A two-phase thermodynamic power system includes a capillary device, vapor accumulator,
superheater, an inline turbine, a condenser, a liquid pump and a liquid preheater
for generating output power as a generator. The capillary device, such as a loop
heat pipe or a capillary pumped loop, is coupled to a vapor accumulator, superheater,
the inline turbine for generating output power for power generation, liquid pump
and liquid preheater. The capillary device receives input heat that is used to
change phase of liquid received from the liquid preheater, liquid pump and condenser
into vapor for extra heating in the superheater used to then drive the turbine.
The power system is well suited for space applications using a radioisotope, active
nuclear or solar heat source. The system can use waste heat from various dynamic
or static power systems as a heat source and waste heat from spacecraft components
such as electronics as a heat source. These heat sources can be used separately
or in any combination. The power system can be combined with thermal energy storage
devices when operated with heat sources that are not steady state. Heat sources
are useful for driving the capillary wick, superheater and liquid preheater for
increased power efficiency and long lifetime operation. The power system is well
suited for space receiving heat from a heat source to produce useful mechanical
energy. A superheater in combination with a liquid pump and preheater are implemented
for use with the evaporator for improved thermal efficiency while operating at
maximum cycle temperatures well below other available power conversion cycles.
