Method for increasing an entropy flow in a turbomachine

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for increasing the efficiency of a turbomachine, wherein a fluid guided through the turbomachine transfers kinetic energy to the turbomachine. The object of the invention is to increase the efficiency of a turbomachine. This object is achieved in that the fluid or at least one fluid component of the fluid is compressible, and that the flow velocity of the fluid reduced in the turbomachine during the transfer of kinetic energy is increased directly downstream of the turbomachine by a force F.sub.B generated by means of a force field and acting in the direction of flow, by converting potential energy of the fluid into kinetic energy of the fluid to such an extent that the pressure of the fluid, which is reduced in the turbomachine, is thereby increased again to at least 0.1 times the pressure of the fluid upstream of the turbomachine.

Claims

1. A method for operating a turbomachine, the method comprising: guiding a fluid through the turbomachine to transmit kinetic energy from the fluid to the turbomachine, wherein the fluid or at least one fluid component of the fluid is compressible, and wherein the fluid is accelerated in a convergent nozzle, the convergent nozzle arranged directly upstream the turbomachine in the direction of fluid flow, a divergent nozzle is arranged directly downstream of the turbomachine in the direction of fluid flow, the flow velocity of the fluid, which is reduced in the turbomachine during the transmission of the kinetic energy, is increased directly downstream of the turbomachine by a force F.sub.B, generated by a force field and acting in the direction of flow, by converting potential energy of the fluid into kinetic energy of the fluid to such an extent that the pressure of the fluid, which is reduced in the turbomachine, is thereby increased again to at least 0.1 times the pressure of the fluid upstream of the turbomachine, and the force F.sub.B acting in the direction of flow is the gravitational force, a centrifugal force, a magnetic force, an electrical force or a mechanical force provided by a further turbomachine.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the turbomachine is a turbine.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the turbomachine is a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) generator.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the fluid is a multiphase flow and at least one fluid component is gaseous and another fluid component of the fluid is liquid.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the turbomachine is a turbine.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the turbomachine is an MHD generator.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein a fluid mixture consisting of a first fluid and a second fluid is used as the compressible fluid and that the first fluid has a lower vapour pressure than the second fluid, and wherein the first fluid is liquid both during acceleration at the convergent nozzle and downstream of the turbomachine, and wherein the second fluid is at least partially gaseous during acceleration at the convergent nozzle and liquid downstream of the divergent nozzle.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the turbomachine is a turbine.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the turbomachine is an MHD generator.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein a fluid mixture consisting of a first fluid and a second fluid is used as the compressible fluid, wherein the first fluid is a gas and the second fluid is a liquid, and the first fluid is dissolved in the second fluid before acceleration at the convergent nozzle, is released from the second fluid during acceleration at the convergent nozzle and is dissolved again in the second fluid downstream of the divergent nozzle.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the turbomachine is a turbine.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the turbomachine is an MHD generator.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the force field is a gravitational field.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the force field is a centrifugal field.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the force field is a magnetic field.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the force field is an electric field.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein the fluid is a gas.

18. The method of claim 1, wherein the fluid is a mixture of a liquid and a gas.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the fluid is a mixture of water and carbon dioxide.

20. The method of claim 1, wherein the fluid is a mixture of water and an alcohol.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is an illustration of a flow of fluid with a turbomachine according to the prior art.

(2) FIG. 2 is an illustration of arrangement for using the method according to the invention.

(3) FIG. 3 is an illustration of a further arrangement for using the method according to the invention.

(4) FIG. 4a is an illustration of a thermodynamic cycle with a centrifugal convergent nozzle.

(5) FIG. 4b is an illustration of a thermodynamic cycle with a centrifugal divergent nozzle.

(6) FIG. 5 is an illustration of a gravitational divergent nozzle.

(7) FIG. 6 is an illustration of a thermodynamic cycle with an MHD generator.

(8) FIG. 7 is an illustration of a heat pump with branched entropy circuit.

(9) FIG. 8 is an illustration of a heat pump with open branched entropy circuit.

(10) FIG. 9 is an illustration of a heat engine with branched entropy circuit.

(11) FIG. 10 is an illustration of a hydropower machine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(12) The object of the invention is to increase the efficiency of a turbomachine.

(13) According to the invention, this object is achieved with a method having the characteristics of Claim 1. The object is further achieved with a method according to Claim 2. Advantageous embodiments of the methods according to Claims 1 and 2 are presented in Claims 3 to 9.

(14) In the method according to the invention, a flow of a compressible fluid is fed to a turbomachine. In the turbomachine, kinetic energy is transferred from the fluid to the turbomachine. After a polytropic expansion in the turbomachine, the flow velocity of the fluid downstream of the turbomachine, which is reduced in the turbomachine during the transfer of kinetic energy, is increased by a force F.sub.B, generated by a force field and acting in the direction of flow, by converting potential energy of the fluid into kinetic energy of the fluid to such an extent that the pressure of the fluid, which is reduced in the turbomachine, is thereby increased again to at least 0.1 times the pressure of the fluid upstream of the turbomachine. Technically, of course, the increase in pressure of the fluid downstream of the turbomachine is limited to the pressure of the fluid upstream of the turbomachine. The force F.sub.B in the direction of flow is generated by a force field, such as a gravitational field, a centrifugal field, a magnetic field or an electric field. The dislocation of the molecules in the direction of flow causes potential energy due to the field to be converted into kinetic energy.

(15) In the method according to Claim 1, the force F.sub.B acting in the direction of flow partially or completely compensates for a thermodynamic force F.sub.2 acting against the direction of flow. The increase in the flow velocity of the fluid downstream of the turbomachine due to the force F.sub.B causes an increase in the pressure of the fluid in the further course of the flow downstream of the turbomachine. The resulting reduction in the pressure of the fluid directly downstream of the turbomachine increases the efficiency of the polytropic expansion in the turbomachine. The molecules of the fluid are accelerated to a velocity v.sub.2 by the force F.sub.B. If the fluid is a gas, for example, the velocity v.sub.2 should be at least 0.3 times the speed of sound in the fluid. F.sub.B is thus of the same order of magnitude as F.sub.2. For a mixture of two gases, the velocity v.sub.2 should be at least 0.3 times the weighted average of the speeds of sound in the two gases. The acceleration of the molecules of the fluid downstream of the turbomachine has a great influence on its efficiency. The aim of the acceleration is to reduce the pressure and thus the force against the direction of flow directly downstream of the turbomachine. The greater the acceleration downstream of the turbomachine, the greater the influence of the method according to the invention on the efficiency of the turbomachine, although the increase in the flow velocity downstream of the turbomachine is of course limited to the flow velocity upstream of the turbomachine. Compared to a flow velocity of 0.3 times the speed of sound in the fluid, higher efficiencies are achieved for the efficiency of the turbomachine if the flow velocity downstream of the turbomachine is accelerated, for example, to 0.5 times or 0.6 times or 0.8 times the speed of sound in the fluid, or to the speed of sound in the fluid, whereby the flow velocity upstream of the turbomachine is then at least about 0.51 times or 0.61 times or 0.81 times or 1.01 times the speed of sound in the fluid.

(16) If, on the other hand, the fluid consists of a gas and a liquid, the velocity v.sub.2 should be so high that the translational velocity of the molecules of the gas (the compressible fluid component) is at least 0.3 times the speed of sound in the gas.

(17) In methods according to the prior art, acceleration of the flow is achieved by dissipating thermal energy and entropy to the environment. In the method according to the invention, the dissipation of thermal energy necessary for acceleration is eliminated or at least significantly reduced by generating the acceleration of the molecules of the fluid with the force F.sub.B acting through a force field in the direction of flow. The force F.sub.B is independent of the molecule's state of motion and can thus accelerate even molecules with high kinetic energy. A higher kinetic energy and the associated higher kinetic momentum of the molecules makes it possible to dissipate thermal energy to an external reservoir (energy sink) with greater intensity (temperature) after acceleration.

(18) According to Claims 3 and 4, the compressible fluid is accelerated in the direction of flow upstream of the turbomachine with a convergent nozzle. A divergent nozzle and/or a compressor are located downstream of the turbomachine in the direction of flow.

(19) The compressible fluid is thus first accelerated at the convergent nozzle, whereby translational kinetic energy of the molecules (E.sub.trans) is converted into lateral kinetic energy (E.sub.tat), the vibrational and rotational energies (E.sub.vib, E.sub.rot) of the molecules of the fluid are converted into translational energy (E.sub.trans) and the fluid flow is accelerated to a velocity v.sub.1. This also increases the translational entropy component (S.sub.trans). Energy and momentum are released in the turbomachine so that the velocity of the fluid flow is significantly reduced again. The force F.sub.B in the flow channel then accelerates the molecules of the fluid downstream of the turbomachine to velocity v.sub.2. In the divergent nozzle and/or compressor, the energy and entropy components at constant pressure (E.sub.trans, S.sub.trans) then decrease through conversion into vibrational and rotational energy. These components do not have to be dissipated externally. A complete compensation of F.sub.2 would require the acceleration of the molecules to the speed of sound. A significant increase in the efficiency of the turbomachine is achieved for a velocity v.sub.2 with 0.3 or more times the speed of sound in the fluid. When accelerated to the speed of sound itself, a vacuum is created directly downstream of the turbomachine. In the divergent nozzle, part of the lateral kinetic energy is converted back into undirected thermodynamic motion, whereupon the temperature and pressure increase. This means that less or no thermal energy has to be dissipated into the environment, which reduces global warming due to thermodynamic processes. The flow then moves on with a low lateral velocity (v.sub.3).

(20) The lateral velocity (v.sub.1) of the molecules upstream of the turbomachine should be greater than the speed of sound. At a higher speed, according to E=m/2*v.sup.2, more energy is released than is needed to accelerate the molecules to the speed of sound with F.sub.B. Fundamentally, acceleration above the speed of sound is based on the principle of relativity. In the convergent nozzle, the translational movement of the molecules is converted into a lateral movement in the direction of flow. However, the mean velocity relative to an observer outside the flow remains constant. This means that no additional energy can be supplied from outside despite the lower temperature. However, with respect to the vibrational and rotational energy carried in the flow, the intensity of the translational motion of the molecules decreases. This results in a conversion of vibrational and rotational energy into translational energy, which can thus be used in addition to the lateral acceleration. The lateral velocity can thus be higher than the mean translational velocity (speed of sound) at the entrance of the convergent nozzle. In this way, energy with lower intensity (momentum, temperature) can be supplied. This increases the energy conversion and energy efficiency of the process.

(21) With negative acceleration in the divergent nozzle, the energy flow acts in the opposite direction. The lateral kinetic energy is converted into a disordered translational movement of the molecules and increases its intensity. This means that part of the translational energy can be converted into vibrational and rotational energy. If thermal energy is dissipated to the environment, the vibrational and rotational energy must also be dissipated. However, if the flow is additionally accelerated beforehand by the external force F.sub.B, the proportion of volume-independent vibrational and rotational energy increases. More energy can therefore be stored in the flow and released again during a renewed acceleration.

(22) The ratio of vibrational and rotational energy to translational energy is described by the isentropic coefficient. Therefore, the fluid in the working temperature range should have at least one fluid component with an isentropic coefficient of less than or equal to 1.4. A higher efficiency is achieved with a fluid where at least one fluid component has an isentropic coefficient less than or equal to 1.2. The efficiency is even higher with an isentropic coefficient less than or equal to 1.1.

(23) The fluid can be a gas or a multiphase flow, whereby, for the purposes of the application, multiphase flow is understood to mean both gaseous mixtures and mixtures of gases and liquids. In a multiphase flow, substances with high isentropic coefficients (c.sub.p/c.sub.v), such as helium, should be mixed with substances with low isentropic coefficients, such as n-butane. The non-volume-dependent component of thermal energy (vibrational and rotational energy) should have a high heat capacity in relation to the translational energy. In principle, it is also possible to calculate an isentropic coefficient (c.sub.p/c.sub.v) for fluids. This has a value around 1. The advantage of gas mixtures is the better energy exchange due to the larger effective area of the individual molecules. In pure substances (fluids consisting of one gas), the proportion of vibrational and rotational energy is determined by the molecular structure. Gases with a very low isentropic coefficient and high molecular mass should therefore be used. A multiphase flow consisting of a gaseous and a liquid fluid component can also be used, whereby, in order to generate the pressure reduction downstream of the turbomachine, the velocity v.sub.2 should be so high that the translational velocity of the molecules of the gas (compressible fluid component) is at least 0.3 times the speed of sound in the gas.

(24) In the further development of the method according to Claim 6, a fluid mixture is used as the working medium. This combines a fluid with high vapour pressure and a fluid with low vapour pressure. The pressure at the inlet of the convergent nozzle is selected such that both fluids are liquid (vibrational and rotational energy). If the pressure drops during acceleration in the convergent nozzle, the fluid with the higher vapour pressure reaches its boiling point. By transferring vibrational and rotational energy from the fluid with the low vapour pressure, the fluid with the high vapour pressure is completely vaporised. The physical effect of evaporation described is also the basis of cavitation, which is usually to be avoided in turbomachinery. In the method according to the invention, however, this effect is deliberately intensified in order to achieve a high acceleration of the flow. The now compressible fluid (with translational energy) is strongly accelerated in the flow channel due to the increase in volume and gives off energy and momentum to the turbomachine. By increasing the pressure in the divergent nozzle and/or compressor, the condensation point is reached and the compressible component of the fluid gives up its translational energy to the incompressible fluid component (vibrational and rotational energy).

(25) In an alternative further development according to Claim 7, a reversible chemical process can also be used. In this process, a gas dissolved in a liquid is fed to the convergent nozzle. If the pressure drops during acceleration in the convergent nozzle, the reaction equilibrium changes and gas escapes from the solution. This provides translational energy for high acceleration. The compressible fluid gives off energy and momentum to the turbomachine. By increasing the pressure in the divergent nozzle and/or compressor, the reaction equilibrium changes again and the gas dissolves in the liquid due to the chemical reaction. Translational energy is converted into vibrational and rotational energy.

(26) The externally supplied energy for F.sub.B can be supplied by, for example, a gravitational force, a magnetic force, an electrical force or a centrifugal force. Likewise, a mechanical force can also be provided by a further turbomachine operated with energy supplied from outside, whereby this turbomachine is then arranged downstream of the divergent nozzle in the direction of flow.

(27) Table 1 shows a comparison of the acceleration times and distances due to the gravitational force on Earth (9.81 m/s.sup.2) in free fall from zero to the speed of sound (v.sub.s) for various substances at normal pressure and temperature (1 bar; 300K).

(28) TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Substance v.sub.s (m/s) t (s) s (m) Helium 1020 104 53028 Nitrogen 353 36 6351 Carbon dioxide 269 27 3688 Xenon 174 18 1543 Water/air mixture 10 1 10

(29) The table shows that the gravitational force is particularly suitable for media with very heavy molecules and for multiphase flows. Since acceleration of the fluid to at least 0.3 times the speed of sound in the divergent nozzle increases the pressure and temperature, the process can also be operated below ambient temperature. Lower temperatures also make shorter acceleration distances and acceleration times possible due to the lower speed of sound. In a mixture of water and air with a high mass fraction of water, the water pressure increases from 0 bar to 1 bar over a fall of 10 m. This means that the air molecules are also compressed to this pressure and thus move at the speed of sound in air. The speed of sound in the overall flow, on the other hand, is much lower. A fall of just 10 m is thus sufficient for generating a vacuum downstream of the working machine. In a gravitational divergent nozzle, the speed of the molecules in or upstream of the divergent nozzle can therefore be increased. This reduces the lower pressure in the isentropic expansion and increases the efficiency of the thermodynamic process.

(30) Greater forces than that of gravity can be generated with a centrifugal force. This shortens the acceleration distances and thus the dimensions of the thermodynamic machine. For this purpose, the thermodynamic machine is designed to be rotationally symmetrical and rotates about its rotational axis. The rotation creates an inhomogeneous phase space. The expected value (ensemble mean) increases with the distance from the rotational axis, as thus do the pressure, temperature and density. If the tangential velocity approaches the speed of sound, a near vacuum is formed at the rotational axis. The compressor serves to compensate for process losses (such as friction) and does not have to perform a great deal of pressure-volume work. It pushes the working medium into the convergent nozzle, where it is accelerated. An additional acceleration occurs due to the thermodynamic force with the centrifugal force F.sub.Z decreasing in the direction of flow. In the turbomachine, kinetic energy is extracted from the molecules at high speed. Afterwards, the molecules in the flow channel are accelerated in the direction of flow by F.sub.Z. In the divergent nozzle, the pressure and the temperature increase. Upstream of the compressor, thermal energy (Q.sub.2) can optionally be dissipated using a heat exchanger. Thermal energy (Q.sub.1) is fed in downstream of the compressor. This reduces the pressurevolume work on the compressor. The transport of thermal energy via the wall of the flow channel is possible by thermal conduction but also by a fluid in a parallel flow channel.

(31) A thermodynamic machine with a centrifugal convergent nozzle and a centrifugal divergent nozzle makes it possible to accelerate the molecules laterally beyond their speed of sound by changing the centrifugal force. Homogeneous substances and also multiphase flows can be used. When using multiphase flows with different isentropic coefficients, the temperature change is reduced and the tangential velocity and thus the radius can be reduced due to a greater incompressible component (rotational and vibrational energy). The translational component of the entropy flow increases during acceleration and thus also leads to a higher lateral velocity in the turbomachine.

(32) Depending on the application, the turbomachine can be a turbine or an MHD generator.

(33) In principle, however, the method according to the invention is suitable for increasing the efficiency of any polytropic expansion. For expansion in a piston machine, the energy is extracted at the speed of sound and the acceleration energy is supplied in the flow channel at relative speeds below the speed of sound. In the case of turbomachinery, however, a greater effect can be expected due to the higher achievable relative velocity during the delivery of mechanical energy. In piston machines, because of the discontinuous mode of operation, several pistons must also be operated in parallel and with offset phases so that a continuous flow is created in the flow channel.

(34) Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings. The drawings show:

(35) FIG. 1 A flow of fluid with a turbomachine according to the prior art

(36) FIG. 2 An arrangement for using the method according to the invention

(37) FIG. 3 A further arrangement for using the method according to the invention

(38) FIG. 4 A thermodynamic cycle with a centrifugal convergent nozzle and a centrifugal divergent nozzle

(39) FIG. 5 A gravitational divergent nozzle

(40) FIG. 6 A thermodynamic cycle with an MHD generator

(41) FIG. 7 A heat pump with branched entropy circuit

(42) FIG. 8 A heat pump with open branched entropy circuit

(43) FIG. 9 A heat engine with branched entropy circuit

(44) FIG. 10 A hydropower machine

(45) FIG. 1 shows a flow of a fluid with a turbomachine 1 according to the prior art. Turbomachine 1 is shown as an impeller. The fluid flow transfers part of its kinetic energy to the turbomachine 1, where it is dissipated as work. The molecules M of the fluid move with the velocity v.sub.1 in the flow channel and give off a part of their lateral kinetic energy to the turbomachine at its impellers and then move on with the velocity v.sub.2.

(46) FIG. 2 shows an arrangement for using the method according to the invention to increase an entropy flow in a turbomachine 1. For this purpose, a compressible fluid is polytropically expanded in turbomachine 1, which has the form of a turbine. After the polytropic expansion, an additional force F.sub.B acts on the molecules M of the fluid in the direction of flow, so that the molecules M are accelerated in the direction of flow by this force. The force F.sub.B acting in the direction of flow is generated by a force field, whereby the fluid's potential energy is converted into kinetic energy of the fluid. This force F.sub.B accelerates the molecules M of a fluid consisting of gas or a gas mixture downstream of the turbomachine to at least 0.3 times the speed of sound in the fluid, so that the pressure of the fluid, reduced in the turbomachine, is increased again to at least 0.1 times the pressure of the fluid upstream of the turbomachine and thus the pressure reduction necessary for increasing the efficiency of the turbomachine is achieved directly downstream of the turbomachine. In the embodiment shown, the force F.sub.B can be the gravitational force, for example. In the case of a fluid consisting of a mixture of gas and liquid, the pressure reduction is achieved directly downstream of the turbomachine when the velocity v.sub.2 of the fluid is at least so high that the translational velocity of the molecules M of the gas (compressible fluid component) is at least 0.3 times the speed of sound in the gas.

(47) FIG. 3 shows a further arrangement for using the method according to the invention. The polytropic expansion in the turbomachine 1 is preceded by a convergent nozzle 2, so that the compressible fluid is accelerated before the turbomachine 1. A divergent nozzle 3 is located downstream of the turbomachine 1 in the direction of flow. Depending on the desired increase in efficiency for the turbomachine, the acceleration at the convergent nozzle upstream of the turbomachine can, for example, be up to 0.31 times or 0.51 times or 0.61 times or 0.81 times or 1.01 times the speed of sound in the fluid. Downstream of the turbomachine, the fluid is then accelerated again as close as possible to the value of the flow velocity upstream of the turbomachine (0.3 times or 0.5 times or 0.6 times or 0.8 times or equal to the speed of sound in the fluid). A compressor 5 is connected downstream of the divergent nozzle 3, although this is optional here. In another embodiment not shown, the compressor 5 is provided instead of the divergent nozzle 3. The fluid can be a pure substance (a gas), a mixture of gases or a mixture of gas and liquid and the force F.sub.B can be the force due to gravity, for example.

(48) FIG. 4a and FIG. 4b show two arrangements for using the method according to the invention in a thermodynamic cycle with a centrifugal convergent nozzle and a centrifugal divergent nozzle. A flow channel with a fluid is set in rotation around a rotational axis 4. This causes a centrifugal force F.sub.Z to act on the fluid and causes the density of the fluid to increase with distance from the rotational axis 4. A compressor 5 is placed at the location with the highest rotational speed. The turbomachine 1 is arranged on the rotational axis 4. The fluid is first accelerated in the convergent nozzle 2 and gives off energy and momentum to the turbomachine 1. Downstream of the turbomachine 1, the fluid is accelerated by the increasing centrifugal force, and the pressure in the divergent nozzle 3 is increased again. Here, too, the molecules M of the fluid are accelerated to at least 0.3 times the speed of sound in the fluid. An amount of thermal energy Q.sub.1 can be fed in between the compressor 5 and the convergent nozzle 2. Optionally, an amount of thermal energy Q.sub.2 can be dissipated between the divergent nozzle 3 and the compressor 2. In the embodiment according to FIG. 4a, the turbomachine 1 is arranged radially to the rotational axis. In FIG. 4b, the turbomachine 1 is arranged axially to the rotational axis in an alternative embodiment. Again, the fluid can be a pure substance (a gas), a mixture of gases or a mixture of gas and liquid. In the case of a fluid consisting of gas or mixture of gases, the fluid is also accelerated here downstream of the turbomachine to at least 0.3 times the speed of sound in the fluid, so that the pressure of the fluid, reduced in the turbomachine, is increased again to at least 0.1 times the pressure of the fluid upstream of the turbomachine and thus the pressure reduction necessary for increasing the efficiency of the turbomachine is achieved directly downstream of the turbomachine. In the case of a fluid consisting of a mixture of gas and liquid, the pressure reduction is achieved directly downstream of the turbomachine when the velocity v.sub.2 of the fluid is at least so high that the translational velocity of the molecules M of the gas (compressible fluid component) is at least 0.3 times the speed of sound in the gas.

(49) In the embodiment shown, the force F.sub.B is therefore provided by the centrifugal force F.sub.Z. The thermodynamic machine described with a centrifugal convergent nozzle and centrifugal divergent nozzle is thus also suitable for use in places with low gravity (such as in space).

(50) In one embodiment, the arrangements according to FIG. 3 or FIG. 4a/4b use a multiphase flow in which a phase change (evaporation/condensation) of a component or a reversible chemical reaction is used. If, for example, a mixture of water and isobutane is fed into the convergent nozzle 2 at 4 bar and 300K, both components are liquid. Due to the acceleration in the convergent nozzle 2, the pressure drops and the isobutane reaches its boiling point. By adding rotational and vibrational energy (of the molecules M) from the liquid water, it can evaporate. The increase in volume further accelerates the flow. Part of the kinetic energy is released in the turbomachine 1. The flow is then laterally accelerated by the gravitational or centrifugal force. Due to the increased pressure in the divergent nozzle 3 and/or in the following compressor 5, the gas condenses with a major reduction in volume. However, the energy released in the process does not have to be dissipated externally, but is stored in the circuit in the form of volume-independent vibrational and rotational energy.

(51) When using a water-carbon-dioxide mixture, the carbon dioxide dissolves in the water and reacts to form carbonic acid. When the pressure drops in convergent nozzle 2, the equilibrium of the solution decreases and gaseous carbon dioxide is released in the flow channel, accelerating the flow. Since a concentration equilibrium is established in the solution, an even release of gas is to be expected here. After the releasing energy in the turbomachine and accelerating in the flow channel, the gas goes back into solution due to the pressure increase in the divergent nozzle 3 and/or in the following compressor 5 and reduces the volume of the multiphase flow. Carbon dioxide then reacts with the water to form carbonic acid.

(52) The choice of components has a significant influence on the working pressure. For substances with low vapour pressures (e.g., an isopropanol/water mixture), the pressure upstream of the convergent nozzle 2 may be less than 1 bar. This simplifies the design. Due to the high density of liquid water, the energy density and entropy flow are nevertheless very high. This makes it possible to achieve a very high speed and energy output in the turbomachine with compact dimensions.

(53) FIG. 5 shows a gravitational divergent nozzle as a further arrangement for using the method according to the invention. A fluid is accelerated in the convergent nozzle 2 and fed to the turbomachine 1. The flow channel and divergent nozzle 3 are arranged in the direction of gravity, whereby the gravitational force F.sub.G acts as a force F.sub.B and accelerates the molecules M of the fluid by converting potential energy into kinetic energy. The machine is dimensioned such that the volume between the compressor 5 and the convergent nozzle 2 is greater than the volume between the turbomachine 1 and the compressor 5. Alternatively, a pressure-balancing vessel 6 can be fitted. In this way, the compressor 5 creates a negative pressure in the turbomachine 1, which increases the efficiency. An amount of thermal energy Q.sub.1 is fed in between the compressor 5 and the convergent nozzle 2. Optionally, an amount of thermal energy Q.sub.2 can be dissipated between the divergent nozzle 3 and the compressor 5.

(54) Since only the relative speed of the flow is relevant for the energy supply in turbomachines 1, energy can be extracted in a narrow flow channel at high speed with a turbomachine 1 and fed in within a wider flow channel at low speed. According to E=m/2*v.sup.2, more energy is released at high speed than is fed in at low speed. The mechanical force (F.sub.m) supplied by the compressor 5 acts like the gravitational force F.sub.g and reduces the pressure downstream of the turbomachine 1. For this purpose, the pressure-balancing vessel 6, which keeps the pressure at the inlet of the convergent nozzle 2 constant, is installed between the compressor 5 and the convergent nozzle 2. For compressible fluids, pressure balancing can also be achieved by having a large volume upstream of the convergent nozzle 2 compared to the volume between divergent nozzle 3 and the compressor 5. In open processes, the surrounding atmosphere can be used for pressure balancing. If mechanical work is supplied to the compressor 5, the pressure at the outlet of the divergent nozzle 3 drops. This allows the pressure at the outlet of the turbomachine 1 to drop to almost zero, which permits high flow velocities and thus high efficiency. For this, sufficient energy must be available for the acceleration in the convergent nozzle 2, and this can be provided by a high proportion of vibrational and rotational energy (in the case of complex molecules M or multiphase flows). This accelerates the fluid to supersonic speeds even without a de Laval nozzle. Since the thermal energy Q.sub.1 does not need to be fed in at a high temperature, but is only transferred when the relative translational velocity of the molecules M within the flow is reduced, the volume-effective heat capacity and thus the entropy flow I.sub.s at the working machine 1 increases. According to P=T*I.sub.s (P=power, T=temperature, I.sub.s=entropy flow), the power P increases at constant input temperature.

(55) The compressor 5 should be located near the lowest point in the cycle. The energy W.sub.2 required to operate the compressor 5 can be supplied partly or completely by the mechanical energy W.sub.1 released in the turbomachine 1.

(56) The fluid used in the arrangement according to FIG. 5 can be a pure substance (a gas), a gas mixture or a mixture of gas and liquid. In the case of a fluid consisting of gas or mixture of gases, the fluid is also accelerated here downstream of the turbomachine to at least 0.3 times the speed of sound in the fluid, so that the pressure of the fluid, reduced in the turbomachine, is increased again to at least 0.1 times the pressure of the fluid upstream of the turbomachine and thus the pressure reduction necessary for increasing the efficiency of the turbomachine is achieved directly downstream of the turbomachine. In the case of a fluid consisting of a mixture of gas and liquid, the pressure reduction is achieved directly downstream of the turbomachine when the velocity v.sub.2 of the fluid is at least so high that the translational velocity of the molecules M of the gas (compressible fluid component) is at least 0.3 times the speed of sound in the gas.

(57) FIG. 6 shows a thermodynamic cycle with a turbomachine designed as an MHD generator as a further arrangement for using the method according to the invention. A mixture of an electrolyte (e.g., an ionised solution) and a compressible fluid is used as the working medium. The mixture is accelerated in the convergent nozzle 2 and flows through a magnetic field of the turbomachine 1, which is designed as an MHD generator. In the process, the charge carriers of the electrolyte are deflected to the left or right and the electrical energy is dissipated via the electrodes. In the divergent nozzle 3, the flow velocity is reduced, converting translational energy into vibrational and rotational energy.

(58) The fluid is compressed in the compressor 5 and flows back to the convergent nozzle 2. The volume between the compressor 5 and the convergent nozzle 2 must be larger than the volume between the MHD generator and the compressor 5. Alternatively, a pressure-balancing vessel 6 can be fitted. In this way, the compressor 5 creates a negative pressure downstream of the MHD generator, which accelerates the flow and increases the efficiency. The thermal energy Q.sub.1 is fed in upstream of the convergent nozzle 2. Optionally, thermal energy Q.sub.2 can be dissipated downstream of the divergent nozzle 3.

(59) One advantage of this arrangement is a higher achievable magnetic field strength in the narrow flow channel compared to the wider flow channel of a de Laval nozzle. Furthermore, the charge-carrier density in the electrolyte is high, which permits compact dimensions of the machine. In contrast to when an ionised gas is used, the process can also take place at ambient temperature, which reduces the demands on materials and the costs.

(60) FIG. 7 shows a heat pump with a branched entropy circuit for the application of the method according to the invention. A fluid consisting of a first fluid component and a second fluid component, wherein at least the second fluid component is compressible, is accelerated in a convergent nozzle 2 and fed to a turbomachine 1. Downstream of the turbomachine 1, the fluid can optionally be accelerated by the force F.sub.B in the flow channel and divergent nozzle 3, which reduces the pressure at the outlet of the turbomachine 1. Afterwards, the second fluid component, which has a larger c.sub.p/c.sub.v ratio compared to the first fluid component, is separated in the separator 7 and fed to the compressor 5.2, where the second fluid component is accelerated and/or compressed. The temperature increases due to the compression. The first fluid component is fed to the compressor 5.1, wherein the temperature does not change or changes only very slightly compared to the second fluid component. This allows thermal energy Q.sub.1 to be fed into the first fluid component by means of the heat exchanger 8.1. The second fluid component, compressed in compressor 5.2, releases its thermal energy Q.sub.2 by means of the heat exchanger 8.2. Afterwards, both fluid components are combined in the mixer 9. The volume between the turbomachine 1 and the compressor 5.2 must be smaller than the volume between the compressor 5.1 and the mixer 9. Alternatively, a pressure-balancing vessel 6 can be fitted. In this way the compressors 5.1 and 5.2 generate a negative pressure in the separator 9, which increases the efficiency of the turbomachine 1. For a significant difference, within the working temperature range at compressors 5.1, 5.2, the ratio c.sub.p/c.sub.v of the second fluid component should be at least 1.1 times the ratio c.sub.p/c.sub.v of the first fluid component.

(61) The dimensioning of the entropy flows has a great influence on the efficiency. With the same thermal power at the inlet and outlet (P.sub.1=P.sub.2), it follows from I.sub.S1>I.sub.S2 that, according to P.sub.1=T.sub.1.Math.I.sub.S1=T.sub.2.Math.I.sub.S2=P.sub.2, also T.sub.2>T.sub.1. This means that the mechanical energy suppliedW.sub.mech=|W.sub.4|+|W.sub.5||W.sub.3|only has to compensate for the process losses. With T.sub.2=T.sub.1=T and I.sub.S1>I.sub.S2, it follows that P.sub.1>P.sub.2. A stream of energy then flows out of the machine: P=T.sub.2.Math.I.sub.S2T.sub.1.Math.I.sub.S1=T.Math.(I.sub.S2I.sub.S1). This means that, depending on the dimensioning of the entropy flows, the machine can also work as a heat engine.

(62) The mass flows of the fluid components should be dimensioned such that an entropy flow I.sub.S1 of the first fluid component at the compressor 5.1 is greater than an entropy flow I.sub.S2 of the second fluid component at the compressor 5.2. For a significant increase in efficiency, the mass flow for I.sub.S1 at the compressor 5.1 should be at least five times greater than the mass flow for I.sub.S2 at the second compressor 5.2. The entropy flow at the inlet of the turbomachine is equal to the sum of the two entropy flows I.sub.S1 and I.sub.S2.

(63) FIG. 8 shows a heat pump with an open branched entropy circuit. The machine uses a fluid in which the compressible component is air. The air is drawn in from the atmosphere at the inlet 7 and mixed with an incompressible fluid (e.g. water) in the mixer 9. The fluid is accelerated in a convergent nozzle 2 and fed to a turbomachine 1. Downstream of the divergent nozzle 3, the air is separated in the separator 7 and fed to the compressor 5.2. The compressor 5.2 increases the pressure of the air to atmospheric pressure and thus ensures there is a negative pressure in the mixer 9. The heated air then flows back into the atmosphere via the outlet 10. The pressure of the cooler, incompressible component of the fluid is increased to atmospheric pressure in the compressor 5.1. At the heat exchanger 8, the thermal energy Q.sub.1 extracted from the air is returned to the incompressible fluid.

(64) FIG. 9 shows a heat engine with a branched entropy circuit (see FIG. 9). The heat engine works in the same way as the heat pump in FIG. 7. In the entropy circuit I.sub.S2, the thermal energy Q.sub.2 is first dissipated in the heat exchanger 8.2 and then the fluid is compressed in the compressor 5.2. Due to a low heat capacity of the fluid component in the entropy circuit I.sub.S2 in relation to I.sub.S1, only little thermal energy has to be dissipated.

(65) FIG. 10 shows a hydropower machine for further application of the method, which converts potential and thermal energy into mechanical energy. The water flows from the upper reservoir 11 to the lower reservoir 12. The turbomachine 1, designed as a turbine, is arranged below the upper reservoir. The entropy flow of the water I.sub.S1 is mixed with air I.sub.S2 and accelerated in a convergent nozzle 2 with a mixer (e.g., a Venturi or jet-stream nozzle). The air being cooled by the acceleration extracts vibrational and rotational energy from the water molecules and expands almost isothermally. At the same time, the water molecules are accelerated with the air and release their kinetic energy to the turbine 1. The water is separated from the air in the turbine housing 1.1. The water collects at the bottom of the turbine housing 1.1 and is accelerated with a gravitational divergent nozzle. With a fall of 10 m or more, this increases the pressure by about 1 bar, thereby creating a vacuum on the turbine housing 1.1. To maintain this negative pressure, the air must be pumped out through the air duct 14, e.g., by means of a piston pump or a jet-stream pump 13.

LIST OF REFERENCES

(66) M Molecule 1 Turbomachine 1.1 Housing 2 Convergent nozzle 3 Divergent nozzle 4 Rotational axis 5 Compressor 5.1 Compressor 5.2 Compressor 6 Balancing vessel 7 Separator 8 Heat exchanger 8.1 Heat exchanger 8.2 Heat exchanger 9 Mixer 10 Outlet 11 Reservoir 12 Reservoir 13 Jet-stream pump 14 Air duct