream (which is expanded in a second stage expander) and a further primary stream (which used to heat the multicomponent working fluid).

Abstract: A power generating system is powered by a circulating working fluid that is heated by heat of condensation deposited in a concentrated brine solution. A condenser transfers heat from working fluid vapor exhaust from the turbine to cooling water to form a condensed working fluid and heat the cooling water to a first vapor pressure. A heat transfer chamber has a concentrated brine solution in vapor communication with the cooling water so that vapor from the cooling water at the first vapor pressure will condense on the brine solution for diluting and heating the brine solution. For efficient heat and vapor transfer, the cooling water and the brine solution are caused to flow along opposed surfaces. A boiler is placed in heat transfer communication with the brine solution for receiving heat from the brine solution and heating the condensed working fluid to a vapor for input to the turbine.

Abstract: The disclosed power plant can attain an extremely high thermal efficiency, as compared with that of the conventional power plant. The power plant comprises a steam system and a mixed medium system. The steam system comprises a heat source (1) for generating steam; a steam turbine (3) driven by the steam generated by the heat source; a steam condenser (81) for forming condensed water by condensing exhaust of the steam turbine; and a condensed water feeding pump (9) for feeding the water condensed by the steam condenser to the heat source.

Abstract: A combined-cycle power generation system using waste matter as a fuel, which can be expected to improve in power generation efficiency without using an additional fuel. The system has a corrosive exhaust gas source (waste exhaust gas source) (1), a closed-cycle gas turbine (2), and a Kalina-cycle steam turbine (3). A ceramic heat exchanger (6) for the closed-cycle gas turbine (2) is disposed on a high-temperature side of the corrosive exhaust gas source (1). A heat exchanger (7) heats a mixed ammonia water fluid (11) for the Kalina-cycle steam turbine (3) by a high-temperature side exhaust gas from the closed-cycle gas turbine. A heat exchanger (9) evaporates a condensate of the mixed ammonia-water fluid (11) by heat remaining in the exhaust gas from the closed-cycle gas turbine. A heat exchanger (10) for the Kalina-cycle steam turbine is disposed on a low-temperature side of the corrosive exhaust gas source (1) to evaporate the mixed ammonia-water fluid (11) by heat remaining in the waste exhaust gas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing a thermodynamic cycle. A heated gaseous working stream including a low boiling point component and a higher boiling point component is expanded to transform the energy of the stream into useable form and to provide an expanded working stream. The expanded working stream is then split into two streams, one of which is expanded further to obtain further energy, resulting in a spent stream, the other of which is extracted. The spent stream is fed into a distillation/condensation subsystem, which converts the spent stream into a lean stream that is lean with respect to the low boiling point component and a rich stream that is enriched with respect to the low boiling point component. The lean stream and the rich stream are then combined in a regenerating subsystem with the portion of the expanded stream that was extracted to provide the working stream, which is then efficiently heated in a heater to provide the heated gaseous working stream that is expanded.

Abstract: An apparatus for a method using hydrogen-occluded alloy for recovering power from waste heat includes first and second heat exchangers containing hydrogen-occluded alloy, a first selector valve for alternating introduction of waste heat fluid between the first and second heat exchangers, a second selector valve for alternating introduction of cooling fluid between the first and second heat exchangers, a turbine associated with the heat exchangers, and a power generator connected to the turbine. The hydrogen-occluded alloy in the first and second heat exchangers is in the form of a multiplicity of stages that release the hydrogen gas at different temperatures, with the hydrogen gas being produced at a prescribed pressure by contact with waste heat fluid.

Abstract: An encagement vessel contains water and a working gas capable of forming hydrate with the water. A heat exchange arrangement is associated with the encagement vessel for removing heat from the working gas and water in the encagement vessel to form gas hydrate at an initial temperature. A working gas supply continues to add working gas to the encagement vessel as heat is removed in order to maintain the equilibrium pressure of the gas hydrate at the equilibrium pressure associated with the initial temperature as the hydrate is formed. An equilibrium pressure shifting arrangement increases the equilibrium pressure of the gas hydrate to an end pressure. A dissociating heat exchanger is included for adding heat to the hydrate at the end equilibrium pressure to dissociate the gas hydrate into water and working gas at the end pressure.

Abstract: A thermal power generator includes a high heat source pump, and cold working fluid pumps. An evaporator heat exchanges a high heat source fluid and a warmed working fluid. A liquid-vapor separator is connected to the evaporator. A first stage turbine is connected to the liquid-vapor separator. A second stage turbine is connected to the first stage turbine. A heater is connected to the first stage turbine, and receives remaining vapor working fluid, and the cold-working fluid to heat exchange the fluids. A tank stores and mixes the working fluids discharged from the heater, and supplies the stored working fluid to the first cold working fluid pump. A regenerator receives the liquid working fluid from the separator, and the cold working fluid, and forms a regenerated working fluid, and a warmed working fluid discharged to the evaporator. An absorber is connected to the second stage turbine and the regenerator. A reducing valve is located between the absorber and regenerator.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for implementing a thermodynamic cycle in which a gaseous working fluid is expanded to transform its energy into useable form, thereby generating a spent stream which is then condensed to produce a condensed stream. From the condensed stream the following streams are generated: a first stream having a higher percentage of a low boiling component than is included in the condensed stream, a second stream having a lower percentage of a low boiling component than is included in the condensed stream, and a third stream having the same percentage of a low boiling component as is included in the condensed stream. The first, second, and third streams are subjected to multiple distillation operations to generate a liquid working fluid which is then evaporated to generate the gaseous working fluid.

Abstract: A Rankine cycle power plant has a vaporizer member responsive to heat input for vaporizing a working fluid and producing vaporized working fluid, a turbogenerator responsive to vaporized working fluid for generating power and producing heat depleted working fluid, a condenser member responsive to said heat depleted working fluid for condensing the same and producing condensate, and suitable piping for returning said condensate to the vaporizer. The working fluid is in the form of a liquid having a plurality of fractions; at least one fraction is distilled from said liquid to produce a distillated fluid. It is this distillated fluid that is supplied to the power plant as the working fluid.

Abstract: A system for generating power as a result of an expansion of a pressurized working fluid through a turbine exhibits improved efficiency as the result of employing a tri-component working fluid that comprises water, ammonia and carbon dioxide. The pH of the working fluid is maintained within a range to prevent precipitation of carbon-bearing solids (preferably between 8.0 to 10.6). The working fluid enables an efficiency improvement in the Rankine cycle of up to 12 percent and an efficiency improvement in the Kalina cycle of approximately 5 percent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and system for recovering energy from low-grade fuels such as industrial, municipal and agricultural waste, low-grade carbonaceous fuels such as lignite and similar solid fuels in which the fuel is comminuted into small particles and slurried in water. The alkali content of the slurry is adjusted to be at least about equal to the chemical equivalent of the halogen content of the slurry and, following pressurization of the slurry, it is heated sufficiently so that the substantial portion of chemically bound oxygen in the fuel separates therefrom as carbon dioxide, leaving a slurry including char particles and dissolved impurities such as halogen salts. The char particles are removed from the slurry and reslurried with just enough halogen-free water to provide the slurry with the needed viscosity to maximize the energy density thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting heat energy to mechanical energy with greater efficiency. According to the method, heat energy is applied to a working fluid in a reservoir sufficient to convert the working fluid to a vapor and the working fluid is passed in vapor form to means such as a generator for converting the energy therein to mechanical work. The working fluid is then recycled to the reservoir. In order to increase the efficiency of this process, a gas having a molecular weight no greater than the approximate molecular weight of the working fluid is added to the working fluid in the reservoir, separated from the working fluid downstream from the reservoir, compressed and returned to the reservoir.

Abstract: A low temperature engine system has an elevated temperature recuperator in the form of a heat exchanger (12) having a first inlet connected to an extraction point (45) at an intermediate position between the high temperature inlet and low temperature outlet (14) of a turbine heat engine (8, 10) and an outlet connected by a conduit (47) to a second inlet to the turbine between the high and low temperature ends thereof and downstream of the extraction point (45). In the recuperator (12) thermodynamic medium vapor from extraction point (45) is in heat exchange relationship with thermodynamic medium conducted from the low temperature exhaust end (14) of the turbine unit (8, 10) through a water cooled condenser (6) and in heat exchange relationship in a refrigerant condenser (2) with a refrigerant flowing in an absorption-refrigeration subsystem.

Abstract: A rotary separator turbine having inlet structure for mixtures of gas and liquid, rotary shaft structure comprising separator structure to receive the mixture of gas and liquid and to separate the mixture into a stream of gas and at a stream of liquid; first structure to receive the stream of gas for generating torque exerted on the shaft structure, and; second structure to receive the stream of liquid for generating torque exerted on the shaft structure; whereby the first and second structure separately operate to generate shaft power.

Abstract: The generation of electricity via a steam turbine-driven generator is improved by mixing high-pressure fuel gas with the steam supplied to the turbine. The turbine discharge is separated into gas and steam condensate. The gas is burned to convert the condensate into the steam supplied to the turbine. Maximum benefits of such operation are attained by conducting the combustion of the separated gas with a porous fiber burner to suppress the formation of air pollutants.

Abstract: The azeotrope assisted power system is a double cycle engine with condenser at an available low temperature and which uses a refrigerant of low boiling point as working fluid, with its boiler held at an elevated constant temperature for good operating efficiency by thermal contact between the boiler and the condenser of an efficient azeotrope assisted heat pump. The efficiency of the heat pump cycle is increased by the use of an azeotrope mixture of two refrigerants which shows a vapor pressure versus temperature less steep than the similar curves for the separate component refrigerants. These are closed cycles with no mixing of fluids between the cycles. The heat pump compressor draws its required power from the engine cycle, leaving some useable energy. The efficiency of the engine cycle is helped by having a stable temperature in the boiler, and the over all efficiency is maintained by preheating the working fluid fed to the boiler by heat exchange with condensate leaving the condenser of the heat pump.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting heat energy to mechanical energy with greater efficiency. According to the method, heat energy is applied to a working fluid in a reservoir sufficient to convert the working fluid to a vapor and the working fluid is passed in vapor form to means such as a generator for converting the energy therein to mechanical work. The working fluid is then recycled to the reservoir. In order to increase the efficiency of this process, a gas having a molecular weight no greater than the approximate molecular weight of the working fluid is added to the working fluid in the reservoir and separated from the working fluid downstream from the reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an energy conversion system and more particularly tot he related apparatus and process. A reactor chamber is positioned with respect to a means for collecting and focussing. The focussed beam of radiation is employed to induce a reversible reaction in which the reaction products are converted into work in a work output means. Following that conversion, the reaction materials are passed through a heat sink and are recycled so that the process can be continuously operated.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and method used to preheat a working fluid for a subsequent solar-driven dissociation reaction. The working fluid is first passed through a blackbody receiver where it absorbs thermal energy, and is subsequently exposed to direct solar radiation. The present invention allows the working fluid to absorb relatively large amounts of solar energy at elevated temperatures, while the blackbody absorber remains at a relatively low temperature, thus minimizing energy losses through reradiation and enhancing the efficiency of the overall energy exchange.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for increasing the efficiency of expansion turbines of the type having working fluid vapor passing rotating blades within a casing and means for conducting the working fluid vapor into and out of the casing in which condensation nuclei are mixed with said working fluid vapor prior to passing said rotating blades, said condensation nuclei being supplied in sufficient numbers and size to form droplets of condensate of said vapor having an average diameter of below about 20 microns, thereby providing increased condensation of the working fluid vapor as compared with condensation without condensation nuclei.

Abstract: A heat engine utilizing a cycle having an isenthalpic pressure-increasing phase wherein, in the entropy-reduction phase of the cycle for changing the state of the working fluid, in order to have at least a part of that phase change at constant enthalpy, a compensating fluid (high-pressure feed) at a pressure higher than that of the cycle working fluid is introduced into the cycle system at the beginning of the isenthalpic change, thus increasing the pressure of the working fluid, and then the entropy of the working fluid is reduced by discharging a part of the working fluid to the outside of the cycle system at the end of the isenthalpic change.

Abstract: An indirectly-fired gas turbine system utilizing water augmentation for increasing the net efficiency and power output of the system is described. Water injected into the compressor discharge stream evaporatively cools the air to provide a higher driving temperature difference across a high temperature air heater which is used to indirectly heat the water-containing air to a turbine inlet temperature of greater than about 1,000.degree. C. By providing a lower air heater hot side outlet temperature, heat rejection in the air heater is reduced to increase the heat recovery in the air heater and thereby increase the overall cycle efficiency.

Abstract: A process for operating a closed Brayton-cycle engine (14) at two substantially differrent levels of output power by selectively changing the molecular weight of the working fluid, and an engine adapted for use with the process.