Abstract: A method for improving the efficiency of a Rankine cycle by reducing cold end loss, comprising: for a Rankine cycle with a reheat-cycle, reducing temperature of reheat steam or removing a reheat steam system, and for a Rankine cycle with regenerative steam extraction-heat, reducing temperature of main steam and increasing humidity of main steam.

Abstract: This compression device is provided with a reciprocating compressor which compresses a gas, and a heat exchanger which cools gas compressed by the compressor. The heat exchanger is provided with a cooling unit for cooling the gas and with a connection unit which abuts against the outside surface of the compressor and has a gas inlet passage to allow gas discharged from the compression chamber of the compressor to flow into the cooling unit.

Abstract: A compact energy cycle construction that operates as or in accordance with a Rankine, Organic Rankine, Heat Pump, or Combined Organic Rankine and Heat Pump Cycle, comprising a compact housing of a generally cylindrical form with some combination of a scroll type expander, pump, and compressor disposed therein to share a common shaft with a motor or generator and to form an integrated system, with the working fluid of the system circulating within the housing as a torus along the common shaft and toroidally within the housing as the system operates.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a method for regenerating power in an information handling system. The method includes circulating a cooling fluid through a fluid flow loop connecting a thermosiphon, a turbine, and a condenser. The method further includes removing heat from a heated component of the information handling system, converting the cooling fluid from a liquid state to a gaseous state in the thermosiphon, and extracting energy from the cooling fluid in the gaseous state in the turbine. The method additionally includes removing thermal energy from the cooling fluid in the condenser, converting the cooling fluid from a gaseous state to a liquid state as the thermal energy is removed from the cooling fluid, and returning the cooling fluid in the liquid state to the thermosiphon. The disclosure also includes associated systems and apparatuses.

Abstract: A heat engine system is disclosed and includes first and second condensers fluidly and structurally coupled to first and second recuperators. An expansion device is coupled to the condensers at a drive end and suspended from the recuperators at a non-drive end. The recuperators can be printed circuit heat exchangers which provide superior heat transfer capabilities but are also robust enough to support the expansion device, and thereby form an integral part of a structural baseplate for mounting and aligning various components of the heat engine system. Exhaust conduits extending between the expansion device and the recuperators also provide added structural support for the expansion device.

Abstract: A steam engine of a simple constitution capable of efficiently obtaining mechanical energy not only from a heat source of a high temperature but also from various heat sources in a low-temperature state such as the exhaust heat of an internal combustion engine. The engine comprises a displacement engine 1 having a rotor 13 that rotates, a steam-generating portion 2 arranged thereunder and a condenser 3 arranged thereover. Water heated in the steam-generating portion 2 becomes the steam which is fed into the displacement engine 1, enters into an operation chamber that moves up, rotates the rotor 13 and is, thereafter, fed into the condenser 3 where it is condensed to turn into the condensate. The condensate falls on the rotor 13 on the lower side due to gravity, and is refluxed into the steam-generating portion 2 through the operation chamber that moves downward with rotation of the rotor 13.

Abstract: A collector for solar energy is disclosed having a closed hollow partially spherical container with a window for permitting solar energy to enter the container. The container has a reflective inner surface for retaining the energy. The collecting lens focuses the solar energy. Central tubing is provided and a pump circulates fluid through the tubing to a heat exchanger for transferring thermal energy from the fluid in the tubing to a utilization device.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes an insulated combustion chamber having a fuel mixture inlet and a spark plug nearby the inlet. A series of baffles is configured within the combustion chamber to absorb a shockwave caused by ignition of fuel mixture by the spark plug. A turbine receives reduced-pressure combustion gases from an exhaust-side of the baffles and there is a power takeoff at the turbine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cylinder piston unit, especially for steam engines with expansion by heat influx, which is constructed as follows: a piston guided in the cylinder element has a displacer, a heating device is mounted on the cylinder element for the stroke area of a non-compacting displacer, the working medium is supplied in a vapour or liquid state in the area of the upper dead point, the expanded working medium is discharged at least in the area of the lower dead point. A pore burner is assigned to the cylinder piston unit in an advantageous mamler. To this end, the invention provides for the heat transfer sections (B, C) of a pore burner (50) which surrounds the cylinder head (43) along part of its height to be arranged at the level of the warm section (41) of the cylinder in the stroke area of the displacer (3) and at the level of the cylinder head (43).

Abstract: A closed-loop Brayton cycle rotating machine is provided with a sealed circuit in which a working fluid flows. This circuit comprises a compressor for compressing the working fluid, a hollow cylindrical recovery heat exchanger for preheating the compressed working fluid, a H.T. boiler for heating the preheated compressed working fluid to a high temperature, a turbine for generating mechanical energy by expanding the compressed H.T. working fluid through the turbine, and downstream of and axially aligned with the turbine, an exhaust pipe for the expanded H.T. working fluid. The circuit is configured so that the expanded H.T. working fluid constitutes a heat source of the recovery heat exchanger. The boiler is in the general shape of a hollow cylinder and is interposed coaxially between the axial turbine/exhaust pipe assembly and the recovery heat exchanger.

Abstract: A solar steam generator has a hollow steam rotor mounted for rotation in a closed compartment located within a larger housing. The rotor is made of heat conductive material and is supplied with water or other working fluid through an inlet at its central hub. A plurality of steam jet outlets are located around the periphery of the rotor; and they are oriented to cause the rotor to spin as the water or working fluid inside is heated to a boiling temperature. To cause the fluid in the rotor to boil, Fresnel lenses, located in an open end of the housing, focus heat from the sun onto the rotor and the chamber in which it is located. Steam and fluid which exit from the nozzles is recovered in the sealed chamber and is returned through a condenser-reservoir, from which it is supplied back to the water inlet of the rotor.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an engine having an external combustion chamber for creating a vapor under high pressure. The vapor under high pressure is introduced to a high pressure cylinder for moving a high pressure piston. The vapor, upon leaving the high pressure cylinder, flows to a low pressure cylinder for moving a low pressure piston. The pistons are attached by connecting rods to a swash plate. The pistons move in a rectilinear movement. The swash plate converts the rectilinear movement to a rotary movement for a rotary output crankshaft. The external combustion chamber can be fueled by air and also by a solid, liquid, or vapor. The solid can be powdered coal. The liquid can be hydro-carbons or an organic material. The vapor can be one of many such as a product of combustion of hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen and oxygen can be burned to produce a high temperature and high pressure steam.

Abstract: An inert gas turbine engine contains a working fluid closed loop system leading from an expansion turbine which is in fluid flow relationship with an expansion chamber. Working fluid within the expansion chamber is heated by the combustion of compressed air and fuel within the combustion chamber. The heated working fluid within the expansion chamber rotates an expansion turbine which in turn rotates the compressor. Combusted gases do not contact the turbine blades. The rotation of the expansion turbine is controlled by the temperature and pressure of the working fluid within the expansion chamber. The temperature of the expansion turbine and working fluid within the expansion chamber may be controlled by the use of various cooling means. Additional turbines may be incorporated within the engine to be turned by the working fluid within the expansion chamber.

Abstract: A self starting, quick start-up rotary steam/internal combustion engine and a rotary hydraulic motor, with a positive displacement, powered through 360.degree. of each revolution and comprising: a flattened cylindrical flywheel with two diametrically opposed, retractable, hinged power vanes that move through a 90.degree. rotation; a drive shaft connected to the flywheel; an engine housing covering the flywheel, power chamber, exhaust chamber and transition chamber; a "combination backstop for the power chamber and lifter/release for the power vanes"; and means for a continuous internal generation of steam, means for a continuous internal combustion and means for introducing pressurized hydraulic fluid into the power chamber.

Abstract: A relatively hot and a relatively cold chamber are air evacuated and contain a low boiling point liquid. The temperature differential between the chambers results in a vapor pressure differential between the chambers. The vapor pressures inside the chambers transmit a vector force to a movable wall of each of the chambers. The vapor pressures in the chambers are equalized intermittently by an intermittent communication between the chambers. The chambers are positioned relative to each other so that the movable wall of one chamber transmits an opposing vector force to the movable wall of the other chamber. This brings the walls to a position which is determined by the the resultant of the opposing vector forces upon the walls. When the resultant of the vector forces changes during the intermittent communication between the chambers the movable walls change their position. The movements of the walls between different positions perform useful work through standard mechanical links to a force receiving means.

Abstract: A vapor generating system for supplying vapor energy to power a motor and employing the energy in the vapor exhausted by the motor to operate an air pump for supplying air to mix with a source of fuel in a combustion space in a chamber which collects vapor under pressure for release through a transmission connected to the motor. The vapor exhausted from the motor is delivered to a condenser where it resumes a liquid so the resulting liquid is able to be reused for maintaining a supply of vapor energy.

Abstract: A steam generator having a fluidized bed combustion system that includes a fluidized bed combustor and at least one hot separator, includes a superheater and a reheater with at least first and second or final stages disposed in a flue gas pass with the superheater upstream of the final stage reheater has a cold steam bypass system for controlling the temperature of the second or final stage reheater by dividing reheat steam into selective first and second portions and directing the first portion to the first stage reheater and recombining said first and second portions and directing them through the second or final stage reheater.

Abstract: A centrifugal heat engine comprises a first member rotatably mounted on a second member. The first member has an annular chamber on its periphery containing a vaporizable working fluid, and a central chamber separated from the annular chamber by a bulkhead. The central chamber contains an operating liquid and an hydraulic turbine mounted on the second member which projects into the central compartment and divides the same into two axially displaced compartments each of which contains operating liquid. The working fluid in the annular chamber is heated and vaporized. A conduit conducts vaporized working fluid in the annular chamber into one of the compartments wherein the vaporized working fluid expands in the operating liquid producing a liquid/gas mixture in the one compartment. Rotation of the first member creates a pressure differential between the two compartments that is related to the rotational speed of the first member and the density distribution of the fluids in the two compartments.

Abstract: A receiver is described for a solar dynamic power generator. The generator has a heat cycle engine to generate power. The receiver has a working fluid including a radiant eneryg absorber selected from halogens and interhalogens. The receiver also has a hollow, cylindrical containment for containing the working fluid having a first end, a second end and an inner wall. A hollow, cylindrical member, is disposed within the containment. The cylindrical member has an inner wall an and outer wall, and defines a toroidal working fluid flow space within the containment and a receiving space within the inner wall of the cylindrical member. A window is disposed in the first end of the containment for admitting solar radiation in the receiving space and heating working fluid contained in the receiving space. The heated working fluid in the receiving space travels toward the first end of the containment.

Abstract: A steam generator having a fluidized bed combustion system that includes a fluidized bed combustor and at least one hot separator, includes a superheater and a reheater with at least first and second or final (possibly more) stages disposed in a flue gas pass has a cold steam bypass system for controlling the temperature of the second or final stage reheater by dividing reheat steam into selective first and second portions and directing the first portion to the first stage reheater and recombining said first and second portions and directing them through the second or final stage reheater.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and method for generating power from a working fluid wherein the working fluid is a saturated vapor or superheated vapor generated in a high pressure zone where the working fluid is used to impart work to a working shaft by means of directly linked high and low pressure cylinder piston assemblies located in the high pressure zone and a lower pressure zone, respectively.

Abstract: A downhole tool for an oil or gas well includes a self-contained power supply having a housing in which a primary fuel source, a Stirling cycle engine, and a linear alternator are disposed. The primary fuel source includes a radioisotope which, by its radioactive decay, provides heat to operate the Stirling engine which in turn drives the liner alternator to provide a suitable electrical output for use by the circuit of the downhole tool.

Abstract: A modular, frame-mounted power unit for converting heat from a low-grade energy source to electric power. Heat from a source is supplied to the power unit in the form of hot fluid circulated through a heat exchanger associated with a boiler. Liquid refrigerant in the boiler is vaporized and passes through the stages of an organic Rankine cycle, the expansion stage being carried out in a rotary, positive displacement expander. The condensing stage is carried out in a condenser associated with a cold heat exchanger which is connected to a supply of cooling fluid through cooling lines. The output shaft of the expander is connected to drive an electric power generator and individual fluid feed pumps for returning liquid refrigerant from the condenser to the boiler and for circulating hot and cold fluids through the hot and cold heat exchangers, respectively.

Abstract: A turbine power plant consisting of a closed loop steam turbine system and a closed loop exhaust turbine system. An external fuel source is used to drive the steam turbine system. The heat energy of the hot exhaust fluid of the steam turbine system is transferred to the exhaust turbine system, therefore driving the exhaust turbine system. The turbines used in this invention are designed to allow a heat exchange relationship between the closed loop cycle of the steam turbine system and the closed loop cycles of the exhaust turbine system. In the closed loop steam turbine system, the hot exhaust fluid of the steam turbine system flows through a conduit where it gives up heat energy to the turbines of the exhaust turbine system, prior to reaching a condenser. The working fluid, now in a liquid phase, flows through a pump and then collects heat energy from the exhaust fluid of the turbines in the exhaust turbine system, preheating the working fluid prior to reaching a heater and the steam turbine.

Abstract: The outlet 38 of a turbine housing 18 may be sealed to a port 46 while at the same time mounting a turbine 10 and associated transmission 36 for vibration and shock isolation by locating elastomeric seal and turbine mounts 50, 52 on opposed walls 28 and 30 of the turbine housing 18 defining the outlet 38.

Abstract: There is provided a method for generating power from a working fluid wherein the working fluid is a saturated vapor or is superheated to a vapor and then passed to a high pressure zone where the working fluid is used to impart work to a working shaft by means of directly linked high and low pressure cylinder piston assemblies located in the high pressure zone and a low pressure zone, respectively.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to an improved method and apparatus for extracting useful energy from the superheated vapor of a working fluid by a vapor actuated power generating device. The apparatus utilized includes a high pressure vessel which receives a superheated vapor and contains one or more positive displacement piston and cylinder assemblies connected to a rotational output shaft with the top face of each piston directly connected to a larger piston and cylinder assembly which operates at lower pressure and is contained within one of the low pressure sections of the apparatus which also serves as the condenser. The low pressure piston is axially connected to an injector piston and cylinder assembly also located within the same low pressure section which transfers liquefied working fluid to heat absorption cells for acquiring sufficient heat to vaporize and superheat the working fluid for recycling.

Abstract: A gas engine with a gas supply device contains a substantially bell-shaped aluminum intermediate housing open on one side and provided with fins on the interior and exterior. A cylinder of the gas engine with good thermal conduction properties and a sleeve accommodating a pressurized gas container having good thermal conduction properties are fastened to this intermediate housing. A gas supply conduit leads from the pressurized gas container to the gas engine. A gas superheater conduit structure is in thermal communication with the intermediate housing and situated at the beginning of the gas supply conduit. The thermal unit formed jointly by the intermediate housing, the cylinder, the sleeve surrounding the pressurized gas container and the gas superheater conduit structure permits operation of the gas engine under all practically arising ambient temperatures without damage to the gas engine, since this thermal unit prevents the gas in the gas engine from condensing back to its fluid or even solid state.

Abstract: A thermo-siphon type generator apparatus making use of a gravity-type heat pipe in which a working medium is cyclically evaporated and condensed. The apparatus has a closed vessel filled with the working fluid and defining a lower evaporating section, an upper condensing section and a heat-insulated section between the evaporating and condensing sections. A turbine connected to a generator is mounted in or on the closed vessel. A first passage is provided for introducing the vapor of the working fluid generated in the evaporating section to the turbine, while a second passage is adapted for introducing the vapor from the turbine to the condensing section.

Abstract: A boiler driven power generator comprises a power generator directly driven by the expanded steam vapor inside a vaporizing chamber of a boiler to save energy as friction loss caused by the expanded steam vapors during vaporization.

Abstract: A vapor driven heat engine utilizing a working medium boiling at less than ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure. A heat source vaporizes the medium in a boiler with the vapor being transferred to an insulated vapor header reciprocating a piston in an insulated cylinder by the operation of a control valve exhausting spent vapor at a lower temperature and pressure to a condenser which in turn transfers condensed vapor to a holding tank periodically discharged into the boiler. Vapor is continuously circulated to and from the boiler through heat coils surrounding the vapor header and cylinder to conserve heat energy and pressure.

Abstract: Liquid working fluid is drained from the sump of the cannister of a power plant of the type described by transferring the working fluid to the condenser rather than to the boiler. In one embodiment of the invention, liquid in the sump is drained by gravity into an auxiliary boiler which heats the drained liquid producing vapor at substantially the pressure of the condenser; and the resultant vapor is piped directly into the condenser where it condenses and joins the main condensate produced from vapor that has been exhausted from the turbine. In a second embodiment of the invention, the exhaust conduit carrying exhaust vapor from the cannister to the condenser is provided with a loop or elbow that extends below the level of the cannister, and a conduit connects the sump in the cannister to the loop.

Abstract: An electro-dynamic power converter for transforming the kinetic energy of a moving stream of water into rotary power is disclosed. A turbine rotor is received within a power flow housing and has turbine blades for imparting a mechanical turning force on the rotor in response to fluid flow through the power flow housing. An impulse chamber having sidewall portions defining a diverging passage is coupled to the power flow housing inlet port. Electrodes are received within the impulse chamber for conducting an electrical discharge within the impulse chamber. When an electrical arc is conducted between the electrodes, the water flowing through the impulse chamber into the power flow chamber is vaporized, and a shock wave is propagated through the impulse chamber. The shock wave is reacted in part by the mass of the water in the impulse chamber, and by baffle plates. The shock waves and the expanding water vapor provide increased torque output.

Abstract: A light weight self-cleaning safety flash system power generator is devised wherein: a plenum is formed enclosing a low pressurized combustion process, a light weight low pressure heat exchanger capable of safely receiving a fluid at low pressure for massive latent heat absorption; at nearly its boiling temperature this fluid is forced into the upper zone of the combustion process in at least a single safety high pressure tube for providing a safe high pressure heat exchanger formed as convolutions around the combustion zone always leading its fluid in a downward flow manner providing a cleaning and entraining action without leaving any pockets of sediment and always absorbing heat energy and finally reaching a throttle valve for flashing its energy as steam or gas pressure into its engine; the insignificant pollution passing harmlessly much as the carbon and ash pass through the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Steam generation means in a closed system having a pressured steam boiler positioned within a closed heated feed water chamber. The steam generated in the boiler is used to drive a turbine and an associated electrical generator whose output augments the outside primary source of electrical power which is fed to one or more electrical resistance units located in the boiler. The exhaust steam from the turbine at reduced pressure is used to supply heat in any closed steam consuming device such as a space heating system. The condensate is returned to the feed water chamber where it is held in preheated condition ready to be pumped into the boiler to maintain the boiler water level. The efficiency of the system is substantially increased by having means for raising the temperature of the turbine and turbine housing thereby to lessen the temperature drop of the steam entering and leaving the turbine.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a steam engine suitably constructed to serve as a prime mover. The device includes a furnace in which a liquid can be heated so as to change its phase, the thus formed gas directed to an engine whereupon its expansion within piston/cylinder arrangements provides useful work. The exhausted steam, still endowed with extractable energy, is passed through various regenerative pump mechanisms and the like for very efficient utilization of much of the inherent energy.

Abstract: A total energy heating unit which provides not only heat but also hot water and electricity is set forth. A single source of fuel is used such as coal, wood, or even compact dry leaves. The fuel is burned in an airtight firebox surrounded on three sides by a hot air containment unit, in which is located a means for generating steam. On top of the firebox is located an enclosure for water circulating tubes. As the fuel burns, it not only furnishes heat for heating air forced through the containment unit and then into a ducting system, but also provides hot air for heating water circulating to a hot water storage tank, and heat for heating a metal block which, when impinged with water droplets, results in generating steam for operation of a steam turbine for the generation of electricity.

Abstract: A self-starting, fuel-fired, air heating system including a vapor generator, a turbine, and a condenser connected in a closed circuit such that the vapor output from the vapor generator is conducted to the turbine and then to the condenser where it is condensed for return to the vapor generator. The turbine drives an air blower which passes air over the condenser for cooling the condenser. Also, a condensate pump is driven by the turbine. The disclosure is particularly concerned with the provision of heat exchanger and circuitry for cooling the condensed fluid output from the pump prior to its return to the vapor generator.

Abstract: A closed cycle system for generating usable energy from heat sources wherein the available temperature difference between the heat source and the heat sink is 40.degree. F. or greater such as in tropical ocean waters having a temperature gradient between the surface water and the below surface waters has a steam or gas turbine operatively mounted on and associated with an evaporator-condenser assembly for generating and delivering vapors such as steam for driving the turbine and for condensing steam exhausting from said turbine. The evaporator-condenser assembly has a common wall between the evaporator section and the condensing section and also a U-shaped seal and transfer passage therebetween for transferring condensed fluid from the condensing section to the evaporating section.

Abstract: A Rankine cycle engine is disclosed which maximizes heat transfer efficiency between rotor cooling surfaces and coolant disposed within rotor collant passages. Further, internal passages utilize centrifugal pressure to provide accelerated movement of coolant utilizing the principle of the heat pipe. In a first embodiment the stator housing includes an outer chamber which functions as a boiler, heat being provided to this chamber through an outer wall thereof. In a second embodiment an additional internal wall is provided in the stator housing to enable connection of a separate superheater so that additional energy may be provided to the engine when necessary. Modification of the rotor cooling surfaces is also disclosed.

Abstract: The use of a catalytic coating which acts to combine both the heat source and heat-transfer mechanism for a working fluid, such as that used in an external combustion engine. Maximum heat exchange is accomplished by the direct bonding of the coating, per se, to the engine head with a compound of catalytic agents which confines heat of combustion directly thereto. The preferred embodiment of the engine head surface may be finned or otherwise enlarged to provide for an increased surface area necessary for the heating of the engine head. This means of surface combustion results in a highly fuel-efficient engine and/or heat source with very low exhaust pollutants.

Abstract: A gas-operated motor adapted to be driven by gas evaporated from a reservoir of liquefied carbon dioxide or the like. In order to overcome the problems generally associated with such motors due to the cooling of the gas as it evaporates from the liquid state in the reservoir and expands in the working chamber(s) of the motor, a chamber holding a substance which undergoes a change of state to release heat to the gas in operation of the motor is included. More particularly this chamber is located to be in heat conductive relationship both with the working chamber(s) of the motor and with a tortuous passage through which gas is supplied to the working chamber(s) and wherein superheating of the gas prior to its introduction to the working chamber(s) takes place.

Abstract: A fluid power apparatus for converting steam to hydraulic energy having one or more pairs of linear steam and linear hydraulic cylinders arranged symmetrically and with their axis parallel about a steam generator. The rod ends of the cylinders are connected to a wobble plate. Valving directs steam in and out of the steam cylinders and as the steam cylinders reciprocate, the corresponding hydraulic cylinders will be reciprocated generating hydraulic fluid pressure. Valving is accomplished by valving plates rotated by the wobble plate or by means of a slide valve positioned by a wobble plate actuated linkage.

Abstract: A comparatively low heat differential is utilized for energy generation wherein flow of a fluid from a low temperature reservoir to a high temperature reservoir is maintained by the weight of the fluid, for example through utilization of centrifugal force provided as the vaporized fluid from the high temperature reservoir operates a gas turbine. Evaporation cooling is preferably employed in establishing the temperature differential.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting thermal energy into mechanical energy by parametric pumping of rotary inertia. In a preferred embodiment, a modified Tesla turbine rotor is positioned within a rotary boiler along its axis of rotation. An external heat source, such as solar radiation, is directed onto the outer casing of the boiler to convert the liquid to steam. As the steam spirals inwardly toward the discs of the rotor, the moment of inertia of the mass of steam is reduced to thereby substantially increase its kinetic energy. The laminar flow of steam between the discs of the rotor transfers the increased kinetic energy to the rotor which can be coupled out through an output shaft to perform mechanical work. A portion of the mechanical output can be fed back to maintain rotation of the boiler.

Abstract: A thermal engine employing a temperature differential to move a constant recycling fluid through a turbine. The density differential in the fluid caused by variation in temperature is used to power a turbine. The device is rotated to increase the relative difference between densities in the fluid. The engine is compactly arranged with a centrally located turbine surrounded by a heat transfer mechanism including heat transfer elements extending through the walls of the several cavities employed. A number of individual fluid cycles may be employed to increase the efficiency of the mechanism.

Abstract: A low boiling point medium power plant in which heated waste gas, such as furnace gas, geothermic steam, etc., is used as a heat source for heating an intermediate thermal medium by means of an indirect heat exchanger, and the intermediate thermal medium is used as a heat source for heating a turbine driving low boiling point medium by means of a direct heat exchanger. The indirect heat exchanger and the direct heat exchanger are rendered into a unitary structure and contained in a sealed housing together with a turbine, a generator and a condenser, whereby a compact overall size can be obtained in a low boiling point medium power plant.

Abstract: A rotating heat pipe solar power generator is provided in which a heat pipe has a tube concentrically positioned within it to define an annular evaporation chamber, the tube being fixed to the pipe near one end thereof by the stator blades of a turbine. The heat pipe includes a large diameter evaporator section and a small diameter condenser section remote from the turbine. The tube extends into the entrance portion of the condenser section, and liquid is pumped into the evaporation chamber through an annular throat with a tapered annulus constituting the juncture between the two sections of the heat pipe, this throat serving as a centrifugal pump. The turbine is geared to the heat pipe so that both rotate.

Abstract: An improved double-acting, nonexpansion, noncondensing, piston steam engine. A coiled tube flash boiler enclosed in an insulated fire chamber is located above and contiguous with the cylinder head of the steam engine. The base of the fire chamber has a cylindrical opening to enable the heat from the flames in the fire chamber to be transferred directly to the top cylinder head for enhanced heat transfer to the cylinder. Two parallel crank shafts, each having a spur gear fixed thereon which meshes with the spur gear fixed on the other, are mounted on pillow block support bearings. A "T" linkage interconnects the crank shafts and the piston of the steam engine. Two rotary valves are provided to control the flow of high temperature steam and spent steam to and from the cylinder.

Abstract: The engine of the present invention includes a cylindrical, elongated boiler housing with a turbine mounted within it, and the turbine and boiler rotate relative to each other. Heat is applied to the outside of the boiler and converts a liquid working fluid in the boiler to vapor. A shroud in the boiler directs the vapor to the turbine to cause the turbine to rotate in one direction. Because the boiler can rotate, the boiler and shroud rotate about the shaft in a direction opposite the rotation of the turbine. Centrifugal force holds the liquid working fluid against the boiler walls. After passing through the turbine, the working fluid is condensed and it is injected through a hole into the boiler by centrifugal force. The novel condenser which rotates with the boiler housing relies on the centrifugal force developed by rotation. Solar energy, the preferred heat source, is concentrated to a hot line on the boiler. The rotation of the boiler exposes the entire surface to the hot line.