Power plants – Utilizing natural heat – Solar
Patent
1992-02-21
1995-05-30
Husar, Stephen F.
Power plants
Utilizing natural heat
Solar
606418, 60667, F03G 600
Patent
active
054191351
ABSTRACT:
A power generation system for use in outer space includes a radiation receiver disposed for receiving energy from solar, stellar or planetary heat radiation. The radiation receiver includes at least two evaporator cells. Each of the evaporator cells has an inlet, an outlet, a passageway for a refrigerant, and is constructed of a heat absorptive and conductive material. Energy from the solar, stellar or planetary radiation is absorbed by the radiation received and transferred to the refrigerant for changing the refrigerant from a liquid to a gas. The refrigerant gas is directed to a turbine or other engine wherein the gas is expanded and energy is released in the form of rotation of a shaft. The turbine shaft may be coupled to a generator for converting the mechanical rotational energy to electrical power, or to a hydraulic or pneumatic pressure device arranged to store power by compression of a fluid or a gas. The refrigerant gas discharged from the turbine is cooled/condensed in a condenser disposed in an area shaded from the solar radiation, and directed toward a heat sink such as a cooler planet or toward deep space. The refrigerant liquid is recirculated to the radiation receiver, and the process is performed continuously. In an alternative embodiment, a pair of refrigerant loops are thermally coupled via a heat transfer apparatus. One of the loops includes a compressor which enables continuous system operation under all temperature conditions.
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