US4106294A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Thermodynamic process and latent heat engine
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1977-02-02
•
Granted: 1978-08-15
•
Expires: 1997-02-02
Abstract
Abstract The invention involves thermodynamic processes, heat engines, and ways of making gaseous fluid jets by using primarily the latent heat of condensation for the energy required. A vapor such as water vapor is mixed with a gaseous fluid such as air, and the mixture is expanded in a nozzle sufficiently to condense a substantial portion of the vapor and transform the latent heat of the condensation into kinetic energy of the gaseous fluid. The process can be used to form a gaseous fluid jet, which can be used to drive the turbine of a heat engine for either open-cycle or closed-cycle operation. Moist ambient wind can be used as the energy source for producing a jet that drives a wind turbine, or a boiler can be used to form saturated vapor mixed with the gaseous fluid and directed into the nozzle. For closed-cycle systems, the gaseous fluid exhausted from the turbine and the liquid from the condensation of the vapor are both recompressed, the liquid is revaporized, and the vapor and compressed gaseous fluid are recombined. The process is efficient enough so that electric energy from the turbine output can be used to heat a liquid supply for storing energy that is later reconverted to electricity, and operating pressures and temperatures are low enough so that a wide variety of energy sources become usable, including many that are impractical with present heat engines.
Inventors
- 👤 Julius Czaja
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 09:56
CPC Classifications
F; F01; F01K; F01K21/00; F01K21/04; Y; Y02; Y02E; Y02E10/00; Y02E10/70
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 38
Claim 1
Independent Claim
99 words
A method of forming a jet of a gaseous fluid for driving a turbine in a heat engine, said method comprising moving a mixture of a vapor and said gaseous fluid through a nozzle so that the expansion of said mixture in said nozzle is sufficient to transform the latent heat of condensation of a substantial portion of said vapor into kinetic energy of said gaseous fluid and cause a substantial portion of said vapor to condense, separating said condensed vapor from said gaseous fluid, and compressing and returning the exhaust from said turbine for reentry to said nozzle.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
99 words
A method of forming a jet of a gaseous fluid for driving a turbine in a heat engine, said method comprising moving a mixture of a vapor and said gaseous fluid through a nozzle so that the expansion of said mixture in said nozzle is sufficient to transform the latent heat of condensation of a substantial portion of said vapor into kinetic energy of said gaseous fluid and cause a substantial portion of said vapor to condense, separating said condensed vapor from said gaseous fluid, and compressing and returning the exhaust from said turbine for reentry to said nozzle.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
103 words
A method of forming a jet of a gaseous fluid for driving a turbine in a heat engine, said method comprising moving a mixture of a vapor and said gaseous fluid through a nozzle so that the expansion of said mixture in said nozzle is sufficient to transform the latent heat of condensation of a substantial portion of said vapor into kinetic energy of said gaseous fluid and cause a substantial portion of said vapor to condense, and returning and revaporizing the condensate of said vapor from the region of said nozzle and said turbine for reentry of said vapor to said nozzle.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
103 words
A method of forming a jet of a gaseous fluid for driving a turbine in a heat engine, said method comprising moving a mixture of a vapor and said gaseous fluid through a nozzle so that the expansion of said mixture in said nozzle is sufficient to transform the latent heat of condensation of a substantial portion of said vapor into kinetic energy of said gaseous fluid and cause a substantial portion of said vapor to condense, and returning and revaporizing the condensate of said vapor from the region of said nozzle and said turbine for reentry of said vapor to said nozzle.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 2 incuding separating said condensed vapor from said gaseous fluid, compressing and returning the exhaust from said turbine for reentry to said nozzle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 3 wherein said gaseous fluid comprises another vapor and including condensing and compressing said other vapor from said turbine exhaust and returning and revaporizing the condensate of said other vapor for reentry to said nozzle.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
98 words
A method of forming a jet of a gaseous fluid for driving a turbine in a heat engine, said method comprising moving a mixture of a vapor and said gaseous fluid through a nozzle so that the expansion of said mixture in said nozzle is sufficient to transform the latent heat of condensation of a substantial portion of said vapor into kinetic energy of said gaseous fluid and cause a substantial portion of said vapor to condense; using moist ambient air as said mixture; and directing said nozzle into ambient wind for moving said mixture through said nozzle.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
98 words
A method of forming a jet of a gaseous fluid for driving a turbine in a heat engine, said method comprising moving a mixture of a vapor and said gaseous fluid through a nozzle so that the expansion of said mixture in said nozzle is sufficient to transform the latent heat of condensation of a substantial portion of said vapor into kinetic energy of said gaseous fluid and cause a substantial portion of said vapor to condense; using moist ambient air as said mixture; and directing said nozzle into ambient wind for moving said mixture through said nozzle.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 5 including using an ejector for outputting the exhaust from said turbine back into said ambient wind.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method of claim 5 including humidifying said ambient wind input to said nozzle.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 5 including using power-driven means for drawing said ambient wind through said nozzle and said turbine.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
105 words
A method of forming a jet of a gaseous fluid for driving a turbine in a heat engine, said method comprising moving a mixture of a vapor and said gaseous fluid through a nozzle so that the expansion of said mixture in said nozzle is sufficient to transform the latent heat of condensation of a substantial portion of said vapor into kinetic energy of said gaseous fluid and cause a substantial portion of said vapor to condense; and including using electrical energy to heat a stored supply of liquid to a sufficient temperature and pressure to serve as an energy source in forming said vapor.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
105 words
A method of forming a jet of a gaseous fluid for driving a turbine in a heat engine, said method comprising moving a mixture of a vapor and said gaseous fluid through a nozzle so that the expansion of said mixture in said nozzle is sufficient to transform the latent heat of condensation of a substantial portion of said vapor into kinetic energy of said gaseous fluid and cause a substantial portion of said vapor to condense; and including using electrical energy to heat a stored supply of liquid to a sufficient temperature and pressure to serve as an energy source in forming said vapor.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
107 words
A thermodynamic process for heat engines that convert the kinetic energy of a gaseous working fluid into shaftwork, said process comprising: a. vaporizing a liquid and combining the resulting vapor with said gaseous working fluid; b. expanding the mixture of said vapor and said gaseous working fluid sufficiently to transform the latent heat of condensation of a substantial portion of said vapor into kinetic energy of said gaseous working fluid and cause a substantial portion of said vapor to condense; c. separating said condensed vapor from said gaseous working fluid; and d. compressing said gaseous working fluid after step b. to repeat step a. without discarding heat.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
107 words
A thermodynamic process for heat engines that convert the kinetic energy of a gaseous working fluid into shaftwork, said process comprising: a. vaporizing a liquid and combining the resulting vapor with said gaseous working fluid; b. expanding the mixture of said vapor and said gaseous working fluid sufficiently to transform the latent heat of condensation of a substantial portion of said vapor into kinetic energy of said gaseous working fluid and cause a substantial portion of said vapor to condense; c. separating said condensed vapor from said gaseous working fluid; and d. compressing said gaseous working fluid after step b. to repeat step a. without discarding heat.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
22 words
The process of claim 10 including compressing said liquid from said condensation of said vapor after step b. for repeating step a.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
108 words
A thermodynamic process for heat engines that convert the kinetic energy of a gaseous working fluid into shaftwork, said process comprising: a. vaporizing a liquid and combining the resulting vapor with said gaseous working fluid; b. expanding the mixture of said vapor and said gaseous working fluid sufficiently to transform the latent heat of condensation of a substantial portion of said vapor into kinetic energy of said gaseous working fluid and cause a substantial portion of said vapor to condense; and c. using electrical energy to heat a stored supply of liquid to a sufficient temperature and pressure to serve as an energy source in forming said vapor.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
108 words
A thermodynamic process for heat engines that convert the kinetic energy of a gaseous working fluid into shaftwork, said process comprising: a. vaporizing a liquid and combining the resulting vapor with said gaseous working fluid; b. expanding the mixture of said vapor and said gaseous working fluid sufficiently to transform the latent heat of condensation of a substantial portion of said vapor into kinetic energy of said gaseous working fluid and cause a substantial portion of said vapor to condense; and c. using electrical energy to heat a stored supply of liquid to a sufficient temperature and pressure to serve as an energy source in forming said vapor.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
105 words
A heat engine having a nozzle and a turbine, and comprising: a. means for moving a mixture of a vapor and a gaseous working fluid through said nozzle; b. said nozzle being arranged for expanding said mixture sufficiently within said nozzle to transform the latent heat of condensation of a substantial portion of said vapor into kinetic energy of said gaseous working fluid and cause a substantial portion of said vapor to condense; c. said turbine being arranged for converting a portion of said kinetic energy into shaftwork; and d. means for direction said nozzle into ambient wind to receive moist air as said mixture.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
105 words
A heat engine having a nozzle and a turbine, and comprising: a. means for moving a mixture of a vapor and a gaseous working fluid through said nozzle; b. said nozzle being arranged for expanding said mixture sufficiently within said nozzle to transform the latent heat of condensation of a substantial portion of said vapor into kinetic energy of said gaseous working fluid and cause a substantial portion of said vapor to condense; c. said turbine being arranged for converting a portion of said kinetic energy into shaftwork; and d. means for direction said nozzle into ambient wind to receive moist air as said mixture.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
16 words
The engine of claim 13 including means for humidifying said ambient wind input to said nozzle.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
21 words
The engine of claim 13 including an ejector arranged for outputting the exhaust from said turbine back into said ambient wind.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
19 words
The engine of claim 13 including power-driven means for drawing said ambient wind throuh said nozzle and said turbine.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
112 words
A heat engine having a nozzle and a turbine, and comprising: a. means for moving a mixture of a vapor and a gaseous working fluid through said nozzle; b. said nozzle being arranged for expanding said mixture sufficiently within said nozzle to transform the latent heat of condensation of a substantial portion of said vapor into kinetic energy of said gaseous working fluid and cause a substantial portion of said vapor to condense; c. said turbine being arranged for converting a portion of said kinetic energy into shaftwork; and d. means for using electrical energy to heat a stored supply of liquid to a sufficient temperature and pressure for forming said vapor.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
112 words
A heat engine having a nozzle and a turbine, and comprising: a. means for moving a mixture of a vapor and a gaseous working fluid through said nozzle; b. said nozzle being arranged for expanding said mixture sufficiently within said nozzle to transform the latent heat of condensation of a substantial portion of said vapor into kinetic energy of said gaseous working fluid and cause a substantial portion of said vapor to condense; c. said turbine being arranged for converting a portion of said kinetic energy into shaftwork; and d. means for using electrical energy to heat a stored supply of liquid to a sufficient temperature and pressure for forming said vapor.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
135 words
A heat engine having a nozzle and a turbine, and comprising: a. a boiler arranged for vaporizing a liquid to form a mixture of a vapor and a gaseous working fluid and to move said mixture through said nozzle; b. said nozzle being arranged for expanding said mixture sufficiently within said nozzle to transform the latent heat of condensation of a substantial portion of said vapor into kinetic energy of said gaseous working fluid and cause a substantial portion of said vapor to condense; c. said turbine being arranged for converting a portion of said kinetic energy into shaftwork; d. means for separating said condensed vapor from said gaseous working fluid; and e. means for compressing said gaseous working fluid that is exhausted from said turbine and using said compressed fluid for reforming said mixture.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
135 words
A heat engine having a nozzle and a turbine, and comprising: a. a boiler arranged for vaporizing a liquid to form a mixture of a vapor and a gaseous working fluid and to move said mixture through said nozzle; b. said nozzle being arranged for expanding said mixture sufficiently within said nozzle to transform the latent heat of condensation of a substantial portion of said vapor into kinetic energy of said gaseous working fluid and cause a substantial portion of said vapor to condense; c. said turbine being arranged for converting a portion of said kinetic energy into shaftwork; d. means for separating said condensed vapor from said gaseous working fluid; and e. means for compressing said gaseous working fluid that is exhausted from said turbine and using said compressed fluid for reforming said mixture.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
20 words
The engine of claim 18 including means for directing said compressed fluid into said boiler to mix with said vapor.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
23 words
The engine of claim 18 wherein said compressing means is a diffuser and including a blower arranged for starting up said heat engine.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
128 words
A heat engine having a nozzle and a turbine, and comprising: a. a boiler arranged for vaporizing a liquid to form a mixture of a vapor and a gaseous working fluid and to move said mixture through said nozzle; b. said nozzle being arranged for expanding said mixture sufficiently within said nozzle to transform the latent heat of condensation of a substantial portion of said vapor into kinetic energy of said gaseous working fluid and cause a substantial portion of said vapor to condense; c. said turbine being arranged for converting a portion of said kinetic energy into shaftwork; and d. means for collecting said liquid as condensate of said vapor from the region of said nozzle and said turbine and for returning said liquid to said boiler.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
128 words
A heat engine having a nozzle and a turbine, and comprising: a. a boiler arranged for vaporizing a liquid to form a mixture of a vapor and a gaseous working fluid and to move said mixture through said nozzle; b. said nozzle being arranged for expanding said mixture sufficiently within said nozzle to transform the latent heat of condensation of a substantial portion of said vapor into kinetic energy of said gaseous working fluid and cause a substantial portion of said vapor to condense; c. said turbine being arranged for converting a portion of said kinetic energy into shaftwork; and d. means for collecting said liquid as condensate of said vapor from the region of said nozzle and said turbine and for returning said liquid to said boiler.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
28 words
The engine of claim 21 including means for compressing said gaseous working fluid that is exhausted from said turbine and using said compressed fluid for reforming said mixture.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
20 words
The engine of claim 22 including means for directing said compressed fluid into said boiler to mix with said vapor.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
38 words
The engine of claim 23 including means for generating electricity from said shaftwork, means for using a portion of said electricity to heat a supply of said liquid, and means for forming said vapor from said heated liquid.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
120 words
A heat engine having a nozzle and a turbine, and comprising: a. means for moving a mixture of a vapor and a gaseous working fluid through said nozzle; b. said nozzle being arranged for expanding said mixture sufficiently within said nozzle to transform the latent heat of condensation of a substantial portion of said vapor into kinetic energy of said gaseous working fluid and cause a substantial portion of said vapor to condense; c. said turbine being arranged for converting a portion of said kinetic energy into shaftwork; and d. means for generating electricity from shaftwork, means for using a portion of said electricity to heat a supply of liquid, and means for forming said vapor from said heated liquid.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
120 words
A heat engine having a nozzle and a turbine, and comprising: a. means for moving a mixture of a vapor and a gaseous working fluid through said nozzle; b. said nozzle being arranged for expanding said mixture sufficiently within said nozzle to transform the latent heat of condensation of a substantial portion of said vapor into kinetic energy of said gaseous working fluid and cause a substantial portion of said vapor to condense; c. said turbine being arranged for converting a portion of said kinetic energy into shaftwork; and d. means for generating electricity from shaftwork, means for using a portion of said electricity to heat a supply of liquid, and means for forming said vapor from said heated liquid.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
50 words
The engine of claim 25 wherein said vapor is water vapor, said gaseous working fluid is air, and said supply of liquid is impure water, and including means for collecting and using the water formed by the condensing of said vapor in the region of said nozzle and said turbine.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
37 words
The engine of claim 21 wherein said gaseous working fluid comprises another vapor and including means for condensing said other vapor after exhaust from said turbine and returning liquid condensate from said other vapor to said boiler.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2151949A
Cited
US2852239A
Cited
US2983332A
Cited
US3358451A
Cited
US3681009A
Cited
DE2308970A1
Cited
US3972195A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-08-14 | 1982-02-13 | 1982-08-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-08-14 | 1986-02-13 | 1986-08-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-08-14 | 1990-02-13 | 1990-08-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |