Solar steam generator
AssigneeThermo Electron Corporation
InventorJerry P. Davis
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Low pressure steam generated by a solar collector is compressed to raise its temperature and pressure. The compressor is driven by an engine which is, in turn, driven by a combustible fuel. Shaft work produced from the fuel is used directly to drive the compressor. The energy available from the steam is the sum of that resulting from both solar energy and combustion of fuel. The total amount of steam produced per Btu of heat generated by fuel input to the engine is substantially greater than the amount of steam that would be produced directly by combustion of the fuel.
Claims8
A method for producing process steam comprising the steps of:
- a. generating steam by non-focusing solar collector means at pressures below the minimum pressure for useful process steam;
- b. pressurizing steam from said solar collector means by a mechanical compressor;
- c. driving said compressor by engine means energized as a result of fuel consumption;
- and
- d. producing and pressurizing steam in addition to the steam from said solar collector means by using waste heat from said engine means.
A system for converting water to process steam comprising:
- a. fluid tight means for confining water and steam;
- b. solar collector means in heat transfer relation with said fluid tight means for producing steam approximately within the temperature range from 150.degree.F to 250.degree.F and at a corresponding saturation pressure not in excess of approximately two atmospheres of pressure;
- c. a compressor for receiving and pressurizing steam from said solar collector means;
- d. means associated with said compressor forming an outlet for said pressurized steam;
- e. engine means energized as a result of fuel consumption for driving said compressor;
- and
- f. means utilizing waste heat from said engine means for producing and pressurizing steam in addition to the steam from said solar collector means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.