Abstract: A method of converting thermal energy into another energy form, comprising the steps of providing a liquid working fluid with said thermal energy, substantially adiabatically compressing the working fluid, substantially adiabatically expanding the hot compressed working fluid by flashing to yield said other energy form in an expansion machine capable of operating with wet working fluid and of progressively drying said fluid during expansion, and condensing the exhaust working fluid from the expansion machine. Apparatus for converting thermal energy into another energy form is also provided.

Abstract: A method of employing the thermal energy from essentially limitless sources, such as the ocean or the atmosphere, to produce mechanical work or electricity by power plants wherein; the fluid from the limitless heat source is used to heat the working fluid of a prime mover through a heat exchanger; the effluent cooled fluid from the said heat exchanger may be employed directly or indirectly to extract the exhaust heat of the prime mover; and the said effluent cooled fluid from the said heat exchanger may also be used simultaneously or successively for the conversion of saline water into fresh water, or dirty water into usable water.

Abstract: An improved engine system is provided which includes a synthetic low temperature sink that is developed in conjunction with an absorbtion-refrigeration subsystem having inputs from an external low-grade heat energy supply and from an external source of cooling fluid. A low temperature engine is included which has a high temperature end that is in heat exchange communication with the external heat energy source and a low temperature end in heat exchange communication with the synthetic sink provided by the absorbtion-refrigeration subsystem. By this invention, it is possible to vary the sink temperature as desired, including temperatures that are lower than ambient temperatures such as that of the external cooling source. This feature enables the use of an external heat input source that is of a very low grade because an advantageously low heat sink temperature can be selected.

Abstract: A variable pressure power cycle and control system that is adjustable to a variable heat source is disclosed. The power cycle adjusts itself to the heat source so that a minimal temperature difference is maintained between the heat source fluid and the power cycle working fluid, thereby substantially matching the thermodynamic envelope of the power cycle to the thermodynamic envelope of the heat source. Adjustments are made by sensing the inlet temperature of the heat source fluid and then setting a superheated vapor temperature and pressure to achieve a minimum temperature difference between the heat source fluid and the working fluid.

Abstract: Halides of tungsten and molybdenum are described for use as working fluids in power plants. Specifically, tungsten pentachloride, tungsten hexachloride, molybdenum hexafluoride and molybdenum hexachloride are used as working fluids in power plants. These working fluids can be used alone in a single cycle. However, they are preferably used in one or two loops of a binary system. The working fluids can be used in combination with other known working fluids in a binary system. Specifically useful, working fluids would include water-Hg, aluminum iodide, water, and nitrogen tetroxide. The use of the novel boiler fluids of the present invention provide numerous advantages, particularly, improved efficiency.

Abstract: Working fluids for use with the Rankine cycle comprising 5 to 50% by weight of tetrafluoromethane, 40 to 95% by weight of trifluoromethane and 0 to 10% by weight of monochlorodifluoromethane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for recovering the exhaust heat using the working fluid of the toluene (or benzene)-water system in the vapor cycle, when the moderate heat energy of 400.degree.-750.degree. C. is converted into work.In practice, in order to obtain the maximum overall thermal efficiency .eta.m, the working fluid of the Rankine cycle in the recovery of exhaust heat of the temperature of 400.degree.-700.degree. C. is suitable to be the mixture of toluene (or benzene) and water containing 20-80 mol. % of water, while the working fluid of the reheating cycle in the recovery of exhaust heat of the temperature of 600.degree.-750.degree. C. is suitable to be the mixture of toluene (or benzene) and water containing 45-90 mol. % of water in considerations of the thermodynamic efficiency of vapor cycle, the performance of the exhaust heat boiler and other factors.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for recovering effective energy as power between liquefied natural gas and a high temperature source by cascading two kinds of Rankine cycles when the liquefied natural gas is re-gasified.

Abstract: A reaction turbine is used in a refrigeration (or heat pump) process, to improve efficiency.

Abstract: Power is recovered from the vaporization of liquefied natural gas by warming and vaporizing the liquefied natural gas against a first multicomponent stream which is cooled and liquefied. The liquefied multicomponent stream is pumped to an elevated pressure and is warmed and vaporized against a second multicomponent stream which is cooled and liquefied. The warmed first multicomponent stream is heated, expanded through a generator loaded expander and recycled. The liquefied second multicomponent stream is pumped to an elevated pressure, heated, vaporized and expanded through a second generator loaded expander and recycled.

Abstract: A rotary external combustion engine wherein energy is supplied to a working space of the engine by direct injection into the stator of liquid water at a high temperature and pressure. The water acts as a heat-transfer medium. Some of the liquid water spontaneously vaporizes on injection, during the rotor. Liquid water is exhausted from the working space and recycled to an external heat exchanger for reheating prior to reinjection. The engine is capable of a thermal efficiency greater than that of the Rankine cycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a power generation system, using refrigerant as an agent to circulate between a warm heat source and a cold heat sink, thereby producing electric power and alleviating the thermal pollution in the environment, gasifying liquid natural gas, and heating the produced natural gas toward ambient temperature.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for driving a turbine, which preferably is connected to an electrical generator, using energy supplied by the reboiler system of a fractionation column. The portion of the bottoms liquid of the column which is to be recycled through the reboiler is pressurized by a pump, and the high pressure liquid is heated and vaporized or brought to a supercritical state in the reboiler. The resultant high temperature stream is then depressurized through the turbine down to the desired pressure and temperature of the vapor stream used to reboil the column. The process is an extremely efficient method of generating electrical energy in a petroleum refinery or petrochemical installation.

Abstract: Mechanical power is generated by a process comprising (a) progressive vaporization of a mixture of fluids, (b) expansion of the resultant vapor, (c) condensation of the vapor and (d) recycling to step (a) of the liquid phase obtained in step (c). The heat exchanges are effected counter-currently, thus providing parallel evolutions of temperature. The condensation is effected in a temperature interval of from 7.degree. to 30.degree. C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of thermally producing a flow of a working medium, especially for driving turbines and the like. The working medium is heated to a predetermined temperature in a closed space at a pressure, which is higher than the steam formation pressure of the working medium at the predetermined temperature, and in liquid phase in the form of a jet atomized in droplets is tapped in a controlled flow from the closed space through one or more outflow nozzles and against a lower pressure.

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

Abstract: Methods for utilizing the heat content of a heated carrier agent are disclosed including indirectly contacting the carrier agent with a working fluid which boils at a temperature lower than water, in order to vaporize the working fluid, producing mechanical energy by expanding the working fluid to a number of reduced pressures, including the condensation pressure of the working fluid corresponding to atmospheric temperature conditions at the time, and a reduced pressure intermediate between the initial elevated pressure of the working fluid and that condensation pressure, separating the working fluid into separate streams corresponding to the working fluid at each of these reduced pressures, condensing the working fluid stream at the lowest pressure by indirectly contacting it with the atmospheric air, condensing the working fluid at the condensation pressure by indirectly contacting it with a liquid heat carrier, and repressurizing both of those working fluid streams for recycle.

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

Abstract: A method for efficiently operating a Rankine cycle power plant (10) to maximize fuel utilization efficiency or energy conversion efficiency or minimize costs by selecting a turbine (22) fluid inlet state which is substantially in the area adjacent and including the transposed critical temperature line (46).

Abstract: Closed fluid flow system and method for producing power from an extraneous heat source, in which a receiver is maintained with a volatile heat transfer fluid medium partly in the form of liquid and partly in the form of gas,to permit the pumping of liquid therefrom by a pump to an evaporator for evaporation to gas by means of the extraneous heat source, separating of any remaining liquid residue content from such gas, compressing of the separated gas to high compression gas, expanding of the high compression gas in a prime mover to produce power, and cooling and reliquifying of the separated liquid residue content for recycling to the pump,and furthermore to permit the removing of a refrigerating control portion of the liquid from the receiver for expanding and evaporating such control portion for cooling the contents of the receiver, removing of a compensating control portion of the gas from the receiver, and compressing of the expanded and evaporated liquid control portion and of the gas control portion to

Abstract: A reaction turbine is used in a refrigeration (or heat pump) process, to improve efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electricity generation system, using freon as an agent to circulate between a warm heat source and a cold heat sink, recapturing electrical energy on one side and alleviating thermal pollution in the environment on the other side.

Abstract: Atmospheric fluids such as air and water are used to increase the power output of a gas compressor-gas engine system. Compression is aided by yielding heat over ambient atmospheric temperature. Gas from the compressor drives a gas engine. The gas engine gains power by absorbing heat energy from ambient atmospheric fluid. The warmed fluids and cooled fluids of the system may be usefully applied.

Abstract: This invention relates to a procedure for converting low-grade thermal energy into mechanical energy in a turbine for further utilization and a plant for implementing the procedure. The procedure according to the invention is characterized in that a low-grade heating medium and a first cooling medium are evaporated in a heat exchanger (A). The steam is carried to a turbine (T) for energy conversion and moist steam is carried from here to a heat exchanger (B) for condensing. The condensate is pumped back to the heat exchanger (A), i.e. the steam turbine circuit.

Abstract: A power system is provided that uses the latent heat of fusion of water to raise the potential energy of a working fluid to a level that upon release generates power, preferably electrical power. The system is self-sustaining except for the energy that is supplied in water entering the system. The inlet water can be at any temperature within its liquid range under atmospheric or super atmospheric pressure, can advantageously contain the sensible waste heat typical of effluent from fossil fuel or nuclear power plants, can be relatively pure or be contaminated as with sewage or be the medium of a colloidal suspension, or consist of marine or other saline waters. In every case, purification of the water by freezing, for example, desalination, is accomplished without additional power consumption.

Abstract: Apparatus for the production of energy and method for utilizing the pressure and/or temperature conditions in deep waters, particularly in the sea, for the production of energy. Two similar tanks are provided which are adapted to contain a flowable medium which can be influenced by the outside pressure and/or the outside temperature. The physical state of the medium, particularly its state of aggregation and/or its volume, can be varied under the action of pressure and/or temperature. One of the tanks is lowered into a deep water or sea in which the pressure and/or temperature conditions are substantially different from the atmosphere outside the water, and this difference causes the medium to rise in a connecting pipe connecting the two tanks to flow into the other tank which is arranged on the water surface outside the water in which the energy of flow of the rising medium as it flows to the other tanks through the connecting pipe is utilized.

Abstract: A method and an installation for the utilization of residual heat in pulp mills, where spent cooking liquor is evaporated with vapor in a multi-stage evaporator. The installation for carrying out the method comprises a number of evaporation steps connected in such a way, possibly by arranging several steps or groups of steps in parallel, that the outlet vapor from the last step or steps holds saturation pressure immediately below atmospheric pressure, a heat exchanger for condensation of the outlet vapor from the evaporation steps during evaporation of a fluid which, for the corresponding amount of heat, at the actual heat exchange temperature, has a markedly smaller volume than the outlet vapor, a turbine for expansion of the fluid vapor, a condenser for condensing the outlet vapor from the turbine, and a pump for increasing the pressure of the condensed fluid to a pressure suitable for return to the heat exchanger.

Abstract: The present invention relates to power systems and more particularly to systems in which hot water from a natural well or spring is used to vaporize a working fluid which is then expanded to produce mechanical energy. Improved working fluids are used which comprise mixtures of several fluids so chosen and combined in such proportions that the hot water is used more efficiently with the mixtures than would be possible with their individual components.

Abstract: A Rankine cycle working fluid containing a mixture of 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropanol and water, which is low toxic, incombustible, nonexplosive, noncorrosive and stable, and also has a high critical temperature and forms azeotropic-like composition. It is suited for use in a Rankine cycle using heat source of low temperature.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for storage of energy produced at a conventional power station and release of said energy when subsequently required. The method comprises using the energy to refrigerate and liquefy atmospheric nitrogen and oxygen, storing the liquid gases at substantially below atmospheric temperature and subsequently using cold liquid gas, in combination with a source of heat at or above atmospheric temperature, to drive a closed cycle heat engine and yield mechanical energy. Auxiliary open and closed cycle heat engines are added to yield further mechanical energy and so utilize the full energy potential of the cold liquid gases.

Abstract: An automobile engine runs on liquid air and gasoline. The liquid air is initially pumped up to a high pressure such as 200 atmospheres (or 200 bars) and is then warmed toward the ambient temperature in a heat exchange and changes to the gaseous state. Subsequently, it is permitted to expand, doing useful work on a piston or other known type of expansion engine. The gas is then passed through an additional heat exchanger where heat is absorbed from the ambient, and is combined with a small amount of fuel such as gasoline. The gasoline is ignited, under constant volume conditions thereby bringing the pressure back up to approximately 200 bars and at a temperature in the order of 1200 degrees. The gas is then allowed to expand in a cylinder containing an additional piston, and as a final cycle, additional fuel is added and ignited, and the resultant gases expand to drive an additional piston and provide further power to the engine.

Abstract: Monochlorotetrafluoroethane is useful as a power fluid with particular suitability for large scale Rankine cycle applications based on systems with moderate temperature heat sources. The fluid is utilized in a Rankine cycle application by vaporizing the fluid by passing the same in heat exchange relationship with a heat source and utilizing the kinetic energy of the resulting expanding vapors to perform work. In this manner heat energy is converted to mechanical energy.

Abstract: 1,2-Dichloro-1,1-difluoroethane is useful as a power fluid with particular suitability for moderate scale Rankine cycle applications based on systems with moderate temperature heat sources. The fluid is utilized in a Rankine cycle application by vaporizing the fluid by passing the same in heat exchange relationship with a heat source and utilizing the kinetic energy of the resulting expanding vapors to perform work. In this manner heat energy is converted to mechanical energy. The fluid is particularly advantageous in a dual cycle system consisting of a Rankine power cycle combined with a vapor compression cooling or heating cycle.

Abstract: A power generating plant utilizes a refrigerant as a working medium to drive a turbine, the plant including means to compress and recycle the working medium to a storage vessel from which it is supplied to the turbine. The compressing means includes a reciprocating form of compressor operating with sources of hot and cold liquid derived from within the generating plant itself.

Abstract: Irradiated nuclear fuel is dissolved in nitric acid under a carbon dioxide atmosphere which is treated to remove iodine, krypton and xenon and recycled.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for utilizing energy produced by the phase change of liquid, such as fluoronated hydrocarbon, light fraction hydrocarbon, lower alcohol and ethers using the heat coming from unused heat sources for example, the heat of the earth, the heat of hot springs, the heat of the warm waste water of factory and power plant. The present invention is applicable to transfer the heat of the unused heat source from the low place to the high place in order to use said heat for farming and cultivation at the high and cold places. The present invention is also applicable to transfer of the mass energy of the liquid from the low place to the high place by uniformly mixing the said liquid with the ascending saturated or super-saturated vapor of the said liquid.

Abstract: An improved binary cycle sulphur-water power plant comprising a closed topping sulphur loop and a water loop. The sulphur is vaporized in a heat exchanger where it is at approximately the same pressure as a heating fluid (combustion gas or coolant of a nuclear reactor for instance).

Abstract: The flow from geothermal wells is stimulated by injecting a liquid at selected levels in the well with the liquid having a boiling point below the temperature of the geothermal fluid at the levels of injection at the operating pressure at the levels of injection. The geothermal fluid and vaporized injected fluid from the well are applied to a system for extracting the heat energy as well as for cleaning sand and other well depositions that may accumulate in the geothermal well. The system may include a direct contact heat exchanger having either a vertical chamber or a horizontal chamber. The contactor has a plurality of zones including a boiler zone, one or more separation zones, and at least one heat exchange zone. The contactor may also include a wash zone and a flash zone.In the wash zone there is advantageously included recirculation trays vertically spaced for washing the vapor to remove entrained substances, such as minerals dissolved in the fluid from the geothermal wells.

Abstract: In order to prevent scale formation in a hot dry rock geothermal system, a mixture of acetone and water is utilized as the working fluid. Such fluid reduces the amount of scale formation generally associated with such system.

Abstract: In order to extract energy in a matter more efficient than is presently known to the art, from hot dry rock geothermal systems, a mixture of water and calcium chloride is used. The fluid mixture is injected into a formation and forced through the formation with simultaneous extraction of heat from the energy recovery or heat extraction surrounding rocks. The fluid and a larger fraction of its contained energy are then recovered than can presently be recovered by technology known to the art.

Abstract: The integration of a petroleum refinery, or a petrochemical complex, with an off-site power facility in which the latter provides a vaporizable coolant for vaporization in the former. Vaporization is effected through indirect contact with one or more waste heat streams; the resulting vapors are expanded through a turbine, to a lower pressure, from the resulting motion of which power is generated. In most instances, the process generates more power than its connected load. Preferably, the coolant is indirectly contacted, at elevated pressure, with a plurality of refinery process streams in series and in the order of increasing temperature. Resulting vaporized coolant phases are passed through individual turbines, or through different stages of a multiple-stage turbine.

Abstract: A cryogenic fuel powered vehicle is disclosed. A cryogenic fuel, such as liquid nitrogen or other liquified gases, is stored in a container at a selected pressure. The apparatus includes a suitable container, a heat exchanger for adding heat to the cryogenic liquid to cause it to expand and convert to gas, a valving apparatus which controls the rate of flow of the expanded gas, and a power plant formed of at least one cylinder having a double acting piston. The double acting piston has inlet and exhaust valves connected to it. The relative timing of the opening of the intake valve is related to the movement of the piston by a cam and cam follower to reduce the gas pressure in the piston at the end of each stroke practically to zero to eliminate waste of the cryogenic fuel. The valve system is adjustable to accommodate depletion of the cryogenic storage container.

Abstract: Heat energy from hot geothermal fluids supplied by different temperature wells is transferred by heat exchange into a power fluid cycle, preferably of the dual fluid type, at different points in the cycle, which both enables an increase in peak cycle temperature to be achieved and allows more heat energy to be transferred into lower temperature points in the cycle. The result is an increase in the amount of power which can be developed per unit of geothermal fluid supplied.

Abstract: An installation and a method for the production of energy which utilize a source of heat or natural thermic differences are described. A first container contains a fluid in the liquid state and is capable of transmitting the heat to the fluid, a second container being used for holding the fluid after completion of the thermodynamic cycle and after it has returned to the liquid state, the second container being at a temperature lower than the temperature which prevails in the first container. Conduit means for connecting the first and second container are provided. The fluid has a low boiling point and is capable of undergoing a change from the liquid to gaseous state. A turbine or equivalent device is provided to utilize the kinetic energy of the fluid and transform this energy into mechanical energy; the fluid is converted from the liquid to the gaseous state upon entry into this device and returns to the liquid state in the interior of the second container.

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

Abstract: A continuous method and closed cycle system for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy comprises vaporizing means for converting a liquid working fluid stream to a predominately, by volume, vapor or an all vapor stream; turbine means operated by the stream for converting a portion of the vapor stream energy to mechanical shaft work; means for increasing the thermal and potential energy of the turbine exhaust stream and for condensing it to a substantially liquid stream; and means for recycling the liquid stream to the vaporizing means.The means for converting a working fluid liquid stream comprises a tube having a plurality of flow converging areas alternating with a plurality of flow diverging areas, each flow converging area confining said flow to a greater extent than the flow converging areas upstream thereof, and each flow diverging area expanding said flow to a greater extent than the flow diverging areas downstream thereof.

Abstract: A first mass of driving vapor is admitted into a single chamber of variable volume and permitted to perform isobaric then polytropic work in an expansion which increases the chamber volume. A second mass of vapor derived from the refrigeration cycle is then admitted at constant pressure in order to attain maximum volume. The work performed by the driving vapor is utilized in a polytropic process for compressing the vapor masses which are then discharged to the condenser in an isobaric process when the chamber approaches minimum volume.

Abstract: Constant boiling mixtures of 1,2-difluoroethane and 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane are useful as power fluids in low temperature Rankine cycles, and as refrigerants, aerosol propellants, expansion agents and solvents.

Abstract: The sensible heat contained in exhaust gases formed in chemical reactions is utilized to produce energy. The exhaust gas is conducted as a counterflow to the product gas and is heated and expanded with the performance work.

Abstract: Waste heat from paper mills, for example, is used partly as energy input to a heat motor, partly as energy input to a heat pump. The heat motor drives the compressor of the heat pump which means that no external high grade energy has to be supplied to drive the heat pump. The heat leaving the hot side of the heat pump can be utilized readily, directly or after heating of feed water, for example, possibly for vaporization thereof, for example, in the process that left the waste heat.