Thermal utilization system and methods

A thermal utilization plant including a heat engine and a cooling system for the heat engine. The heat engine is operable to receive heat from a non-carbon heat source (carbon heat source can be used) and to transfer heat to the cooling system. The cooling system includes an evaporator configured to vaporize a working fluid to a vapor state. A condenser is coupled to the evaporator by a conduit and operable to receive the working fluid in the vapor state and to condense the working fluid to a fluid state. An output is coupled to the condenser and operable to receive the working fluid from the condenser and to provide the working fluid for beneficial use.

BACKGROUND

Many systems produce heat as a byproduct of generating or using power. For example, an internal combustion engine/solar heat engine/thermoelectric plant generates heat as a byproduct of creating mechanical or electrical energy. The heat may be conducted via a coolant to a radiator and there, dissipated.

SUMMARY

In a general aspect, thermal utilization systems and methods are provided. A heat engine plant may use solar, waste, or other heat to produce a useful byproduct. For example, the heat engine plant may use transferred heat to provide power, desalination, heating and/or cooling.

In some aspects, heat is removed from a system or process by a heat engine. A working fluid in a cooling system provides cooling for the heat engine, and thus the system or process that generated the heat, while using the heat transferred by the heat engine to produce a useful byproduct. The cooling system may desalinate seawater or distill other substances. In this aspect, the heat engine may be coupled between a heat source and the cooling system. The heat source may be solar power, waste heat, or other non-carbon generated heat. The heat engine may be a Stirling engine, a cogeneration engine, or other engine operable to transfer heat from a heat source to a cold source, such as a cooling system, while producing power. The heat transferred to the cooling system drives an evaporator to desalinate seawater at safe temperature. The desalinated water forms the working fluid which may be condensed for use or storage. In these aspects, the cooling system may provide an open cooling cycle.

In some aspects, the system is under vacuum. In other aspects, vacuum vapor compression may in addition be used in connection with condensation to lower the pressure in the evaporator and reduce the temperature at which the seawater boils. A heat step down attachment may be used to step down or reduce the temperature of the transferred heat. Thus, the evaporator may operate below the output temperature of the heat engine and below, for example, 70 degrees Celsius. Elevation or special pumps may be used to counter the system vacuum. The fresh water produced by desalination may be used for drinking and irrigation.

The water may also be used in connection with the process or system that generated the utilized heat. For example, solar plants, such as concentrated solar power (CSP) plants, use water for washing their mirrors and for their turbines. Thermal utilization of heat from the solar plant may in some aspects allow a solar plant to be located far from fresh water supplies.

In still other aspects, the improved cooling function allows more efficient operation of an industrial process such as solar power generation. For example, improved cooling may allow more efficient use of solar Stirling engine technology, and provide cooling without using fresh water and/or without using additional power.

In still other aspects, improved desalination is provided that eliminates or reduces thermal energy wasted in other desalination technologies such as reverse osmosis, if thermal energy used to power it. A cooling system of the thermal utilization system may lift the working fluid and condense the working fluid at an elevated height. The working fluid may be passed through a generator to generate power when returning to the evaporator and restarting the working fluid cycle. In these aspects, the cooling system of the thermal utilization system may provide a closed cooling cycle. The working fluid may be a fluorocarbon.

In still other aspects, the cooling system of the thermal utilization system can be used to provide heating and/or cooling. The heating and/or cooling can be provided in connection with desalination, in connection with power generation, and in connection with both desalination and power generation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1illustrates a thermal utilization or heat engine plant100in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure. The heat engine plant100comprises a heat engine with a cooling system that circulates a working fluid to desalinate water, generate power and/or provide heating or cooling. The working fluid cycle may be open-ended or closed-ended and the working fluid may be, for example, water or a refrigerant. In addition to producing a useful or beneficial byproduct such as power, fresh water, heating and/or cooling, the cooling system of thermal utilization plant100may improve efficiency of the heat engine by maintaining the cold side of the heat engine at or below a target temperature, such as an optimum or other temperature.

Referring toFIG. 1, the heat plant100may comprise a heat source110, a heat engine120, and a cooling system130. A plant comprises a place where one or more industrial processes take place. Elements of a plant may be distributed from one another.

The heat source110may comprise one or more non-carbon heat sources (it can run on carbon heat source such as oil, coal) to drive the heat engine120. The non-carbon heat sources may comprise, for example, waste heat from industrial processes such as a solar power station, a thermoelectric power station, and/or solar energy. Thus, the heat plant100may take advantage of abundant solar or waste energy.

The heat source110is coupled to the heat engine120which converts heat or thermal energy to mechanical energy or electrical energy (free piston Stirling engine) and acts as a heat conducting medium. Thus, the heat engine120may transfer heat from a solar cycle, for example, while at the same time providing mechanical and or electrical power. In one aspect, the heat engine120may comprise a working substance that generates work in the body of the engine120while transferring heat from the hot side to the colder side, or sink. During this process, some of the thermal energy is converted into work by exploiting the properties of the working substance. The working substance can be any suitable system with a non-zero heat capacity. The mechanical energy can be used to generate power or do other mechanical work.

In a specific embodiment, the heat engine120may comprise a Stirling engine as described in connection withFIG. 2. The heat engine may provide cogeneration or combined heat and power (CHP) and generate power while transferring heat from the heat source110to the cooling system. Thus, a generator122may be coupled to the heat engine120and driven by mechanical energy produced by the heat engine120.

The cooling system130provides cooling for the heat engine120and provides thermal utilization of the heat. The cooling may also increase the efficiency of the heat engine, such as a solar or other Stirling engine. The cooling system may use the heat received from the heat engine120to circulate a working fluid. The working fluid may be any fluid operable, enabled, adapted, or otherwise configured to be vaporized and/or condensed for use. In some aspects of the disclosure, the working fluid may be efficiently vaporized at a base level, lifted, and/or compressed at an elevated level. The working fluid may be, for example, water or a refrigerant. Where the working fluid comprises water, the water may be desalinated from seawater as part of the cooling cycle. Where the working fluid comprises a refrigerant, it may comprise a substance or mixture, usually a fluid, which undergoes phase transitions from a liquid to a gas, and back again. For example, the refrigerant may comprise fluorocarbons and non-halogenated hydrocarbons and other suitable fluids. The refrigerant may have favorable thermodynamic properties, be noncorrosive to mechanical components, and be safe, including free from toxicity and flammability and not cause ozone depletion or climate change. In one aspect of the disclosure, a low temperature working fluid may be used. The working fluid may be recirculated losslessly or with any losses replenished with makeup fluid.

The cooling system130comprises an evaporating stage132coupled to a condensation stage134. The evaporating stage132may comprise an evaporator or other suitable equipment for evaporating or vaporizing a fluid from a liquid form to a gaseous form using heat and/or vacuum and providing cooling to the heat engine120. The condensation stage134may comprise a condenser or other suitable equipment for condensing a fluid from a gaseous form to a liquid form by dissipating or otherwise rejecting heat. In some embodiments, condensation may be aided, for example enhanced or sped-up, which may lower the pressure in an upstream evaporator and aid evaporation.

The condensation stage134may be coupled to a storage stage136where the working fluid is stored. The storage stage136may be omitted and the working fluid directly discharged from the condensation stage134for use as, for example, fresh water138or power generation140. The stages may each comprise one or more items of equipment or systems and may be coupled to each other by one or more conduits142.

A conduit142is a structure or combination of structures and elements used to move, transmit, distribute, send or convey a thing from one place to another. For example, a conduit142may comprise a pipe or series of pipes linked together with intermediate elements such as fans, thermal elements and valves for moving and controlling flow of the working fluid in a pipe. A conduit142may be pressurized or unpressurized, insulated or uninsulated, and may be thermally treated or not treated. In the embodiments described, fans or turbines may be used in the conduits to aid vapor flow.

The evaporation stage132, condensation stage134, and the storage stage136may be directly connected in sequence or otherwise coupled to communicate between elements. As described in more detail below, other elements may be connected between stages. For example, a vacuum vapor compression (VCC) stage144and/or a multiple effect distillation (MED) stage146may be connected between the evaporation stage132and condensation stage134. The vacuum vapor compression (VCC) stage144and/or a multiple effect distillation (MED) stage146may provide additional or enhanced evaporation and condensation.

The system can be configured to be an electrical generator, distiller such as desalination, and an air conditioner (cooler or heater). It may provide these beneficial outputs simultaneously or individually using solar, waste heat, or other energy source. Thus, the system may be used or merged with any solar or other power plant to make use of waste heat and cool the plant at the same time. Power generated by the system from the heat engine or steam or other working fluid cycle may be used to power fans, pumps, compressors, turbines, and other elements of the system.

Other suitable sources of energy may comprise, for example, wind energy in which the system may use ambient heat and a wind turbine to run a vacuum, compressor, or turbine to provide vacuum distillation. In addition, photovoltaic panels may be used to power part of the system.

FIG. 2illustrates a Stirling engine200in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure. The Stirling engine200may comprise a first heat exchanger202or a heat receiver and a second heat exchanger or heat conductor204. The first heat exchanger202may comprise a hot side of the Stirling engine200. The second heat exchanger204may comprise a cold side of the Stirling engine200. The cold side may be directly or otherwise connected to the cooling system130, which will increase efficiency of the Stirling engine220while providing a beneficial byproduct.

FIG. 3illustrates a thermal utilization or heat engine plant300in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure. In this aspect, the heat engine plant300is a desalination plant302that uses solar energy and vacuum vapor VC/vacuum vapor compression (VVC) to desalinate seawater and produce freshwater. The vacuum vapor compression (VVC) may be omitted in some embodiments. In other embodiments, non-solar energy may be used as the heat source.

Referring toFIG. 3, the desalination plant302comprises a solar reflector310as a heat source, a Stirling engine320as a heat engine, and a desalination system330as a cooling system. The solar reflector310collects or focuses energy from the sun onto hot side322of the Stirling engine. The solar reflector310may, for example, comprise a concentrated solar power (CSP) unit. Other non-carbon or other heat sources may be used in place of or with the solar collector.

The Stirling engine320receives heat from the solar reflector310and transfers the heat from the hot side322to the cold side324while producing mechanical energy or electrical energy. In the illustrated embodiment, the Stirling engine320comprises or is coupled to a generator326to generate electrical power328from the mechanical energy. The electrical power may be used to partially or fully power the desalination plant302or the desalination system330, including a control systems having sensors and remotely controlled valves. In other embodiments, other types of power may be generated by the Stirling engine320for use in and/or outside of the desalination plant302.

The desalination system330may comprise an evaporator332, a vacuum system344, a condenser334, and a storage system336. The evaporator332, vacuum system344, condenser334, and storage tank336may be connected in sequence by conduit342. As water is evaporated from seawater in the evaporator332, fresh seawater345may be automatically or otherwise added continuously or periodically to the evaporator332to maintain the level of seawater in the evaporator332.

The evaporator332may comprise one or more boilers350including a heat step down attachment352. In another embodiment, the heat step down attachment352may be separate from the boiler350and/or part of the Stirling engine320. The heat step down attachment352may step down the heat from the Stirling engine320to provide heat to a working fluid354in the boiler350at a at practical/safe temperature. For example, in a specific embodiment, the Stirling engine320may operate at 350 degrees Celsius. The heat step down attachment352may step down or reduce the temperature to, for example, 70 degrees Celsius to evaporate saline water such as seawater and produce steam in connection with a low pressure in the evaporator332.

The heat step down attachment352may step down the heat to other suitable temperatures including temperatures at or over 100 degrees Celsius or other temperatures below 100 degrees Celsius, such as, for example, 90 degrees Celsius, 80 degrees Celsius, or 75 degrees Celsius. The heat step down attachment352may be sized and shaped and include materials to provide the desired conduction and/or transfer. The heat step down attachment352can be a solid heat conductor, a heat dispenser, a thermal fluid mixer or any other heat conduction and mix apparatus. A solid heat step down attachment may spread heat on a wide area or surface. The heat step down attachment352can be attached internally or externally, directly to the heat engine or via heat exchanger and fluid connections. The heat step down attachment352and heat engine320may together form a thermal transfer engine (TTE).

The pressure in the evaporator332may be any suitable pressure below atmospheric pressure. For example, the pressure may be at or below 10 psi, 8 psi, 6 psi, 5 psi, 4 psi, 3 psi or 2 psi. In one embodiment, the pressure and temperature of the boiler350may be together set or balanced to provide enhanced, preferred, or optimum evaporation of water from seawater. Optimization may be achieved by most efficiently evaporating water balanced with reducing or minimizing fouling of the evaporator332.

The vacuum system344may comprise one or more vacuum pumps360in-line in the conduit342. The vacuum pump360may comprise a turbine, a vapor pump, or other device operable to pull a vacuum on, provide vacuum vapor compression (VVC) or reduce the pressure in the evaporator332to below atmospheric pressure to move working fluid vapor in the conduit and/or allow the evaporator332to operate at below 100 degrees Celsius. The vacuum pump360may be powered by the generator326, or directly by the heat engine320in a mechanical mean.

The condenser334may comprise one or more heat exchangers362operable to reject heat to condense the working fluid354from gaseous to liquid state. In one embodiment, the heat exchanger362is a series of coils and fans, such as a radiator. The condenser334may operate at the same or substantially the same pressure as the evaporator332. The condenser334may be powered by the generator326or may passive or otherwise powered. The condenser can be used to pre heat seawater before entering the evaporators.

Condensed working fluid, or fresh water in the desalination embodiment, may be stored in one or more storage tanks364of the storage system336. The storage tank364may be elevated above the Earth's surface, at ground level, or sunk below the Earth's surface. For example, where the desalination system330operates at a low pressure of 4 psi, the storage tanks364may be elevated at 33 feet, or more above the Earth to overcome the low pressure and allow fresh water to flow without a pump at a discharge at the Earth's surface, also we can use a dual pressure pump if we want to avoid relying on elevation. In another example, the storage tank364may be at or below ground level and a discharge pump used to discharge fresh water.

From the storage tanks364, fresh water may be discharged via an output366. The storage system336may in some embodiment be omitted and the fresh water directly used from the condenser334.

FIG. 4illustrates a heat engine plant400in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure. In this aspect, the heat engine plant400is a desalination plant402that uses solar energy and vacuum vapor compression (VVC) to desalinate seawater and produce freshwater. In addition, the desalination plant402uses a dual pressure pump to continuously inject fresh seawater into the desalination plant402and remove fresh water.

Referring toFIG. 4, the desalination plant402may comprise a solar reflector410, a Stirling engine420with a generator426, and a desalination system430. The desalination system430may comprise an evaporator432, a vacuum system444, a condenser434, and a storage system436. The evaporator432, vacuum system444, condenser434, and storage tank436may be connected in sequence by conduit442. The evaporator432may be the same as or substantially similar to evaporator332and may be a boiler350. Similarly, vacuum system444may be the same as or substantially similar to vacuum system344and comprise a turbine460. The condenser434may be the same as or substantially similar to condenser334and comprise a heat exchanger462. The storage system436may be the same as or substantially similar to storage system336and comprise a storage tank464.

From the storage tank464, fresh water may be discharged via a dual pressure pump470and output466. The dual pressure pump is used when elevation is not preferred and in order to counter the system vacuum. The dual pressure pump470is a reciprocating pump with two chambers, four valves, and a four stage cycle. A first chamber472injects seawater into the desalination system430and a second chamber474removes fresh water from the desalination system430. The dual pressure pump470may operate off a pressure difference between atmospheric pressure of 14.7 psi and the pressure of the desalination system430which may be under vacuum and operate at, for example, 4 psi or less. The dual pressure pump470may be otherwise operated or powered. In addition, other suitable pumps may be used, such as dual rotary pumps.

FIGS. 5A-Dare schematic diagrams illustrating details of the dual pressure pump470in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure. The dual pressure pump470may comprise a piston that reciprocates to alternately compress a first chamber and a second chamber. After each compression stroke, all valves may be closed. The dual pressure pump470may use internal or external valves. In some embodiment, the dual pressure pump470may be used to save energy.

In particular, at a first stage all the valves may be closed. At a second stage the valves may be set for a forward compression stroke as illustrated inFIG. 5A. The third stage may be the forward compression stroke as illustrated byFIG. 5B. All the valves may again be closed at the fourth stage. At the fifth stage the valves may be set for a backward compression stroke as illustrated inFIG. 5C. The sixth stage may be the backward compression stroke as illustrated byFIG. 5D. In this embodiment, the desalination system may operate under vacuum of 4 psi or less. Other suitable pressures may be used in connection with the dual pressure pump470.

Referring toFIG. 5A, the dual pressure pump470is in the second stage500. At the first stage, all the pump valves were closed. In the second stage500, a seawater inlet valve510is closed, a seawater outlet valve512(which is connected to and provides seawater to the evaporator) is open, a freshwater inlet valve514(which is connected to and receives fresh water from the storage tank is open, and a fresh water outlet valve516(which is connected to and provides freshwater to the output) is closed.

Referring toFIG. 5B, the dual pressure pump470is in the third stage502. In this stage, a first, or seawater, chamber520is emptied and a second, or freshwater, chamber522is filled. A piston524is moved from a first position shown inFIG. 5Ato a second position shown inFIG. 5B. As the piston moves, seawater is pumped from the first chamber520through the seawater outlet valve512to the evaporator, while fresh water is pulled into the second chamber522from the storage tank.

Referring toFIG. 5C, the dual pressure pump470is in the fifth stage504. At the fourth stage all the pump valves were closed. In the fifth stage502, the valves are opposition the settings of the second stage. Thus, the seawater inlet valve510(which is connected to a seawater source) is opened, the seawater outlet valve512is closed, the freshwater inlet valve514is closed, and the fresh water outlet valve514is opened.

Referring toFIG. 5D, the dual pressure pump470is in the sixth stage506. In this stage, a first, or seawater, chamber520is filled and a second, or freshwater, chamber522is emptied. The piston524is moved from the second position shown inFIG. 5Cto the first position shown inFIG. 5D. As the piston524moves, seawater is pulled into the first chamber520through the seawater inlet valve510from the seawater source while fresh water is pumped from the second chamber522to an outlet. As the dual pressure pump460operates, the cycle is repeated.

FIG. 6is a schematic diagram illustrating a cleaning system for an evaporator of a desalination plant in accordance with an aspect of the disclosure. In this aspect, saturated seawater remaining from evaporation may be removed and replaced with fresh seawater. The dual pressure pump470or other pump may be used to remove the saturated seawater and replace with fresh seawater.

Referring toFIG. 6, the dual pressure pump470is used with a holding tank600. The holding tank600has an evaporator fill line602and evaporator return line604. The seawater outlet valve512of the dual pressure pump470is disconnected from the evaporator and connected instead to the holding tank600so that the holding tank will be filled rather than the evaporator during the cleaning process. In addition, the freshwater inlet valve514is disconnected from the storage tank and instead connected to the evaporator to remove saturated seawater. The fresh water outlet valve514is disconnected from the fresh water outlet and connected to a saturated seawater outlet. The dual pressure pump valves and piston is operated as described in connection withFIGS. 5A-Dto pump out the saturated seawater and fill the holding tank600with fresh seawater.

After the evaporator is empty or pumped down to a desired level, the dual pressure pump may be reconnected for normal operation and the evaporator filled with fresh seawater from the holding tank. The dual pressure pump may be reconnected and disconnected by turning valves or by physically disconnecting the pumps inputs and outputs. Saturated seawater may be otherwise removed from the evaporator and the evaporator otherwise filled with fresh seawater. For example a second dual pressure or other pump may be used.

FIG. 7illustrates a heat engine plant700in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure. In this aspect, the heat engine plant700is a desalination plant702that uses solar energy and single effect distillation with vacuum vapor compression (VVC) to desalinate seawater and produce freshwater. In some embodiments, vacuum vapor compression (VVC) may be omitted. For example, vacuum vapor compression (VVC) may be omitted where electrical energy is needed more than fresh water or if the electrical power is to be used for reverse osmoses. The vacuum pump778can be used between the evaporator732and the condenser772instead of the location showing inFIG. 7.

Referring toFIG. 7, the desalination plant702may comprise a solar reflector710, a Stirling engine720with a generator726, and a desalination system730. The desalination system730may comprise an evaporator732and a storage system736. The evaporator732and storage tank736may be connected in sequence or otherwise coupled by conduit742. The evaporator732may be the same as or substantially similar to evaporator332and be a boiler750. The storage system736may be the same as or substantially similar to storage system336and comprise a storage tank764.

A single effect distillation system770is coupled between the evaporator732and the storage system736and comprises vacuum system and condenser elements connected or otherwise coupled together with conduit742. In the illustrated embodiment, the single effect distillation system770comprises a first condenser and a second condenser774. Each condenser772and774may comprise a heat exchanger. Condensed water is output by each condenser772and774to the storage tank764. A pressure control775may control pressure at the outlet of the condenser774downstream of the vacuum pump778. The pressure control may be, for example, a pressure regulator or pressure reduction valve.

The first condenser772is contained in a second evaporator776. Instances of a condenser contained in an evaporator may be implemented as a single heat exchanger. The second evaporator776uses heat from the heat exchanger of the first condenser772in connection with a vacuum or low pressure to evaporate seawater in second evaporator776. The second evaporator776may operate at the same, similar, or different pressures and temperatures as the evaporator732.

The low pressure may be provided by a vacuum pump778coupled between the second evaporator776and the second condenser774. The vacuum pump may be a turbine. Water vapor from the second evaporator776flows through the vacuum pump778to the second condenser774where it is condensed.

FIG. 8illustrates a heat engine plant800in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure. In this aspect, the heat engine plant800is a desalination plant802that uses solar energy and multiple effect distillation with vacuum vapor compression (VVC) to desalinate seawater and produce freshwater. In some embodiments, as described above, vacuum vapor compression (VVC) may be omitted.

Referring toFIG. 8, the desalination plant802may comprise a solar reflector810, a Stirling engine820with a generator826, and a desalination system830. The desalination system830may comprise an evaporator832and a storage system836. The evaporator832and storage system836may be coupled in sequence or otherwise by conduit842. The evaporator832may be the same as or substantially similar to evaporator332and be a boiler850. The storage system836may be the same as or substantially similar to storage system336and comprise one or more storage tanks864. In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of vertical storage tanks or elevated tanks are used. The heights of a water column or elevation of the vertical tanks may be increased after each stage. The vertical tanks may be used, for example, to counter the vacuum.

A multiple effect distillation system870is coupled between the evaporator832and the storage system836and may comprise vacuum system and condenser elements connected or otherwise coupled together with conduit842. In the illustrated embodiment, the multiple effect distillation system870comprises a plurality of stages872together having a plurality of condensers874and a plurality of evaporators876. Each stage may have at least one condenser874and a plurality of stages may have at least one evaporator876containing at least one condenser874. The evaporator876in a stage may be coupled to a condenser874of a next stage872by the vapor conduit842. Pressure may be reduced after every step. A pressure control875may control pressure at the outlet of the each condenser874downstream of a vacuum pump878. The pressure control may be, for example, a pressure regulator or a pressure reduction valve.

The condensers874may each comprise a heat exchangers. The evaporators876may each use heat from the corresponding or contained heat exchanger in connection with a vacuum or low pressure to evaporate seawater. The seawater in the evaporators of the multiple effect distillation system870may be replenished and cleaned when saturated as described for the evaporator832. The evaporators876may operate at the same, similar, or different pressures and temperatures from each other and/or as the evaporator832.

The low pressure may be provided by one or more vacuum pump878coupled between an evaporator876in a stage and a condenser in the next stage. The vacuum pump878may be a turbine. The vacuum pumps878for this and other embodiments may create additional heat in addition to pressure in a downstream condenser that may in turn aid evaporation of a downstream evaporator. A step down attachment may be used in the multiple effect distillation system870. Water vapor from the evaporators876flows through the vacuum pumps878to the condensers874where it is condensed.

FIG. 9illustrates a heat engine plant900in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure. In this aspect, the heat engine plant900is a power generation plant902that uses solar energy to generate power with a heat engine and with a moving working fluid.

Referring toFIG. 9, the power generation plant902may comprise a solar reflector910, a Stirling engine920with a generator926, external or internal and a power generation system930. The power generation system930may comprise an evaporator932, a condenser934, a storage system936, and a generator stage938. The evaporator932, condenser934, storage system936, and generator stage938may be connected in sequence or otherwise by conduit942. The evaporator932may be the same as or substantially similar to evaporator332and be a boiler950. The condenser934may be the same as or substantially similar to condenser334and comprise a heat exchanger962. The storage system936may be the same as or substantially similar to storage system336and comprise a storage tank964.

The generation stage938may comprise one or a plurality of power generators connected or otherwise coupled together. The generation stage938is configured to generate power using flowing working fluid, such as with a turbine966. The working fluid flows or falls through the turbine966from the storage tank964to the boiler950.

The working fluid may comprise a refrigerant, such as a fluorocarbon, non-halogenated hydrocarbons, and other suitable fluids. As previously described, the refrigerant may have favorable thermodynamic properties, be noncorrosive to mechanical components, and be safe, including free from toxicity and flammability and not cause ozone depletion or climate change. The refrigerant may be lifted and condensed at an elevated height and then recirculated losslessly. Thus, the condenser and the storage tank964may be positioned on an elevated structure980or natural hill. Such an elevated structure980may also be used in the desalination embodiments for positioning the storage tank at an elevated height. In this method with some substances pressure may not be needed.

FIG. 10is a schematic diagram illustrating a heat engine plant1000in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure. In this aspect, the heat engine plant1000is a cooling plant1002that uses solar or other energy.

Referring toFIG. 10, the cooling plant1002may comprise a heat source1010, a heat engine1020such as a Stirling engine, and a cooling system1030. The cooling system1030may provide heat absorption refrigeration1040that can be done by transfer solar energy or waste heat via a Stirling engine to the heat absorption refrigeration evaporator. In one embodiment, a step down attachment may be used. The heat absorption refrigeration evaporator may use a refrigerant, including a refrigerant with a low boiling point. As the refrigerant boils in the heat absorption refrigeration evaporator, the refrigerant may take heat with it and thus provide cooling.

FIG. 11is a schematic diagram illustrating a combined plant1100using the thermal transfer engine in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure. In this aspect, a heat source drives a heat engine which provides cooling for an industrial process while providing heat and cooling as well as desalination and power generation. It will be understood that one or more of the beneficial processes may be omitted.

Referring toFIG. 11, a heat source1110may comprise a steam turbine cycle comprising a boiler1012, a turbine1114, and a heat exchanger and/or condenser1115. The boiler1112of the steam turbine cycle may receive waste heat1116from a combustion engine1118. The combined plant1100may comprise a Stirling or other heat engine1120with a generator1126. The Stirling engine1120is coupled to multipurpose desalination system1130. The multipurpose desalination system1130.

The multipurpose desalination system1130may comprise an evaporator1132, a vacuum system1144, a condenser1134and a storage system1136. The evaporator1132, vacuum system1144, condenser1134and storage tank1136may be connected in sequence or otherwise by conduit1142. The evaporator1132may be the same as or substantially similar to evaporator332and have a boiler1150. Similarly, vacuum system1144may be the same as or substantially similar to vacuum system344and comprise a turbine1160. The condenser1134may be the same as or substantially similar to condenser334and comprise a heat exchanger1162. The storage system1136may be the same as or substantially similar to storage system336and have a storage tank1164. A dual pressure pump1170with fresh water output1177may be connected and operate as described in connection with dual pressure pump470.

Heating may be provided by the heat exchanger1162. Heat rejected or removed from the working fluid during condensation may be used in a heating conduit or the like. Cooling may be provided by a cooling system1180coupled to the vacuum pump1160. The cooling system1180may comprise an external evaporator1182that provides cooling to a circulating fluid. Thus, fresh water, electrical and/or mechanical power, heating and cooling may all be provided and may be powered by solar energy, other non-carbon energy such as waste heat or other source.

FIG. 12is a flow chart illustrating a method for desalinating seawater using the thermal transfer engine in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure. One or more steps may be omitted or performed in a differ order. Additional steps may be added without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 12, the method begins at step1200in which non-carbon energy is received. As previously described, the non-carbon energy may comprise solar energy or waste heat or. Next, at step1204, the non-carbon energy is used to evaporate seawater to produce water vapor. At step1206, water vapor is condensed to produce fresh water. The freshwater stored at step1208. In other embodiments, the freshwater may be directly discharged without storage. At step1210, the freshwater may be discharge for use as drinking water, irrigation water or for other suitable uses.

FIG. 13is a flow chart illustrating a method for generating power using the thermal transfer engine in accordance with one aspect of the disclosure. One or more steps may be omitted or performed in a differ order. Additional steps may be added without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 13, the method begins at step1300in which non-carbon energy is received. As previously described, the non-carbon energy may comprise solar energy or waste heat. Next, at step1304, the non-carbon energy is used to evaporate a working fluid. As previously described, the working fluid may comprise a refrigerant such as a fluorocarbon. At step1306, working fluid vapor may be lifted to an elevated height, we do not need elevation if dual pressure pump used. At step1308, the working fluid vapor is condensed to a working fluid liquid. The working fluid liquid at step1310. In other embodiments, the working fluid liquid may be directly used without storage. At step1312, the working fluid liquid may be discharged to a generator to generate power. The working fluid may be recycled in a closed loop at step1314.