James Andrew Graf

US Patent:

40103781, Mar 1, 1977

Filed:

Dec 20, 1974

Appl. No.:

5/534711

Inventors:

Bobby J. Tharpe - Phoenixville PA
James C. Graf - Fort Washington PA

Assignee:

General Electric Company - Fairfield CT

International Classification:

F01K 1500

US Classification:

290 2

Abstract:

A vapor generator vaporizes a motive fluid which is used to drive a multivaned rotary expander. The expander is the prime mover for an electric generator which may be an alternator. Exhausted vapor from the expander (or if the expander is not being operated, vapor from the vapor generator) is passed through a heat exchanger where a fluid, e. g. air or water, is heated. This heated fluid is used for space heating. The expander may also be connected to drive the compressor for an air conditioning system. Alternatively, an electric motor may be employed for this purpose.