Abstract: Combined thermal and compressed air storage systems are provided that utilize an exhaustless heater, such as a thermal storage unit, to provide power with enhanced efficiency. Compressed air is heated by the thermal storage unit prior to entering a turbine, which powers an electrical generator. In various embodiments, ambient air temperature, turbine exhaust or other types of waste heat are used to preheat the compressed air prior to the compressed air entering the thermal storage unit, thereby further increasing system efficiency.

Abstract: Heat differential power systems and apparatus for powering liquid cooling systems and/or generating electrical power in a data processing system or a telecommunication system are presented. A number of embodiments are presented. In each embodiment a heat differential power system is implemented which utilizes the heat created a heat-generating component such as a microprocessor within the data processing or telecommunications system and the resulting heat differential created with other parts of the system as power to operate the heat differential power system and convert thermal energy into mechanical and/or electrical energy for powering a liquid cooling system, fans, other electrical components, and/or extending the battery life in a portable data processing or telecommunications system.

Abstract: A process to recover energy from a gas having a temperature of above 650° C. and an absolute pressure of more than 1.7 bar and having non-solidified alkali containing compounds and particles by performing the following steps: (a) cooling the gas to a temperature of below 550° C. by means of a shell-tube heat exchanger, wherein the hot gas is passed at the shell side and coolant water is passed at the tube side, wherein steam is formed, from which steam energy is recovered; (b) separating the particles from the gas by means of one or more sequentially arranged centrifugal separation devices to a dust level of below 400 mg/Nm3; and (c) expanding the gas in an expander to recover energy.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and an apparatus for more efficiently and economically producing purified water from sea water or some other salty or brackish water source. The efficiency is derived from the co-location with a power plant or other thermal generating source that will heat the feed water. Reverse osmosis membrane filtration systems work optimally when the feed water is at certain higher temperature, where that temperature is typically higher than the feed water at ambient temperatures. By using the heated sea water as the byproduct of the power plant electricity generating process and if necessary mixing it with ambient temperature sea water, if needed to lower the water temperature, and using this feed water with a higher temperature than ambient water temperature, the efficiency of the reverse osmosis system can be increased.

Abstract: Motor-driven compressor-alternator unit including pistons. Each piston has a large diameter portion and a smaller diameter portion extending from the large diameter portion. The large diameter portion slides within a first cylinder and provides a motor function. The smaller diameter portion slides within a second cylinder and provides a compressor function. An arrangement at least one of inactivates the motor function during compressor operation, inactivates the compressor function during motor operation, and activates ambient heat recovery during motor operation. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

Abstract: A power plant for a use device wherein liquid nitrogen and a heated transfer fluid are alternately used to expand and contract a liquid metal like mercury to drive a piston, a crankshaft, and subsequent drive apparatus. A control device is timed with operation of the piston to control various solenoid valves and pumps to cause liquid nitrogen to flow into a jacket around a reservoir containing the liquid metal thereby causing it to cool and move the piston in a return stroke. When appropriate, the heated transfer fluid is pumped into a different enclosure of the jacket to force out remaining nitrogen and thereby to heat the liquid metal and move the piston in a power stroke. The process continues so as to provide continuous power to the use device.

Abstract: A closed cycle gas turbine system (40) comprising system comprising a compressor (52) for producing compressed gas, a gas turbine (42) for receiving the compressed gas, a heat storage means (44) having a first heat transfer means and adapted to receive the compressed gas from the compressor (52) and transmit the compressed gas to the gas turbine (42) and a second heat transfer means (46) for receiving exhaust gas from the gas turbine (42) and transmitting it to the compressor (52) and wherein the second heat transfer means (46) is adapted to transfer at least some heat from the exhaust gas prior to it being transferred to the compressor (52).

Abstract: A fluid, for example, air, is subjected to a high pressure while in a high pressure inducing vessel (101). The high pressure is due to a large mass, such as the ocean. The fluid is then cooled and directed into a depressurized vessel (107), such as a pressure hull, which is at a relatively lower pressure. With this change in pressure, the fluid expands. This expansion is used to generate work/energy using a work producing machine (108), for example, a turbine. Energy from the work producing machine is converted to electricity using a generator (111). The fluid is collected from the work producing machine and again subjected to the high pressure and low pressure to generate additional electricity.

Abstract: A method is provided for cooling a seal located in a wall of a chamber and through which a movable shaft passes, the seal being heated by hot pressurized vapor that leaks through the seal into the chamber and internal friction. The method comprises the steps of: providing a chamber in which the seal is located and into which the hot pressurized vapor leaks; injecting cool liquid into the chamber in which the seal is located; and cooling and condensing the hot pressurized vapor in the chamber thus cooling the seal. Preferably, the method includes the step of providing a pressure chamber for containing the hot pressurized vapor within which a turbine wheel is mounted on the shaft, and vapor leaks past a labyrinth mounted on the shaft between the turbine wheel and the seal. Apparatus is also provided for cooling a seal located in a wall of a chamber and through which a movable shaft passes, the seal being heated by hot pressurized vapor that leaks through the seal into the chamber in which the seal is located.

Abstract: An energy conversion device for converting heat to mechanical energy. The apparatus includes a heat exchanger vessel absorbing heat from an ambient or energy-rich fluid and transferring heat to a working fluid within an interior chamber of the vessel containing pressurized working gas. An isolation vessel is positioned within the interior chamber, with a gas flow loop defined between the two vessels through which the working gas flows. The isolation vessel is insulated to create a temperature differential and is pressure resistant to allow low pressures in the interior chamber to be maintained. A compressor is positioned within the isolation vessel to compress and discharge the gas into the gas flow loop. An expander is placed in the isolation vessel for converting energy of the expanding gas into a mechanical energy and for rarefying the expanded gas prior to discharge to create a lower bottom temperature or cold reservoir.

Abstract: A single phase vapor cycle apparatus has a reservoir containing a supply of heated vapor, a turbine for producing a work output, and a compressor downstream of the turbine. The turbine receives the vapor from the reservoir and expands the vapor at an incoming temperature and pressure so that the vapor is exhausted from the turbine at a first temperature and pressure below the incoming temperature and pressure. The compressor receives vapor exhausted from the turbine. Heat is exchanged between vapor entering the compressor and vapor being compressed in the compressor so that the vapor in the compression process is cooled and the vapor entering the compressor is heated to a temperature above the first temperature. The compressed vapor is delivered to the reservoir.

Abstract: A method for enhancing natural convection and for converting lower temperature dissipated heat to other useful energy and apparatus therefor. Heat energy is transferred to a medium contained with a channel, and natural convection of the medium is utilized to transfer kinetic energy to another type of energy such as electrical energy.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for depressurizing a gas, comprising at least one cycle of: expanding the gas to a lower pressure and temperature while extracting mechanical energy and converting the mechanical energy to electrical energy; raising the temperature of the gas to ambient temperature through use of heat exchange means; heating the gas with at least some of the energy derived from the step of expanding the gas; whereby the pressure of the gas can be reduced, and the temperature of the gas can be returned near ambient temperature without requiring consumption of chemical energy from the gas. The instant invention also provides a new approach in extracting the potential energy available in the pressure difference between high pressure and low pressure natural gas, while maintaining outlet temperature at reasonable levels.

Abstract: A Stirling engine includes a grooved cam drive mechanism with followers having a pair of longitudinally displaced bearings. One roller bearing is adapted to ride along an upper surface of the cam groove, while the other roller bearing is adapted to ride along a lower surface of the cam groove. Each follower includes an outer shaft on which a first bearing is mounted, and an inner shaft extending through the outer shaft on which a second bearing is mounted. A preferably annular space is provided between the inner and outer shafts when the follower is in an unloaded state. Then, when the follower is engaged within the grooved cam, the inner shaft is cantilevered relative to outer shaft within the annular space and results in pre-loading the first bearing against one inner surface of the groove cam and the second bearing against an opposite inner surface of the grooved cam.

Abstract: The invention gives a process for the control of the amount of cooling air of a gas turbine set (1, 2, 3). Suitable means (32, 33) are provided in the cooling system (26, 27) to enable the amount of cooling air to be varied. The control of this means takes place in dependence on an operating parameter (X). This is determined in a computer unit (22) by suitable combination of measured machine data (p1, p2).

Abstract: A radiating fin assembly for thermal energy engine comprises a plurality of spacer members each having a plurality of insertion holes, a plurality of radiating plates each sandwiched between two adjacent spacer members and each having a plurality of insertion holes, and a plurality of insertion pins passing through corresponding insertion holes of the spacer members and corresponding insertion holes of the radiating plates to assemble the spacer members with the radiating plates. The spacer members and the radiating plates further have central circular apertures and the radiating fin assembly reduces a temperature of a hot body when the hot body is arranged within the central circular apertures.

Abstract: An electrical energy production system, which includes an electrical energy production section, a multi-stage turbine section, and a mass spectrometer section is presented. The system is designed to produce electrical energy through a multi-stage turbine which draws in large volumes of ambient air through a series of tubular sections made up of repeated combinations of parallel plate or “frigid plate” heating assemblies and variable positive voltage grids. The tube sections cause the atoms or molecules of high velocity air flowing therethrough to undergo the loss of electrons through mechanically induced atomic and molecular impacts and thermal excitation. Free electrons are then collected by the variable positive voltage grids.

Abstract: The invention concerns an auxiliary power unit using compressed air for energy and equipped with a motor alternator driving, or being driven by a motor compressor with compressed air which compresses air under high pressure in a high pressure storage tank and which when there is a power cut automatically drives the motor compressor in alternating mode to supply electricity. The invention is applicable to fixed or mobile auxiliary power units.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for a thermochemical closed cycle employing a polyatomic, chemically active working fluid for converting heat energy into useful work.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the conversion of low-grade heat into mechanical energy, in particular electricity. To this end a working medium is heated in a closed circulation system causing the working medium to expand. The expansion produces mechanical energy. The heat remaining in the working medium is abstracted by a cooling medium in counterflow, to be reutilized for the production of mechanical energy. This makes its possible to achieve a high degree of efficiently. Due to cooling the working medium contracts and this contributes to the achievement of a high degree of efficiency. The working medium is preferably a paraffine.

Abstract: A turbomachine, in particular a gas turbine, is in the traditional manner provided with air cooling of the components that are subject to a high thermal stress. The cooling system (21, 31, 41) is provided with elements through which another medium (25, 35, 45), for example water or steam, can be added to the cooling system during peak demand. This medium displaces cooling air (26, 36, 46) from the cooling system, the air being then available additionally in a heat generator (2, 4). This means that more fuel (12, 13) can be added without increasing the hot gas temperature (T.sub.1, T.sub.3) at the turbine inlet (301, 501), and the power is increased. The quantity of the medium added to the cooling system is controlled by control elements (24, 34, 44) as a function of a control deviation (P.sub.set -P.sub.act) of the power.

Abstract: A method and system are described for heating natural gas in a station, such as a City Gate station. Natural gas from the field is generally transported via supply line at high pressure to the various distribution networks necessary for delivering the gas. However, before the natural gas can enter these distribution networks its pressure must be reduced to a usable level. City Gate stations employing pressure reducing (JT) valves are usually built for this purpose. The present invention provides a system and method for heating the natural gas, without combustion of the natural gas, by relying on the pre-existing pressure of the gas in the supply line along with particular equipment to provide heat to the gas passing through the station.

Abstract: Incremental control of motion in the thermodynamic phase space of a heat engine, by modulating the piston speed to control the instantaneous rate of change of temperature relative to the instantaneous heat flow during each cycle. The modulation is independent of the overall operating speed, overcoming a basic flaw in the concept of quasistatic operation that thermal leakages cannot be diminished by merely reducing the speed, and would cause the efficiency of a real engine to also vanish in the limit. The modulation and control are envisaged for more precise execution of given thermodynamic cycles, asymptotic approach to the ideal thermodynamic cycles, and emulation of the cycles of other engines by real heat engines, as well as to mechanical and electrical transformers for assuring the maximum power factors at any operating speed by executing the analogous "Carnot cycles".

Abstract: A lawn mower is powered by a quiet external combustion engine which is based on an Ericcson cycle which has been modified for more efficient combustion and higher temperature from the regenerative heat exchanger. Air is compressed in a compressor, then regeneratively heated in a heat exchanger by combustion exhaust prior to being expanded in a heated expander to generate power. The heated expander is in intimate thermal contact with the combustion chamber wherein combustion is efficiently supported by hot expanded air from the heated expander. The lawn mower includes a starter and conventional means for control, support and locomation.

Abstract: A heat recovery apparatus and method suitable for steam cycle electrical generating plants including at the exhaust of a steam turbine one or more heat transfer units for capturing the heat in steam, including the latent heat of vaporization of the steam. Heat is transferred from the steam to a working fluid in at least one heat transfer unit. The heat transfer unit may also include a cooling apparatus. Piping and valves establish communication of the working fluid between the heat transfer unit and the gas turbine generator. The working fluid is moved through the system by selectively isolating sections of the piping and adding or taking away heat from adjacent sections to create pressure differentials. Connecting adjacent sections results in the movement of the working fluid mass as a result of the pressure equalization.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for the superheating of steam is used, in particular, for converting saturated steam into hot steam in the field of nuclear energy generation. As a result of at least partial conversion of pressure energy of the steam into kinetic energy, in particular into kinetic energy of a rotational flow, the steam cools and condensate and residual steam are generated. After the condensate has been separated from the residual steam, the latter is superheated as a result of a reduction of its kinetic energy and is converted into hot steam.

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

Abstract: The present invention includes a open-Brayton-cycle automotive power-generation unit adapted to be energized by stored thermal energy. Thermal energy, absorbed from hot thermal-energy-storage material present in a working fluid heating vessel, heats a working fluid that passes through the unit's turbine. The unit also includes a rotary impeller that draws the flow of working-fluid into the unit from the surrounding atmosphere and discharges it into a working-fluid heat regenerator. Within the regenerator, working fluid from the compressor is warmed by thermal energy from hot working-fluid exhausted from the turbine. After passing through the regenerator, working-fluid from the turbine is discharged into the atmosphere. Working-fluid from the compressor flows from the regenerator through the heating vessel into the turbine. An alternator converts energy from the turbine into electricity. The electric energy thus obtained powers a vehicle's electric drive motors.

Abstract: An elevated pressure nitrogen stream from an air separation plant is used to provide cooling for one or more sulphur condensers in an oxygen-enhanced Claus process for recovering sulphur.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting radiation power, especially solar radiation, into mechanical power. A piston is provided that is movable in a cylinder accompanied by the formation of a variable-sized working chamber. During a compression stroke, the piston is used to press a working medium, accompanied by a reduction in the size of the working chamber, into a radiation absorber/heat exchanger that is disposed directly in the working chamber, receives radiation energy, and essentially completely accommodates the working medium when the working chamber is at a minimum. During a working stroke, the working medium, which is compressed by the reduction in size of the working chamber and which is heated up by absorbing thermal energy from the radiation absorber/heat exchanger, is used to move the piston, upon expansion of the working medium, into a position that enlarges the working chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides a stand-alone, hybrid combustion turbine derivative power generation system sized for the most efficient and cost-effective base load operation that is also capable of providing, using air storage techniques, short-duration peak power, which is approximately 200% of the base load rating, and short-duration intermediate load power over a whole a range of loads between a base load and a peak load. The peak/intermediate power is also delivered with the best practical efficiency possible. The hybrid system may employ a variety of combustion turbine thermal cycles, including a simple cycle combustion turbine plant, combustion turbine plants with intercooling, reheat, recuperation, steam injection and humidification, and combined cycle power plants.

Abstract: A solar powered electrical generating system (10) comprising a continuous hydraulic circuit (12) carrying a liquid (14) therethrough. A boiler (16) is fluidly connected to a first side of the continuous hydraulic circuit (12). A facility (18) is for heating the liquid (14) within the boiler (16). A condenser (20) is fluidly connected to a second side of the continuous hydraulic circuit (12). A facility (22) is for cooling the liquid (14) within the condenser (20). A hydraulic motor (24) is fluidly connected into a flow line of the continuous hydraulic circuit (12) between a lower exit port of the boiler (16) and an upper entrance port of the condenser (20). The liquid (14) when heated in the boiler (16) will flow from the boiler (16) to the condenser (20) to operate the hydraulic motor (24). A recirculation pump (26) is fluidly connected into a recirculation line of the continuous hydraulic circuit (12) between a lower exit port of the condenser (20) and an entrance port of the boiler (16).

Abstract: An externally fired gas turbine system has a compressor for compressing ambient air and producing compressed air, an indirect-contact air heat exchanger for heating the compressed air to produce heated compressed air, an air turbine for expanding the heated and compressed air to produce expanded air, and a generator connected to the turbine for generating electricity that is supplied to a load. The system also includes a source of energy including solar energy, oil shale, solid waste fuel, land fill gas, biomass, or combinations thereof, and/or solid, liquid, or gaseous hydrocarbon fuels, for adding heat to the compressed air in the air heat exchanger and producing heat depleted gases that exit the air heat exchanger.

Abstract: An energy recovery, pressure reducing system for reducing high pressure gas in a transmission pipeline to a low pressure gas in a consumer pipeline includes an expander system having at least one expander for expanding the high pressure gas and producing work and low pressure gas that is supplied to the consumer pipeline, and a generator coupled to said expander for converting the work to electricity which is supplied to an electrical load. The system further includes apparatus including an on/off valve serially connected to a pressure regulating valve, the apparatus being connected in parallel with the expander system. The on/off valve has an open state for effecting transmission of gas through the pressure regulating valve which has an adjustable flow control opening for throttling high pressure gas and producing low pressure gas when the on/off valve is in its open state; and a closed state for preventing transmission of gas through the pressure regulating valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hot gas motor comprising a compressor with an inlet and an outlet, an expander with an inlet and an outlet. Herein the compressor outlet and the expander inlet are mutually connected by a connecting channel comprising a gas heating device. The compressor is of the rotation type with at least one male rotor mounted in a first cylindrical chamber in a housing and having a profile with protruding parts which engages in a female rotor which has a profile with recesses co-acting therewith and which is mounted in a second cylindrical chamber intersecting the first cylindrical chamber. The expander is herein formed by the female rotor and at least one male rotor having a profile with protruding parts co-acting therewith, and the rotors are mutually coupled for rotation.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a process of cogeneration utilizing a compressed gas energy storage system which includes a gas storage area, a compression train for pressurizing a gas to be stored in the gas storage area, and an expansion train for depressurizing high pressure gas released from the gas storage area. The process includes operating the compression train during off-peak electricity utilization periods to produce a compressed gas. The compressed gas is stored in the gas storage area and later released during peak electricity utilization periods through the expansion train to generate electricity. This reduces the compressed gas pressure and temperature. The gas can then be used for refrigeration by contacting it with a material to be chilled with that gas. One aspect of this invention involves generating electricity and effecting refrigeration by depressurization of natural gas from high pipeline transmission pressures to lower distribution pressures.

Abstract: The present invention includes a open-Brayton-cycle automotive power-generation unit adapted to be energized by stored thermal energy. Thermal energy, absorbed from hot thermal-energy-storage material present in a working fluid heating vessel, heats a working fluid that passes through the unit's turbine. The unit also includes a rotary impeller that draws the flow of working-fluid into the unit from the surrounding atmosphere and discharges it into a working-fluid heat regenerator. Within the regenerator, working fluid from the compressor is warmed by thermal energy from hot working-fluid exhausted from the turbine. After passing through the regenerator, working-fluid from the turbine is discharged into the atmosphere. Working-fluid from the compressor flows from the regenerator through the heating vessel into the turbine. An alternator converts energy from the turbine into electricity. The electric energy thus obtained powers a vehicle's electric drive motors.

Abstract: A compressed air energy storage (CAES) system utilizes compressed air stored in a cavity for electric power and cold production. During periods of excess power production, atmospheric air is compressed then cooled in stages using energy from a motor/generator. Condensed water is then separated from the air which is then stored in a cavity. When there is an energy demand from the CAES system, the stored compressed air is heated using heat from an external low grade energy source such as refrigerated substances, surrounding water, surrounding air, waste heat sources and solar energy. The heated compressed air is then expanded through a plurality of expansion stages to provide mechanical power to the motor/generator for generating electricity.

Abstract: This disclosure is the use of high efficiency turbomachinery designs to achieve high efficiency thermodynamic cycles. The high efficiency thermodynamic cycles are referred to as the Modified Ericsson cycles, an expansion of the regenerative Brayton cycle. A Modified Ericsson cycle can include 2,3,4, or more stages (number of intercooling and heat/reheat cycles between stages) that achieve higher efficiencies and power density (net output power/cycle weight flow rate) than those of regenerative and nonregenerative Brayton cycles. Also included is a high temperature tip-turbine driven compressor design for Brayton, Modified Ericsson and other power/refrigeration cycles.

Abstract: A thermal cycling system comprising an evaporator and a radiator and two separate conduits extending between the evaporator and the radiator to form a closed cycle. The evaporator is arranged to receive thermal energy available around the evaporator and the radiator radiates heat of the fluid medium flowing from the evaporator to the radiator. A power-free engine is arranged on the first and second conduits and comprises actuating pistons, at least one pressurizing cylinder, and a crankshaft operatively interconnecting the actuating pistons and the pressurizing piston. The arrangement is such that the actuating pistons are moved by the high pressure of the fluid medium in the evaporator and thereby actuate the pressurizing piston. The high pressure fluid medium is controlled such that it flows through the actuating cylinders to the radiator and radiates heat there at.

Abstract: A closed-loop Brayton cycle (topping system) takes in heat energy at very high temperatures and rejects heat energy as input heat energy to a closed-loop Rankine cycle (base system). Heat energy input to the base system comes partially or solely from the high-temperature topping system. Materials having high strength at high temperatures enable the topping system to extract significant mechanical energy from thermal energy contained in high temperature working fluid and discharge waste energy from the topping system to the base system at temperatures sufficiently high to be fully useable input to the base system. In the preferred embodiment, closed-loop Brayton-cycle operates at maximum temperatures greatly in excess of maximum temperatures of a conventional steam Rankine-cycle. Consequently, a high-temperature closed-loop Brayton cycle topping system of significant output and efficiency can act as an addition to a conventional steam power-generating station.

Abstract: Engine energized by an external heat source and cooled by an external cooling source, driven by a closed body of gas contained in chambers of variable volume and passages connected thereto, and operating on a Carnot cycle. The apparatus of the engine also has heat pump capabilities.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a flue gas stream continuously emitting from a thermal power plant fossil fueled boiler, and containing hazardous volatile organic vapors, heavy metal vapors, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and carbon dioxide by cooling, condensing and gas liquefaction processes employing a heat recovery condensing heat exchanging, and a gas compressor-expander open heat cycle systems.

Abstract: A throttle valve having defined characteristics controls flow of gas from a gas heater to a turbine in a closed cycle gas turbine system. The gas heater may be a nuclear reactor fueled by fission material preferably having a negative temperature coefficient of reactivity whereby the reactor automatically ceases heat production upon closing of the throttle valve.

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

Abstract: A small-sized closed cycle type heat engine capable of efficiently recovering the working medium gas. The closed cycle type heat engine comprises a shaft having one end on which a first reduction gear is mounted, a second reduction gear meshing with the first reduction gear and connected to a generator, a compressor mounted on the other end of the shaft, front, middle and rear gas turbines sequentially coaxially mounted on the shaft, first to fourth heat exchangers for communicating with the front, middle and rear gas turbines so that the working medium gas in the front, middle and rear gas turbines is subjected to the thermal expansion and pressure expansion, thereby improving the recovery of the working medium gas.

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

Abstract: A system comprising a high pressure gas reservoir, a turbine, a compressor, a low pressure reservoir, a heat exchanger and flow control structure such as valves, etc. The high pressure reservoir is in heat exchange relationship with ambient air and delivers fluid at ambient temperature to a turbine. Spent fluid from the turbine exhausts and is brought into heat exchange relationship with the compressor. The compressor exhaust is at a temperature above that of the turbine exhaust. The exhaust, which is heated by the compressor, is then delivered to a low pressure reservoir which is in heat exchange relationship with ambient air and from there the exhaust heated by the compressor is delivered to the compressor inlet.

Abstract: A method for generating power and a power supply for use in the atmosphere on Mars that use the Martian atmosphere as a working fluid. The power supply has an open Brayton cycle combined turbocompressor and turbogenerator that use the Martian atmosphere for their operation. The Martian atmosphere working fluid picks up heat derived from a nuclear heat source that transfers the heat to the working fluid by laminar flow heat exchange. The combined turbocompressor and turbogenerator have provisions for separating dust from the dust laden Martian atmosphere and for operating with any residual Martian atmospheric dust that is ingested into the combined turbocompressor and turbogenerator. Reliability of operation is achieved by having two functionally separate power operating units that each have their own combined turbocompressor and turbogenerator and by only using one power unit at a time.

Abstract: The four cycle external combustion closed regenerative cycle piston engine is an environmentally clean, multi-fueled, efficient, conventional designed device. The engine consists of four major units: the heater, heat exchanger, accumulator, and power units. The engine operates on one power stroke per two revolutions with an unidirectional mass flow of the working fluid minimizing complexity. Each valve of the power unit's four valves per cylinder communicates to its respective major unit, synchronously opening/closing with the piston's position in the power unit cylinder. The intake and compression stroke of the four cycle engine is synchronized with the intake and compression valves and performs the function of a compressor unit reducing the size, weight, cost and complexity of the engine.