摘要 |
An open cycle heat engine supplies steam from a steam generator to an ejector in which the moving steam draws in atmospheric air to mix with the steam to make a flowing air-steam mixture. A first nozzle follows the ejector and effects adiabatic expansion of the air steam mixture. A thermal engine, e.g., a turbo-generator, has an input connected to the first nozzle and an outlet, and converts the kinetic energy in the mixture into a useful form, such as electricity. A second nozzle connected to the outlet of said thermal engine effects adiabatic expansion of the mixture leaving the thermal engine, and exhausts it to the atmosphere. The open cycle heat engine exhaust is at a low density, and is carried aloft when it is discharged into the atmosphere. This open cycle can have an energy conversion efficiency of 90%.
|