A new combined thermodynamic cycle with high energy recovery.

Abstract

The absolute novelty of the new combined SEOL cycle is represented by the recuperative steam generator (GVR), which completely replaces the regenerator of the prior art, and which reduces the energy difference (Q) between the temperature at the end of expansion and the temperature at the time of almost complete condensation of the thermal fluid. R ) can be recovered and then this large energy difference can be used to generate steam that can be fully reused in preheating the mixture, contributing significantly to an increase in the overall energy yield of the cycle and an increase in the unit power of the heat engine. The use of the new combined SEOL cycle allows for the following main advantages: A. An increase in the unit power of the heat engine due to an increase in the enthalpy of the mixture introduced into the expander (ES); B. Energy recovery (Q) performed in the recovery steam generator (GVR). R ) followed by a significant increase in the overall heat yield; C the possibility of lubricating the cylinder and / or sliding chamber of the piston of the heat engine, reducing mechanical friction and wear and consequently increasing the overall yield of the engine itself; D the possibility of using multiple heat sources (Q) capable of heating the mixture circulating in the superheater (SR) to a sufficient temperature H ) the possibility of using; and E the possibility of designing and industrializing new "heat engines" characterized by high overall yields and low production costs.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The object of the present invention, in one of its aspects, is a new thermodynamic cycle, called by the acronym "SEOL", where the absolute novelty is represented by the GVR, which completely replaces the regenerator of the prior art and which is used at the end of expansion (Q R ) can be recovered through the generation of superheated steam, which is then injected and mixed with the other circulating gases, contributing decisively to increasing the overall energy yield of the cycle and to increasing the unit power of the heat engine. In particular, the invention can have considerable applications in the fields of electrical energy generation from renewable energy sources, combined electrical energy and heat generation, in the field of vehicles / transport and in the field of electric motors in general, in that it can make a decisive contribution to reducing air pollution.

[0002] The present invention is entitled: The "new combined SEOL cycle" considers a significant simplification of the functioning of the cycle already claimed in patent application WO-2019 / 008457-A1 published in the name of the same applicant. Overall, over time, heat engines operating on different thermodynamic cycles have been developed, others are still in the testing stage. However, it is recognized that the solutions industrialized so far have many limitations. This is especially true for small heat engines used to drive autonomous generators of low to medium power (less than 50 kWh): A. Diesel-cycle or Otto-cycle reciprocating endothermic engines that are mechanically complex, noisy, particularly polluting, and require considerable maintenance; B. Stirling exothermic engines, which, although less polluting than endothermic engines, have lower unit power, lower yields, and are very heavy and bulky; C. Ericsson exothermic engines, regulated by the presence of fill / discharge valves, which at the current state of the art do not yet have industrial application, even if they could theoretically have a significant total yield; D. Turbine endothermic engines (using gas or other fuels), which in small versions are particularly polluting and not very competitive; and E. Various types of steam-heat generating engines (operating on the Rankine or Rankine-Hirn cycle) that are competitive only in certain size stationary cogeneration applications.

[0003] The state of the art is that several types of endothermic engines (including internal combustion engines) of the prior art, with appropriate mechanical and functional modifications, can be adapted to use the "new combined SEOL cycle". In particular, by way of non-limiting examples, the following are enumerated: A. Four-stroke diesel reciprocating engine; B. 4-stroke Otto reciprocating engine; C. Four-stroke Wankel rotary engine; and, D. Four-stroke pseudo-turbine rotary engine (Patent US-2014-0140879-A1).

[0004] In the state of the art, several other types of exothermic engines (with external combustion) of the prior art, with minor functional modifications, can be easily adapted for use in the "new combined SEOL cycle". In particular, as non-limiting examples, we list the following: A. A rotary engine RVE, with periodically variable speed, formed by an intake / compression (1') section and one or two expansion / exhaust (3') sections separated by four or six slidable pistons in a single annular cylinder, as already claimed in patent applications: WO-2015 / 114602-A1, WO-2019 / 008457-A1 published in the name of the same applicant; B. Two-cylinder Ericsson reciprocating engine; C. A Wankel rotary engine (Patent: US-3426525) consisting of a compressor (1') and an expander (3') mechanically coupled to each other by one of the transmission systems; D. A rotary engine consisting of a pallet compressor (1') and an expander (3'), mechanically coupled to each other by one of the transmission systems (patent: DE-43.17.690-A1); E. Trefoil rotary engine consisting of a compressor (1') and an expander (3'), mechanically coupled to each other by any one of the transmission systems (Patent: US-2011-0259002-A1); F. RVE rotary engine (Patent WO-02 / 084078-A1) consisting of a compressor (1') and an expander (3') mechanically coupled to each other by one of the transmission systems; G. A scroll rotary engine (Patent: US-2005 / 0172622-A1) consisting of a compressor (1') and an expander (3'), mechanically coupled to each other by any one of transmission systems; and H. A rotary engine with a multi-stage turbine formed by a compressor (1') and an expander (3'), mechanically coupled to each other by any one transmission system (Patent: WO-2012 / 123500-A2).

[0005] In general, all known electric motor solutions have a less than satisfactory cost-benefit ratio, mainly due to their low overall yield, which severely limits the penetration of cogeneration in the apartment and residential market.

[0006] If it is desired to extend the application of the new heat engine to vehicles / transport, its compactness and overall efficiency are essential, and therefore, in that context, the applicant of the present invention set himself the objective of proposing a new thermodynamic cycle.

[0007] In already known external combustion heat engines, the regenerators usually used can only recover the energy difference existing between the temperature of the thermal fluid at the end of expansion (4) and the temperature at the end of compression (2), i.e. a relatively small difference (e.g. T4: 360°C - T2: 276°C = 84°C), which can even have negative consequences in some cases. The absolute novelty of the new combined SEOL cycle is represented by the function performed by the recovery steam generator (GVR), which completely replaces the regenerator and recovers the energy difference (Q) between the temperature of the thermal fluid at the end of expansion (4) and the temperature of the thermal fluid at almost complete condensation (measured in tube 14'). R ), i.e., a very high difference (e.g., T4: 360°C - T14: 40°C = 320°C) can be recovered. R By using a regenerative steam generator (GVR), the GVR is able to generate superheated steam that is fully reusable within the cycle.

[0008] The use of the new combined SEOL cycle provides the following key benefits: A. The increase in enthalpy of the mixture (air and / or helium and / or other compatible gases mixed with superheated steam) introduced into the expander (ES) increases the unit power of the heat engine; B. Energy recovery (Q) performed by the recovery steam generator (GVR) R ), followed by a significant increase in the overall heat yield; C. lubricate the cylinder and / or sliding chamber of the piston of a prior art heat engine, reducing mechanical friction and wear and, as a result, potentially increasing the overall yield of the engine itself; D. Multiple heat sources (Q) capable of heating the mixture circulating in the superheater (SR) to a sufficient temperature H ) may be used. E. There is potential for the design and industrialization of new "heat engines" characterized by high overall yields and low production costs.

[0009] For clarity of explanation, it should be noted that the figures and drawings attached to this industrial invention application are provided for non-limiting purposes only, and their purposes are as follows:

[0010] FIG. 1 shows a general functional diagram of the "New Combined SEOL Cycle", one of the objects of the present invention, with all the necessary identifications for a quick and easy technical understanding of it.

[0011] FIG. 2 shows a diagram of a Joule cycle, already known in the art, which is used only as an aid to explanation.

[0012] Referring to Figure 1, the new combined SEOL cycle mainly consists of the following components: A. A compressor "CO" whose purpose is to suck in (1) and compress (2) gaseous fluids (air and / or helium and / or other suitable gases) that are part of a mixture; B. A check valve "VNR" whose purpose is to prevent the compressed gaseous fluid from circulating in any way opposite to its normal movement; C. Mixing box "CM" whose purpose is to receive the compressed gas coming from the compressor "CO" and mix it with the superheated steam coming from the recovery steam generator "GVR"; D. Thermal energy (Q H a superheater "SR" whose purpose is to superheat the mixture coming from the mixing box "CM" so that it can be used in the cycle, by adding E. Receives the superheated mixture from the superheater "SR", expands it and removes heat energy from it, and the cycle "L E " an expander "ES" capable of producing useful mechanical work; F. Residual heat energy (Q R ) and the recovery steam generator "GVR" (the most important component of the new combined SEOL cycle), which can be used to generate superheated steam that is reintroduced into the cycle; G. Recovery steam generator "GVR" recovers residual energy (Q LR ) condenser "CD" intended to remove; H. A separator "SA", whose purpose is to separate the gaseous part of the mixture (air and / or helium and / or other compatible gases) from the liquid part (condensate) so that they can be used separately in the cycle; I. A metering pump "PD" equipped with a flow regulator "RA" and intended to suck in a predetermined amount of condensate from the separator "SA" and pump it at high pressure to the recovery steam generator "GVR"; and J. Mechanical work produced by the expander "ES" "L E " to electrical energy and is configured to perform the function of starting the electric motor in the first step of starting the heat engine.

[0013] In the diagram of Figure 1, the heat engine shown is substantially formed by a compressor "CO" and an expander "ES", mechanically linked together by a drive shaft (2'). However, without any adverse effect on the invention, the new combined SEOL cycle can be used with any one of the other prior art (reciprocating or rotary) engines capable of performing the required intake / compression and expansion / exhaust functions jointly or separately.

[0014] Also, many other different technical solutions aimed at achieving said functions in any way can be used without any adverse effect on the invention.

[0015] With reference to the diagram in FIG. 1, it is considered appropriate to provide the following important specifications regarding the step of preparing a closed circuit through which the working fluid will flow: A. The heat engine is set to a very slow rotation speed by means of a generator "GE" (used as a starting motor), and by using separate bombs of compressed gas and a suitable filling outlet (not shown), a single gas (air and / or helium and / or other compatible gas) is introduced into the closed circuit of the system at a predetermined rate until a certain overpressure (0.1 ÷ 0.2 bar) is reached relative to atmospheric pressure; B. Maintaining the engine in motion (as in the previous paragraph A) the metering pump "PD" is operated at a minimum flow rate, then, by using a suitable raised container equipped with a needle valve, a predetermined amount of distilled water is introduced into the circuit so that there is always a quantitative reserve of concentrated water above the bottom of the separator "SA" (possibly graduated), so as to ensure the triggering of the same metering pump "PD" at maximum operating conditions and the maximum expected flow rate; C. The flow rate of the metering pump "PD" is automatically adjusted by the regulator "RA" so that the recovery steam generator "GVR" can generate the maximum possible energy (Q R circulating the exact amount of condensed water required to allow recovery of the D. Independently of the availability of electrical energy that can normally be obtained by the generator "GE", the electrical energy required for the motor starting phase and for powering the auxiliary instruments is provided by a conventional storage battery with sufficient capacity.

[0016] Referring to the diagram of FIG. 1, starting of the heat engine is preferably achieved in the following manner: A. The generator "GE" used as a starting motor and the drive shaft (2') rotate the compressor "CO" and the expander "ES" at a predetermined minimum speed (e.g., 400 rev / m); B. At said rotational speed, the compressor "CO" takes in, by means of the pipe (18'), a gaseous fluid (air and / or helium and / or other suitable gases) from the separator "SA" and compresses it to a certain pressure value (for example 4 bar) corresponding to a proportional temperature (for example 163°C); C. The gas thus compressed moves into the pipe (5'), passes through the check valve "VNR", moves into the pipe (7') and arrives in the mixing box "CM" (where, in the first step, only the gas fluid circulates), moves into the pipe (9') and then reaches the superheater "SR"; D. Following the start of the compressor "CO", the heat source "Q H " is also operated, and the heat source "Q" is turned on so that the gas fluid in the tube (11') reaches a predetermined minimum temperature (for example, 400°C) at the outlet of the superheater "SR". H ” is also adjusted; E. The heated gaseous fluid is conveyed to an expander "ES" where it is expanded from a maximum pressure (e.g., 4 bar) and maximum temperature (e.g., 400°C) condition (3) to a minimum pressure (e.g., 1 bar) and average temperature (e.g., 180°C) condition (4) to produce useful work "L E ", which then, upon discharge in the tube (12'), still has a high temperature (e.g., 160°C) and an almost complete amount of usable heat energy; F. When the already expanded gas fluid reaches a predetermined minimum temperature (e.g., 120°C) useful for generating steam in the pipe (12'), the metering pump "PD" is activated, adjusted to a predetermined minimum flow rate, and calibrated to a predetermined delivery pressure (e.g., 20 bar); G. Following the operation of the metering pump "PD", the pipe (19') draws the programmed amount of condensed water at ambient temperature (e.g. 20°C) to the separator "SA", then the pipe (22') conveys it at high pressure towards the recovery steam generator "GVR"; H. Recovery In the generator, the generator "GVR" acting as a countercurrent heat exchanger recovers the mixture (Q R The thermal energy still contained in the condensate "PD" is used to vaporize the condensate coming from the metering pump "PD" beforehand, and by means of the pipe (23') and the injector (24') the superheated steam is transferred to the mixing box "CM" where it is mixed with the gaseous fluid coming from the compressor "CO"; and I. The ideal energy recovery condition was one in which the temperature of the fluid leaving the recovery steam generator "GVR", measured on the tube (14'), was equal to the ambient temperature (20°C) as close as possible. However, given that this condition is difficult to achieve due to heat exchange considerations, it was decided that the residual energy (Q LR ) is provided for the presence of a condenser "CD" whose purpose is to disperse the J. In the separator "SA", the gaseous part of the mixture (air and / or helium and / or other compatible gas) is separated from the liquid part (condensate) so that it can be used separately for the continuity of the cycle; K. When the superheated mixture entering the expander "ES" reaches a certain temperature and the heat drop between the inlet and outlet of the same expander exceeds a certain minimum value, i.e.: the useful work produced "L E " is compressed "Q C " plus mechanical friction exceeds the value of the mechanical strength, the heat engine can operate by its own motion and the generator "GE" can stop working as a starter motor and start working as a generator; L. When a heat engine operates on its own motion: the system "Q H " by gradually increasing the amount of energy supplied to the tube (11'), a stepwise increase in the temperature of the mixture moving in the tube (11') is determined up to an allowable maximum value (for example, 900°C); M. The higher temperature mixture entering the expander "ES" increases the engine speed (e.g., from 400 to 900 rpm) and the amount of useful work produced "L E ” determine an approximately proportional increase in; N. At the above-mentioned rotational speed, the compressor "CO" draws (1) the gaseous fluid from the separator "SA" by means of the pipe (18') and compresses it to a higher pressure value (for example, from 4 bar to 9 bar), which corresponds to a proportional temperature increase at the end of compression (for example, from 163°C to 276°C); and O. At said operating conditions, the mixture discharged from the expander "ES" generates an energy differential (Q) that can be almost completely recovered in the recovery steam generator "GVR", as already mentioned above. R ) and have a higher temperature (e.g., 353°C). Summary of the Invention

[0017] Further aspects of the present invention are described below.

[0018] The object of the present invention is a heat engine comprising a drive unit with a transmission system and a combined heat cycle operating on a mixture of gas and steam, with the aim of obtaining a greater unit power output, a significant increase in overall yield, and efficient lubrication of the moving parts of the drive unit. The invention also relates to a method for achieving the heat cycle. Heat engines can generally be used to generate mechanical energy. The invention is particularly applicable to the generation of electrical energy in power plants or the combined production of electrical and thermal energy by cogeneration and micro-cogeneration plants. The invention can also be applied in the automotive and transportation sectors and in the electric motor sector in general.

[0019] Some historical considerations and some known solutions regarding thermodynamic cycles are described in the patent applications published in the name of the same applicant and under the numbers WO2015 / 114602A1 and WO2019 / 008457.

[0020] Overall, heat engines are being developed to operate on different thermodynamic cycles, with others still in the testing stage.

[0021] However, the applicant has found that even previously industrialized solutions have many limitations, especially in engines used to drive autonomous generators of low to medium power (e.g., less than 50 kWh).

[0022] In the current practical reality, the following drive units are usually used to drive generators: reciprocating endothermic engines, which are mechanically complex, noisy, particularly polluting, and require significant maintenance; Stirling engines that typically must be operated at low speeds to obtain good overall yields, even with low pollution, and are therefore very heavy and bulky; Gas turbines, which are particularly polluting and, in addition, economically uncompetitive in smaller versions; and Considering the need to use steam generators of a certain size, expanders operating on the Rankine or Rankine-Hahn cycle are particularly competitive only in fixed cogeneration applications and require further innovative technologies to be used more efficiently even in small mobile applications.

[0023] Nevertheless, the applicant has discovered that the known solutions are not without drawbacks and can be improved in various aspects.

[0024] In fact, in general, all known solutions, in addition to problems of pollution, low yield, mechanical complexity and high maintenance costs, also have a particularly unsatisfactory cost-benefit ratio, which severely limits the widespread adoption of cogeneration in the apartment and private household market.

[0025] Applicant has also realised that their compactness and overall efficiency are essential if it is desired to extend the use of such heat engines to micro-cogeneration in vehicle / transport and domestic environments.

[0026] In this context, the object underlying the present invention is to provide, in its various aspects and / or embodiments, a connector for connecting pipes that is able to overcome one or more of the above-mentioned drawbacks.

[0027] In particular, the applicant has set himself the objective of proposing a new "heat engine" capable of functioning with an innovative gas and water combined heat cycle, thereby making it possible to utilize more energy and recover it in the same step of the cycle, significantly increasing the unit power and overall yield, while also solving the major problem of lubrication of the moving parts of the drive unit.

[0028] Another object of the present invention is to produce a heat engine with high operational reliability.

[0029] A further object of the present invention is to provide a heat engine characterized by a simple and rational construction.

[0030] A further objective underlying the present invention, in its various aspects and / or embodiments, is to overcome one or more drawbacks of known solutions by providing a new "heat engine" that can use multiple heat sources and that can generate mechanical energy (work) and that can be used anywhere and for any use, preferably for the generation of electrical energy.

[0031] A further object of the present invention is to provide a heat engine characterized by a high thermodynamic yield and an optimum weight-to-power ratio.

[0032] Another object of the invention is to make it possible to produce a heat engine which is characterized by reduced production costs.

[0033] A further object of the present invention is to create alternative solutions in the construction of heat engines and / or to open up new design fields with respect to the prior art.

[0034] These objects, and other possible objects that will become clearer in the course of the following description, each taken separately (without a relative dependent claim) or in any combination with other claims, are substantially achieved by a heat engine according to one or more of the enclosed claims, also in combination with the above-mentioned claims, according to the following aspects and / or various combined embodiments.

[0035] The aspects of the present invention are listed below.

[0036] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a heat engine configured to achieve a heat cycle, operating on a thermal fluid, comprising a drive unit and a drive circuit.

[0037] In one embodiment, the drive unit comprises: a housing defining at least one operating chamber therein; a member for converting energy of the thermal fluid, the member being movably housed within the at least one working chamber and configured to convert energy of the thermal fluid into mechanical energy according to an operating cycle; and an output shaft operatively connected to said energy transformation member and configured to receive said mechanical energy and provide rotational motion at an outlet, preferably at a constant angular velocity; Equipped with.

[0038] In one embodiment, the internal delimitation of the at least one working chamber comprises: a first inlet in fluid communication with a first inlet duct for receiving the flow of the thermal fluid drawn into the at least one working chamber; a first outlet in fluid communication with the first outlet duct for delivering the compressed flow of thermal fluid exiting the at least one working chamber to the first outlet duct; a second inlet in fluid communication with the second inlet duct for receiving a flow of the thermal fluid being charged to expand within the at least one working chamber; and a second outlet in fluid communication with the second outlet duct for directing the flow of thermal fluid exiting the at least one working chamber to the second outlet duct;

[0039] In one embodiment, a driving circuit extends between the first and second inlets and the first and second outlets and comprises the first inlet duct, the first outlet duct, the second inlet duct and the second outlet duct.

[0040] In one embodiment, the drive circuit achieves a continuous cycle of thermal fluid flow through said at least one working chamber of the drive unit, wherein: The second outlet duct starts from the second outlet of the housing of the drive unit, and terminates in continuous connection with the first inlet duct (i.e., flows into the starting point of the first inlet duct), and the first inlet duct terminates at the first inlet of the housing of the drive unit, and the second outlet duct and the first inlet duct achieve a first closed branch of the drive circuit; and, The first outlet duct starts from the first outlet of the housing of the drive unit and terminates in continuous connection with the second inlet duct (i.e., flows into the starting point of the second inlet duct), and the second inlet duct terminates at the second inlet of the housing of the drive unit, and the first outlet duct and the second inlet duct achieve a second closed branch of the drive circuit.

[0041] In one embodiment, the heat engine comprises a heater operatively operating along the second closed branch of the drive circuit between the first outlet duct and the second inlet duct and configured to heat a thermal fluid circulating within the second branch.

[0042] In one embodiment, the heat engine includes a condenser operably interposed along the first closed branch of the drive circuit between the second outlet duct and the first inlet duct and configured to cool the thermal fluid circulating within the first branch.

[0043] In one embodiment, the heat engine comprises a condensation separator disposed downstream of the condenser along the first inlet duct, wherein water present in the thermal fluid is condensed and separated from air before the thermal fluid reaches the first inlet for drawing the thermal fluid into the at least one working chamber.

[0044] In one embodiment, the heat engine comprises a pump (preferably high pressure) configured to draw condensed water previously extracted from the air by a condensation separator and deliver it to an evaporation tube which flows into the second branch at a point in the first outlet duct upstream of the heater.

[0045] In one embodiment, the heat engine comprises a vaporizer positioned within the heat engine so as to block the second outlet duct downstream of the drive unit and upstream of the condenser on its hot side (or first side) and block the vaporizer tube on its cold side (or second side).

[0046] In one embodiment, the vaporizer is configured to heat and vaporize condensed water circulating within the vaporization tube before it flows into the second branch.

[0047] In one embodiment, the heat engine comprises an injector arranged at the end of the evaporation tube and configured to inject a predetermined amount of water vapor into the second branch upstream of the heater, which can increase the unit output of the drive unit and ensure lubrication of the energy conversion member movably housed in the at least one working chamber.

[0048] In one embodiment, a vaporizer is operably inserted on its low temperature side between the high pressure pump and the injector, and on its high temperature side between a second outlet of the drive unit that discharges spent thermal fluid and the condenser, and the vaporizer captures residual energy heat from the spent thermal fluid and uses it to preheat the thermal fluid moving towards the heater.

[0049] In one embodiment, the vaporizer is a heat exchanger.

[0050] In one embodiment, the vaporizer is a heat exchanger with two sides that respectively block the second outlet duct and the vaporization tube so as to transfer heat from the thermal fluid circulating in the second outlet duct to the fluid (water) circulating in the vaporization tube.

[0051] In one embodiment, the vaporizer determines the cooling of the thermal fluid circulating in the second outlet duct and the corresponding (thermodynamic) heating of the fluid circulating in the vaporizer tube.

[0052] In one embodiment, the heat engine comprises a compensation tank located downstream of the first outlet of the drive unit along the first outlet duct and configured to store compressed thermal fluid so as to make it available for subsequent use in order to balance and optimize the flow of thermal fluid circulating in the drive circuit.

[0053] In one embodiment, the heater comprises a burner having an enclosed combustion chamber, said burner adapted for a power supply supplied with multiple fuel types and configured to provide the heater with the thermal energy required for its operation.

[0054] In one embodiment, the heater comprises an injection valve configured to manage the introduction of fuel to the burner in a controlled manner.

[0055] In one aspect, the heater comprises a containment body having an inlet for mixed air drawn from the environment, housing both the burner operably operating along the second closed branch of the drive circuit and the condenser operably operating along the first closed branch of the drive circuit, and configured such that heat drawn from the first branch by the condenser is transferred to the mixed air before it reaches a combustor to facilitate the process of combustion and heating of a thermal fluid in the second branch.

[0056] In one embodiment, the heat engine includes a superheater located downstream of the burner to remove energy from the high-temperature combustion smoke of the burner and configured to block the vaporizer tube at a position downstream of the cold side of the vaporizer and upstream of the injector.

[0057] In one embodiment, the superheater is configured to transfer energy removed from the hot combustion smoke of the burner to the vaporized condensate at the outlet from the vaporizer so as to superheat it before it reaches the injector.

[0058] In one embodiment, the heat engine comprises a closed cooling circuit separate from said drive circuit.

[0059] In one embodiment, the cooling circuit includes a first heat recuperator located within the heater containment body downstream of the condenser and upstream of the burner relative to the direction of flow of combustion sustaining air within the heater.

[0060] In one embodiment, the cooling circuit comprises a cooling unit (space) operatively associated with the housing of the drive unit.

[0061] In one embodiment, the cooling circuit comprises a plurality of cooling pipes connected in series to form a circular path, the first heat recovery device, and the cooling unit, the cooling pipes carrying a quantity of cooling fluid (preferably water).

[0062] In one embodiment, the cooling tubes are arranged in the heat engine as follows:

[0063] Interacting with the cooling unit, the cool cooling fluid draws heat from the drive unit housing, cooling the housing and resulting in a high drive unit temperature.

[0064] Interacting with the first heat recuperator, the hot cooling fluid transfers heat to the surrounding airflow, heating the airflow and thereby returning it to a colder temperature.

[0065] In one embodiment, the cooling circuit comprises a cooling pump disposed within the cooling circuit and operatively operating on a tube of the plurality of cooling tubes to determine the circulation of the cooling fluid within the cooling circuit.

[0066] In one embodiment, the cooling circuit includes a second heat recovery device located within the heater containment body downstream of the burner, preferably downstream of the superheater, along the outlet path of the heater for hot combustion smoke.

[0067] In one embodiment, the plurality of cooling pipes connect the first heat recovery device, the cooling unit, and the second heat recovery device in series within the circular path, and the second heat recovery device is inserted downstream of the cooling unit and upstream of the first heat recovery device along the direction of movement of the cooling fluid as follows: In the cooling unit, a low temperature cooling fluid draws heat from the housing of the drive unit to cool the housing, which is consequently heated; In the second heat recovery device, the hot cooling fluid acquires heat from the hot combustion fumes to cool the combustion fumes, resulting in an increase in temperature; and In the first heat recuperator, the hot cooling fluid transfers heat to the combustion-sustaining airflow, heating it and returning it to a cooler temperature.

[0068] In one embodiment: the first collector configured to cool the cooling fluid by transferring heat / energy to the combustion sustaining air; the cooling unit is configured to cool the drive unit by transfer of heat / energy from the drive unit to a cooling fluid, the cooling fluid undergoing an increase in temperature; and The second collector is configured to heat the cooling fluid by capturing heat / energy from hot combustion fumes.

[0069] In one aspect, the heat engine comprises an auxiliary hydraulic circuit including an auxiliary collector, the auxiliary hydraulic circuit being located within the containment body of the heater at a position downstream of the burner, preferably downstream of said superheater, along the outlet path of the hot combustion smoke of the heater.

[0070] In one embodiment, the auxiliary hydraulic circuit comprises a plurality of auxiliary pipes configured to pass through said auxiliary collector and to be coupled to one or more auxiliary applications, preferably a heating utility and / or a sanitary hot water generation unit.

[0071] In one aspect, the auxiliary hydraulic circuit includes an auxiliary pump disposed within the auxiliary hydraulic circuit and operatively operating on a line of the plurality of auxiliary lines to determine circulation within the auxiliary circuit.

[0072] In one embodiment, the auxiliary collector is configured to recover energy from combustion smoke and transfer it to fluid circulating in the auxiliary circuit, whereby the energy is available for the auxiliary use.

[0073] In one embodiment, the heat engine includes a fan disposed at the combustion sustaining air inlet of the containment body of the heater and configured to draw combustion sustaining air from the surroundings and force it to the burner for delivery to the combustion process.

[0074] In one embodiment, the heat engine comprises one or more check valves disposed along the tubes of the drive circuit of the heat engine and configured to facilitate circulation of the thermal fluid in one direction and prevent flow of the thermal fluid in the opposite direction.

[0075] In one embodiment, the energy conversion member is configured to convert energy of the thermal fluid into mechanical energy according to an operating cycle that provides a sequence of the following steps: drawing a thermal fluid into the at least one working chamber; compressing the thermal fluid in the at least one working chamber and injecting the thermal fluid; filling the at least one working chamber with a thermal fluid and expanding the thermal fluid in the at least one working chamber; and Discharging the thermal fluid from the at least one working chamber.

[0076] In one embodiment, the energy transforming member comprises one or more, preferably a plurality of blades or pistons or equivalent members.

[0077] In one embodiment, the drive unit is a two-stroke engine or a four-stroke engine, or a reciprocating engine, or a rotary engine.

[0078] In one embodiment, the drive unit is a heat engine including a compressor that performs the intake and compression steps, and an expander that performs the expansion and discharge steps.

[0079] In one embodiment, the compressor and the expander are mechanically independent of each other or are connected by a transmission member.

[0080] In one embodiment, the compressor is a multi-stage rotary compressor and the expander is a turbine expander.

[0081] In one embodiment, the at least one working chamber comprises: a first chamber having the first inlet and the first outlet, into which the thermal fluid is drawn and compressed; and A second chamber separate from the first chamber is provided, the second chamber having the second inlet and the second outlet, and into which the compressed thermal fluid is filled, the thermal fluid is expanded, and the thermal fluid is discharged.

[0082] In one embodiment, the drive unit is a drive unit with intermittent flow, wherein: the first chamber being a variable volume working chamber configured to operate fluid intake and fluid compression; The second chamber is a variable volume working chamber configured to operate fluid inflation and fluid evacuation.

[0083] In one embodiment (the previous alternative), the drive unit is a drive unit with continuous flow, wherein: The first chamber is configured to achieve a compressor and is configured to operate fluid intake and fluid compression; The second chamber is configured to achieve a turbine and is configured to operate fluid expansion and fluid exhaust.

[0084] In one embodiment, the first inlet and the second inlet are coincident, and the first outlet and the second outlet are coincident.

[0085] In one embodiment, the heat engine comprises an electric generator, e.g., an alternator, coupled to said output shaft to undergo said rotational motion, preferably at a constant angular velocity, and to generate an electric current intended to power an external utility.

[0086] In one embodiment, the thermal fluid is a mixture comprising a gas and steam or water, the gas being preferably air and / or helium and / or other gaseous fluid compatible with steam or water, and the thermal cycle achieved by the heat engine is a complex thermal cycle.

[0087] In an independent aspect thereof, the present invention relates to a method for achieving a thermal cycle, the method operating with a thermal fluid and comprising the steps of: arranging the heat engine, preferably according to one or more of the above aspects; Next step: starting the drive unit to move the member to convert energy of the thermal fluid; activating the heater to heat a thermal fluid in the drive circuit; The following steps: drawing the thermal fluid into the at least one working chamber via the first inlet; compressing the thermal fluid in the at least one working chamber and injecting the thermal fluid through the first outlet; heating, by the heater, a thermal fluid circulating through the second branch of the driving circuit; charging the thermal fluid in the at least one working chamber through the second inlet and expanding the thermal fluid in the at least one working chamber; discharging the thermal fluid from the at least one working chamber through the second outlet; activating an operating cycle including: Step of executing

[0088] Here, the stages of the working cycle of intake, compression, filling and expulsion of the thermal fluid determine the conversion of the energy of the thermal fluid into mechanical energy.

[0089] In one aspect, the method includes transferring the mechanical energy generated by the transformation member to the output shaft, the output shaft providing rotational motion at an outlet, preferably at a constant angular velocity.

[0090] In one aspect, the method comprises the following steps: the thermal fluid exiting the second outlet of the drive unit travels into a second outlet duct of the first branch of the drive circuit and passes through the hot side of the evaporator; The thermal fluid proceeds to the first branch and reaches the condenser where it is cooled; the thermal fluid proceeds to a first branch and reaches a condensation separator, where water present in the thermal fluid is condensed and separated from the air before the thermal fluid reaches the first inlet of the drive unit; the condensate previously extracted from the air by the condensate separator is drawn by a high-pressure pump into a vaporizer pipe which flows into the second branch at a point in the first outlet duct upstream of the heater; the condensed water circulating in the vaporization tube passes through the cold side of the vaporizer where it is heated and vaporized before entering the second branch; a predetermined amount of steam is injected by an injector into the second branch upstream of the heater, the amount of steam being capable of increasing the unit output of the drive unit and ensuring lubrication of the energy conversion member movably accommodated in the at least one working chamber; Includes:

[0091] In one aspect, the method comprises the following steps: The condensate is heated and vaporized after passing through the cold side of the vaporizer, continues into the vaporizer tube, and reaches a superheater located upstream of the injector, which transfers heat to the vaporized condensate so that it is superheated before reaching the injector.

[0092] In one aspect, the method comprises the following steps: arranging a cooling circuit including a first collector, a cooling unit, a plurality of cooling pipes, and a cooling pump; Steps to perform the following operations: the cold cooling fluid interacts with the cooling unit where it draws heat from the housing of the drive unit to cool the housing, which is then heated; the hot cooling fluid interacts with the first heat recovery device where it transfers heat to the surrounding airflow, heating the airflow and thereby cooling it back down to a colder temperature; and activating the cooling pump to determine the circulation of the cooling fluid in the cooling circuit;

[0093] In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: arranging a second collector in the cooling circuit; and A step of carrying out the following process:

[0094] In the cooling unit, a low temperature cooling fluid draws heat from the housing of the drive unit to cool the housing, which is consequently heated; In the second heat recovery device, the hot cooling fluid acquires heat from the hot combustion fumes to cool the combustion fumes, resulting in an increase in temperature; and In the first heat recovery device, the hot cooling fluid transfers heat to the surrounding airflow, heating the airflow and thereby cooling it back down to a colder temperature.

[0095] In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: arranging the auxiliary hydraulic circuit with an auxiliary collector, a plurality of auxiliary pipes, and an auxiliary pump; and A step of carrying out the following process: recovering a certain amount of energy from the combustion smoke with the auxiliary recovery device; transferring the energy to a fluid circulating in the auxiliary circuit; and Making said energy available for ancillary uses.

[0096] In one embodiment relating to a method for achieving a thermal cycle, the thermal fluid is a mixture comprising a gas and water vapor or water, the gas is preferably air and / or helium and / or other gaseous fluid compatible with water vapor or water, and the thermal cycle achieved by this method is a complex thermal cycle.

[0097] Each of the above-described aspects of the invention may be employed individually or in combination with any one of the claims or other described aspects.

[0098] Further features and advantages will be apparent from the detailed description of several embodiments, including preferred embodiments, which are non-exclusive examples of a heat engine according to the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0099] Such a description will now be given with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided by way of non-limiting example only. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a general functional diagram of the "New Combined SEOL Cycle", one of the objects of the present invention, with all the necessary identifications for a quick and easy technical understanding of it. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a diagram of a Joule cycle, already known in the art, which is used only as an aid to explanation. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of a first possible embodiment of a heat engine according to the invention. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A shows an enlargement of a portion of the heat engine of FIG. 3, in particular showing the drive unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows the heat engine of FIG. 3 with some additional components. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows the heat engine of FIG. 4 with some additional components. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a further possible embodiment of a heat engine according to the invention in a schematic manner. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a further possible embodiment of a heat engine according to the invention in a schematic manner. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a further possible embodiment of a heat engine according to the invention in a schematic manner. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a further possible embodiment of a heat engine according to the invention in a schematic manner. Detailed Description

[0100] The existence of various possible embodiments of the heat engine according to the invention can be seen in the detailed description and in Figures 3 to 9. For example, the structure of the heat engine can be as follows: a first functional configuration (see Figures 3, 4 and 5) with a closed operating cycle, in which the thermal fluid is integrated with the injection of condensed water, and which has as its main purpose the lubrication of the working chamber and the energy conversion members and the increase of the unit power of the drive unit; a second functional configuration (see in particular FIG. 6), in which the thermal fluid is integrated with the injection of superheated steam, which allows a significant improvement in the overall yield of the thermal cycle, in addition to a significant increase in the lubrication of the working chamber and the energy conversion members and in the unit power of the drive unit; and A third functional configuration (see embodiments of Figures 7, 8 and 9) in which the thermal fluid is integrated with the injection of superheated steam, which allows a significant improvement in the overall yield of the thermal cycle in addition to an increase in the unit output of the lubrication and drive unit, and further (as will be revealed below) provides heat / energy recovery of the circulating fluid (according to different embodiments).

[0101] The heat engine of the present invention may also be implemented according to a combination of the embodiments shown in Figures 3-9.

[0102] With reference to Figures 3 to 9 above, a heat engine according to the present invention has been indicated in one of its aspects using the reference numeral 200. Generally, the same reference numerals are used for equivalent or similar elements and may also be used in variations of those embodiments.

[0103] The heat engine 200 is firstly configured to achieve a thermal cycle operating on a thermal fluid and comprises a drive unit 1 and a drive circuit 10 .

[0104] The drive unit 1 comprises a housing 2 defining at least one working chamber 3 therein, and a member for converting the energy of the thermal fluid, movably accommodated within the working chamber 3 and configured to convert the thermal energy of the thermal fluid into mechanical energy according to an operating cycle.

[0105] The drive unit includes an output shaft 8 operably coupled to the energy conversion member and configured to receive the above-mentioned mechanical energy and provide rotational motion at an outlet usable by a device downstream of the drive unit (e.g., a generator), preferably at a constant angular velocity.

[0106] The housing 2 delimits inside it an operating chamber 3: a first inlet 4 in fluid communication with the first inlet duct 14 for receiving from the first inlet duct a flow of thermal fluid to be drawn into the at least one working chamber 3; a first outlet 5 in fluid communication with the first outlet duct 15 for delivering a flow of thermal fluid under compression exiting the at least one working chamber 3 to the first outlet duct 15; a second inlet 6 in fluid communication with the second inlet duct 16 for receiving from the second inlet duct 16 a flow of thermal fluid being charged to be expanded in the at least one working chamber 3; a second outlet 7 in fluid communication with the second outlet duct 17 for delivering a flow of thermal fluid exiting the at least one working chamber 3 to the second outlet duct 17; It has.

[0107] The operations completed on the fluid within the inlet, outlet, inlet duct, outlet duct and working chamber (i.e., intake, compression, filling / expansion and exhaust) are shown schematically in Figures 3-9, particularly Figure 3A.

[0108] The aforementioned driving circuit 10 extends between the first inlet 4, the second inlet 6, the first outlet 5 and the second outlet 7, and includes the aforementioned first inlet duct 14, the first outlet duct 15, the second inlet duct 16 and the second outlet duct 17.

[0109] Preferably, the drive circuit 10 achieves a continuous cycle of thermal fluid flow through at least one working chamber 3 of the drive unit described above, where: The second outlet duct 17 starts from the second outlet 7 of the housing 2 of the drive unit and ends by being continuously connected to the first inlet duct 14, which ends at the first inlet 4 of the housing 2 of the drive unit, the second outlet duct and the first inlet duct, thus achieving a first closed branch 11 of the drive circuit; and The first outlet duct 15 starts from the first outlet 5 of the drive unit housing 2 and terminates by being continuously connected with the second inlet duct 16, and the second inlet duct 16 terminates at the second inlet 6 of the drive unit housing 2, and the first outlet duct and the second inlet duct achieve a second closed branch 12 of the drive circuit.

[0110] Essentially, the first branch is formed by the in-line junction of the second outlet duct 17 and the first inlet duct 14, while the second branch is formed by the in-line junction of the first outlet duct 15 and the second inlet duct 16. In the first branch, there is continuity (structural and fluid) between the second outlet duct 17 and the first inlet duct 14, and in the second branch, there is continuity (structural and fluid) between the first outlet duct 15 and the second inlet duct 16.

[0111] Preferably, the heat engine comprises a heater 41 operatively operating along the second closed branch 12 of the driving circuit 10 between the first outlet duct 15 and the second inlet duct 16 and configured to heat a thermal fluid circulating in the second branch.

[0112] It will be seen that in the second branch 12 the heater 41 is structurally and operatively interposed between and divided by the first outlet duct 15 and the second inlet duct 16 .

[0113] Preferably, the heat engine 200 includes a condenser 43 operably inserted along the first closed branch 11 of the driving circuit 10 between the second outlet duct 17 and the first inlet duct 14 and configured to cool the thermal fluid circulating in the first branch 11.

[0114] It is noted that in the first branch 11, the condenser 43 is structurally and operably inserted between the second outlet duct 17 and the first inlet duct 14, dividing the second outlet duct 17 from the first inlet duct 14.

[0115] Preferably, the heat engine 200 comprises a condensation separator 93 arranged downstream of the condenser 43 along the first inlet duct 14, in which water present in the thermal fluid is condensed and separated from the air before the thermal fluid reaches the first inlet 4 for intake into the working chamber 3. The condensation separator 93 then separates the gaseous part of the mixture (air and / or helium and / or other compatible gases) from the liquid part (condensed water) to make them separately usable in the cycle.

[0116] Preferably, the heat engine comprises a pump 94 (preferably at high pressure) configured to draw condensed water previously extracted from the air by the condensate separator 93 and send it to the evaporation pipe 20 which flows into the second branch 12 at a point in the first outlet duct 15 upstream of the heater 41.

[0117] Preferably, as shown in Figures 3 to 9, the heat engine includes a carburetor 95, which is located as follows: a position on the hot side (or first side) that blocks the second outlet duct 17 downstream of the drive unit 1 and upstream of the condenser 43; and A position where the vaporizer tube 20 is blocked on the cold side (or second side).

[0118] The vaporizer tube 20 is preferably configured to heat and vaporize the condensed water circulating within the vaporizer tube 20 before it enters the second branch 12 .

[0119] In essence, the evaporator 95 (which constitutes the steam generator) is able to remove (on the hot side) most of the residual thermal energy contained in the thermal fluid discharged from the second outlet 7 after expansion and transfer it (on the cold side) to the condensed water conveyed to the evaporator tube, generating superheated steam that is reintroduced into the driving circuit.

[0120] Preferably, the heat engine comprises an injector 97, which is arranged at the end of the evaporation pipe 20 and configured to inject a predetermined amount of water vapor into the second branch 12 upstream of the heater 41, so as to increase the unit output of the drive unit 1 and ensure lubrication of the energy conversion member movably accommodated in the working chamber 3.

[0121] Preferably, the vaporizer 95 is operably inserted between the pump 94 and the injector 97 on the low temperature side, and between the second outlet 7 of the drive unit 1 that discharges the used thermal fluid and the condenser 43 on the high temperature side, so as to capture residual energy heat from the used thermal fluid and use it to preheat the thermal fluid moving towards the heater 41.

[0122] The vaporizer is preferably a heat exchanger with two sides blocking the second outlet duct 17 (downstream of the drive unit 1 and upstream of the condenser 43) and the vaporization tube 20, respectively, so as to transfer heat from the thermal fluid circulating in the second outlet duct 17 (which cools it) to the fluid circulating in the vaporization tube 20 (which heats it and vaporizes it).

[0123] It will be appreciated that the function performed by the vaporizer 95 is that of enabling the recovery of the energy difference between the temperature of the thermal fluid at the end of expansion (leaving the second outlet 7 of the working chamber) and the same temperature at the time of almost complete condensation (measured at the outlet of the vaporizer on the second outlet duct 17), i.e. an energy difference that can be very high (for example from a temperature of 360°C to a temperature of 40°C). By using such an energy difference, the vaporizer can generate superheated steam that can be fully reused in the drive circuit.

[0124] It will be seen that the injector 97 is the point where the vaporizing duct 20 enters the second branch 12 of the driving circuit 10. The injector 97 acts as a "mixing box" that receives the hot fluid that leaves the first outlet 5 and is carried by the duct 15 (and thus comes from the compression part of the working chamber 3) and mixes it with the superheated steam that is transported by the vaporizing duct 20 after its passage through the vaporizer 95.

[0125] Preferably, as shown for example in FIG. 4 , the heat engine comprises a compensation tank 44 located downstream of the first outlet 5 of the drive unit along the first outlet duct 15 and configured to store compressed thermal fluid to make it available for subsequent use in order to balance and optimize the flow of thermal fluid circulating in the drive circuit 10.

[0126] Preferably (see Figures 5-9), the heater comprises a burner 40 having a sealed combustion chamber 40A adapted to be fed with multiple fuel types and to provide the heater 41 with the thermal energy required for its operation.

[0127] Preferably, the heater 41 includes an injector 91 configured to manage the introduction of fuel to the burner in a controlled manner.

[0128] Preferably, the heater 41 may comprise a containment body 50 that includes an inlet for mixed air 51, typically drawn from the environment, and that houses both a burner 40 operably operating along the second closed branch of the drive circuit, and a condenser 43 operably operating along the first closed branch of the drive circuit (11), such that heat drawn by the condenser from the first branch is transferred to the mixed air before it reaches the burner 40, facilitating the process of combustion and heating of the thermal fluid in the second branch 12.

[0129] Preferably (see embodiment of Figure 6), the heat engine 200 includes a superheater 96 positioned downstream of the burner 40 to remove energy from the hot combustion smoke of the burner 40 and configured to block the vaporizer tube 20 at a position downstream of the cold side of the vaporizer 95 and upstream of the injector 97.

[0130] Preferably, the superheater 96 is configured to transfer energy removed from the hot combustion gases of the burner to the vaporized condensate at the outlet from the vaporizer 95, superheating it before it reaches the injector.

[0131] Preferably (see embodiment of FIG. 7), the heat engine 200 comprises a closed cooling circuit 60, separate from the drive circuit.

[0132] Preferably, the cooling circuit 60 comprises a first heat recovery device 98, which is preferably located within the containment body 50 of the heater 41 at a position downstream of the condenser 43 and upstream of the burner 40 with respect to the direction of air flow within the heater.

[0133] Preferably, the cooling circuit comprises a cooling unit 2R operatively associated with the housing of the drive unit 1. In one example, the cooling unit is externally associated with the housing of the drive unit, and can be, for example, a space in contact with at least one part of the housing.

[0134] Preferably, the cooling circuit 60 comprises a plurality of cooling pipes connected in series to form a circular path, a first heat recovery device 98, and a cooling unit 2R, and such cooling pipes carry a certain amount of cooling fluid (preferably water).

[0135] Preferably, the cooling tubes are arranged in the heat engine as follows: interacting with the cooling unit 2R, the cold cooling fluid draws heat from the housing of the drive unit and cools it, resulting in a high temperature; and Interacting with the first heat recuperator 98, the hot cooling fluid transfers heat to the surrounding airflow, heating the airflow and, as a result, returning it to a colder temperature.

[0136] Preferably, the cooling circuit 60 comprises a cooling pump 99 located within the cooling circuit and operatively operating on the tubes of said plurality of cooling tubes to determine the circulation of cooling fluid within the cooling circuit.

[0137] Preferably (see embodiment of Figure 8), the cooling circuit comprises a second heat recovery device 100, which is preferably located within the containment body of the heater at a location downstream of the burner 40, and preferably also downstream of the superheater 96, along the exit path of the heater's hot combustion smoke.

[0138] Preferably, a plurality of cooling pipes connect the first heat recovery device 98, the cooling unit 2R, and the second heat recovery device 100 in series, and the second heat recovery device 100 is inserted downstream of the cooling unit 2R and upstream of the first heat recovery device 98 along the direction of movement of the cooling fluid: In the cooling unit 2R, the cold cooling fluid draws heat from the housing of the drive unit to cool the housing, which is consequently heated; In the second heat recovery device 100, the hot cooling fluid acquires heat from the hot combustion fumes and cools them, resulting in an increase in temperature; In the first heat recuperator 98, the hot cooling fluid transfers heat to the combustion sustaining air stream (before the combustion sustaining air enters the burner 40), heating the air stream and, as a result, returning it to a cooler temperature.

[0139] In this configuration: The first collector 98 cools the cooling fluid by transferring heat / energy to the combustion sustaining air; The cooling unit 2R cools the drive unit 1 by transferring heat / energy from the drive unit to a cooling fluid, which undergoes a temperature increase; The second collector 100 heats a cooling fluid and captures heat / energy from the hot combustion fumes.

[0140] Preferably (see embodiment of Figure 9), the heat engine 200 is provided with an auxiliary hydraulic circuit including an auxiliary collector 101, which is preferably located within the containment body of the heater at a location downstream of the burner 40, and preferably also downstream of the superheater 96, along the outlet path of the heater's hot combustion smoke.

[0141] Preferably, the auxiliary hydraulic circuit comprises a plurality of auxiliary pipes configured to pass through the auxiliary collector 101 and to be coupled to one or more auxiliary applications 103, preferably a heating utility and / or a sanitary hot water generation unit.

[0142] Preferably, the auxiliary hydraulic circuit comprises an auxiliary pump 104 disposed within the auxiliary hydraulic circuit and operatively acting on one of said auxiliary lines to determine the circulation within the auxiliary hydraulic circuit.

[0143] Preferably, the auxiliary collector 101 is configured to recover energy from the combustion fumes and transfer it to fluid circulating in the auxiliary hydraulic circuit, where such energy is available for auxiliary use 103 .

[0144] Preferably, the heat engine 200 includes a fan 92 disposed at the combustion sustaining air inlet of the heater containment body 50 and configured to draw combustion sustaining air from the surroundings and force it to the burner 40 for delivery to the combustion process.

[0145] Preferably, the heat engine is provided with one or more check valves, for example of known type, arranged along the pipes of the drive circuit of the heat engine and configured to promote circulation of the thermal fluid in one direction and prevent flow of the thermal fluid in the opposite direction.

[0146] Preferably, as shown schematically in FIG. 3A, the energy conversion member is configured to convert the energy of the thermal fluid into mechanical energy according to an operating cycle providing the following sequence of steps: drawing (by the first inlet 4) a thermal fluid into at least one working chamber 3; compressing the thermal fluid in at least one working chamber and injecting the thermal fluid (by means of the first outlet 5); - filling at least one working chamber 3 with thermal fluid (by means of the second inlet 6) and expanding the thermal fluid in the working chamber; and Discharging the thermal fluid from the at least one working chamber (by means of a second outlet 7).

[0147] Preferably, the energy transforming member comprises one or more, preferably multiple, blades or pistons or equivalent members.

[0148] As an example, the drive unit may be a two-stroke or four-stroke engine, or a reciprocating or rotary engine.

[0149] In one example, the drive unit is a heat engine having a compressor for performing the intake and compression steps and an expander for performing the expansion and exhaust steps, the compressor and the expander being mechanically independent of each other or connected by a transmission member.

[0150] In one example, the compressor is a multi-stage rotary compressor and the expander is a turbine expander. In a possible embodiment, similar to that shown in Figures 3 to 9, preferably at least one working chamber 3 as described above comprises: a first chamber 3A with a first inlet 4 and a first outlet 5, in which the intake and compression of the thermal fluid takes place; a second chamber 3B, separate from the first chamber, provided with a second inlet 6 and a second outlet 7, in which the filling of the compressed thermal fluid, the expansion of the thermal fluid and the discharge of the thermal fluid occur; Equipped with.

[0151] In effect, the chamber 3 is divided into two sub-chambers, each intended to carry out a respective half of the operating cycle.

[0152] The drive unit 1 can be a drive unit with intermittent flow, where: The first chamber 3A is a variable volume working chamber configured to operate fluid intake and fluid compression; and The second chamber 3B is a variable volume working chamber configured to operate fluid inflation and evacuation.

[0153] Alternatively, the drive unit 1 is a drive unit with a continuous flow, wherein: The first chamber 3A is configured to achieve a compressor configured to operate fluid intake and fluid compression; and The second chamber 3B is configured to achieve a turbine and is configured to operate fluid expansion and fluid exhaust.

[0154] In a possible embodiment (not shown), in a single working chamber, the first and second inlets are coincident with one another and the first and second outlets are coincident with one another.

[0155] In the state of the art, several known types of endothermic engines (internal combustion engines) can be adapted, with appropriate mechanical and functional modifications, to be used as drive unit 1. By way of non-limiting examples, the following engines are enumerated: 4-stroke diesel reciprocating engine; 4-stroke Otto reciprocating engine; four-stroke Wankel rotary engine; Four-stroke pseudo-turbine rotary engine (Patent US-2014-0140879-A1); In the state of the art, several other types of exothermic engines (with external combustion) with appropriate mechanical and functional modifications can be adapted for use as drive unit 1. As non-limiting examples, the following engines are listed: As already described in patent applications WO2015 / 114602A1 and WO2019 / 008457, in the name of the same applicant, an RVE rotary engine formed by an intake compression section and one or two expansion exhaust sections separated by four or six slidable pistons, at cyclically variable speeds, in a single annular cylinder; two-cylinder Ericsson reciprocating engine; Wankel rotary engine formed by a compressor and an expander mechanically coupled to each other by any one of a transmission systems (Patent: US3426525); A pallet rotary engine formed by a compressor and an expander mechanically coupled to each other by any one transmission system (patent: DE4317690A1); Trefoil rotary engine formed by a compressor and an expander mechanically coupled to each other by any one transmission system (Patent: US20110259002A1); RVE rotary engine formed by a compressor and an expander mechanically coupled to each other by a suitable transmission system (patent: WO02084078A1); A scroll rotary engine formed by a compressor and an expander mechanically coupled to each other by a suitable transmission system (Patent: US20050172622A1); and A rotary engine with a multi-stage turbine formed by a compressor and an expander, mechanically coupled to each other by a suitable transmission system (Patent WO2012123500A2).

[0156] The heat engine 200 may preferably comprise a generator G, for example an alternator, coupled to the output shaft 8 for receiving rotational motion (generated by the drive unit 1) at an input, preferably at a constant angular velocity, and for generating an electric current at an output intended to power an external utility.

[0157] The generator G is configured to convert the mechanical work produced by the drive unit (particularly the expansion part) into electrical energy.

[0158] The generator can also be arranged to perform the function of starting the electric motor in the first step of starting the drive unit.

[0159] Within the scope of the present invention, the aforementioned thermal fluid is a mixture of gas and steam or water.

[0160] The aforementioned gas may be air or helium or water vapor or any other gaseous fluid (or mixture of gaseous fluids) compatible with water, and the thermal cycle achieved by the heat engine is a complex thermal cycle.

[0161] It is also stated that in the "rest" state of the heat engine, the fluids used (e.g., air and water) are at the same temperature as the surrounding environment, and that during operation, pressures different from atmospheric pressure may exist in the drive unit and drive circuit.

[0162] It is understood that the heat engine comprises suitable command and regulation devices (e.g. a suitably programmed electronic control unit), not shown, for example of a known type. Furthermore, the heat engine preferably comprises starting means arranged to manage the initialization steps of the operating cycle and the start-up steps of the various components of the heat engine (start-up of the drive unit, heater, circulation of the thermal fluid, etc.).

[0163] A method for achieving a thermal cycle according to the present invention is described below. Such a method operates using a thermal fluid and first comprises the following steps: arranging a heat engine preferably according to the present invention, for example heat engine 200 according to the embodiment shown in Figures 3-9; starting the drive unit 1 to move the element that converts the energy of the thermal fluid; activating the heater 41 to heat the thermal fluid in the drive circuit; and Activating an operating cycle.

[0164] Preferably, the operating cycle comprises the following steps: drawing thermal fluid into the working chamber 3 (preferably the first sub-chamber 3A) via the first inlet 4; compressing the thermal fluid in the working chamber and injecting the thermal fluid through the first outlet 5; heating the thermal fluid circulating through the second branch 12 of the driving circuit 10 by the heater 41; Charging the thermal fluid into the working chamber 3 (preferably the second sub-chamber 3B) via the second inlet 6 and expanding the thermal fluid in the working chamber 3; and Discharging the thermal fluid from the working chamber via the second outlet 7; Includes:

[0165] The steps of the working cycle of intake, compression, filling and expulsion of the thermal fluid determine the conversion of the thermal energy of the thermal fluid into mechanical energy.

[0166] Preferably, the method includes the step of transferring mechanical energy generated by the transformation member to an output shaft 8, which provides rotational motion at the outlet, preferably at a constant angular velocity.

[0167] Preferably, the method comprises the following steps (see Figures 3 to 5 and the path of the thermal fluid indicated by the arrows in the tubes showing the operation of the cycle): the thermal fluid leaving the second outlet 7 of the drive unit 1 travels into the second outlet duct 17 of the first branch 11 of the drive circuit 10 and traverses the hot side of the evaporator 95; the thermal fluid continues through the first branch 11 to the condenser 43 where it is cooled; a step in which the thermal fluid reaches a condensation separator 93 in which the water present in the thermal fluid is condensed and separated from the air before reaching the first inlet 4 of the drive unit, and the thermal fluid continues in the first branch 11; the condensate previously extracted from the air by the condensate separator 93 is drawn and sent by a pump 94 to the vaporizer pipe 20 which flows into the second branch 12 at a point in the first outlet duct 15 upstream of the heater 41; The condensed water circulating in the vaporization tube 20 passes through the cold side of the vaporizer 95 where it is heated and vaporized before entering the second branch 12; and a predetermined amount of steam is injected by an injector 97 into the second branch 12 upstream of the heater 41, and such amount of steam can increase the unit output of the drive unit 1 and ensure lubrication of the energy conversion member movably accommodated in the working chamber 3; Includes:

[0168] Preferably, the method according to the embodiment of FIG. 6 comprises the following steps: The step includes the condensed water passing through the cold side of the evaporator 95, where it is heated and vaporized, continuing into the vaporization pipe 20, and reaching a superheater 96 located upstream of the injector 97 (i.e., between the evaporator 95 and the injector 97), which transfers heat to the vaporized condensed water so that it is superheated before reaching the injector 97.

[0169] Preferably, the method according to the embodiment of FIG. 7 arranges a cooling circuit 60 including a first collector 98, a cooling unit 2R, a plurality of cooling pipes and a cooling pump 99, and includes the following steps: The low temperature cooling fluid interacts with the cooling unit 2R to draw heat from the housing 2 of the drive unit 1 and cool the housing 2, which then becomes hot; the hot cooling fluid interacts with the first heat recuperator 98 where it transfers heat to the surrounding airflow, heating the airflow and thereby cooling it back down to a colder temperature; and activating the cooling pump 99 to determine the circulation of the cooling fluid in the cooling circuit 60; This allows you to perform the following.

[0170] Preferably, the method according to the embodiment of FIG. 8 arranges the second collector 100 in the cooling circuit 60 and comprises the following steps: In the cooling unit 2R, the low-temperature cooling fluid draws heat from the housing 2 of the drive unit 1 to cool the housing 2, resulting in a high temperature; In the second heat recovery device 100, the hot cooling fluid acquires heat from the hot combustion fumes to cool the combustion fumes, thereby undergoing a further temperature increase; and In the first heat recovery device 98, the hot cooling fluid transfers heat to the surrounding airflow (before entering the burner), heating the airflow and thereby cooling it back down to a low temperature; This allows you to perform the following.

[0171] Preferably, the method according to the embodiment of FIG. 9 comprises arranging an auxiliary hydraulic circuit including an auxiliary collector 101, a plurality of auxiliary pipes and an auxiliary pump 104, and performing the following steps: recovering a certain amount of energy from the combustion smoke by an auxiliary recoverer 101; transferring such energy to a fluid circulating in the auxiliary circuit; and making the energy available for auxiliary uses 103; This allows you to perform the following.

[0172] The invention thus conceived is susceptible to numerous modifications and variations which are within the scope of the inventive concept, and the elements described above can be substituted by other technically equivalent elements.

[0173] The present invention achieves important advantages: First, as is clear from the above description, the present invention makes it possible to overcome at least some of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0174] Furthermore, the heat engines and relative methods according to the present invention can use multiple heat sources and generate mechanical energy (work) since they can be used in any location for any application, preferably for the generation of electrical energy.

[0175] In addition, the heat engine according to the invention is characterized by a high thermodynamic yield and an optimum weight-to-power ratio.

[0176] By injecting water vapor into the thermal fluid, optimal lubrication of the drive unit can be obtained, reducing friction and wear and consequently increasing mechanical yield.

[0177] Furthermore, the thermal fluid can obtain an increase in unit power output due to the increase in flow rate and molecular weight of the thermal fluid expanding in the drive unit. Furthermore, since the water introduced into the thermal fluid is condensed and separated from the air (or other gaseous fluid used) before its intake, the negative compression work does not increase.

[0178] Furthermore, the vaporizer can provide an overall increase in yield, since the heat absorbed by evaporation is compensated for by the energy recovery activated by the vaporizer.

[0179] The heat engine according to the invention is also characterized by a simple mechanical construction which is easy to achieve.

[0180] The heat engine according to the present invention is also characterized by low production costs.

Claims

1. In the thermodynamic cycle: a compressor (1') for the purpose of (1) aspirating and (2) compressing a circulating gaseous fluid (air and / or helium and / or other suitable gas); b. a check valve (6') whose purpose is to prevent in any case the compressed gas fluid from circulating in the direction opposite to its normal movement; c) a mixing box (8') intended to receive the compressed gas coming from said compressor (1') and mix it with the superheated steam coming from the recovery steam generator (13'); d. The thermal energy "Q" required to determine the autonomous rotation of the expander (3') Ｈ a superheater (10') having the purpose of superheating the mixture coming from said mixing box (8') so as to produce a (3) The superheated mixture can be received and (4) expanded, removing heat energy therefrom, to complete the cycle "L Ｅ an expander (3') capable of producing useful mechanical work of f Residual heat energy (Q Ｒ a recovery steam generator (13') capable of removing a large portion of the heat generated by the heat exchanger (13) and using it to generate superheated steam that is reintroduced into the cycle; g _ Non-recoverable energy (Q ＬＲ a condenser (15') for dispersing the mixture discharged from the recovery steam generator (13') and for the purpose of completely condensing it at low temperature; h. a separator (17′) intended to separate the gaseous part of the mixture (air and / or helium and / or other compatible gases) from the liquid part (condensed water) so that they can be used separately in said cycle; i. a metering pump (20') equipped with a flow regulator (21') for the purpose of drawing a predetermined amount of condensed water from the separator (17') and pumping it at high pressure to the recovery steam generator (13'); and j Mechanical work "L" produced by the expander "ES" Ｅ a generator (4') capable of converting the heat engine current from the fuel into electrical energy and arranged to perform the function of starting the electric motor in the first step of starting the heat engine; 1. A heat engine (200) operating on a thermal fluid configured to achieve a thermal cycle, comprising: The heat engine comprises a drive unit (1), a drive circuit (10), a heater (41), a condenser (43), a condensate separator (93), a pump (94), a vaporizer (95), and an injector (97), The drive unit (1) comprises a housing (2), an energy conversion member, and an output shaft (8); The housing (2): defines therein at least one working chamber (3): a first inlet (4) in fluid communication with a first inlet duct (14) for receiving from said first inlet duct a flow of said thermal fluid to be drawn into at least one working chamber (3); a first outlet (5) in fluid communication with a first outlet duct (15), said first outlet (5) directing the compressed flow of thermal fluid exiting said at least one working chamber (3) to said first outlet duct (15); a second inlet (6) in fluid communication with a second inlet duct (16) for receiving a flow of the thermal fluid therethrough for expansion within the at least one working chamber (3); and a second outlet (7) in fluid communication with a second outlet duct (17), said second outlet (7) directing the flow of thermal fluid discharged from said at least one working chamber (3) to said second outlet duct (17); and the energy conversion member is movably accommodated in the at least one working chamber (3) and configured to convert energy of the thermal fluid into mechanical energy according to an operating cycle; the output shaft is operably coupled to the energy conversion member and configured to receive the mechanical energy and provide rotational motion at the outlet; the drive circuit (10) extends between the first inlet (4) and second inlet (6) and the first outlet (5) and second outlet (7) and comprises the first inlet duct (14), the first outlet duct (15), the second inlet duct (16) and the second outlet duct (17), achieving a continuous cycle of thermal fluid flow through the at least one working chamber (3) of the drive unit (1); the second outlet duct (17) starts from the second outlet (7) of the housing (2) of the drive unit (1) and terminates by being continuously connected to the first inlet duct (14), the first inlet duct (14) terminates at the first inlet (4) of the housing (2) of the drive unit (1), the second outlet duct (17) and the first inlet duct (14) forming a first closed branch (11) of the drive circuit (10); the first outlet duct (15) starts from the first outlet (5) of the housing (2) of the drive unit (1) and terminates in a continuous connection with the second inlet duct (16), the second inlet duct (16) terminates at the second inlet (6) of the housing (2) of the drive unit (1), the first outlet duct (15) and the second inlet duct (16) forming a second closed branch (12) of the drive circuit (10); the heater (41) is operatively configured to heat a thermal fluid circulating in the second closed branch (12) of the driving circuit (10) between the first outlet duct (15) and the second inlet duct (16) along the second closed branch (12) of the driving circuit (10); the condenser (43) is operably inserted along the first closed branch (11) of the driving circuit (10) between the second outlet duct (17) and the first inlet duct (14) and is configured to cool the thermal fluid circulating in the first closed branch (11); the condensation separator (93) is arranged along the first inlet duct (14) downstream of the condenser (43), and water present in the thermal fluid is condensed and separated from air before the thermal fluid reaches the first inlet (4) for drawing the thermal fluid into the at least one working chamber (3); the pump (94) sucks in the condensed water previously extracted from the air by the condensate separator (93) at a point in the first outlet duct (15) upstream of the heater (41) and delivers it to the vaporizer pipe (20) which flows into the second closed branch (12); the evaporator (95) is located in the heat engine so as to block on its hot side the second outlet duct (17) downstream of the drive unit (1) and upstream of the condenser (43) and the evaporator pipe (20) on its cold side, the evaporator (95) being configured to heat and evaporate the condensed water circulating in the evaporator pipe (20) before it flows into the second closed branch (12); The injector (97) is arranged at the end of the evaporation pipe (20) and configured to inject a predetermined amount of steam into the second closed branch (12) upstream of the heater (41), thereby increasing the unit output of the drive unit (1) and ensuring lubrication of the energy conversion member movably housed in the at least one working chamber (3), in a heat engine (200).

2. 2. The heat engine (200) of claim 1, wherein the evaporator (95) is operably inserted between the pump (94) and the injector (97) on the low-temperature side, and between the second outlet (7) of the drive unit (1) that discharges used thermal fluid and the condenser (43) on the high-temperature side so as to obtain residual energy heat from the used thermal fluid and use it to preheat the thermal fluid moving toward the heater (41).

3. The heater comprises a burner (40) with an enclosed combustion chamber (40A), the burner (40) adapted to provide power supplied with a plurality of fuel types and configured to provide the heater (41) with the thermal energy required for its operation; and / or 3. The heat engine according to claim 1, wherein the heater comprises an inlet for combustion-sustaining air drawn from the surroundings and a containment body housing both the burner operatively operating along the second closed branch of the drive circuit and the condenser operatively operating along the first closed branch of the drive circuit, wherein heat drawn from the first closed branch by the condenser is transferred to the combustion-sustaining air before reaching the burner to facilitate the process of combustion and heating of the thermal fluid in the second closed branch.

4. a superheater (96) located downstream of the burner (40) to remove energy from hot combustion smoke of the burner, the superheater (96) configured to cut off the vaporizer tube (20) at a location downstream of the cold side of the vaporizer (95) and upstream of the injector (97); 4. The heat engine (200) of claim 3, wherein the superheater (96) is configured to transfer energy removed from the hot combustion smoke of the burner to the condensed water vaporized at the outlet of the vaporizer (95) and superheat it before it reaches the injector (97).

5. A heat engine (200) having a closed cooling circuit (60) separate from the driving circuit, a first heat recuperator (98) located within the containment body (50) of the heater (41) at a location downstream of the condenser (43) and upstream of the burner (40) relative to the direction of combustion sustaining airflow within the heater; a cooling unit (space 2R) operatively associated with the housing of the drive unit (1); a plurality of cooling pipes connecting the first heat recovery unit (98) and the cooling unit (2R) in series to form a circular path, the cooling pipes carrying a quantity of cooling fluid; arranged within the heat engine to interact with the cooling unit (2R) and to interact with the first heat recuperator (98); the low temperature cooling fluid draws heat from the housing of the drive unit to cool the housing, resulting in a high temperature; the plurality of cooling tubes, wherein the hot cooling fluid transfers heat to the combustion-sustaining airflow, heating it and thereby returning it to a cold temperature; a cooling pump (99) disposed within the closed cooling circuit (60) and operatively operating on the pipes of the plurality of cooling pipes to determine the circulation of the cooling fluid within the closed cooling circuit (60); A heat engine (200) according to claim 4.

6. The closed cooling circuit (60) includes a second heat recovery device (100), which is located within the containment body of the heater at a position downstream of the burner (40) and a position downstream of the superheater (96) along an outlet path of high-temperature combustion smoke from the heater, and the plurality of cooling pipes connect the first heat recovery device (98), the cooling unit (2R), and the second heat recovery device (100) in series, and the second heat recovery device (100) is located downstream of the cooling unit (2R) and upstream of the first heat recovery device (98) along the direction of travel of the cooling fluid, In the cooling unit (2R), the low-temperature cooling fluid draws heat from the housing of the drive unit to cool the housing, and as a result, the housing is heated to a high temperature; In the second heat recovery device (100), the hot cooling fluid acquires heat from the hot combustion fumes and cools the combustion fumes, resulting in an increase in temperature; 6. The heat engine (200) of claim 5, wherein in the first heat recuperator (98), the hot cooling fluid transfers heat to a combustion-sustaining airflow, heating it and thereby returning it to a colder temperature.

7. A heat engine (200) with an auxiliary hydraulic circuit, an auxiliary collector (101) located within the heater containment body at a location downstream of the burner (40), downstream of the superheater (96), and along an exit path for hot combustion smoke from the heater; a plurality of auxiliary pipes configured to pass through the auxiliary collector (101) and connected to one or more auxiliary applications; an auxiliary pump (104) disposed within the auxiliary hydraulic circuit and operatively operating on a line of the plurality of auxiliary lines to determine circulation within the auxiliary hydraulic circuit; Equipped with 7. The heat engine (200) of claim 6, wherein the auxiliary collector (101) is configured to recover energy from the combustion smoke and transfer it to a fluid circulating in the auxiliary hydraulic circuit, the energy being available for the auxiliary use (103).

8. The heat engine (200) is configured such that the energy conversion member converts energy of the thermal fluid into mechanical energy according to an operating cycle, drawing a thermal fluid into said at least one working chamber; compressing the thermal fluid in the at least one working chamber and injecting the thermal fluid; filling the at least one working chamber with a thermal fluid and expanding the thermal fluid in the at least one working chamber; A heat engine (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, providing a sequence of steps for evacuating thermal fluid from said at least one working chamber.

9. The heat engine (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the drive unit is a two-stroke engine, a four-stroke engine, a reciprocating engine or a rotary engine, and / or the drive unit is a heat engine comprising a compressor for performing the intake and compression and an expander, e.g. a turbine, for performing the expansion and exhaust.

10. A heat engine (200) in which the at least one working chamber comprises a first chamber (3A) and a second chamber (3B) separate from the first chamber, the first chamber (3A) has the first inlet and the first outlet, and the intake of the thermal fluid and the compression of the thermal fluid occur; the second chamber (3B) comprises the second inlet and the second outlet, and the filling of the compressed thermal fluid, the expansion of the thermal fluid and the discharge of the thermal fluid occur; the drive unit is an intermittent flow drive unit; the first chamber is a variable volume working chamber configured to operate fluid intake and fluid compression; the second chamber is a variable volume working chamber configured to operate fluid inflation and fluid evacuation, or the drive unit is a continuous flow drive unit; The first chamber is configured to achieve a compressor and is configured to operate fluid intake and fluid compression; The heat engine (200) of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the second chamber is configured to achieve a turbine and configured to operate fluid expansion and fluid exhaust.

11. 11. The heat engine (200) of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the thermal fluid is a mixture comprising a gas and steam or water, the gas being air and / or helium and / or other gaseous fluid compatible with steam or water, the thermal cycle achieved by the heat engine is a complex thermal cycle, and / or the heat engine comprises a generator (G), for example an alternator, coupled to the output shaft, subjected to the rotational motion and producing an electric current for supplying power to an external utility.

12. 1. A method for achieving a thermal cycle operating with a thermal fluid, comprising: arranging a heat engine (200) according to claim 6; The following steps 1) to 3), namely, 1) starting the drive unit (1) to move the energy conversion member that converts the energy of the thermal fluid; 2) activating the heater (41) to heat the thermal fluid in the driving circuit (10); and 3) The following steps a) to e): a) drawing said thermal fluid into said at least one working chamber (3) through said first inlet (4); b) compressing said thermal fluid in said at least one working chamber (3) and injecting said thermal fluid through said first outlet (5); c) heating the thermal fluid circulating in the second closed branch (12) of the driving circuit (10) by means of the heater (41); d) charging said thermal fluid into said at least one working chamber (3) through said second inlet (6) and expanding said thermal fluid in said at least one working chamber (3); and e) discharging said thermal fluid from said at least one working chamber (3) through said second outlet (7); activating an operating cycle comprising: performing the steps of: the steps of the operating cycle of intake, compression, charging and discharging of the thermal fluid determine the conversion of energy of the thermal fluid into mechanical energy; transferring the mechanical energy generated by the energy transformation member to the output shaft (8), which provides a rotational motion at the outlet with a constant angular velocity; A method comprising:

13. the thermal fluid leaving the second outlet (7) of the drive unit (1) travels to the second outlet duct (17) of the first closed branch (11) of the drive circuit (10) and traverses the hot side of the vaporizer (95); the thermal fluid continues into the first closed branch (11) and reaches the condenser (43) where it is cooled; before the thermal fluid reaches the first inlet (4) of the drive unit (1), the thermal fluid continues into the first closed branch (11) and reaches the condensation separator (93), where water present in the thermal fluid is condensed and separated from the air; the condensed water previously extracted from the air by the condensate separator (93) is drawn and sent to a vaporizer pipe (20) which flows into the second closed branch (12) at a point in the first outlet duct (15) upstream of the heater (41); the condensed water circulating in the vaporization pipe (20) passes through the cold side of the vaporizer (95) and is heated and vaporized before entering the second closed branch (12) of the driving circuit; a predetermined amount of steam is injected by an injector (97) into the second closed branch (12) upstream of the heater (41), said amount of steam being able to increase the unit power of the drive unit (1) and ensure lubrication of the energy conversion member movably accommodated in the at least one working chamber (3); 13. The method of claim 12, comprising:

14. arranging the closed cooling circuit (60) comprising the first heat recovery unit (98), the cooling unit (2R), the plurality of cooling pipes, and the cooling pump (99); The following steps: a step in which the cold cooling fluid interacts with the cooling unit (2R) where it draws heat from the housing of the drive unit and cools it, resulting in a high temperature; the hot cooling fluid interacts with the first heat recuperator (98) where it transfers heat to a surrounding airflow, heating it and thereby cooling it back down to a low temperature; and activating the cooling pump (99) to determine the circulation of cooling fluid in the closed cooling circuit (60); and and / or the following steps: arranging said second heat recovery unit (100) within said closed cooling circuit (60); The following steps: in the cooling unit (2R), a cold cooling fluid draws heat from the housing of the drive unit to cool it, resulting in a high temperature; In the second heat recovery device (100), a hot cooling fluid extracts heat from the hot combustion fumes to cool the combustion fumes, resulting in an increase in temperature; in said first heat recuperator (98), a hot cooling fluid transfers heat to a combustion-sustaining air stream, heating said air stream and thereby cooling it back down to a low temperature; a step of carrying out and The method of claim 12, further comprising:

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