Abstract: A hydraulic engine which uses liquid fluid as the working medium consists of a housing structure, a liquid fluid inlet passage, a fluid outlet passage, a liquid fluid pump, a fluid actuator, coupling means connecting the two, fluid flow diffusing means, a combustion chamber, an energy exchange zone, a fuel and air supply means, a combustion ignition means, a power takeoff actuator means, a power takeoff means, and a fluid separating means. Liquid fluid enters the engine inlet where it travels to the energy exchange zone. Here exhausted combustion product in the form of a gaseous fluid is introduced into the liquid fluid where it is combined. The mixture is exhausted through the outlet passage of the engine in the form of a liquid fluid-gaseous fluid stream. Upon entering the outlet passage, the mixture is directed to a fluid separating chamber where the working liquid fluid of the engine is separated from the gaseous combustion product.

Abstract: The present invention is a multi-step process for generating energy from a source heat flow. Such a process comprises passing a heated media having a mixture of a low volatility component and a high volatility component into a phase separator. The vaporous working fluid is withdrawn from the phase separator and passed into a work zone, such as a turbine, wherein the fluid is expanded. The expanded vaporous working fluid is withdrawn from the work zone and passed into a direct contact condenser or absorber. The separated weak solution is withdrawn from the phase separator and passed into counter-current heat exchange relationship in an interchanger with a portion of media from the direct contact condenser or absorber. The media from the direct contact condenser or absorber is withdrawn and passed into a fluid pressurizing zone.

Abstract: A working fluid in the gaseous state at some initial temperature and pressure is expanded polytropically to a resulting exhaust fluid having some lower temperature and pressure in order to produce useful work. Large quantities of a pressured motive liquid are then employed as the vehicle for approximating an isenthalpic compression of the working fluid. The preferred method for effecting this recompression is to provide an overall adiabatic environment within which the two fluids are placed in thermal but not physical communication. The working fluid is then energized by direct compression during which partial condensation of the working fluid is accompanied by heat transfer to the motive liquid. Thereafter the two fluids are mixed, with the resulting two phases permitting separation and reconstitution of the motive and working fluids to their initial states to complete the thermodynamic cycle which, depending upon the fluids selected, can be located in a broad range of the temperature spectrum.

Abstract: A working fluid in the gaseous state at some initial temperature and pressure is expanded polytropically to a resulting exhaust fluid having some lower temperature and pressure in order to produce useful work. Large quantities of a motive liquid are then employed as the vehicle for approximating an isenthalpic compression of the working fluid. The preferred method for effecting this recompression is to reduce both fluids to a single liquid phase which is then energized. Thereafter the two fluids can be reconstituted to their initial states to complete the thermodynamic cycle which, depending upon the fluids selected, can be located in a broad range of the temperature spectrum.

Abstract: A thermo-siphon type generator apparatus making use of a gravity-type heat pipe in which a working medium is cyclically evaporated and condensed. The apparatus has a closed vessel filled with the working fluid and defining a lower evaporating section, an upper condensing section and a heat-insulated section between the evaporating and condensing sections. A turbine connected to a generator is mounted in or on the closed vessel. A first passage is provided for introducing the vapor of the working fluid generated in the evaporating section to the turbine, while a second passage is adapted for introducing the vapor from the turbine to the condensing section.

Abstract: This invention relates to a solar energy system wherein chemical A is converted into chemical B in the presence of a photo-sensitizer with the absorption of considerable heat, which heat can be redelivered at will by placing chemical B in contact with a catalyst. The catalyst is stable at high temperatures permitting operation through the phase change from liquid to vapor with consequent use of chemical B for performing work in engines, heat pumps and the like.

Abstract: Improved power cycles for improving the production of power and refrigeration and for conserving thermal energy, utilizing as a common basic characteristic, a hydride-dehydride-hydrogen power cycle in which hydrogen is reversibly combined with a hydride-forming material at a relatively low temperature and pressure, the hydrided material is then heated at constant volume to chemically compress the hydrogen, and finally the material is dehydrided by further heating the material to release hydrogen gas at relatively high pressure and temperature. The pressurized high temperature hydrogen gas as thus developed is used in various ways for producing power and refrigeration, including functioning as a low temperature heat sink for certain auxiliary or ancillary power cycles, prior to recycling the hydrogen gas for reuse in the described hydride-dehydride-hydrogen cycle.

Abstract: Method and multiple-stage absorber for effecting gradual absorption of a gas in a solvent under controlled conditions so as to obtain a high-enthalpy solution of the gas in the solvent with maximum recuperation of the heat of absorption. This is achieved by passing the solvent and the gas in respectively opposite directions through a plurality of discrete absorption stages so as to form a relatively concentrated solution and recirculating this solution through some or all of said absorption stages, counter-currently to the flow of the solvent, so as to extract heat from some or all of said stages by indirect heat exchange with the fluid in said stages; and extracting additional amounts of heat from some or all of said absorption stages by indirect heat exchange with a coolant fluid which is passed through said stages.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for the production of compounds from gas mixture by the plasma method, particularly useful for the production of nitric oxides from atmospheric air as a step in producing synthetic nitrogenous fertilizer. According to the novel method, a supersonic speed is imparted to the gaseous medium flowing through the reactor in which an electrical discharge is produced, and at least part of the energy of the gaseous medium exiting from the reactor is converted into electrical energy.

Abstract: A state-of-the-art power plant in which the heat from solid or low quality fuels is utilized to heat indirectly a motive stream composition of a mixture of steam and gases to drive a gas turbine. The thermal energy from the burning of the solid or low quality fuels is also utilized to generate steam which powers a steam turbine. Excess steam may be generated to be utilized as process steam.

Abstract: A hydraulic turbo-generator driven by a water current is used for producing electric power; the water is supplied to the turbine (5) by means of a conduit (4). The high pressure vapor is produced in a vapor generator (2) and combined in the water current, so that the expansion energy of the vapor is transmitted to the water, if possible completely, and to the turbine. The interaction duration of the vapor and the water is considered to be a very short due to the high speed of the water, so that substantially no heat exchange occurs, thereby obtaining a plant output higher than that of conventional plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas turbine power plant wherein the gas turbine is driven by gases and steam heated indirectly through a heat exchanger by the burning of corrosive fuels. One of the main improvements in the present invention is to utilize a state-of-the-art gas turbine in the power plant.

Abstract: A system which stores and uses thermal and chemical energy to provide shaft power during either the charging or discharging cycles. The system is based upon a reversible transfer of gaseous fluid from a holding tank to a receiver. In operation, the fluid generates electricity or other mechanical power by doing work on a turbine or other device positioned between the tank and receiver. The fluid is heated by an external source and is particularly adapted for use with solar energy. The working fluid and an absorbent combine to form the chemical solution. In the charge cycle, heat is applied to the holding tank which distills the fluid. The fluid condenses in the condenser and is held in the receiver. In the discharge cycle, heat is transferred from the still warm holding tank to the receiver by means of piping. The fluid vaporizes and returns to the holding tank.

Abstract: A process for condensing exhaust vapor comprises alternating modes of operation. In the first mode, the exhaust vapor contacts solid particles at a first temperature below the condensation temperature of the vapor and, simultaneously, solid particles at a second temperature above the first temperature are cooled to the first temperature. In the second mode, the exhaust vapor contacts the solid particles that were cooled in the first mode and, simultaneously, solid particles that were heated in the first mode are cooled to the first temperature. This cycle repeats continuously.

Abstract: A process is disclosed in which the overhead vapor stream of a fractionation column is utilized as the working fluid which is depressurized to drive a turbine. The turbine may be used to generate electricity which is then used within the fractionation process or in another process, with a preferred use of the electricity being to supply heat to the bottom of the fractionation zone. The turbine is integrated into the overhead system of the column and the turbine effluent enters the overhead condenser to form liquid which may be used as reflux to the column.

Abstract: Polyethylene is produced in at least one reactor under a pressure of 800 to 2500 bars and a temperature of 150.degree. to 350.degree. C., and the reaction mixture exiting the reactor through an expansion valve and supplied to a separator under a pressure of 50 to 400 bars is cooled by passing a flow Q of the mixture through a turbine. The turbine comprises at least one stage with a fixed nozzle and a bladed wheel having a rotation speed of between 12,000 and 40,000 r.p.m. Ethylene discharged from the separator is recycled to the inlet of a compressor, and the discharge from the compressor is supplied to the reactor.

Abstract: A reciprocating solar engine includes at least one cylinder 3 which has an essentially transparent head 4 and a pistion 12 disposed in the cylinder 3. A gas-particle mixture 7, 8 is injected into the cylinder 3 between the piston 12 and the transparent head 4. Radiant solar flux is directed through the transparent head 4 so that the gas-particle mixture 7, 8 is heated and the piston 12 is pushed away from the transparent head 4. The engine further includes a device for allowing the radiant energy flux to be directed at the transparent head 4 during only a portion of the operating cycle of the engine.

Abstract: Enthalpy is recovered from hot industrial effluents by converting a working fluid into a foam in a flashing unit and using the foam to propel a turbine located within or at the output of the flashing unit. For liquid effluents the effluent itself serves as the working fluid. For gaseous effluents a liquid is heated by the gas and then the liquid is used as the working fluid. If the effluents contain undesirable levels of pollutants working fluid is cleaned before it is flashed. The specification discloses both impulse and reactive turbines which the foam can propel.

Abstract: High, intermediate and low pressure stages are provided in a thermal machine including sealed chambers permitting maintenance of respective pressures but permitting flow of vapor from one vessel to a second within a stage and providing for the flow of an absorbent solution among the vessels in different stages. The intermediate stage includes resorption and regeneration vessels which are thermally coupled, respectively, to a generation vessel and an absorption vessel in the high and low pressure stages, so that a variable fraction of the absorber heat may be transferred to the regenerator and of the resorber heat to the generator. The name Variable Effect refers to this variable internal heat transfer which permits the machine to adjust to a wide range of available heat source and heat rejection temperatures while maintaining high efficiency.

Abstract: A multi-stage, wet steam turbine employs working fluid, such as steam for example, in its two-phase region with vapor and liquid occurring simultaneously for at least part of the cycle, in particular the nozzle expansion. A smaller number of stages than usual is made possible, and the turbine may handle liquid only. Simple construction, low fuel consumption and high reliability are achieved.

Abstract: Energy is extracted from a high-temperature high-pressure working fluid by augmenting flow of the working fluid with a flow of gas having a molecular weight less than the fluid, utilizing some of the energy from the working fluid to induce addition and mixture of the gas in an ejector creating a flow of the mixed fluids having a greater mass and lower temperature than the initial flow of working fluid and supplying the mixed fluids to a turbine which converts the energy in the mixed fluids into mechanical energy. The exhausted fluids are separated and at least the augmenting gas is recycled to the ejector. The gas is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, helium, nitrogen, air, water vapor, or an organic compound having a molecular weight less than the working fluid, and the working fluid is selected from the group consisting of an inorganic element, an inorganic compound, or a fluorocarbon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for high volume distillation of impure liquid, particularly of binary mixtures of relatively low boiling organic substances and water, comprises fractionally distilling the impure liquid to form a vapor of a low boiling organic substance; compressing the vapor; passing at least a portion of the compressed vapor through a vapor composition adjustment zone wherein the organic substance may catalytically or otherwise react or merely stabilize following compression; compressing the vapor exiting the adjustment zone to form a recompressed vapor; cooling the recompressed vapor in heat transfer relation with the impure liquid whereby the vapor at least partially condenses, transferring sufficient heat to the impure liquid for evaporating the liquid and to form the aforementioned low boiling organic vapor; and collecting the condensed low boiling organic vapor.

Abstract: A new power system employs aluminum as a primary fuel resulting in a total energy/volume ratio several times more favorable than gasoline. The system includes a fuel store, a reactor which may be the same mechanical element as the store and means to utilize the released energy. Illustratively, aluminum may be reacted with steam to form aluminum oxide with the release of large quantities of usable energy. After the reaction, the aluminum oxide may be reconverted to aluminum.

Abstract: In this process, the decay heat of radioactive substances is carried away by circulating liquid coolant. Some of the liquid coolant is vaporized by the decay heat. The circulation of liquid in the circuit is driven by pressure from the vapor. After exceeding a static pressure head corresponding to the pressure drop in the circuit, the vapor is separated from the liquid and condensed, and the condensate is combined with the liquid returning for repeated partial vaporization.

Abstract: Apparatus for separating an undesired foreign fluid, such as water, from the working fluid, such as ammonia, in a low temperature difference power plant which includes an evaporator and a condensor. A flash separator unit vaporizes the working fluid and separates it from the undesired foreign fluid. The vaporized working fluid is condensed in the condensor. The undesired foreign fluid is accumulated in the evaporator from which it can then be removed. In an alternative embodiment, the separated foreign fluid and liquid ammonia collected in the flash separator unit are not returned to the evaporator, but instead, are coupled back into the flash separator where the separated foreign fluid accumulates so that at the end of the separation process, the undesired foreign fluid can be removed from the flash separator. An alternative embodiment enables the power generating system to continue in operation, although with a decreased capacity during the fluid separation process.

Abstract: Improved power cycles for improving the production of power and refrigeration and for conserving thermal energy, utilizing as a common basic characteristic, a hydride-dehydride-hydrogen power cycle in which hydrogen is reversibly combied with a hydride-forming material at a relatively low temperature and pressure, the hydrided material is then heated at constant volume to chemically compress the hydrogen, and finally the material is dehydrided by further heating the material to release hydrogen gas at relatively high pressure and temperature. The pressurized high temperature hydrogen gas as thus developed is used in various ways for producing power and refrigeration, including functioning as a low temperature heat sink for certain auxiliary or ancillary power cycles, prior to recycling the hydrogen gas for reuse in the described hydride-dehydride-hydrogen cycle.

Abstract: A hydraulic turbo-generator driven by a water current is used for producing electric power; the water is driven by a high output rotary pump (3) and supplied to the turbine (5) by means of a cylindrical conduit (4). The high pressure vapor is produced in a vapor generator (2) and injected in the water current, so that the expansion energy of the vapor is transmitted to the water, if possible completely, and to the turbine. The interaction duration of the vapor and the water is considered to be a very short due to the high speed of the water, so that substantially no heat exchange occurs, thereby obtaining a plant output higher than that of conventional plants.

Abstract: Reaction turbine and pump apparatus includes:(a) a first nozzle or nozzles to receive heated fluid for expansion therein to form a two-phase discharge of gas and liquid,(b) a separator rotor having an axis and a rotating surface located in the path of said discharge for supporting a layer of separated liquid on said surface,(c) the rotor having a reaction nozzle or nozzles to communicate with said layer to receive liquid therefrom for discharge in a direction or directions developing torque acting to rotate the rotor,(d) and a pump associated with and driven by the rotor, the pump including an annular rim surface to receive impingement of liquid to be pumped, the liquid collecting as a rotating ring on the rim surface.In addition, the rim surface may be integral with the separator rotor; and the heated fluid may consist of a low vapor pressure fluid component which remains liquid and a high vapor pressure fluid component which at least partially vaporizes in the first nozzle or nozzles.

Abstract: A two-phase thermal energy conversion system employs an evaporable liquid such as water, and a gas which is not liquefiable within the operating temperature and pressure ranges, such as air. The water and air are mixed and one of the two or both are heated so that the water evaporates and is absorbed by the air to result in a pressure increase. The increase of pressure or volume can be converted into mechanical energy by a prime mover such as a turbine or reciprocating piston engine. The heat of condensation is utilized and converted into mechanical power while the temperature and pressure are reduced. The liquid, such as water, may be below its boiling point. If the water consists of salt water, fresh water is derived as a condensation product from the prime mover.

Abstract: Method for converting one form of energy into another form of energy by isobarically heating a gas, adiabatically expanding the gas while converting the heat energy of the gas into the kinetic energy of a moving body, converting the kinetic energy of the moving body into another form of energy, and approximately isothermally compressing the gas to a higher pressure. Improved efficiency is achieved by virtue of the fact that this system employs approximately isothermal compression, which is preferably achieved by injecting liquid into an adiabatically-expanded gas, thereby effecting a thermodynamic cycle which more closely approximates the efficiency of a Carnot cycle.

Abstract: A method and system of energy conversion derived from temperature and pressure differentials that may be provided between high and low elevations. A solution of a liquid in a gas is transported in a first conduit from a low elevation to a high elevation, whereby the absolute pressure and the temperature of the solution change. Some of the liquid separates out of the solution in the first conduit in the form of particles suspended in the remaining solution to create a mixture of the separated particles and the remaining solution in the first conduit as a result of the changes in absolute pressure and temperature, so that at any particular position in the first conduit where the separation takes place, the average proportional density of the mixture after the separation has taken place is decreased in relation to the density of the solution at such position prior to the separation taking place.

Abstract: A system and method of thermal energy conversion is disclosed.

Abstract: Power is recovered from the vaporization of liquefied natural gas by liquefying a multicomponent refrigerant. The liquefied multicomponent refrigerant is then pressurized, vaporized and expanded in two stages through two expanders which are coupled to a generator.

Abstract: Power is generated from a body of hot brine by injecting a liquid operating fluid, such as butane or Freon, into the brine at a depth where the hydrostatic pressure of the brine is approximately equal to the vapor pressure of the operating fluid at a temperature of the brine for producing a bubble regime in a vertically oriented lift tube whose lower end is immersed in the brine whereby working fluid is raised in the lift tube as the bubbles rise therein. The gaseous operating fluid is separated from the liquid working fluid which is returned to the body of brine, and the gaseous operating fluid is condensed in a condenser and returned in a liquid state for injection into the hot brine at the inlet of the lift tube. The working fluid that is raised in the lift tube is passed through an hydraulic turbine.

Abstract: A thermochemical energy storage and mechanical energy converter system utzing a turbine. The system has a power or discharge phase, and a reactivate or charge phase. In the power phase ammonia gas is released by CaCl.sub.2.8NH.sub.3, expanded in a turbine and combined with ZnCl.sub.2 to form ZnCl.sub.2.NH.sub.3. In an example of the reactivate phase, ammonia gas is released by ZnCl.sub.2.NH.sub.3 and added to CaCl.sub.2.NH.sub.3 to form CaCl.sub.2.8NH.sub.3.

Abstract: A method of cooling natural gas in a system in which the natural gas contains components other than methane which are separable by dewpoint condensation and the natural gas is available from a source, e.g. a well, at an elevated pressure. In accordance with the present invention, the natural gas is initially expanded in a work-producing expansion turbine to cool the natural gas to a temperature below the dew point of the components to be separated and the portion of the natural gas remaining after separating these components is compressed in a compressor which can in part be driven by the turbine so that at least a portion of the work output of the turbine is at least in some cases utilized for compressing the methane-containing portion which can be forced under pressure into a pipeline.

Abstract: Improved power cycles for improving the production of power and refrigeration and for conserving thermal energy, utilizing as a common basic characteristic, a hydride-dehydride-hydrogen power cycle in which hydrogen is reversibly combined with a hydride-forming material at a relatively low temperature and pressure, the hydrided material is then heated at constant volume to chemically compress the hydrogen, and finally the material is dehydrided by further heating the material to release hydrogen gas at relatively high pressure and temperature. The pressurized high temperature hydrogen gas as thus developed is used in various ways for producing power and refrigeration, including functioning as a low temperature heat sink for certain auxiliary or ancillary power cycles, prior to recycling the hydrogen gas for reuse in the described hydride-dehydride-hydrogen cycle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a machine for transferring heat from a lower to a higher temperature without wasting external work. The machine includes a regulator to regulate the mean temperature of the machine by regulating the value of the lowest temperature of the machine. The regulator includes an automatically functioning instrument, and the regulation of the mean temperature of the machine to maintain it at a predetermined value provides stable operation for the machine.

Abstract: A method for storing excess energy produced by an electric utility during low energy demand periods, utilizing a closed system with a gaseous fluid as the energy storage medium and turbine working fluid. The fluid medium is stored at low pressure in an underground cavern which is located near a commercial electric utility system. During low energy demand periods, electrical output from the utility is channeled to the subject invention for conversion to potential energy, stored in the form of pressurized fluid in a second, high pressure cavern. This fluid transfer is accomplished by a compressor powered by excess electric output of the utility. During peak periods of power demand, a stream of the pressurized fluid is heated and expanded through a turbine/generator combination to generate electrical output. This electrical power is then used to supplement the utility output to meet the higher level of energy requirement arising during peak demand periods.

Abstract: An improved scoop is usable in combination with a wheel providing a rotating peripheral surface with an annular body of liquid supported on that surface and rotating with the wheel. The improvement comprises:(a) The scoop projects partially into the rotating annular body of liquid;(b) The scoop is mounted for rotation about an axis and in a forward direction in response to force transmission to the scoop from liquid entering the scoop;(c) The scoop has an interior surface that is locally curved to turn the entering liquid for discharge from the scoop in a relatively rearward direction; and(d) Substantially the entirety of the scoop interior rearwardly of said interior surface is rearwardly open to the exterior.

Abstract: This invention relates to a gas powered, closed loop power generating system which generates power substantially as a result of the flow of gas through its power generating means. Gas flows through the power generating means because of a pressure drop caused by dissolving the gas in a solvent medium on the exit side of the power generating means. The solution is then separated into the solvent medium, and the gas. The gas pressure is raised and it is then fed back into the power generating means while the separated solvent medium is recycled to redissolve more exiting gas. A process for generating power is also disclosed.

Abstract: A heating power plant and a process for operating the power plant with the power plant containing a thermal power installation for producing mechanical motive energy for driving an energy supply device as well as waste heat which may be utlized for heating purposes in the power plant. The thermal power installation may be shut down or operated at slight partial loads during periods of low energy needs with hydrogen being introduced into a metal hydride storage device which is capable of absorbing hydrogen. At times of higher energy need the thermal power installation is kept in operation under greater load conditions and hydrogen is removed from a metal hydride storage device which is capable of releasing such hydrogen. The release enthalpy required for releasing the hydrogen is provided by waste heat from the thermal power installation or by ambient air.

Abstract: A gas powered motor has a reservoir for liquefied gas, a supply passage from the reservoir leading through one side of a heat exchanger to the motor and a container holding a buffer substance in heat conductive relationship with the reservoir. The buffer substance acts to supply heat to the liquefied gas while undergoing a chemical, physical crystallographic or other change of state to assist in maintaining the supply of gas to the motor from the reservoir. The motor exhaust leads to a vessel containing a condensing buffer substance which absorbs, persorbs or otherwise associates with the gas accompanied by a release of heat. The condensing buffer substance is in heat conductive relation with the other side of the heat exchanger in the gas supply to the motor to superheat the gas supplied.

Abstract: A method of providing useful work utilizing the difference between higher and lower elevations and an attendant difference in temperature. The method includes the step of providing a working medium comprised of more than one component, the components having different temperature values at which they vaporize and condense. Vapors of the working medium are condensed at the location of the higher elevation, and are directed under the force of gravity to means at a lower elevation capable of utilizing the medium in liquid form to produce useful work. The working medium in liquid form absorbs heat at the lower elevation and produces the vapors for the condensation step, the vapors being directed from the lower elevation to the higher elevation for condensing. The composition of the working medium is adjusted to response to changes in ambient temperature to provide a system having maximum efficiency in extracting work from the working medium.

Abstract: A method of operating a heat engine where heated gas is introduced into a venturi or a convergent/divergent nozzle. The heated gas is cooled in a low pressure region by fluid injection the resultant mixture then being passed through the divergent or diffuser part of the venturi or nozzle to a working apparatus. A heat engine is also disclosed which operates according to this method which includes a heat source coupled to a venturi or convergent/divergent nozzle. The nozzle can be substituted by a loop or cyclone. Means are provided to inject fluid into the gas stream in the nozzle loop or cyclone.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for supplying heat required for a reforming reaction through the use of heat pipes adapted to transfer heat from a source to reforming reactants. Heat pipes extend between two chambers, with a catalyst material being disposed within one of the chambers, such that heat is extracted from a hot fluid and then introduced into the reforming chamber in which a hydrocarbon and steam react in the presence of the catalyst.

Abstract: Thermodynamic process for exploiting thermal energy available at high temperatures, where a multiple-substance working medium is decomposed in a high temperature range by this high-temperature thermal energy into a condensed (solid or liquid) first component and a gaseous second component and these two components are again united in a low temperature range, releasing effective heat. The multiple-substance working medium contains one of the combinations CaO/H.sub.2 O and metal/hydrogen, where the term "metal" comprises metallic chemical elements and alloys which combine with hydrogen under positive heat of reaction.

Abstract: The apparatus for collecting radiant energy and converting same to alternate energy form includes a housing having an interior space and a radiation transparent window allowing, for example, solar radiation to be received in the interior space of the housing. Means are provided for passing a stream of fluid past said window and for injecting radiation absorbent particles in said fluid stream. The particles absorb the radiation and because of their very large surface area, quickly release the heat to the surrounding fluid stream. The fluid stream particle mixture is heated until the particles vaporize. The fluid stream is then allowed to expand in, for example, a gas turbine to produce mechanical energy. In an aspect of the present invention properly sized particles need not be vaporized prior to the entrance of the fluid stream into the turbine, as the particles will not damage the turbine blades.

Abstract: Apparatus for carrying out an exothermal chemical reaction of hydrogen which includes a hydrogen reactor which defines a first reaction zone for receiving hydrogen gas and a second reactant gas reactive with the hydrogen gas; a first hydride reactor containing a hydridable material in a second reaction zone positioned immediately adjacent the first reaction zone and in heat exchange relation thereto; conduit means for conveying the second reactant to the first reaction zone; a second hydride reactor containing a hydridable material for producing compressed hydrogen gas; and means for conveying the compressed hydrogen gas from the second hydride reactor to one of the first and second reaction zones.

Abstract: Gas and combined gas/steam power cycles in which chemical energy is stored in a gaseous working fluid by radiolytic dissociation at a temperature below the temperature of thermodynamic macroscopic dissociation, such that the dissociated portion of the working fluid exists under conditions of macroscopic thermal non-equilibrium. The dissociated fluid components are then recombined with the energy of recombination adding heat to the working fluid for extraction in the power cycle.