HEAT ENGINE AND HEAT TO ELECTRICITY SYSTEMS AND METHODS

摘要

A waste heat recovery system, method and device executes a thermodynamic cycle using a working fluid in a working fluid circuit which has a high pressure side and a low pressure side. Components of the system in the working fluid circuit include a waste heat exchanger in thermal communication with a waste heat source also connected to the working fluid circuit, whereby thermal energy is transferred from the waste heat source to the working fluid in the working fluid circuit expander located between the high pressure side and the low pressure side of the working fluid circuit, the expander operative to convert a pressure/enthalpy drop in the working fluid to mechanical energy, and a mass management having a working fluid vessel connected to the low pressure side of the working fluid circuit to control an amount of working fluid mass in the working fluid circuit.