Compact energy cycle construction utilizing some combination of a scroll type expander, pump, and compressor for operating according to a rankine, an organic rankine, heat pump or combined organic rankine and heat pump cycle

A compact energy cycle construction that utilizes a working fluid in its operation, comprising:

• a compact housing of a generally cylindrical form,
• a plurality of energy cycle devices disposed within said housing and interconnected to form an integrated system operable in accordance with an energy cycle, at least two of which energy cycle devices include a rotatable shaft shared thereby as a common shaft;
• said system effecting circulation of the working fluid in a torus within said housing as said system operates;
• said common shaft is hollow and includes a central passageway therethrough for the transit through said hollow shaft of the working fluid;
• including a heat transfer portion that employs a heat transfer fluid during its operation, said heat transfer portion disposed along said hollow shaft and including a heat transfer fluid conduit spirally wrapped about said hollow shaft, said conduit being spaced outwardly from said hollow shaft to define a space therebetween and having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and heat transfer fins disposed along said hollow shaft and said conduit in the space therebetween;
• and
• wherein said plurality of energy cycle devices includes a scroll type compressor-expander, a generator/motor, and a pump-expander, all sharing said common shaft.

A compact energy cycle construction that utilizes a working fluid in its operation, comprising:

• a compact housing of a generally cylindrical form,
• a plurality of energy cycle devices disposed within said housing and interconnected to form an integrated system operable in accordance with an energy cycle, at least two of which energy cycle devices include a rotatable shaft shared thereby as a common shaft;
• said system effecting circulation of the working fluid in a torus within said housing as said system operates;
• said common shaft is hollow and includes a central passageway therethrough for the transit through said hollow shaft of the working fluid;
• including a heat transfer portion that employs a heat transfer fluid during its operation, said heat transfer portion disposed along said hollow shaft and including a heat transfer fluid conduit spirally wrapped about said hollow shaft, said conduit being spaced outwardly from said hollow shaft to define a space therebetween and having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and heat transfer fins disposed along said hollow shaft and said conduit in the space therebetween;
• and
• wherein said plurality of energy cycle devices includes a scroll type compressor and a motor, sharing said common shaft, and a capillary tube.

A compact energy cycle construction that utilizes a working fluid in its operation, comprising:

• a compact housing of a generally cylindrical form,
• a plurality of energy cycle devices disposed within said housing and interconnected to form an integrated system operable in accordance with an energy cycle, at least two of which energy cycle devices include a rotatable shaft shared thereby as a common shaft;
• said system effecting circulation of the working fluid in a torus within said housing as said system operates;
• said common shaft is hollow and includes a central passageway therethrough for the transit through said hollow shaft of the working fluid;
• including a heat transfer portion that employs a heat transfer fluid during its operation, said heat transfer portion disposed along said hollow shaft and including a heat transfer fluid conduit spirally wrapped about said hollow shaft, said conduit being spaced outwardly from said hollow shaft to define a space therebetween and having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and heat transfer fins disposed along said hollow shaft and said conduit in the space therebetween;
• and
• said plurality of energy cycle devices includes a scroll type compressor-expander and a generator/motor, sharing said common shaft, and a capillary tube.