A system and method for generating electric power using a generator coupled to a turboexpander is disclosed. The system includes one or more thermal pumps configured for heating a fluid to generate a pressurized gas. A portion of the pressurized gas is discharged to a buffer chamber for further utilization in a Rankine system. A further portion of the pressurized gas is expanded in a turboexpander for driving a generator for generating electric power. Optionally, the system includes a pump to pressurize a portion of the fluid depending on the systems operating condition. The system further includes one or more sensors for sensing temperature and pressure and outputs one or more signals representative of the sensed state. The system includes a control unit for receiving the signals and outputs one or more control signals for controlling the flow of gases and liquid in the valves and the check valve.

In an energy conversion method and a thermal power plant for converting heat into mechanical or electric energy using a working medium, a vapor state in the working medium is generated at a first pressure in a steam generator. The vaporized working medium is expanded to a lower second pressure in a steam expanding device. An energy obtained by the expansion process is discharged. The expansion of the steam state is carried out using a saturation line of the working medium. The working medium is thereby separated into a non-condensed portion and a condensed portion in a separating device. The non-condensed portion is then compressed into a compressed non-condensed portion in a compressor. The compressed non-condensed portion is cooled and condensed into a compressed condensed portion. The compressed condensed portion and the initially condensed portion are then heated, and both portions are returned to the steam generator together.

The invention relates to a method for converting thermal energy, in particular energy from the environment, into kinetic energy and to a device for converting thermal energy into kinetic energy, said device being used to carry out the method. In the method according to the invention, two circuits with fluids are operatively connected together in that on at least three heat exchangers, one fluid influences the others. The two circuits are additionally provided with environmental heat exchangers which preset the temperature of the fluids being used. The exhaust heat used for this purpose can originate from the industrial sector for example.

Techniques for cogeneration of heat and power are disclosed. A cogeneration system includes: a conduit loop configured to carry a working fluid using a Rankine cycle; a valve system disposed along the conduit loop, including valves configured to manage flow of the working fluid through a chamber; a backflow vapor line disposed along the conduit loop, configured to direct working fluid in a gaseous state to the chamber, such that the working fluid in the gaseous state displaces working fluid in a liquid state in the chamber and the working fluid in the liquid state advances through the conduit loop without requiring a mechanical pump; and a heat exchanger disposed along the conduit loop, configured to extract heat from the working fluid and direct the heat to a practical use.

The invention relates to a method for converting thermal energy, in particular energy from the environment, into kinetic energy and to a device for converting thermal energy into kinetic energy, said device being used to carry out the method. In the method according to the invention, two circuits with fluids are operatively connected together in that on at least three heat exchangers, one fluid influences the others. The two circuits are additionally provided with environmental heat exchangers which preset the temperature of the fluids being used. The exhaust heat used for this purpose can originate from the industrial sector for example.