Thermodynamic cycle using hydrostatic head for compression

摘要

A thermodynamic cycle is disclosed that uses compression and expansion to generate refrigeration or power in which at least some of the compression is effected by hydrostatic head of the heat-exchange medium used in the cycle. In a refrigeration cycle, the head of a heat-exchange medium in the refrigeration cycle is used to compress the heat-exchange medium. A vaporous heat-exchange medium is introduced into the upper end of a down riser that extends downwardly through a heat sink. The vaporous heat-exchange medium descends through the down riser and the head of the heat-exchange medium compresses the heat-exchange medium. The heat generated by the compression is transferred to the heat sink. The heat-exchange medium is then pumped up through a return riser and passed through a pressure expansion means and evaporator. From the evaporator the heat-exchange medium is returned to the upper end of the down riser for recycling.