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Parallel cycle heat engines

  • US 9,284,855 B2
  • Filed: 08/18/2011
  • Issued: 03/15/2016
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/29/2010
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method for converting thermal energy to work, comprising:

  • circulating a working fluid comprising carbon dioxide with a pump throughout a working fluid circuit;

    separating the working fluid into a first mass flow and a second mass flow within the working fluid circuit;

    transferring thermal energy in a first heat exchanger from a heat source to the first mass flow, the first heat exchanger being in thermal communication with the heat source;

    expanding the first mass flow in a first turbine fluidly coupled to the first heat exchanger via the working fluid circuit;

    transferring residual thermal energy in a first recuperator from the first mass flow discharged from the first turbine to the first mass flow directed to the first heat exchanger, the first recuperator being fluidly coupled to the first turbine via the working fluid circuit;

    transferring thermal energy in a second heat exchanger from the heat source to the second mass flow, the second heat exchanger being in thermal communication with the heat source;

    transferring thermal energy in a third heat exchanger from the heat source to the first mass flow prior to passing through the first heat exchanger, the third heat exchanger being in thermal communication with the heat source and fluidly arranged between the pump and the first heat exchanger via the working fluid circuit;

    expanding the second mass flow in a second turbine fluidly coupled to the second heat exchanger; and

    transferring residual thermal energy in a second recuperator from a combined first and second mass flow to the first mass flow directed to the first heat exchanger, the second recuperator being fluidly coupled to the second turbine via the working fluid circuit.

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