Importance

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Abstract

A cycle (100) for producing work from heat involves pressurizing a first working fluid (F₁), and heating the first working fluid under pressure (102) to obtain a first vapor. A second working fluid (F₂) is compressed (106) in a compressor (204a, 204b). The first vapor and the second vapor are then mixed (108) to form a third vapor (F₃). Heat is thereby transferred directly between the vapors at a common pressure. The third vapor is expanded (112) to perform work. All or a portion of the third vapor is communicated (121) to a low pressure expansion zone (214, 215) where it functions as a refrigerant used to provide cooling for the third vapor, thereby facilitating the condensate of the first fluid to liquid extracted from the third vapor. Heat extracted during the condensate process is used for later performing work. The first fluid condensate is returned to the initial pressurizing step with capacity to again acquire heat that is useful for performing work.

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First Claim