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Abstract

A Molecular Transformation Energy Conversion System (MTECS), converts thermal energy to work energy. Unlike Rankine cycle engines that typically use a liquid to gas state change to extract work from the system, the MTECS uses a liquid to solid and/or austenite to martensite state change to extract work. Operation of the system involves extracting work from a thermally reactive material that changes in crystalline structure over a relatively small temperature range (as compared to Rankine cycle systems). Input thermal energy is transferred into either or both the thermal transfer component (typically a gas/liquid refrigerant) and/or the molecular transformation component (typically either water/ice or a shape memory material) to power the system. Sources of input thermal energy and methods of their transference into the system may be numerous.

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