Apparatus and method for converting thermal energy

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for converting thermal energy into mechanical energy in a cycle, comprising a heat exchanger (4), a reservoir (3) for a working medium, a feed line (5), a turbine (2), and a return line (6) with at least one recovery device (9). The invention provides that the turbine (2) is embodied as a disc rotor turbine, so as to also make it possible to utilize waste heat for the generation of electrical energy. The invention further relates to a method for converting thermal energy into mechanical energy in a cycle, in which thermal energy is fed to a working medium in the reservoir (3), the working medium vaporizes and / or its pressure increases, the working medium releases energy in the turbine (2), and the working medium then returns to the reservoir (3).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for converting thermal energy into mechanical energy by a cycle, comprising a heat exchanger, a reservoir for a working medium, a feed line, a turbine and a return line with at least one recovery device. The invention further relates to a method for converting thermal energy into mechanical energy in a cycle, whereby thermal energy is supplied to a working medium in a reservoir, the working medium is vaporized and / or the pressure of the working medium is increased, the working medium releases energy in a turbine, and the working medium then returns to the reservoir. [Background technology]

[0002] Cycles such as the Rankine cycle are particularly known for converting heat into mechanical energy and, in some cases, even electrical energy. Here, the energy-carrying medium or working medium undergoes a phase change, with water usually being used as the working medium. A variant of the Rankine cycle uses a liquid with a low boiling point. There are also modes of operation using the supercritical state of the working medium. This means that the working medium can be converted into a supercritical state. Departure from This means that there is no phase change in the system, and therefore no condensation is utilized. The resulting single phase cycle means that a lot of work must be done to pump the medium back to the storage tank or reservoir, which reduces the overall efficiency of the system.

[0003] A cycle is also known, for example from EP 3 056 694 A1, which operates with a refrigerant and comprises at least two heated pressure vessels and one additional heat source as a thermal condensate pump.

[0004] DE 101 26 403 A1 describes a system with two pressure vessels, in which a gas is used for buffering in each chamber above the working medium.

[0005] The present invention avoids the disadvantages of the prior art, For example, using an energy source with a low temperature starting at 40°C, mechanical energy, Ultimately of electrical energy of emissions Not efficient Enables generation , Required Equipment cost Low It is intended to clearly show the device.

[0006] Furthermore, a corresponding method is also defined.

[0007] According to the invention, the first object is achieved by a device of the first named type, in which the turbine is embodied as a disc rotor turbine.

[0008] In this type of device, a working medium can be used which has a low boiling point and is therefore also able to absorb heat starting at about 40°C, Therefore, Waste heat or solar energy but , Special Thus, through the use of a disk rotor turbine, also called a boundary layer turbine or Tesla turbine, condensation of the working medium can also occur in the turbine itself, thereby eliminating the need for a separate condenser or second pressure vessel.

[0009] The disc rotor turbines typically used have a casing shaft The invention comprises a plurality of discs rotatably arranged adjacent to each other in a casing, and a stream of working medium, typically water, is preferably conducted to the discs in parallel through an inlet in the casing. The discs are then joined by adhesive forces. shaft Rotate around Forced to exercise The stream is further decelerated by friction on the disc. The side walls of the casing hold the stream To the circular route The disc continues to be driven as it is redirected, the velocity of the stream thereby decreasing, thereby cooling the stream and condensation occurring in the turbine.

[0010] twistThe disks are also driven more forcefully as a result, since high viscosity results from condensation of the working medium, which in a typical bladed turbine can severely damage the blades.

[0011] As a result, Highly durable Because no materials are required, production costs are also low and a long service life is achieved.

[0012] The recovery device can in principle be embodied in any manner known from the prior art, for example as a pump.

[0013] The turbine, which is realized as a disc rotor turbine, is mounted in the casing. on axis It is advantageous if the rotor comprises multiple discs rotatably arranged next to each other in a circumferential direction, and the disc surfaces are provided with a microstructure. Optimal properties of the friction layer of the surface for maintaining laminar flow can thus be achieved.

[0014] The turbine, which is embodied as a disc rotor turbine, is mounted in the casing. on axis It has proven to be particularly advantageous if the rotor comprises multiple discs rotatably arranged next to each other in a casing with an inlet nozzle holder having a shape that allows the injection of the working medium between the discs. Flow disturbances and losses caused by impacts on the faces of the discs can thus be avoided.

[0015] Furthermore, the turbine, which is embodied as a disc rotor turbine, is on axis The rotor includes a plurality of discs rotatably arranged adjacent to each other, and the rotor rotates the working medium in the casing. vinegar It has been found to be advantageous to include an inlet nozzle holder having a shape that allows the generation of a stream: a double helix stream is thus obtained that improves the action of the skin friction layer.

[0016] layer flowAdvantageously, it is provided that structure-borne noise measurements are integrated into the turbine to identify turbulence and therefore the cycle can be controlled so that laminar flow is present in the turbine to the greatest extent possible and losses due to turbulence are therefore avoided. The control can occur, for example, by the turbine flow being varied by a corresponding control device, in particular by a controllable valve.

[0017] To control the cycle, it is envisaged that a valve is preferably provided to regulate the flow rate. By arranging the valve, it is then possible to regulate, for example, the speed at which the turbine rotates and / or the power output. For example, the flow rate can be regulated so that laminar flow is maintained in the turbine.

[0018] It is particularly advantageous if the turbine can be connected to a generator, so that the resulting mechanical energy can be easily converted into electrical power. Until now Not in use Was Waste heat or solar thermal energy but , can be used for this purpose.

[0019] It would be particularly advantageous if the generator could be integrated into the turbine, as a result the system would be simpler and connection problems between the turbine and the generator could be avoided.

[0020] It has proven to be advantageous if the reservoir for the working medium can be connected to a heat source, in particular via a heat exchanger arranged inside the reservoir, so that heat can be transferred to the working medium in a very advantageous manner.

[0021] Preferably, CO2 is used as the working medium. of Due to the low evaporation temperature, thermal energy, e.g., from waste heat, can already be absorbed at low pressure. The CO2 is then vaporized with the absorption of thermal energy, e.g., in a reservoir. Then, It reaches the turbine through a feed line and InsideThe gaseous CO2 is condensed with the release of mechanical energy, and then the liquid CO2 is transported to the reservoir by the recovery device. reservoir is under higher pressure than the turbine outlet, Savings Clasp Within Again, evaporation occurs with the supply of heat.

[0022] usually, Especially since condensation can occur in the turbine. The working medium flows between the turbine outlet and the reservoir. in , at least partially liquid, preferably Completely liquid shape It exists in this state.

[0023] It has proven advantageous for the device to be designed for pressures of the turbine's working medium above 74 bar, preferably above 100 bar, and in particular to allow for supercritical states of the turbine's working medium.

[0024] In particular, CO2 is used as the working medium case , Super The critical state can already be achieved at low temperatures, for example 40° C., whereby waste heat accumulating at the corresponding low temperatures can also be utilized. Therefore, The turbine or device good Preferably of the working medium From the supercritical state to the gas and liquid states stiffness The shrinkage is designed to occur in the turbine.

[0025] At least one valve is provided between the turbine and the reservoir, and a recovery device is provided to allow the working medium to flow at a time. between Generates alternating forces hand , Made by In moving media pressure Generates vibrations To embody It is advantageous to apply force or pressure to the working medium between the outlet of the turbine and the reservoir. pressure By applying vibration, the working medium vibrates or oscillates. To make In particular, an increase occurs in the range of the resonant frequencies of the working medium, and therefore particularly high pressure amplitudes can be achieved. This type of pressure amplitude makes it possible to overcome the pressure difference between the reservoir and the turbine outlet, so that , operation The medium can be transferred to a reservoir or boosted to a higher pressure level in a particularly efficient manner, i.e. Operation The medium is already complete Even if the gas is in a liquid state and leaves the turbine outlet, complete Even though condensation occurs in the turbine, as a result, a particularly efficient method can be realized for the device.

[0026] The recovery device can in principle be applied in the widest variety of ways, for example by means of an electromagnetically actuated membrane or an electromagnetically actuated piston, with a defined amplitude and frequency of force or pressure. but Can be applied to working medium 、 For example, it may be embodied as an electromagnetic device.

[0027] Preferably, using a recovery device to enable excitation of a resonant frequency of the working medium within the apparatus; At frequencies above 1 Hz, in particular above 10 Hz, preferably above 100 Hz, particularly preferably above 1000 Hz, force may be applied to the working medium.

[0028] The recovery device may also include a pressure measuring device, with which the pressure of the working medium between, for example, the outlet of the turbine and the reservoir can be measured, and for example, iteratively determine the frequency at which a resonance of the working medium exists and apply a force excitation to the working medium at said frequency in a targeted manner, so that with little effort Simply High pressure amplitude can be achieved, and the pressure difference between the reservoir and the turbine Ride Make it possible to overcome this.

[0029] It is advantageously provided that the recovery device is embodied as a resonant tube system. The working medium is thus Can be vibrated , preferably at the resonant frequency Vibration and therefore the return line of the turbine and , a reservoir for the working medium and a feed line between the turbine and can overcome the pressure difference between

[0030] To avoid backflow of the working medium from the reservoir to the turbine outlet, at least one valve is typically provided between the turbine outlet and the reservoir, which valve only allows flow from the turbine outlet to the reservoir and prevents flow in the opposite direction. This type of valve may also be called a one-way valve. This valve may also be used to regulate the flow rate by a separate valve, or a different control device may also be provided for this purpose.

[0031] Particularly preferably, at least one valve is provided either before or after the recovery device to control the flow direction of the working medium; The relevant At least one valve teeth , preferably No moving parts embodied as a valve 。 Thus, durability and low maintenance requirements of the system may be promoted.

[0032] Particularly preferably, so-called Tesla valves are used in this case, which do not contain any moving parts and whose action is controlled by the valve in different directions. to Flow through the valve is different flow Resistance and consequently 、 This is realized in that only one-way flow is practically possible.

[0033] One useful variation is where the recovery device It is biased by a spring, Attenuation Unknown mass , for example a piston or a membrane, The mass body is Alternatively, it is also attenuated Good A mass of this type within a closed volume Using , vibrations can be beneficially excited and resonance can be brought about, with increasing amplitude and therefore and , a feed line between the working medium reservoir and the turbine and It can overcome the pressure difference between

[0034] Typically, frequencies of a few Hz up to 10 kHz shaking Or shake motionHowever, in the working medium using a recovery device Generated Shake R is generated by the supplied energy, With the energy supplied For example, a piston or a membrane is driven periodically.

[0035] An advantageous alternative variant of the device is that the recovery device comprises field coils for generating a magnetic or electromagnetic field, said coils being able to be located inside the enclosed volume or outside the enclosed volume. By means of these field coils supplied with electrical energy, the occurrence of vibrations and resonances can be very efficiently regulated, especially when a magnetic fluid is used as the working medium. Thus, the return line of the turbine and, A feed line between the reservoir for the working medium and the turbine and The pressure difference between the

[0036] The closed volume on which the field coil acts can be, for example, a return line or a segment of the connecting line between the outlet of the turbine and the reservoir, so as to generate vibrations of the working medium at said location. For this purpose, a magnetic medium can be used as the working medium. Alternatively, vibrations can also be introduced into the working medium indirectly by the magnetic medium.

[0037] The field coil can therefore be arranged in the return line connecting the outlet of the turbine and the reservoir or outside said return line, so as to act on a medium arranged in the return line, which is preferably embodied as a magnetic medium or a magnetic fluid, for this purpose magnetic particles of a few nanometers in size can for example be mixed into the working medium.

[0038] According to the invention, another object is achieved by a method of the first named type, in which condensation of the working medium occurs in the turbine.

[0039] Condensation energy can therefore also be obtained, which allows particularly high efficiencies to be achieved even at low temperatures. In this case, disc rotor turbines are typically used, also known as boundary layer turbines or Tesla turbines.

[0040] Advantageously, CO2 is used as the working medium, as a result of which a very low temperature heat source can also be used.

[0041] Working fluid, especially CO2 is the maximum 73 bar 、 Preferably 65 to 73 bar pressure It is advantageous if the working medium absorbs heat energy at a temperature of, for example, 40°C and vaporizes it. The pressure in the reservoir can therefore be, for example, 72 bar, so that heat can be absorbed at a temperature of, for example, 40°C, resulting in evaporation of the working medium. Generally, the pressure at the turbine outlet is lower than in the reservoir. In other words , turbine outlet in The working medium may be present in liquid form, for example at a pressure of about 64 bar and 20°C.

[0042] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the working medium reaches a supercritical state, in particular at a pressure above 74 bar, preferably above 100 bar, and that condensation from the supercritical state to the gaseous and liquid states occurs in the turbine, in particular when CO2 is used as working medium. child This is already at a relatively low temperature. realization Possible in so that waste heat that accumulates at low temperatures can be utilized in this case.

[0043] Even if the supercritical state is reached, the liquid of the working medium is preferably to , possibly at least partially into a solid state complete It is provided that the condensation occurs in a turbine.

[0044] If the pressure and temperature are measured in the return line and compared with those of the feed line, and the flow rate of the working medium in the return line is regulated by a valve arranged in the return line, then a very good load regulation can be realized in a particularly advantageous manner with a simultaneous low complexity. For this purpose, the flow rate is typically regulated by a valve preferably arranged between the outlet of the turbine and the reservoir.

[0045] The return of the working medium from the turbine to the reservoir occurs between Advantageously, this occurs in conjunction with a pressure increase of the working medium by a recovery device in which periodically alternating forces are applied to the working medium.

[0046] Typically, a valve is provided in the return line between the turbine outlet and the reservoir; This will reservoir Inside The pressure of Super El By each pressure oscillation of the magnitude Working medium in the reservoir transportation However, a valve prevents backflow from the reservoir to the turbine outlet.

[0047] As a result, the pressure difference between the turbine and the reservoir can be overcome in a simple manner, so that particularly high efficiencies are achieved and the utilization of waste heat is also possible at temperatures of, for example, 40°C.

[0048] The working medium is Vibrated , especially the working medium of Vibration at the resonant frequency difference It has been found to be particularly advantageous to have the return line of the turbine and , Made by Feed line between the reservoir for the moving medium and the turbine and Typically, the working medium is in the region of the recovery device. In, completely It exists in a liquid state, which is why its resonant frequency is typically above 1 kHz.

[0049] Beneficial working medium vibration In order to generate Spring-biased, and possibly attenuation The mass is vibrated by a resonant tube system or by an alternating magnetic field difference External energy is usually used to generate the vibrations. Ruga ,vibration teeth , and of course also the energy generated by the turbine or the generator connected to the turbine. too can be generated. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0050] Additional features, advantages, and benefits of the present invention are obtained from the exemplary embodiments described below, with reference to the drawings.

[0051] [Figure 1] 1 shows a device according to the invention. [Figure 2] 1 shows a device according to the invention that is a resonant tube system. [Figure 3] 1 shows a device according to the invention of a spring-loaded non-damping material. [Figure 4] 1 shows a device according to the invention of a spring-loaded damping material. [Figure 5] 1 shows a device according to the invention with a field coil inside a closed volume. [Figure 6] 1 shows a device according to the invention with a field coil outside the closed volume. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0052] A diagram of an apparatus 1 according to the invention for carrying out a cycle according to the invention is shown in Figure 1, in which heat is converted into mechanical energy and then into electrical energy.

[0053] The device 1 essentially consists of a turbine 2, a reservoir 3 for the working medium, a heat exchanger 4, a feed line 5 between the reservoir 3 and the turbine 2 for transmitting the working medium from the reservoir 3 to the turbine 2, a return line 6 after the turbine 2 for transmitting the working medium from the outlet of the turbine back to the reservoir 3, and a valve 7 for regulating the flow.

[0054] Furthermore, a pressure sensor 8 is provided so that the valve 7 can be controlled.

[0055] The outlet of the turbine is connected to the reservoir 3 for transmitting the working medium from the outlet of the turbine. Pressure in than high The pressure in the reservoir 3 is It is , a recovery device 9 is provided on the return line 6 .

[0056] Preferably, CO2 is used as the working medium because it has a low boiling point. The critical points are 31°C and 73.9 bar. Regarding , phase transition between liquid and gas teeth A pressure of approximately 72 bar at a temperature of only 30°C Already in arise, Therefore, low With the heat supplied by a Even though , the phase transition is caused by the absorption of heat and release Available for do. In other words , reservoir Inside The working medium may be at a pressure of, for example, 72 bar, and the waste heat is converted by heat exchange to a temperature of 40°C. working medium The working medium is vaporized and In this case, the working medium is In the turbine it is reduced to a pressure of about 64 bar, whereby it is cooled to ambient temperature, for example 20°C, fully condensed and work is output via the turbine.

[0057] Alternatively, the working medium is present in the reservoir (3) at a pressure above 74 bar, for example about 100 bar, and is brought to a supercritical state through the supply of heat, from which state The working medium is completely condensed to the gaseous state, simultaneously or subsequently, liquid It can also be provided that it is condensed into a body state.

[0058] For corresponding pressure conditions of the device (1), at least a partial phase transition of the working medium to the solid state occurs in the turbine at a temperature of, for example, 20°C, resulting in the formation of dry ice particles, but this can also be provided by using a disc rotor turbine, which is not a problem for the turbine (2). As a result, the heat storage at low temperatures, for example only 40°C, can also be utilized for power generation.

[0059] Of course, other refrigerant-like working media may also be used, for example R744 or R134a.

[0060] Heat from a heat source 10 is supplied to the working medium via a heat exchanger 4 arranged in a reservoir 3. Primary energy, or preferably at a temperature of about 40°C, e.g. from an industrial process, is used. Waste heat but , thereby can be used. However, it is also possible to use a lower temperature heat source 10. It is therefore particularly advantageous that solar energy can also be utilized.

[0061] A disc rotor turbine is used as the turbine 2. It is also known as a boundary layer turbine 2 or a Tesla turbine 2. This disc rotor turbine: On axis Rotatably arranged next to each other R Multiple Disks The multiple disks include a side wall, The inlet opening and the outlet opening disposed in a casing having A stream of working medium, heretofore usually water, is conducted through an inlet in parallel to the disks. Due to adhesive forces, the disks then shaft Around Rotational motion The stream is further slowed down by friction and is redirected by the side walls onto a circular path, thereby continuing to drive the disc. shaft Only bearings with low tolerances are required, especially Highly durableSince no material is required, production costs are also low and a long service life can be expected. The disk is also driven more strongly as a result, since a high viscosity results from condensation of the working medium of the turbine 2. In a typical turbine 2 with blades, condensation would severely damage the blades. Energy extraction then occurs subsequently due to a pressure drop in the working medium of the turbine 2.

[0062] To control the cycle, the pressure and temperature are measured at the outlet of the turbine in the return line 6 and compared with the pressure and temperature in the feed line 5. The cycle can then be regulated by a valve 7 arranged in the return line 6 to regulate the flow rate. In this way, very good load regulation is possible with simultaneous low complexity.

[0063] After the valve 7, the working medium is then fed to a recovery device 9, in which Recovery The device is embodied as a pump.

[0064] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 6, the recovery device 9 Vibrate to overcome the pressure difference between the turbine outlet and the reservoir 3. It will be embodied .

[0065] FIG. 2 shows an apparatus 1 according to the invention with a recovery device 9 embodied as a resonant tube 11, where the fluid column of working medium is in a pipe-like form. of Volume 12 Within It can oscillate back and forth and thus become self-resonant, for example It can be a state , along with the valve Combined , return line 6 of turbine 2 and , a reservoir 3 for the working medium and a feed line 5 between the turbine 2 and The excitation of vibrations can be caused, for example, by an electromagnetically driven membrane.

[0066] In FIG. 3, a further variant of the device 1 according to the invention is shown, Spring-biased mass 13, where the enclosed volume 12 DepartmentThis membrane, which may also be, for example, a piston, mass body 13, vibrations are excited in the working medium, and the working medium teeth Volume part Within resonance To the state bring And , and depending on At resonance, only a fraction of the excitation energy originally used is required, which leads to an improvement in efficiency and ensures a particularly efficient transport of the working medium into the reservoir 3. Here, the closed volume 12 is mass body 13 is spring 14, whereby vibrations are generated using external energy, for example electromagnetic energy.

[0067] Figure 4 shows a device 1 similar to that shown in Figure 3, but where mass body 13 is , Shi On the stem Negative effects There is a possibility that Excessive vibration is prevented by the damper 15. Nevertheless, the return line 6 of turbine 2 and, a feed line 5 between the reservoir 3 for the working medium and the turbine 2; and The pressure difference between the two can also be easily overcome in this case.

[0068] vibration A further possibility to generate is shown in Figure 5, where vibration is vibrated by the field coil 16 To the state And R magnetic fluid Generated by , an alternating electromagnetic field can be generated in the field coil 16 .

[0069] To control the direction of the working medium flow, an additional one-way valve 17 is provided, which in this case replaces valve 7, which is only used to regulate the flow rate. and , Recovery Device 9 and Alternatively, the flow direction of the device 1 can of course also be ensured by a correspondingly embodied valve 7, so that no additional one-way valve 17 is required.

[0070] One-way valve 17 is similar to valve 7 and may of course also be provided after recovery device 9 or between recovery device 9 and reservoir 3 .

[0071] In the variant according to FIG. 5, the field coil 16 is located within the closed volume 12. Department will be placed in.

[0072] A similar variant is shown in Figure 6, but here, in contrast to Figure 5, the field coil 16 is arranged outside the closed volume 12, e.g., a cylinder. Since the electromagnetic field generated by means of the field coil 16 can penetrate into the volume 12, excitation of vibrations of the magnetic fluid is also possible here.

[0073] The device 1 described above and the method according to the invention Until now Not in use Was waste heat but The solar energy can be converted into electrical energy under economically beneficial conditions. For example, industrial waste heat in the temperature range of about 40°C to over 300°C can be used thereby to convert it into electricity. Solar heat can also be utilized to generate additional electricity. Because the system is essentially closed, it can also be usefully and advantageously used in remote areas without connection to other power supply lines. [Other possible items] [Item 1] 1. An apparatus (1) for converting thermal energy into mechanical energy in a cycle, comprising a heat exchanger (4), a reservoir (3) for a working medium, a feed line (5), a turbine (2) and a return line (6) with at least one recovery device (9), characterized in that the turbine (2) is embodied as a disc rotor turbine. [Item 2] The turbine (2) embodied as a disc rotor turbine is in a casing on axis Item 1. The device (1) according to item 1, characterized in that it comprises multiple disks rotatably arranged adjacent to each other, the surfaces of which are provided with a microstructure. [Item 3] The turbine (2) embodied as a disk rotor turbine is provided in a casing. on axis 3. The device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises multiple discs rotatably arranged adjacent to each other in the casing, and an inlet nozzle holder having a shape that allows the injection of the working medium between the discs in the casing. [Item 4] The turbine (2) embodied as a disk rotor turbine is provided in a casing. on axis The casing includes a plurality of disks rotatably arranged adjacent to each other, and the casing rotates the working medium. vinegar 4. The device (1) according to one of items 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises an inlet nozzle holder having a shape that allows the generation of a stream. [Item 5] layer flow and a device (1) according to one of items 1 to 4, characterized in that a structure-borne noise measurement is integrated (2) into the turbine in order to identify turbulence. [Item 6] 6. The device (1) according to one of items 1 to 5, characterized in that a valve (7) is provided to regulate the flow rate. [Item 7] 7. The device (1) according to one of items 1 to 6, characterized in that the reservoir (3) of working medium can be connected to a heat source (10) via a heat exchanger (4). [Item 8] 8. The device (1) according to one of items 1 to 7, characterized in that CO2 is used as the working medium. [Item 9] The device is preferably in excess of 74 bar, and more preferably in excess of 100 bar. 、 Item 1 - 8. Device (1) according to item 1, characterized in that it is designed for the pressure of the working medium of the turbine, in particular allowing a supercritical state of the working medium of said turbine. [Item 10] At least one valve (7) is provided between the turbine (2) and the reservoir (3), and the recovery device (9) is configured to timely supply the working medium. betweenThe working medium is embodied to generate a periodically alternating force, so that pressure 10. The device (1) according to one of items 1 to 9, characterized in that it generates vibrations. [Item 11] 11. Apparatus (1) according to one of items 1 to 10, characterized in that the recovery device (9) is embodied as a resonant tube (11). [Item 12] The recovery device (9) Spring-biased and undamped mass (13) The device (1) according to one of items 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises, for example, a piston or a membrane. [Item 13] The recovery device (9) Spring-biased and damped mass (13) The device (1) according to one of items 1 to 11, characterized in that it comprises, for example, a piston or a membrane. [Item 14] 14. The apparatus (1) according to one of items 1 to 13, characterized in that the recovery device (9) comprises a field coil (16) for generating a magnetic field. [Item 15] Item 15. The device (1) according to item 14, characterized in that the field coil (16) is arranged inside the closed volume (12). [Item 16] Item 15. The device (1) according to item 14, characterized in that the field coil (16) is arranged outside the closed volume (12). [Item 17] 17. The device (1) according to one of the preceding items, characterized in that at least one valve (7) is arranged between the turbine outlet and the reservoir (3), which valve (7) allows the working medium to flow from the turbine outlet to the reservoir (3) and prevents flow in the opposite direction. [Item 18] Item 18. Device (1) according to item 17, characterized in that the at least one valve (7) is embodied as a valve (7) without moving parts, in particular as a Tesla valve. [Item 19] In particular, a method for converting thermal energy into mechanical energy in a cycle using a device (1) according to one of items 1 to 18, characterized in that thermal energy is supplied to a working medium in a reservoir (3), the working medium is vaporized and / or its pressure is increased, the working medium releases energy in a turbine (2), after which the working medium returns to the reservoir (3) and condensation of the working medium occurs in the turbine (2). [Item 20] 20. The method according to item 19, characterized in that CO2 is used as the working medium. [Item 21] 21. The method according to item 19 or 20, characterized in that the working medium absorbs the heat energy at a pressure of up to 73 bar and thereby vaporizes. [Item 22] 21. The method according to item 19 or 20, characterized in that the working medium reaches a supercritical state, in particular at a pressure above 74 bar, preferably above 100 bar, and condensation from the supercritical state to the gaseous and liquid states occurs in the turbine. [Item 23] 23. The method according to one of items 19 to 22, characterized in that the pressure and temperature are measured in the return line (6) and compared with the pressure and temperature in the feed line (5), and the flow rate of the working medium in the return line (6) is regulated by a valve (7) arranged in the return line (6). [Item 24] 24. The method according to one of items 19 to 23, characterized in that the return of the working medium from the turbine (2) to the reservoir (3) occurs together with an increase in the pressure of the working medium by a recovery device (9) which applies a time-sequentially alternating force to the working medium. [Item 25] The working medium is recovered by the recovery device (9). Vibration state , especially resonance In a state 25. The method according to one of items 19 to 24, characterized in that [Item 26] of the working medium vibration However, due to the resonator tube (11), GenerateItem 26. The method according to item 25, characterized in that [Item 27] of the working medium vibration but, Spring-loaded mass Item 26. The method according to item 25, characterized in that it is generated by (13). [Item 28] The aforementioned Spring-loaded mass Item 28. The method according to item 27, wherein (13) is attenuated. [Item 29] The working medium includes or is formed of a magnetic fluid, and the vibration is generated by an alternating magnetic field. Generate Item 26. The method according to item 25, characterized in that

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for converting thermal energy into mechanical energy by a cycle, comprising a heat exchanger, a reservoir for a working medium, a feed line, a turbine embodied as a disc rotor turbine, and a return line having at least one recovery device, wherein complete condensation of the working medium occurs within the disc rotor turbine, thereby making it possible to eliminate a separate condenser.

2. The device described in claim 1, wherein when the thermal energy is supplied to the working medium in the reservoir, the working medium vaporizes or the pressure of the working medium increases, causing the working medium to release energy within the disc rotor turbine, and complete condensation of the working medium occurs within the disc rotor turbine.

3. An apparatus as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the disc rotor turbine receives the working medium in a gaseous state and outputs the working medium in a completely liquid state or in a combination of the liquid state and a solid state.

4. The device described in claim 1, wherein the turbine embodied as a disc rotor turbine includes multiple discs rotatably arranged adjacent to each other on an axis in a casing, and the surfaces of the multiple discs are provided with a microstructure.

5. The apparatus described in claim 1, wherein the turbine embodied as a disc rotor turbine includes multiple discs rotatably arranged adjacent to each other on an axis in a casing, and the turbine includes an inlet nozzle holder in the casing having a shape that allows the working medium to be injected between the multiple discs.

6. The apparatus described in claim 1, wherein the turbine embodied as a disc rotor turbine includes multiple discs rotatably arranged adjacent to each other on an axis in a casing, and the turbine includes an inlet nozzle holder in the casing having a shape that enables the generation of a rotating stream of the working medium.

7. 7. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein structure-borne noise measurements are integrated into the turbine to distinguish between laminar and turbulent flow.

8. An apparatus for converting thermal energy into mechanical energy by a cycle, comprising a heat exchanger, a reservoir for a working medium, a feed line, a turbine and a return line with at least one recovery device, said turbine being embodied as a disc rotor turbine with complete condensation of said working medium, whereby a separate condenser can be eliminated; An apparatus in which structure-borne noise measurements are integrated into the turbine to distinguish between laminar and turbulent flow.

9. 9. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a valve is provided to regulate the flow rate.

10. 10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the reservoir for the working medium can be connected to a heat source via a heat exchanger.

11. CO ２ 11. The device according to claim 1, wherein a gas containing methyl methacrylate is used as the working medium.

12. 12. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the device is designed for a pressure of the working medium in the turbine of more than 74 bar, preferably more than 100 bar, in particular enabling a supercritical state of the working medium in the disc rotor turbine.

13. 13. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one valve is provided between the turbine and the reservoir, and the recovery device is embodied to generate time-alternating forces on the working medium, thereby generating pressure oscillations in the working medium.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the recovery device is embodied as a resonating tube.

15. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the recovery device comprises a spring-biased and undamped mass.

16. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the recovery device comprises a spring-biased and damped mass.

17. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the recovery device includes a field coil that generates a magnetic field.

18. An apparatus for converting thermal energy into mechanical energy by a cycle, comprising a heat exchanger, a reservoir for a working medium, a feed line, a turbine and a return line with at least one recovery device, said turbine being embodied as a disc rotor turbine with complete condensation of said working medium, whereby a separate condenser can be eliminated; At least one valve is provided between the turbine and the reservoir, and the recovery device is embodied to generate a time-alternating force on the working medium, thereby generating pressure oscillations in the working medium; The apparatus, wherein the recovery device includes a field coil that generates a magnetic field.

19. 19. Apparatus according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the field coil is disposed inside an enclosed volume.

20. 19. Apparatus according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the field coil is located outside the enclosed volume.

21. An apparatus as described in claim 13 or 18, wherein the at least one valve allows the working medium to flow from the outlet of the turbine to the reservoir and prevents flow in the opposite direction.

22. 22. The device according to claim 21, wherein the at least one valve is embodied as a valve without moving parts, in particular as a Tesla valve.

23. A method for converting thermal energy into mechanical energy in a cycle using an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein thermal energy is supplied to a working medium in a reservoir, said working medium vaporizes and / or the pressure in said working medium increases, causing said working medium to release energy in a turbine, after which said working medium is returned to said reservoir; A method wherein complete condensation of the working medium occurs within the turbine, thereby eliminating a separate condenser.

24. CO ２ 24. The method of claim 23, wherein is used as the working medium.

25. 25. The method of claim 23 or 24, wherein the working medium absorbs the thermal energy at a pressure of up to 73 bar and thereby vaporizes.

26. 25. The method according to claim 23 or 24, wherein the working medium reaches a supercritical state, in particular at a pressure above 74 bar, preferably above 100 bar, and wherein the complete condensation from the supercritical state to the gaseous and liquid state occurs in the turbine.

27. 27. The method of any one of claims 23 to 26, wherein pressure and temperature are measured in a return line and compared with the pressure and temperature of a feed line, and the flow rate of the working medium in the return line is regulated by a valve arranged in the return line.

28. 28. The method of any one of claims 23 to 27, wherein the return of the working medium from the turbine to the reservoir is caused by an increase in pressure of the working medium by a recovery device that applies a time-alternating force to the working medium.

29. 29. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 28, wherein the working medium is brought into a vibration state, in particular into a resonance state, by the recovery device.

30. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the vibrational state of the working medium is generated by a resonating tube.

31. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the vibrational state of the working medium is generated by a spring-biased mass.

32. 32. The method of claim 31 , wherein the spring-biased mass is damped.

33. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the working medium comprises or is formed by a magnetic fluid, and the vibrational state is generated by an alternating magnetic field.

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