Method of converting energy
US7356993B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 18, 2003 |
| Grant date | Apr 15, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 26, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF01K25/06
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention provides a method of converting heat energy to a more usable form using a multi-component working fluid mixture that contains ammonia and water. The working fluid is operated in a thermodynamic cycle that includes liquid compression (30), vaporization (33), expansion through a turbine (34) and condensing (36). The multi-component fluid varies in temperature during phase change allowing for the use of counter-flow heat exchangers for the heater (33), cooler (36), recuperator and pre-heater (32). Significant recuperation is possible due to the temperature change during phase change. A pre-heater (32) can be applied to ensure only single-phase vapour exists within the heater. The invention can be used in conjunction with a biomass combustor or with waste flue gas from an existing industrial process. The coolant exits at a temperature sufficient to allow use in external heating applications or to minimize the size of external heat rejection equipment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.