摘要 |
Systems and methods for converting thermal energy, such as solar energy, from a localized thermal energy source to another form of energy or work comprise dual thermodynamic cycle systems (202, 210, 216 and 206, 208, 214, 228222, 212) that utilize the liquid-to-gas phase transitions of a cryogenic fluid (202) such as liquid nitrogen and a working fluid (214) such as sulfur hexafluoride to drive prime movers (216, 222). Heat transfer (204, 211) between the fluids as they undergo the phase transitions is used to increase the energy in the system and its work output, and improve system efficiency. |