METHOD AND EQUIPMENT FOR CONVERTING THERMAL ENERGY TO MECHANICAL ENERGY

摘要

Method and equipment for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy by means of a thermal power machine. A member of metal alloy contained in the thermal power machine is heated to a certain temperature, whereat its physical properties are changed. This physical change is used as the mechanical drive power of the thermal power machine. The metal alloy member of the thermal power machine is heated by means of heat which is transferred by means of one or several heat pumps from an external medium that contains heat. The heat pump is operated by means of part of the mechanical energy generated by the thermal power machine, and the rest of this mechanical energy is used for other purposes, for example for moving a vessel.