A uniformly pressurized thermal energy recovery system, comprising:
- a vapor source generating a vapor from a liquid;
- a vapor delivery conduit in communication with the vapor source;
- a primary displacement volume chamber in communication with the vapor delivery conduit, the primary displacement volume chamber adapted to receive the vapor or the liquid in such a state so as to become vapor from the vapor source;
- a vapor delivery control valve operational on the vapor delivery conduit, the vapor delivery control valve regulating flow of the vapor;
- a plurality of vapor metering valves disposed at opposite ends of the primary displacement volume chamber, the vapor metering valves regulating flow rate and pressure of the vapor into the primary displacement volume chamber, whereby the vapor metering valves enable uniform flow of the vapor into the primary displacement volume chamber;
- a primary piston sealingly engaging an interior surface of primary displacement volume chamber, the primary piston adapted for slidable displacement between the opposite ends of the primary displacement volume chamber, whereby a pressure ratio is applied to the primary piston, the pressure ratio amplifying a pressure exerted on the primary piston;
- a condenser disposed in fluid communication with the primary displacement volume chamber through a plurality of spent vapor exhaust valves, the condenser being in fluid communication with the vapor source, the condenser condensing the vapor with the resulting condensate being returned to the vapor source, whereby condensing the vapor causes an additional pressure differential to be applied to the primary piston;
- a secondary displacement volume chamber containing a working fluid;
- at least one working fluid inlet check valve operatively fitted to the secondary displacement volume chamber, the working fluid inlet check valve regulating flow of the working fluid into the secondary displacement volume chamber;
- a double-acting secondary piston sealingly engaging an interior surface of secondary displacement volume chamber, the double-acting secondary piston adapted for slidable displacement between the opposite ends of the secondary displacement volume chamber;
- a working fluid pressure tank disposed in fluid communication with the secondary displacement volume chamber, the working fluid pressure-tank/accumulator regulating pressure of the working fluid;
- a working fluid transfer conduit formed integrally with the working fluid pressure-tank/accumulator, the working fluid transfer conduit carrying the working fluid from the secondary displacement volume chamber to a turbine/motor, whereby the integration of the working fluid pressure tank with the working fluid transfer conduit helps reduce fluid friction loss for the flowing working fluid;
- at least one working fluid outlet check valve operatively fitted to the working fluid pressure tank, the working fluid outlet check valve regulating flow of the working fluid from the secondary displacement volume chamber to the working fluid pressure tank;
- a turbine/motor disposed in fluid communication with the working fluid pressure tank, the turbine/motor powered by the working fluid;
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- a working fluid reservoir disposed in fluid communication with the turbine/motor, the working fluid reservoir further being in fluid communication with the working fluid inlet check valve of the secondary displacement volume chamber.