Patent ID: 11913425

Abstract:
An energy conversion system comprising: a riser conduit comprising a first liquid; a down-comer comprising a second liquid, the down-comer in fluid communication with the riser conduit, the second liquid comprising first liquid and finely divided material in suspension such that the second liquid has a higher specific gravity than the first liquid, the down-comer in fluid communication with a first tank and a second tank; a converter device arranged to convert energy of the first liquid into energy for output from the energy conversion system, and to discharge the first liquid thereafter; and a recirculator arranged to recirculate third liquid to maintain the finely divided material in suspension, the third liquid comprising second liquid and further finely divided material in suspension. The recirculator is arranged to discharge the third liquid to mix with the first liquid from the converter device to form the second liquid. The first tank and the second tank are arranged between the converter device and the down-comer, to receive the first liquid discharged from the converter and to supply the first liquid to the down-comer. Supply of first liquid to the first and second tanks is in use regulated to maintain the height of liquid in the first and second tanks below a predetermined threshold.