THERMAL COMPRESSOR

摘要

A compressor that compresses a working fluid through the direct use of thermal energy. The thermal compressor includes at least two sealed heating containers connected to one another. Compression can take place by periodically isolating and heating the working fluid contained within each heating container to different pressures, such that upon connecting the heating containers, pressure, density, and/or altitude differences between the heating containers induces a flow of the working fluid from one heating container to the other. Thermal energy may be transferred to the working fluid through heat exchangers, electrical heaters/resistors, and/or other devices. The amount of heat provided to each container, as well as the duration of the heating process, may be controlled by a central controlling system.

主权项

1. A thermal compressor comprising:
a first constant volume container comprising a first heat exchanger adapted to heat a working fluid; a second constant volume container fluidically coupled in series with the first constant volume container, the second constant volume container comprising a second heat exchanger adapted to heat the working fluid; at least one container connection valve adapted to control flow of the working fluid between the first container and the second container; and a controller, wherein the first container and the second container are arranged and the controller controls the valve and heating of the working fluid to induce natural circulation from the first container to the second container due to at least one of a difference in pressure, a difference in working fluid density, and a difference in fluid level.