Thermal energy conversion system and method utilizing unencased expandites

摘要

A system and method of thermal energy conversion is disclosed. The method includes the steps of (a) providing a mass of unencased fluid expandite in a mass transport conduit circuit at a first combination of temperature and pressure; (b) introducing a thermal fluid into the mass transport conduit circuit from a source external to the mass transport conduit circuit at a second combination of temperature and pressure; (c) combining the provided expandite mass with the introduced thermal fluid in a given conduit of the circuit to create an expandite-fluid mixture having a density at some place in the given conduit that is changed from the average proportional density of the expandite mass and the thermal fluid at their respective prevailing combinations of temperature and pressure prior to such combination with each other to create a pressure differential that enhances the flow of the fluids contained within the circuit; (d) directing at least a portion of the fluids contained within the circuit to flow vertically through a given portion of the conduit circuit to create a pressure differential in the given portion of the circuit in relation to the remainder of the conduit circuit to thereby enhance the flow of the fluids contained with the conduit circuit, and (e) converting the pressure of at least a part of the enhanced flow of the contained fluids through the conduit circuit into a useful form of energy. Step (a) includes the steps of: (f) separating from the expandite-fluid mixture, an expandite base which comprises at least a portion of the expandite mass; and (f') thermally conditioning the expandite base.