Shape-memory alloy-driven power plant and method

A power plant configured for converting thermal energy to electricity, the power plant comprising:

• a source of thermal energy provided by a temperature difference between a primary fluid having a first temperature and a secondary fluid having a second temperature that is different from said first temperature;
• a collector configured for enhancing said temperature difference between said primary fluid and said secondary fluid;
• a heat engine configured for converting at least some thermal energy to mechanical energy and including a pseudoplastically pre-strained shape-memory alloy disposed in heat exchange relationship with each of said primary fluid and said secondary fluid;
• a generator configured for converting mechanical energy to electricity and driven by said heat engine;
• a platform buoyantly disposed in said secondary fluid and configured for supporting at least one of said heat engine, said generator, and said collector for flotation with respect to said secondary fluid;
• and
• an intake channel surrounded by said secondary fluid and configured for conveying said secondary fluid to said heat engine, wherein said intake channel is insulated from said secondary fluid, and is extendable and retractable with respect to said platform so that said intake channel accesses a depth of said secondary fluid according to a desired temperature difference between said primary fluid and said secondary fluid.

A power plant configured for converting thermal energy to electricity, the power plant comprising:

• a source of thermal energy provided by a temperature difference between a primary fluid having a first temperature and a secondary fluid having a second temperature that is different from said first temperature;
• a collector configured for enhancing said temperature difference between said primary fluid and said secondary fluid, wherein said collector is a solar collector and transfers solar energy to said primary fluid;
• a heat engine configured for converting at least some thermal energy to mechanical energy and including a pseudoplastically pre-strained shape-memory alloy disposed in heat exchange relationship with each of said primary fluid and said secondary fluid;
• a generator configured for converting mechanical energy to electricity and driven by said heat engine;
• a platform buoyantly disposed in said secondary fluid and configured for supporting at least one of said heat engine, said generator, and said collector for flotation with respect to said secondary fluid;
• and
• an intake channel surrounded by said secondary fluid and configured for conveying said secondary fluid to said heat engine, wherein said intake channel includes a pump configured for conveying said secondary fluid to said heat engine.