Patent · US Active

Power generation and space conditioning using a thermodynamic engine driven through environmental heating and cooling

US8539771B2 · kind B2 · utility

0Cited by
50References
28Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 14, 2011
Grant dateSep 24, 2013
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 20, 2031

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02T10/7072
  • WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A thermodynamic engine is configured to convert heat provided in the form of a temperature difference to a nonheat form of energy. Heat is directed through a heating loop in thermal contact with a first side of the thermodynamic engine. A second side of the thermodynamic engine is coupled to an environmental cooling loop in thermal contact with an environmental cooling device. The thermodynamic engine is operated to dispense heat from the second side of the thermodynamic engine through the environmental cooling loop into the environmental cooling device. Operation of the thermodynamic engine thereby generates the nonheat form of energy from the temperature difference established between the first side and the second side of the thermodynamic engine.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.