Abstract: Apparatus for producing power and desalinated water from geothermal fluid according to the present invention comprises: a geothermal power plant that produces power from geothermal fluid supplied thereto; means for supplying sea water to the condenser of said geothermal power plant that produces heated sea water; and a desalination plant to which the heated sea water is supplied and which produces drinking water. Preferably, the geothermal power plant that produces power comprises an organic Rankine cycle geothermal power plant that produces power. Alternatively, the geothermal power plant that produces power comprises an organic combined cycle Rankine cycle geothermal power plant that produces power. In a further alternative, the geothermal power plant that produces power comprises a closed cycle steam geothermal power plant that produces power. In a still further alternative, the geothermal power plant that produces power comprises an ammonia cycle geothermal power plant that produces power.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the conversion of solar energy stored by photosynthesis to electrical energy, utilizing a closed cycle power plant (2) comprising providing a body of water (4) for growing macroalgae (6) therein, and providing a fluidized bed combustion chamber (8) for at least partial combustion of partially dried macroalgae having a water content of up to 60% wt/wt, the combustion being carried out in an artificial atmosphere of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermal cycle of power generating system. A current closed thermal cycle used in electric power stations requires both heat source and cooling source. The heat source temperature needs to be much higher than that of the cooling source. In order to raise the heat source temperature, electric power stations consume fuel, causing environmental pollution and fuel shortage.

Abstract: An absorption waste-heat recovery system includes a high temperature generator for directly receiving a heat medium fluid containing waste heat for recovering heat therefrom and concentrating a solution having an absorbent dissolved therein and generating steam, a low temperature generator for re-concentrating the concentrated solution after reduction of its temperature by heat recovering means in the system by using the steam from the high temperature generator as heat source, an auxiliary generator for introducing the heat medium fluid after its heat recovery at the high temperature generator and again recovering heat therefrom, a condenser capable of condensing steam from the auxiliary generator and steam after the re-concentration of the concentrated solution at the low temperature generator, an evaporator for evaporating the condensed water condensed at the condenser, and an absorber for receiving the concentrated solution from the low temperature generator and the concentrated solution from the auxiliar

Abstract: Power plant systems and processes are described that enable recovery of at least a portion of the fuel storage energy associated with a storage system for supplying fuel to the power plant systems. A first embodiment of an energy-recovery power plant system includes at least one fuel storage container and at least one expander that can receive fuel from the fuel storage container at a first pressure and provide the fuel to the power plant at a second pressure that is lower than the first pressure. A second embodiment of an energy-recovery power plant system includes a first conduit fluidly coupling the fuel storage container and the power plant for delivering fuel from the fuel storage container to the power plant and at least one regenerative thermodynamic cycle engine thermally coupled to the first conduit such that heat may be exchanged between the fuel and a working fluid for the regenerative thermodynamic cycle engine.

Abstract: A room temperature heat engine, wherein only one pipe structure for connecting a high pressure part to a low pressure part, which is a fatal structural defect of the room temperature heat engine for decorative toys (water drinking bird, peace bird) which merely produces a weak and small mechanical energy, is improved so as to produce much powerful mechanical energy for practical use of the engine, no energy source being required because the energy used for power generation is a beat obtained from the atmospheric temperature, the high and low temperature parts are connected to each other through at least two pipes, the high temperature and low temperature parts are formed in a stationary large-sized structure, two pipes are used exclusively for a gas-only pipe and a liquid-only pipe, and a turbine wheel is installed in the fluid-only pipe so as to turn the waterwheel under a fluid flow from the low temperature part for power generation.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing uninterruptible power according to the present invention comprises a hot standby organic Rankine cycle turbine system. No batteries are needed in the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention apparatus for producing uninterruptible power according to the present invention includes a high-speed flywheel; and a single hot standby organic Rankine cycle turbine system. In another embodiment of the present invention apparatus for producing uninterruptible power according to the present invention includes two hot standby organic Rankine cycle turbine systems operating in parallel. In this embodiment both hot standby organic Rankine cycle turbine systems include a sonic nozzle for ensuring that the pressure in the boiler of the hot standby organic Rankine cycle turbine system operates at relatively high pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently generating mechanical energy. The method includes the steps of heating a vaporizable, first liquid heat transfer medium to generate a high pressure vapor; utilizing the high pressure vapor to provide mechanical energy and thereafter condensing the vapor to a liquid; and recycling the condensed liquid to the heating step for re-use as the first liquid heat transfer medium. The apparatus includes a closed loop heat transfer medium system having a first heat exchanger for heating a vaporizable, first liquid heat transfer medium to generate a high pressure vapor; a mechanical device which utilizes the high pressure vapor to provide mechanical energy; a condenser for condensing the vapor to a liquid; and piping for fluidly connecting the first heat exchanger, mechanical device and condenser, and for recycling the condensed liquid to the first heat exchanger for re-use.

Abstract: In the preparation of ethylene oxide by direct oxidation of ethylene with air or oxygen using water as heat carrier to dissipate the heat of reaction, with water vapor being formed, a process for optimizing the specific energy consumption is proposed. In this, the water vapor is first expanded in one or more backpressure steam turbine(s) T for operating working machines M, before it is fed to one or more consumers, such as bottoms reboilers or steam injectors, for further utilization.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack, which during operation generates electrical energy by reacting a first stream of reactant gas and a second stream of reactant gas. The fuel cell stack also produces a fuel cell exhaust stream. An oxidizer unit is positioned to receive the fuel cell exhaust stream and oxidize at least a part of the fuel cell exhaust stream during operation, to produce an oxidizer exhaust stream. A heat recovery system is positioned to receive the oxidizer exhaust stream. The heat recovery system transfers at least some heat from the oxidizer exhaust stream to an input stream to generate a heated stream of water. In some embodiments, a temperature sensor is positioned to sense the temperature of the heated input stream. A control system maintains the heated stream of water at a target temperature based on the sensed temperature by controlling the amount of the heat from the oxidizer exhaust stream that is transferred to the input stream.

Abstract: A method is provided for implementing a thermodynamic cycle with district water heating capabilities that combines a simplified Kalina bottoming cycle with a district water heating plant. The preferred method includes pressurizing, vaporizing and superheating a mixture working fluid (e.g., H2O/NH3) using gas turbine exhaust energy in a heat recovery vapor generator, expanding the working fluid in a turbine to produce power, and then transferring the working fluid thermal energy to the district water by condensing the working fluid in a single stage condenser. The method can also include systems that efficiently use excess thermal energy only when the district water heating demand is low, e.g., during summer months.

Abstract: As geothermal steam containing contaminants such as boron, arsenic, and mercury is passed through a turbine-condenser system, the contaminants preferentially collect in the initial condensate produced from the steam. Collecting this initially-produced condensate and segregating it from the remainder of the steam being condensed ensures that condensate produced from the remainder of the steam is contaminants-lean, preferably containing the contaminants in concentrations allowing for discharge of the contaminants-lean condensate to the environment.

Abstract: Retrofit equipment includes an auxiliary gas turbine unit including an auxiliary compressor for compressing ambient air to produce compressed air, a solar collector that receives the compressed air for heating the same too produce heated compressed air, and an auxiliary turbine coupled to the auxiliary compressor and to an auxiliary generator for expanding the heated compressed air and driving the auxiliary compressor and auxiliary generator thereby producing power and hot exhaust gases. A boiler has heat exchanger coils containing water and receives hot exhaust gases for vaporizing water in the coils and producing steam. A condensor condenses the expanded steam to condensate, and a pump returns the condensate to the boiler.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for generating power and/or heat in a combustion process having a fuel combusted with an oxygen-containing gaseous mixture as an oxidant supplied from a mixed conducting membrane capable of separating oxygen from oxygen-containing gaseous mixtures at elevated temperatures. The oxygen is picked up from the permeate side of the membrane by means of a sweep gas. The sweep gas can be obtained from at least one combustion process upstream the membrane. The sweep gas can be formed by mixing a recycled part of the exhaust gas containing oxygen and fuel which are passed over a catalytic or non-catalytic burner or combuster. The process produces a resultant exhaust gas with a high concentration of CO2 and a low concentration of NOx making the exhaust gas stream suitable for direct use in different processes, for injection in a geological formation for long term deposition or for enhanced oil and natural gas recovery.

Abstract: An integrated air separation process produces an O2-enriched gas stream and an N2-enriched gas stream in an air separation unit. The N2-enriched gas stream is heated in a first heat exchanger associated with a first boiler and then power is generated from the heated gas stream. The O2-enriched gas stream is introduced with fuel to a combustor associated with the first boiler, producing flue gas. At least a portion of the flue gas exiting the first boiler is used to generate power. In a preferred embodiment, another portion of the flue gas exiting the first boiler is recycled to the first boiler, as a temperature controlling fluid.

Abstract: As geothermal steam containing contaminants such as boron, arsenic, and mercury is passed through a turbine-condenser system, the contaminants preferentially collect in the initial condensate produced from the steam. Collecting this initially-produced condensate and segregating it from the remainder of the steam being condensed ensures that condensate produced from the remainder of the steam is contaminants-lean, preferably containing the contaminants in concentrations allowing for discharge of the contaminants-lean condensate to the environment.

Abstract: A method of operating a power generation system is provided. The system includes) a turbine, a regenerative heat exchanger, a vapor generator and a distiller/condenser having multiple condensing elements. The turbine expands a vaporized multicomponent working fluid to produce power. The regenerative heat exchanger transfers heat from a lean hot multicomponent working fluid having a relatively low concentration of a component of the multicomponent working fluid to a rich cool multicomponent working fluid having a relatively high concentration of the component to thereby cool the lean hot multicomponent working fluid. The vapor generator vaporizes the cooled multicomponent working fluid to form the vaporized multicomponent working fluid. The multiple condensing elements of the distiller/condenser condense the expanded multicomponent working fluid to form the lean hot multicomponent working fluid.

Abstract: The generation of electric power and the separation of a feed gas mixture containing oxygen and nitrogen are carried out by combusting an oxidant gas and fuel in a combustion engine to generate shaft work and a hot exhaust gas, utilizing the shaft work to drive an electric generator to provide the electric power, compressing the feed gas mixture and separating the resulting compressed feed gas mixture into two or more product gas streams with differing compositions, heating one of the product gas streams by indirect heat exchange with the hot exhaust gas, and work expanding the resulting heated product gas stream to generate shaft work and yield an expanded product gas stream. The feed gas mixture can be air and the combustion engine can be a gas turbine combustion engine, and the air separation process preferably is operated independently of the gas turbine combustion engine.

Abstract: An engine cycle that is carried out in a reciprocating piston/cylinder engine consists of a working stroke in which exothermic decomposition of at least one liquid compound is caused to occur without combustion so as to produce a gaseous product of the decomposition that drives the piston along the cylinder in one direction and an exhaust stroke in which the products of the decomposition are exhausted from the cylinder upon return movement of the piston.

Abstract: A transportation system is based on battery powered vehicles operating in an isolated geographic area within which a base electrical load during the day exceeds the normal electrical load during the night. The system is operated by generating power for the load by using a geothermal power plant that operates day and night at a substantially constant power output. The vehicles are operated during the day; and power generated by the power plant supplies the base electrical load. Recharging of the batteries of the vehicles occurs only at night when power generated by the power plant in excess of the normal electrical load is available for recharging purposes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for generation of heat and/or power comprising a membrane reactor where a fuel is oxidized and further comprising an improved method for reducing emissions of carbon dioxide and emission of oxides of nitrogen from said process. There is applied a membrane reactor being a mixed oxygen ion and electron conducting membrane reactor comprising a first surface (feed side) capable of reducing oxygen to oxygen ions and a second surface (oxidation side) capable of reacting oxygen ions with a carbon containing fuel. The carbon containing fuel is mixed with recycled CO2 and H2O containing exhaust gas before being supplied to the oxidation side of the membrane reactor. The air is heated before being supplied to the feed side of the membrane reactor at about atmospheric pressure. The CO2 containing gas mixture from the process can be injected in an oil and gas reservoir for enhanced oil recovery or to a geological formation.

Abstract: A method for reusing substance's thermal expansion energy wherein the first given thermal expansion energy can be reused by repeating chemical bonding and electrolysis of a substance is based on raising a first given thermal energy by using chemical bonding, etc. in addition to the principle that the substance absorbs heat as its volume increases but emits heat as the volume decreases. The method is effective for saving energy resources and minimizing fuel consumption as well as greatly decreasing pollution even in the field of applications requiring massive energy such as power plants and rockets.

Abstract: Thermal decomposition studies have been performed on methylene chloride at temperatures of 450, 480, 550, 650, 750, and 850° F. After the 550, 650, 750, and 850° F. studies, samples were taken and analyzed for acidic decomposition products of methylene chloride. Qualatative analyses were also done using a gas chromatograph. This report presents the results of the studies. A description of the apparatus and procedures used to obtain the measured data is also included in the report.

Abstract: A method and apparatuses used in several interdependent energy transducing [energy] passageways. Each passageway uses [at least one] flow generators such as mechanical compressors, direct and indirect gravity [upon the generative fluid], condensing, [means and] heating [means], absorption [means], adapted turbo-jet engines, [flow] generation and storage of hydrogen and oxygen; uses vehicles [means] to control and direct the generative fluid such as pipes, valves, a liquid medium, nozzles, hoods, channels, etc.

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: Liquid nitrogen producing apparatus and method. Solar energy is used to heat liquid mercury which expands and applies pressure to an incompressible fluid which in turn drives a piston in a compression stroke. Air is pressurized and in an appropriate use device liquid nitrogen is obtained. Some of the liquid nitrogen is directed back to the reservoir of liquid mercury. The very cold liquid nitrogen causes the liquid mercury to contract which in turn moves the piston in a suction stroke to draw in make-up air.

Abstract: A device which can convert energy of latent heat at an ambient temperature, without a change of temperature, to power to kinetic energy of motion and levitation of mass, by a manufactured molecular force which acts only in one direction.

Abstract: A system for changing the temperature of a working fluid, including amonia, includes a working fluid source and a steel tube. The working fluid source is configured to direct a flow of the working fluid. The working fluid from the source is at a temperature. The steel tube has a treated inner surface layer defining a flow passage. The surface may comprise a mill finish surface, an oxidizing surface and/or a chromized surface. The tube is configured to receive the working fluid from the source and to direct the flow of the received working fluid along a path to change the temperature of the received working fluid.

Abstract: A process is provided for combusting a low heating value fuel gas in a combustor to drive an associated gas turbine. A low heating value fuel gas feed is divided into a burner portion and a combustion chamber portion. The combustion chamber portion and a combustion air are conveyed into a mixing zone of the combustor to form an air/fuel mixture. The burner portion is conveyed into a flame zone of the combustor through a burner nozzle while a first portion of the air/fuel mixture is conveyed into the flame zone through a burner port adjacent to the burner nozzle. The burner portion and first portion of the air/fuel mixture are contacted in the flame zone to combust the portions and produce flame zone products. The flame zone products are conveyed into an oxidation zone of the combustor downstream of the flame zone while a second portion of the air/fuel mixture is also conveyed into the oxidation zone.

Abstract: A method of operating a Kalina cycle power generation system includes directing a stream of vaporized binary working fluid to a turbine where it is expanded to produce power. At least a portion of the expanded binary working fluid is directed to a regenerative heat exchanger where it is transformed into a feed binary working fluid. The feed binary working fluid is directed to a vapor generator where it is vaporized. The binary working fluid flow within the regenerative heat exchanger is actively regulated to balance the expanded binary working fluid and the feed working fluid.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for recovering work from a heat source and providing a cooling source that comprises: a. providing a selected working fluid comprising at least two components; to a first low pressure pump; b. feeding the selected working fluid to a dividing means; c. dividing the working fluid into a first stream and a second stream, d. feeding the first stream at a first low pressure to a first heat transfer zone to transfer heat to the working fluid stream heating the stream to a higher temperature, e. feeding the higher temperature stream to a separation means, f. separating a volatile component enriched stream and a volatile component depleted stream; g. heating the volatile component enriched stream; h. feeding the volatile component enriched stream to an expansion means i. expanding the volatile component enriched stream to a lower temperature and pressure; j.

Abstract: An electrochemical engine for a vehicle comprises a storage tank containing hydrogen-retention material which reversibly takes-up and stores hydrogen at a hydrogen-storage temperature and releases it upon heating to a release temperature. A fuel cell stack using the released hydrogen produces electricity and heat by-product. A primary coolant flow circuit extends from a radiator, through the fuel cell stack and the storage tank, and back to the radiator, and has a coolant-distribution valve intermediate the fuel cell stack and the storage tank. A bypass coolant flow line extends from the coolant-distribution valve to the radiator. During operation, the heat by-product of the fuel cell stack is transferred via the primary coolant flow circuit to the storage tank for heating the hydrogen-retention material to release hydrogen for fueling the fuel cell stack.

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

Abstract: An externally fired gas turbine system according to the present invention has a compressor for compressing ambient air and producing compressed air, an air heat exchanger for heating the compressed air to produce heated compressed air, a turbine for expanding the heated compressed air to produce heat depleted expanded air, and a generator connected to the turbine for generating electricity. According to the present invention, the system also includes combustible products producing apparatus for processing fuel to produce combustible products that include combustible gases and an external combustion chamber for burning the combustible products and transferring heat to the air heat exchanger and producing heat depleted combustion products. The system also includes a closed Rankine cycle steam power plant having a water heat exchanger for vaporizing water and producing steam using heat contained in the heat depleted combustion products.

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

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

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

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

Abstract: A combustion powered cooling system (10, 100) includes a power loop (12, 102) and a cooling loop (14, 104). Heat produced by combustion is used to produce superheated steam in a steam generator (18). The steam is used to move a reciprocating steam piston (26) in a power unit (16). Power is transferred from the steam piston through a energy transfer mechanism (44) to a compressor piston (40) in the cooling loop. Refrigerant material in the cooling loop is used to provide air conditioning for a residence or other facility through a chilled water circuit (60). The system is also operative as a heat pump for heating a residence or other facility.

Abstract: For the mixing of two streams having substantially different temperatures, a primary object of the present invention is to obtain significantly improved recovery of heating and/or refrigeration values by indirect heat transfer combined with staged heat and mass transfer. The process of the present invention is a fundamental departure from all previous processes of the prior art.An object of the present invention is to accomplish reverse or "inverse" distillation. While traditional distillation or staged absorption performs simultaneous heat and mass transfer to achieve a separation, the present invention uses that process to mix two feed streams to form a single mixed product stream.

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

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

Abstract: An electric power generating system and method of operation is comprised of a waste-heat boiler adapted to a Rankine cycle provided with turbines for driving an electric generator. The waste-heat boiler uses exhaust combustion products from a fuel-fired device as a thermal heat source for vapor regeneration of an organic heat exchange fluid mixture used in the Rankine cycle.

Abstract: A control system capable of responding to temperature sensors detecting changes in available external ambient cooling temperature, and adjusting turbine cycle thermodynamic medium exhaust pressure and temperature, as it completes its circulation path through the turbine cycle, to what best saturation pressure conditions are needed to correspond with the temperature detected as the coldest currently available saturation temperature in the condenser. Such a system permits condensation of the exhaust to occur at whatever the lowest saturation temperature and pressure available at the time happens to be.

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

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering energy from wastes is used for recovering energy by gasifying wastes such as municipal waste. The method comprises gasifying wastes in a fluidized-bed gasification furnace at a relatively low temperature; introducing gaseous material and char produced in the fluidized-bed gasification furnace into a melting furnace; gasifying the gaseous material and char in the melting furnace at a relatively high temperature; introducing gas produced in the melting furnace into a heat exchanging unit; and delivering heat recovered in the heat exchanging unit to a heat cycle to generate electric energy.

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

Abstract: A self-actuated exhaust fan is useful for removing waste heat from fluids, especially gases. The process is provided for extracting a first gas from a hot gas source. The first gas has a temperature above ambient temperature. Condensed working fluid is vaporized in an evaporator by extracting the first gas from the hot gas source and passing the first gas in contact with heat transfer surfaces of the evaporator by a first fan. The first fan is driven by an engine. The working fluid so-vaporized is allowed to enter the engine through an inlet port and exhaust through an exhaust port and thus operate the engine. The exhausted working fluid vapour is condensed in a condenser by passing cooler outside air in contact with heat transfer surfaces of the condenser by means of a second fan. The second fan is also driven by the engine. The condensed working fluid is transferred from the condenser to the evaporator by means of a feed pump which is driven by the engine.