Power generation by exchange of latent heats of phase transition
US4283211A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 9, 1979 |
| Grant date | Aug 11, 1981 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 9, 1999 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02W10/37
- WIPO fieldEnvironmental technology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A power system is provided that uses the latent heat of fusion of water to raise the potential energy of a working fluid to a level that upon release generates power, preferably electrical power. The system is self-sustaining except for the energy that is supplied in water entering the system. The inlet water can be at any temperature within its liquid range under atmospheric or super atmospheric pressure, can advantageously contain the sensible waste heat typical of effluent from fossil fuel or nuclear power plants, can be relatively pure or be contaminated as with sewage or be the medium of a colloidal suspension, or consist of marine or other saline waters. In every case, purification of the water by freezing, for example, desalination, is accomplished without additional power consumption. A selected working fluid that boils at a temperature substantially below the freezing point of water is brought in the liquid state into contact with the water or other aqueous medium, causing the water to freeze and the working fluid to vaporize under pressure; the produced ice is removed; a portion of the so-produced ice is admixed with a eutectic forming salt to create a cooling medium at a…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.