US4481775A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Stored energy power generating system
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1981-01-05
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Granted: 1984-11-13
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Expires: 2001-01-05
Abstract
Abstract A system which stores and uses thermal and chemical energy to provide shaft power during either the charging or discharging cycles. The system is based upon a reversible transfer of gaseous fluid from a holding tank to a receiver. In operation, the fluid generates electricity or other mechanical power by doing work on a turbine or other device positioned between the tank and receiver. The fluid is heated by an external source and is particularly adapted for use with solar energy. The working fluid and an absorbent combine to form the chemical solution. In the charge cycle, heat is applied to the holding tank which distills the fluid. The fluid condenses in the condenser and is held in the receiver. In the discharge cycle, heat is transferred from the still warm holding tank to the receiver by means of piping. The fluid vaporizes and returns to the holding tank. The fluid dilutes the concentrated solution, thereby releasing more heat which in turn is transferred back to the receiver to continue the vaporization of the fluid. The charge cycle is then repeated when solar energy heats the holding tank and distills the working fluid from the diluted solution until most of the fluid is driven from the solution.
Inventors
- 👤 John Beveridge
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 22:57
CPC Classifications
F; F01; F01K; F01K25/00; F01K25/06; F01K25/065
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
72 words
A method of cycling thermodynamic energy comprising: adding heat to a working fluid in a receiver means to vaporize said fluid; passing said fluid vapors through a conversion means; condensing vapors of said working fluid; accumulating said working fluid in a holding tank containing an absorbent which has a strong molecular attraction for said fluid; transferring heat from said fluid and absorbent in said tank to said fluid in said receiver means.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
72 words
A method of cycling thermodynamic energy comprising: adding heat to a working fluid in a receiver means to vaporize said fluid; passing said fluid vapors through a conversion means; condensing vapors of said working fluid; accumulating said working fluid in a holding tank containing an absorbent which has a strong molecular attraction for said fluid; transferring heat from said fluid and absorbent in said tank to said fluid in said receiver means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method as recited in claim 1 further comprising pumping said fluid from said receiver means into said tank.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
111 words
A system comprising: a holding tank containing a solution further comprising an absorbent and a working fluid; condenser means for condensing vapor of said working fluid; receiver means for containing said condensed vapors of said working fluid; means for adding thermal energy to said solution in said tank for charging said system; means for transferring thermal energy from said solution in said holding tank to vaporize said working fluid in said receiver means for discharging said system; working fluid vapor expansion means for utilizing available thermodynamic energy during charging or discharging of said system; piping means for interconnecting said tank, said vapor expansion means, said condenser means, and said receiver means.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
111 words
A system comprising: a holding tank containing a solution further comprising an absorbent and a working fluid; condenser means for condensing vapor of said working fluid; receiver means for containing said condensed vapors of said working fluid; means for adding thermal energy to said solution in said tank for charging said system; means for transferring thermal energy from said solution in said holding tank to vaporize said working fluid in said receiver means for discharging said system; working fluid vapor expansion means for utilizing available thermodynamic energy during charging or discharging of said system; piping means for interconnecting said tank, said vapor expansion means, said condenser means, and said receiver means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system as recited in claim 3, wherein said working fluid expansion means includes means for utilizing available thermodynamic energy during both charging and discharging of said system.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
A system as recited in claim 4 further comprising pumping means for pumping condensed liquid working fluid into said tank.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system as recited in claim 3 wherein said working fluid expansion means is a fluid dynamic turbine.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
A system as recited in claim 4 further comprising means for superheating working fluid vapors from said receiver means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
A system as recited in claim 3 wherein said working fluid is water and said absorbent is an acid.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
A system as recited in claim 8 wherein said acid is sulphuric acid.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
A system as recited in claim 8 wherein said absorbent is a base.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
A system as recited in claim 3 wherein said absorbent includes a salt.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
A system as recited in claim 3 wherein said working fluid includes a hydrocarbon.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
A system as recited in claim 3 wherein said working fluid is a fluorocarbon.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
119 words
A system comprising: a tank containing a solution further comprising an absorbent and a working fluid; working fluid vapor expansion means for converting available thermodynamic energy into kinetic energy; condenser means for condensing vapors of said working fluid; receiver means for containing said working fluid; heat exchanger means corrected to said receiver means for producing a refrigeration effect during discharge of said system by flowing heat to said working fluid; means for removing thermal energy from said solution in said tank during discharge of said system; means for adding thermal energy to said solution in said tank to charge said system; and piping means for interconnecting said receiver means, said vapor expansion means, said condensing means, and said tank.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
119 words
A system comprising: a tank containing a solution further comprising an absorbent and a working fluid; working fluid vapor expansion means for converting available thermodynamic energy into kinetic energy; condenser means for condensing vapors of said working fluid; receiver means for containing said working fluid; heat exchanger means corrected to said receiver means for producing a refrigeration effect during discharge of said system by flowing heat to said working fluid; means for removing thermal energy from said solution in said tank during discharge of said system; means for adding thermal energy to said solution in said tank to charge said system; and piping means for interconnecting said receiver means, said vapor expansion means, said condensing means, and said tank.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
DE317928C
Cited
US4009575A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-11-13 | 1988-05-14 | 1988-11-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-11-13 | 1992-05-14 | 1992-11-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-11-13 | 1996-05-14 | 1996-11-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |