HEAT ENGINE AND HEAT TO ELECTRICITY SYSTEMS AND METHODS

摘要

Thermal energy is converted into mechanical energy using a working fluid in a closed loop thermodynamic cycle in a working fluid circuit. A thermal energy source is placed in thermal communication with a heat exchanger. The working fluid is pumped through the working fluid circuit by a pump to supply working fluid, in a supercritical or subcritical state to an expander. The working fluid is directed away from the expander in a sub-critical state through the working fluid circuit and to the pump. Flow of the working fluid in a super-critical state is controlled from a high pressure side of the working fluid circuit to the mass management vessel. An amount of working fluid in a sub-critical or super-critical state is controlled from the mass management vessel to the low pressure side of the working fluid circuit and to the pump.