Heat engine for obtaining industrial work from atmospheric air heat

摘要

The present invention relates to a heat engine which converts the enthalpy of precompressed atmospheric air into kinetic jet energy by reducing its static pressure as far as zero bar (Pst=0 bar) in conjunction with forming the velocity via a LAVAL nozzle. The state of "directed" molecular flow thus obtained by converting the entire enthalpy gradient into kinetic jet energy can be converted into industrially useful rotation energy via a constant-pressure (impulse, free-jet, action) turbine (Curtis turbine). In order to start up the cycle, which is operated in an open fashion via the atmosphere, the heat engine is started in accordance with Fig. 1 by means of the starter M and coupling K1, and then the compressor Kp is used to suck in via the control valve Rv ambient air which is polytropically compressed and fed via the pressure/heat store (accumulator) P to the LAVAL nozzle D. The enthalpy gradient present in P is converted in the nozzle into kinetic jet energy, and is subsequently converted into industrially useful rotational energy by means of the turbine T. The industrial work thereby obtained is fed back at the level of the compressor work Wkp via the coupling K2 (internal circulation energy), while the thermal component Qzu arising from the air heat (less losses) is led off as useful work Wab at the turbine shaft (via K3). The air leaves the turbine strongly cooled; the thermal gradient is equivalent to the useful work. The effective specific work gained is yielded ... Original abstract incomplete.