Patent ID: 7810330
Filing Date: 2010-10-12
Classification: F01K

Abstract:
1. A method for generating power from an ambient environment, the method comprising: providing a thermodynamic engine in the ambient environment, wherein the thermodynamic engine is configured to convert heat provided in the form of a temperature differential to a nonheat form of energy; providing a heat-conduction assembly disposed in the ambient environment, the heat conduction assembly comprising a heat-transport medium in thermal communication with the thermodynamic engine, wherein conditions in the ambient environment induce a phase transition in the heat-transport medium that causes the temperature differential with the ambient environment; running the thermodynamic engine to convert heat energy from the temperature differential with the ambient environment into the nonheat form of energy; and renewing the heat-transport medium by allowing the ambient environment to change conditions to induce a reverse phase transition in the heat-transport medium, whereby the heat-transport medium may repeatedly or continuously undergo the phase transition that causes the temperature differential with the ambient environment.