US4843823A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Use of ejectors for high temperature power generation
Assignee: University of Pennsylvania
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Filing: 1988-06-09
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Granted: 1989-07-04
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Expires: 2008-06-09
Abstract
Abstract Heat engines having improved efficiencies are provided. In accordance with preferred embodiments, topping cycle engines are provided employing ejectors. Use of ejectors in accordance with the invention permits higher high side temperatures while permitting work extraction devices to be operated at standard temperatures. A preferred sodium-helium system is described in detail.
Inventors
- 👤 Ben Z. Freedman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 21:45
CPC Classifications
F; F01; F01K; F01K25/00; F01K25/06; F01K23/00; F01K23/02; F01K23/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
71 words
An improved heat engine comprising a heat source; primary fluid in thermal contact with the heat source; ejector means for mixing a secondary fluid with the primary fluid after the primary fluid has contacted the heat source; means for removing heat energy from the mixed fluid and for separating said primary and secondary fluids; and means for extracting work from the secondary fluid subsequent to its separation from the primary fluid.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
71 words
An improved heat engine comprising a heat source; primary fluid in thermal contact with the heat source; ejector means for mixing a secondary fluid with the primary fluid after the primary fluid has contacted the heat source; means for removing heat energy from the mixed fluid and for separating said primary and secondary fluids; and means for extracting work from the secondary fluid subsequent to its separation from the primary fluid.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The heat engine of claim 1 wherein the primary fluid is an alkali metal and the secondary fluid is an inert gas.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The heat engine of claim 1 wherein the primary fluid is sodium and the secondary fluid is helium.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The heat engine of claim 1 further comprising means for compressing the primary fluid prior to thermal contact with the heat source.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The heat engine of claim 1 wherein the means for removing heat energy from the mixed fluids comprises a further heat engine.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The heat engine of claim 5 wherein the further heat engine comprises a Rankine cycle engine.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The heat engine of claim 1 wherein the secondary fluid is a gas and the work extraction means comprises turbine means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
The heat engine of claim 1 wherein the primary fluid changes from a liquid to a gaseous state upon contacting the heat source.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The heat engine of claim 8 wherein the primary fluid is separated from the secondary fluid by returning to the liquid phase.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
The heat engine of claim 1 wherein the primary fluid attains a temperature of at least about 1200° K. upon contacting the heat source.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
52 words
A method for extracting work from a heat source comprising: contacting the source with a primary fluid; mixing with the primary fluid a secondary fluid in ejector means; removing heat from the mixed fluids in a heat engine means; separating the primary and secondary fluids; and extracting work from the secondary fluid.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
52 words
A method for extracting work from a heat source comprising: contacting the source with a primary fluid; mixing with the primary fluid a secondary fluid in ejector means; removing heat from the mixed fluids in a heat engine means; separating the primary and secondary fluids; and extracting work from the secondary fluid.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 11 wherein the primary fluid is an alkali metal and the secondary fluid is an inert gas.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 11 wherein the primary fluid is sodium and the secondary fluid is helium.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 11 further comprising compressing the primary fluid prior to thermal contact with the heat source.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method of claim 11 wherein the heat engine means is a Rankine cycle engine.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 11 wherein the secondary fluid is a gas and the work extraction comprises passing the separated gas through turbine means.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 11 wherein the primary fluid attains a temperature of at least about 1200° K. upon contacting the heat source.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1992-07-03 | 1993-01-02 | 1993-07-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1996-07-03 | 1997-01-02 | 1997-07-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2000-07-03 | 2001-01-02 | 2001-07-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |