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Method for operating a closed Brayton engine and engine adapted for use with method

  • US 5,131,231 A
  • Filed: 08/02/1991
  • Issued: 07/21/1992
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/02/1991
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A process for operating a closed Brayton-cycle engine at relatively high efficiency under at least two markedly different conditions of engine output power by changing the inventory of a gaseous working fluid in a closed-cycle flow path, comprising the steps of:

  • first, running the engine by continuously adding heat to and extracting heat from the working fluid during a first operating condition in which the engine produces relatively low output power and the working fluid is a first gas having a first mean molecular weight;

    second, effecting a running transition to a second operating condition in which the engine produces relatively high output power by;

    (a) injecting into the flow path a second gas having a second mean molecular weight lower than the first mean molecular weight, whereby the working fluid becomes a mixture of the first and second gases and has a third mean molecular weight lower than the first mean molecular weight; and

    (b) adding heat to the working fluid at a rate which maintains the working fluid at a substantially constant turbine inlet temperature.

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