Method and apparatus for increasing efficiency and productivity in a power generation cycle
US5255519A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 14, 1992 |
| Grant date | Oct 26, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 14, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF01K25/06
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
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 and separated from the working fluid downstream from the reservoir.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.