Apparatus for generating power using environmental temperature differentials
First Claim
1. Apparatus for generating fluid vapor pressure for the operation of a vapor engine comprising at least three heat sources of variable temperature, a fluid selectively circulated between the heat sources, sensing means for determining the greatest temperature differential between the heat sources, valve means for connecting fluid to any two of the heat sources having the greatest temperature differential to provide a closed cycle system for the transfer of heat from the one source to the other, pumping means for forcing fluid through the system to a heat source, a power transducer connected to a heat source which vaporizes a fluid.
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Abstract
A system of generating electric power derived from the energy of the sun, the atmosphere, the ground or the heat stored in ground water, whichever provides the greatest temperature differential with another adjacent source of energy. During the daytime when the sun is shining, a solar absorber composed of a plurality of black pipes may provide the heat necessary to generate power. At night when the air temperature is lowered, a set of pipes in the ground or in a lake may provide the heat necessary to extract power by using the low temperature of the environment. A third source of heat such as geothermal heat, stored heat or a heat pump may be part of the system. Switching means are used to convert from one system to another depending upon which system has the greatest temperature differential.
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Citations
10 Claims
- 1. Apparatus for generating fluid vapor pressure for the operation of a vapor engine comprising at least three heat sources of variable temperature, a fluid selectively circulated between the heat sources, sensing means for determining the greatest temperature differential between the heat sources, valve means for connecting fluid to any two of the heat sources having the greatest temperature differential to provide a closed cycle system for the transfer of heat from the one source to the other, pumping means for forcing fluid through the system to a heat source, a power transducer connected to a heat source which vaporizes a fluid.
Specification