Patent GB-772248-A (GB)
Title: Process and apparatus for converting thermal energy into mechanical energy
IPC: F01K25/06
Filed: 1953-10-23
Abstract: 772,248. Hot gas power plant. BACHL, H. Oct. 23, 1953 [Oct. 27, 1952; Oct. 27, 1952; Oct. 27, 1952], No. 29341/53. Class 7 (1). [Also in Group XXVI] Apparatus for converting thermal energy into mechanical energy with the aid of a working medium comprising a mixture of two components (or a solution of one component in another) of which one a gaseous component can be separated off as a gas or vapour by the application of heat whilst the other remains substantially in the liquid state, comprises a separator A in which the gaseous component can be separated off by heating a prime mover B in which the separated gaseous component can be expanded after superheating an intermediate heat exchanger (or a plurality of such exchangers D<SP>1</SP> to D<SP>5</SP> serially connected) connected to the separator and to a final heat exchanger or mixer C and further comprising means for conveying the residue (poor mixture) left in the liquid state after the separation of the gaseous component from the separator through the intermediate heat exchangers and the final heat exchanger such heat exchangers being intended to operate at progressively lower pressures in the direction of flow of the residue the arrangement being such that a portion or portions of the separated gaseous component can be withdrawn from the prime mover after partial expansion therein and mixed at the intermediate heat exchanger(s) with the residue passing therethrough the remainder of the gaseous component being withdrawn from the prime mover and mixed with the residue at the final heat exchanger whereby the residue can be progressively cooled and enriched as it passes through the heat exchangers the arrangement further being such that the rich mixture so formed can be fed back to the separator passing through the intermediate exchangers in a direction opposite to that taken by the residue being cooled whereby the rich mixture can be heated at the heat exchangers by the residue being cooled. The poor mixture is fed by way of a conduit b to pressure reducing devices F<SP>1</SP> to F<SP>4</SP>. The pressure reducing devices may preferably be fluid turbines. For conveying into the separator A the rich mixture from mixer C pressure raising means such as pumps E<SP>1</SP> to E<SP>4</SP> are employed. The supply of heat will in general be effected by fuel burned in the separator A. In order to utilize the bottom temperature range of the furnace gases resulting therefrom it is proposed to employ this heat in an absorption process for generating cold. H is a separator connected as an after heating surface on the outlet side of the evaporator A and the superheater G, J is a condenser, K is an absorber, C is an evaporator, L is a conduit leading the expelled gas, M is a conduit provided for the liquid cooling means, O and P are heat exchangers, Q is a pump and R is a means provided for the reduction of the pressure (throttle valve, turbine) of the poor liquid component. The separator H is heated by the exhaust gases of the separator A. Heat may be transmitted to cooling water through the condenser J and absorber K. The working medium may be produced by for example the solution of NH<SP>3</SP> in water or the solution of salts for example in water or the mixture water monomethylamine may be employed. Working media may be liquid chemical compounds which are separated into a gaseous component and a liquid component by a supply of heat. In order to prevent progressive dissociation it is preferable that the gaseous dissociation products which are left after liquefaction of the working gas in the lowest temperature stage or also externally supplied gases which are added should be compressed and mixed with the working gas before the superheating thereof. In a modification of Fig. 2 the connection e<SP>2</SP> is omitted and a connection is shown between the upper side of the exchanger D<SP>2</SP> and the lower side of the exchanger D<SP>1</SP>.