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HEAT ENGINE AND HEAT TO ELECTRICITY SYSTEMS AND METHODS WITH WORKING FLUID FILL SYSTEM

  • US 20110061384A1
  • Filed: 09/13/2010
  • Published: 03/17/2011
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/17/2009
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A heat engine system operative to execute a thermodynamic cycle using a working fluid, the heat engine system comprising:

  • a working fluid circuit having a high pressure side and a low pressure side, and a working fluid contained in the working fluid circuit;

    a heat exchanger in the working fluid circuit and in thermal communication with a heat source connected to the working fluid circuit, whereby thermal energy is transferred from the heat source to the working fluid in the working fluid circuit;

    an expander in the working fluid circuit and located between the high pressure side and the low pressure side of the working fluid circuit and operative to convert a pressure drop in the working fluid to mechanical energy;

    a recuperator in the working fluid circuit operative to transfer thermal energy between the high pressure side and the low pressure side of the working fluid circuit;

    a cooler in thermal communication with a cooling medium and in thermal communication with the low pressure side of the working fluid circuit and operative to control temperature of the working fluid in the low pressure side of the working fluid circuit;

    a pump in the working fluid circuit and connected to the low pressure side and to the high pressure side of the working fluid circuit and operative to move the working fluid through the working fluid circuit, anda mass management system connected to the working fluid circuit, the mass management system having a working fluid vessel connected to the low pressure side of the working fluid circuit, anda working fluid supply connected to the working fluid circuit by a working fluid supply line.

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