Systems and methods for storing and retrieving thermo-mechanical energy are disclosed. The systems and methods include a thermodynamic cycle (e.g., a reversible transcritical, trilateral, Brayton or Rankine/vapor compression cycle) that includes a plurality of loops and works as a heat pump in charging mode and as a heat engine in discharging mode. Each loop in the thermodynamic cycle includes pressure increasing and decreasing devices, high and low pressure heat exchanging devices, and the same or different working fluid. The system further includes one or more heat storage chains with hot and cold storage reservoirs and a heat storage fluid. At least one of the high and low pressure heat exchanging devices is a gradient heat exchanging device that exchanges heat with the heat storage chain. Also, at least one other high or low pressure heat exchanging device exchanges heat with a separate heat storage device or a heat source or sink.

Systems and methods for storing and retrieving thermo-mechanical energy are disclosed. The systems and methods include a thermodynamic cycle (e.g., a reversible transcritical, trilateral, Brayton or Rankine/vapor compression cycle) that includes a plurality of loops and works as a heat pump in charging mode and as a heat engine in discharging mode. Each loop in the thermodynamic cycle includes pressure increasing and decreasing devices, high and low pressure heat exchanging devices, and the same or different working fluid. The system further includes one or more heat storage chains with hot and cold storage reservoirs and a heat storage fluid. At least one of the high and low pressure heat exchanging devices is a gradient heat exchanging device that exchanges heat with the heat storage chain. Also, at least one other high or low pressure heat exchanging device exchanges heat with a separate heat storage device or a heat source or sink.

A gas separation process for treating exhaust gases from combustion processes. The invention involves routing a first portion of the exhaust stream to a carbon dioxide capture step, while simultaneously flowing a second portion of the exhaust gas stream across the feed side of a membrane, flowing a sweep gas stream, usually air, across the permeate side, then passing the permeate/sweep gas back to the combustor.

An exhaust gas system includes an arrangement for conveying an exhaust gas stream and a thermodynamic engine connected to the exhaust gas stream conveying arrangement for recovery of heat from the exhaust gas stream. The thermodynamic engine includes a working fluid circulation circuit. The exhaust gas system includes at least one working fluid release arrangement which is connected between the working fluid circulation circuit and the exhaust, gas conveying arrangement for releasing the working fluid from the working fluid circulation circuit to the exhaust: gas conveying arrangement. The exhaust gas stream conveying arrangement includes at least one exhaust gas treatment unit. Further, the working fluid release arrangement is connected upstream of or directly to the exhaust gas treatment unit.

An exhaust gas system includes an arrangement for conveying an exhaust gas stream and a thermodynamic engine connected to the exhaust gas stream conveying arrangement for recovery of heat from the exhaust gas stream. The thermodynamic engine includes a working fluid circulation circuit. The exhaust gas system includes at least one working fluid release arrangement which is connected between the working fluid circulation circuit and the exhaust, gas conveying arrangement for releasing the working fluid from the working fluid circulation circuit to the exhaust: gas conveying arrangement. The exhaust gas stream conveying arrangement includes at least one exhaust gas treatment unit. Further, the working fluid release arrangement is connected upstream of or directly to the exhaust gas treatment unit.

A single thermal energy storage tank is used so that costs can be reduced and an installation space can also be reduced compared to a case where two tanks, i.e., a high temperature tank and a low temperature tank are provided. In addition, the single thermal energy storage tank includes a porous block so that passage of molten salt can be more easily performed and flow pressure drop can be reduced. In addition, the porous block is configured by stacking a plurality of unit blocks so that the capacity of the single thermal energy storage tank can be easily adjusted. Furthermore, a plurality of single thermal energy storage tanks are connected in parallel so that the plurality of single thermal energy storage tanks can be selectively used according to an operation load and thus the solar thermal power generation system can easily cope with the operation load.

A single thermal energy storage tank is used so that costs can be reduced and an installation space can also be reduced compared to a case where two tanks, i.e., a high temperature tank and a low temperature tank are provided. In addition, the single thermal energy storage tank includes a porous block so that passage of molten salt can be more easily performed and flow pressure drop can be reduced. In addition, the porous block is configured by stacking a plurality of unit blocks so that the capacity of the single thermal energy storage tank can be easily adjusted. Furthermore, a plurality of single thermal energy storage tanks are connected in parallel so that the plurality of single thermal energy storage tanks can be selectively used according to an operation load and thus the solar thermal power generation system can easily cope with the operation load.

A heat capturing module for obtaining useful energy from waste heat includes an extendable hood directing hot gas through a heat exchange assembly having a plurality of heat pipes. A closed flow loop directs a heat transfer medium through the heat exchange assembly to heat the heat transfer medium, and directs the heated medium for use by an application. In one embodiment, the closed flow loop directs the heat transfer medium through an organic Rankine cycle unit where heat is converted to electrical power. An exhaust system having a variable-speed induction fan induces flow of the hot gas through the heat exchange assembly. The speed of the induction fan may be controlled to maintain a setpoint temperature of the heat transfer medium. The hood may be extended and retracted based on a measured temperature of gas at an intake region of the hood. The module is transportable by truck trailer.

A heat capturing module for obtaining useful energy from waste heat includes an extendable hood directing hot gas through a heat exchange assembly having a plurality of heat pipes. A closed flow loop directs a heat transfer medium through the heat exchange assembly to heat the heat transfer medium, and directs the heated medium for use by an application. In one embodiment, the closed flow loop directs the heat transfer medium through an organic Rankine cycle unit where heat is converted to electrical power. An exhaust system having a variable-speed induction fan induces flow of the hot gas through the heat exchange assembly. The speed of the induction fan may be controlled to maintain a setpoint temperature of the heat transfer medium. The hood may be extended and retracted based on a measured temperature of gas at an intake region of the hood. The module is transportable by truck trailer.

A regenerative closed loop thermodynamic power generation cycle system is presented. The system includes a high-pressure expander to deliver an exhaust stream. A conduit is fluidly coupled to the high-pressure expander, which is configured to split the exhaust stream from the high-pressure expander into a first exhaust stream and a second exhaust stream. The system further includes a first low-pressure expander and a second low-pressure expander. The first low-pressure expander is coupled to a pressurization device through a turbocompressor shaft, and fluidly coupled to receive the first exhaust stream. The second low-pressure expander is coupled to the high-pressure expander and an electrical generator through a turbogenerator shaft, and fluidly coupled to receive the second exhaust stream. A method for operating the regenerative closed loop thermodynamic power generation cycle system is also presented.