Pressurized-gas powered compressor and system comprising same

摘要

The present invention provides a compressor powered by a pressurized gas, whether steam or another working fluid, and a system for extracting work using such as compressor. The pressurized gas may comprise a heated working fluid in a gaseous state, to displace a piston in an input circuit, which in turn displaces a piston in an output circuit, thereby compressing a compressible fluid or displacing an incompressible fluid. A purpose of the compressor is to convert waste heat, heat generated by the combustion of biomass or other fuels, or heat resulting from the concentration of solar energy into useful power, whether configured to produce compressed air or pump water, which can displace the electricity otherwise used for this purpose, or to produce electricity or motive force directly, through a hydraulic circuit. The system for extracting work does so by an output fluid which is compressed or pumped by a pressurized gas powered compressor.

主权项

1. A system for extracting work from heat using a pressurized gas powered compressor, the system comprising:
a) a device to transfer heat to a working fluid, converting it to a gaseous state; b) a compressor powered by said working fluid in a gaseous state, the compressor comprising:
i. an input circuit configured to channel the pressurized gas through two or more input piston-cylinder assemblies, wherein each input piston-cylinder assembly is configured to expel spent gas after use, wherein:
at least one of the input piston-cylinder assemblies comprises a piston fitted with one or more double rings, each double ring comprising an O-ring set into a groove and a machined ring made of a low-friction material, the O-ring configured to apply outward pressure to the machined ring, thereby providing a hermetic seal between each piston and an associated cylinder wall;ii. an output circuit including two or more output piston-cylinder assemblies of a smaller diameter than the input piston-cylinder assembly, each output piston-cylinder assembly including an intake valve for entry of fluid and an output valve for exit of compressed fluid;iii. a transfer system configured to transfer force generated in the input piston-cylinder assemblies onto the output piston-cylinder assemblies;iv. a return system configured to facilitate a return stroke of at least a first one of the input piston-cylinder assemblies following a power stroke thereof;v. a timing system configured to control input and exhaust of the pressurized gas to and from the input piston-cylinder assemblies; and c) a pressurized gas input system configured to provide the pressurized gas for powering the compressor; d) a distribution system operatively coupled to the timing system, to the pressurized input system, and to the input circuit, the distribution system configured to cooperatively provide pressurized gas to the input piston-cylinder assemblies; e) an exhaust system configured to convey spent gas from the compressor; and f) a work extraction system configured to extract work from the compressor at least in part via said output fluid, wherein said work extraction system is configured to perform one or more operations selected from the group consisting of: generating compressed air, providing motive force, and generating electricity.