Process and apparatus for obtaining useful energy from a body of liquid at moderate temperature
US4132077A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 2, 1977 |
| Grant date | Jan 2, 1979 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 2, 1997 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF03G7/04
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
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. The system can be used to lift water at moderate temperature to considerable distances above underground aquifers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.