Abstract: A thermodynamic cyclic process with a gaseous working medium, which is alternately compressed and expanded, in which process a working medium is employed, which experiences a volume expansion due to chemical processes at the higher temperature after the compression and a corresponding volume contraction at the lower temperature after the expansion, is to be improved so that a higher efficiency is achieved. This is achieved in that the volume contraction is endothermic. In this case, the cyclic process can increase the efficiency both in heat engines and also in heat pumps.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting thermal energy into electric power. A high pressure gaseous working stream is expanded, producing a spent stream. The spent stream is condensed, producing a condensed stream. The condensed stream forms first and second partially evaporated streams, which in turn form first and second vapor streams and first and second liquid streams. A rich stream is generated from the first vapor stream. A lean stream is generated from combining the second vapor stream with a mixing stream. The resulting rich and lean streams are passed through a boiler where they are evaporated. After exiting the boiler, the evaporated rich stream is combined with the evaporated lean stream generating the high pressure gaseous working stream, completing the cycle.

Abstract: A process for producing energy from introducing water down a borehole, which includes (a) providing a borehole having a depth of at least 20,000 feet; (b) providing a casing in the borehole of a certain diameter; (c) introducing an internal pipe within the casing of a diameter less than the casing to define an annulus therebetween; (d) providing a means to introduce quantities of water down the inner pipe at predetermined intervals; (e) providing an air turbine at the upper portion of the inner pipe so that when the water is introduced down the inner pipe, a vacuum is established above the water flowing down the pipe, and air is sucked into the inner pipe through the blades of the air turbine to run the turbine; (f) allowing the water, upon reaching a certain depth to turn to steam at the lower end of the inner pipe; and (g) returning the steam up the annulus between the inner pipe and the casing to the upper end of the casing and exiting the system.

Abstract: Modifications are made to the standard process for the manufacture of ammonia and related compounds, resulting in lower operating costs through reduced total energy consumption. In one aspect of the invention, this is achieved by directing ammonia gas through one feed line, and carbon dioxide gas and steam through another feed line, into a closed reaction chamber to form ammonium carbonate. The formation of this solid compound results in a reduced pressure in the chamber. This reduced pressure can be used to drive heat engines in the reactant feed lines. In another aspect of the invention, the cost of running the potassium carbonate loop while the rest of the system is down is reduced by constructing an alternate pathway along part of the loop. The carbon dioxide gas and water vapor formed by the heating of the potassium bicarbonate flow through a heat engine and are cooled. The cooled water vapor and carbon dioxide gas are then recycled.

Abstract: A combustion engine comprising of a piston and cylinder assembly wherein the cylinder receives hot gasses emitted from a combustion chamber, the hot gasses being generated from the combustion of any of a variety of combustible material included but not limited to wood, coal, dry vegetation, and sawdust. The hot gasses, once received in the cylinder, are subjected to a compression stroke during which water is injected therein to create steam from the compression of the hot gasses and injected water whereby the resulting energy of expansion of the steam within a greatly reduced volume will result in a power stroke of the piston causing efficient work to be delivered to a power takeoff structure such as a crank shaft or the like.

Abstract: Air is separated into oxygen and nitrogen in rectification columns 28 and 30. A stream of nitrogen is withdrawn from the top of the column 30 through an outlet 54, is warmed to about ambient temperature by passage through heat exchangers 34, 46 and 24, and is then heated at a pressure in the range 2 to 7 atmospheres absolute by heat exchange in heat exchanger 56 with a hot stream of fluid initially at a temperature of less than 600.degree. C. without said fluid undergoing a change of phase. The resulting hot nitrogen is then expanded in turbine 58 with the performance of external work, e.g. the generation of electricity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing a thermodynamic cycle which may be used to convert low temperature heat to electric power.

Abstract: A process and apparatus by means of which the premier vapor cycle, known as the Carnot cycle, can be approximated in practice, involve the application of novel energy-efficient, mixed phase, high volume-ratio fluid-handling machinery to a single-component working fluid that exists during certain processes as a mixture of fine droplets of saturated liquid in saturated vapor. This combination of fluid-handling machinery and the saturated mixed-phase working fluid enables the approximation of isentropic saturated liquid/vapor expansion and compression. These process approximations, in addition to isothermal heat addition and rejection, enable Carnot heat engine, refrigeration and heat pump cycles to be approximated.

Abstract: A centrifugal heat engine comprises a first member rotatably mounted on a second member. The first member has an annular chamber on its periphery containing a vaporizable working fluid, and a central chamber separated from the annular chamber by a bulkhead. The central chamber contains an operating liquid and an hydraulic turbine mounted on the second member which projects into the central compartment and divides the same into two axially displaced compartments each of which contains operating liquid. The working fluid in the annular chamber is heated and vaporized. A conduit conducts vaporized working fluid in the annular chamber into one of the compartments wherein the vaporized working fluid expands in the operating liquid producing a liquid/gas mixture in the one compartment. Rotation of the first member creates a pressure differential between the two compartments that is related to the rotational speed of the first member and the density distribution of the fluids in the two compartments.

Abstract: A hybrid Rankine cycle system comprises a boiler in which water steam is generated, a steam turbine which is worked by the water steam from the boiler to drive a generator to obtain an electric power, an absorber condenser for introducing thereinto strong absorbent solution to absorb the water steam from the steam turbine to produce weak absorbent solution, and a pump for delivering the weak absorbent solution from the absorber condenser to the boiler. The weak absorbent solution is heated in the boiler to produce the strong absorbent solution to be fed to the absorber condenser and the water steam to be fed to the steam turbine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing a thermodynamic cycle, which includes heating and preferably partially evaporating a multicomponent liquid working stream with heat released from the partial condensation of a returning spent stream. The preferably partially evaporated working stream is then completely evaporated with heat transferred from an external heat source, which is preferably a geothermal heat source. The evaporated stream is expanded to produce the spent stream, which, in turn, is condensed to produce the multicomponent liquid working stream.

Abstract: Motor apparatus which converts hydraulic energy and change of state heat energy to mechanical energy. The motor includes a main chamber divided by a piston into first and second portions. During a first half cycle or hydraulic power stroke, a valve places the first portion of the chamber in fluid communication with a source of pressurized, saturated liquid and the second portion of the chamber in fluid communication with a drain port. A switch senses the end of the hydraulic power stroke and causes the valve to move to a second position wherein the first and second portions of the chamber are placed in fluid communication with one another to form a common motor chamber and drive the piston in an expansion power stroke. Power is derived from the working fluid during the piston stroke in each direction. The motor finds particular application for energy recovery in an absorption refrigeration system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing a thermodynamic cycle, which includes the use of a composite stream, having a higher content of a high-boiling component than a working stream, to provide heat needed to partially evaporate the working stream. After being partially evaporated, the working stream is evaporated completely with heat provided by returning gaseous working streams and heat from an auxiliary steam cycle. After being superheated, the working stream is expanded in a turbine. Thereafter, the expanded stream is separated into a spent stream and a withdrawal stream. The withdrawal stream is combined with a lean stream to produce the composite stream. The composite stream partially evaporates the working stream and preheats the working stream and the lean stream. A first portion of the composite stream is fed into a distillation tower. A liquid stream flowing from the distillation tower forms the lean stream that is combined with the withdrawal stream.

Abstract: An engine utilizes a powdered biomass fuel that is ignited to heat water which is spray injected into a turbine section. The heated water converts into steam turning the turbine blades through its expansion. A combustion chamber is separate from a steam expansion chamber with heat being directed through communicating passageways.

Abstract: An open cycle latent heat engine has an elevator (10) rising preferably several thousand feet from a lower level entrance (12) to a higher level exit (13). Warm water vapor is input at the lower level of the elevator passageway (10) to cause moist air to rise, and a condensate remover (17) in an upper region of the elevator passageway removes condensate from the adiabatically expanded air. A compressor passageway (20) descending from exit (13) of the elevator passageway to the region of elevator passageway entrance (12) receives a portion of the air discharged from the exit and adiabatically and gravitationally compresses the dry air descending in the compressor passageway. An ejector arranged in the lower region of the compressor passageway has a nozzle (15) receiving ambient atmosphere flowing into the entrance of elevator passageway (10), where subatmospheric pressure air from compressor passageway (20) merges to help sustain the flow through ejector nozzle (15).

Abstract: A solar cooling process is described in which tapwater is injected into an adiabatic flash chamber. A portion of the tapwater vaporizes to steam chilling the remainder. A special brine absorbs the water vapor in an absorber chamber. Then the brine is pumped over an open air evaporator where excess water picked up by the brine is driven off using solar or waste heat.

Abstract: An atmospheric latent heat engine has a passageway extending from a converging entrance nozzle upward to an exit at a substantially higher elevation. Turbo generators, arranged within the passageway, can be powered to start up an air flow through the passageway; condensate is removed downstream of the nozzle; and a boiler injects warm water vapor into the air mixture before it rises in the elevator. Once a design flow state is established, by cooperation of the turbo generators and the boiler, the turbo generators can be switched to output work derived from the air flow and the vapor expansion.

Abstract: Heat engines having improved efficiencies are provided. In accordance with preferred embodiments, topping cycle engines are provided employing ejectors. Use of ejectors in accordance with the invention permits higher high side temperatures while permitting work extraction devices to be operated at standard temperatures. A preferred sodium-helium system is described in detail.

Abstract: A power cycle operating with a maximum temperature above 300.degree. C. The power cycle operates with a working fluid comprising a mixture of water and another substance having lower volatility, greater molecular weight and tendency to superheat in isentropic expansion. Both substances are vaporized in a boiler, in part at variable temperature, and expanded in at least one turbomachine. After the first expansion, heat is yielded at constant pressure, wherein part of the least volatile substance condenses at variable temperature. In comparison with a steam cycle, this new cycle offers higher efficiences because it has the advantage of increasing the average temperature of heat absorption, without intermediate reheating and without condensation occurring in the turbine until very low exhaust pressures are reached, depending on the proportion of the mixture used. A secondary cycle of refrigerant fluid may be utilized with the power cycle of the present invention.

Abstract: A solar energy collection system utilizing a fluid, e.g. ammonia, which dissociates endothermically and recombines exothermically and in which work output is obtained directly from the thermochemical fluid stream by expanding the fluid through turbines subsequent to the endothermic reaction. Undissociated fluid is introduced at an elevated temperature into an absorber-reaction vessel which is exposed to solar radiation and subsequently the dissociated fluid is conducted from the vessel to expansion turbines and through a counterflow heat exchanger to allow cooling. A second reaction chamber effects partial recombination of the dissociated products and a separator separates the undissociated and dissociated fluids with the undissociated fluid being returned via the heat exchanger where it is heated prior to entry to the absorber-reaction vessel .

Abstract: A heat recovery system including a closed working fluid loop constituted by connecting an evaporating apparatus supplied with warm waste water, a steam turbine having an output shaft to be coupled to the load, and a condensing apparatus supplied with cooling water, works on the basis of a Rankine cycle and utilize non-azeotropic mixture as the working fluid.

Abstract: A method is provided for converting sensible heat energy of a heating fluid supplied by a high-temperature heat source to work, by means of a thermodynamic cycle employing a multi-component working fluid, wherein a "rich solution" having a higher concentration of lower boiling component, or components, is heated in a vapor generator in counter-current heat exchange with the heating fluid to produce a vapor-liquid mixture which is introduced into a lower zone of a rectifier and separated therein into a "lean solution" having a higher concentration of said lower boiling component, or components, and a vapor mixture; the enthalpy of the vapor mixture is increased by passing it through a superheater in counter-current heat exchange with said heating fluid at its highest temperature; the vapor mixture is then expanded in a first turbine to an intermediate pressure level thereby to generate work and subsequently in a second turbine to a low pressure level to generate additional work; the spent vapor mixture is then

Abstract: A nuclear excited power system includes a gaseous core nuclear reactor through the core of which helium is passed. The helium is excited by the high energy radiation from the nuclear reactor and is coupled to a reaction chamber wherein the high energy helium mixes with hydrogen and a halogen, such as, chlorine. The energy thus transferred to the hydrogen and chlorine causes the hydrogen and chlorine to combine to form a hydrogen chloride plasma. The high temperature, high pressure hydrogen chloride plasma drives a turbine, magnetohydrodynamic generator or other electromechanical device to form electrical and/or mechanical energy. The helium and hydrogen chloride exhaust products are separated with the helium coupled back to the reactor core. The hydrogen chloride is disassociated and coupled back to the reaction chamber.

Abstract: Gas or vapor phase chemical reactions are conducted inside an open loop Stirling cycle apparatus which may operate as a heat engine or as a heat pump. Adsorbent surfaces are associated with the thermal regenerators of the Stirling cycle apparatus, so that pressure swing adsorption separation of reactant and product gas species may be achieved in response to cyclic variations of flow and pressure within the apparatus. Flow control means are provided to introduce the feed gas into the working space of the apparatus and to remove separated product fractions. The feed gas is chemically reactive in a reaction zone of the working space, with reactant and product species separated by the apparatus to remove desired product(s) from the reaction zone while retaining reactant(s) in the reaction zone, so that conversion and selectivity objectives can be achieved.

Abstract: A system for converting thermal energy into electrical energy includes a fluid reservoir, a relatively high boiling point fluid such as lead or a lead alloy within the reservoir, a downcomer defining a vertical fluid flow path communicating at its upper end with the reservoir and an upcomer defining a further vertical fluid flow path communicating at its upper end with the reservoir. A variable area nozzle of rectangular section may terminate the upper end of the upcomer and the lower end of the of the downcomer communicates with the lower end of the upcomer. A mixing chamber is located at the lower end portion of the upcomer and receives a second relatively low boiling point fluid such as air, the mixing chamber serving to introduce the low boiling point fluid into the upcomer so as to produce bubbles causing the resultant two-phase fluid to move at high velocity up the upcomer.

Abstract: Pressure swing adsorption separation of a gas mixture containing a more readily adsorbed component and a less readily adsorbed component is performed within an apparatus containing an adsorbent bed with cyclically varied geometry, such that the bed volume can be expanded or contracted. Variable volume displacement means at either end of a flow path through the adsorbent bed are operated cyclically to generate flow of a gas mixture along the flow path, in a first direction when the more readily adsorbed component is preferentially adsorbed during the high pressure portion of the cycle while the bed volume is relatively contracted, and in a second reverse direction during the low pressure portion of the cycle while the bed volume is relatively expanded.

Abstract: A closed loop power regeneration system combines chlorine and hydrogen to form hydrogen chloride at high temperatures and pressure. The high temperature, high pressure hydrogen chloride is used to drive a turbine after which the heat from the hydrogen chloride is extracted for use in a regeneration system. The hydrogen chloride is converted to hydrogen and chlorine in the regeneration system. In the regeneration system copper and cuprous chloride react with the hydrogen chloride at a temperature of at least about 200.degree. C. to generate cuprous chloride, cupric chloride and molecular hydrogen. In a second reactor containing cuprous chloride and cupric chloride the extracted thermal energy from the hydrogen chloride is utilized to generate copper, cuprous chloride and molecular chlorine. The molecular chlorine and hydrogen are recombined to form hydrogen chloride in the system. In an alternative embodiment, silver is used as a reagent rather than copper and cuprous chloride.

Abstract: A heat recovery system including a closed working fluid loop constituted by connecting an evaporating apparatus supplied with warm waste water, a steam turbine having an output shaft to be coupled to the load, and a condensing apparatus supplied with cooling water, works on the basis of a Rankine cycle and is adapted to utilize a non-azeotropic mixture as the working fluid.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for ocean thermal energy conversion using metal hydride heat exchangers to power a turbine by desorbing and absorbing hydrogen gas. Heat exchangers are alternatively floated to the ocean surface to warm the metal hydride bed or sunk to the bottom to cool the bed. The turbine powers an electric generator which produces electricity which may be utilized directly, stored in a superconducting magnet, used to desalinate water, or used to power the electrolysis of water in order to produce hydrogen for use as a fuel.

Abstract: A heat recovery system including a closed working fluid loop constituted by connecting an evaporating apparatus supplied with warm waste water, a steam turbine having an output shaft to be coupled to the load, and a condensing apparatus supplied with cooling water, works on the basis of a Rankine cycle and utilize a non-azeotropic mixture as the working fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing a thermodynamic cycle with preheating, involves expanding a gaseous working fluid to a medium pressure to transform its energy into usable form. The expanded gaseous working fluid is split into two different streams. One stream is further expanded to a spent low pressure level to produce further usable energy. This stream is then condensed. The other of the two streams is used to preheat the condensed stream and is mixed with the condensed stream at a point upstream of the point of preheating. This decreases the irreversibilities in the preheating process and enables greater efficiencies to be achieved.

Abstract: Method and system for generating electric power utilizing a coolant circuit, in which a coolant is evaporated at a lower level position, allowed to rise via tubing to a higher level position, liquified at the higher level position, and allowed to flow down to the lower level position in tubing where it impinges a hydraulic turbine connected to a generator. The preferred embodiment includes a vertical tube system of approximately 3000 m length, composed of a long tube for rising vapors and fall tubes for falling liquid coolant. Multiple cooling systems located at the higher level position, including a counterflow cooling system, forced-draught type air cooler, and a step-by-step cooling process, are utilized to liquify the coolant and provide working vapor to power the cooling systems. The coolant is composed to C.sub.3 H.sub.8 and NH.sub.3, which is varied on a percent composition basis to match atmospheric weather conditions.

Abstract: A method is provided for utilizing sensible heat energy supplied by a high-temperature heating fluid, employing a multi-component working fluid thermodynamic cycle, wherein a solution rich in a lower boiling component is heated in a vapor generator in counter-current heat exchange with the heating fluid to produce a vapor-fluid mixture which is separated in a rectifier into a lean solution and a vapor mixture; the enthalpy of the vapor mixture is optionally increased in a superheater by counter-current heat exchange with said heating fluid at its highest temperature; the vapor mixture is then expanded thereby to perform the function of the cycle; and the spent vapor mixture is dissolved in said lean solution in an absorber so as to regenerate the rich solution; characterized in that the rich solution leaving the absorber is compressed and divided into a first and second parts; the first part is heated by counter-current heat exchange with said lean solution drawn from the rectifier, whereafter said first part

Abstract: An energy-saving, direct-contact parallel-flow heat exchanger includes a vertically oriented tower open at the top and bottom for defining a gas-flow conduit. A spray-head adjacent to the top of the tower sprays droplets of relatively warm brine into the air which flows downwardly in response to drag forces being exerted by the falling droplets and is compressed as a heat-exchange process takes place between the air and the droplets. The cooled droplets that fall to the bottom of the tower are collected and separated from the air. An air turbine associated with the tower produces energy in response to the downward flow of air in the tower.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing a thermodynamic cycle, which includes the use of a composite stream, having a higher content of a high-boiling component than a working stream, to provide heat needed to evaporate the working stream. After being superheated, the working stream is expanded in a turbine. Thereafter, the expanded stream is separated into a spent stream and a withdrawal stream. The withdrawal stream is combined with a lean stream to produce a composite stream. The composite stream evaporates the working stream and preheats the working stream and the lean stream. The composite stream is then expanded to a reduced pressure. A first portion of this composite stream is fed into a gravity separator. The liquid stream flowing from the gravity separator forms a portion of the lean stream that is combined with the withdrawal stream. The vapor stream flowing from the separator combines with a second portion of the composite stream in a scrubber.

Abstract: A process of mechanical power generation including a binary cycle whose primary cycle works with a mixture of water and another substance of much lower volatility substantially immiscible with water. In the primary cycle, at least part of the vaporization of the water is accomplished by means of the heat yielded simultaneously by condensation at variable temperature of the substance of high boiling point. This binary cycle allows obtaining much higher efficiencies than conventional cycles in small power plants (up to 50 MWe), thanks to the diminishing energy losses in the heat absorption, optmising the expansion efficiencies with simple turbines and substantially eliminating the vacuum in the installation. The proposed cycle has better partial load efficiency and lower response time than conventional cycles, with similar cost.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for efficiently recovering energy from off-gas with high temperatures and high pressures released from the oxidation reactor of aromatic compounds such as xylene, pseudocumene, durene and the like. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for energy recovery from oxidation reactor off-gas, which comprises subjecting off-gas with high temperature and high pressure from an oxidation reactor to heat exchange with cooling water to cool the off-gas, subjecting the cooled off-gas to direct counter-flow contact with the water heated by said heat exchange to obtain a mixture of off-gas and steam, and cooled water, circulating the cooled water for reuse as said cooling water for said high temperature and high pressure off-gas, and sending the mixture of off-gas and steam to an expander to recover energy therefrom.

Abstract: A chemical pump system that utilizes a self-driven compressor to increase the system pressure while obviating the need for a one-way valve and liquid head to provide the driving force for the reactants, thus enhancing long distance transport. The system comprises a chemical heat pipe employing reversible endothermic/exothermic chemical reactions to transfer thermal energy between a heat source and a heat sink. At least one reactant is self-driven substantially unidirectionally through the heat pipe by compressing the reactant(s) with a compressor and heating the reactant(s) to a predetermined pressure and temperature sufficient to form a reaction product having at least a 150% molar increase. The reaction product is expanded with an expander that is linked mechanically to the compressor. The expansion energy is sufficient to compress the reactants to the predetermined pressure while maintaining the self-driven unidirectional flow.

Abstract: Pressure swing adsorption gas separations are conducted inside an open loop Stirling cycle apparatus which may operate as an engine, refrigerator or heat pump. Adsorbent surfaces are associated with the thermal regenerators of the Stirling cycle apparatus, so that a preferentially adsorbed gas fraction is concentrated by parametric pumping into a colder end of an engine or into a warmer end of a refrigerator or heat pump, while a less readily adsorbed gas fraction is concentrated into warmer end of an engine or into colder end of a refrigerator or heat pump. Flow control means are provided to introduce the feed gas into the working space of the apparatus and to remove separated product fractions. Feed gases may be chemically reactive within a portion of the working space, with reactant and product species of the reaction separated by the apparatus to drive the reaction off equilibrium.

Abstract: Disclosed is a steam engine which is used to propel underwater vehicles without exhausting combustion products to the surrounding water. A solid metallic fuel reacts in a first chamber with water to produce hydrogen which is subsequently reacted in a second chamber with oxygen to produce heat and water. The amount of water produced in the second chamber is equal to the amount of water used in the first chamber. Consequently, no excess water is produced.

Abstract: A solar electric power generating process is described which consists of tapwater thermally contacted with special brine. Low pressure characteristics of the brine draw steam through a power generating turbine from the water into the brine. As the brine is pumped over an open air evaporator, excess water picked up by the brine is driven off using solar or waste heat.

Abstract: A thermodynamic process having an efficiency close to that of the ideal Carnot cycle. The process fluid is a combination of Dowtherm A and water and undergoes constant pressure transformations to absorb heat from a heat source and to transfer heat to a heat sink, and also undergoes constant temperature expansion and constant temperature pressurization. The process provides a practical application, in single-stage and three-stage processes, of the Carnot cycle.

Abstract: A downhole steam-generating system in which fuel and compressed air from an air compressor unit 20 are fed to a steam generator 22. Steam and/or combustion products are fed to the turbine 24 from the steam generator 22 and the turbine 24 is used to mechanically drive the air compressor unit 20. After leaving the turbine 24, the turbine output may be scrubbed and the combustion products may be either passed down the borehole with the steam or may be discharged into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A power plant includes a source of water, a heat exchanger having an evaporator side maintained below atmospheric pressure for converting the water to steam, and a turbine responsive to said steam for producing work and heat depleted steam. The heat exchanger also has a condenser side for receiving and condensing the heat depleted steam. The evaporator side of the heat exchanger is separated by a barrier from the condenser side. Concentrated brine from a source thereof is caused to fall in a film on the condenser side of the barrier, and water from the water source is caused to fall in a film on the evaporator side of the barrier. The heat of dilution of the film of concentrated brine, as it is directly contacted by the heat depleted steam in the condenser side of the heat exchanger, is transferred through the barrier from the condenser side to the evaporator side raising the temperature of the film of water on the evaporator side which evaporates in the reduced pressure in the evaporator.

Abstract: A solar electric power generating process is described which consists of tapwater thermally contacted with special brine. Low pressure characteristics of the brine draw steam through a power-generating turbine from the water into the brine. As the brine is pumped over an open air evaporator, excess water picked up by the brine is driven off using solar or waste heat. The tapwater is first purified in a demineralizer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing a thermodynamic cycle with intercooling, includes a condensing subsystem, a boiler, and a turbine. The boiler may include a preheater, an evaporator, and a superheater. After initial expansion in the turbine, the fluid may be diverted to a reheater to increase the temperature available for superheating. After return to the turbine and additional expansion, the fluid may be withdrawn from the turbine and cooled in an intercooler. Thereafter the fluid is returned to the turbine for additional expansion. The cooling of the turbine gas may provide additional heat for evaporation. Intercooling may provide compensation for the heat used in reheating and may provide recuperation of available heat which would otherwise remain unused following final turbine expansion.

Abstract: An energy source for a closed cycle engine including a boiler (10) having a working fluid chamber (12) in heat exchange relation with a reaction chamber (14). A closed flow path loop (16, 34, 36, 38, 44, 46, 52) including a turbine (18) receives working fluid from the fluid chamber, provides a power output and returns the fluid to the chamber. Lithium (80) is reacted with water (70) in the reaction chamber (14) to generate heat for heating the working fluid and hydrogen. Oxygen, obtained by decomposition of sodium superoxide (82) elsewhere in the system, is fed to the reaction chamber (14) and combined with the hydrogen to provide water and additional heat for the working fluid.

Abstract: A chemical energy power plant includes control of steam temperature to prevent turbine damage while allowing throttling of the power output level and rapid response to commands for changed power output level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing a thermodynamic cycle involves utilizing partial distillation of a multi-component working fluid stream. At least one main enriched solution is produced which is relatively enriched with respect to the lower boiling temperature component, together with at least one lean solution which is relatively impoverished with the respect of lower boiling temperature component. The main working fluid is expanded to a low pressure level to convert energy to a usable form. This spent low pressure level working fluid is condensed by dissolving with cooling in the lean solution to regenerate an initial working fluid for reuse. A portion of the impoverished fraction may be injected into the charged gaseous main working fluid in order to obtain added work and to increase system efficiency by decreasing the temperature of the output fluid flow when the fluid flow would otherwise have been superheated.

Abstract: The starting gas is partly condensed in an exchanger 1. The refrigerating power is supplied, on one hand, by the free expansion of the liquid fraction and, on the other hand, by expansion in a gas-bearing turbine of the vapor fraction rich in hydrogen. A small part of this vapor fraction is used to feed auxiliary gases to the turbine, then is cooled in the exchanger 1, expanded and injected into the expanded liquid fraction so as to obtain a sufficiently low bubble point. The invention is useful in recovering hydrogen from purge gases of apparatus for ammonia synthesis, the purge gases being composed of hydrogen and less volatile components.