A method for operating a closed loop regenerative thermodynamic power generation cycle system is presented. The method includes supplying a high-temperature working fluid stream at a first pressure P.sub.1 to an expander, and extracting a partially expanded high temperature working fluid stream from the expander at a second pressure P.sub.2. Each of the first pressure P.sub.1 and the second pressure P.sub.2, are higher than a critical pressure of the working fluid; and the second pressure P.sub.2 is lower than P.sub.1. The method further includes regeneratively supplying the extracted high temperature working fluid stream at the second pressure P.sub.2 to a low temperature working fluid stream at the first pressure P.sub.1. A closed loop regenerative thermodynamic power generation cycle system is also presented.

Systems and methods for selectively producing steam from solar collectors and heaters are disclosed. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes directing a flow of water to a solar collector, directing the flow of water to a gas-fired heater, and, as a result of heating the flow of water at the solar collector and the gas-fired heater, forming steam from the flow of water. The method further includes changing a sequence by which at least a portion of the flow passes through the solar collector and the gas-fired heater.

Systems and methods for selectively producing steam from solar collectors and heaters are disclosed. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes directing a flow of water to a solar collector, directing the flow of water to a gas-fired heater, and, as a result of heating the flow of water at the solar collector and the gas-fired heater, forming steam from the flow of water. The method further includes changing a sequence by which at least a portion of the flow passes through the solar collector and the gas-fired heater.

Filter assemblies and components therefor, are described. In an example arrangement, the filter assembly is configured to be serviced from either the top or the bottom. A rotational indexing arrangement is to ensure appropriate orientation of an internally received filter cartridge, and other components of the arrangement are provided. Methods of assembly, servicing and use are described.

The method of generating immediate and thereafter continuous steam is used in a steam generating system comprising a steam accumulator, a steam outlet connected to the steam accumulator, an outlet valve at the steam outlet, and a quick response steam generator unit connected to the steam accumulator. The method comprises the steps of providing latent steam in the steam accumulator, opening the outlet valve to allow latent steam in the steam accumulator to exit through the steam outlet, feeding water to the steam generator unit, heating the water fed to the steam generator unit while the latent steam exits through the steam outlet and, before the latent steam has entirely exited the steam accumulator, generating steam with the steam generator unit to feed the steam accumulator and controlling the steam flow rate through the steam outlet to maintain it at a value which is essentially not greater than the steam flow rate from the steam generator unit to the steam accumulator. The steam generating system is capable of generating immediate and thereafter continuous steam from an initial steam generator unit cold condition due to the steam accumulator providing steam at the steam outlet while the steam generator unit heats the water fed therein.

The method of generating immediate and thereafter continuous steam is used in a steam generating system comprising a steam accumulator, a steam outlet connected to the steam accumulator, an outlet valve at the steam outlet, and a quick response steam generator unit connected to the steam accumulator. The method comprises the steps of providing latent steam in the steam accumulator, opening the outlet valve to allow latent steam in the steam accumulator to exit through the steam outlet, feeding water to the steam generator unit, heating the water fed to the steam generator unit while the latent steam exits through the steam outlet and, before the latent steam has entirely exited the steam accumulator, generating steam with the steam generator unit to feed the steam accumulator and controlling the steam flow rate through the steam outlet to maintain it at a value which is essentially not greater than the steam flow rate from the steam generator unit to the steam accumulator. The steam generating system is capable of generating immediate and thereafter continuous steam from an initial steam generator unit cold condition due to the steam accumulator providing steam at the steam outlet while the steam generator unit heats the water fed therein.

A converter of kinetic energy from a jet formed by a heat transfer fluid and a gas at high temperature, includes: at least one injector of the jet from at least one source of heat transfer fluid and of high-temperature gas, an impulse wheel mounted rotating secured to a shaft extending along an axis substantially perpendicularly to the injector and including a plurality of asymmetric blades, a tank surrounding said impulse wheel and at least one deflector extending underneath the blades.

A converter of kinetic energy from a jet formed by a heat transfer fluid and a gas at high temperature, includes: at least one injector of the jet from at least one source of heat transfer fluid and of high-temperature gas, an impulse wheel mounted rotating secured to a shaft extending along an axis substantially perpendicularly to the injector and including a plurality of asymmetric blades, a tank surrounding said impulse wheel and at least one deflector extending underneath the blades.

A method of controlling a thermal power plant for electricity generation, said power plant comprising at least one heat source to supply thermal energy to a working fluid circulation circuit. The circuit comprises a high pressure turbine mechanically connected to an electricity generator, a high pressure regulating valve controlling the steam supply to said high pressure turbine from a high pressure superheater associated with a high pressure storage tank. The fluid supply to said high pressure storage tank from a high pressure steam generator is controlled by a high pressure supply valve, and, in response to a need for additional electrical power, the opening of the high pressure regulating valve is increased the opening of the high pressure supply valve is reduced.

An energy storage power plant for harvesting electric energy, and suitable for converting electric energy into thermal energy is provided. The thermal energy can be temporarily stored in at least two thermal stores until demanded and retrieved to increase the energy content of water in a water circuit upon demand. The power plant has the at least two thermal stores, each has at least one converting device that allows electric energy to be directly or indirectly converted into thermal energy, the thermal stores being thermally chargeable by temporarily storing thermal energy, wherein one thermal store is for storing sensible heat and one thermal store is for storing latent heat; and at least one energy generating unit operated using the water in the water circuit, the energy content of the water having been increased by the temporary storage of thermal energy, in order to generate electric energy when operated.