Patent ID: 8132412
Filing Date: 2012-03-13
Classification: B64C,B64D,F01K,F03G,Y02E,Y02T

Abstract:
1. A Rankine-Brayton hybrid thermodynamic cycle heat engine comprising: a pump for pressurizing a sub-critical pressure liquid-phase working fluid to a supercritical pressure; heat storage means for storing thermal energy and using the stored thermal energy to heat the supercritical pressure liquid-phase working fluid to a supercritical temperature, supercritical pressure phase; a positive displacement expander for substantially adiabatically expanding the supercritical temperature, supercritical pressure working fluid to reduce the pressure of the working fluid back to a sub-critical pressure level; and a condenser in thermal contact with the ambient environment for condensing the sub-critical pressure working fluid back to the sub-critical temperature liquid phase, whereby thermal energy from said heat storage means is converted to mechanical energy; and means for controlling the supercritical pressurization of working fluid produced by the pump, said means for controlling including a pressure gauge for measuring the pressure level of the supercritical pressure working fluid.