Abstract: A multi-chamber heat accumulator for storing heat energy as well as for generating electrical energy comprises a pit structure having a bottom, a sidewall, and a cover. The pit structure comprises at least one inner zone with a first solid matter pit filling and at least one outer zone with a second solid matter pit filling. The outer zone at least partially surrounds the inner zone, the pit filling of the inner zone being separated at least in parts from the pit filling of the outer zone by at least one partition wall. The inner zone comprises at least one first pipeline system with at least one inlet to the inner zone and at least one outlet from the inner zone for passing fluids through, which is present at least in parts in the first pit filling material of the inner zone. A method for generating electrical energy is also disclosed.

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

Abstract: A clean steam electric engine utilizes a unique insulated chamber with a steel cylinder to store thermal energy. The apparatus includes: insulated chamber to prevent heat lost to the outside, steel cylinder to store thermal energy, natural gas burner, heating element, a turbine to convert the thermal energy into kinetic energy, condenser coil with air conditioning unit to convert the steam back to water, steel container to store water from the condenser, electric pump to the pump water back to the cylinder to be converted back to steam, and steel container to store natural gas.

Abstract: A thermodynamic engine is configured to convert heat provided in the form of a temperature difference to a nonheat form of energy. Heat is directed through a heating loop in thermal contact with a first side of the thermodynamic engine. A second side of the thermodynamic engine is coupled to an environmental cooling loop in thermal contact with an environmental cooling device. The thermodynamic engine is operated to dispense heat from the second side of the thermodynamic engine through the environmental cooling loop into the environmental cooling device. Operation of the thermodynamic engine thereby generates the nonheat form of energy from the temperature difference established between the first side and the second side of the thermodynamic engine.

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

Abstract: Thermo-dynamic battery is a energy storage unit for converting compressed gas energy into consumable electrical power for application uses with any device that requires electrical power to function. A method for storing electrical energy in the form of compressed gas and converting the same energy to electric power includes compressing gas and storing the compressed gas for release to drive a generator. A system and method for storing, disseminating, and utilizing energy in the form of gas compression and expansion comprises a method for expanding compressed gas in at least two stages and further provides for storing energy in the form of compressed gas through compression in at least two stages. Apparatus is provided to operate in accordance with the described procedure to contribute at or about 90% efficiency.

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

Abstract: The present invention combines the principles of a gas turbine engine with an electric transmission system. A method and apparatus are disclosed for utilizing metallic and ceramic elements to store heat energy derived from a regenerative braking system. The subject invention uses this regenerated electrical energy to provide additional energy storage over conventional electrical storage methods suitable for a gas turbine engine. The subject invention provides engine braking for a gas turbine engine as well as reducing fuel consumption.

Abstract: An adiabatic Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) system includes a low pressure compressor structure (14) to provide compressed air; a first heat exchanger (26) to extract heat from the compressed air exiting the low pressure compressor structure; a thermal storage device (60) to store the extracted heat during off-peak load periods; a motor-driven high pressure compressor (30) to receive compressed air cooled by the first heat exchanger, an aftercooler (34) to extract heat from the further compressed air; an air storage (36) to receive and store the further compressed air cooled by the second heat exchanger; a second heat exchanger (64) to transfer heat stored in the first thermal storage device to compressed air released from the air storage during peak periods; and a turbine structure (40) to expand the heated compressed air released from the air storage to produce power.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing energy includes a compression chamber for receiving a gas, a compression piston for compressing gas contained in the compression chamber, a first heat store for receiving and storing thermal energy from gas compressed by the compression piston, an expansion chamber for receiving gas after exposure to the first heat store, an expansion piston for expanding gas received in the expansion chamber, and a second heat store for transferring thermal energy to gas expanded by the expansion piston. The cycle used by the apparatus has two different stages that can be split into separate devices or combined into one device.

Abstract: In some implementations, there is provided an apparatus. The apparatus may include a first steam engine, an intermediate storage, and a second steam engine. The first steam engine may include a first inlet and a first exhaust, wherein the first inlet receives steam from a source of thermal energy. The intermediate storage may be coupled to the first exhaust, wherein the intermediate storage stores thermal energy provided by steam from the first exhaust. The second steam engine may include a second inlet coupled to the intermediate storage. Moreover, at least one of the first steam engine and the second steam engine may produce work. Furthermore, the first steam engine may be driven by the steam received from the source of thermal energy, and the second steam engine may be driven by steam from at least one of the intermediate storage and the first exhaust. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: A thermal engine includes a cylinder and piston and an insulated thermal battery including at least a thermal mass such as the engine block itself for storing and retaining heat to enhance or cause fluid expansion within the cylinder and drive the piston, the thermal battery optionally including an electrolyte chamber containing a thermal electrolyte for functioning as an electric thermal battery. Heat is stored in the thermal battery such as by activating electric resistance heating elements in the thermal mass. The stored heat either causes expansion of a non-combustible expansion fluid such as water or enhances the expansion of a combustible expansion fluid such as gasoline. Where the thermal battery is an electric thermal battery containing an electrolyte, the storage of heat also stores electricity which can be used to power an electric motor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an installation and to methods for storing and returning electrical energy, comprising first and second lagged enclosures containing porous refractory material through which a gas is caused to flow by causing the gas to flow through first and second compression/expansion groups interposed in the pipe circuit between the top and bottom ends respectively of said first and second enclosures, each compression/expansion group comprising a piston moved in translation in a cylinder, each group operating in a different mode, either in compression mode or in expansion mode, one of the two compression/expansion groups receiving a gas at a temperature that is higher than the other group, such that in compression mode it is driven by an electric motor that consumes electrical energy for storage E1, and in a thermodynamic engine mode it drives an electricity generator enabling the electrical energy (ER) to be returned.

Abstract: A power generation system that includes a heat source loop that supplies heat to a turbine loop. The heat can be waste heat from a steam turbine, industrial process or refrigeration or air-conditioning system, solar heat collectors or geothermal sources. The heat source loop may also include a heat storage medium to allow continuous operation even when the source of heat is intermittent. In the turbine loop a working fluid is boiled, injected into the turbine, recovered condensed and recycled. The power generation system further includes a heat reclaiming loop having a fluid that extracts heat from the turbine loop. The fluid of the heat claiming loop is then raised to a higher temperature and then placed in heat exchange relationship with the working fluid of the turbine loop. The turbine includes one or more blades mounted on a rotating member.

Abstract: A solar thermal powered aircraft powered by heat energy from the sun. A Rankine-Brayton hybrid cycle heat engine is carried by the aircraft body for producing power for a propulsion mechanism, such as a propeller or other mechanism for enabling sustained free flight. The Rankine-Brayton engine has a thermal battery, preferably containing a lithium-hydride and lithium mixture, operably connected to it so that heat is supplied from the thermal battery to a working fluid. A solar concentrator, such as reflective parabolic trough, is movably connected to an optically transparent section of the aircraft body for receiving and concentrating solar energy from within the aircraft. Concentrated solar energy is collected by a heat collection and transport conduit, and heat transported to the thermal battery. A solar tracker includes a heliostat for determining optimal alignment with the sun, and a drive motor actuating the solar concentrator into optimal alignment with the sun based on a determination by the heliostat.

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

Abstract: To provide an indicator for indicating current amounts and predicted amounts of cold energy and heat energy stored in a thermal storing device. The thermal storage device storing and outputting heat energy and cold energy, comprises: a thermal storage amount indicating means for detecting and indicating a storage amount of the heat energy or the cold energy; a thermal output amount indicating means for detecting and indicating an output amount of the heat energy or the cold energy and a thermal input amount indicating means for detecting and indicating an amount of the heat energy or the cold energy inputted from outside to be stored.

Abstract: Backup energy systems utilizing compressed air storage (CAS) systems and bridging energy systems to supply backup power to a load are provided. During a power failure, the bridging energy system provides backup power to the load at least until the CAS system begins supplying adequate power. In various embodiments, backup power capability is enhanced through the use of one or more exhaustless heaters, which are used to heat compressed air. The compressed air, in turn, drives a turbine which is used to power an electrical generator. In various embodiments, ambient air heat exchangers or other types of heat exchangers are used to heat compressed air prior to the compressed air being routed to the turbine, thereby increasing system efficiency. Backup power and backup HVAC are also provided by utilizing turbine exhaust, heat exchangers and various resistive heating elements.

Abstract: A cogeneration system is disclosed. The system has a cooling water circulation channel for returning cooling water of the engine to the engine after some of the cooling water has been removed. The cooling water circulation channel is provided with a cooling water pump for pressure-feeding the cooling water; electricity supplying means; and a control part for performing a control so that electrical energy is supplied from the electricity supplying means to a motor for driving the cooling water pump when a power outage signal is received.

Abstract: A unitary, hybrid engine which includes an internal combustion engine which is used both for locomotive and heat generation externally of the cylinders of the combustion engine, wherein the generated heat is employed in conjunction with an evaporator to generate steam, which is then stored in an energy accumulator which retains the stored energy by way of a pressured water containment unit. The pressurized water containment unit accretes the energy and, upon attainment of a predetermined pressure and liquid level, the steam is transmitted to one or more of the cylinders of the unitary engine to provide the motive power to the unitary engine. The engine includes control systems to permit the sole use of steam during such times as may be required for environmental or pollution control requirements. The control systems may also selectively permit the use of steam in one or more of the cylinders of the engine simultaneously with the use of fossil fuel in others.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating energy using sensible heat of an offgas during manufacture of molten iron and a method for generating energy using the same are provided. The method for generating energy includes i) providing an offgas discharged from an apparatus for manufacturing molten iron including a reduction reactor that provides reduced iron that is reduced from iron ore and a melter-gasifier that melts the reduced iron to manufacture molten iron; ii) converting cooling water into high pressure steam by contacting the cooling water with the offgas; and iii) generating energy from at least one steam turbine by supplying the high pressure steam to the steam turbine and rotating the steam turbine.

Abstract: There is described a method for heating a steam turbine comprising a medium-pressure turbine section and/or a low-pressure turbine section, the discharge end of the medium-pressure turbine section being provided with a catchment device. Steam penetrating the medium-pressure turbine section during a starting process is retained at an outlet by means of a catchment device in such a way that the pressure of the steam increases in the medium-pressure turbine section. The steam that is discharged from the medium-pressure turbine section is retained, thus increasing the pressure and the temperature of the steam. Heat transfer from the steam to the thick-walled parts located on the medium pressure turbine section and the shaft of the medium-pressure turbine section is augmented, thus reducing the starting time of the steam turbine.

Abstract: In a steam system having a turbine driven by steam supplied from a high-pressure header to a low-pressure header, when the pressure in the low-pressure header drops, a turbine bypass valve is opened and the high-pressure side steam is supplied to the low-pressure side header in a normal control. When the turbine is tripped, steam is rapidly flow into the low-pressure side header and its pressure temporally increases. the steam in the low-pressure header is discharged through a discharge valve. After that, if a steam supply from the low-pressure header to another process increases, the discharge valve is closed. After the discharge valve is fully closed, an after-trip control is performed in which the opening of the turbine bypass valve is increased at an earlier timing than the normal control for preventing the steam amount in the low-pressure header to be too small. The control stability of the steam system when the turbine is tripped can be enhanced.

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

Abstract: An external combustion engine comprising a pipe-shaped main container in which a working fluid is sealed flowably in a liquid state, a heated part formed at a location of one end of the main container and heating part of the working fluid in the main container in order to make it evaporate, a cooled part formed at a location next to the heated part toward the other end of the main container and cooling the vapor of the working fluid evaporated at the heated part in order to make it condense, an output unit communicated with the other end of the main container and converting the displacement of the liquid phase part of the working fluid to mechanical energy for output, and a controller alternately performing a heat storage mode making displacement of the liquid phase part of the working fluid stop in order to make the heated part store heat and an output mode allowing displacement of the liquid phase part of the working fluid and taking output from the output unit.

Abstract: A power generation complex plant has a control switch, an overall control unit and a steam bypass facility. The overall control unit determines that a desired steam volume has reached a limit value of the volume of steam to be generated by a steam generating facility. A steam bypass facility control unit adds a bias value B1 to a control command value V4 of the steam bypass facility to generate a new control command value V5 when the desired steam volume is determined to have reached the limit value. The steam bypass facility control unit then controls the volume and pressure of steam passing through the steam bypass facility on the basis of the new control command value V5 so that no switch of control may be made in the control switch.

Abstract: In a domestic energy supply system, the thermal energy of the temperature difference between at least one heat source and at least one heat sink is converted into work by way of a thermal engine. The thermal engine has a fluid cycle with at least two reservoirs, which, in each case as a condenser to be cooled or an evaporator to be heated, are thermally coupled to the heat source or the heat sink. A working temperature difference between the reservoirs of approximately 10° to 200° C. is set at a working temperature of 30° to 280° C. The thermal engine has a hybrid motor in the form of a combination of a pressure media motor and an internal combustion engine, in which firstly a pressure difference of the fluid as a result of the working temperature difference is used for driving purposes and secondly fuel is combusted and converted into work. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for controlling such a system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for storing heat in industrial systems where large sources of stored energy are called upon to meet a work load, storing the heat content of a hot working fluid by using the hot working fluid as a heat transfer fluid in vapor form and depositing its heat content on a heat storage medium and then removing the cooled and condensed liquid phase of that heat transfer fluid, and when hot working fluid again is needed, the liquid heat transfer fluid is returned to the heated storage medium and is reheated as it passes through the hot storage medium and then is returned to the working system to be used as a hot working fluid.

Abstract: A recuperator includes a heating gas duct; an inlet manifold; a discharge manifold; and a once-through heating area disposed in the heating-gas duct through which a heating gas flow is conducted. The once-through heating area is formed from a plurality of first single-row header-and-tube assemblies and a plurality of second single-row header-and-tube assemblies. Each of the plurality of first single-row header-and-tube assemblies including a plurality of first heat exchanger generator tubes is connected in parallel for a through flow of a flow medium therethrough and further includes an inlet header connected to the inlet manifold. Each of the plurality of second single-row header-and-tube assemblies including a plurality of second heat exchanger generator tubes is connected in parallel for a through flow of the flow medium therethrough from respective first heat exchanger generator tubes, and further includes a discharge header connected to the discharge manifold.

Abstract: A compressed air energy storage system including a gas inlet pipe, at least one air compressor stage attached to the gas inlet pipe and adapted for compression of a gas, a heat transfer system to cool the gas during or after compression, at least one absorption bed attached to the heat transfer system, at least one compressed gas reservoir having an inlet and an outlet, the compressed gas reservoir being attached at its inlet to the absorption bed, at least one preheater stage that is attached to the outlet of the compressed gas reservoir for heating a compressed gas before expansion but after storage in the compressed gas reservoir, and at least one gas expander that is attached to the preheater stage and is adapted for the expansion of the compressed gas.

Abstract: A thermal power plant is disclosed that comprises a heating system (10) that utilizes solar radiation for heating a working fluid, a turbine (11) to which, in operation, the working fluid is delivered, a condenser (13) located downstream from the turbine and arranged for condensing vapour exhausted from the turbine, and a cooling system (14) associated with the condenser. The heating system comprises a field of reflectors (17) that, during diurnal periods, are arranged (for example by pivoting) to reflect incident solar radiation to a receiver (18) for heating the working fluid. The cooling system (14) is arranged in operation of the power plant to transport a coolant fluid to which heat is transferred during vapour condensing and it comprises a subterranean heat exchanger incorporating conduits (27) through which the coolant is recirculated when cycling through the condenser.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a mirror for a dish reflector of a system for generating electrical power from solar radiation is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: (a) shaping a blank of a deformable material to have a concave surface that is a required surface profile for a mirror; and (b) glueing, laminating or otherwise adhering together a back surface of a sheet of reflective glass and the concave surface of the shaped blank to form the mirror.

Abstract: Combined cycle power plants and related methods are disclosed here. In the plants, a mediating thermal energy storage unit is used to store waste or residual thermal energy recovered from a heat engine employing a top thermodynamic cycle of the combined cycle power plant, so that the stored residual thermal energy may be used as an energy source in a bottom thermodynamic cycle of the power plant. In the combined cycle power plants described here, the heat engine employing a top cycle may comprise a Brayton cycle heat engine and the heat engine employing the bottom thermodynamic cycle may be a Rankine cycle heat engine.

Abstract: A method of measurement, control, and regulation for a solar integrated Rankine cycle power generation system can include a central processing unit (CPU) which receives input from an operator and/or sensors regarding load forecast, weather forecast, system cost, and capacity or efficiency needs. The method can include activation, in various sequencing, of heat transfer fluid control valves, storage control valves, and at least one turbine control valve.

Abstract: The present inventive subject matter is drawn to Apparatus for producing power using geothermal fluid comprising: a geothermal power plant for producing power using geothermal fluid; and heat means apparatus for utilizing heat present in said geothermal fluid to produce hydrogen for use in producing power. The present invention also relates to a method for producing power using geothermal fluid comprising: providing a geothermal power plant for producing power using geothermal fluid; and providing heat means apparatus for utilizing heat present in said geothermal fluid to produce hydrogen for use in producing power.

Abstract: A CAES system (10) includes an air storage (18), a compressor (20) supplying compressed air to the air storage, a power generating structure (11, 102), a heat exchanger (24), an auxiliary combustor (27), an air expander (30), and an electric generator (32). The system operates in one of modes a) a main power production mode wherein the auxiliary combustor is inoperable and the power generating structure is operable, to produce power by the air expander, fed by the heated compressed air received from the air storage, in addition to power produced by the power generating structure, or b) a synchronous reserve power mode wherein the auxiliary combustor is operable and the power generating structure is inoperable, with compressed air withdrawn from the air storage being preheated by the auxiliary combustor that feeds the air expander, with the air expander expanding the heated air and the generator providing immediate start-up power.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions for use in thermal energy storage systems, including thermal energy storage mediums, fluid channeling devices and thermally conductive heat transfer elements, and methods for storing thermal energy. A thermal energy storage system is provided, comprising: (a) a granular thermal energy storage medium comprising at least a first size class and a second size class; wherein the individual granules of each size class deviate from the average granular size for that size class by no more than about ±50%; wherein first size class is the largest size class; wherein the ratio of the average size of the first size class to the average size of the second size class is at least about 2:1; and (b) one or more conduits disposed within the medium, and arranged to receive a source of thermal energy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for converting thermal to motive energy. Said system comprises at least one pressure vessel, having at least one upper injection orifice for a warm and/or cold fluid, and at least one liquid piston pump inside the pressure vessel which is coupled with a working cycle. The pressure vessel has a horizontal partition that is provided with a bore. Above said partition, a gas or gas mixture is present, and below the partition, the liquid piston pump is located.

Abstract: A liquid pump for circulating working fluid (water) in a Rankine cycle comprises a U-shaped fluid vessel having a bending pipe portion and a pair of straight pipe portions, wherein a heating device and a cooling device are provided at one of the straight pipe portions for heating and cooling the water in the fluid vessel. The liquid pump further has a discharge pipe portion and an inlet pipe portion, and check valves are respectively provided in the discharge and inlet pipe portions. The water is vaporized by a heating operation of the heating device to increase pressure of the working fluid in the pump, so that the working fluid is discharged. The vaporized working fluid is then cooled down by the cooling device to decrease the pressure of the working fluid in the pump, so that the working fluid is sucked into the pump.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for using wind energy to compress air or pressurize a fluid as a means of storing energy. Compressed air or pressurized fluid is generated directly by the wind turbines, thereby avoiding the energy losses that occur when wind power is used first to generate electricity to run an electrically powered air compressor. The compressed air or pressurized fluid is stored by means of expanding a volume at constant or nearly constant pressure. This method avoids energy losses that would otherwise result from compressional heating; while also allowing lower pressures to be employed, reducing the cost of the containment facility and avoiding the need to locate facilities in geographically favored locations where underground storage is available.

Abstract: A method and system for an external combustion engine operable using at least two different fluids to provide pressure volume work to an engine. The engine is started by providing a compressed fluid at a sufficient pressure to move internal components of the engine that in turn rotate a shaft to generate power. At the same time the compressed fluid is provided to the engine, a liquid fluid is provided to a heater to be heated. The liquid fluid is heated to its boiling point and converted to gas form. Additional heat is provided to increase the pressure of this gas fluid. Once the pressure is increased to a sufficient level, the gas fluid is injected into the engine to generate power. The gas is exhausted from the engine, and is cooled and separated back into the two separate fluids. The initial compressed fluid is recompressed for later use.

Abstract: A storage power station (S), for example an air storage plant, that includes a compressor unit (V), a turbine unit (T) and a storage volume (100) can be operated using a specific method of operation, which allows as fast a reaction as possible to changes in the load demands. Rapid changes in the load demands can be satisfied by controlling the power consumption of the compressor unit (V), which results in a variable net power output, with the power output from the turbine unit (T) remaining constant. The power of the compressor unit can be controlled approximately one order of magnitude more quickly than the power generation machine can be controlled. In the extreme, the compressor unit can simply be shut down, thus resulting in its drive power becoming available to an electricity grid within seconds. During this process, the turbine unit can continue to operate normally, and can slowly follow the power demand, thus reducing the load on the turbine.

Abstract: A heat pump system includes a compressor, a heat rejecting heat exchanger, an expansion device, and a heat accepting heat exchanger. A storage tank stores the water that cools the refrigerant in the heat rejecting heat exchanger. A mechanical interface plate positioned between a hot water reservoir and a cold water reservoir in the storage tank reduces heat transfer between the hot water and the cold water. During a water heating mode, cold water from the cold reservoir flows into the heat sink to cool the refrigerant in the heat rejecting heat exchanger. As the water exchanges heat with the refrigerant, the water is heated in the heat sink, exits the heat sink, and flows into the hot reservoir of the storage tank. During a water discharge mode, the hot water in the hot reservoir is removed from the storage tank and flows into a hot water discharge. Cold water from a water source flows into the cold reservoir of the storage tank to refill the storage tank.

Abstract: A method for enabling more widespread use of distributed generation, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of the power grid and infusing energy conservation opportunities into the rental residential sector. The method may include steps of purchasing energy from an electrical energy provider at a first rate, delivering the purchased energy to separate dwelling units in a residential facility, and generating a first stream of arbitrage revenue by charging the responsible ratepayers for the delivered energy at a second rate generally higher than the first rate. A least a portion of the first stream of arbitrage revenue is used to provide a generator system including a generator and a transfer switch.

Abstract: A steam engine has a pipe shaped fluid container, a heating and cooling devices respectively provided at a heating and cooling portions of the fluid container, and an output device connected to the fluid container, so that the output device is operated by the fluid pressure change in the fluid container, to generate an electric power. In such a steam engine, an inner radius “r1” of the cooling portion is made to almost equal to a depth “?1” of thermal penetration, which is calculated by the following formula (1); ? 1 = 2 ? a 1 ? ( 1 ) wherein, “a1” is a heat diffusivity of the working fluid at its low pressure, and “?” is an angular frequency of the movement of the working fluid.

Abstract: In an internal combustion engine comprising a mechanical charger in the form of a positive displacement compressor connected to the engine intake duct for supplying compressed air to the engine and a turbo-compound including an exhaust gas turbine connected to the engine exhaust duct for converting energy remaining in the exhaust gas to power, the exhaust gas turbine being connected to the engine via a reduction gear drive, the mechanical charger and the turbo-compound are coupled to the engine by a common belt drive including a first belt pulley mounted on the crankshaft of the engine, a second belt pulley mounted on the shaft of the reduction gear drive, and a third belt pulley mounted on the shaft of the mechanical charger.

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

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for converting thermal to motive energy. Said system comprises at least one pressure vessel, having at least one upper injection orifice for a warm and/or cold fluid, and at least one liquid piston pump inside the pressure vessel which is coupled with a working cycle. The pressure vessel has a horizontal partition that is provided with a bore. Above said partition, a gas or gas mixture is present, and below the partition, the liquid piston pump is located.