Abstract: In a method for the generation of heat using a heat pump in which a heat carrier fluid is heated by a heat exchanger and compressed with temperature increase in a subsequent compressor, heat is delivered therefrom to a heat-admitting process; the fluid is then expanded in a gas turbine, producing work, and afterwards its residual heat is delivered to a thermal power process, the maximum temperature of the energy sources of which, that provide work for the compressor, lies below the temperature of heat delivery. The main heat source can consist of an exothermic chemical or nuclear reaction and the heat-admitting process can be a coal gasification process. The work in the compressor is furnished essentially by the gas turbine and the thermal power process.

Abstract: A heat engine which has a cylinder, a piston freely reciprocally slidable within the cylinder, a casing enclosing the cylinder and having a space therewithin surrounding the outside of the cylinder, the space having axial end portions respectively communicating with the spaces in the cylinder space on opposite ends of the piston, and the casing having a bearing wall part at one axial end thereof. A mass of incompressible fluid fills the interior of the cylinder and the space and is a fluid which undergoes volumetric variation with temperature variation. A piston rod fixed to the piston extends axially of the cylinder outward through the bearing wall part, and an output displacement member in the form of a sleeve is fitted slidably around and coaxially slidable on the piston rod and extending slidably and sealingly through the bearing wall part.

Abstract: An improved closed cycle 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 cylinders connected together by leak sealed means for controlled working gas operation. The working gas is simultaneously heated and expanded in the heating cylinder and then simultaneously cooled and compressed in the cooling cylinder to achieve the isothermal expansion and compression steps respectively of the four step Ericsson Cycle loop. The improvements consist of means to provide both the reciprocating operation of the cylinders pistons as well as control of piston relative motion with respect to each other.

Abstract: A hot-gas piston engine (4) has, as a compression chamber, a heat exchanger (6) which comprises a number of small pipes (7) or differently designed capillaries which protrude into the burner chamber (5) of a burner (1). In the compression phase, air in the small pipes (7), which serve as the compression chamber, is compressed and additionally heated by the burner flame, whereby the pressure increases, and the piston is driven to execute a downward movement. The scavenging then occurs in the bottom dead center region. The hot outgoing air from the engine enters burner supply line (10) and then the burner, whereby the efficiency of the plant is increased even further. The mechanical energy received at the driven shaft (11) may be used to produce electrical energy or to operate a heat pump. The upper ends of the small pipes protrude into the hot water whereby they are protected from overheating.

Abstract: A new solar heat engine is provided in the form of a pressure oscillation generation device having a chamber with two spaced apart walls, means on one wall receiving sunlight through said one wall, means on the other of said walls continuously cooling said other wall, a light absorbing surface on a thermal shield movable between said walls, means for automatically alternating said sunlight absorbing surfaced thermal shield back and forth between said walls whereby a heat expansible fluid contained in said chamber is alternately heated and cooled thereby causing said fluid to undergo alternate expansions and contractions. The alternate expansions and contractions of the fluid are used to produce useful work by pump action, torque action, compression and the like.

Abstract: A hot air solar engine has two heat engines at opposing ends of a common piston assembly to provide alternate cooperative expansion and compression action. Each of the heat engines has a compressor and an expander wherein a single dual-diameter piston head serves as the piston portion of each. The hot air solar engine further includes a solar collector having positioning means for maintaining alignment with the sun's position. The solar collector has a paraboloid cylinder shaped reflector and a heat exchanger assembly disposed about the focal line of the reflector for receiving concentrated sunlight. The heat exchanger assembly includes first and second heat exchangers cooperating with the first and second heat engines.

Abstract: Apparatus for preventing a blowout of a constant pressure air storage installation of a gas turbine power station is disclosed. The apparatus includes a subterranean air storage cavity, a water basin which is substantially at ground level, and a standpipe which connects the water basin to the subterranean cavity. At least an upper portion of the standpipe is arranged obliquely with respect to the horizontal. The apparatus also includes at least one ventilation pipe which is connected to, and in fluid communication with, the upper portion of the standpipe. An upper end of the at least one ventilation pipe is arranged above the water level of the water basin.

Abstract: A system and method of atmospheric thermal energy conversion is disclosed utilizing pressurized inflatable rising conduit. The method includes the steps of: (a) providing warm or cold gas at a predetermined elevation; (b) transporting the gas vertically from the predetermined elevation to a different elevation through a thin-walled, inflatable, rising conduit, thereby providing gas within the conduit with a density which causes the gas to flow through the conduit; (c) converting the energy of the flowing gas by passing the gas through a transducer; (d) pressurizing the conduit from the inside with the transported gas to thereby inflate and support the thin-walled, inflatable, rising conduit.

Abstract: A coal burning power plant which produces electricity at high efficiency and with very low levels of atmospheric contamination. A fluidized bed of limestone and coal is used to burn the coal with little air pollution, and a large quantity of specially constructed heat pipes transfer the heat to a closed cycle gas turbine with very low temperature loss. The preferred embodiments of the heat pipes are constructed with steel casing, have a thin aluminum oxide layer on their surfaces to prevent hydrogen permeation into the casing and have a plasma sprayed coating of ceramic on the portion within the fluidized bed to prevent erosion of the heat pipe casing by the solid particles within the bed.

Abstract: There is provided a ceramic heat exchange module 10 having fluid inlet and outlet conduits (12,20) extending from one side of horizontal manifolds (14,18). Serpentine tubes 16 extend from the opposed sides and connect the manifolds. In use, in a fluidized bed combustor 22, the manifolds are positioned between the base 30 and air inlets 32. Serpentine tubes extend into the fluidized bed 36, the fluid inlet and outlet conduits extend through the base for coupling to a working fluid supply.

Abstract: A rotary external combustion heat engine for furnishing mechanical energy from a source of heat. The engine includes a ring-like stator having an oval rotor chamber enclosing a cylindrical rotor eccentrically placed within the chamber to define a high displacement high temperature fluid chamber and a lower displacement low temperature fluid chamber. A plurality of extensible vanes extend outwardly from the rotor in sliding contact with the inner surface of the rotor chamber. A source of heat supplies thermal energy to fluid supplied to the high temperature chamber, while a heat sink cools fluid supplied to the low temperature chamber. An economizer heat exchanger is also provided for preheating the working fluid. The relative position of the rotor within the rotor chamber is adjustable for varying the relative displacement of the fluid chambers to control engine working parameters.

Abstract: A new heat engine is provided in the form of a pressure oscillation generation device having a chamber with two spaced apart walls, means on the outside of one wall continuously heating said one wall, means on the other of said walls continuously cooling said other wall, a thermal shield movable between said walls, means alternating said thermal shield back and forth between said walls whereby a heat expansible fluid contained in said chamber is alternately heated and cooled thereby causing said fluid to undergo alternate expansions and contractions.

Abstract: Heat generated in an atmospheric coal combustion process is recovered by air compressed in a hydraulic compressor and passed through air heaters in an associated coal combustor and through a heat exchanger means in thermal contact with the exhaust flow of a gas turbine to thereby provide a heated compressed motive fluid for the production of useful work in the turbine.

Abstract: A drive assembly, especially for motor vehicles, of the type comprising an internal combustion engine and an exhaust gas turbine unit including an exhaust gas driven turbine is improved by virtue of structure for utilizing the heat energy of the exhaust gases of the internal combustion engine in addition to the kinetic energy. According to a preferred embodiment, the exhaust gas turbine unit comprises, in addition to the exhaust gas turbine, a compressor and a secondary turbine for deriving power from the heat energy of the exhaust gases. Still further, another feature includes the provision of a heat exchanger for transferring thermal energy from the exhaust gases to a working medium after the working medium has been compressed by the compressor, the heat exchanger being formed by hollow blades of the exhaust gas driven turbine.

Abstract: Solar energy is utilized to convert water into steam for use in driving a turbine which, in turn, is used to generate electricity. At the same time air in a solar panel is utilized to drive another turbine which in turn generates electricity. The water recovered by condensation of the steam is permitted to drop from the elevation at which it is accumulated and that water is used to drive another turbine which in turn generates further electricity.

Abstract: A composite energy producing gas turbine system which may readily provide pre-selected amounts of composite outputs including shaft energy, heat at pre-selected temperatures and additionally, if desired, cooling at pre-selected temperatures. The physical structure of the system includes one or more compressors, heaters, turbines and thermal heat exchangers.

Abstract: A power unit consisting of contrarotating axial flow compressor and turbine rotors in a closed cycle helium turbine engine with a centrally located scroll between the compressor and turbine sections (to duct the working medium into and out of the heat source) forms a compact, rugged engine providing lower weight and smaller envelope size for a given power.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus primarily for converting source heat to work characterized by a gas phase working fluid thermodynamic prime mover cycle of isentropic temperature rise followed by heat acquisition followed by isentropic temperature drop followed by heat rejection to a heat sink accomplished by a variety of embodiments. Although deemphasized herein, it is further characteristic that these same embodiments going through the same motions in the same directions will to a limited extent pump heat to the heat source at the expenditure of work should the temperature difference of the sink/source become smaller than required for prime mover operation. In this invention, heat is exchanged between the compressed working fluid and the hot body only and the expanded working fluid and the cold body only.

Abstract: A cycle controlled sliding valve in a heating chamber combustion engine is provided. The valve includes a piston disposed for reciprocal movement within a cylinder, a piston-extension disposed for movement within the cylinder, a connecting rod connected to the piston, a pinion carried by the connecting rod, and a rack engaged by the pinion. The rack engages the piston-extension such that the latter is capable of movement in the axial direction of the cylinder away from or towards the piston. Such movement is caused by the swinging of the connecting rod due to crankshaft rotation. A path is provided within the cylinder walls which leads to the heating chamber. When an opening in the piston-extension is aligned therewith, communication is established between the cylinder and the heating chamber. In operation, the path leading to the heating chamber will open later during the up-stroke and will close later during the down-stroke.

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: The working medium of a gas turbine engine power plant is heated indirectly by energy derived by solar radiation, the power plant comprising radiant energy collecting means, radiant energy receiving means, radiant energy heat transfer means, a relatively large capacity pressurized heat store and a gas turbine engine in which the compressed air is heated by heat energy in the heat store.

Abstract: A solar power plant with a gas turbine circuit, having a compressor, a solar heater, a combustion chamber for heating air compressed in the compressor, a turbine and a generator, the solar heater and the combustion chamber being connected between the compressor and the turbine, and a valve for connecting and disconnecting the solar heater to the circuit, the combustion chamber having double walls defining an outer space between the walls and an inner space, the outer space of the combustion chamber being connected in series with the solar heater upstream thereof, in flow direction of the compressed air, the inner space of the combustion chamber being connected downstream of the solar heater in flow direction of the compressed air, and the valve connecting the outer space and the inner space of the combustion chamber to each other.

Abstract: In the present system, Freon is recirculated in a closed loop which includes a first heat exchanger having a tank for holding Freon in a liquid state at elevated temperature and pressure, and second, third, and fourth heat exchangers which receive Freon at different times from the first heat exchanger by gravity flow and successively cool, heat and discharge the heated Freon in a liquid state through a fluid motor whose discharge is connected back to the tank in the first heat exchanger. Water from the cooling tower of a steam power plant is used to cool the Freon in the first heat exchanger and at different times in the other heat exchangers. Hot water from the waste steam outlet of steam turbines in the steam power plant is used to heat the Freon at other times in the second, third and fourth heat exchangers.

Abstract: A heating-chamber is provided for a heating-chamber combustion engine. A piston is provided with a detachable extension on the flat bottom of the piston, which towers upwardly and reaches during the upstoke into a pocket of the cylinder head. The detachable extension has a slit located close to the bottom of the piston. An opening in the cylinder wall is provided, opening a path to the heating-chamber. The path is located near the cylinder head so, that in the highest position of the piston the slit in the detachable extension and the opening in the cylinder wall line up with each other, keeping the opening in the cylinder wall closed in all but the highest position of the piston.

Abstract: A heat recuperative engine is provided with an improved heat recuperator having two branches. Each branch houses a pair of meshed gearlike rotors that extend across the chamber of the housing to form a blockage between the inlet and outport ports of the chamber. The rotors are formed similarly to external spur gears and have a central cylindrical body bearing radially projecting teeth or lobes which mesh to form a sealing line of contact that maintains the blockage when the rotors turn. Each rotor of the pair has its projecting teeth or lobes fitting closely with a segment of the chamber wall in which an array of heat pipes is embedded. The spaces between adjacent lobes of a rotor provide constant volume enclosures as the lobes sweep around the closely fitting chamber wall segment and carry working medium from the inlet to the outlet side of the chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for transferring heat to fluids by the use of magnets. A first plurality of magnets is mounted in a housing in a pattern having a circular cross section. A second plurality of magnets is mounted in spaced relationship with respect to the first plurality and means are provided for moving one of the plurality of magnets relative to the other. Two concentric conductive members or sleeves of generally cylindrical shape are located in the magnetic field between the two pluralities. The two sleeves form an annular passage extending longitudinally of the magnets through which fluid to be heated is passed. The magnetic field causes the conductive sleeves to be heated by induction and transfer the heat to the fluid in an efficient manner. The inner sleeve preferably has projections extending toward the outer sleeve with longitudinally-extending passages therethrough.

Abstract: An efficient split cycle solar energy conversion system utilizes sensible heat storage to isolate a solar receiver loop from a Brayton cycle engine loop. In this system a sensible heat storage unit is first charged by the solar receiver, is then switched to the inlet to the Brayton cycle turbine where it is discharged, and finally may be utilized as a high temperature, high effectiveness recuperator to recapture waste heat from the Brayton cycle turbine. With high effectiveness sensible heat storage recuperation, the Brayton cycle engine runs at extremely high efficiency. Moreover, since these storage devices can be run efficiently at low gas velocity, and since recuperated Brayton cycle engines become very efficient at extremely low pressure ratios, an overall thermal/electric conversion efficiency in excess of 60% can be obtained.

Abstract: A low temperature fluid energy conversion system in which at least two cylinders containing a working fluid which has been heated, for example by solar energy, are alternately supplied with a liquid expanding agent, preferably a hydrocarbon or a fluorocarbon whereby the heat from the working liquid in one cylinder causes vaporization and consequential expansion of the liquid expanding agent which, in turn, forces the working liquid from said one cylinder through a generator or the like device and then to the other cylinder, the cycle then being reversed to return the working liquid to the one cylinder again by way of said generator.

Abstract: Propping devices are provided between a foundation and a turboset which are adjustable in height and movable in an axial direction, and which penetrate in a gas-tight manner a pressure vessel in which the turboset is disposed. The propping devices also have locating features for absorbing vertical and tangential movements independently of deformations of the pressure vessel.

Abstract: A method for converting solar energy into electric power is disclosed, in which air, preheated and precompressed is additionally heated in a solar heater and sent to work in a turbine unit connected to an electric power generator.

Abstract: An engine driven by an expanding gas and utilizing a liquid seal in an inexpensive construction which by virtue of the low temperature differential required between inlet and outlet gas is particularly well adapted for use in converting collected solar energy to mechanical or electrical energy. The engine may also be adapted for use as a compressor.

Abstract: A reciprocating hot gas engine adapted to provide a self-starting, controlled expansion, and a long time working fluid heating inside heaters placed in a combustion chamber separated from the engine compression and expansion cylinders of the engine.

Abstract: A power-producing device, comprising a vertically oriented chamber of enormous height, incorporating within its upper end an electric motor-driven, aftercooled air compressor, being connected via suitable power transmission, to an electric generator driving, reheated air turbine, located within the lower chamber end. Atmospheric air is compressed at a given rate of flow to a given pressure into the upper chamber end, which, due to the gravitational force exerted on its compressed mass, and due to the chamber height, is expanded within the turbine at the lower chamber end at an equal rate of flow, but, at a substantially higher pressure, and at a substantial gain in energy, thus, producing a substantially greater amount of work than is consumed by the compressor.

Abstract: A reciprocating engine for water pumping or air circulation is disclosed which uses solar energy from a black box collector or other low temperature heat source to expand and contract bellows thereby providing large forces with low pressures by taking advantage of large working areas available with bellows. The engine is essentially a constant pressure, variable volume thermodynamic cycle engine having a compressor, a heater and a driver with the compressor and the driver sections both being bellows, the driver being capable of operating the compressor section by means of the former enjoying a force advantage or a mechanical advantage over the later.

Abstract: The disclosure illustrates a turbocharger wastegate valve comprising a cylindrical chamber connected through a radial inlet to the gas stream upstream of the turbine. High pressure air is selectively directed across the inlet through a nozzle to prevent or permit flow into the chamber which is connected to a point downstream of the turbine. The pressure of the air delivered to the nozzle may be varied to proportion the gases bypassed around the turbine.

Abstract: Unclean fuel, such as coal is reduced to particle size passing 200 mesh in an attrition mill. Pyrite and ash removal is performed in conjunction with the attrition milling. The resulting fine particles are combusted in the turbine exhaust gas and the products of combustion indirectly heat the turbine operating gas. Control is provided by bypass around the heat exchanger and/or auxiliary clean fuel combustion.

Abstract: Temperature induced density differences between two connected columns of a fluid establish a pressure differential which is converted into kinetic energy for driving a power generating unit responsive to fluid flow.

Abstract: A compressed air power plant is disclosed wherein compressed air may be stored underground and later utilized as required. The storage facilities include a heat storage covern which contains an external water barrier and a heat insulating lining. Compressed air flows from the power plant in series through the heat storage cavern and then to an air storage cavern.

Abstract: An arrangement for controlling the power output of a closed cycle type of thermodynamic system including shaft-coupled compressor and gas turbine components driving a load such as an electrical generator in which the gaseous working medium flows in a closed circulation system that includes a device for imparting heat to the gas and a storage tank for the gas connected in parallel with a section of the gas circulation system. In order to vary the power output, gas from the circulation system in a cold or hot state, respectively, is flowed through the tank for heat exchange with the gas in the tank such that as a result of the corresponding change produced in the density of the gas within the tank, gas is selectively withdrawn from or delivered into the circulation system.

Abstract: Method for developing gas pressure to drive an engine consisting of establishing equal cooperating gas portions in separate containers a close circuit; developing pressure change in one of the portions by changing temperature; establishing communication between containers, allowing pressure equalization in containers by gas flow from container given greater pressure to the other; cutting communication between containers after pressure equalization; redeveloping gas pressure change in one container, obtaining relative pressure increase in the container to which gas flowed by changing the temperature in one container; and driving an engine by establishing gas flow communication between the containers through the engine.

Abstract: A piston machine has arcuately-curved, cooperating pistons and cylinders arranged on the periphery of a pair of coaxially mounted rotatable disks or arms. Swiveling movements of the disks, causing the pistons to move in the cylinders, are controlled by cams and connecting gears. The cams are fixed with respect to the disks. Each cam is scanned by a cam follower connected by an arm to a shaft journaled in one of the disks. A connector gear is affixed to the cam follower and connector gear shaft to drive the disk opposite the disk in which the connector gear shaft is carried. Gear segments on the external periphery of each disk engage interchangeably a driven shaft for power output where work is produced by the machine as in compressed air and heat engine embodiments disclosed or for power input where the machine does work on the compressible fluid as in a compressor embodiment.

Abstract: An open cycle external heat engine is provided which is of the reciprocating piston type, having compression cylinders separated from larger power cylinders; the heating of the compressed air being accomplished in an air heater with the compressed air never mixing with the heating gases, a heat exchanger being provided for recovering and recirculating the heat of the combustion gases.

Abstract: A heating system which includes a combination of a sliding vane compressor, a positive pressure combustor and a sliding vane expander is disclosed. The components of the present system have been found to operate together to permit full use of the B.T.U. value of fuel. In an alternative embodiment, the heating system uses heat extracted from the ambient air as the heat source. The system may also be operated as an air conditioning system, rejecting heat from the system to the ambient air.

Abstract: This is a method and an apparatus for performing said method, for the conversion of thermal energy into mechanical or electrical energy by means of an exchange of temperature between two water sources having a temperature differential, and utilizing a compressible fluid to be alternately compressed and expanded by the use of the thermal differential, with the flow imparted to the compressible fluid utilized through an improved positive displacement rotary valve and a motor wherein the motor is operated by hydraulic cylinders alternately pressurized and depressurized and connected between a pair of canted discs.

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: In abstract a preferred embodiment of the present invention is an energy converting device adapted to be utilized for the generation of electricity. The energy converting device of the present invention comprises a solar heat collecting main structure positioned generally over a subterranean well. Air which has been channeled to the base of said well is initially heated and caused to rise. Additional thermal energy is added to said air by solar energy collected by said main structure. Disposed about an uppermost end of said solar collecting main structure is a windmill assembly which is rotatively driven by rising channeled air passing through the solar collecting main structure. An electrical generator is operatively connected to the windmill assembly and driven thereby such that electricity is generated as the windmill assembly is driven.

Abstract: A solar engine including an air motor driven by a quantity of pressurized hot air from a solar heater vessel and including an air pump for pumping substantially an equal mass of cool air back into the solar heater. The driving action of the air motor and simultaneous pumping action of the pump is accomplished in one embodiment by means of a moving piston which separates the driving and pumping sides of the air motor enclosure, whereby substantially both displaced volumes are substantially equal. Air is used as both the heat transfer means and as the actual working fluid. The engine provides for an unlimited life for the solar collector, and an engine of relatively low friction and substantial simplicity.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for operating power turbomachinery which includes an electromagnetic induction heated, graphite heat storage core adapted to heat compressed fluid for subsequent expansion across a fluid turbine to generate rotary mechanical power output.

Abstract: In a heat engine having an expansion chamber, sunrays focused by means of a reflector are conveyed, for converting solar energy into mechanical energy, through a window permeable to sunrays into the expansion chamber of the heat engine, there to be absorbed by a heat-transfer medium contained in the expansion chamber, whereby the medium expands or evaporates and drives the engine.

Abstract: A heat input device for a heat engine comprises a combustion device which is adapted to support surface burning of a fuel and oxidant mixture and a heat exchanger which is adapted to transfer the heat from the hot surface against which the surface burning takes place to the working fluid of the engine.