Abstract: A controller reduces a rotational speed of a Rankine cycle from a predetermined normal rotational speed during an operation of a compressor in a predetermined state when the controller determines that a predicted refrigerant flow quantity, which is predicted by assuming that the compressor is operated in a sole operation of the Rankine cycle at the predetermined normal rotational speed of the Rankine cycle, exceeds a predetermined flow quantity. The predetermined state is a state that satisfies a predetermined condition, which relates to the sole operation of the Rankine cycle.

Abstract: High-efficiency combustion engines, including Otto cycle engines, use a steam-diluted fuel charge at elevated pressure. Air is compressed, and water is evaporated into the compressed air via the partial pressure effect using waste heat from the engine. The resultant pressurized air-steam mixture then burned in the engine with fuel, preferably containing hydrogen to maintain flame front propagation. The high-pressure, steam-laden engine exhaust is used to drive an expander to provide additional mechanical power. The exhaust can also be used to reform fuel to provide hydrogen for the engine combustion. The engine advantageously uses the partial pressure effect to convert low-grade waste heat from engine into useful mechanical power. The engine is capable of high efficiencies (e.g. >50%), with minimal emissions.

Abstract: In a method for operating a gas turbo-generator set (GT), the caloric potential of the exhaust gases (14) from the gas turbo-generator set (GT) is utilized by guiding them through a heat exchanger (5) which is operatively connected to a hot-air turbo-generator set (LT). A compressor (7) associated with this hot-air turbo-generator set (LT) is operated isothermally by means of point-focused or continuous water injection (24), and, after expansion (6) has taken place, the injected water is collected by condensation (19) in a separator (10). A circuit is thus provided, in which the adaptation of assemblies in order to achieve maximized efficiency is avoided.

Abstract: An open cycle heat engine supplies steam from a steam generator to an ejector in which the moving steam draws in atmospheric air to mix with the steam to make a flowing air-steam mixture. A first nozzle follows the ejector and effects adiabatic expansion of the air steam mixture. A thermal engine, e.g., a turbo-generator, has an input connected to the first nozzle and an outlet, and converts the kinetic energy in the mixture into a useful form, such as electricity. A second nozzle connected to the outlet of said thermal engine effects adiabatic expansion of the mixture leaving the thermal engine, and exhausts it to the atmosphere. The open cycle heat engine exhaust is at a low density, and is carried aloft when it is discharged into the atmosphere. This open cycle can have an energy conversion efficiency of 90%.

Abstract: A process for transmitting or storing energy in which a gasseous working fluid is compressed and cooled, relative to isentropic compression, by a coolant. The energy used to perform the compression is recovered by expansion, while heat from the coolant is used to reheat the working fluid, thus maximizing efficiency.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting heat energy to mechanical energy with greater efficiency. According to the method, heat energy is applied to a working fluid in a reservoir sufficient to convert the working fluid to a vapor and the working fluid is passed in vapor form to means such as a generator for converting the energy therein to mechanical work. The working fluid is then recycled to the reservoir. In order to increase the efficiency of this process, a gas having a molecular weight no greater than the approximate molecular weight of the working fluid is added to the working fluid in the reservoir, separated from the working fluid downstream from the reservoir, compressed and returned to the reservoir.

Abstract: An indirectly-fired gas turbine system utilizing water augmentation for increasing the net efficiency and power output of the system is described. Water injected into the compressor discharge stream evaporatively cools the air to provide a higher driving temperature difference across a high temperature air heater which is used to indirectly heat the water-containing air to a turbine inlet temperature of greater than about 1,000.degree. C. By providing a lower air heater hot side outlet temperature, heat rejection in the air heater is reduced to increase the heat recovery in the air heater and thereby increase the overall cycle efficiency.

Abstract: An atmospheric latent heat engine has a passageway extending from a converging entrance nozzle upward to an exit at a substantially higher elevation. Turbo generators, arranged within the passageway, can be powered to start up an air flow through the passageway; condensate is removed downstream of the nozzle; and a boiler injects warm water vapor into the air mixture before it rises in the elevator. Once a design flow state is established, by cooperation of the turbo generators and the boiler, the turbo generators can be switched to output work derived from the air flow and the vapor expansion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas turbine power plant wherein the gas turbine is driven by gases and steam heated indirectly through a heat exchanger by the burning of corrosive fuels. One of the main improvements in the present invention is to utilize a state-of-the-art gas turbine in the power plant.

Abstract: A two-phase thermal energy conversion system employs an evaporable liquid such as water, and a gas which is not liquefiable within the operating temperature and pressure ranges, such as air. The water and air are mixed and one of the two or both are heated so that the water evaporates and is absorbed by the air to result in a pressure increase. The increase of pressure or volume can be converted into mechanical energy by a prime mover such as a turbine or reciprocating piston engine. The heat of condensation is utilized and converted into mechanical power while the temperature and pressure are reduced. The liquid, such as water, may be below its boiling point. If the water consists of salt water, fresh water is derived as a condensation product from the prime mover.

Abstract: A two-phase thermal energy conversion system employs an evaporable liquid such as water, and a gas which is not liquefiable within the operating temperature and pressure ranges, such as air. The water and air are mixed and one of the two or both are heated so that the water evaporates and is absorbed by the air to result in a pressure increase. The increase of pressure or volume can be converted into mechanical energy by a prime mover such as a turbine or reciprocating piston engine. The heat of condensation is utilized and converted into mechanical power while the temperature and pressure are reduced. The liquid, such as water, may be below its boiling point. If the water consists of salt water, fresh water is derived as a condensation product from the prime mover.

Abstract: Flow of gas in opposite directions through vertical conduits is accelerated by evaporation of heated liquid to decrease the density of the gas entering the lower inlet end of one of the conduits in an upflow direction. Extraction of the liquid vapor from the gas adjacent the upper outlet end of the upflow conduit further accelerates gas flow which is thermally induced by heat exchange between the gas and the heated liquid at the lower outlet end of the downflow conduit.

Abstract: Process and apparatus are disclosed in which a very cold gas, e.g. air, is injected into an upflowing stream of water to aerate and help lift the liquid at accelerated velocity. The gas-liquid mixture is discharged at high velocity into a separating zone converting dynamic energy into pressure energy; gas flows out to drive an expansion engine while the liquid next flows to a deep storage zone, entrapping gas as it descends at considerable velocity. The expanding gas is cooled by expansion and returned to the first stage. Meanwhile, the entrapped downflowing gas is allowed to collect above the liquid in deep storage under pressure, from whence it can be released for expansion, as in an engine, with further cooling to lower still further the temperature of the gas going to the first step. In a modification, a very cold gas, such as liquid nitrogen, may be used in the first step, means being provided for obtaining work and reliquefying the latter gas.

Abstract: The invention involves thermodynamic processes, heat engines, and ways of making gaseous fluid jets by using primarily the latent heat of condensation for the energy required. A vapor such as water vapor is mixed with a gaseous fluid such as air, and the mixture is expanded in a nozzle sufficiently to condense a substantial portion of the vapor and transform the latent heat of the condensation into kinetic energy of the gaseous fluid. The process can be used to form a gaseous fluid jet, which can be used to drive the turbine of a heat engine for either open-cycle or closed-cycle operation. Moist ambient wind can be used as the energy source for producing a jet that drives a wind turbine, or a boiler can be used to form saturated vapor mixed with the gaseous fluid and directed into the nozzle.

Abstract: An air pressure differential energy generation system comprises a stack for conduction of air from a high to a low atmospheric pressure level. A vapor injection device within the stack provides a method of filling the stack at least in part with water vapor. A heat exchanger is provided at the high atmospheric pressure end of the stack. A turbine is coupled to the heat exchanger and is impelled by warmed air. An electrical generator is coupled to the turbine to provide electrical power.

Abstract: A continuous flow, evaporative-type thermal energy recovery apparatus comprises an evaporator unit to which are supplied continuous pressurized flows of hot water and air, and in which a portion of the hot water is evaporated into the air, preferably to completely saturate the air with moisture. Connected to receive the resulting flow of pressurized, water saturated air from the evaporator unit is a low pressure gas turbine, which is operated by such flow. Work is performed by expansion of the saturated air in the turbine, the work being converted, for example, to electricity by a generator connected in driven relationship with the turbine. The source of hot water may be a cooling system for cooling other apparatus or may, for instance, be a heat exchanger in which solar energy is used to heat water recirculated through the apparatus. Condensed water vapor from the turbine may also be recirculated.

Abstract: A steam or vapor engine comprising a vapor generating apparatus, at least one cylinder with a piston working in the cylinder, and pipes and valves for supplying vapor from the vapor generating apparatus to a closed chamber, formed in the cylinder, and for discharging vapor from the cylinder chamber after a working stroke, and an apparatus for supplying an additive, which rapidly expands at the temperature of the vapor, to the cylinder chamber essentially simultaneously with the vapor.

Abstract: A solar heated device including a conduit for expansion and flow of gases, and a solar light collector for heating the gas in the conduit, is provided with a gas turbine that is driven by the gas as it expands as a result of the solar heating. The conduit may include an inlet for introducing air, or an inlet for introducing water spray (later steam), or both, thus supplying the gas which is heated and expanded in the conduit to drive the gas turbine. The light collector is preferably a parabolic reflector that directs sunlight on the conduit in order to heat and expand the gas therein. The turbine ordinarily drives an electric generator.