1 results about "Carnot cycle" patented technology

The present invention discloses an expansion engine that, by means of a cycle similar to the Carnot cycle, converts thermal energy in general, and solar energy in particular, so as to transform the heat from a hot source and a cold source into mechanical work and subsequently into electrical energy. There is no economically viable means in the prior art for converting heat resulting from small temperature differences into work. This applies both to systems based on the Rankine cycle and to those based on the Stirling cycle. The present invention generates useful energy from an inexhaustible source such as the sun, using an abundant resource such as water, in a closed circuit. When applied to the utilization of solar energy, the expansion engine has the notable advantage of using virtually the entire spectrum of solar radiation, from infrared and visible light to ultraviolet, and not just a fraction of the visible spectrum, as is the case with photovoltaic panels. The invention is aimed at the production of energy from vast heat sources resulting from small temperature differences, such as those available in geothermal sources, from the temperature difference between surface water and deep-sea water, or from water heated by solar thermal radiation. The present invention enables the production of energy at the required locations and in the required amounts, thereby eliminating the need for electrical distribution networks. The present invention encompasses a system for storing large amounts of energy.