Method and apparatus for converting thermal energy into work

摘要

The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the conversion of low-grade heat into mechanical energy, in particular electricity. To this end a working medium is heated in a closed circulation system causing the working medium to expand. The expansion produces mechanical energy. The heat remaining in the working medium is abstracted by a cooling medium in counterflow, to be reutilized for the production of mechanical energy. This makes its possible to achieve a high degree of efficiently. Due to cooling the working medium contracts and this contributes to the achievement of a high degree of efficiency. The working medium is preferably a paraffine.