Abstract: A method for utilizing acidic geothermal fluid (e.g., fluid having a pH of less than about 3.5) containing non-condensable gases in a geothermal power plant includes separating the geothermal fluid into steam and brine, applying the steam to a device from which power and steam condensate is produced. Such device can be a back-pressure steam turbine whose exhaust can be cooled by organic fluid to produce organic vapor that is expanded in an organic vapor turbine. Alternatively, the steam can be applied to the steam-side of an indirect contact heat exchanger containing a liquid organic working fluid for producing steam condensate and vaporized working fluid. In such case, the steam condensate produced by the heat exchanger is less acidic than the brine. The vaporized working fluid is expanded in an organic vapor turbine for producing electricity and expanded working fluid, and the expanded working fluid is condensed for producing condensed organic fluid which is preheated and supplied to the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A turboexpander pump unit has a vertical or horizontal shaft, a pump connected to an end of the shaft for pressurizing a liquid fluid to a pressure higher than a predetermined delivery pressure, a heat exchanger for heating and converting the liquid fluid pressurized by the pump into a high-pressure gas, and an expander turbine connected to an opposite end of the shaft and actuatable by a thermal energy reduction produced when the high-pressure gas from the heat exchanger is lowered to the predetermined delivery pressure, for delivering the liquid fluid continuously under a predetermined pressure to an external installation. The pump having at least two outlet ports for discharging the liquid fluid at respective different pressures. One of the two outlet ports is connected to the heat exchanger, and the other to a liquid delivery line.

Abstract: A work reducing composite engine system that uses ambient air for a primary energy source. The device consists of a unitary turbine/compressor assembly utilizing a turbine for producing work output and a downstream compressor for receiving fluid exhaust of the turbine and for compressing the turbine exhaust. An internal heat exchanger is provided between the turbine and the compressor so that fluid in the compressor is cooled, thereby reducing compression work requirements and the turbine exhaust is heated by the compressor, thereby decreasing input heat requirements.

Abstract: An encagement vessel contains water and a working gas capable of forming hydrate with the water. A heat exchange arrangement is associated with the encagement vessel for removing heat from the working gas and water in the encagement vessel to form gas hydrate at an initial temperature. A working gas supply continues to add working gas to the encagement vessel as heat is removed in order to maintain the equilibrium pressure of the gas hydrate at the equilibrium pressure associated with the initial temperature as the hydrate is formed. An equilibrium pressure shifting arrangement increases the equilibrium pressure of the gas hydrate to an end pressure. A dissociating heat exchanger is included for adding heat to the hydrate at the end equilibrium pressure to dissociate the gas hydrate into water and working gas at the end pressure.

Abstract: Conversion of heat from high-temperature off-gases into useful work is accomplished with a process having first and second stages. The first stage comprises preheating feed water with heat from the off-gases, converting this into steam, passing the steam into a steam expander which drives a first machine, condensing the low pressure exhaust from the expander, and returning the condensate to the preheater to repeat the cycle. The second stage comprises preheating liquid fluorocarbon working fluid, passing the working fluid through a separator and then through the steam condenser, from which a liquid/gas mixture of the working fluid is routed back to the separator, superheating the gaseous working fluid by off-gases, passing the gaseous working fluid into an expander which drives a second machine, condensing the low pressure exhaust from the expander, and returning the liquid fluorocarbon working fluid to the preheater to repeat the cycle.

Abstract: An improved ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) system which includes a novel combined evaporator/condenser. The combined evaporator/condenser further includes a plurality of evaporator spouts and a mist eliminator, wherein the pressure is maintained across the plurality of evaporator spouts. The OTEC system also generates fresh water as a primary product and generates only enough electricity, as a secondary product, to operate the OTEC system itself.

Abstract: A method is provided for improving the efficiency of a small-size power plant based on an ORC process. The plant comprises at least one energy converter unit, with a power range below 500 kW, and at least one burner for combustion of fuel for producing energy for the energy converter unit. The energy converter unit includes a high-speed machine which comprises first and second turbines and a generator mounted on a common rotor having rotational speed exceeding 8000 rpm. An ORC medium is vaporized in a vaporizer by utilizing energy derived from the combustion of the fuel in the burner, and then expanded in the first turbine of the high-speed machine to produce electric energy. The ORC medium leaving the first turbine is then reheated by a superheater of the vaporizer utilizing energy derived from the combustion of the fuel in the burner.

Abstract: A system for generating power as a result of an expansion of a pressurized working fluid through a turbine exhibits improved efficiency as the result of employing a tri-component working fluid that comprises water, ammonia and carbon dioxide. The pH of the working fluid is maintained within a range to prevent precipitation of carbon-bearing solids (preferably between 8.0 to 10.6). The working fluid enables an efficiency improvement in the Rankine cycle of up to 12 percent and an efficiency improvement in the Kalina cycle of approximately 5 percent.

Abstract: A power turbine system operating in an organic Rankine cycle with a thermodynamic medium flowing therethrough, including a power turbine (10) having an inlet connected to a conduit (50) and an exhaust (14), a lower temperature engine system having a heat engine, a circulating thermodynamic turbine medium flowing through the heat engine and producing rejected waste heat during engine system operation, a regenerative heat transfer device (6) for heating the turbine medium from the turbine exhaust (14) to produce liquid phase turbine medium at an elevated temperature, a pump (28) for pumping the liquid phase turbine medium at the elevated temperature as a first boiler feed return stream, a boiler feed return stream conduit (50) for conducting the boiler feed return stream to the turbine (10) through branch conduits (51, 52) and injectors (53, 54) and to pump (55) to boiler vessel (56) for heating the turbine medium to be fed to the turbine inlet.

Abstract: A system based on a refrigeration cycle for converting low grade heat into useful work. A plurality of pressure vessels are interconnected with a common high pressure feed manifold and a common low pressure return manifold, A fluid pressure driven motor is connected across the manifolds. The system is charged with a volatile refrigerant. By sequentially heating and cooling the pressure vessels and directing the flow with a series of valves, a pressure differential is maintained across the manifolds to drive the fluid pressure motor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing a thermodynamic cycle that includes: (a) expanding a gaseous working stream, transforming its energy into usable form and producing a spent working stream; (b) heating a multicomponent oncoming liquid working stream by partially condensing the spent working stream; and (c) evaporating the heated working stream to form the gaseous working stream using heat produced by a combination of cooling geothermal liquid and condensing geothermal steam.

Abstract: A low temperature engine system has an elevated temperature recuperator in the form of a heat exchanger (12) having a first inlet connected to an extraction point (45) at an intermediate position between the high temperature inlet and low temperature outlet (14) of a turbine heat engine (8, 10) and an outlet connected by a conduit (47) to a second inlet to the turbine between the high and low temperature ends thereof and downstream of the extraction point (45). In the recuperator (12) thermodynamic medium vapor from extraction point (45) is in heat exchange relationship with thermodynamic medium conducted from the low temperature exhaust end (14) of the turbine unit (8, 10) through a water cooled condenser (6) and in heat exchange relationship in a refrigerant condenser (2) with a refrigerant flowing in an absorption-refrigeration subsystem.

Abstract: Power is generated from a two-phase geothermal fluid containing a substantial amount of non-condensable gases, typically not less than about 3% by extracting a geothermal fluid from the ground under its own pressure, and passing the extracted geothermal fluid through an indirect heat exchange device containing an organic fluid for vaporizing the latter and producing vaporized organic fluid and heat depleted geothermal fluid. The vaporized organic fluid is expanded in a turbine coupled to a generator for producing power and expanded vaporized organic fluid which is condensed to a liquid and returned to the indirect heat exchange device. Finally, the heat depleted geothermal fluid may be returned to the ground via a rejection well.

Abstract: Substantially constant boiling compositions of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane and dimethyl ether and its use as a refrigerant, aerosol propellant and polymer foam blowing agent are disclosed.

Abstract: Near-Azeotropic blends of:pentafluoroethane and 1,1,1-trifluoroethane with one or more of chlorodifluoromethane, 1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethane, 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane, 1-chloro-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane, 1-chloro-1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethane, 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane, 1,1,1,2,2,3,3-heptafluoropropane, and perfluorocyclopropane;chlorodifluoromethane and pentafluoroethane with one or more of ethane, butane, isobutane, dimethyl ether, propylene, and difluoromethane;chlorodifluoromethane with 1,1,1-trifluoroethane and 1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethane, propane and pentafluoroethane, or 1,1,1-trifluoroethane and octafluoropropane;and pentafluoroethane with fluoroethane and 1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethane,along with their use as refrigerants.

Abstract: Azeotrope-like blends are disclosed comprising effective amounts of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a), 1,1-difluoroethane (HFC-152a) and a halocarbon selected from the group consisting of 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HCFC-124), 2-chloro-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (HCFC-124a), 1-hydroperfluoropropane (HFC-227ca), 2-hydroperfluoropropane (HFC-227ea), and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions of effective amounts of 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,-octofluorobutane; trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, cis-1,2-dichloroethylene, 1,1-dichloroethane, or 1,3-dichloro-1,2,2,3,3-HCFC-225cb; and an alcohol such as methanol, ethanol, or isopropanol, to form an azeotropic or azeotrope-like composition are disclosed that are useful as cleaning agents, refrigerants, aerosol propellants, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectrics, fire extinguishing agents, expansion agents for polyolefins and polyurethanes and as power cycle working fluids.

Abstract: Constant boiling azeotropic or azeotrope-like mixtures of octafluoropropane and fluoroethane are useful as refrigerants, aerosol propellants, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectrics, fire extinguishing agents, expansion agents for polyolefins and polyurethanes and as power cycle working fluids.

Abstract: Azeotropic mixtures of HFC-338pcc and an alcohol such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol or N-propanol, or a ketone such as acetone, are disclosed that are useful as cleaning agents, refrigerants, aerosol propellants, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectrics, fire extinguishing agents, expansion agents for polyolefins and polyurethanes, power cycle working fluids, polymerization media, particulate removal fluids, carrier fluids, and displacement drying agents.

Abstract: Hermetically sealed electric driven gas compressor-expander for use in refrigeration system where low temperature waste energy rejected from the condenser is recovered and used to produce kinetic energy to assist driving the compressor, and thus reducing the electric power required for refrigeration.

Abstract: Azeotropic mixtures of 1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,5-decafluoropentane (HFC-43-10mee) and trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, cis-1,2-dichloroethylene or 1,1-dichloroethane are useful as cleaning agents, expansion agents for polyolefins and polyurethanes, refrigerants, aerosol propellants, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectrics, fire extinguishing agents, power cycle working fluids, polymerization media, particulate removal fluids, carrier fluids, buffing abrasive agents, and displacement drying agents.

Abstract: Azeotropic or azeotrope-like compositions of effective amounts of 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4-octafluorobutane and trans-1,2-dichloroethylene; cis-1,2-dichloroethylene; or 1,1-dichloroethane to form an azeotropic or azeotrope-like composition are disclosed that are useful as cleaning agents, refrigerants, aerosol propellants, heat transfer media, gaseous dielectrics, fire extinguishing agents, expansion agents for polyolefins and polyurethanes and as power cycle working fluids.

Abstract: A method and installation for generating energy using the BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion) reaction wherein condensate is pumped from an expansion chamber and is fed to a first heat exchanger. There, the liquid gas is heated in a first step to a certain temperature. The liquid gas is heated in a second heat exchanger with a safety valve to a higher temperature and, while expanding, is introduced via a pre-expansion valve, at the end of a feed line, to a BLEVE-reaction chamber. The BLEVE-reaction takes place in the reaction chamber, during which gas is released and supplied via the outlet pipe to a gas turbine. The gas turbine drives a generator. The turbine and the generator may be housed in the closed expansion chamber. The cycle of the method is controlled by means of a regulating control. The method described is particularly suited for a thermal power plant, the waste heat of which is transformed into electricity.

Abstract: Centrifugal gas compressor - expander for use in refrigeration system where low temperature level energy rejected from the condenser is recovered and used to produce kinetic energy to assist driving the compressor, and thus reducing the electric power required for refrigeration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering work from a nitrogen stream, wherein the nitrogen is preheated via heat exchange with hot fluid from a chemical process, which process utilizes the oxygen product of the air separation. Preferably at least a part of the expanded nitrogen is utilized to preheat at least one fluid reactant of the chemical process. The chemical process may be gasification or direct reduction of iron oxide, as well as the conversion of natural gas into synthesis gas.

Abstract: Aviator harness fittings are pneutically actuated by a central device including a pressurized gas cartridge. A firing pin may mechanically pierce the cartridge or automatic ballistic actuation of the firing pin may be accomplished by SEA WARS gas-generating devices when the latter contacts sea water. The ballistic actuation of the present invention requires two separate SEA WAR gas-generating devices to fire simultaneously thereby minimizing the chance of false actuation.

Abstract: A binary cycle power recovery apparatus which comprises, in combination, a steam separator for separating steam from hot water, a hot water tank where hot water is produced by directly introducing the steam from the steam separator into water; a heating and evaporating means installed in the hot water tank for heating and evaporating a liquid working medium by the hot water in the tank, a turbine derived by the evaporated working medium from the heating and evaporating means, a condenser for condensing the gaseous working medium from the turbine, and a pump for circulating the condensed working medium from the condenser to the heating and evaporation means. The internal power for working the apparatus is reduced and the heat exchange efficiency is improved. As a result, the apparatus may be constructed in a small size adapted for use, for example, by a private administrator of a small hot spring hotel to recover electric power or cold heat source from waste steam which has heretofore been discarded.

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

Abstract: LNG is pumped to high pressure, vaporized, further heated and then expanded to create rotary power that is used to generate electrical power. A reservoir of carbon dioxide at about its triple point is created in an insulated vessel to store energy in the form of refrigeration recovered from the evaporated LNG. During peak electrical power periods, liquid carbon dioxide is withdrawn therefrom, pumped to a high pressure, vaporized, further heated, and expanded to create rotary power which generates additional electrical power. The exhaust from a fuel-fired combustion turbine, connected to an electrical power generator, heats the high pressure carbon dioxide vapor. The discharge stream from the CO.sub.2 expander is cooled and at least partially returned to the vessel where vapor condenses by melting stored solid carbon dioxide. During off-peak periods, CO.sub.

Abstract: A process is disclosed whereby the recovery of process heat contained in NOx gases which have been generated by the combustion of ammonia in the ammonia oxidation step of a nitric acid production process is improved and whereby the recovery of the process heat takes place at a low temperature range. The process involves using process heat contained in NOx gases to evaporate and superheat liquid ammonia which is circulated in a separate loop, then expanding the superheated ammonia in a turbine to generate mechanical energy and subsequently pressurizing, reevaporating and resuperheating the ammonia.

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

Abstract: A closed loop thermodynamic system that recirculates a vaporizable working fluid between its liquid and vapor states includes a thermal regeneration unit that receives exhausted working fluid after its utilization in an energy-utilizing device and transfers a portion of the enthalpy contained therein to a pressurized flow of condensed working fluid to a vaporizing unit in the system. Uncondensed exhausted vapor, after regenerative heat has thus been extracted, is then directed to a condensing unit of known type for condensation therein and collection in a condensate-holding unit. Condensation formed from the exhausted vapor during the course of the regenerative heat transfer therefrom is collected in a pool in the regeneration unit and is transferred to join the condensate in the condensate-holding unit to be flowed through the regeneration unit for regenerative heating therein.

Abstract: The invention provides a working fluid for Rankine cycle comprising 1,2-dichloro-1,1,2,-trifluoro-ethane; and a process for converting thermal energy into mechanical energy in the Rankine cycle in which a cycle is repeated comprising the steps of vaporizing a working fluid comprising 1,2-dichloro-1,1,2-trifluoroethane with a hot heat source, expanding the resultant vapor in an expansion device, cooling it with a cold heat source to condense and compressing it by a pump.

Abstract: A sealed cycle gaseous medium engine comprising a device capable of receiving atmospheric heat (solar or other), converting said heat through a heat exchange system into a pressurized working medium, i.e. CO.sup.2 or freon, and, using valves, rectifying this output to a receiver system, thus developing a pressurized gaseous medium capable of operating pneumatic motors, refrigerating equipment, etc.

Abstract: A composite working fluid for a Rankine cycle power plant operating between a boiler temperature and a condenser temperature comprises a mixture of immiscible fluids selected such that the saturated vapor line of the composite fluid in the vicinity of the boiler temperature is generally along a line of substantially constant entropy. As a result, the vapor of the composite working fluid expands from boiler to condenser temperature generally along the saturated vapor line of the composite working fluid. One of the immiscible fluids of the composite working fluid is a "wet" fluid, and one of the immiscible fluids is a "dry" fluid. The "wet" fluid is a polar compound with a molecular weight smaller than the molecular weight of the "dry" fluid, which is a non-polar compound. Preferably, the "wet" fluid is water, and the "dry" fluid is selected from a class comprising hydrocarbons and their halogenated derivatives.

Abstract: This is a heat exchanger having a heating cycle part and a thermal cycle part. The heating cycle part comprises a compressor which is driven by the thermal power cycle in a heating medium circulation line connecting a radiator and an evaporator while the thermal power cycle part includes a turbo-engine in the thermal power medium circulation line connecting a condenser and an evaporator. The output shaft of the turbo-engine is connected to the compressor, and a heater as a constant heat source is provided for heating the evaporator in the thermal power medium circulation line. If the compressor is replaced with a power generator, the heat exchanger can be used as a power generator/heat exchanger of temperature-difference-driven type. The components are housed in a pressure vessel to thereby simplify the structure without necessity for a special pressure resistant structure.

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

Abstract: A heat exchanger for condensing a vapor containing non-condensable gases comprises an inlet header for receiving said vapor and non-condensable gases, and a plurality of heat exchanger tubes arranged in a plurality of vertically spaced banks. One end of each tube is connected to the inlet header for receiving the vapor and the non-condensable gases in parallel; and the other end of each tube in a bank is connected to a separate header associated with each bank. Each separate header is vented for venting non-condensable gases therein to the atmosphere. The provision of separate headers for each bank of tubes prevents equalization of pressure between the banks thereby preventing back-flow and the creation of pockets of non-condensable gases in the tubes of a bank.

Abstract: An improved closed loop thermodynamic system that recirculates the vaporizable working fluid between its liquid and vapor states include a thermal regeneration unit that receives vaporized working fluid after its utilization and transfers a portion of the enthalpy contained therein to condensate, the pressure of which has been raised to the highest vapor pressure in the closed loop system by communication with a vaporizing unit therein. The vaporized working fluid, from which the regenerative heat has thus been extracted, is then directed to a condensing unit of known type for condensation therein and any incidental condensation formed during the course of the regenerative heat transfer from the vaporized working fluid is collected in a separate portion of the regeneration unit and is periodically transferred to join the condensate flowing from the condensing unit to the regeneration unit for regenerative heating therein.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of producing electricity comprising passing a low hydrogen content (zero to four percent) air stream over a hydrogenating catalyst in a reaction chamber thereby producing a hot discharge gas which is used to vaporize a liquid hydrocarbon which turns a turbine coupled to a generator.

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

Abstract: A system for storing electrical energy in the form of triple-point CO.sub.2 and then using such stored energy plus heat to generate electrical power. A reservoir of carbon dioxide liquid at about the triple point is created in an insulated vessel. Liquid carbon dioxide is withdrawn and pumped to a high pressure, which high pressure carbon dioxide is heated and expanded to create rotary power which generates electrical power. The discharge stream from the expander is cooled and returned to the vessel where carbon dioxide vapor is condensed by melting solid carbon dioxide. A fuel-fired gas turbine connected to an electrical power generator can be used to heat the high pressure carbon dioxide, and an ambient air stream flowing toward the gas turbine can be cooled by giving up heat to the high pressure carbon dioxide stream.

Abstract: A Rankine cycle power plant utilizes as a working fluid and compounds selected from the group consisting of bicyclic hydrocarbons, substituted bicyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heterocyclic bicyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, substituted heterocyclic bicyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, bicyclic compounds where one ring is aromatic and the other condensed ring is non-aromatic, and their mixtures.

Abstract: An evaporating apparatus comprising a high temperature side evaporator and a low temperature side evaporator connected in series in a flowing direction of a heat source, a first and second pipe line for directing fluid being evaporated therethrough, and an ejector having a suction inlet and a discharge outlet of drive steam and an induction port of steam being sucked, wherein the first pipe line is linked through the high temperature side evaporator to the suction inlet of the ejector, and the second pipe line is branched from the first pipe line at the upstream side of the hot temperature side evaporator, and linked through the low temperature side evaporator to the induction port of the ejector.

Abstract: An electric generator operatively connected to a gas turbine is driven by driving the gas turbine with high pressure hydrogen released from a hydrogen storage alloy which is contained in a first zone and which is heated by indirect heat exchange with a heating medium while reabsorbing the hydrogen discharged from the gas turbine in a hydrogen storage alloy which is contained in a second zone and which is cooled by indirect heat exchange with a cooling medium. By switching the flows of the heating and cooling media alternately, an electric energy may be continuously obtained from the electric generator.

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

Abstract: A liquified hydrocarbon is vaporized in the installation by being brought into direct contact with heated compressed hydrocarbon in a heat exchanger. The hydrocarbon is compressed in a compressor (2), which is driven by a steam turbine (1). To heat the compressed hydrocarbon, the hydrocarbon is brought into heat exchange with the waste steam from the steam turbine, in the process of which the waste steam condenses. The product can be withdrawn before or after the compressor (2).

Abstract: A portion of the thermal energy in the hot water in a domestic hot water heater is transferred by a heat exchanger to a fluid, such as FREON 11, in a closed pipe circuit. The temperature-pressure characteristics of the fluid are selected so that as the fluid is heated, it evaporates. In its heated, pressurized, gaseous state the fluid drives a turbine. Upon exhausting from the turbine, the fluid is condensed in a heat exchanger cooled by the cold water supply to the heater. The residual heat in the exhaust gas from the turbine serves to raise the temperature of the cold water entering the heater.

Abstract: Working fluids for the Rankine cycle comprising dichlorotetrafluoroethane and a member selected from the group consisting of difluoroethane and dichlorofluoromethane.

Abstract: Working fluids for the Rankine cycle comprising chlorodifluoromethane and one of difluoroethane and dichlorotetrafluoroethane.