US20080127648A1 - Energy-conversion apparatus and process - Google Patents
Energy-conversion apparatus and process Download PDFInfo
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- US20080127648A1 US20080127648A1 US11/930,616 US93061607A US2008127648A1 US 20080127648 A1 US20080127648 A1 US 20080127648A1 US 93061607 A US93061607 A US 93061607A US 2008127648 A1 US2008127648 A1 US 2008127648A1
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01K—STEAM ENGINE PLANTS; STEAM ACCUMULATORS; ENGINE PLANTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; ENGINES USING SPECIAL WORKING FLUIDS OR CYCLES
- F01K3/00—Plants characterised by the use of steam or heat accumulators, or intermediate steam heaters, therein
- F01K3/12—Plants characterised by the use of steam or heat accumulators, or intermediate steam heaters, therein having two or more accumulators
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01K—STEAM ENGINE PLANTS; STEAM ACCUMULATORS; ENGINE PLANTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; ENGINES USING SPECIAL WORKING FLUIDS OR CYCLES
- F01K3/00—Plants characterised by the use of steam or heat accumulators, or intermediate steam heaters, therein
- F01K3/14—Plants characterised by the use of steam or heat accumulators, or intermediate steam heaters, therein having both steam accumulator and heater, e.g. superheating accumulator
- F01K3/16—Mutual arrangement of accumulator and heater
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- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
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- Engine Equipment That Uses Special Cycles (AREA)
- Waste-Gas Treatment And Other Accessory Devices For Furnaces (AREA)
Abstract
One embodiment of an energy-conversion apparatus includes a first container to contain working fluid under pressure, a first heat-transfer component in the first container, a second container to contain fluid under pressure, a second heat-transfer component in the second container, and an energy converter coupled to the first and second containers that performs work in response to a flow of fluid through the energy converter, wherein the flow is motivated by varying a pressure within the first container or within second container (or both) caused by the first heat-transfer component or the second heat-transfer component, respectively, without a need for heat conduction through an exterior surface of either container. An energy-conversion method includes, from within one or both of first or second containers, varying an internal temperature to cause a resultant pressure differential that motivates the fluid to flow between the first and second containers, and performing work as fluid flows through the energy converter between the containers.
Description
- This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/868,709, filed on Dec. 5, 2006.
- Non-renewable sources of energy generation, such as oil and coal, risk depletion. Other sources of energy, such as hydroelectric dams and nuclear facilities, present actual or potential environmental consequences. There is a continuing need to garner usable energy from renewable, environmentally sensitive sources that utilize, for example, solar radiation and geothermal technologies.
- The present invention is defined by the claims below. But in summary fashion, embodiments of the invention provide a way to convert renewable, environmentally sensitive sources of energy, such as solar radiation and geothermal technologies, as well as non-renewable sources of energy, such as natural gas, into more readily usable forms of energy, such as electricity. Pressure differentials between containers are used to motivate exchanges of a working fluid between the containers, which, in turn, are used to stimulate an energy converter and perform work. Work includes any kinetic response to a flow of working fluid, and also includes generating electricity. Heating and cooling of the working fluid takes place from within the containers rather than requiring heat conduction through the container shells, thus reducing parasitic heat losses and, therefore, enhances efficiencies.
- In a first aspect, an energy-conversion apparatus includes a container to contain working fluid under pressure, a heat-transfer component in the first container; another container to contain working fluid under pressure; and an energy converter coupled to the containers that performs work in response to a flow of working fluid through the energy converter. The flow is motivated by varying a pressure within the first container caused by the first heat-transfer component.
- In a second illustrative aspect, an energy-conversion apparatus includes a first container to contain working fluid under pressure, a first heat-transfer component in the first container that can manipulate an internal temperature of the first container (first internal temperature) from within the first container, a second container to contain working fluid under pressure, a second heat-transfer component in the second container that can manipulate an internal temperature of the second container (second internal temperature) from within the second container, and an energy converter coupled to the first and second containers that performs work in response to a flow of working fluid between the containers.
- In a third illustrative aspect, an energy-conversion apparatus includes a first container of working fluid under pressure, a first heat-transfer component in the first container and that can manipulate an internal temperature within the first container without a need for heat conduction through an exterior surface of the first container, a second container of working fluid under pressure coupled to the first container, a second heat-transfer component in the second container that can manipulate an internal temperature within the second container without a need for heat conduction through an exterior surface of the second container; and an energy converter coupled to the containers and that can perform work in response to a flow of the working fluid between the containers.
- In a fourth illustrative aspect, an energy-converting apparatus includes a first containment means for containing a first supply of working fluid under pressure, a first heat-varying means in the first containment means for changing a temperature within the first containment means, a second containment means for containing a second supply of working fluid under pressure, a second heat-varying means in the second containment means for changing a temperature within the second containment means, and a means for converting energy in response to a flow of working fluid between the first and second containment means, and vice versa, urged by a difference in pressure between the containments, which is induced by utilizing at least one of the first or second heating means to change the temperature within at least one of the first or second containments.
- In a fifth illustrative aspect, an energy-conversion apparatus includes a first container to contain working fluid under pressure, a first inlet port that allows heat-transfer fluid to be introduced into an interior of the first container, a second container to contain working fluid under pressure, and an energy converter coupled to the first and second containers that performs work in response to a flow of working fluid through the energy converter. The flow is motivated by internally varying a pressure within the first container caused by direct heat transfer between the heat-transfer fluid and the working fluid.
- In a sixth illustrative aspect, an energy-conversion apparatus includes: a first container of working fluid under pressure; a second container of working fluid under pressure coupled to the first container; a first heat-transfer component in the first container that, without a need for heat conduction through an exterior surface of the first container, can perform one or more of (1) internally increase a temperature within the first container above a temperature within the second container, and/or (2) internally decrease a temperature within the first container below a temperature within the second container; and an energy converter coupled to the first container and to the second container and adapted to perform work in response to a force exerted upon it. The force can be created as a result of a change in pressure in at least the first container caused by an internal manipulation of an internal temperature within at least the first container.
- In a seventh illustrative aspect, an energy-conversion apparatus includes a first container to contain working fluid under pressure that has an inlet port, a second container to contain working fluid under pressure, an energy converter coupled to the containers that performs work in response to a flow of working fluid through the energy converter. The flow is motivated by internally varying a pressure within the first container caused by varying a temperature of the working fluid in at least the first container.
- In an eighth illustrative aspect, a method for converting energy by utilizing a system comprising first and second containers to contain working fluid under pressure coupled to an energy converter is provided. One embodiment of the method includes from within one or both of the first and second containers, varying an internal pressure; and performing work as the energy converter is stimulated in response to a flow of working fluid motivated to pass through the energy converter by the varying internal pressure. The varying of the internal pressure includes effecting a temperature change from within the first container, thereby causing a resultant change in pressure.
- In a ninth illustrative aspect, a method for converting energy includes, from within a first or second container, varying an internal temperature to cause a resultant pressure differential that motivates working fluid to flow between the containers, and performing work as working fluid flows through the energy converter between the containers in response to the pressure differential.
- In a tenth illustrative aspect, a method for converting energy as working fluid flows between a first container that contains working fluid under pressure and a second container that contains working fluid under pressure includes stimulating an energy converter by inducing a fluid-exchange cycle through the energy converter by varying the pressure of at least one of the containers relative to the other by internally varying the temperature of the working fluid of at least one of the containers.
- In an eleventh illustrative aspect, a method for converting energy includes providing a first a container to contain working fluid under pressure (the first container substantially surrounding a first heat-transfer component that can internally change an internal temperature within the first container), providing a second container to contain working fluid under pressure (it substantially surrounding a second heat-transfer component that can internally change an internal temperature within the second container), providing an energy converter coupled to the first container and to the second container, stimulating the energy converter with a flow of working fluid from the first container to the second container by internally varying a pressure within the first or second container by varying a temperature within the first or second container so that a first pressure differential between the two containers is sufficiently high that it motivates the flow until the differential pressure between the two containers reaches a desired low pressure differential, and increasing the desired low pressure differential to a second sufficiently high pressure differential so as to motivate a flow of the working fluid from the second container to the first container by varying a temperature within the first or second containers.
- Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures. In the figures, hatching generally represents heat-transfer fluid. The drawings are incorporated by reference herein, and wherein:
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FIGS. 1A-1B depict several phase diagrams of an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIGS. 2A-2D depict a more detailed illustration of various stages that an embodiment of the present invention passes through to convert other forms of energy into electricity; -
FIGS. 3A-3D are additional simplified diagrams depicting high-level aspects of the invention; -
FIGS. 4A-4D are additional simplified diagrams depicting high-level aspects of the invention; -
FIG. 5 depicts an illustrative method for practicing an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 6 depicts still a more detailed illustrative operating environment suitable for practicing an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 7 depicts another illustrative system utilizing direct heat-transfer techniques according to an embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIG. 8 depicts an illustrative system utilizing a piston apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. - As briefly mentioned, embodiments of the present invention provide a way to convert renewable, environmentally sensitive sources of energy, such as solar radiation and geothermal technologies, as well as non-renewable sources of energy, such as natural gas, into more readily usable forms of energy, such as electricity. One or more heat transfer components are situated within the interior of two or more containers and are utilized to vary a temperature of at least a portion of an enclosed working medium to develop a pressure differential between portions of the medium. The pressure differential can be used to motivate a flow of the working medium that can, in turn, be used to motivate a motive power source/perform work/generate energy (such terms are used substantially interchangeably herein).
- Turning now to
FIGS. 1A and 1B , several phase or state diagrams are depicted that illustrate various aspects of an embodiment of the present invention. Turning first toFIG. 1A , and more specifically to the beginning of Phase I illustrated generally byreference numeral 110, afirst container 112 is adapted to contain a quantity of workingfluid 114 under pressure.First container 112 andsecond container 116 are depicted illustratively as spherical in shape, of equivalent volume, and as separate structures. However, such depiction should not be construed as limitations of the present invention. To the contrary,first container 112, as well assecond container 116 may take on a variety of forms. For example, the shapes may be round, cylindrical, or other manmade design, or even take the form of natural caverns or caves to the extent they can be adapted to contain fluid under pressure. It is not necessary that the containers be of equivalent volume and may comprise portions of a single overall structure. - Relative quantities of working fluid in the containers are generally represented by dots (e.g.,
FIG. 1 throughFIG. 4 ). These dots are provided to illustratively help understand various embodiments of the present invention, and should not be confused with indicating either an absolute mass or a relative pressure. Moreover, differences are exaggerated for illustrative purposes to indicate relative quantity differences. Indeed, under certain conditions, one container may contain a greater mass of working fluid than the other container, but because of temperature differences, they may be at the same pressure, or it may also be the case that the container with the relatively less working fluid is actually at a greater pressure than the other container. Not all drawings depict working fluid as dots (e.g.,FIG. 6 ) so as to not obscure certain aspects of some embodiments of the present invention. Moreover, some drawings (e.g.,FIG. 7 andFIG. 8 ) use dots to depict heat-transfer fluid rather than working fluid, which is identified, but not visible by markings. -
Second container 116 contains an amount of workingfluid 118 under pressure. As will be explained in greater detail below, the working fluid of each container will flow between the containers, but separate referenced numerals are provided so as to facilitate an easier explanation of an embodiment of the present invention. Workingfluid 114 and workingfluid 118 may be a gas, vapor, mixture of gases, and the like. As used herein, the term “fluid” used in connection with “working fluid” is not necessarily limited to mean a gas alone, but may be a combination of gas and liquid in certain situations. - Two sources of heat-transfer fluid are shown. A first source of heat-transfer fluid is referenced by
numeral 120, and is relatively hotter than a second source ofheat transfer fluid 122, which is relatively cooler than hotter heat-transfer fluid 120. Heat-transfer fluid 120 and heat-transfer fluid 122 may be a liquid, gas, vapor, and the like. As used herein, the term “fluid” used in connection with “heat-transfer fluid” is not necessarily limited to mean a gas alone or a liquid alone, but may be a combination of gas and liquid in certain situations. For ease of reading purposes, “heat-transfer fluid” will be abbreviated as “HTF.” HTF should not be construed as hot or cold per se. Rather, as the name suggests, it is a fluid that is used to communicate or transfer a level of heat. This can refer to a process of emitting or introducing heat or to a process of absorbing or withdrawing heat. - Several instruments, valves, gauges, control mechanisms etc., are not shown in the phase diagrams of
FIGS. 1A and 1B because these diagrams are meant to provide a high-level overview of the way that an embodiment of the present invention functions. More detail surrounding these various omitted items will be provided below. But anillustrative valve 124 is shown coupled to anenergy converter 126, which generates electricity itself or is coupled to agenerator 128. In other embodiments it may be a piston. In Phase I,valve 124 depicts a closed position. That is, the working fluid contained in each of the containers is not allowed to flow between the containers.Conduit 130 provides a flow path through which either workingfluid 114 could flow, if motivated, fromfirst container 112 throughvalve 124, if open,energy converter 126, and intosecond container 116 or, alternatively, workingfluid 118 could flow, if motivated, fromsecond container 116 throughenergy converter 126 andvalve 124, if open, and intofirst container 112. Also simplified in the diagrams ofFIGS. 1A and 1B are the connections to a turbine orother energy converter 126.Energy converter 126 may be a turbine, but may also be other forms of energy-generation devices that can generate energy or perform work in response to a flow of fluid between the two containers (for example, a piston). In some embodiments, the energy converter is not a piston. An example of the simplification depicted in diagram 110 is that a single inlet and egress is shown regardingenergy converter 126. But it is contemplated within the illustration that subchannels may actually exist withinconduit 130. This would be the case if it is desired thatenergy converter 126 rotate in the same direction during each fluid-exchange cycle. In such a case, a specialized turbine, such as a warm-drive turbine, could be employed that utilizes a single flow path, or dual flow paths could be provided so that working fluid can flow through a first path and cause rotation in a first direction, but flow in a second path during a reverse cycle and still causeenergy converter 126 to rotate in the same direction that it did as working fluid flowed through the first path. -
Structure 132 indicates thathotter HTF 120 is introduced withinfirst container 112 to warm workingfluid 114.Structure 132 is depicted in an illustrative sense to indicate that workingfluid 114 is exposed, directly or indirectly, tohotter HTF 120 from a disposition within the interior offirst container 112.Structure 132 may take on a variety of forms, including conduit, or coils of conduit, made out of a heat-conducting material, such as copper or aluminum. In other embodiments,structure 132 may take the form of an inner wall offirst container 112. In still other embodiments, the hotter HTF is allowed to come into direct contact with the working fluid and to transfer heat without being contained in a conduit or other component via the introduction of the hotter HTF through a port or other inlet in the wall of container. Although shown separately, anotherstructure 134 can be used to allow workingfluid 114 to be exposed to the effects ofcooler HTF 122. In some embodiments,structures - Similarly,
structure 136 can be used to expose workingfluid 118 to the effects ofhotter HTF 120 insecond container 116. Andstructure 138 can be used to introducecooler HTF 122 into an interior ofsecond container 116 so that it can withdraw heat from workingfluid 118. - Four legends are shown in diagram 110: a
first pressure legend 140, afirst temperature legend 142, asecond pressure legend 144, and asecond temperature legend 146. These are referred to as legends because they are not necessarily actually gauges. This is why no lines are shown connecting the legends to the containers. Although in some embodiments, the respective containers are associated with gauges, such as pressure gauges and temperature gauges, the legends are shown to help the reader understand the happenings during the illustrative phases of an embodiment of the present invention. For example,first pressure legend 140 merely indicates a relatively moderate starting pressure associated with the interior offirst container 112. Similarly,first temperature legend 142 indicates that a relatively low temperature is initially associated with workingfluid 114 at the beginning of Phase I.Second pressure legend 144 indicates that a relatively moderate starting pressure is also associated with workingfluid 118, andsecond temperature legend 146 indicates that a relatively high temperature is initially associated with workingfluid 118 at the beginning of Phase I, 110. The various indications are not intended to represent actual quantified pressures and temperatures, but are merely provided to indicate relative variances as the various phases are progressed through. - At the beginning of Phase I,
hotter HTF 120 begins to circulate throughstructure 132 in such a way that it introduces heat into workingfluid 114. At the same time,cooler HTF 122 is introduced viastructure 138 to the interior ofsecond container 116 in such a way that it withdraws heat from workingfluid 118. An explanation in greater detail will be provided below as to howhotter HTF 120 attains its heat and howcooler HTF 122 attains its relative coolness. But summarily, in one embodiment, a conglomeration of reflecting devices, such as parabolic mirrors, can be used to concentrate and direct sunlight to one or more reservoirs that contain a portion ofhotter HTF 120 so that it is heated. This process has been used to substantially heat fluids, such as oil or oil related substances. In one embodiment, geothermal processes are utilized to coolHTF 122. -
Arrow 148 reflects a transition to an ending stage associated with Phase I and referenced generally by the numeral 150. At the end of Phase I, the pressure insidefirst container 112 a is higher than what it was at the beginning of Phase I. This relatively higher pressure is indicated byfirst pressure legend 140 a. The relatively higher pressure was caused by virtue of introducing heat into workingfluid 114 a by way ofhotter HTF 120 a. This relative increase in temperature is represented byfirst temperature legend 142 a, depicting a relatively higher temperature than that of the beginning of Phase I. The pressure insecond container 116 a has dropped below what it was at the beginning of Phase I, indicated bysecond pressure legend 144 a, and a temperature of workingfluid 118 a is relatively lower than it was at the beginning of Phase I, which is indicated bysecond temperature legend 146 a. The relatively lower pressure and temperature was caused by virtue of withdrawing heat from workingfluid 118 a by way of cooler HTF 122 a.Valve 124 a is still closed at the end of Phase I. At this point, working fluid has not been allowed to be exchanged between the two containers. -
Arrow 152 reflects a transition from the end of Phase I to the beginning of Phase II, which is referenced generally by the numeral 154. At the beginning of Phase II,valve 124 b (which is the same asvalve 124 a andvalve 124, but is given a unique reference numeral to facilitate explanation) is depicted in an open position, thereby allowing workingfluid 114 b to flow fromfirst container 112 b intosecond container 116 b. This flow is indicated byarrow 155 b. This flow is motivated by a relatively higher pressure withinfirst container 112 b at the beginning of Phase II, as indicated byfirst pressure legend 140 b, than the relatively lower pressure withinsecond container 116 b, as indicated bysecond pressure legend 144 b. As workingfluid 114 b flows throughenergy converter 126 b it causesenergy converter 126 b to rotate and thereby generate useable energy.Energy converter 126 b could be a generator and generate electricity itself or could be another type of motive power device, such as a turbine, and be coupled togenerator 128 b, or could supply motive power to any other applicable device to perform any other suitable type of work.Hotter HTF 120 b can be allowed to continue to be circulated within an interior offirst container 112 b during Phase II so as to attempt to add additional heat energy to the workingfluid 114 b withinfirst container 112 b to prolong or accentuate a relative pressure differential between the two containers during the fluid exchange fromfirst container 112 b tosecond container 116 b. Similarly,cooler HTF 122 b can be continued to be allowed to be exposed to workingfluid 118 b during Phase II. The fluid-exchange cycle is allowed to continue until a desired minimum pressure differential between the two containers is reached.Transition arrow 156 indicates a transition from the beginning of Phase II to the ending of Phase II, which is referenced generally by the numeral 158. At the end of Phase II, the pressures in each of the containers are relatively near each other, which are indicated byfirst pressure legend 140 c andsecond pressure legend 144 c. - Turning now to
FIG. 1B , the next state that is illustrated is the beginning of Phase III, which is referenced generally by the numeral 160. As shown,valve 124 d is in a closed position, prohibiting any working fluid to be exchanged between the two containers. Withvalve 124 d closed,hotter HTF 120 d is allowed to be circulated in such a way that it effects or translates to workingfluid 118 d insecond container 116 d. Similarly,cooler HTF 122 d is circulated withinfirst container 112 d so that it cools the remaining workingfluid 114 d infirst container 112 d. - It is worth noting that relative variances can be attributed to a part of the success of the present invention. That is, absolute temperatures and pressures are not as relevant as relative temperatures and pressures; namely, temperatures and pressures of a given state relative to temperatures and pressures of a prior state; or the pressure within a given container relative to the pressure within another container. Recall that at the end of Phase II, a substantially equilibrium pressure state had been reached wherein working fluid no longer passed from the first container to the second container. With
valve 124 d closed in Phase III, the pressure insecond container 116 d is allowed to increase relative to the pressure at the end of Phase II, and the pressure associated withfirst container 112 d is allowed to decrease relative to the pressure at the end of Phase II. Such a state is reflected bynumeral 162, denoting an ending of Phase III. -
Transition arrow 164 depicts a transition from the beginning of Phase III to the ending of Phase III. At the end of Phase III, the pressure and temperature infirst container 112 e is relatively lower than what it was at the beginning of Phase III. This state is indicated byfirst pressure legend 140 e andfirst temperature legend 142 e.Valve 124 e remains closed. By virtue of the continued circulation ofhotter HTF 120 e, the pressure and temperature of workingfluid 118 e insecond container 116 e are both relatively higher than they were at the beginning of Phase III, or the end of Phase II. The relatively higher pressure is indicated bysecond pressure legend 144 e, and a relatively higher temperature is indicated bysecond temperature legend 146 e. - At the end of Phase III, a pressure differential exists between the working fluid in
first container 112 e and the working fluid insecond container 116 e. Whenever a sufficient pressure differential exists, theenergy converter 126 e andgenerator 128 e can be stimulated to generate electrical energy. Thus,arrow 166 indicates a transition to the beginning of Phase IV, which is referenced generally by the numeral 167. At the beginning of Phase IV,valve 124 f is opened up so that workingfluid 118 f is allowed to flow fromsecond container 116 f throughenergy converter 126 f intofirst container 112 f. This flow is illustrated byarrow 155 f. In one embodiment, hotter HTF is allowed to continue to circulate within an interior ofsecond container 116 f while cooler HTF 122 f is allowed to circulate within an interior offirst container 112 f. The fluid-exchange cycle is allowed to continue until the two pressures between the two tanks become sufficiently relatively close to each other, which signals the ending of Phase IV. -
Arrow 170 reflects a transition from the beginning of Phase IV to the ending of Phase IV, which is referenced generally by the numeral 172. The ending of Phase IV is substantially similar to the beginning of Phase I except thatvalve 124 g is shown open.Valve 124 g is shown open to allow any motivated fluid remaining insecond container 116 g to flow intofirst container 112 g. At a desired point,valve 124 g is closed, which state is reflected as the beginning of Phase I, 110. - The cycle can then be repeated an indefinite number of times.
FIGS. 1A and 1B have provided a high-level overview of an illustrative operating environment of the present invention. Renewable energy sources, such as heat from the sun or coolness of the earth, or other sources of heating and cooling, such as natural gas or heat pump technologies, are used in such a way as to alternatively heat and cool a working fluid between two containers from the inside of the containers so that relative pressure differentials between the two containers can be used to motivate exchanges of fluid between the two containers that stimulates a motive power source, such as a turbine to generate useable electricity or perform other work. Resulting electricity can be used immediately or stored at a later time using a technology such as batteries, water lifting, a capacitive bank, compressing gas, or the like. - Turning now to
FIG. 2A , another operating environment suitable for practicing an embodiment of the present invention is provided and referenced generally by the numeral 200. As shown, this embodiment depicts in greater detail various valves, monitoring equipment, and other devices that can be employed to convert energy such as solar energy into useable electricity. Aparabolic mirror 210 directs sunlight to areceiver tube 212 that containshotter HTF 214. Although not shown, a series of parabolic mirrors could be used to concentrate additional sunlight atreceiver tube 212 so as to provide additional heat energy tohotter HTF 214. Areservoir 216 may be used to store an amount ofhotter HTF 214. Apump 218 can be used to circulatehotter HTF 214 through an interior of afirst container 220. During circulation,valves hotter HTF 214 circulates through an interior offirst container 220, it warms workingfluid 226. Although aninner conduit 228 is shown as disposed withinfirst container 220, in some embodiments it may form an inner wall offirst container 220. - Another
reservoir 230 can be used to containcooler HTF 232. In one embodiment,reservoir 230 is disposed sufficiently within the earth (ground or water) so that the earth acts as a heat path to maintaincooler HTF 232 at a substantially constant, relatively cooler temperature. In another embodiment,reservoir 230 is not so much a reservoir as it is a series of conduit tubing that runs deep underground or underwater so as to allow heat to be leaked off into the earth, which again helps maintain a relatively cooler temperature ofcooler HTF 232. - A
pump 234 motivatescooler HTF 232 to circulate within an interior ofsecond container 236 to withdraw heat from a second supply of workingfluid 238.Pump 234 motivates fluid flow whenvalves cooler HTF 232 through the conduit shown and into the interior ofsecond container 236 as represented bystructure 244, which is shown as being withinsecond container 236.Heat transfer fins 246 and 248 can be used to further facilitate the transfer of heat into or out of the respective working medians. During this stage, amain valve 250 is closed to prevent workingfluids - A
computerized controller 252 is coupled to a variety of sensing devices that are used to receive data that is used to control the various pumps and valves to help optimize an efficiency associated with the various phases, stages, and fluid-exchange cycles. For example,controller 252 is coupled to afirst pressure gauge 254 associated withfirst container 220 as well as a first temperature gauge 256 also associated withfirst container 220. Similarly,controller 252 is coupled to asecond pressure gauge 258 associated withsecond container 236, as well as asecond temperature gauge 260 also associated withsecond container 236. These respective temperature and pressure gauges can be used to monitor the respective temperatures and pressures associated with the respective working fluids of the containers. Similarly, the attributes of the heat-transfer fluids can also be monitored. For example, a firstHTF temperature gauge 262 and a secondHTF temperature gauge 264 monitors temperature associated with the HTFs in this embodiment. - Armed with input from one or more of these devices,
controller 252 can control the various pumps and valves and regulators. For example,controller 252 is coupled to a firstHTF pressure regulator 266 as well as to a secondHTF pressure regulator 268. The HTF pressure regulators can regulate the pressure associated with the heat-transfer fluids to reduce the difference in pressure between the interiors of the heat-transfer conduits and the interiors of the containers in order to reduce the risk that the conduits may collapse or erupt (this may also enhance overall energy efficiency as the required strength and, therefore, thickness of the conduit walls may be reduced). Moreover,controller 252 is coupled to the various pumps and valves so as to allow the circulation of the HTF when desired. - When fluid is allowed to be exchanged between the two containers, a
turbine 270 is used to produce motive power for agenerator 272 which, in turn, generates electrical energy.Controller 252 may also be coupled to a working-medium pressure regulator 274 to regulate pressure between the two containers. - This state in
FIG. 2A is allowed to persist until a desired pressure differential develops between the two containers. When a desired pressure differential exists between the two containers,main valve 250 can be opened, as shown inFIG. 2B , to allow an exchange of working medium between the two containers throughpathway 276 inFIG. 2B . - During the state of
FIG. 2B , electricity is generated asturbine 270 andgenerator 272 stimulated by the flow of fluid between the containers. This flow can be allowed to continue until the pressure differential between the two containers is reduced to a threshold level. This threshold level may occur by virtue ofcontroller 252 imposing a restriction, or may occur by virtue of the fluid flowing fromsecond container 236 intofirst container 220. Regarding the masses of working fluid illustratively depicted inFIG. 2B (as well asFIG. 2D ), note should be taken that those figures depict a transitionary state. When as much working fluid flows fromfirst container 220 intosecond container 236 as is desired,controller 252 can closemain valve 250, which is represented byFIG. 2C . - In
FIG. 2C ,main valve 250 is shown to be closed. Having just reached a near equilibrium state, the two containers are now allowed to again develop a pressure differential with respect to each other. This occurs by warming the workingfluid 238 insecond container 236 while cooling workingfluid 226 infirst container 220. - Working
fluid 238 is heated by receiving the effects of heat transfer from the circulation ofhotter HTF 214 being circulated within an interior ofsecond container 236. In one embodiment,controller 252 stimulatespump 234 to motivate a circulation ofhotter HTF 214 after having positionedvalves - With continuing reference to
FIG. 2C ,controller 252 can also controlpump 218 andvalves cooler HTF 232 within an interior offirst container 220 so that its cooling effects are translated to workingfluid 226 infirst container 220. - In this embodiment, first and
second containers second insulations fluids fluids - During this time,
controller 252 can monitor the temperatures and pressures of both working fluids as well as both heat-transfer fluids as previously described. - The warmer the working medium within
second container 236 gets, the greater the pressure is developed. Similarly, the cooler the workingfluid 226 becomes withinfirst container 220, the lower the pressure becomes. This creates a relative pressure differential between the two containers that can be used to motivate an exchange of working fluid fromsecond container 236 back tofirst container 220. This situation is represented inFIG. 2D . - Turning now to
FIG. 2D ,main valve 250 is shown to be open, andpathway 276 is shown to include a quantity of working fluid which represents a flow of workingfluid 238 fromsecond container 236 intofirst container 220. As the working fluid flows from a first container to a second container,turbine 270 is stimulated, which, in turn, stimulates agenerator 272 that generates electricity in one embodiment.Controller 252 monitors the pressures and temperatures associated with the working fluid of each container as well as the temperature and pressures associated with each of the heat-transfer fluids in one embodiment. This fluid-exchange cycle is allowed to continue for as long as there is a sufficient pressure differential betweensecond container 236 andfirst container 220 to motivate workingfluid 238 to flow intofirst container 220. At the end of this cycle,main valve 250 can be closed and the state ofFIG. 2A is reached, and the process can start all over again. - Turning now to
FIG. 3A , another simplified view of a high-level overview of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment,warmer HTF 312 is circulated by heat-conductingstructure 314 in an interior offirst container 316 to warm workingfluid 319. A layer ofinsulation 318 is shown to reduce the effects of ambient temperature on workingmedium 319. - A supply of
cooler HTF 320 is circulated by way of a heat-conductingstructure 322 in an interior ofsecond container 324 to cool a second supply of workingmedium 326 insidesecond container 324. Various valves, pumps, controllers, etc., are not shown in this view so as not to obscure explanation of these high-level aspects of the invention. During a fluid exchange cycle, an amount of workingfluid 319 flows into an interior of second container 324 (compareFIG. 3A andFIG. 3B ). As shown inFIG. 3B , there is now a greater amount of workingfluid 326 a insecond container 324 a than there is infirst container 316 a. The warming of workingfluid 319 a infirst container 316 a and cooling of workingfluid 326 a insecond container 324 a can be switched after a fluid-exchange cycle so that the working fluid infirst container 316 a is cooled while the working fluid insecond container 324 a is warmed, which can give rise to another fluid-exchange cycle, and so on for an indefinite number of subsequent fluid-exchange cycles. - The state of flip-flopping the cooling and heating of both containers is shown in
FIG. 3C where a supply ofwarmer HTF 312 b is allowed to warm workingmedium 326 b while a supply ofcooler HTF 312 b is used to cool working medium 319 b from the interior offirst container 316 b. -
FIG. 3D illustrates an embodiment wherecirculation member 318 c forms a part of an interior wall offirst container 316 c rather than being disposed further withinfirst container 316 c as shown inFIG. 3A . Also shown inFIG. 3D is that heat-conductingstructure 322 c may form a portion of an interior wall ofsecond container 324 c as opposed to merely being disposed withinsecond container 324 c as shown inFIG. 3A . - Turning now to
FIG. 4A , another simplified view of a high-level overview of the present invention is shown in which the active heating and cooling of the working medium takes places within only one of a pair of containers. Various valves, pumps, controllers, etc., are not shown in this view so as not to obscure explanation of these high-level aspects of the invention. As will be discussed later,FIG. 4A illustrates the beginning of a phase equivalent to the end of that illustrated inFIG. 4D . In this embodiment,warmer HTF 412 is circulated through heat-conductingstructure 414 in an interior offirst container 416 to warm workingfluid 419. Heat energy is transferred fromwarmer HTF 412 into workingfluid 419 which, in turn, results in an increase in the pressure of workingfluid 419.FIG. 4B illustrates the effects of the increase in pressure withinfirst container 416 a, as a fluid exchange has taken place and an amount of workingfluid 419 a has flowed from an interior offirst container 416 a to an interior ofsecond container 424 a. - Turning now to
FIG. 4C , a supply ofcooler HTF 420 b is circulated through heat-conductingstructure 414 b in an interior offirst container 416 b to cool working medium 419 b insidefirst container 416 b. Heat energy is absorbed from workingfluid 419 b intocooler HTF 420 b which, in turn, results in a decrease in the pressure of workingfluid 419 b.FIG. 4D illustrates the effects of the decrease in pressure withinfirst container 416 c, as a fluid exchange has taken place and an amount of workingfluid 426 c has flowed from an interior ofsecond container 424 c to an interior offirst container 416 c. As was mentioned previously, the end of the phase illustrated inFIG. 4D is equivalent to that illustrated in the beginning of that illustrated inFIG. 4A . A repetition of the process described can give rise to an indefinite number of subsequent fluid-exchange cycles. - Turning now to
FIG. 5 , an illustrative method for operating an embodiment of the present invention is provided and referenced generally by the numeral 500. At astep 510, a determination is made as to whether a sufficiently high pressure differential between the two containers exists. With reference toFIG. 2A , in one embodiment,controller 252 determines whether a sufficiently high pressure differential exists. A threshold pressure differential could be preprogrammed or determined on the fly. In alternative embodiments, the pressure differential can be determined in real time to be sufficiently high to begin a fluid-exchange cycle. If a sufficiently high pressure differential between two or more containers as the case may be does not exist, then astep 512 persists wherein the temperature within one or more of the containers is internally varied so as to increase the pressure differential between the two containers. For example, more heat may be transferred to one container, and/or heat may be withdrawn from the other container, and/or both of these may occur at the same time. In one embodiment, heat transfer is facilitated by circulating heat-transfer fluid as previously described. In alternative embodiments, an ignitable fluid may be ignited within a container to generate heat in that container. - Step 512 of internally varying the temperature within one or more of the containers persists until a sufficiently high pressure differential with respect to two containers (for example) exists. This is indicated by
arrow 514 reverting back to an illustrative determination step regarding the extent of the pressure differentials between the two containers. - But if a sufficiently high pressure differential does exist between the containers at a
step 510, then the illustrative process will advance to step 516, wherein the working fluid is allowed to be exchanged from one container to the other and as it does it performs work, or generates electricity. In one embodiment, allowing the working fluid to be exchanged from one container to the other may include opening a fluid exchange valve, such asmain valve 250 ofFIG. 2A and allowing the working fluid under relatively higher pressure to flow into the container having a relatively lower pressure. As the working fluid flows from one container to the other,turbine 270 andgenerator 272 are stimulated, which, in turn, can be used to generate electricity. - The fluid-exchange cycle is allowed to persist for as long as a threshold pressure differential between the two containers exists. This threshold pressure differential may be monitored by
controller 252 in one embodiment. Thus, at astep 518, a determination is made as to whether a sufficiently low pressure differential exists between the two containers to stop a fluid-exchange cycle. If not, then the fluid-exchange cycle ofstep 516 is allowed to persist as fluid moves from a higher-pressure environment to a lower-pressure environment. But if the pressure differential between the two tanks has reduced to a sufficiently lower amount, then the process reverts to step 512, wherein the working fluid is prevented from being exchanged between the two containers. In one embodiment, this is accomplished by closing a fluid-exchange valve such asmain valve 250 as shown inFIG. 2A . With this valve closed, fluid is not allowed to be exchanged between the two containers, and the temperature associated with each of the respective working mediums may be internally varied so as to rebuild back up a pressure differential between the two containers that can be used to motivate subsequent fluid-exchange cycles. In this way, an indefinite number of fluid-exchange cycles can occur, each of which generates electricity.Turbine 270 may also be referred to as an energy converter because it converts a first type of energy into a second type of energy. If electricity is the desired end product, andturbine 270 cannot by itself generate electricity, thenturbine 268 in connection withgenerator 272 may be referred to as an energy converter as they convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. -
FIG. 6 illustrates still another illustrative operating environment suitable for practicing an embodiment of the present invention. In this illustration, greater detail is shown as well as additional features such as utilizing multiple containers to reduce the time between fluid-exchange cycles. Four containers are shown instead of two to illustrate the general concept; however, a larger number of containers could be used so as to provide a continuously rotating turbine that continuously generates electricity. The following description is provided with reference toFIG. 6 . - An HTF pump 10 a stimulates cyclical movement of a
hotter HTF 12 from a hotterHTF supply reservoir 14 through anHTF valve system 16 through anHTF flow path 18 a causinghotter HTF 12 to pass through a solarradiation receiver tube 20. A reflecting device, such as aparabolic mirror 22 or similar light/heat-focusing device is positioned so that it reflects solar radiation onto solarradiation receiver tube 20, causinghotter HTF 12 within solarradiation receiver tube 20 to absorb heat energy. - Other components can be utilized to facilitate varying heat levels of
hotter HTF 12. Describing all such components would be impractical, but a few are mentioned as illustrative. These components can be used as a primary source of heat energy, especially when solar exposure to mirror 22 is unavailable or impeded. They may also be used as a source of heat energy prior to the passage ofhotter HTF 12 throughHTF flow path 18 a to preheat the HTF. Still again, these components may provide a source of additional heat energy after the passage ofhotter HTF 12 throughHTF flow path 18 a to post-heat the HTF. Illustrative such components include anatural gas heater 24 and a naturalgas heat pump 26 with anatural gas supply 28 orheat storage reservoir 30. -
Hotter HTF 12 can be stimulated byHTF pump 10 b throughHTF flow path 18 b. Whennatural gas heater 24 is operational, it burns natural gas fromnatural gas supply 28 and heat energy is transferred fromnatural gas heater 24 intohotter HTF 12. -
Hotter HTF 12 can be stimulated bypump 10 c throughflow path 18 c. When naturalgas heat pump 26 is operational, naturalgas heat pump 26 burns natural gas fromnatural gas supply 28 and heat energy is transferred from naturalgas heat pump 26 into natural gas heat pumphot reservoir 32 and, in turn, intohotter HTF 12. - To conserve heat energy for later use if desired, previously heated
hotter HTF 12 can be stimulated bypump 10 d throughflow path 18 d through aheat storage reservoir 30. In one embodiment, the temperature of thehotter HTF 12 is hotter than the working medium withinheat storage reservoir 30 and, therefore, heat energy is transferred fromhotter HTF 12 into the working medium withinreservoir 30. - Such working medium within
reservoir 30 could be any suitable material, such as salt, resulting in heated salt or molten salt. When heat energy is needed to be extracted fromreservoir 30,hotter HTF 12 can again be stimulated bypump 10 d throughflow path 18 d throughreservoir 30. Because heat is being extracted, the temperature ofhotter HTF 12 is cooler than the working medium withinheat storage reservoir 30 in this embodiment. Heat energy is transferred from the working medium intohotter HTF 12. - Any available source of heat energy, whether from a storage facility, such as
heat storage reservoir 30, or an arrangement such asparabolic mirror 22 and solarradiation receiver tube 20,natural gas heater 24, naturalgas heat pump 26, or other sources such as industrial heat (not illustrated) can be used individually or in combination with one another to manipulate heat energy inhotter HTF 12. Even ambient environmental heat (not illustrated) can be used if the ambient temperature is warm enough to raise the temperature withinhotter HTF 12. - An HTF pump 10 e stimulates the cyclical movement of a
cooler HTF 34 from areservoir 36 through avalve system 16 through afluid flow path 18 e causing thecooler HTF 34 to pass throughgeothermal cooling system 38, causing the temperature ofcooler HTF 34 to adjust toward the temperature within coolingsystem 38. - Other components may be utilized to reduce the heat energy of
cooler HTF 34 according to various embodiments of the present invention. These components can be as primary sources of reductions in heat energy, as a source of reductions in heat energy prior to (pre-cooling) the passage ofcooler HTF 34 throughgeothermal cooling system 38, or as a source of additional reductions in heat energy after (post-cooling) the passage ofcooler HTF 34 through HTFgeothermal cooling system 38. Included in an embodiment in regard to pre-cooling, post-cooling, or alternative cooling sources are naturalgas heat pump 26 withnatural gas supply 28, and a geothermal cooledreservoir 40. -
Cooler HTF 34 can be stimulated by apump 10 f through aflow path 18 f. When naturalgas heat pump 26 is operational, it burns natural gas fromnatural gas supply 28. Heat energy is reduced within natural gas heatpump cold reservoir 42 and, in turn, withincooler HTF 34. - To conserve a supply of
cooler HTF 34 in anticipation of later use, previously cooledcooler HTF 34 can be stimulated by pump 10 g into geothermal cooledreservoir 40.Cooler HTF 34 can be extracted from geothermal cooledreservoir 40 viaHTF pump 10 h. - Any available mechanism or method to reduce heat energy may be utilized. A storage facility, such as geothermal cooled
reservoir 40, may be utilized as well as an active source of reductions in heat energy, such as naturalgas heat pump 26, or passive heat reductions, such as HTFgeothermal cooling system 38. Various components and methods can be used individually or in combination with one another to reduce the heat energy incooler HTF 34. Even ambient environmental cooling (not illustrated) can be used if the ambient temperature is cool enough to effect a reduction of temperature withincooler HTF 34. - In one embodiment, the operation includes four primary phases: a first temperature-changing phase, a first fluid-exchange phase, a second temperature-changing phase, and a second fluid-exchange cycle. The following is an illustrative description of the phases.
- During Phase I, heat energy is added to a working fluid in a container. Examples of a working fluid include air, dry air, or other primarily gaseous substance that responds to a rise in temperature with a rise in pressure. The introduced heat causes the pressure associated with the working fluid to increase.
- Phase II primarily involves the transfer of working fluid from the container, stimulating a motive power device. This transfer of working fluid out of the container causes a lowering of the pressure of the working fluid within the container.
- Phase III primarily involves the lowering of the temperature of the remaining working fluid within the container resulting in a further lowering of pressure.
- Phase IV primarily involves the transfer of working fluid from higher pressure sources into the subject container.
- In one embodiment,
container 44 a principally illustrates the operations of Phase I;container 44 b principally illustrates Phase II;container 44 c principally illustrates Phase III; andcontainer 44 d principally illustrates Phase IV. Although the pressure of the working medium within each of the containers in some embodiments will likely remain significantly above normal ambient pressure throughout the four phases, three levels of pressure will be referenced: moderate, heightened, and lowered (relatively). These correspond to the outline of operations just described. -
Container 44 a contains workingfluid 46 a under pressure. At the start of Phase I, the pressure of workingfluid 46 a withincontainer 44 a may be relatively moderate (see the above pressure scheme) and equivalent to the end of Phase IV, which will be discussed in greater detail below. During Phase I,HTF pump 10 i stimulates the cyclical movement of hot (although references to “hot” or “cool” may be made herein, such references make reading easier, but actually are relative terms; e.g., “hotter than at a prior state or in another container” or “cooler that at a prior state or in another container)HTF fluid 12 throughflow path 18 g, including internal heating andcooling conduit 48 a—disposed within the internal working fluid chamber ofcontainer 44 a—andHTF pressure regulator 50 a. - As hot HTF passes through internal heating and
cooling conduit 48 a,conduit 48 a heats up, which, in turn, transfers heat to workingfluid 46 a incontainer 44 a. The increased temperature of the workingfluid 46 a incontainer 44 a causes an increase in pressure of the workingfluid 46 a incontainer 44 a. - In one embodiment,
fans 52 a and 52 b incontainer 44 a may provide forced convection between internal heating andcooling conduit 48 a and the workingfluid 46 a incontainer 44 a via the circulation of workingfluid 46 a incontainer 44 a in the direction of the illustrative arrows. Of course the path may be in a different direction. Even still, there may be no circulation in embodiments that do not use such fans. - A
controller 54 monitors the temperature of the hot HTF via temperature gauges 56 a and 56 b in one embodiment.Controller 54 also monitors the temperature and pressure of workingfluid 46 a incontainer 44 a via workingfluid temperature gauge 58 a and workingfluid pressure gauge 60 a, respectively.Controller 54 periodically manages the operations ofHTF pump 10 i andHTF pressure regulator 50 a so as to maintain a close relationship between the fluid pressure of thehotter HTF 12 within internal heating andcooling conduit 48 a and the fluid pressure of the workingfluid 46 a incontainer 44 a. Connections betweencontroller 54 and other devices have been omitted. - This function described of closely balancing the pressure of
hotter HTF 12 within internal heating andcooling conduit 48 a with the static or changing pressure of the workingfluid 46 a incontainer 44 a by manipulating the fluid pressure ofhotter HTF 12 within internal heating andcooling conduit 48 a via the management ofHTF pressure regulator 60 a and information from HTF temperature gauges 56 a and 56 b and of workingfluid pressure gauge 56 a, will hereinafter be referred to as “pressure balancing”. - In embodiments that require pressure balancing (as some do not, depending on the level and strength of available materials and the level of desired efficiency), it will be present in its equivalent forms during all phases described (for that embodiment). The primary purpose of pressure balancing, when included, is to minimize the required pressure tolerances and, therefore, the thickness of the materials, likely copper or other highly heat-conductive materials, used for the construction of internal heating and
cooling conduit 48 a or its equivalent. -
Inner wall insulation 62 a is disposed on the inner wall ofcontainer 44 a primarily in an effort to minimize the amount of heat energy transferred to or throughcontainer 44 a. As previously mentioned, intentional temperature manipulations of the working fluid occur internally; that is, from within the containers, rather than by way of external factors (factors external to the containers). - Emergency
pressure relief valve 64 a is included withcontainer 44 a in case of malfunctions or unanticipated pressures that would otherwise compromise the integrity ofcontainer 44 a or any of the other applicable components in one embodiment. - Working
fluid transfer valve 66 a and workingfluid transfer conduit 68 a, controlled bycontroller 54, are included withcontainer 44 a. During Phase I, they remain in a closed position. The primary functions of workingfluid transfer valve 66 a and workingfluid transfer conduit 68 a will be explained in connection with the discussions of the remaining phases to follow. - Geothermal working
fluid valves cooling flow path 72 a, geothermal workingfluid cooling system 74 a, workingfluid temperature gauge 58 b, workingfluid pressure gauge 60 b, and emergencypressure relief valve 64 b are included withcontainer 44 a in one embodiment. The primary functions of geothermal workingfluid valves cooling flow path 72 a, geothermal workingfluid cooling system 74 a, workingfluid temperature gauge 58 b, workingfluid pressure gauge 60 b, and emergencypressure relief valve 64 b will be explained within the discussions of the remaining phases to follow. - When the temperature and pressure of working
fluid 46 a withincontainer 44 a reach desired levels, Phase II begins in this embodiment.Container 44 b is assumed to have previously transitioned through Phase I and, therefore, contains workingfluid 46 b under a relatively heightened fluid pressure. - Optionally, just as in Phase I, during Phase II, HTF pump 10 j could continue to stimulate the cyclical movement of
hotter HTF 12 through internalHTF flow path 18 h, including internal heating andcooling conduit 48 b, disposed within the internal working fluid chamber ofcontainer 44 b, andHTF pressure regulator 50 b, which could continue to add heat energy to workingfluid 46 b. Similarly,fans container 44 b, can continue to provide forced convection between internal heating andcooling conduit 48 b and the workingfluid 46 b incontainer 44 b via the circulation of workingfluid 46 b incontainer 44 b. -
Controller 54 monitors the temperature of thehotter HTF 12 via HTF temperature gauges 56 c and 56 d.Controller 54 also monitors the temperature and pressure of the workingfluid 46 b incontainer 44 b via workingfluid temperature gauge 58 b and workingfluid pressure gauge 60 b, respectively.Controller 54 periodically manages the operations of HTF pump 10 j andHTF pressure regulator 50 b so as to maintain a close relationship between the fluid pressure of thehotter HTF 12 within internal heating andcooling conduit 48 b and the fluid pressure of the workingfluid 46 b incontainer 44 b. -
Inner wall insulation 62 b is disposed on the inner wall ofcontainer 44 b primarily in an effort to minimize the amount of heat energy transferred to or throughcontainer 44 b. Emergencypressure relief valve 64 c is included withcontainer 44 b in case of malfunctions or unanticipated pressures that would otherwise compromise the integrity ofcontainer 44 b or any of the other applicable components. - Working
fluid transfer valve 66 b and workingfluid transfer conduit 68 b, controlled bycontroller 54, are included withcontainer 44 b. Characteristic of Phase II, workingfluid transfer valve 66 b is opened and workingfluid 46 b is allowed to flow fromcontainer 44 b through workingfluid transfer conduit 68 b to workingfluid valve system 76 where the workingfluid 46 b fromcontainer 44 b is routed through airturbine flow path 78, workingfluid pressure regulator 80,air turbine 82, and post-turbine geothermal workingfluid cooling system 84. - Working
fluid pressure regulator 80, controlled bycontroller 54, manages the fluid pressure of the workingfluid 46 b passing towardair turbine 82. Subject to the operation of workingfluid pressure regulator 80, as workingfluid 46 b passes throughair turbine 82, the workingfluid 46 b causesair turbine 82 to react, generating motive power until the net pressure differential between the workingfluid 46 b on the entry side ofair turbine 82 and the workingfluid 46 b on the exit side ofair turbine 82 is equal to or less than the minimum pressure differential required to stimulateair turbine 82 and related loads. -
Generator 86 is coupled toair turbine 82 in order to generate electricity in response to the motive power ofair turbine 82. Following the exit of workingfluid 46 b fromcontainer 44 b, the pressure of workingfluid 46 b still withincontainer 44 b is reduced from its relatively heightened level, referred to afterwards as moderate, in reference to the previously discussed pressure scheme.Generator 86 may be part ofturbine 82. - As working
fluid 46 b passes through post-turbine geothermal workingfluid cooling system 84, the workingfluid 46 b adjusts toward the temperature within post-turbine geothermal workingfluid cooling system 84. Geothermal workingfluid valves cooling flow path 72 b, geothermal workingfluid cooling system 74 b, workingfluid temperature gauge 58 d, workingfluid pressure gauge 60 d, and emergencypressure relief valve 64 d are included withcontainer 44 b. The primary functions of geothermal workingfluid valves cooling flow path 72 b, geothermal workingfluid cooling system 74 b, workingfluid temperature gauge 58 d, workingfluid pressure gauge 60 d, and emergencypressure relief valve 64 d will be explained within the discussions of the remaining phases to follow. - When the pressure of working
fluid 46 b withincontainer 44 b reaches a desired level, workingfluid transfer valve 66 b is closed bycontroller 54 and Phase III could commence.Container 44 c is assumed to have previously transitioned through Phase I and Phase II and, therefore, contains workingfluid 46 c again at a relatively moderate fluid pressure, in reference to the previously discussed pressure scheme. - During Phase III,
HTF pump 10 k stimulates the cyclical movement ofcooler HTF 34, cooled by one of the components or methods of heat reduction discussed previously or other device or method, throughHTF flow path 18 i, including internal heating andcooling conduit 48 c, disposed within the internal working fluid chamber ofcontainer 44 c, andHTF pressure regulator 50 c. - As
cooler HTF 34 passes through inner internal heating andcooling conduit 48 c, internal heating andcooling conduit 48 c cools down and, in turn, heat is transferred from the workingfluid 46 c incontainer 44 c. - Geothermal working
fluid valves controller 54, geothermal working fluidcooling flow path 72 c, geothermal workingfluid cooling system 74 c, workingfluid temperature gauge 58 e, workingfluid pressure gauge 60 e, and emergencypressure relief valve 64 e are included withcontainer 44 c. When desired,controller 54 opens geothermal workingfluid valve 70 e and the remaining pressure within the workingfluid 46 c remaining withincontainer 44 c may force a portion of the workingfluid 46 c remaining withincontainer 44 c into geothermal working fluidcooling flow path 72 c [optionally, a turbine or other energy converter (not illustrated) could be placed at or near the beginning of geothermal working fluidcooling flow path 72 c to capture a portion of the energy provided by the fluid initially flowing into geothermal working fluidcooling flow path 72 c motivated by any excess pressure of the workingfluid 46 c remaining withincontainer 44 c as compared to the fluid already resident in the geothermal working fluidcooling flow path 72 c]. Thereafter, when desired, using information from workingfluid pressure gauge 60 c, disposed withcontainer 44 c, and workingfluid pressure gauge 60 e, disposed with geothermal working fluidcooling flow path 72 c,controller 54 opens geothermal workingfluid valve 70 e which, in turn, opens working fluidcooling flow path 72 c through geothermal workingfluid cooling system 74 c. -
Fans container 44 c, stimulate the movement of the workingfluid 46 c remaining withincontainer 44 c into workingfluid flow path 72 c by blowing the workingfluid 46 c remaining withincontainer 44 c in the direction of the illustrative arrows (alternately, force could also be provided in the opposite direction). Workingfluid 46 c remaining withincontainer 44 c is, to the extent possible and practical, replaced by working fluid exiting geothermal workingfluid cooling system 74 c. - The combination of the cooling of internal heating and
cooling conduit 48 c and the stimulation of movement of the workingfluid 46 c remaining withincontainer 44 c into workingfluid flow path 72 c and, in turn, the stimulation of workingfluid 46 c from geothermal workingfluid cooling system 74 c intocontainer 44 c, results in a decreased temperature of the workingfluid 46 c incontainer 44 c than at the start of Phase III which, in turn, results in a lowered pressure of the workingfluid 46 c incontainer 44 c. -
Controller 54 monitors the temperature of thecooler HTF 34 via HTF temperature gauges 56 e and 56 f.Controller 54 also monitors the temperature and pressure of the workingfluid 46 c incontainer 44 c via workingfluid temperature gauge 58 c and workingfluid pressure gauge 60 c, respectively.Controller 54 also monitors the temperature and pressure of the workingfluid 46c entering container 44 c from geothermal workingfluid cooling system 74 c via workingfluid temperature gauge 58 e and workingfluid pressure gauge 60 e, respectively.Controller 54 periodically manages the operations ofHTF pump 10 k andHTF pressure regulator 50 c so as to maintain a close relationship between the fluid pressure of thecooler HTF 34 within internal heating andcooling conduit 48 c and the fluid pressure of the workingfluid 46 c incontainer 44 c. -
Inner wall insulation 62 c is disposed on the inner wall ofcontainer 44 c primarily in an effort to minimize the amount of heat energy transferred to or throughcontainer 44 c. Emergencypressure relief valve 64 f is included withcontainer 44 c in this embodiment in case of malfunctions or unanticipated pressures that would otherwise compromise the integrity ofcontainer 44 c or any of the other applicable components. Emergencypressure relief valve 64 e is included with workingfluid flow path 72 c in case of malfunctions or unanticipated pressures that would otherwise compromise the integrity of workingfluid flow path 72 c or any of the other applicable components. - Working
fluid transfer valve 66 c and workingfluid transfer conduit 68 c, controlled bycontroller 54, are included withcontainer 44 c, and, during Phase III, remain in a closed position. The functions of workingfluid transfer valve 66 c and workingfluid transfer conduit 68 c were partially explained within the discussions of Phase II and will be continued within the discussions of Phase IV. - When the temperature and pressure of working
fluid 46 c withincontainer 44 c reach desired levels, geothermal workingfluid valves controller 54, and Phase IV could commence. -
Container 44 d is assumed to have previously transitioned through Phases I through III and, therefore, contains workingfluid 46 d at a lowered fluid pressure. Optionally, just as in Phase III, during Phase IV, HTF pump 10 l could continue to stimulate the cyclical movement ofcooler HTF 34 throughHTF flow path 18 j, including internal heating andcooling conduit 48 d, disposed within the internal working fluid chamber ofcontainer 44 d, andHTF pressure regulator 50 d, which could continue to reduce the heat energy within the workingfluid 46 d withincontainer 44 d.Fans container 44 d, can provide forced convection between internal heating andcooling conduit 48 d and the workingfluid 46 d incontainer 44 d via the circulation of workingfluid 46 d incontainer 44 d in the direction of the illustrative arrows (a circulatory path could also be attained in the opposite direction). -
Controller 54 monitors the temperature of thecooler HTF 34 via HTF temperature gauges 56 g and 56 h.Controller 54 also monitors the temperature and pressure of the workingfluid 46 d incontainer 44 d via working fluid temperature gauge 58 g and working fluid pressure gauge 60 g, respectively.Controller 54 periodically manages the operations of HTF Pump 10 l andHTF pressure regulator 50 d so as to maintain a close relationship between the fluid pressure of thecooler HTF 34 within internal heating andcooling conduit 48 d and the fluid pressure of the workingfluid 46 d incontainer 44 d. -
Inner wall insulation 62 d is disposed on the inner wall ofcontainer 44 d primarily in an effort to minimize the amount of heat energy transferred to or throughcontainer 44 d. Emergencypressure relief valve 64 g is included withcontainer 44 d in case of malfunctions or unanticipated pressures that would otherwise compromise the integrity ofcontainer 44 d or any of the other applicable components. - Geothermal working
fluid valves controller 54, geothermal working fluidcooling flow path 72 d, geothermal workingfluid cooling system 74 d, working fluid temperature gauge 58 g, working fluid pressure gauge 60 g, and emergencypressure relief valve 64 g are included withcontainer 44 d. The primary functions of geothermal workingfluid valves cooling flow path 72 d, geothermal workingfluid cooling system 74 d, working fluid temperature gauge 58 g, working fluid pressure gauge 60 g, and emergencypressure relief valve 64 g were explained within the discussions of the previous phases. - Working
fluid transfer valve 66 d and workingfluid transfer conduit 68 d, controlled bycontroller 54, are included withcontainer 44 d. Characteristic of Phase IV, workingfluid transfer valve 66 d is opened and workingfluid 46 d is allowed to flow intocontainer 44 d from workingfluid transfer conduit 68 d from workingfluid valve system 76 where the workingfluid 46 d intocontainer 44 d is routed from airturbine flow path 78. The origination of the flow of workingfluid 46 d is from one or more containers operating in Phase II of the four phase cycle. - When the pressure of working
fluid 46 d withincontainer 44 d reaches a desired level, referred to here as moderate in reference to the above pressure scheme, workingfluid transfer valve 66 d is closed bycontroller 54, and Phase I could commence. - Detailed drawings of
HTF valve system 16 and workingfluid valve system 76 were omitted fromFIG. 5 . The working of these valve systems are routine and have been represented by generic shapes which represent a sufficient array of conduits and valves to direct the flow of fluids as directly and indirectly described in this detailed description of the invention. - In the above description, various valves were to be controlled by
controller 54, and various gauges were to provide information tocontroller 54. But some embodiments do not require all of these gauges and valves. Certain valves that automatically open after being subjected to a threshold pressure may be used. HTF temperature gauges 56 i through 56 v are included to provide information tocontroller 54 so thatcontroller 54 can monitor the temperature of HTFs 12 and 34 in order to optimize operations and the phases for each container in one embodiment. Similarly, working fluid temperature gauges 58 i through 58 n and workingfluid pressure gauges 601 through 60 n are included to provide information tocontroller 54 so thatcontroller 54 can monitor the temperature and pressure of the workingfluid 46 d within the workingfluid transfer conduits 68 a through 68 d and airturbine flow path 78 in order to optimize operations and the phases for each container. Emergencypressure relief valves 641 through 64 n are included with workingfluid transfer conduits 68 a through 68 d and airturbine flow path 78 in case of malfunctions or unanticipated pressures that would otherwise compromise the integrity of workingfluid transfer conduits 68 a through 68 d and airturbine flow path 78 or any of the other applicable components. - The shape of
internal heating conduits 48 a through 48 d could vary, as the goal of the conduits is the transfer of heat energy to and from the workingfluid 46 d withincontainers 44 a through 44 d, depending on the phase in process. One shape of particular interest, not illustrated, may be that of a coil across the cross-section of the containers, so that the forced convection currents will cause workingfluid 46 d to pass very close to a portion of the coil. There may be one or more heating conduits within a given container in order to provide a faster rate of heat transfer. - The cooling of working
fluid 46 d within post-turbine geothermal working fluid cooling system and during the operations of Phase III add to the development of the potential energy between the relatively heightened pressure levels at the end of Phase I and the lowered pressure levels at the end of Phase III, just as the adding of heat energy to workingfluid 46 d during Phase I adds to the development of the potential energy. This potential energy, resulting from the contrast and use of both additional heat energy and reductions of heat energy, is particularly adaptive to the use of heat pump technologies. Many heat pump applications emphasize the use of only the “hot end” or the “cold end” of the heat pump. The present invention is capable of making use of the entire cycle of heat pump technology and, therefore, may be particularly efficient in the use of the energy consumed by the heat pump. - In order to minimize the heat conducted into the materials used for the construction of the working fluid conduits or other components, insulation could be included on the outside or the inside of the conduits, or both, or other components, as a heat conduction barrier, where appropriate.
- In one embodiment, in order to attempt to capture a portion of the heat energy remaining within internal heating and
cooling conduit 48 c and workingfluid 46 c at the start of Phase III (from the end of phase II), an initial portion of thecooler HTF 34 used in phase III, warmed by such remaining heat energy, may be subjected to one or more of the processes used to heat or reheathotter HTF 12 and combined withhotter HTF 12 within such processes (for use in subsequent phases I and II). - Other embodiments, either more complex or refined or simpler are possible. For instance, the description above includes a computer controller to operate an array of valves and consider information from an array of gauges. Further, emergency pressure relief valves are included and several of the conduits and other parts are insulated to minimize heat losses. However, many of these components are optional.
- An array of only four containers, one air turbine, and one generator was described with reference to
FIG. 6 . But as mentioned, a larger number of containers is probable for more continuous operations and a larger number of other components is possible. For instance, if a larger number of containers are included, the initiation of the four phases could be staggered so that a reasonably consistent and steady flow of working fluid could be maintained through the air turbine, which may alleviate the need for a pressure regulator in regard to the flow of working fluid. - Turning now to
FIG. 7 , another simplified view of a high-level overview of an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment,warmer HTF 712 is motivated throughvalve 782 into the interior offirst container 716. In some embodiments pump 718 can be utilized to motivateHTF 712 to flow into the interior via interior heat-transfer component 714 to warm workingfluid 719. In this embodiment, thewarmer HTF 712 is allowed to come into direct contact with workingfluid 719 and to transfer heat without being contained in a conduit or other component. -
Heat transfer component 714, in this embodiment, can be a port, or a nozzle-type component protruding through a void infirst container 716 that is sufficient for the introduction of warmer HTF 712 (in some embodiments,warmer HTF 712 may be superheated). In this embodiment,excess HTF 712 may accumulate at or near an HTF exit area, wherevalve 788 is included to control an accumulation ofHTF 712. - A supply of
cooler HTF 720 is motivated through valve 784 (bypump 734 in some embodiments) and into the interior ofsecond container 724 via interior heat-transfer component 722 to cool workingfluid 726. Various valves, pumps, controllers, etc., are not shown in this view so as not to obscure explanation of these high-level aspects of the invention. For instance, a layer of insulation may be included (as with other embodiments) to reduce the transfer of heat between workingfluid 719 andfirst container 716 or betweenHTF 712 andfirst container 716. - As working
fluid 719 withinfirst container 716 warms, and workingfluid 726 withinsecond container 724 cools, workingfluid 719 is motivated to move in the direction indicated which, in turn, motivates working fluid to pass throughenergy converter 770 and stimulategenerator 772, if it is different than energy converter 670. - Alternating the heating and cooling of the working fluid within the first and second containers can lead to further working-fluid exchange cycles in both directions.
- Turning now to
FIG. 8 , another simplified view of a high-level overview of an embodiment of the present invention that includes apiston 870 as a type of energy converter is shown. As in the embodiment just mentioned, this embodiment contemplateswarmer HTF 812 being motivated through valve 882 (bypump 818 in some circumstances) and into the interior offirst container 816 via interior heat-transfer component 814 to warm workingfluid 819. Again,HTF 812 is allowed to come into direct contact with workingfluid 819. Theheat transfer component 814, in this embodiment, may be a port or nozzle-type component or just be a void infirst container 816. Valve 888 can be included to control an accumulation ofHTF 812. A supply ofcooler HTF 820 is motivated throughvalve 884 bypump 834 and into the interior ofsecond container 824 via interior heat-transfer component 822 to cool workingfluid 826. - As working
fluid 819 withinfirst container 816 warms and workingfluid 826 withinsecond container 824 cools, the resulting pressure differential between workingfluids piston 870, which stimulatesshaft 872.Piston 870 and its coupling toshaft 872 are meant to be shown schematically. Alternating the heating and cooling of the working fluid within the first and second containers can lead to further working fluid exchange cycles in both directions. - Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the geothermal working
fluid cooling system 74 c and related components fromFIG. 6 could be used to cool workingfluid 826 withinsecond container 824 instead or in combination withcooler HTF 820 and its related components above. - In the embodiments discussed above, various methods and systems were described to effect heat transfer from the heat-transfer fluid to the working fluid. Many of these embodiments contemplate an indirect heat-transfer process. That is, some medium contained the heat-transfer fluid, and by virtue of conduction, convection or a combination thereof, heat is transferred from the HTF to the medium containing the HTF and then from the medium to the working fluid. In some of the illustrative embodiments, this containing medium took the form of conduit. In other embodiments, it takes the form of an inner wall having voids that HTF could flow through.
- But in still other embodiments, heat transfer may be facilitated directly (as mentioned above). That is, under appropriate conditions, the HTF itself can be introduced into the container(s) such that it is in direct communication with the working fluid so that heat from the HTF can be directly communicated to the working fluid.
- For example, the HTF may be introduced into a container from one or more inlets into the containers. In some embodiments, the HTF may be introduced as droplets. Any pressure exerted from an interior of a container may be overcome by utilizing a pump to motivate the HTF to flow into a chamber of the container. Any collection of HTF may be discharged by way of a discharge valve. Examples of these embodiments were shown in
FIGS. 7 & 8 . The process does not need to be continuous or even regular, and it can be used alone or in combination with the aforementioned indirect-heating structures. For example, in some embodiments, the HTF may intentionally be allowed to sweat or to leak out of pores or other voids of the structures, such as conduit tubing, under certain conditions. An illustrative condition may include when the pressure within a container drops below a certain threshold. At this point, the HTF may be allowed to seep into a chamber. This may occur by virtue of the relative pressure difference between an interior of the conduit and an interior of the container. - Embodiments of the present invention have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present invention.
- It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed in the various figures need be carried out in the specific order described. The use of the term “optionally” in some places is not meant to imply a necessity in other places where it is not used.
Claims (43)
1. An energy-conversion apparatus, comprising:
a first container to contain working fluid under pressure;
a first heat-transfer component in the first container;
a second container to contain working fluid under pressure; and
an energy converter coupled to the first and second containers that performs work in response to a flow of working fluid through the energy converter, wherein the flow is motivated by varying a pressure within the first container caused by the first heat-transfer component.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first heat-transfer component is operable to internally manipulate an internal temperature within the first container.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the first heat-transfer component is operable to provide heat to or remove heat from an interior of the first container.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the first heat-transfer component includes one or more of:
an arrangement of conduit in an interior cavity of the first container that allows for a circulation of a heat-transfer fluid that facilities heat transfer;
an interior wall of the container exposed to the interior cavity, the interior wall including voids though which heat-transfer fluid can be circulated; and
an arrangement of conduit through which working fluid can flow and that is coupled to one or both of the first and second containers, the arrangement allowing a geothermal process to be utilized to effect heat transfer from or to the working fluid as it flows though the arrangement.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the heat-transfer fluid includes a gas, a liquid, or combination thereof.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the heat-transfer fluid is capable of being subjected to a temperature-changing process including one or more of:
utilizing solar energy to effect a temperature change;
utilizing geothermal heating or cooling to effect a temperature change;
utilizing a heat pump to effect a temperature change; or
utilizing an ignitable fuel source to effect the temperature change.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the ignitable fuel source is ignitable from within an interior of the first or second containers.
8. An energy-conversion apparatus, comprising:
a first container to contain working fluid under pressure;
a first heat-transfer component in the first container that is operable to manipulate an internal temperature of the first container (first internal temperature) from within the first container;
a second container to contain working fluid under pressure;
a second heat-transfer component in the second container that is operable to manipulate an internal temperature of the second container (second internal temperature) from within the second container; and
an energy converter coupled to the first and second containers that performs work in response to a flow of working fluid between the containers.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the first container is insulated.
10. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the first heat-transfer component is further operable to internally manipulate the first internal temperature substantially independently of an ambient temperature of an environment.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the energy converter generates electricity via rotational motion.
12. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the flow of the working fluid between the containers is urged by a difference in pressure within one of the containers compared to a pressure within the other of the containers, wherein the difference in pressure is induced by varying one or more of the first or second internal temperatures utilizing one or more of the first or second heat-transfer components.
13. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the energy converter that performs work includes an energy converter that can be used to generate electricity.
14. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the flow of working fluid between the containers includes a flow from the first container to the second container or a flow from the second container to the first container.
15. The apparatus of claim 8 , further comprising a pressure-balancing component that reduces the pressure differential between the exterior of the first heat-transfer component and the interior of the first heat-transfer component below a threshold amount.
16. An energy-conversion apparatus that utilizes a heat-transfer fluid (HTF), the apparatus comprising:
a first container to contain working fluid under pressure;
a first inlet port that allows HTF to be introduced into an interior of the first container;
a second container to contain working fluid under pressure; and
an energy converter coupled to the first and second containers that performs work in response to a flow of working fluid through the energy converter, wherein the flow is motivated by internally varying a pressure within the first container caused by direct heat transfer between the HTF and the working fluid.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 , further comprising a second inlet port that allows HTF to be introduced into an interior of the second container.
18. The apparatus of claim 16 , further comprising an arrangement of conduit through which working fluid can flow and that is coupled to one or both of the first and second containers, the arrangement allowing a geothermal process to be utilized to effect heat transfer from or to the working fluid as it flows though the arrangement.
19. An energy-conversion apparatus, comprising:
a first container of working fluid under pressure;
a second container of working fluid under pressure coupled to the first container;
a first heat-transfer component in the first container that, without a need for heat conduction through an exterior surface of the first container, is operable to perform one or more of
(1) internally increase a temperature within the first container above a temperature within the second container, and/or
(2) internally decrease a temperature within the first container below a temperature within the second container; and
an energy converter coupled to the first container and to the second container and adapted to perform work in response to a force exerted upon it, the force created as a result of a change in pressure in at least the first container caused by an internal manipulation of an internal temperature within at least the first container.
20. The apparatus of claim 19 , further comprising a second heat-transfer component in the second container that is operable to internally manipulate an internal temperature within the second container.
21. The apparatus of claim 20 , wherein, without a need for heat conduction through an exterior surface of the first container, the second heat-transfer component is operable to perform one or more of:
internally increase a temperature within the second container above a temperature within the first container, and/or
to internally decrease a temperature within the second temperature below a temperature within the first container.
22. The apparatus of claim 19 , wherein the first heat-transfer component is operable to alternately:
internally increase a temperature within the first container above a temperature within the second container or vice versa; and/or to
internally decrease a temperature within the first temperature below a temperature within the second container or vice versa.
23. The apparatus of claim 19 , wherein the energy converter includes a piston.
24. An energy-conversion apparatus comprising:
a first container to contain working fluid under pressure, the first container including an inlet port;
a second container to contain working fluid under pressure; and
an energy converter coupled to the first and second containers that performs work in response to a flow of working fluid through the energy converter, wherein the flow is motivated by internally varying a pressure within the first container caused by varying a temperature of the working fluid in at least the first container.
25. The apparatus of claim 24 , wherein the inlet port facilitates varying the temperature of the working fluid in the first container by directly exposing the working fluid to an effect from burning an ignitable fuel source burning within the container.
26. A method for converting energy by utilizing a system comprising first and second containers to contain working fluid under pressure coupled to an energy converter, the method comprising:
from within one or both of the first and second containers, varying an internal pressure; and
performing work as the energy converter is stimulated in response to a flow of working fluid motivated to pass through the energy converter by the varying internal pressure, wherein the varying of the internal pressure comprises effecting a temperature change from within the first container, thereby causing a resultant change in pressure.
27. The method of claim 26 , wherein varying the internal pressure(s) of the container(s) comprises varying a temperature of the working fluid by introducing a heat-transfer fluid into the first and/or second container that is of such a temperature that can vary the internal pressure of the container(s).
28. The method of claim 27 , wherein introducing the heat-transfer fluid includes varying a temperature of the heat transfer fluid;
29. The method of claim 26 , wherein varying the temperature of the heat-transfer fluid includes one or more of:
utilizing solar energy to effect a temperature change;
utilizing geothermal heating or cooling to effect a temperature change;
utilizing a heat pump to effect a temperature change; or
utilizing an ignitable fuel source to effect the temperature change.
30. The method of claim 26 , wherein varying the internal pressure(s) of the container(s) comprises varying a temperature of the working fluid by exposing the working fluid to an effect from burning an ignitable fuel source burning within the container.
31. A method for converting energy by utilizing a system comprising a first container to contain working fluid under pressure coupled by way of an energy converter to a second container to contain working fluid under pressure, the method comprising:
from within one or both of the first or second containers, varying an internal temperature to cause a resultant pressure differential that motivates the working fluid to flow between the first and second containers; and
performing work as working fluid flows through the energy converter between the containers in response to the pressure differential.
32. The method of claim 31 , varying the internal temperature includes introducing heat to or withdrawing heat from the working fluid within the first or second containers.
33. The method of claim 32 , wherein the introducing or withdrawing heat includes one or more of:
exposing an interior of at least one of the containers to the effects of a heat-transfer fluid;
circulating a heat-transfer fluid through a portion of conduit in the first or second containers;
utilizing a geothermal heating or cooling process; and
introducing and igniting an ignitable fuel within the first or second containers.
34. The method of claim 33 , wherein the exposing includes circulating the heat-transfer fluid through one or more cavities that includes at least one surface that is in communication with the interior of the first or second containers.
35. The method of claim 32 , wherein the heat-transfer fluid is subjected to a warming process prior to circulation through the one or more cavities.
36. The method of claim 35 , wherein the warming process includes concentrating sunlight to a localized volume of the heat-transfer fluid.
37. The method of claim 31 , wherein the performing work includes one or more of generating electricity, converting energy from a first form to another, and effecting motion.
38. A method for converting energy as working fluid flows between a first container that contains working fluid under pressure and a second container that contains working fluid under pressure, the method comprising stimulating an energy converter by inducing a fluid-exchange cycle through the energy converter by varying the pressure of at least one of the containers relative to the other by internally varying the temperature of the working fluid of at least one of the containers.
39. The method of claim 38 , wherein internally varying the temperature of the working fluid of at least one of the containers includes internally varying the temperature substantially independently of an ambient temperature associated with an ambient environment in which the first or second containers are exposed.
40. A method for converting energy, comprising:
providing a first a container to contain working fluid under pressure, the first container substantially surrounding a first heat-transfer component that can internally change an internal temperature within the first container;
providing a second container to contain working fluid under pressure, the second container substantially surrounding a second heat-transfer component that can internally change an internal temperature within the second container;
providing an energy converter coupled to the first container and to the second container;
stimulating the energy converter with a flow of working fluid from the first container to the second container by internally varying a pressure within the first or second container by varying a temperature within the first or second container so that a first pressure differential between the two containers is sufficiently high that it motivates the flow until the differential pressure between the two containers reaches a desired low pressure differential; and
increasing the desired low pressure differential to a second sufficiently high pressure differential so as to motivate a flow of the working fluid from the second container to the first container by varying a temperature within the first or second containers.
41. The method of claim 40 , wherein the energy converter includes an oscillating member.
42. The method of claim 41 , wherein stimulating the energy converter includes utilizing the working fluid within the first container to exert a force against the oscillating member.
43. The method of claim 42 , wherein utilizing the working fluid to exert the force against the oscillating member includes heating a heat-transfer fluid prior to it entering an interior of the first container.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US11/930,616 US20080127648A1 (en) | 2006-12-05 | 2007-10-31 | Energy-conversion apparatus and process |
PCT/US2007/083337 WO2008070366A2 (en) | 2006-12-05 | 2007-11-01 | Energy-conversion apparatus and process |
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US86870906P | 2006-12-05 | 2006-12-05 | |
US11/930,616 US20080127648A1 (en) | 2006-12-05 | 2007-10-31 | Energy-conversion apparatus and process |
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US8800280B2 (en) | 2010-04-15 | 2014-08-12 | Gershon Machine Ltd. | Generator |
US9540963B2 (en) | 2011-04-14 | 2017-01-10 | Gershon Machine Ltd. | Generator |
US20180077821A1 (en) * | 2016-09-12 | 2018-03-15 | Hcl Technologies Limited | Energy Conversion Apparatus and Method for Generating Electric Energy from Waste Heat Source |
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WO2008070366A3 (en) | 2008-11-06 |
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