Abstract: An externally fired gas turbine system according to the present invention has a compressor for compressing ambient air and producing compressed air, an air heat exchanger for heating the compressed air to produce heated compressed air, a turbine for expanding the heated compressed air to produce heat depleted expanded air, and a generator connected to the turbine for generating electricity. According to the present invention, the system also includes combustible products producing apparatus for processing fuel to produce combustible products that include combustible gases and an external combustion chamber for burning the combustible products and transferring heat to the air heat exchanger and producing heat depleted combustion products. The system also includes a closed Rankine cycle steam power plant having a water heat exchanger for vaporizing water and producing steam using heat contained in the heat depleted combustion products.

Abstract: A method and system are described for heating natural gas in a station, such as a City Gate station. Natural gas from the field is generally transported via supply line at high pressure to the various distribution networks necessary for delivering the gas. However, before the natural gas can enter these distribution networks its pressure must be reduced to a usable level. City Gate stations employing pressure reducing (JT) valves are usually built for this purpose. The present invention provides a system and method for heating the natural gas, without combustion of the natural gas, by relying on the pre-existing pressure of the gas in the supply line along with particular equipment to provide heat to the gas passing through the station.

Abstract: A control system capable of responding to temperature sensors detecting changes in available external ambient cooling temperature, and adjusting turbine cycle thermodynamic medium exhaust pressure and temperature, as it completes its circulation path through the turbine cycle, to what best saturation pressure conditions are needed to correspond with the temperature detected as the coldest currently available saturation temperature in the condenser. Such a system permits condensation of the exhaust to occur at whatever the lowest saturation temperature and pressure available at the time happens to be.

Abstract: A reciprocating engine (10) comprises separate cylinders (12 and 15) for air compression and expansion with heating of the compressed air taking place in a heat exchanger (17) or combustor (64) located between the cylinders (12 and 15). The flow of gas into the expander cylinder (15) is controlled by an admission valve (37). The stem (41) of the admission valve (37) extends transversely across the expander cylinder (15) and is cooled by the flow of exhaust gases out of the expander cylinder (15).

Abstract: The present invention includes a open-Brayton-cycle automotive power-generation unit adapted to be energized by stored thermal energy. Thermal energy, absorbed from hot thermal-energy-storage material present in a working fluid heating vessel, heats a working fluid that passes through the unit's turbine. The unit also includes a rotary impeller that draws the flow of working-fluid into the unit from the surrounding atmosphere and discharges it into a working-fluid heat regenerator. Within the regenerator, working fluid from the compressor is warmed by thermal energy from hot working-fluid exhausted from the turbine. After passing through the regenerator, working-fluid from the turbine is discharged into the atmosphere. Working-fluid from the compressor flows from the regenerator through the heating vessel into the turbine. An alternator converts energy from the turbine into electricity. The electric energy thus obtained powers a vehicle's electric drive motors.

Abstract: An externally fired gas turbine system according to the present invention has a compressor for compressing ambient air and producing compressed air, an air heat exchanger for heating the compressed air to produce heated compressed air, a turbine for expanding the heated compressed air to produce heat depleted expanded air, and a generator connected to the turbine for generating electricity. According to the present invention, the system also includes combustible products producing apparatus for processing fuel to produce combustible products that include combustible gases and an external combustion chamber for burning the combustible products and transferring heat to the air heat exchanger and producing heat depleted combustion products. The system also includes a closed Rankine cycle steam power plant having a water heat exchanger for vaporizing water and producing steam using heat contained in the heat depleted combustion products.

Abstract: What is disclosed herein is high pressure, high temperature, heat exchanger segments, combinations of such segments to form novel high pressure, high temperature, heat exchangers, novel pan assemblies for use in such heat exchangers, and systems and industrial processes utilizing such heat exchangers.

Abstract: A solar powered electrical generating system (10) comprising a continuous hydraulic circuit (12) carrying a liquid (14) therethrough. A boiler (16) is fluidly connected to a first side of the continuous hydraulic circuit (12). A facility (18) is for heating the liquid (14) within the boiler (16). A condenser (20) is fluidly connected to a second side of the continuous hydraulic circuit (12). A facility (22) is for cooling the liquid (14) within the condenser (20). A hydraulic motor (24) is fluidly connected into a flow line of the continuous hydraulic circuit (12) between a lower exit port of the boiler (16) and an upper entrance port of the condenser (20). The liquid (14) when heated in the boiler (16) will flow from the boiler (16) to the condenser (20) to operate the hydraulic motor (24). A recirculation pump (26) is fluidly connected into a recirculation line of the continuous hydraulic circuit (12) between a lower exit port of the condenser (20) and an entrance port of the boiler (16).

Abstract: Surfaces of the static blades of a turbine are heated by means that a high temperature, high pressure working gas or heating gas passes through inner passages formed inside the static blades, so that the working gas which passes through interspaces defined between adjacent ones of the static blades expands nearly isothermally without a descent in temperature so as to boost an output of the turbine.

Abstract: An externally fired gas turbine system has a compressor for compressing ambient air and producing compressed air, an indirect-contact air heat exchanger for heating the compressed air to produce heated compressed air, an air turbine for expanding the heated and compressed air to produce expanded air, and a generator connected to the turbine for generating electricity that is supplied to a load. The system also includes a source of energy including solar energy, oil shale, solid waste fuel, land fill gas, biomass, or combinations thereof, and/or solid, liquid, or gaseous hydrocarbon fuels, for adding heat to the compressed air in the air heat exchanger and producing heat depleted gases that exit the air heat exchanger.

Abstract: An externally fired gas turbine system according to the present invention has a compressor for compressing ambient air and producing compressed air, an air heat exchanger for heating the compressed air to produce heated compressed air, a turbine for expanding the heated compressed air to produce heat depleted expanded air, and a generator connected to the turbine for generating electricity. According to the present invention, the system also includes combustible products producing apparatus for processing fuel to produce combustible products that include combustible gases and an external combustion chamber for burning the combustible products and transferring heat to the air heat exchanger and producing heat depleted combustion products. The system also includes a closed Rankine cycle steam power plant having a water heat exchanger for vaporizing water and producing steam using heat contained in the heat depleted combustion products.

Abstract: An energy recovery, pressure reducing system for reducing high pressure gas in a transmission pipeline to a low pressure gas in a consumer pipeline includes an expander system having at least one expander for expanding the high pressure gas and producing work and low pressure gas that is supplied to the consumer pipeline, and a generator coupled to said expander for converting the work to electricity which is supplied to an electrical load. The system further includes apparatus including an on/off valve serially connected to a pressure regulating valve, the apparatus being connected in parallel with the expander system. The on/off valve has an open state for effecting transmission of gas through the pressure regulating valve which has an adjustable flow control opening for throttling high pressure gas and producing low pressure gas when the on/off valve is in its open state; and a closed state for preventing transmission of gas through the pressure regulating valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hot gas motor comprising a compressor with an inlet and an outlet, an expander with an inlet and an outlet. Herein the compressor outlet and the expander inlet are mutually connected by a connecting channel comprising a gas heating device. The compressor is of the rotation type with at least one male rotor mounted in a first cylindrical chamber in a housing and having a profile with protruding parts which engages in a female rotor which has a profile with recesses co-acting therewith and which is mounted in a second cylindrical chamber intersecting the first cylindrical chamber. The expander is herein formed by the female rotor and at least one male rotor having a profile with protruding parts co-acting therewith, and the rotors are mutually coupled for rotation.

Abstract: The present invention includes a open-Brayton-cycle automotive power-generation unit adapted to be energized by stored thermal energy. Thermal energy, absorbed from hot thermal-energy-storage material present in a working fluid heating vessel, heats a working fluid that passes through the unit's turbine. The unit also includes a rotary impeller that draws the flow of working-fluid into the unit from the surrounding atmosphere and discharges it into a working-fluid heat regenerator. Within the regenerator, working fluid from the compressor is warmed by thermal energy from hot working-fluid exhausted from the turbine. After passing through the regenerator, working-fluid from the turbine is discharged into the atmosphere. Working-fluid from the compressor flows from the regenerator through the heating vessel into the turbine. An alternator converts energy from the turbine into electricity. The electric energy thus obtained powers a vehicle's electric drive motors.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a process of cogeneration utilizing a compressed gas energy storage system which includes a gas storage area, a compression train for pressurizing a gas to be stored in the gas storage area, and an expansion train for depressurizing high pressure gas released from the gas storage area. The process includes operating the compression train during off-peak electricity utilization periods to produce a compressed gas. The compressed gas is stored in the gas storage area and later released during peak electricity utilization periods through the expansion train to generate electricity. This reduces the compressed gas pressure and temperature. The gas can then be used for refrigeration by contacting it with a material to be chilled with that gas. One aspect of this invention involves generating electricity and effecting refrigeration by depressurization of natural gas from high pipeline transmission pressures to lower distribution pressures.

Abstract: For expanding highly pressurized natural gas, use is made of a turbo generator (13) having a heat exchanger (12) connected at its upstream side. Heat supply to the heat exchanger (12) is performed by at least one block-type thermal power station (16) comprising a gas-fired internal combustion engine and a generator. The heat exchanger preheats the gas to be expanded before the gas is supplied to the turbo generator for expansion. Both the block-type thermal power station (16) and the turbo generator (13) generate electric energy which is fed into the power supply network (18).

Abstract: A Modified Ericsson Turbocharged Reciprocating Engine (METRE), is provided which exhibits a high thermal efficiency for power and refrigeration applications. A Modified Ericsson cycle can include 2, 3, 4, or more stages (number of intercooling and heat/reheat cycles between stages). As stages are added, both cycle efficiency and power density (power/weight flow) increase, therefore, trade-offs between higher performance and number of stages (system complexity, cost, etc.) are necessary to optimize the engine. By combining a turbocompressor for the low pressures of the cycle and a multi-piston reciprocating engine for the high pressures of the cycle, a light weight, highly fuel-efficient, low-polluting, engine can be achieved. The METRE is highly suited for the power range of automobiles and trucks. This engine can use low technology (lower turbine temperatures, efficiencies, etc.) as well as high technology components (higher turbine temperatures, efficiency etc.

Abstract: A combined cycle thermodynamic heat flow process for the high efficiency conversion of heat energy into mechanical shaft power is disclosed. This process is particularly useful as a high efficiency energy conversion system for the supply of electrical power (and in appropriate cases thermal services). The high efficiency energy conversion system is also disclosed. A preferred system comprises dual closed Brayton cycle systems, one functioning as a heat engine, the other as a heat pump, with their respective closed working fluid systems being joined at a common indirect heat exchanger. The heat engine preferably is a gas turbine, capable of operating at exceptionally high efficiencies by reason of the ability to reject heat from the expanded turbine working fluid in the common heat exchanger, which is maintained at cryogenic temperatures by the heat pump system.

Abstract: A thermal lag engine has a cooled cylinder and piston connected to a heated chamber. A working fluid in the cooled cylinder and heated chamber is alternately compressed and expanded by the piston. Since there is a thermal lag or time interval before the working fluid entering the hot chamber is heated and the working fluid expanding back into the cooled cylinder is cooled, the working fluid is at a lower average temperature and pressure during compression and a higher average temperature and pressure during expansion to provide net work.

Abstract: A thermal engine utilizing a positive displacement rotary expander and preferably a positive displacement rotary compressor in conjunction with an external substantially steady-state thermal source, such as a continuous fuel combustor, the external source heating a high pressure gas that is directed from the thermal source to the rotary expander wherein the gases expand driving a rotor in the positive displacement rotary engine before discharge. An additional embodiment of the thermal engine includes a modified epitrochoidal chamber configuration for the compression cycle and the expansion cycle to utilize the total internal volume for each compression pulse and expansion pulse for obtaining improved thermal efficiency in a manner similar to super long stroke reciprocal piston engines.

Abstract: Engine energized by an external heat source and cooled by an external cooling source, driven by a closed body of gas contained in chambers of variable volume and passages connected thereto, and operating on a Carnot cycle. The apparatus of the engine also has heat pump capabilities.

Abstract: A heat engine utilizing a cycle having an isenthalpic pressure-increasing phase wherein, in the entropy-reduction phase of the cycle for changing the state of the working fluid, in order to have at least a part of that phase change at constant enthalpy, a compensating fluid (high-pressure feed) at a pressure higher than that of the cycle working fluid is introduced into the cycle system at the beginning of the isenthalpic change, thus increasing the pressure of the working fluid, and then the entropy of the working fluid is reduced by discharging a part of the working fluid to the outside of the cycle system at the end of the isenthalpic change.

Abstract: In compression systems, a portion of the compressor outlet flow (28) is extracted and introduced through a surge nozzle (52) into a plenum (48) upstream of the compressor (14). The surge nozzle (52) is oriented so as to introduce in the fluid in the plenum (48) a vortex having the same axis and direction of rotation as the compressor rotor (54).

Abstract: A thermal engine utilizing a positive displacement rotary expander and preferably a positive displacement rotary compressor in conjunction with an external substantially steady-state thermal source, such as a continuous fuel combustor, the external source heating a high pressure gas that is directed from the thermal source to the rotary expander wherein the gases expand driving a rotor in the positive displacement rotary engine before discharge.

Abstract: Hydraulic air compressor and fuel fired turbine apparatus disposed in a vessel or ship includes a hydraulic compressor having an air intake disposed above the water intake for entraining air in falling water, and the output of the hydraulic compressor is used as a compressed air source for turbine apparatus. The turbine apparatus includes a regenerator for heating the incoming compressed air output from the hydraulic air compressor. The hydraulic air compressor includes, in one embodiment, pump elements for providing a flow of water for when the ship or vessel is not moving and a flow of air to be entrained and compressed.

Abstract: A system comprising a high pressure gas reservoir, a turbine, a compressor, a low pressure reservoir, a heat exchanger and flow control structure such as valves, etc. The high pressure reservoir is in heat exchange relationship with ambient air and delivers fluid at ambient temperature to a turbine. Spent fluid from the turbine exhausts and is brought into heat exchange relationship with the compressor. The compressor exhaust is at a temperature above that of the turbine exhaust. The exhaust, which is heated by the compressor, is then delivered to a low pressure reservoir which is in heat exchange relationship with ambient air and from there the exhaust heated by the compressor is delivered to the compressor inlet.

Abstract: Hydraulic air compressor and turbine apparatus includes a hydraulic air compressor having an air intake disposed above the water intake for entraining air in falling water, and the output of the hydraulic air compressor is used as a compressed air source for a turbine. The turbine apparatus includes a regenerator for heating the incoming compressed air output from the hydraulic air compressor. The hydraulic air compressor may include a pump for providing a flow of water for entraining and compressing air to provide a closed cycle system, and it may include an air pump or fan to increase the amount of air entrained in a given flow of water. Several different structures for negating a loss of water velocity are also disclosed, and several different turbine systems are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for generating power and a power supply for use in the atmosphere on Mars that use the Martian atmosphere as a working fluid. The power supply has an open Brayton cycle combined turbocompressor and turbogenerator that use the Martian atmosphere for their operation. The Martian atmosphere working fluid picks up heat derived from a nuclear heat source that transfers the heat to the working fluid by laminar flow heat exchange. The combined turbocompressor and turbogenerator have provisions for separating dust from the dust laden Martian atmosphere and for operating with any residual Martian atmospheric dust that is ingested into the combined turbocompressor and turbogenerator. Reliability of operation is achieved by having two functionally separate power operating units that each have their own combined turbocompressor and turbogenerator and by only using one power unit at a time.

Abstract: A method and installation is proposed for generating electrical energy in an open circuit for a gaseous fluid, comprising a compressor unit driven by a turbine receiving the compressed fluid after its passage through an exhaust gas heat exchanger, said method and installation further comprising a power generator driven by a gas turbine, the circuit also comprising a fuel cell receiving natural gas in its anode from an external source and receiving and gaseous fluid from the compressor unit as an oxidizing agent in its cathode, the electrical power originating from both the generator and the fuel cell forming the output of the method and installation.

Abstract: The four cycle external combustion closed regenerative cycle piston engine is an environmentally clean, multi-fueled, efficient, conventional designed device. The engine consists of four major units: the heater, heat exchanger, accumulator, and power units. The engine operates on one power stroke per two revolutions with an unidirectional mass flow of the working fluid minimizing complexity. Each valve of the power unit's four valves per cylinder communicates to its respective major unit, synchronously opening/closing with the piston's position in the power unit cylinder. The intake and compression stroke of the four cycle engine is synchronized with the intake and compression valves and performs the function of a compressor unit reducing the size, weight, cost and complexity of the engine.

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: The present invention provides a method of and apparatus for producing power from solar energy wherein a solar collector heats gas supplied to a gas turbine; compressors compress the gas, the gas being compressed and stored gas during a first period of time, with the stored compressed gas being supplied to the gas turbine during a second period of time to produce power by driving an electric generator. Preferably, the first period of time is during periods of off-peak electricity, which normally occur at night. The second period of time is during the day. The solar collector preferably comprises tracking reflectors for focusing solar radiation and a receiver for receiving the focused solar radiation and also heating the gas. The solar radiation receiver preferably comprises a rotating ceramic member.

Abstract: A thermal energy peaking/intermediate power plant is disclosed having an atmospheric Fluidized Bed Combustor (FBC) for heating compressed air which is input to a turbine. Low-grade fuels such as coal may be combusted in the FBC, eliminating the need for additional combustors requiring premium fuels.

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: A method and apparatus for storing excess electricity generated during off-peak periods. The electricity is used to run compressors which compress the air in a plurality of stages. The air is cooled after each stage to remove the heat of enthalpy. The air is stored in bags on the bottom of the sea. To recover the energy, the compressed air is run through turbines and the heat removed during compression is reintroduced.

Abstract: The prime mover is a high power output, environmentally clean, efficient, multi-fueled, external combustion, closed regenerative cycle piston engine with practically no dirt ingestion and minimal acoustic, thermal and smoke signatures. The engine consists of five major units: the heat exchanger, heater, accumulator, compressor and power units. The engine operates on one power stroke per revolution with an unidirectional mass flow of the working fluid decreasing engine design complexity. The engine's design concept incorporates a flexibility in the choice or design of the major units, and, therefore, offers an efficient and practical maintenance and repair program. The unique heater units have the capability of developing different types of thermodynamic cycles while using a variety of working fluids. The engine can be fabricated with off-the-shelf materials, ceramics or other adiabatic types of high temperature materials.

Abstract: A heat transfer system has a rotary machine 22 with compressor and expander regions and gas is first compressed in machine 22, passes through heat exchanger 23, is heated in combustor 24, then expands in machine 22, then passes through heat exchanger 23 to heat the gas, then passes through heat exchanger 107 to heat fluid in line 108. The machine 22 drives a heat pump 110 to heat fluid in line 111. Arrangements having two rotary machines are also described. A rotary machine has a rotor eccentrically mounted in a casing having axial end parts and a circumferential part and with vanes defining compartments with the casing and providing a compression region and an expansion region, valve means in the circumferential part adjacent the upstream edge of the outlet from one or both of the regions and responsive to pressure in the adjacent compartment to reduce or avoid excess pressure in the compression region or suction in the expansion region.

Abstract: A heat recovery system utilizing the principle of the Stirling engine includes a gas-containing chamber communicating through control valves alternately with hot and cool gas heat exchangers supplied with waste or other source heat fluid and coolant fluid, respectively, and a blower functions to circulate gas in the chamber alternately through the hot and cool gas heat exchangers and thus alternately to increase and decrease the gas pressure in the chamber. This alternate changing of gas pressure is utilized to operate a work-performing device. In one embodiment, a single chamber contains a piston reciprocative therein by said pressure change. In another embodiment, each of a pair of chambers is coupled through a blower selectively with a hot gas heat exchanger and a cool gas heat exchanger.

Abstract: The use of hot gas generators which produce corrosive or abrasive products of combustion have precluded the use of gas turbines in a direct flow path of the combustion products. It is preferable to utilize non-contact gas to gas heat exchangers in order to transfer heat from a hot gas stream to a working fluid. A first heat exchanger connected to a gas furnace is used to raise the temperature of an air turbine inlet gas. A second heat exchanger is used to raise the temperature (prewarm) of compressor discharge air to the air turbine air inlet, the second heat exchanger connected to the air turbine exhaust. A third heat exchanger preheats the air input into a furnace.

Abstract: An internal thermal exchanger engine which, in one embodiment, includes a cylinder having side walls and an enclosed lower end, with a piston mounted for reciprocal movement within the cylinder, and with a heat exchanger reciprocally mounted within the cylinder between the piston and the lower end of the cylinder. A gas phase fluid is enclosed between the piston and the lower end of the cylinder. The heat exchanger, which has perforated end portions, contains a foraminous heat conductive material distributed throughout the entire volume of the heat exchanger, thus allowing the gas phase fluid to pass freely through the heat exchanger as the heat exchanger moves between the piston and the lower end of the cylinder. A solenoid mounted on the piston operates an exchanger rod secured to the heat exchanger so as to cause the heat exchanger to move reciprocally within the cylinder. A combustion chamber is provided at the lower end of the cylinder to provide a source of heat.

Abstract: This publication describes a method and apparatus for the utilization of heat energy released in a cooling process. In accordance with the method, air used as the heat transfer medium is routed to a compressor (2) in which compressor (2) the air is compressed to a higher pressure, the compressed air is cooled to a lower temperature, the cooled air is routed to a turbine (8), where it expands to a lower pressure and cools down, and air expansion work released in the turbine (8) is used for rotating the compressor (2). In accordance with the invention, air is compressed in the compressor (2) to such a high pressure that its temperature exceeds a minimum temperature of water boiling point in normal atmospheric pressure, the high-pressure compressed air is cooled to a sufficiently low temperature, e.g., below 15.degree. C.

Abstract: Indirectly fired gas turbine engine systems which can be operated on alternative or renewable fuels or by waste heat. Fast response time over the entire operating range of the engine, precise control over turbine inlet temperature, and water injection for increased power output are featured as are arrangements for dumping air and thereby preventing mechanical damage when rapid deceleration occurs or the load is lost. Other mechanical innovations facilitate start-up and shut-down of the turbine engine; make preheated process air available; and provide precise control over the thermal energy supplied to the heat exchanger in which compressor discharge air is heated.

Abstract: A hydraulic external heat source engine wherein energy is supplied to a working end space of the engine by direct application of pressurized and heated liquid working fluid to the piston within a cylinder. The power stroke utilizes expanded hot liquid as the primary pressure source. After fluid intake cut-off, some of the heated liquid spontaneously vaporizes, thereby continuing to drive the working piston. The exhaust liquid working fluid discharged from the cylinder is recycled to an external preheat exchanger for preheating cold compressed working fluid expelled from the pump end space of the engine. The majority of the vapor produced within the cylinder recondenses within the cylinder and is discharged as liquid. The small amount of vapor that is discharged from the cylinder is condensed in an expansion chamber in the preheat exchanger. The preheated fluid is heated to operating temperature and pressure in a primary heat exchanger before being recycled into the working end space.

Abstract: A Stirling engine has cylinders with closed upper ends and open lower ends. The cylinders are plunged out of phase into tanks of fluids at different temperatures. A connecting tube extends through the tanks and upward through the fluids into the cylinders to allow a working gas to be displaced between cylinders through the connecting tube. The connecting tube transfixes and mounts seals disposed within the cylinders and in the fluids. The seals may have a slight clearance between themselves and the cylinders as the fluids have a higher viscosity and inertia than the working gas to provide an effective seal while the engine is operating to displace, compress, and expand the working gas in a Stirling cycle. The fluids transfer and remove heat from the working gas through the connecting tubes, the cylinders, and direct fluid contact. If the seals are disks, have portions of their edges rounded, or are sections of a sphere, no crossheads are required for some configurations of this engine.

Abstract: An improved crank driven reciprocating piston hot gas engine in which virtually the entire working gas mass performs the same Ericsson cycle loop, thereby achieving maximized thermal efficiency. The invention engine embodiments consist of paired hot and cold cylinders, connected together through leak sealed flow paths with included valves and regenerator. Embodiments are presented for both the open cycle and closed cycle operations. The improvements consist of relative piston crank positioning and timed valve operation such that the working gas that started the isothermal expansion in a hot cylinder essentially remains in that hot cylinder for the entire duration of the isothermal expansion step, and the working gas that started the isothermal compression in a cold cylinder essentially remains in that cold cylinder for the entire duration of the isothermal compression step. The second improvement concerns the heat transfer within the cylinders.

Abstract: An external combustion engine which utilizes an impulse or velocity compounded turbine in conjunction with a compressor to reduce input energy requirements while delivering an increased work output. The invention is characterized in the use, simultaneously, of cooling and compression, significantly to reduce the compression work requirement of current practices (which utilize interstage cooling between compression cycles). In accordance with the present invention the fluid is cooled in the compressor itself, during the compression cycle, and heat energy losses inherent in conventional cycles are reduced. The efficiency of the engine is increased significantly. An important feature of the invention is that phase change or transformation is eliminated, so that heat energy is conserved. In a second embodiment of the invention, the engine utilizes one or more impulse or velocity compounded turbines, and expansion is limited to a range in which compression is carried out with a minimization of parasitic losses.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy utilizing a heat engine having a liquid working fluid which remains in liquid state in a closed fluid system throughout the entire cycle. The closed fluid system for the liquid working fluid includes a pair of double acting displacer cylinders (18, 20) in opposed cycling relation to each other and alternating between low pressure working fluid and high pressure working fluid. High temperature high pressure working fluid from a heat exchanger (12) including a plurality of thin heat transfer plates is provided alternately to the cylinders (18, 20) by the actuation of control valves (24, 28). The heat exchanger (12), a heater (14), and a cooler (16) are arranged between the control valves (24, 28) and the flow of low pressure working fluid and high pressure working fluid in adjacent paths through the heat exchanger (12) between the control valves (24, 28) is always in the same direction for each path.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a procedure and a machine which make it possible to produce a quasi-isothermal compression or expansion process in any thermodynamic cycle consisting of such transformations. The procedure is possible owing to the fact that heat exchangers (A, B) independent of each other are used, in each of these heat exchangers (A, B) the working agent circulating intermittently in only one direction owing to the fact that the exchangers (A and B) are successively and cyclically connected to and disconnected from the volume of the working space (a).

Abstract: An internal thermal exchanger engine which, in one embodiment, includes an enclosed cylindrical chamber having hot and cold end portions and containing an open ended heat exchanger provided with heat conductive materials such as fine copper wire strands which function in heat exchange relationship with a gas contained within the chamber. In an alternative embodiment, the enclosed chamber is in the form of a semi-cylinder, with the heat exchanger being of a wedge shape construction and being freely rotatable between a hot side of the semi-cylinder and a cold side across the arc of the semi-cylinder.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting a relatively low temperature rated pressure seal from a relatively high temperature gas residing between a cylinder head and its associated piston. A low temperature rated pressure seal as for example an elastomeric seal is protected from high temperature gas in a heat engine, potentially in excess of 2,000.degree. F. (1093.degree. C.) by the use of an intermediary fluid that is trapped in a reservoir in the head of the cylinder said seal being maintained in a liquid fashion by a skirt extension from the head of the piston into the reservoir holding the described liquid, the intermediary liquid also being in contact with the elastomeric seal in the space between the piston and the cylinder.