METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INCREASING EFFICIENCY AND PRODUCTIVITY IN A POWER GENERATION CYCLE

摘要

A method and apparatus for converting heat energy to mechanical energy with greater efficiency. According to the method. heat energy is applied to a working fluid in a reservoir (12) sufficient to convert the working fluid to a vapor and the working fluid is passed in vapor form to means (16) such as a generator for converting the energy therein to mechanical work. The working fluid is then recycled to the reservoir (12). In order to increase the efficiency of this process, a gas (He) having a molecular weight no greater then the approximate molecular weight of the working fluid is added to the working fluid in the reservoir (12) and separated from the working fluid downstream from the reservoir.