Apparatus and methods for energy conversion

Abstract

The present invention provides an energy conversion turbine having at least the following components: a central shaft having a rotational axis, a series of blades in mechanical connection with and disposed around the central shaft, wherein the turbine is configured such that fluid flowing about the blades causes the temperature about one blade face to become lower than the temperature about the opposing blade face. Each blade may be airfoil-shaped and may have at least one curved face such that, when facing an incident fluid flow, the fluid flow passing over one side of the airfoil has a greater velocity than that passing over the opposing side, this achieving the temperature differential required. The airfoils may be mounted between two concentric cylinders, the concentric cylinders being coaxial with the rotational axis of the central shaft. Typically, the turbine is rotationally mounted within a Venturi-like throat, and in some forms of the invention fluid straighteners are disposed at either or both ends of the throat, and in between two consecutive turbines. Some forms also provide a fluid flow accelerator upstream from the turbine and a fluid flow decelerator downstream from the turbine. Also provided are methods for generating power, such as electrical power using the turbine.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.