Rankine cycle system and method

Abstract

A Rankine cycle system and method is described and illustrated, and in some embodiments includes an expander, a pump, a condenser, and a receiver comprising a variable fluid volume at least partially defined by a movable member, wherein the variable fluid volume defines at least a portion of the working fluid flow path between the condenser and the inlet of the pump. Also, a method of charging a Rankine cycle system with working fluid is described and illustrated, and can include applying a regulated pressure to a chamber located within a receiver, introducing the working fluid to the Rankine cycle system, the working fluid being separated from the chamber by a movable member of the receiver, monitoring displacement of the movable member, and stopping the introduction of working fluid into the Rankine cycle system when the movable member reaches a predetermined position.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.