An energy-saving method and system for distilling, desalinating or purifying water relating to a method of increasing the amount of heat recycled back into the system. The system involves powering a compressor using a series of expanders and the energy derived from each expander cumulatively powers the compressor. The compressor draws vapor from seawater contained in an evaporator and compresses it into a condenser. The heat given off by the condenser is absorbed by the evaporator and recycled back into the system.

An apparatus includes a generator configured to generate electrical power. The apparatus also includes first and second tanks each configured to receive and store a refrigerant under pressure. The apparatus further includes a first piston assembly having a first piston that divides a volume within the first piston assembly into first and second spaces each configured to receive refrigerant from at least one of the tanks. In addition, the apparatus includes a second piston assembly having a second piston coupled to the first piston. The generator is configured to generate the electrical power based on movement of at least one of the first and second pistons. During use, flows of the refrigerant between the tanks and the spaces can be created based on a pressure differential, such as a pressure differential created by a temperature difference between the tanks.

Configurations and related processing schemes of direct or indirect (or both) intra-plants and thermally coupled heating systems synthesized for grassroots medium grade crude oil semi-conversion refineries to increase energy efficiency from specific portions of low grade waste heat sources are described. Configurations and related processing schemes of direct or indirect (or both) intra-plants and thermally coupled heating systems synthesized for integrated medium grade crude oil semi-conversion refineries and aromatics complex for increasing energy efficiency from specific portions of low grade waste sources are also described.

Configurations and related processing schemes of direct or indirect (or both) intra-plants and thermally coupled heating systems synthesized for grassroots medium grade crude oil semi-conversion refineries to increase energy efficiency from specific portions of low grade waste heat sources are described. Configurations and related processing schemes of direct or indirect (or both) intra-plants and thermally coupled heating systems synthesized for integrated medium grade crude oil semi-conversion refineries and aromatics complex for increasing energy efficiency from specific portions of low grade waste sources are also described.

Configurations and related processing schemes of inter-plants and hybrid, intra- and inter-plants' direct or indirect heating systems synthesized for grassroots medium grade crude oil semi-conversion refineries to increase energy efficiency from specific portions of low grade waste heat sources are described. Configurations and related processing schemes of inter-plants and hybrid, intra- and inter-plants' direct or indirect heating systems synthesized for integrated medium grade crude oil semi-conversion refineries and aromatics complex for increasing energy efficiency from specific portions of low grade waste sources are also described.

Configurations and related processing schemes of inter-plants and hybrid, intra- and inter-plants' direct or indirect heating systems synthesized for grassroots medium grade crude oil semi-conversion refineries to increase energy efficiency from specific portions of low grade waste heat sources are described. Configurations and related processing schemes of inter-plants and hybrid, intra- and inter-plants' direct or indirect heating systems synthesized for integrated medium grade crude oil semi-conversion refineries and aromatics complex for increasing energy efficiency from specific portions of low grade waste sources are also described.

A supercritical fluid power system comprises: a power cycle loop (10) filled with a supercritical fluid working substance and comprising a first pressure container (11), a second pressure container (12), and a driven portion (13) disposed between the two pressure containers; and a hot source (20) and a cold source (30), wherein the hot source (20) is used to provide thermal energy to a working substance in one pressure container, and the cold source (30) is used to cool the working substance in another pressure container, so as to form a pressure difference between the two pressure containers. The working substance flows between the two pressure containers under the effect of the pressure difference and flows to the driven portion (13) to provide power to the driven portion (13). For this power system, a pressure difference is cyclically produced between the two pressure containers, thereby implementing recycling of power.

A supercritical fluid power system comprises: a power cycle loop (10) filled with a supercritical fluid working substance and comprising a first pressure container (11), a second pressure container (12), and a driven portion (13) disposed between the two pressure containers; and a hot source (20) and a cold source (30), wherein the hot source (20) is used to provide thermal energy to a working substance in one pressure container, and the cold source (30) is used to cool the working substance in another pressure container, so as to form a pressure difference between the two pressure containers. The working substance flows between the two pressure containers under the effect of the pressure difference and flows to the driven portion (13) to provide power to the driven portion (13). For this power system, a pressure difference is cyclically produced between the two pressure containers, thereby implementing recycling of power.

Thermoelectric energy storage system and an associated method are disclosed. The thermoelectric energy storage system includes a first refrigeration system, a power system, a first thermal storage unit, and a second thermal storage unit. The first refrigeration system includes a first heat exchanger, a first compressor, a second heat exchanger, and a first expander. The first heat exchanger is disposed upstream relative to the first compressor. The power system includes a third heat exchanger, a second compressor, a fourth heat exchanger, a fifth heat exchanger, and a second expander. The third heat exchanger is disposed upstream relative to the fourth heat exchanger. The fifth heat exchanger is disposed downstream relative to the second expander. The first thermal storage unit is coupled to the first heat exchanger and the fifth heat exchanger. The second thermal storage unit is coupled to the first refrigeration system and the power system.

Configurations and related processing schemes of direct or indirect inter-plants (or both) heating systems synthesized for grassroots medium grade crude oil semi-conversion refineries to increase energy efficiency from specific portions of low grade waste heat sources are described. Configurations and related processing schemes of direct or indirect inter-plants (or both) heating systems synthesized for integrated medium grade crude oil semi-conversion refineries and aromatics complex for increasing energy efficiency from specific portions of low grade waste sources are also described.