Lasted edited by Andrew Munsey, updated on June 15, 2016 at 12:53 am.
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Matteran Energy presents a "motorless feedpump" for power, refrigeration, and air conditioning cycles, powered by renewable energy.
An experimental small scale power plant is producing electricity and refrigeration temperatures fueled simply by the heat in warm water - typically 150 degrees Fahrenheit.
: "This patented cycle utilizes renewable thermal energy at its most economically efficient collection temperatures. In a significant development in June 2006, the experimental power cycle produced air conditioning and refrigeration temperatures. The refrigerated section attained a chilly 41deg F (5degC). The energy source was simmering water at 159deg F (71deg C), typical of temperatures obtained from common, rooftop solar hot water collectors."
http://matteranenergy.com
Progress April 2008 in production.
http://matterandenergy.com - mirror
Assigned to Jeffrey Stephen Sterling
U.S. Patent 5,685,152 Apparatus and method for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy November 11, 1997
Abstract : A thermal energy storage and conversion system that captures thermal energy from solar collectors, stores thermal energy in a first heated medium, converts a portion of stored thermal energy to mechanical energy by utilization of a heat engine, converts a second portion of stored thermal energy to a thermal energy sink by utilization of a refrigeration device, and stores a portion of thermal energy sink for use later. While the sun is shining, energy is collected and stored in first heated medium. Both during day and night, a portion of stored energy in first heated storage medium is transferred to first refrigerant that vaporizes and provides mechanical energy to heat engine. A second portion of stored thermal energy in first heated medium is transferred, as needed, to second refrigerant which vaporizes and removes from second fluid medium a quantity of heat including second fluid medium's heat of fusion, thereby freezing the second medium. Solidified second medium then provides, during both day and night, a low temperature heat sink to help drive heat engine, a low temperature source of refrigeration for cooling an enclosed space, and an efficient, compact, and user friendly energy storage device.
U.S. Patent 5,974,804 Apparatus and method for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy November 2, 1999
Abstract : A thermal energy conversion and storage system incorporating a motorless compressor that converts intermittent thermal energy to a low temperature thermal energy heat sink, and stores the thermal energy heat sink for use later. The low temperature heat sink can drive an ambient powered heat engine, is a low temperature source of refrigeration for cooling an enclosed space, and is an efficient energy storage device.
U.S. patents pending
Patent pending in European Union
[Bio here.]
On July 13, 2006, Jeff Sterling provided the following self-evaluation of this technology according to the Congress:Technology Criteria set forth by the New Energy Congress.
The answers provided represent the score given by Jeff according to a scale from 0 to 10.
I. Renewable : 5
II. Environmental Impact : 10
III. Cost (cents / kw-h) : 4
IV. Credibility of Evidence : 5
V. Stability / Reliability : 5
VI. Implementation : 5
VII. Safety/Danger to Persons : 10
VIII. Politics of science : 7
IX. Open-Source conducive : 2
X. Stage of Device Development : 4
On July 5, 2006, New Energy Congress member, Congress:Member:Mark Anthony Dansie wrote:
It uses conventional science but its application of it would be very usefull. ...This would have to [rank high]. ...Results look promising.
On July 5, 2006, New Energy Congress member, Congress:Member:Robert Indech, PhD PE, wrote:
This closed cyle is quite innovative, and appears to take advantage of
the moderately raised temperature of the working fluid under direct
(nonconcentrated) solar radiation. I would expect though, as a closed
thermodynamic system, that its efficiency would be Carnot cycle limited
(i.e. efficiency = 100% x (Temp-High minus Temp-Low)/Temp-High) whereby the
temperature is measured relative to absolute zero. For a 160 degree high and
80 degree low, the maximum efficiency is ((460+160)-(460+80))/(460+160)x
100% = 16%. This efficiency is a theoretical maximum, and is quite
independent of the internal operating pressures. On the other hand, with a
useful solar irradiance of 300 watts per square meter, even 16% efficiency
will yield 48 watts per square meter of usable power, which could serve as a
refrigerator, air conditioner, etc in a tight, low heat transfer system.
The simplicity of direct solar radiation as a power source cannot be
understated. Further, large scale solar collectors at 160 degrees may be as
simple as a large thin black water filled flat rigid bag. Regulation of
pressure would depend on the turbine selected, but large pressure
differentials are not needed. However, one must make sure that the heat so
collected is sufficient to actually vaporize the working fluid in a mass
flow rate sufficient to operate the turbine. Remember that the latent heat
of vaporization of the working fluid, particularly water, is quite high.
Thus, a large surface exposed to the sun may be necessary to get sufficient
energy to actually operate the system.
The cycle itself is innovative and interesting. The device would find
favor in isolated communities where conventional power sources are not
available, as for example in remote areas of third world countries or in the
deserts. Thus, there is worth in the device.
The direct competition for such technology is solar cells, which achieve a
16-18% conversion efficiency routinely, but may be much more expensive than
this unit for larger surface areas.
Additional Comment by Congress:Member:Robert Indech, PhD PE, on July 7.
As I understand it, the temperature on the cycle rotates through 80-160
degrees F. Step 1 is heating of the working fluid in a sun chamber to a
vapor by the sun to 160 deg. and X1 PSI (varies). Step 2 is extracting
energy by the turbine to lower pressure to Y1 (psi) and lower temperature
with subsequent condensation to a liquid. Step 3, the liquid accumulates in
a reservior, and is externally cooled. Step 4, periodically, the liquid is
pushed across a pressure gradient (X1-Y1) to the sun chamber and
recirculated.
My comments as noted [above] are critical of the cycle as they illustrate it.
On July 7, 2006, New Energy Congres member, Congress:Member:Kenneth M. Rauen wrote:
This is just a saturated Rankine cycle! Nothing new here...
Jeff Sterling
email: [mailto:jeffsterling@matteranenergy.us?subject=Matteran_Energy_feature_page_at_PESWiki.com jeffsterling@matteranenergy.us]
phone: 786 797 7007
Matteran Energy
9061 SW 156th St., Suite A122
Village of Palmetto Bay, Florida 33157
The Matteran "motorless feedpump" was exhibited at the Congress:Top 100 Clean Energy Technologies Exhibited at the Chicago Hall of Fame, 2008