Abstract:
The subject system provides a use of clean and environmentally friendly steam technology in place of a compression ignition system. The system used a free piston pump having a double acting pump. A first valve and a second valve are actuated by steam or hydraulically driven providing a fast response. And, each of the first valve and the second valve can be adapted to operate as a 3-way valve having an open position a closed position and an exhaust position. The design allows an improvement over existing compression ignition systems and can utilize a super low emission external combustion system as a power source which operates at a greater efficiency and decreases fuel consumption via regeneration. The present system can expand the steam until the quality drops below 1 into the region of saturated vapor. This adds to the potential efficiency by extracting more energy from the steam in the system. The system converts steam power to hydraulic power. And, to insure maximum efficiency saturated steam and water are uniquely removed from the steam power converting source.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0001]     This concept relates generally to a system wherein a free piston pump is actuated by steam power, and more particularly to applying clean and environmentally friendly steam technology in place of a compression ignition system.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     Past practice has used steam power to expand a turbine and convert the steam power to mechanical power for driving other implements such as a generator, a pump or mechanical drive such as a transmission. Other systems have converted fuel energy to mechanical power, such as diesel fuel energy to hydraulic power.  
         [0003]     A present day application is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,990,243 issued to John Gordon Davoud on Nov. 9, 1976. The above identified system or cycle discloses a steam or other condensable vapor being heated to a maximum temperature at a maximum pressure and being permitted by the system to expand to a lower pressure in a positive displacement expander. The expanded fluid is then further expanded in a turbine. A portion of the fluid in the turbine is withdrawn and directed to a positive displacement compressor and compressed to the maximum operating pressure while introducing the condensate of the remaining portion of the vapor into the compressor. The compressed fluid is then reheated to maximum temperature and the cycle is repeated.  
         [0004]     What is needed is a design which economically and environmentally converts fuel energy to drive other implements.  
         [0005]     The unique design included herein converts a clean and environmentally friendly steam technology in place of a compression ignition system. The design allows an improvement over existing compression ignition systems and can utilize a super low emission external combustion system as a power source which operates at a greater efficiency and decreases fuel consumption via regeneration. Unlike the turbine expander, the present system does not require steam of quality  1  and can expand the steam until the quality drops below 1 into the region of saturated vapor. This adds to the potential efficiency by extracting more energy from the steam in the system.  
         [0006]     The system converts steam power to hydraulic power. And, to insure maximum efficiency saturated steam and water are uniquely removed from the steam power converting source.  
         [0007]     The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth above.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     In one aspect of the invention, a system is operated by an outside source of fluid and produces hydraulic power. The system is comprised of a free piston pump being operated by the outside source fluid and a control system. The free piston pump is operated by the outside source fluid. The free piston pump has a housing having a pair of chambers positioned therein, a pair of end covers having a pair of chambers therein, a first valve being operatively attached to one of the pair of end cover. The first valve is movable into an open position fluidly connecting the fluid with one of the pair of chambers. A second valve is operatively attached to another one of the pair of end covers. The second valve is movable into an open position fluidly connecting the fluid with another one of the pair of chambers. At least a single piston is slidably positioned in at least one of the pair of chambers. A shaft is attached to the piston and has a first end being slidably positioned in one of the pair of chambers. A control system includes a computer, a plurality of sensors being attached to the free piston pump, and a plurality of lines interconnecting the sensors and the computer.  
         [0009]     In another aspect of the invention, a free piston pump is operated by an outside source fluid. The free piston pump comprises a housing having a pair of chambers positioned therein; a pair of end covers having a pair of chambers therein; a first valve being operatively attached to one of the pair of end cover, the first valve being movable into an open position fluidly connecting the fluid with one of the pair of chambers; a second valve being operatively attached to another one of the pair of end covers, the second valve being movable into an open position fluidly connecting the fluid with another one of the pair of chambers; a pair of pistons, one of the pair of pistons being slidably positioned in each one of the pair of chambers; a first shaft being attached to one of the pair of pistons, the first shaft having a first end being slidably positioned in one of the pair of chambers; a second shaft being attached to another of the pair of pistons, the second shaft having a first end being slidably position in another one of the pair of chambers.  
         [0010]     In another aspect of the invention, a method of operating a system wherein a free piston pump receives power from an outside source of fluid, the free piston pump has a piston positioned in a chamber and a shaft positioned in another chamber comprises the steps of: sensing a plurality of positions of the piston within the chamber with a plurality of sensors; sending a signal from the plurality of sensors to a computer; directing the fluid to the chamber; moving the piston within the chamber; causing the shaft to move within the another chamber; and displacing a high pressure fluid from the another chamber. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]      FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic and systematic view of a system for operating the present unique design disclosing a free piston pump;  
         [0012]      FIG. 2  is a diagrammatic and systematic view of a system for operating the present unique design disclosing an alternative for the free piston pump disclosed in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0013]      FIG. 3  is a further example of a free piston pump having different sized pistons;  
         [0014]      FIG. 4  is an example of a simple Rankin T-s diagram describing the operation of the system; and  
         [0015]      FIG. 5  is a T-s diagram of a proposed steam operating cycle. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0016]     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a system or means for converting  6  steam or another condensable vapor or fluid as a power source to hydraulic power is shown. The system  6  includes a source of condensable vapor or fluid  12 , a free piston pump or means for pumping  14 , a plurality of tubes or passages  16  for interconnecting the fluid  12  with the free piston pump  14 , a plurality of tubes or passages  18  for exhausting the fluid  12 , a plurality of tubes or passages  20  for transporting a high pressure fluid, hydraulic power,  22  exiting from the free piston pump  14  for external use outside the system  6 , a plurality of tubes or passages  24  for transporting a low pressure fluid  25  for internal use within the system  6  and a plurality of valves  26  make up the system  6 . The system  6  also includes a control system or means for controlling  28 .  
         [0017]     The fluid  12  within the disclosure is also designated as a means for a power source, the free piston pump  14  is also designated as a means for pumping, the plurality of tubes or passages  18  for exhausting the fluid  12  is also designated as a means for exhausting, the plurality of tubes or passages  20  for transporting a high pressure fluid  22  is also designated as a means for transporting a high pressure fluid  22 , the plurality of tubes or passages  24  for transporting a low pressure fluid  25  is also designated as a means for transporting a low pressure fluid  25  and the plurality of valve  26  is also designated as a means for valving.  
         [0018]     The source of condensable vapor or fluid  12  is supplied externally by a plurality of methods, such as from a fuel burning steam boiler or a cogeneration system, diesel exhaust reheat or gas turbine exhaust reheat. However, as an alternative the fluid  12  source could be a direct part of the system. The free piston pump  14 , in this application, includes a housing  30  defining a first end surface  32 , a second end surface  34  and at least one side surfaces  36 . For example, if the housing  30  is cylindrical there will be only a single side surface; however, if the housing  30  is rectangular there will be four side surfaces, etc. A bore  38  is positioned within the housing  30  and extends between the first end  32  and the second end surface  34 . The bore  38  has a preestablished circumferential configuration, which in this application is generally cylindrical and substantially circular. As an alternative, the bore  38  could be elliptical, rectangular or any other configuration without varying the gist of the design. A plurality of threaded bores  40  having a preestablished geometrical configuration are threadedly positioned in each of the first end surface  32  and the second end surface  34 . A pair of end covers  50  each define a first surface  52  and a second surface  54  being spaced one from the other a preestablished distance. A plurality of through bores  56  having the same preestablished geometrical configuration of the plurality of threaded bores  40  extend between the first surface  52  and the second surface  54  of each of the pair of end covers  50 . The first surface  52  of one of the pair of end covers  50  is in contacting sealing relationship with the first end surface  32  of the housing  30 . And, the first surface  52  of the other of the pair of end covers  50  is in contacting sealing relationship with the second end surface  34  of the housing  30 . A plurality of fasteners, such as bolts  60  removably attach the respective one of the pair of end covers  50  to the housing  30 . As an alternative, a plurality of through bores and bolts or threaded rod could be used in place of the bolts  60  and threaded bores  56  to removably fasten the housing  30  with the pair of end covers  50 . As a further alternative, at least one of the pair of end covers  50  could be integral with the housing  30  or fixedly attached thereto. In this application, the surface finish of the first end surface  34  of the housing  30  and the first surface  52  of the pair of end covers  50  and the second end surface  36  of the housing  30  and the first surface  52  of the pair of end covers  50  respectively seal the pair of end covers  50  with the housing  30 . As an alternative, a gasket may be interposed the pair of end covers  50  and the housing  30 . Each of the pair of end covers  50  has a blind bore  62  extending from the first surface  52  toward the second surface  54 . The blind bore  62  has a preestablished diameter and defines a bottom  64 . A shaft  70  having a preestablished configuration which in this application is designed as a diameter. The blind bore  62  defines a first end  72  and a second end  74 . A piston  76  having a preestablished circumferential configuration to match that of the bore  38  in the housing  30  is positioned on the shaft  70  intermediate the first end  72  and the second end  74  of the shaft  70 . The piston  76  defines a first surface  78  and a second surface  80  being spaced one from the other a preestablished distance. The first end  72  of the shaft  70  is slidingly positioned in blind bore  62  of one of the pair of end covers  50 , the piston  76  is slidingly positioned in the bore  38  and the second end  74  of the shaft  70  is slidingly positioned in the other one of the pair of end covers  50 . In this application, a seal  82  is interposed the shaft  70  and the blind bore  62  near the first surface  52  in each of the pair of end covers  50 . And, a seal  84  is located intermediate the first surface  78  and the second surface  80  along the circumferential contour. Thus, with the piston  76  positioned in the bore  38 , the seal is interposed the piston  76  and the bore  38  in the housing  30 .  
         [0019]     A first chamber  86  is formed between one of the first surface  78  or the second surface  80  the piston  76  and the first surface  52  of one of the pair of end covers  50  and a second chamber  88  is formed between the other of the first surface  78  or the second surface  80  of the piston  76  and the first surface  52  of the other one of the pair of end covers  50 . A third chamber  90  is formed between the first end  72  of the shaft  70  and the bottom  64  of the respective blind bore  62 . A fourth chamber  92  is formed between the second end  74  of the shaft  70  and the bottom  64  of the respective blind bore  62 . The first chamber  86  and the second chamber  88 , with the piston  76  spaced from the first surface  52  an equal distance, has an equal preestablished volume. And, the third chamber  90  and the fourth chamber  92 , with the first end  72  and the second end  74  of the shaft  70  spaced from the bottom  64  an equal distance, has an equal preestablished volume. In this application, a first tube  94  of the plurality of tubes or passages  16  for interconnecting the fluid  12  with the free piston pump  14  extends from the source of fluid  12  to a first valve or high pressure valve  96  of the plurality of valve  26 . The first valve  96  is of a fast actuating steam or hydraulically driven design. And, a second tube  97  of the plurality of tubes or passages  16  extends from the first valve  96  to a passage  98  of the plurality of tubes or passages  16  extending through one of the pair of covers  50  and exiting the first surface  52  into the first chamber  86 . As an alternative the first valve  96  may be attached to the housing  30  thus, eliminating the need for the second tube  97 . The first valve  96  is movable between a closed position  100  in which a flow of fluid  12  is prevented from flowing and an open position  102  in which a flow of fluid  12  is allowed to flow. And, further in this application, a third tube  110  of the plurality of tubes or passages  16  for interconnecting the fluid  12  with the free piston pump  14  extends from the source of fluid  12  to a second valve or high pressure valve  112  of the plurality of valve  26 . The second valve  112  is of a fast actuating steam or hydraulically driven design. And, a fourth tube  114  of the plurality of tubes or passages  16  extends from the second valve  112  to a passage  116  of the plurality of tubes or passages  16  extending through one of the pair of covers  50  and exiting the first surface  52  into the second chamber  88 . As an alternative the second valve  112  may be attached to the housing  30  thus, eliminating the need for the fourth tube  114 . The second valve  112  is movable between a closed position  118  in which a flow of fluid  12  is prevented from flowing and an open position  119  in which a flow of fluid  12  is allowed to flow. In this application, the plurality of tubes or passages  18  for exhausting the fluid  12  includes a third or exhaust valve  120  of the plurality of valve  26  is connected to a fifth tube  122  which is connected to a passage  124 . The third valve  120  has a venting or exhaust position  121 . The passage  124  extends through one of the pair of end covers  50  and exits the first surface  52 , thus being connected to the first chamber  86 . As an alternative the third valve  120  may be attached to the housing  30  thus, eliminating the need for the fifth tube  122 . A fourth or exhaust valve  126  of the plurality of valve  26  is connected to a sixth tube  128  which is connected to a passage  130 . The passage  130  extends through the other one of the pair of end covers  50  and exits the first surface  52 , thus being connected to the second chamber  88 . As an alternative the fourth valve  126  may be attached to the housing  30  thus, eliminating the need for the sixth tube  128 . The fourth valve  126  is of a fast actuating steam or hydraulically driven design. And, the fourth valve  126  has a venting or exhausting position  132 .  
         [0020]     In this application, the plurality of tubes or passages  20  for transporting a high pressure fluid, hydraulic power  22  exiting from the free piston pump  14  for external use outside the system  6  includes an accumulator  140  being used for high pressure fluid  22 , a seventh tube  142  extending from the accumulator  140  to a passage  144 . The passage  144  extends through one of the pair of end covers  50  and exits into the third chamber  90  between one of the first end  72  or the second end  74  of the shaft  70  and the bottom  64  of the respective blind bore  62 . As an alternative the accumulator  140  may be attached to the housing  30  thus, eliminating the need for the seventh tube  142 . A fifth valve or high pressure check valve  148  of the plurality of valves  26  is interposed the accumulator  140  and the third chamber  90 . An eight tube  150  extending from the accumulator  140  to a passage  152 . The passage  152  extends through the other one of the pair of end covers  50  and exits into the fourth chamber  92  between one of the first end  72  or the second end  74  of the shaft  70  and the bottom  64  of the respective blind bore  62 . A sixth valve or high pressure check valve  154  of the plurality of valves  26  is interposed the accumulator  140  and the fourth chamber  92 . A ninth tube  156  communicates the high pressure fluid  22  to one of a plurality of output uses. As an alternative if the accumulator  140  is attached to the housing  30  the need for the eight tube  150  is eliminated.  
         [0021]     Further in this application, the plurality of tubes or passages  24  for transporting low pressure fluid  25  for internal use includes an accumulator  160  being used for low pressure fluid  25 , a tenth tube  162  extending from the accumulator  160  to a passage  164 . The passage  164  extends through one of the pair of end covers  50  and exits into the third chamber  90  between one of the first end  72  or the second end  74  of the shaft  70  and the bottom  64  of the respective blind bore  62 . As an alternative the accumulator  160  may be attached to the housing  30  thus, eliminating the need for the tenth tube  162 . A seventh valve or low pressure check valve  168  of the plurality of valves  26  is interposed the accumulator  160  and the third chamber  90 . An eleventh tube  170  extending from the accumulator  160  to a passage  172 . The passage  172  extends through the other one of the pair of end covers  50  and exits into the fourth chamber  92  between one of the first end  72  or the second end  74  of the shaft  70  and the bottom  64  of the respective blind bore  62 . An eight valve or low pressure check valve  174  of the plurality of valves  26  is interposed the accumulator  160  and the fourth chamber  92 . As an alternative if the accumulator  160  is attached to the housing  30  the need for the eleventh tube  170  is eliminated.  
         [0022]     In reference to  FIG. 2 , another version of the system  6  is shown having an alternative free piston pump  14  configuration, common components will retain the same reference numeral, the free piston pump  14  includes the housing  30  defining the first end  32 , the second end  34  and at least one side surface  36 . A plurality of through bores  180  extend between the first end  32  and the second end  34  and have a preestablished geometrical configuration. A first blind bore  182  extends from one of the first end  32  or the second  34  toward the other respective first end  32  or second end  34  a preestablished distance forming a bottom  184  of the first blind bore  182 . A second blind bore  186  extends from the other of the first end  32  or the second end  34  toward the other respective first end  32  or second end  34  a preestablished distance forming a bottom  188  of the second blind bore  186 . The first blind bore  182  and the second blind bore  188  are radially offset one from the other and the bottom  184  of the first blind bore  182  and the bottom  188  of the second blind bore  186  extend axially beyond each other into the housing  30 . A plurality of threaded bores  190  extend into the housing  30  from each of the first end  32  and the second end  34 . The plurality of threaded bores  190  have a preestablished geometrical configuration. The pair of end covers  50  each define the first surface  52  and the second surface  54  being spaced one from the other a preestablished distance. The plurality of through bores  56 , having the same preestablished geometrical configuration of the plurality of threaded bores  190 , extend between the first surface  52  and the second surface  54  of each of the pair of end covers  50 . The first surface  52  of one of the pair of end covers  50  is in contacting sealing relationship with the first end surface  32  of the housing  30 . And, the first surface  52  of the other of the pair of end covers  50  is in contacting sealing relationship with the second end surface  34  of the housing  30 . A plurality of fasteners, such as bolts  60  removably attach the respective one of the pair of end covers  50  to the housing  30 . As an alternative, a plurality of through bores and bolts or threaded rod could be used in place of the bolts  60  and threaded bores  190  to removably fasten the housing  30  with the pair of end covers  50 . As a further alternative, at least one of the pair of end covers  50  could be integral with the housing  30  or fixedly attached thereto. Again, the surface finish of the first end surface  34  of the housing  30  and the first surface  52  of pair of end covers  50  and the second end surface  36  of the housing  30  and the first surface  52  of the pair of end covers  50  respectfully seal the pair of end covers  50  with the housing  30 . As an alternative, a gasket may be interposed the pair of end covers  50  and the housing  30 . Each of the pair of end covers  50  has a blind bore  62  extending from the first surface  52  toward the second surface  54 . The blind bore  62  has a preestablished configuration of which in this application is designed as a diameter. The blind bore  62  and defines a bottom  64 . A pair of pistons  76  each define the first surface  78  and the second surface  80 . Each of the pair of pistons  76  have a preestablished configuration to match that of the blind bore  62  in each of the pair of end covers  50 . A plurality of rods  200  each have a first end  202  and a second end  204 . The plurality of rods  200  interconnect the pair of pistons  76  one to the other at each of the first surface  78  and or the second surface  80 . A first shaft  206  has a preestablished diameter, a first end  208  and a second end  210 . A second shaft  212  has a preestablished diameter, a first end  214  and a second end  216 . One of the first shaft  206  and the second shaft  212  has one of the first end  208 , 214  or the second end  210 , 216  attached to one of the first surface  78  or second surface  80  of the pair of pistons  76 . The plurality of rods  200  are slidably positioned in the plurality of through bores  180 , the pair of pistons  76  are slidably positioned in the respective blind bore  62  in each of the pair of end covers  50  and the first shaft  206  and the second shaft  112  is slidably positioned in a respective one of the first blind bore  182  and the second blind bore  186 . With the proper fit or clearance no bearing are required; however, if desirable bearing may be added without changing the aspects of the design. The seal  82  is interposed each of the first shaft  206  and the second shaft  212  and the respective one of the first blind bore  182  and the second blind bore  186  near the respective first end surface  32  and the second end surface  34 . And, the seal  84  is located intermediate the first surface  78  and the second surface  80  of each of the pair of pistons  76  along the circumferential contour. Thus, with the pair of pistons  76  positioned in the respective blind bore  62 , the seal  84  is interposed each one of the pair of pistons  76  and the respective blind bore  62  in the respective one of the pair of end covers  50 .  
         [0023]     The first chamber  86  is formed between one of the first surface  78  or the second surface  80  of the pair of pistons  76  and the bottom surface  64  of one of the pair of end covers  50  and the second chamber  88  is formed between the other of the first surface  78  or the second surface  80  of the piston  76  and the bottom surface  64  of the other one of the pair of end covers  50 . The third chamber  90  is formed between one of the first end  208  or the second end  210  of the first shaft  206  and the bottom  188  of the second blind bore  186 . The fourth chamber  92  is formed between one of the first end  214  and the second end  216  of the second shaft  212  and the bottom  184  of the first blind bore  182 .  
         [0024]     In this application, the first tube  94  of the plurality of tubes or passages  16  for interconnecting the fluid  12  with the free piston pump  14  extends from the source of fluid  12  to the first valve  96  acting as a high pressure valve of the plurality of valve  26 . And, the second tube  97  of the plurality of tubes or passages  16  extends from the first valve  96  to the passage  98  of the plurality of tubes or passages  16  extending through one of the pair of covers  50  and exiting the bottom  64  of the blind bore  62  into the first chamber  86 . As an alternative the first valve  96  may be attached to the end cover  50  thus, eliminating the need for the second tube  97 . And, further in this application, the third tube  110  of the plurality of tubes or passages  16  for interconnecting the fluid  12  with the free piston pump  14  extends from the source of fluid  12  to the second valve  112  acting as a high pressure valve of the plurality of valve  26 . And, the fourth tube  114  of the plurality of tubes or passages  16  extends from the second valve  112  to the passage  116  of the plurality of tubes or passages  16  extending through one of the pair of covers  50  and exiting the bottom  64  of the blind bore  62  into the second chamber  88 . As an alternative the second valve  112  may be attached to the end cover  50  thus, eliminating the need for the fourth tube  114 . The first valve  96  and the second valve  112  in addition to being movable between a closed position  100 , 118  in which a flow of fluid  12  is prevented from flowing and an open position  102 , 119  in which a flow of fluid  12  is allowed to flow is movable into a third position, a venting position or an exhaust position  218 , as shown in phantom in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0025]     In this application, the plurality of tubes or passages  18  for exhausting the fluid  12  includes the first valve  96  now acting as an exhaust valve of the plurality of valve  26  is connected to the second tube  97  which is connected to the passage  98 . The passage  98  extends through one of the pair of end covers  50  and exits the bottom  64  of the blind bore  62 , thus being connected to the first chamber  86 . As an alternative the first valve  96  may be attached to the end cover  50  thus, eliminating the need for the second tube  97 . The second valve  112  now acting as a low pressure valve of the plurality of valve  26  is connected to the fourth tube  114  which is connected to the passage  116 . The passage  116  extends through the other one of the pair of end covers  50  and exits the bottom  64  of the blind bore  62 , thus being connected to the second chamber  88 . As an alternative the second valve  112  may be attached to the end cover  50  thus, eliminating the need for the fourth tube  114 .  
         [0026]     In this application, the plurality of tubes or passages  20  for transporting a high pressure fluid, hydraulic power  22  exiting from the free piston pump  14  for external use outside the system  6  includes the accumulator  140  being used for high pressure fluid  22 , the seventh tube  142  extending from the accumulator  140  to the passage  144 . The passage  144  extends through the housing  30  and exits into the third chamber  90  between one of the first end  208  or the second end  210  of the first shaft  206  and the bottom  188  of the second blind bore  186 . As an alternative the accumulator  140  may be attached to the housing  30  thus, eliminating the need for the seventh tube  142 . The fifth valve or high pressure check valve  148  of the plurality of valves  26  is interposed the accumulator  140  and the third chamber  90 . The eight tube  150  extending from the accumulator  140  to the passage  152 . The passage  152  extends through the housing  30  and exits into the fourth chamber  92  between one of the first end  214  or the second end  216  of the second shaft  212  and the bottom  184  of the first blind bore  182 . The sixth valve or high pressure check valve  154  of the plurality of valves  26  is interposed the accumulator  140  and the fourth chamber  92 . The ninth tube  156  communicates the high pressure fluid  22  to one of a plurality of output uses. As an alternative if the accumulator  140  is attached to the housing  30  the need for the eight tube  150  is eliminated.  
         [0027]     Further in this application, the plurality of tubes or passages  24  for transporting low pressure fluid  25  for internal use includes the accumulator  160  being used for low pressure fluid  25 , the tenth tube  162  extending from the accumulator  160  to the passage  164 . The passage  164  extends through the housing  30  and exits into the third chamber  90  along the bottom  188  of the second blind bore  186 . As an alternative the accumulator  160  may be attached to the housing  30  thus, eliminating the need for the tenth tube  162 . The seventh valve or low pressure check valve  168  of the plurality of valves  26  is interposed the accumulator  160  and the third chamber  90 . The eleventh tube  170  extending from the accumulator  160  to the passage  172 . The passage  172  extends through the housing  30  and exits into the fourth chamber  92  along the bottom  184  of the first blind bore  182 . The eight valve or low pressure check valve  174  of the plurality of valves  26  is interposed the accumulator  160  and the fourth chamber  92 . As an alternative if the accumulator  160  is attached to the housing  30  the need for the eleventh tube  170  is eliminated.  
         [0028]     With reference to  FIG. 3 , the system  6  is shown having an alternative free piston pump  14  configuration from that of  FIG. 2  in that the pair of pistons  76  each have a different diameter. And, a steam reheating system or means for reheating  300  is shown. Common components will retain the same reference numeral. Only the different or added components will be defined and the remaining components are identical to those defined with reference to  FIG. 2 . One of the pair of pistons  76  has a preestablished diameter being less than that of the other one of the pair of pistons  76 . The smaller diameter piston will be designated with a primed number  76 ′ and the larger piston  76  will remain void of a prime. A twelfth tube  302  of the plurality of tubes or passages  18  for exhausting the fluid is attached to the first valve  96  at an end and enters an inlet end  304  of a steam reheating device  306  at another end of the twelfth tube  302 . A thirteenth tube  308  of the plurality of tubes or passages  18  for exhausting the fluid extends from the second valve  112  and is attached to the inlet end  304  of the steam reheating device  306 . A fourteenth tube  310  of the plurality of tubes or passages  16  for interconnecting the fluid  12  with the free piston pump  14  is attached to an outlet end  312  of the steam reheating device  306  at an end. And, the other end of the fifteenth tube  310  is attached to the second valve  112 .  
         [0029]     The control system  28  of the system  6 , is controlled and functionally operated by a computer or means for computing  330 . A plurality of sensors or means for sensing  332  and lines or means for connecting  334  interconnect with the computer  330  in a conventional manner. A portion of the plurality of sensors  332  are positioned on or in operating relationship with each of the valves  96 , 112 , 120 , 126  the chambers  86 , 88 , 90 , 92 , the position of the pistons  76 , 76 ′, the accumulators  140 , 160 , the steam supply  12 , the high pressure outlet  156  and the steam reheating device  306 .  
         [0030]     In  FIG. 4 , a simple Rankin T-s diagram describes the operation of the system  6 . The abscissa represents entropy and the ordinate represents temperature. Water in a liquid state, along the x axis the water changes to steam, from liquid to gas. And, along the y axis a change in temperature is represented. For example, points along the graph represent the following: from 1 to 2 represents water being pressurized to achieve a high system pressure; from points  2  to  3  heat is introduced to the pressurized water; from 3 to 4 superheated steam is expanded in the pump  14  and from 4 to 1 steam is condensed.  
         [0031]     In  FIG. 5 , a T-s diagram of the proposed steam cycle using the pump  14  of  FIG. 3  is shown. Again, the abscissa represents water in a liquid state, along the x axis the water changes to steam, from liquid to gas. And, along the y axis a change in temperature is represented. For example, points along the graph represent the following: from 1 to 2 represents water being pressurized to achieve a high system pressure; from points  2  to  3  heat is introduced to the pressurized water; from 3 to 4 superheated steam is expanded in the pump  14  by the small piston  76 ′; from 4 to 5 the steam is reheated within the reheating device  306 ; from 5 to 6 superheated steam is expanded in the pump  14  by the larger piston  76 ; and from 6 to 7 steam is condensed.  
       INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY  
       [0032]     In operation, the present system  6  converts steam power  12  to hydraulic output power  22 . Both  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  show a setup of a free piston pump  14  powered by steam. For example, steam  12  from an external source travels along each of the first tube  94  and the third tube  110  to each of the first valve  96  and the second valve  112  respectively. With the piston or pistons  76  properly positioned a signal is directed from the appropriate sensor  332  and one of the first valve  96  and second valve  112  is moved from the closed position  100 , 118  into the open position  102 , 119  and steam is directed to one of the first chamber  86  or the second chamber  88  through the respective combination of the second tube  97  and the passage  98  or the fourth tube  114  and the passage  116 . As the piston  76  moves within one of the first chamber  86  and the second chamber  88  the preestablished volume of one chamber  86 , 88  increases whereas the preestablished volume of the other chamber  88 , 88  decrease. For example, if the first surface  78  moves toward the first surface  52  the volume within the first chamber  86  decreases and the volume within the second chamber  88  increases.  
         [0033]     For example in  FIG. 1 , as determined by the plurality of sensors  332  and with the signal directed to the computer  330  by the plurality of wires  334  and directed by the computer  330  to the appropriate one of the plurality of valves  26 , if the second surface  80  of the piston  76  is closest to the first surface  52  of the end cover  50 , steam  12  enters the second chamber  88  and moves the piston  76  and the first end  72  of the shaft  70  axially into the third chamber  90  attempting to compress the volume of oil therein and opening the fifth valve  148  causing a flow of pressurized hydraulic oil  22  to enter the high pressure accumulator  140 . The oil passes through the passage  144  through the seventh tube  142  and the fifth valve  148  into the high pressure accumulator  140  to be used externally of the system  6 . And, as the second end  74  of the shaft  70  moves axially out of the fourth chamber  92  increasing the volume within the fourth chamber  92  oil  25  is drawn from the low pressure accumulator  160  through the eight valve  174 , a check valve, through the eleventh tube  170  into the passage  172  and into the fourth chamber  92  refilling the fourth chamber  92  with fluid or oil  25 .  
         [0034]     If on the other hand in  FIG. 1 , as determined by the plurality of sensors  332  and with the signal directed to the computer  330  by the plurality of wires  334  and directed by the computer  330  to the appropriate one of the plurality of valves  26 , if the first surface  78  of the piston  76  is closest to the first surface  52  of the end cover  50 , steam  12  enters the first chamber  86  and moves the piston  76  and the second end  74  of the shaft  70  axially into the fourth chamber  92  attempting to compress the volume of oil therein and opening the sixth valve  154  causing a flow of pressurized hydraulic oil  22  to enter the high pressure accumulator  140 . The oil passes through the passage  152  through the eight tube  150  and the sixth valve  154  into the high pressure accumulator  140  to be used externally of the system  6 . And, as the first end  72  of the shaft  70  moves axially out of the third chamber  90  increasing the volume within the third chamber  90  oil  25  is drawn from the low pressure accumulator  160  through the seventh valve  168 , a check valve, through the tenth tube  162  into the passage  164  and into the third chamber  90  refilling the third chamber  90  with fluid or oil  25 .  
         [0035]     For example in  FIG. 2 , as determined by the plurality of sensors  332  and with the signal directed to the computer  330  by the plurality of wires  334  and directed by the computer  330  to the appropriate one of the plurality of valves  26 , if the second end  210  of the first shaft  206  is closest to the bottom  188  of the third chamber  90  steam  12  enters the second chamber  88  and moves the piston  76  and the first end  214  of the second shaft  212  axially into the fourth chamber  92  attempting to compress the volume of oil therein and opening the sixth valve  154  causing a flow of pressurized hydraulic oil to enter the high pressure accumulator  140 . The oil passes through the passage  152  through the eight tube  150  and the sixth valve  154  into the high pressure accumulator  140  to be used externally of the system  6 . And, as the second end  210  of the first shaft  206  moves axially out of the third chamber  90  increasing the volume within the third chamber  90  oil is drawn from the low pressure accumulator  160  through the seventh valve  168 , a check valve, through the tenth tube  162  into the passage  164  and into the third chamber  90  refill the third chamber  90  with fluid or oil  25 .  
         [0036]     If on the other hand in  FIG. 2 , as determined by the plurality of sensors  332  and with the signal directed to the computer  330  by the plurality of wires  334  and directed by the computer  330  to the appropriate one of the plurality of valves  26 , if the first end  214  of the second shaft  212  is closest to the bottom  184  of the fourth chamber  92 , steam  12  enters the first chamber  86  and moves the piston  76  and the second end  210  of the first shaft  206  axially into the third chamber  90  attempting to compress the volume of oil therein and opening the fifth valve  148  causing a flow of pressurized hydraulic oil  22  to enter the high pressure accumulator  140 . The oil passes through the passage  144  through the seventh tube  142  and the fifth valve  148  into the high pressure accumulator  140  to be used externally of the system  6 . And, as the first end  214  of the second shaft  212  moves axially out of the fourth chamber  92  increasing the volume within the fourth chamber  92  oil  25  is drawn from the low pressure accumulator  160  through the eight valve  174 , a check valve, through the eleventh tube  170  into the passage  172  and into the fourth chamber  92  refilling the fourth chamber  92  with fluid or oil  25 .  
         [0037]     In operation, the present system  6  converts steam power  12  to hydraulic output power  22 .  FIG. 3  shows a setup of a free piston pump powered by steam in which the pistons  76 , 76 ′ are of different sizes. For example, steam  12  from an external source travels along each of the first tube  94  and the third tube  110  to each of the first valve  96  and the second valve  112  respectively. With the piston or pistons  76 , 76 ′ properly positioned a signal is directed from the appropriate sensor  332  and one of the first valve  96  and second valve  112  is opened and steam is directed to one of the first chamber  86  or the second chamber  88  through the respective combination of the second tube  97  and the passage  98  or the fourth tube  114  and the passage  116 .  
         [0038]     For example in  FIG. 3 , as determined by the plurality of sensors  332  and with the signal directed to the computer  330  by the plurality of wires  334  and directed by the computer  330  to the appropriate one of the plurality of valves  26 , if the second surface  80  of the piston  76  is closest to the bottom  64  of the blind bore  62  in the end cover  50 , steam  12  enters the second chamber  88  and moves the piston  76 ′ and the first end  214  of the second shaft  212  axially into the fourth chamber  92  attempting to compress the volume of oil therein and opening the sixth valve  154  causing a flow of pressurized hydraulic oil  22  to enter the high pressure accumulator  140 . The oil passes through the passage  152  through the eight tube  150  and the sixth valve  154  into the high pressure accumulator  140  to be used externally of the system  6 . And, as the second end  210  of the first shaft  206  moves axially out of the third chamber  90  increasing the volume within the third chamber  90  oil  25  is drawn from the low pressure accumulator  160  through the seventh valve  168 , a check valve, through the tenth tube  162  into the passage  1164  and into the third chamber  90  refilling the third chamber  90  with fluid or oil  25 .  
         [0039]     If on the other hand in  FIG. 3 , as determined by the plurality of sensors  332  and with the signal directed to the computer  330  by the plurality of wires  334  and directed by the computer  330  to the appropriate one of the plurality of valves  26 , if the second surface  80  of the piston  76 ′ is closest to the first bottom  64  of the blind bore  62  of the end cover  50 , steam  12  enters the first chamber  86  and moves the piston  76 ′ and the second end  208  of the first shaft  206  axially into the third chamber  90  attempting to compress the volume of oil therein and opening the fifth valve  148  causing a flow of pressurized hydraulic oil  22  to enter the high pressure accumulator  140 . The oil passes through the passage  144  through the seventh tube  142  and the fifth valve  148  into the high pressure accumulator  140  to be used externally of the system  6 . And, as the first end  72  of the second shaft  212  moves axially out of the fourth chamber  92  increasing the volume within the fourth chamber  92  oil  25  is drawn from the low pressure accumulator  160  through the eight valve  174 , a check valve, through the eleventh tube  170  into the passage  172  and into the fourth chamber  92  refilling the fourth chamber  92  with fluid or oil  25 .  
         [0040]     Unlike the steam expander, the free piston pump  14  does not require steam of quality  1 . The steam is expanded until the quality drops below 1 into the region of saturated vapor adding to the potential efficiency of the free piston pump  14  by extracting more energy from the steam power source.  
         [0041]     The free piston pump  14  is a double acting pump in which steam power is injected on one side of the piston  76 , 76 ′ and automatically resets the opposing piston  76 , 76 ′ for steam injection into the appropriate chamber  86 , 88 .  
         [0042]     Removal of saturated steam and water is key to the functionality of the free piston pump  14 . The exhaust valves  94 , 112  is a fast actuating steam or hydraulically driven valve that opens to one of the chambers  86 , 88  and the piston  76 , 76 ′ returns and purges the combination of saturated steam and water form the chamber  86 , 88 .  
         [0043]     In  FIG. 2  the exhaust valves  94 , 112  is a special 3-way valve which can switch from steam supply to exhaust, thus taking the place of two individual valves.  FIG. 2  also shows opposed pistons  76  verses a single piston as shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0044]     As shown in  FIG. 3 , to extract as much energy as possible the combination of the smaller piston  76 ′ and the large piston  76  is shown. For example, steam is introduced into the first chamber  86 . This expands the first chamber  86  performing hydraulic work and causing the steam to be at a significantly lower pressure. This resets the larger piston  76  for an expansion stroke. To extract as much energy as possible from the lower pressure steam in chamber  86 , the steam is transferred through a reheating device  306  and into the second chamber  88 . Within the second chamber  88  the larger piston  76  is expanded and more energy is extract to do more work increasing efficiency of the system  6 . For example, with the computer  330  operating as defined above and as further defined herein, the flow of steam  12  is directed through the first tube  94  into the first valve  96  and through the second tube  97  and the passage  98  into the first chamber  86 . The steam  12  expands the piston  76 ′ and the spent steam  25  is transferred to the steam reheating device  306  through the twelfth tube  302 . The steam  12  is reheated within the reheating device  306  and exits through the fourteenth tube  310  to the second valve  112 . From the second valve  112  the steam  12  is transferred through the fourth tube  114  and the passage  116  into the second chamber  88  wherein the steam expands the larger piston  76 . And, as stated above, causes the hydraulic fluid, oil, within the fourth chamber  92  to be pressurized and flow to the high pressure accumulator  140 . The spent steam  12  from the second chamber  88  can also be transferred to the reheating device  306 , reheated and used again. To transfer the spent steam  25  from the first chamber  86  high pressure steam  12  is directed to the second valve  112  from the steam power source as described above.  
         [0045]     Thus, a system  6  is provided which utilizes a quantity of steam having a quality below 1 to operate a free piston pump  14 . The free piston pump  14  is highly efficient and has a double acting pump operation. As an alternative, the free piston pump  14  can be used individually or in combination one with another such as by stacking.