Abstract: An engine/heat pump is shown. Most of its parts rotate around the same central axis. It comprises two doubly connected chambers. Blades in each chamber substantially rotate with the chamber and may be firmly attached to the walls of the chamber, thus forming a modified centrifugal pump with axial input and discharge. An expandable fluid is rotated outward by one of the pumps and then heat is added for an engine or removed for a heat pump as the fluid is being sent to the outer part of the second pump. The fluid travels toward the center of the second pump, thus impelling the pump in the rotation direction. Then heat is removed for an engine or added for a heat pump as the fluid leaves the second pump and travels back to the first pump near the center of rotation. Rotation energy of the fluid is typically much larger than the circulation energy. A modified centrifugal pump with axial discharge having a casing rotating with the blades is also claimed.

Abstract: A power plant including an apparatus for regasification of liquefied natural gas (LNG) is provided. The apparatus includes a compressor configured to pressurize a working fluid and a heat recovery system configured to provide heat to a working fluid. A turbine is configured to generate work utilizing the heated working fluid. One or more heat exchangers are configured to transfer heat from the working fluid to a first stage liquefied natural gas at a first pressure and at least one of a second stage liquefied natural gas at a second pressure, and a compressed working fluid.

Abstract: A method and system for managing heat energy in a fluid purification system is provided. Initially, air is compressed using one or more compressors to obtain a compressed hot air. Then one or more fluids are purified using the heat energy associated with the compressed hot air in one or more fluid purification units thereby releasing a compressed cooled air. One or more hot purified fluids are stored in one or more fluid storage tanks obtained in response to the purification of the one or more fluids. Thereafter, the compressed cooled air is heated using a heat energy associated with the one or more hot purified fluids to obtain a heated compressed air. Subsequently, one or more turbines are operated using heat energy associated with the heated compressed air to obtain an expanded cooled air. The expanded cooled air is utilized for cooling.

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling, comprising: a liquid pump for transport of fluid through a heating cycle, an external heat source for heating the fluid in the heating cycle, for example a solar heater directly connected to the heating cycle or connected through a heat exchanger, an expander with an expander inlet and an expander outlet, the expander inlet having a fluid connection to the external heat source for receiving fluid in the gas phase to drive the expander by expanding the fluid, a compressor with a compressor inlet and a compressor outlet, the compressor being driven by the expander for compressing working fluid from a low pressure compressor inlet gas to a high pressure compressor outlet gas, a first heat exchanger with a fluid connection to the compressor outlet and connected to the expander inlet for transfer of heat from the high pressure compressor outlet gas to the fluid in the heating cycle, a second heat exchanger with a condenser for condensing the working fluid from the expander by energy trans

Abstract: A heat engine enclosed in a housing has two chambers maintained at different temperatures. The first chamber (“hot chamber”) receives heat energy from an external power source. The second chamber (“cold chamber”) is connected to the hot chamber by two conduits, such that a fluid (e.g., air, water, or any other gas or liquid) filling the two chambers can circulate between the two chambers. The expansion of the fluid in the hot chamber and the compression of the fluid in the cold chamber drive a turbine to provide a power output. The fluid may be pressurized to enhance efficiency. In one embodiment, the turbine propels an axle in a rotational motion to transmit the power output of the heat engine to an electrical generator outside of the heat engine's housing. In one embodiment, the turbine includes a first set of blades and a second set of blades located in the hot chamber and the cold chamber, respectively.

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

Abstract: A superheated steam generator includes an introduction section for introducing saturated steam into hollow pipe members arranged as steam flow passages and acting as inductively heated elements, and a discharge section for discharging superheated steam from the flow passages, wherein a turbulence generator is disposed in each of the steam flow passages to accelerate heat transfer to the steam in the pipe members, wherein the turbulence generator is a zigzag bent member disposed in the steam flow passage, and a zigzag bending pitch of the bent member changes from rough to minute from the introduction section to the discharge section.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for converting a differential in thermal energy between a first thermal source having a thermal conducting fluid and a second thermal source having a thermal conducting fluid is provided. The apparatus employs a first vessel and a second vessel. Each of the vessels contain a gas under pressure The vessels contain heat exchanging coils that are connected to the thermal sources by fluid lines. A plurality of cooperating valves regulate the flow of the thermal conducting fluid from the first and second thermal sources to the first and second vessels. The valves alternate between first and second operating positions. In the first position, the valves permit a flow of thermal conducting fluid from the first thermal source to the first vessel and from the second thermal source to the second vessel and prevent a flow of thermal conducting fluid from the first thermal source to the second vessel and from the second thermal source to the first vessel.

Abstract: A rotary steam engine of a simple constitution capable of efficiently obtaining mechanical energy not only from a heat source of a high temperature but also from various heat sources in a low-temperature state such as the exhaust heat of an internal combustion engine. The engine has a rotor 1 having a plurality of displacement chambers 11 provided in a sealed container 2 which is filled with a liquid. A steam-generating portion 4 is arranged under the rotor 1 and where the liquid vaporizes being heated by the exhaust heat of an internal combustion engine. The vaporized stem is jetted from a flow-out passage 42 toward the displacement chambers 11 of the rotor 1. The steam stays in the displacement chambers 11 and, therefore, buoyancy acts onto the displacement chambers 11 on one side of the rotor 1. The rotor 1 rotates to produce the rotational energy.

Abstract: A high-efficiency heat cycle system including a compressor, a first turbine, first and second heat exchangers 7 and 8, a first pump, and an expander, and a composite heat cycle power generator using the high-efficiency heat cycle system. Working gas Fg compressed in the compressor (C) drives a first turbine (S) and is thereafter cooled by passing through a heat dissipating side of a first heat exchanger (7) and then raised in pressure by a first pump (P) to form high-pressure working liquid Fe, the high-pressure working liquid is expanded and evaporated in an expander (K) to form working gas Fg, said working gas Fg is heated by passing through a heat receiving side 82 of the second heat exchanger before being introduced into the compressor C. A heat dissipating side 81 of the second heat exchanger comprises a heat dissipating portion of a refrigerating machine or a heat dissipating portion for waste heat from a heating machine.

Abstract: A method of cooling a substance heat treated in a material processing plant in which the substance is cooled in a cooling apparatus to a temperature that is about 25% to about 55% of the temperature at which the partially cooled substance was when it entered the cooling apparatus. Heated gas is recycled from the cooling apparatus to at least one other process within the plant and the partially cooled substance is delivered from the cooler to a cogeneration system in which the substance is further cooled and the heat removed from the substance is used to generate power.

Abstract: A closed cycle Brayton direct contact reactor/storage tank uses an afterburner to assist in removing metal vapors from the working fluid. The direct contact reactor/storage tank operates by bubbling an inert gas through liquid metal fuel. The inert gas picks up metal vapors from the fuel. The afterburner comprises a predetermined amount of oxygen, O2, being fed to a filter cavity within the reactor/storage tank and having the metal vapors react directly with the O2 forming a solid oxide that remains and does not circulate as part of the working fluid throughout the external parts of the Brayton cycle outside of the reactor/storage tank causing damage to system components.

Abstract: This invention provides heat engines based on the structure of internal combustion engines and employs a gaseous working fluid without combustion. The heat engine comprises at least a piston and cylinder assembly and each cylinder has at least an associated heating chamber with a heat exchanger unit being disposed therewithin. The chamber may have at least a chamber valve to establish or block the flow of the gaseous working fluid between the heating chamber and cylinder space. The engine is adapted to operate on cycles that enable heat transfer from a heat source to the working fluid while being enclosed within the heating chamber and provides substantially increased heat transfer duration before the power stroke. Therefore the engine may produce sufficiently high power output with reasonably high thermal efficiency.

Abstract: An adiabatic compressed air energy storage (ACAES) system includes a compressor system, an air storage unit, and a turbine system. The ACAES system further includes a thermal energy storage (TES) system that includes a container, a plurality of heat exchangers, a liquid TES medium conduit system fluidly coupling the container to the plurality of heat exchangers, and a liquid TES medium stored within the container. The TES system also includes a plurality of pumps coupled to the liquid TES medium conduit system and configured to transport the liquid TES medium between the plurality of heat exchangers and the container, and a thermal separation system positioned within the container configured to thermally isolate a first portion of the liquid TES medium at a lower temperature from a second portion of the liquid TES medium at a higher temperature.

Abstract: A liquid metal fueled Brayton cycle power system with a direct contact heat exchanger. In this invention, a compressor compresses the working gas. A regenerator preheats the compressed working gas and passes the working gas to a reactor/storage tank with liquid metal fuel stored therein. An oxidant is injected into the reactor/storage tank to react with the liquid metal fuel. The compressed working gas bubbles through the liquid metal fuel in the reactor/storage tank and is heated by direct contact with the fuel-oxidant mixture. A turbine expands the heated working gas and thereby withdraws power from the system. The spent working gas exits to the regenerator where it warms the compressed gas. A cooler reduces the working gas temperature and recirculates the gas to the compressor.

Abstract: A closed cycle Brayton direct contact reactor/storage tank uses a chemical scrubber to assist in removing metal vapors from the working fluid. The direct contact reactor/storage tank operates by bubbling an inert gas through liquid metal fuel. The inert gas picks up metal vapors from the fuel. The chemical scrubber is comprised of a reducible material contained within a filter at the top of the reactor/storage tank. The reducible material on reacting with the metal vapor forms components that are solids at the operating temperature and pressure, thereby preventing metal vapor from circulating throughout the system as part of the working fluid and causing damage to system components.

Abstract: A combustor apparatus is provided, comprising a mixing arrangement for mixing a carbonaceous fuel with enriched oxygen and a working fluid to form a fuel mixture. A combustion chamber is at least partially defined by a porous perimetric transpiration member, at least partially surrounded by a pressure containment member. The combustion chamber has longitudinally spaced apart inlet and outlet portions. The fuel mixture is received by the inlet portion for combustion within the combustion chamber at a combustion temperature to form a combustion product. The combustion chamber further directs the combustion product longitudinally toward the outlet portion.

Abstract: A compressed air energy storage (CAES) system encompassing direct heating. The compressed air energy storage system includes a compressor for compressing ambient air, an air storage reservoir, and a thermal energy storage system. The air storage reservoir is adapted to store compressed air from the compressor. The thermal energy storage system is adapted to supply heat to the compressed air energy storage system such that the compressed air is heated to increase work production of the compressed air. The thermal energy storage system is heated using off-peak electricity.

Abstract: A method to integrate collected solar thermal energy into the feedwater system of a Rankine cycle power plant is disclosed. This novelty uses a closed loop, single phase fluid system to collect both the solar heat and to provide the heat input into the feedwater stream of a regenerative Rankine cycle. One embodiment of this method of integrating solar energy into a regenerative Rankine power plant cycle, such as a coal power plant, allows for automatic balancing of the steam extraction flows and does not change the temperature of the feedwater to the boiler. The concept, depending on the application, allows for the spare turbine capacity normally available in a coal plant to be used to produce incremental capacity and energy that is powered by solar thermal energy. By “piggybacking” on the available components and infrastructure of the host Rankine cycle power plant, considerable cost savings are achieved resulting in lower solar produced electricity costs.

Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.

Abstract: An installation and method for the conversion of thermal energy into mechanical energy. The installation includes at least two closed containers, a converter for the conversion of flow energy into mechanical energy, a switching system as well as a supply line, a discharge line and a heat supply system. Each time, the converter is supplied with a fluid under high pressure and temperature from one container and the temperature-reduced fluid is then collected in another container. As soon as the other container is filled and the first container becomes empty, these containers are exchanged or replaced by other containers.

Abstract: A heat engine apparatus for use in association with a borehole and a method of operating a heat engine in association with a borehole. The apparatus includes a first heat exchanger assembly in fluid communication with a proximal segment of the borehole, a second heat exchanger assembly in fluid communication with a distal segment of the borehole, a circulation barrier for providing a seal between the apparatus and the borehole in order to isolate the proximal segment of the borehole and the distal segment of the borehole from each other, and a heat engine associated with the first heat exchanger assembly and the second heat exchanger assembly, wherein the heat engine is a gas phase closed cycle thermodynamic heat engine. The first heat exchanger assembly, the second heat exchanger assembly, the circulation barrier and the heat engine are all adapted to be inserted in the borehole.

Abstract: The power production process with a gas turbine where as primary power source solid fossil fuels, alternative fuels and wastes at their combustion with air or oxygen can be utilized. The operating medium is the steam-gas mixture of gas supplied by a compressor (22) and of steam of the cooling medium of the cooled combustion chamber (1), whereas the injected medium is injected into the gas forwarded by means of the compressor (22) before the compressor (22) or before the heater (7) of the steam-gas mixture or at least between some parts of the heater (7). The gas turbine (28) can be utilized in connection with a regeneration exchanger or with the installation of the Rankine-Clausius steam cycle utilizing the waste heat of flue gas from the gas turbine (28).

Abstract: A power plant for burning a fuel in a low pressure combustion chamber to produce electrical power. A first compressor supplies compressed air through a first heat exchanger to add heat to the compressed air. The heated compressed air is passed through a first turbine to drive a first electric generator. The first turbine outlet is passed through a second heat exchanger in series with the first heat exchanger to further heat the compressed air. The compressed air is then passed through a second turbine to drive a second electric generator and produce electric power. The outlet from the second turbine is passed through a first combustor to produce the hot gas flow through the second heat exchanger. The outlet from the second heat exchanger is passed through a second combustor before passing through the first heat exchanger. The outlet from the first heat exchanger is passed through a heat recovery steam generator to generate steam to drive another turbine and another generator.

Abstract: An intermediate duct (108) is connected between first and second positive displacement machines (104, 106). An inlet duct (107) is connected to the first positive displacement machine (104). An outlet duct (109) is connected to the second positive displacement machine (106). A heater (102) raises the temperature and pressure of a gaseous working fluid in the intermediate duct (108). There is a kinematic connection (111) between the first and second positive displacement machines (104, 106) and the arrangement is such that, in operation, the first positive displacement machine (104) causes the working fluid to flow through the intermediate duct (108) to the second positive displacement machine (106), the heated working fluid drives the second positive displacement machine (106), and the second positive displacement machine (106) drives the first positive displacement machine (104) via the kinematic connection (111). The positive displacement machines include at least one orbiting piston.

Abstract: A power plant for generating electricity has a high temperature heat reservoir and a low temperature heat reservoir. The plant is operated to store heat during off peak power periods and to use the stored heat during peak power periods to produce additional electricity.

Abstract: A feed gas conditioner.

Abstract: A method to pre-heat gas at gas Pressure Reducing Stations. A first step involve providing at least one electrical line heater having a flow path for passage of natural gas through electrical heating elements. A second step involves passing the high pressure cold natural gas stream along electrical heating elements and heating it up before de-pressurization. A third step involves the expansion of the high pressure heated gas in a enclosed vessel that houses a gas expander and power generator. The expansion of the gas generates shaft work which is converted into electrical power by the power generator and the expanded low pressure gas cools the power generator. This process results in the recovery of energy to replace the slipstream of natural that is presently used to pre-heat gas at Pressure Reduction Stations.

Abstract: A system and method for recovering heat from dirty gaseous fuel (syngas), wherein the pressure of clean fuel gas is elevated to a pressure higher than that of the dirty syngas and then the pressurized clean fuel gas is fed to a heat recovery unit for heat exchange with the dirty syngas. Consequently, in the event of a leak in the heat recovery unit, the flow is from the clean fuel side to the dirty syngas side, thereby avoiding the possibility of contamination of the clean fuel gas.

Abstract: A system and method for decontaminating water and generating water vapor includes introducing contaminated water in to a vessel. The water is moved through a series of rotating trays alternately separated by stationary baffles so as to swirl and heat the water to effect the vaporization thereof to produce a vapor having at least some of the contaminants separated therefrom. The vapor is removed from the vessel for condensing apart from the separated contaminants and the remaining water. The vapor may be passed through a turbine connected to an electric generator. Sensors in a controller may be employed to adjust the speed of rotation of the trays or water input into the vessel in response to the sensed conditions. The treated water may be recirculated and reprocessed through the vessel to increase the purification thereof.

Abstract: A modified Brayton Cycle Engine employs solar radiation to heat a metal hydride material in a storage unit. Hydrogen driven from the metal hydride material is recombined with the material at a controlled rate in an exothermic reaction for heating a compressible Brayton working fluid for driving a turbine to which an electric generator is coupled for converting solar radiation to electricity. A compressor, also coupled to the turbine, compresses the Brayton working fluid before it is heated by the solar radiation. Heat from a solar MHD generator may also be used to heat the Brayton working fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for rapidly and isothermally expanding gas in a cylinder. The cylinder is used in a staged hydraulic-pneumatic energy conversion system and includes a gas chamber (pneumatic side) and a fluid chamber (hydraulic side) and a piston or other mechanism that separates the gas chamber and fluid chamber while allowing the transfer of force/pressure between each opposing chamber. The gas chamber of the cylinder includes ports that are coupled to a heat transfer subassembly that circulates gas from the pneumatic side and exchanges its heat with a counter flow of ambient temperature fluid from a reservoir or other source.

Abstract: A system for reducing the temperature of waste heat from a waste heat source of a vehicle engine, including an open loop Brayton cycle having a cooler, a compressor, a turbine, and a shaft coupling the compressor to the turbine. Waste heat and compressed air from the compressor flow through the cooler, thereby transferring heat from the waste heat to the compressed air and lowering the temperature of the waste heat. The heated and compressed air is expanded across the turbine, to cause rotation of the shaft, thereby powering rotation of the compressor. Excess power beyond that necessary to drive the compressor may be drawn off through a generator which has its rotor mounted on the same shaft as the compressor and turbine.

Abstract: A first and any further number of pipe steamer devices are provided. Each pipe steamer device may include a ring which has a steam pipe connection opening, a steam pipe, a water pipe, and a heating element. Each steam pipe may have a proximal end which is connected to the appropriate steam pipe connection opening and a distal end which is connected to a proximal end of the appropriate water pipe. Each water pipe may have a distal end which is located closer to the appropriate heating element than its proximal end. Each of the first steam pipe and the first water pipe may have a spiral shape. The apparatus also include a first power reinforcer device which may include a first sack and a second sack.

Abstract: A high efficiency harmonic engine based on a resonantly reciprocating piston expander that extracts work from heat and pressurizes working fluid in a reciprocating piston compressor. The engine preferably includes harmonic oscillator valves capable of oscillating at a resonant frequency for controlling the flow of working fluid into and out of the expander, and also preferably includes a shunt line connecting an expansion chamber of the expander to a buffer chamber of the expander for minimizing pressure variations in the fluidic circuit of the engine. The engine is especially designed to operate with very high temperature input to the expander and very low temperature input to the compressor, to produce very high thermal conversion efficiency.

Abstract: A heat engine includes a turbine (10), compressor (20), heat pump (30) and combustion source (40) and uses heated and compressed air as a motive fluid in an open Brayton cycle. In the process of the invention, the compressor pressurizes air (21) from the environment. A closed-cycle heat pump (30), having a high-temperature condensation side (33) and a low-temperature evaporation side (35), increases the energy in the compressed air through heat exchange with the high-temperature condensation side (33) of the heat pump. Upon heating in a constant pressure process, the motive fluid is expanded through the turbine (10). The combustion source (40), which is isolated from the motive fluid, further heats the low-temperature evaporation side (35) of the heat pump.

Abstract: There is provided an angular orientation device (1) for solar panels (2) and the like comprising at least one support structure (3) for the solar panel (2) suitable for supporting the same and for allowing the variation of the angular position thereof, at least two fluid dynamic cylinders (4) connected to the solar panel (2) and to the support structure (3) and suitable for varying the angular position of the solar panel (2), at least two tanks (5) selectively in fluid communication with the fluid dynamic cylinders (4) and comprising thermally expansible fluid, the tanks (5) being exposed to the sun in different directions for varying the fluid pressure according to the sun direction.

Abstract: The invention includes a solar collector subsystem and a heat engine. The solar collector system uses heliostat mirrors, a parabolic mirror, and a convex concentrator lens or compound parabolic concentrator to gather a large amount of solar energy into a very intense beam. The beam is used to vaporize an injected droplet of working fluid, whereby multiple opposed pistons responsive to the vapor formed reciprocate to produce electric energy by means of linear electric generators. The heat engine includes a chamber having three orthogonal sets of opposed pistons, wherein each piston is independently axially reciprocable and coupled to a linear electric generator. One piston is provided with an axially located window that admits the concentrated solar beam from the solar collector subsystem into the chamber of the heat engine. Another piston is provided with an injector that selectably injects a water drop into the center of the chamber where it can be vaporized by impingement of the concentrated solar beam.

Abstract: The present invention describes an electric energy generation system from liquid Nitrogen and its preferential use in the supply of consumers located in isolated regions of the electrical system (off grid), located in regions with high commercial losses and high insolvency and in residences on specific applications, such as efficient illumination and water heating.

Abstract: A heat engine enclosing a chamber in housing has two zones maintained at different temperatures. The first zone receives heat energy from an external power source. The second zone is connected to the hot zone by two conduits, such that a fluid (e.g., air, water, or any other gas or liquid) filling the chamber can circulate between the two zones. The expansion of the fluid in the hot zone and the compression of the fluid in the cold zone drive the rotation of the housing to provide a power output. The fluid may be pressurized to enhance efficiency. A cooling fluid provided in a stationary reservoir maintains a preferred operating temperature difference between the hot zone and the cold zone. A heat storage structure containing a fluid with a high heat capacity may be provided as a heat reservoir.

Abstract: A powertrain for driving a motor vehicle includes an internal combustion engine including first and second rotors supported for rotation about an axis, a first epicyclic gear unit including a first component fixed against rotation, a first driving component, and a first driven component, a first power path alternately producing a first drive connection between the driven component and the first rotor, and opening said first drive connection, and a second power path producing a second drive connection between the driven component and the second rotor, and opening said second drive connection.

Abstract: An optical micromotor having a rotor the rotation whereof can be controlled flexibly and freely through simple arrangement, and a micropump that uses this micromotor. The optical micromotor and the micropump have a rotor (15) that rotates about a central axis. The rotor (15) has an optical trap (bead) (2), which is trapped by a light beam (4), provided at least at one location thereon. When the optical trap (2) is irradiated with the laser beam (4), the rotor is held at a prescribed position together with the optical trap (2). When the laser beam (4) is moved or changed over, the rotor (15) rotates about the central axis together with the optical trap (2).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method comprising heating helium in a core of a nuclear reactor; extracting heat from the helium; superheating water to steam using the heat extracted from the helium; expanding the helium in a turbine; wherein the turbine is in operative communication with an electrical generator; and generating electricity in the electrical generator.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus that includes a first heat exchanger for heating a first heat transfer medium in a first form from a first temperature to a second higher temperature to provide an increased pressure gas, a first mechanical device configured to use the increased pressure gas to provide mechanical energy to one or more primary components, and one or more additional mechanical devices configured to use the increased pressure gas to provide mechanical energy to one or more secondary components. The mechanical device produces spent gas, and a conversion device is operably associated with at least one of the mechanical devices to convert the spent gas to the first form for re-use.

Abstract: A heat engine enclosing a chamber in a housing has two zones maintained at different temperatures. The first zone receives heat energy from an external power source. The second zone is connected to the hot zone by two conduits, such that a fluid (e.g., air, water, or any other gas or liquid) filling the chamber can circulate between the two zones. The expansion of the fluid in the hot zone and the compression of the fluid in the cold zone drive the rotation of the housing to provide a power output. The fluid may be pressurized to enhance efficiency. A cooling fluid provided in a stationary reservoir maintains a preferred operating temperature difference between the hot zone and the cold zone. A heat storage structure containing a fluid with a high heat capacity may be provided as a heat reservoir.

Abstract: During operation of a power plant, which basically comprises a gas turbogroup, a compressed air accumulator, an air turbine which is equipped with at least one generator, the compressed air which is extracted from the compressed air accumulator is directed through a heat exchanger which operates on the downstream side of the gas turbogroup, and is thermally conditioned there. This thermally conditioned compressed air then charges the air turbine for producing a quantity of electricity. Furthermore, the power plant is extended by a steam turbine, which in combined operation is operated with steam which is produced from the exhaust gases of the gas turbogroup.

Abstract: One embodiment of an energy-conversion apparatus includes a first container to contain working fluid under pressure, a first heat-transfer component in the first container, a second container to contain fluid under pressure, a second heat-transfer component in the second container, and an energy converter coupled to the first and second containers that performs work in response to a flow of fluid through the energy converter, wherein the flow is motivated by varying a pressure within the first container or within second container (or both) caused by the first heat-transfer component or the second heat-transfer component, respectively, without a need for heat conduction through an exterior surface of either container.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for converting a differential in thermal energy between a first thermal source having a thermal conducting fluid and a second thermal source having a thermal conducting fluid is provided. The apparatus emplys a first vessel and a second vessel. Each of the vessels contain a gas under pressure The vessels contain heat exchanging coils that are connected to the thermal sources by fluid lines. A plurality of cooperating valves regulate the flow of the thermal conducting fluid from the first and second thermal sources to the first and second vessels. The valves alternate between first and second operating positions. In the first position, the valves permit a flow of thermal conducting fluid from the first thermal source to the first vessel and from the second thermal source to the second vessel and prevent a flow of thermal conducting fluid from the first thermal source to the second vessel and from the second thermal source to the first vessel.

Abstract: A liquid piston engine utilizing an electronically or electrically conductive liquid medium. A method is provided for utilizing the electrically conductive liquid piston engine.

Abstract: A compressed air energy storage power station comprises a first shafting (1) and a second shafting (2). A gas turbo group (11), an electrical machine (12) and a compressor (13) are arranged on the first shafting (1). Switchable clutch elements (14, 15) are arranged between the electrical machine and the gas turbo group or the compressor. The clutch elements allow a connection to be selectively made between the electrical machine and the gas turbo group (11) or the compressor (13). An expansion machine (21) for the power generating expansion of a pressurized storage fluid, an electrical machine (22) and a compressor (23) are arranged on the second shafting (2). Switchable clutch elements (24, 25) are arranged between the electrical machine and the expansion machine or the compressor and allow the electrical machine to be optionally connected to the expansion machine and to the compressor. The electrical machines are operable both as generators and as electric motors.