EP2283210A2

EP2283210A2 - Plant for producing cold, heat and/or work

Info

Publication number: EP2283210A2
Application number: EP09754052A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Sylvain Mauran; Nathalie Mazet; Pierre Neveu; Driss Stitou
Original assignee: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique CNRS
Current assignee: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique CNRS
Priority date: 2008-04-01
Filing date: 2009-03-30
Publication date: 2011-02-16
Anticipated expiration: 2029-03-30
Also published as: JP5599776B2; EP2283210B1; US8794003B2; US20110167825A1; FR2929381A1; WO2009144402A2; JP2011526670A; ES2758376T3; FR2929381B1; WO2009144402A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a plant for the producing cold, heat and/or work. The plant includes: at least one modified Carnot machine comprising a first assembly that includes an evaporator Evap combined with a heat source, a condenser Cond combined with a heat sink, a device DPD for pressurizing or expanding a working fluid GT, a means for transferring said working fluid GT between the condenser Cond and DPD, and between the evaporator Evap and DPD; a second assembly that includes two transfer vessels CT and CT' that contain a transfer liquid LT and the working fluid GT in the form of liquid and/or vapor; a means for selectively transferring the working fluid GT between the condenser Cond and each of the transfer vessels CT and CT', as well as between the evaporator Evap and each of the transfer enclosures CT and CT'; and a means for selectively transferring the liquid LT between the transfer vessels CT and CT' and the compression or expansion device DPD, said means including at least one hydraulic converter.

Description

Installation for the production of cold, heat and / or work

The present invention relates to an installation for the production of cold, heat and / or work.

BACKGROUND

Thermodynamic machines used for the production of cold, heat or energy all refer to an ideal machine referred to as a "Carnot machine". An ideal Carnot machine requires a heat source and a heat sink at two different temperature levels. It is therefore a machine "ditherme". It is called Carnot machine when it works by providing work, and Carnot machine receiving (also called Carnot heat pump) when it works while consuming work. In engine mode, the heat Q _h is supplied to a working fluid Gx from a hot source at the temperature Tj ₁ , the heat Q _b is transferred by the working fluid Gj to a cold well at the temperature T _b and the net work W is delivered by the machine. Conversely, in heat pump mode, the heat Q _b is taken by the working fluid Gj at the cold source T _b , the heat Q _h is transferred by the working fluid to the hot well at the temperature Tj ₁ and the net work W is consumed by the machine.

According to the ^2nd law of thermodynamics, the effectiveness of a ditherme machine (motor or receiver), that is to say, an actual machine running or not as the Carnot cycle, is at most equal to that of the ideal Carnot machine and depends only on the temperatures of the source and the well. However, the practical realization of the Carnot cycle, consisting of two isothermal steps (at temperatures T _h and T _b ) and two reversible adiabatic stages, faces several difficulties that have not been completely solved so far. During the cycle, the working fluid can remain always in the gaseous state or undergo a change of liquid / vapor state during the isothermal transformations at T _h and T _b . When a liquid / vapor state change occurs, the heat transfer between the machine and the environment is effected with greater efficiency than when the working fluid remains in the gaseous state. In the first case and for the same thermal powers exchanged at the source and the heat sink, the exchange surfaces are lower (therefore less expensive). However, when there is a change of liquid / vapor state, the reversible adiabatic steps consist in compressing and relaxing a biphasic liquid / vapor mixture. The techniques of the prior art do not make it possible to perform compressions or relaxations of biphasic mixtures. According to the current prior art, it is not known to correctly perform these transformations.

To remedy this problem, it has been envisaged to approach the Carnot cycle by isentropically compressing a liquid and isentropically relaxing superheated steam (for a motor cycle) and compressing the superheated vapor and isenthalpically relaxing the liquid ( for a receiver cycle). However, such modifications induce irreversibilities in the cycle and significantly reduce its efficiency, that is to say the efficiency of the engine or the coefficient of performance or amplification of the heat pump.

GENERAL DEFINITION OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is to provide a thermodynamic machine operating in a cycle close to the Carnot cycle, improved over the machines of the prior art, that is to say a machine that works with a change in liquid / vapor state of the working fluid to maintain the advantage of the small required contact surfaces, while substantially limiting irreversibilities in the cycle during the adiabatic steps.

An object of the present invention is constituted by an installation for the production of cold, heat and / or work, comprising at least one modified Carnot machine. Another object of the invention is constituted by a method for producing cold, heat and / or work, using an installation comprising at least one modified Carnot machine.

A plant for the production of cold, heat and working according to the present invention comprises at least a Carnot machine modified consisting of: a) A ¹ assembly includes a Evap evaporator associated with a heat source, a condenser COND associated with a heat sink, a DPD device for pressurizing or expanding a working fluid G _T , means for transferring the working fluid G _τ between the condenser Cond and DPD, and between the evaporator Evap and DPD; b) ^2nd assembly includes two CT transfer speakers and CT 'which contain a transfer liquid L _τ and G working fluid _τ in the form of liquid and / or vapor, the transfer liquid L _τ and the fluid working being two different fluids; c) means for selective transfer of the working fluid G _T between the condenser Cond and each of the transfer chambers CT and CT 'on the one hand, between the evaporator Evap and each of the transfer speakers CT and CT', 'somewhere else ; d) means for selective transfer of the liquid L _T between the CT and CT 'transfer chambers and the compression or expansion device DPD, said means comprising at least one hydraulic converter.

In this text:

"modified Carnot cycle" means a thermodynamic cycle comprising the steps of the theoretical Carnot cycle or similar steps with a degree of reversibility of less than 100%;

"modified Carnot machine" means a machine having characteristics a), b), c) and d) above;

"hydraulic converter" means either a hydraulic pump or a hydraulic motor: - "hydraulic pump" means a device that uses mechanical energy supplied by the environment to the "modified Carnot machine" for pumping a hydraulic transfer fluid L _τ at low pressure and return it at higher pressure;

"auxiliary hydraulic pump" means a device that uses mechanical energy supplied by the environment to the "modified Carnot machine" or taken from the work delivered to the environment by the "modulated Carnot machine" to pressurize either the transfer liquid L _τ is the working fluid Gj in the liquid state;

"hydraulic motor" refers to a device that delivers to the environment the mechanical energy generated by the Carnot machine modified by depressurizing the high pressure transfer L _τ liquid and returning it to lower pressure;

"environment" means any element outside the modified Carnot machine, including heat sources and sinks and any part of the installation to which the modified Carnot machine would be connected;

"reversible transformation" means a reversible transformation in the strict sense, as well as a quasi-reversible transformation. The sum of the entropy variations of the fluid that undergoes the transformation and the environment is zero during a strictly reversible transformation corresponding to the ideal case, and slightly positive during a real, quasi-reversible transformation. The degree of reversibility of a cycle can be quantified by the ratio of the efficiency (or COP coefficient of performance) of the cycle and that of the Carnot cycle operating between the same extreme temperatures. The greater the reversibility of the cycle, the closer this ratio (by lower value) of 1.

"isothermal transformation" means a strictly isothermal transformation or under conditions close to the theoretical isothermal nature, knowing that, under real operating conditions, during a transformation considered as isothermally carried out cyclically, the temperature T undergoes slight variations, such as ΔT / T of ± 10%; "adiabatic transformation" means a transformation without any exchange of heat with the environment or with heat exchanges that are sought to minimize by thermally isolating the fluid that undergoes the transformation and the environment.

The process for producing cold, heat and / or working according to the invention consists in subjecting a working fluid G _{τ to} a succession of modified Carnot cycles in an installation according to the invention comprising at least one Carnot machine. changed. A modified Carnot cycle comprises the following transformations: an isothermal transformation with heat exchange between G _τ and the source, respectively the heat sink; an adiabatic transformation with a decrease in the pressure of the working fluid G _τ ; an isothermal transformation with heat exchange between Gj and the well, respectively the heat source; an adiabatic transformation with increasing pressure of the working fluid Gj.

The method is characterized in that: the working fluid is in biphasic liquid-gas form at least during the two isothermal transformations of a cycle, the two isothermal transformations produce or are produced by a volume change of G _τ concomitant with the moving a transfer liquid L _τ which drives or is driven by a hydraulic converter, and as a result, work is supplied or received by the installation via a hydraulic fluid which passes through a hydraulic converter for at least the two isothermal transformations. In one embodiment, the work is received or delivered by the installation via a hydraulic fluid that passes through a hydraulic converter during only one of the adiabatic transformations. In this embodiment, the Carnot cycle and the modified modified Carnot machine are called ^"1 type". In one embodiment, the work is received or delivered by the installation via a hydraulic fluid that passes through a hydraulic converter during the two adiabatic transformations. In this embodiment, the Carnot cycle amended and modified Carnot machine are called "the ^2nd type".

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 represents the liquid / vapor equilibrium curves for various fluids that can be used as working fluid G _T. The saturation vapor pressure P (in bar) is given in ordinate, in logarithmic scale, as a function of the temperature T (in ⁰ C) given in abscissa.

FIG. 2 represents a schematic view of a modified type motor Carnot machine of the ^2nd type. Figure 3 shows in the diagram of Mollier refrigerators a motor modified Carnot cycle followed by a working fluid Gj. The pressure P is given in logarithmic scale, according to the mass enthalpy h of the working fluid.

FIG. 4 shows in a Mollier diagram three Carnot cycles modified engines of the ^2nd type which have the same temperature T _b of the working fluid during the heat exchange with the cold well and increasing temperatures

T _h , T _h and T _h of the working fluid during heat exchange with the hot source.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of a modified motor Carnot machine of the ^1st type.

6 shows in the Mollier diagram of a Carnot cycle modified engine ¹ type followed by a Gj working fluid. The pressure P is given in logarithmic scale, as a function of the mass enthalpy h of the working fluid. FIG. 7 represents a schematic view of a ^2nd type receiving modified Carnot machine. FIG. 8 represents in the Mollier diagram a modified Carnot cycle of the ^2nd type followed by a working fluid Gj. The pressure P is given in logarithmic scale, according to the mass enthalpy h of the working fluid. 9 shows a schematic view of a Carnot machine receiving Amended ^1st type.

Figure 10 shows in the Mollier diagram of a Carnot cycle modified receptor ¹ type followed by a G _τ working fluid. The pressure P is given in logarithmic scale, according to the mass enthalpy h of the working fluid.

11 shows a schematic view of a modified Carnot machine operable according to the user choice according to the motor mode ¹ type or of the type ¹ receptor.

Figures 12a and 12b schematically illustrate two embodiments of modified motor Carnot machines operating between the same extreme temperatures T _h and T _b and indicating the direction of heat exchange and work between these machines and the environment. Figure 12a shows an embodiment of a thermal coupling at an intermediate temperature level between two modified motor Carnot machines. Figure 12b shows another embodiment with a single motor modified Carnot machine.

FIG. 13 diagrammatically represents the temperature levels of the heat sources and sinks and the direction of the heat and work exchanges, in an installation comprising a modified high temperature motor driven Carnot machine mechanically coupled to a low temperature receiving modified Carnot machine.

FIG. 14 diagrammatically represents the temperature levels of the heat sources and sinks and the direction of the heat and work exchanges, in an installation comprising a modified low temperature motor driven Carnot machine mechanically coupled to a high temperature receiving modified Carnot machine.

FIGS. 15a to 15h schematically represent the heat and work exchanges between a modified Carnot machine (or machine combinations) and the environment, as well as the temperatures of the heat sources and sinks, for 8 examples involving different working fluids. Figures 16, 17 and 18 respectively represent in the Mollier diagrams of water, n-butane and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane the various modified Carnot cycles which are involved in the 8 examples of FIG. 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In an installation according to the present invention, a modified Carnot machine may have a driving machine or receiving machine configuration. In both cases, the machine may be of the ^1st type (exchange of work between the transfer liquid and the environment during an adiabatic transformations) or ^2nd type (exchange of work between the transfer liquid and environment during the two adiabatic transformations). A Carnot machine modified may further have a configuration which allows, depending on the choice of the user, an operation in motor mode ^(1st or ^2nd type) or in receiver mode ^(1st or ^2nd type).

The method of managing a prime mover comprises at least one step during which heat is supplied to the installation, in order to recover work during at least one of the transformations of the modified Carnot cycle. . The method of managing a receiving machine comprises at least one step in which work is being performed at the plant to recover heat at the hot well at T _h or to draw heat at the cold source. at T _b during at least one of the isothermal transformations of the modified Carnot cycle. The method according to the present invention consists in subjecting a working fluid G _T to a succession of cycles between a heat source and a heat sink. In the following, for the sake of simplicity and because it does not affect the operating principle of the modified Carnot machine, it is not possible to distinguish the temperature of the hot source or the hot well from that of the working fluid which exchanges with it. source or well, these temperatures being designated T _h . Similarly, it does not distinguish the temperature of the cold source or sink from that of the working fluid that exchanges with this source or this well, these temperatures being designated by T _b . It is thus considered that the heat exchangers are perfect.

The working fluid G _T and the transfer liquid Lj are preferably chosen such that G _τ is poorly soluble, preferably insoluble in L _τ , that G _τ does not react with L _τ and that G _τ in the state liquid is less dense than L _τ . When the solubility of G _T in L _T is too great or if G _T in the liquid state is denser than L _τ , it is necessary to isolate them from one another by a means which does not prevent the work exchange. Said means may for example consist of interposing between Gj and L _T a flexible membrane which creates an impermeable barrier between the two fluids but which poses only a very low resistance to displacement of the transfer liquid and a low resistance to heat transfer. Another solution is constituted by a float which has a density intermediate between that of the working fluid G _τ in the liquid state and that of the transfer liquid L _τ . A float can constitute a great material barrier, but it is difficult to make it perfectly effective if one does not want friction on the side wall of the CT and CT 'enclosures. On the other hand the float can constitute a very effective thermal resistance. Both solutions (membrane and float) can be combined.

The transfer liquid L _τ is selected from liquids which have a low saturated vapor pressure at the temperature of operation of the installation in order to avoid, in the absence of separation membrane as described above, the limitations due to disseminating G _τ vapors through the vapor _τ L to the condenser or evaporator. Subject to compatibility with G _T mentioned above and by way of non-exhaustive examples, _τ L can be water, or a mineral or synthetic oil, preferably having a low viscosity.

The working fluid G _T undergoes transformations in the thermodynamic range of temperature and pressure, preferably compatible with the liquid-vapor equilibrium, that is to say between the melting temperature and the critical temperature. However, during the modified Carnot cycle, some of these transformations may occur in whole or in part in the field of subcooled liquid or superheated steam, or the supercritical domain. A working fluid is preferably selected from pure substances and azeotropic mixtures, to have a monovariant relationship between temperature and pressure at equilibrium liquid - vapor. However, a modified Carnot machine according to the invention can also operate with a non-azeotropic solution as a working fluid.

The working fluid Gj can be for example water, CO ₂ , or NH ₃ . The working fluid may also be chosen from alcohols having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, the alkanes having from 1 to 18 (more particularly from 1 to 8) carbon atoms, the chlorofluoroalkanes preferably having from 1 to 15 (more especially from 1 to 10) carbon atoms, and partially or fully fluorinated or chlorinated alkanes preferably having from 1 to 15 (more particularly from 1 to 10) carbon atoms. In particular, 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane, propane, isobutane, n-butane, cyclobutane or n-pentane may be mentioned. FIG. 1 represents the liquid / vapor equilibrium curves for some of the aforementioned G _T fluids. The pressure of saturation vapor P (in bar) is given in ordinate, in logarithmic scale, as a function of the temperature T (in ⁰ C) given in abscissa.

A fluid that can be used as a working fluid can be used as a working fluid or as a receiving fluid, depending on the installation in which it is used, available heat sources, and the desired purpose.

In general, the working fluids and the transfer liquids are firstly chosen as a function of the temperatures of the available heat sources and heat sinks, as well as the maximum or minimum saturated vapor pressures desired in the machine, then depending on other criteria such as toxicity, environmental influence, chemical stability, and cost.

The fluid G _T may be in the CT or CT 'chamber in the state of two-phase liquid / vapor mixture at the end of the adiabatic expansion stage for the engine cycle or adiabatic compression for the receiver cycle. In this case, the liquid phase of Gj accumulates at the interface between G _T and L _τ . When the vapor content of G _T is large (typically between 0.95 and 1) in the CT or CT 'chambers before the connection of said enclosures with the condenser, it is possible to envisage totally eliminating the liquid phase of G 1 in these speakers. This elimination can be carried out by maintaining the temperature of the working fluid G _T in the CT or CT 'enclosures at the end of the communication steps of the CT or CT' and the condenser, to a value greater than that of the fluid. G _τ work, in the liquid state in the condenser, so that there is no liquid G _τ in CT or CT 'at this time.

In one embodiment, the installation comprises heat exchange means between the source and the heat sink, which are at different temperatures, and the evaporator Evap, the condenser Cond and the condenser. possibly the working fluid G _T in the CT and CT 'transfer chambers.

When the hydraulic converter of the modified Carnot machine is a hydraulic motor and the temperature of the source is higher than the temperature of the well, the modified Carnot machine is driving. An installation according to the present invention may comprise a motor modified Carnot machine alone, or coupled to a complementary device, depending on the desired purpose. The coupling can be carried out thermally or mechanically.

In a modified driving Carnot machine of ^1st type, the DPD device consists of a device that pressurizes the working fluid G _τ in the liquid state saturated or subcooled liquid, for example a hydraulic auxiliary pump PHA ₁ .

In a modified motorized Carnot machine of 2 ^nd type, the device

DPD pressurizing or relaxing comprises on the one hand a compression / expansion chamber ABCD and transfer means associated therewith and on the other hand an auxiliary hydraulic pump PHA ₂ which pressurizes the hydraulic transfer fluid L _T.

In a process according to the invention implemented according to a modified engine Carnot cycle, the cycle comprises the following transformations: an isothermal transformation during which heat is supplied at G _T from the heat source to the temperature T ₁ ,; an adiabatic transformation with a decrease in the pressure of the working fluid Gj; an isothermal transformation during which heat is supplied by G _τ to the heat sink at the temperature T _b lower than the temperature Tj ₁ ; an adiabatic transformation with increase of the pressure of the working fluid G _T -

When the process of the invention is a succession of engine modified Carnot cycles, the heat source is at a temperature higher than the temperature of the heat sink. Each cycle is constituted by a succession of steps during which there is a change in the volume of the working fluid Gj. This volume variation causes a displacement of the liquid L _τ which drives a hydraulic motor or is caused by a displacement of the liquid L _τ which is driven by an auxiliary hydraulic pump. Thus the installation consumes work during certain stages and restores it during other stages, while on the complete cycle there is a net production of work towards the environment. The environment can be an ancillary device that transforms the work provided by the installation into electricity, heat or cold. A method of operating a modified driving Carnot machine is described in more detail from a machine shown schematically in FIG.

2 shows a schematic view of a modified driving Carnot machine of the ^2nd type, which comprises a Evap evaporator, a condenser COND, a compression chamber / isentropic expansion ABCD, a hydraulic motor MH, an auxiliary hydraulic pump PHA ₂ and two speakers of CT and CT 'transfer. These different elements are interconnected by a first circuit exclusively containing the working fluid G _T , and a second circuit exclusively containing the transfer liquid Lj. Said circuits comprise different branches that can be closed by controlled valves. The evaporator Evap and the condenser Cond exclusively contain the fluid G _τ in general in the state of liquid / vapor mixture. However, according to the working fluid G _T and the temperature of the hot source T _h , said working fluid G _T can be in the supercritical range at said temperature T _h and under these conditions the Evap evaporator contains only G _T in the gaseous state. The motor MH and the pump PHA ₂ are traversed exclusively by liquid L _τ . The elements ABCD, CT and CT 'constitute the interfaces between the two circuits (G _T and L _T ) and they contain the hydraulic transfer fluid L _T in the lower part and / or the working fluid G _T in the liquid state. , vapor or liquid-vapor mixture in the upper part.

ABCD is connected to Cond and Evap by circuits containing G _τ and closable respectively by solenoid valves EV ₃ and EV ₄ . Evap is connected to CT and CT 'by circuits containing G _T and closable respectively by solenoid valves EV ₁ and EV ₁ . Cond is connected to CT and CT 'by circuits containing G _τ and closable respectively by solenoid valves EV ₂ and EV _2. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the closure means are two-way solenoid valves. Other types of controlled or non-controlled valves may, however, be used, such as pneumatic valves, slide valves, or check valves. Some pairs of two-way valves (i.e., having an input and an output) may be replaced by three-way valves (one input, two outputs, or two inputs and one output). Other possible valve associations are within the reach of those skilled in the art.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the liquid passing through the hydraulic motor always flows in the same direction. In this embodiment, which is the most common for a hydraulic motor, the high pressure transfer liquid L _τ is always connected to the motor MH at the same inlet (on the right in FIG. 2) and the transfer liquid L _τ at low pressure is always connected to the MH motor at the same output (on the left in Figure 2). As the CT and CT 'speakers are alternately high pressure and low pressure, a set of solenoid valves can connect them to the appropriate input / output of the MH engine. Thus, the hydraulic motor MH is connected in input (or upstream) to CT and CT 'by a circuit containing L _τ at high pressure and closable respectively by solenoid valves EV _h and EV _h' , at the output (or downstream) at CT and CT 'by a circuit containing L _τ at low pressure and closable respectively by solenoid valves EV _b and EV _{b '} . F ^or example in step of the cycle shown in Figure 2, the high pressure is in the chamber CT 'and the low pressure in CT; the solenoid valves EV _{h '} and EV _b are open and the solenoid valves EV ₁₁ and EV _b' are closed; the transfer liquid flows through MH from right to left. During the other half of the cycle, the high pressure is in CT and the low pressure is in CT ', the solenoid valves EV _h . and EV _b are closed and solenoid valves EV _h and EV _b - are open, but the transfer liquid passes through the hydraulic motor in the same direction (from right to left). ABCD is connected in its lower part downstream of MH by a circuit containing the transfer liquid Lj and comprising in two branches in parallel the auxiliary hydraulic pump PHA ₂ and the electrovalve EV _r . When L _τ flows from MH to ABCD, it is pressurized by PHA ₂ and EV _r is closed. When L _τ flows from ABCD to MH, it flows by gravity, EV _r is open and PHA ₂ is stopped. The transfer liquid Lx is finally transferred to CT or CT ¹ , it is necessary that ABCD is above the speakers CT and CT ¹ .

In Figure 2, the axis AX of the hydraulic motor MH is connected to a receiver (that is to say a labor consuming element), either directly or via a conventional coupling. The receiver is an alternator ALT, coupled directly to the axis of the hydraulic motor, and the auxiliary hydraulic pump PHA ₂ is connected via a magnetic clutch EM. Other coupling modes, such as a cardan, a belt, a magnetic or mechanical clutch can be used. Similarly, other receivers may be connected on the same axis, for example a water pump, a receiving modified Carnot machine, a conventional heat pump (with mechanical steam compression). If necessary, a flywheel can also be mounted on this axis to promote the sequencing of the receiving and driving stages of the cycle.

A modified Carnot cycle can be described in the Mollier diagram of the refrigeration engineers, which gives the pressure P, in logarithmic scale, according to the mass enthalpy h of the working fluid. Figure 3 shows the Mollier diagram of the engine modified Carnot cycle followed by the working fluid Gj.

Depending on the fluid G _τ retained, the isentropic expansion step of the saturated steam at the outlet of the evaporator can lead to a two-phase mixture or to superheated steam. In Figure 3, the case of biphasic mixing is represented by the trajectory between dots "c" and "d" and the case of superheated steam is represented by the trajectory between points "c" and "d _vs " in continuous line. In addition, regardless of G _T , the steam at the outlet of the evaporator can be superheated so that after the isentropic expansion there is only superheated steam or the saturated limit. This 3 ^rd case is shown in Figure 3 by the trajectory between points "c _vs" and "d _vs" in phantom. Any incursion at the beginning or at the end of isentropic expansion in the superheated steam field generates irreversibilities and thus induces a decrease in the cycle efficiency. However, when the position of the point "d" is very close to the state of saturated vapor, it is preferable to eliminate any presence of liquid Gx in the CT or CT ¹ enclosures by performing an overheating of G _J at the exit of the trigger isentropic. The choice of the means for supplying heat to Gx in CT and CT 'is within the abilities of those skilled in the art. The heat input can be made for example by an electrical resistance or by exchange with the hot source at T _h . The heat exchange can be done in an exchanger integrated in the circuit of L _τ , said L _τ exchanging in turn with Gx at their interface in CT and CT '. The exchange can further be performed at the sidewall of CT and CT '. It is this last possibility which is represented in FIG. 2, on which heat at the temperature Tj is brought to Cx.

The engine modified Carnot cycle is constituted by 4 successive phases beginning respectively at the instants t _α , I ₇ , t _δ and t _λ . It is described below with reference to the abcd _vs -ea cycle of the Mollier diagram shown in FIG. 3. The principle is identical for the cycle abc _vs -d _vs -ea.

Phase αβγ (between the instants U and t ^):

At the instant immediately before ^, the level of L _τ is low (denoted B) in ΛBCD and the cylinder CT, cl high (denoted II) in the cylinder CT '. At the same time, the saturation vapor pressure of Gx has a low value P _b in ABCD and CT, and a high value P _h in Evap and CT '. It is at this moment in the cycle that the configuration of the installation shown schematically in FIG.

At time t _α , the opening of the electro valves EVV, EV _2, EV _{h '} and EV _b and the clutch of PHA ₂ cause the following phenomena:

The saturated vapor of G _T leaving the evaporator at P _h penetrates into CT 'and delivers the transfer liquid Lx to an intermediate level (denoted J). Lx passes through the MH engine while relaxing, which produces work some of which is recovered by the pump PHA ₂ .

After being expanded by MH, a part of the transfer liquid Lx is transferred to CT and the other part of the liquid L ₇ is transferred to ABCD. In CT, L _τ goes from the low level to the intermediate level (noted I), pushes the vapors of Gx towards the condenser where they condense and accumulate in lower part (valves EV ₂ being open and EV ₃ closed). The other part of L _τ is sucked by the pump PHA ₂ and discharged at a higher pressure to ABCD which makes it possible to compress isentropically the liquid / vapor mixture of G _T contained in this chamber. On the Mollier diagram (Figure 3), this step corresponds to the following simultaneous transformations:

* a -> b in the enclosure ABCD;

* b -> c in the Evap-CT 'set;

* d _vs → e in the CT-Cond set. The pressurization of Gj from the low pressure P _b to the high pressure P _h in ABCD must be carried out before it is introduced into the evaporator, which is always at the high pressure Pj ₁ . It is only then that the solenoid valve EV ₄ (which can be replaced by a non-return valve) between ABCD and Evap is open. This requires having a stock of Gj in the liquid state in the evaporator at the beginning of this phase, which stock is reconstituted at the end of this step.

From an energy point of view, during this αβγ phase, heat Q _h was consumed at the evaporator at T _h , heat Qa _e was released at the condenser at T _b (T _b < T _h ) and a work W _α p _γ net has also been delivered externally. Phase γδ (between times X _x and U)

At time I ₇ , that is to say when the level of L _τ has reached the predefined values (I in CT, J in CT 'and H in ABCD), we leave EV ₂ , EV _b and EV _h . open and opens solenoid valves EV ₃ and EV _r . It follows that :

The Gj vapor contained in CT 'continues to expand, but in a quasi-adiabatic manner (transformation c -> d -> d _vs on the Mollier diagram, FIG. 3) and still forces the transfer liquid L _τ through the MH engine in the CT cylinder.

In fact, this transformation can be decomposed into a strictly adiabatic expansion (c → d) which ends, according to the fluid G _τ, in the biphasic domain or in the superheated vapor, followed by a slight overheating (d

- »d _vs ) by CT 'walls maintained at a temperature sufficient to allow it (between T _b and T _h ). The transformation d → d _vs is not mandatory; if at the end of the strictly adiabatic expansion (c - d) the fluid Gj is in the biphasic domain, the liquid GT will be partially repressed at the end of this phase γδ in the condenser. The enclosure ABCD in communication with the condenser is brought back to the low pressure and the transfer liquid L _τ it contains in its lower part flows by gravity to CT, which must therefore be preferably below ABCD. However if the EV solenoid valve ₁ . is opened a little before the solenoid valve EV ₃ and if there remains a little G _τ in the saturated liquid state in the upper part of ABCD, then the depressurization of L _τ during the communication with CT induces a partially or completely vaporizing said rest of liquid G _τ initially at the high pressure P _h . Under these conditions, the pressure upstream of EV _r may be sufficient throughout the duration of the transfer of Lx to compensate for the liquid column height and the enclosure ABCD is not necessarily above the speakers CT and CT ¹ .

Due to the rise of the level of L _τ (from I to H) in CT, the rest of the vapor of G _τ in CT condenses in Cond (transformation e → a). - All the condensates (those accumulated in the previous phase and those of the present phase) are found in ABCD.

From an energy point of view, during this γδ phase, heat Q _ea is released at the condenser at T _b , a little heat (taken from the hot source at T _h ) is possibly consumed at CT ' to ensure the overheating d → d _vs and Wp work ₇ , is also delivered externally.

The second part of the cycle is symmetrical: the evaporator, the condenser and ABCD are the seat of the same successive transformations, while the roles of the CT and CT 'are reversed.

Phase δελ (between instants tg and tj): It is equivalent to the αβγ phase but with inversion of the CT and CT 'transfer chambers.

Phase λα (between instants t ^ and t,):

It is equivalent to the γδ phase but with reversal of the CT and CT ¹ transfer chambers. At the end of the λα phase, the modified motor Carnot machine of 2 ^nd type is found in the α state of the cycle described above. The various thermodynamic transformations followed by the fluid Gj (with the transformation d - »d _vs considered optional) and the levels of the transfer liquid Lj are summarized in Table 1. The state of the actuators (solenoid valves and pump clutch) PHA ₂ ) is summarized in Table 2, in which x means that the corresponding solenoid valve is open or that the PHA pump ₂ is engaged.

Table 1

Table 2

The production of work is continuous throughout the cycle, but not at constant power either because the pressure difference across the hydraulic motor varies, or because a part, variable in time, of this work is recovered by the auxiliary hydraulic pump PHA ₂ . This is not a problem if the work supplied externally is used directly for a receiving machine that does not need to be constant inside the cycle, such as a modified water pump or Carnot machine. receptor. Of course, the average power over one cycle remains constant from one cycle to another, when a steady state of operation is reached and if the temperatures T _h and T _b remain constant.

Moreover, the evaporator is isolated from the rest of the circuit during the γδ and λα phases whereas the heat input by the hot source at T _h is a priori continuous. Under these conditions there will be during these phases of isolation a rise in temperature and therefore in pressure in the evaporator and then a sudden drop at times t _α and tδ reopening valves EVi or EV _{1 '} .

In a preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, it is taken into account that the transfer liquid Ly is incompressible, and that the level variations that occur simultaneously in the three enclosures ABCD, CT and CT ¹ do not therefore are not independent. Moreover, these level variations of L _τ result or involve concomitant variations in the volume of the fluid G _τ . This results in the following equation between the mass volumes of Gj at different stages of the cycle: v _e - v _a = v _dvs - v _c (eq 1) V; being the mass volume of G _τ in the thermodynamic state of point "i", where "i" is respectively e, a, d _vs and c.

4 shows the Mollier diagrams to three cycles of Carnot modified engines of ^2nd type, namely cycles "-b" -c "-d -e _vs" -a "a'-b'-c ' -d _vs -e'-a 'and -a abcd _vs. These three cycles have the same temperature T _b of G _τ in the condenser and increasing G _τ temperatures in the evaporator, respectively to T _"h, T' _h and T _h . In this figure, the dashed line curves are curves with constant mass volume.

When the temperatures of the condenser and the evaporator are very close (or even confounded), the point -e- in the Mollier diagram is close to the point - a- (or even confused with) as represented schematically with the cycle a "-b "- c" -d _vs -e "-a" As the temperature difference between the well and the heat source increases, the point -e- moves away from the point -a- and close to the point -d _vs - The cycle a'-b'-c'-d _vs -e'-a 'represents an intermediate case and the cycle abcd _vs -a represents the extreme case in which the points -e- and -d _vs - are confused As the engine modified Carnot cycle efficiency increases with the temperature difference between the well and the heat source, the abcd _vs -a cycle is preferable provided a heat source is available at the temperature T _h sufficient for a temperature of the well T _b fixed.

In this preferred case (where v _e = v _dvs ), the equation (eq.1) is reduced to v _c = v _a as shown in Figure 4. In addition, the steps described in the general configuration of implementation method of the modified motor Carnot machine of the

2 ^nd type are simplified since the transformation of _vs (or) -> e no longer relevant.

Thus, the difference in temperature (T _h -T _b ) between the two isothermal transformations of the engine modified Carnot cycle can not exceed a certain value ΔT _max , a function of one of the temperatures (T _h or T _b ) and the selected working fluid G _τ . However, the performance of the modified Carnot machine depends in particular on this value ΔT _max . To obtain the maximum performance with a given fluid G _x and a given temperature T _h or T _b , it is necessary to choose the other operating conditions such that the ratio v _a / v _c is as close as possible to 1 (per value lower), preferably 0.9 <v _a / v _c ≤ 1 and more particularly 0.95 <v _a / v _c <1.

The various thermodynamic transformations of this preferred embodiment are summarized in Table 3, and the state of the actuators (electro valves and pump clutch PHA ₂ ) is summarized in Table 4 wherein x means that the corresponding solenoid valve is open or that the PHA ₂ pump is engaged.

Table 3

Table 4

The steps of the modified Carnot cycle engine ^2nd type in the preferred configuration are detailed below insofar as they differ from those described above for general configuration. From an initial state in which on the one hand the working fluid Gj is maintained in the evaporator Evap at high temperature and in the condenser Cond at low temperature by heat exchange respectively with the hot source at T _h and the cold well at T _b <T _h , and secondly all the communication circuits of G _T and the transfer liquid L _τ are closed, the working fluid G _τ is subjected to a succession of cycles comprising the following steps:

Phase αβγ (between instants U and ^):

At time t _α , the opening of solenoid valves EVr and EV _{h '} and the clutch of PHA ₂ cause the following phenomena: - The saturated vapor of Gj leaving the evaporator at P _h , enters CT' and discharges the transfer liquid L _τ at an intermediate level (denoted J). L _τ passes through the motor MH while relaxing, which produces work some of which is recovered by the pump PHA ₂ .

After being expanded by MH, the transfer liquid L _τ is sucked by the pump ₂ and PHA discharged at a higher pressure to ABCD thereby compressing isentropically the liquid / vapor Gj contained in this chamber.

On the Mollier diagram (FIG. 4), this step corresponds to the following simultaneous transformations: a -> b in the ABCD enclosure; b → c in the Evap-CT 'set.

The pressurization of P _b to P _h of G _τ in ABCD must be carried out before its introduction into the evaporator which is always at the high pressure P _h . It is therefore only at time t _p that the solenoid valve EV ₄ (which can be replaced by a non-return valve) between ABCD and Evap is open.

From an energy point of view, during this αβγ phase, heat Q _h was consumed at the evaporator at T _h and net W _αPγ work was also delivered to the outside.

Phase γδ (between instants t ^ and ts): At time I ₇ , that is to say when the level of L _τ has reached the predefined values (J in CT 'and H in ABCD), we close EV ₁ - and EV ₄ , leave EV _h - open and open solenoid valves EV ₂ , EV ₃ , EV _b and EV _r . It follows that :

The vapor of G _τ contained in CT 'continues to expand, but adiabatically or quasi-adiabatically that is to say according to the transformation c -> d (optionally followed by d -> d _vs) and discharges the transfer liquid L _τ through the MH in the engine cylinder CT.

This transformation can be decomposed into a strictly adiabatic expansion (c -> d) that ends up according to the fluid G _T in the biphasic domain or in the superheated vapor, followed by a slight overheating (d

-> d _vs ) by CT 'walls maintained at a temperature sufficient to allow it (between T _b and T _h ).

The enclosure ABCD in communication with the condenser is brought back to the low pressure and the transfer liquid Lj that it contains in its lower part flows by gravity towards CT which must therefore be preferentially below ABCD. However, if the electrovalve EV _r is opened a little before the solenoid valve EV ₃ and if there remains a little G _T in the saturated liquid state in the upper part of ABCD, then the depressurization of L _τ during the put in communication with CT induces a partial or total vaporization of said rest of G _τ liquid initially at the high pressure P _h . Under these conditions the pressure upstream of EV ₁ . may be sufficient throughout the duration of the transfer of L _T to compensate for the height of the liquid column and the enclosure ABCD is not necessarily above the speakers CT and CT '. - Due to the rise of the level of L _T (from B to H) in CT, the vapor of G _τ contained in CT condenses in the condenser Cond (transformation d or d _vs - »a).

The condensates do not accumulate in Cond because they flow by gravity to the enclosure ABCD. From an energy point of view, during this γδ phase, heat Qj ₃ is released at the condenser at T _b , a little heat (taken from the hot source at T _h ) is optionally consumed at CT ' to ensure the overheating d - »d _vs and a work W _γδ is also delivered to the outside.

As in the general case of the mode of implementation of the method of the invention in a moderated motor Carnot machine of the ^2nd type, the other half of the cycle is symmetrical: the phase δελ (between the instants t _δ and t _λ ) is equivalent to the αβγ phase but with reversal of CT and CT 'transfer chambers. the phase λα (between the instants t _λ and t _α ) is equivalent to the γδ phase but with inversion of the CT and CT 'transfer speakers.

More particularly: at the instant t _δ , all the open circuits are closed at the instant t _γ , the circuit of G _τ is opened between Evap and CT (by EVi), the circuit of L _τ is opened between CT and the upstream of the hydraulic motor MH (by EV _h ), and the auxiliary pump PHA ₂ is actuated, so that: * the saturated Gj vapor leaving Evap at the high pressure Pj ₁ , enters CT and delivers L _τ at an intermediate level J ;

* L _τ passes through MH while relaxing, then L _τ is sucked by PHA ₂ and fed back to ABCD. at time tg, opening the circuit between G _τ ABCD and Evap (EV ₄₎ so that the G _τ working fluid is introduced in the liquid state in the evaporator; at time t _λ , the circuit of Gj is closed between Evap and CT on the one hand, between ABCD and Evap on the other hand, the auxiliary pump PHA ₂ is stopped, the circuit of G _τ is opened between Cond and ABCD (by EV ₃ ) on the one hand, between CT 'and Cond (by EV ₂ ) on the other hand, and we open the circuit of L _τ between CT' and ABCD (by EV ₁ and EV _b . so that:

* The vapor G _T contained in CT continues to expand, adiabatically, and discharges to the low level L _τ in CT then through MH ^CT-1.

the enclosure ABCD in communication with Cond is brought back to the low pressure and L _τ , which it contains in its lower part, flows towards CT ';

* Gj vapors contained in CT 'condense in Cond.

After several cycles, the installation operates at a steady state in which the hot source continuously supplies heat at the temperature T _h at the evaporator Evap, heat is continuously delivered by the condenser Cond cold well at the temperature T _b , and work is continuously delivered by the machine.

In this preferred case of the engine modified Caraot cycle of the ^2nd type, there exists, for a given working fluid and for any temperature of the condenser T _b , a maximum value of the temperature T _h-max of the evaporator as we verify the equality of the mass volumes v _c and v _a . However, if one has a source of heat at a temperature T _h well above T _h . _ma il, it is possible a priori to have a better performance of the machine, either by cascading two modified motor Carnot machines in the installation of the invention, or by using in the installation, a Carnot machine modified motor of the ^1st type. In a modified driving Carnot machine of ^1st type, the device of pressurization / relaxation Cond placed between the condenser and the evaporator Evap includes a PHAi auxiliary hydraulic pump and an EV ₃ solenoid valve in series. Figure 5 is a schematic representation of the device. The elements identical to those of the driving machine of 2 ^nd type are designated by the same reference. The solenoid valve EV ₃ can be replaced by a simple non-return valve, which can itself be integrated in the PHA ₁ pump. The working fluid G _τ in the saturated liquid state at the outlet of the condenser Cond is directly pressurized by the pump PHAi ^and introduced into the evaporator Evap.

In FIG. 5, the possibility of supplying heat to the temperature Tj at the levels of the CT and CT 'speakers is not shown, but it remains possible as in FIG. 2.

The different stages of the cycle and the state of the actuators (solenoid valves and PHA pump ₁ ) are detailed below and summarized in Tables 5 and 6.

Table 5

Table 6

The steps of the Carnot cycle modified engine ¹ type are described below for the points that differ from what was described above for the modified Carnot cycle engine ^2nd type in its general configuration. The first cycle is carried out from an initial state in which the working fluid Gj is maintained in the evaporator Evap at high temperature and in the condenser Cond at low temperature by heat exchange respectively with the hot source at T _h and the cold well at T _b , and all the communication circuits of the working fluid G _τ and the transfer liquid L _τ are closed. At time t ₀ is operated the auxiliary hydraulic pump ₁ and is opened PHA (EV ₃₎ G _T circuit between Evap Cond and so that a portion of G _τ, to the saturated liquid state or in -cooling is drawn by PHA ₁ in the lower part of the condenser Cond, and discharged in the state of sub-cooled liquid in Evap where it heats up, then subjected G _τ to a succession of modified Carnot cycles, each of which comprising the following steps: Phase αβ (between times t "and t _j Q:

At the moment immediately preceding t _α , the level of L _τ is low (noted B) in the cylinder CT, and high (denoted H) in the cylinder CT '. At the same time, the saturation vapor pressure of G _T has a low value P _b in CT, and a high value P _h in Evap and CT '. It is this moment of the cycle which is represented diagrammatically in FIG.

At time t _α , the opening of the electro valves EVV, EV _2, EV ₃ EV _h . and EV _b and the start of PHAj cause the following phenomena:

The saturated vapor G exiting the evaporator _τ P _h enters CT 'and discharges the transfer liquid L _τ at an intermediate level (denoted J). L _τ passes through the MH engine while relaxing, which produces work. The work necessary for PHAi is provided by an independent electric motor, not shown.

In a variant, the pump PHAi can be connected to the axis of the hydraulic motor via the magnetic clutch EM, so that during this step, part of the work delivered by the hydraulic motor is recovered by the pump Phai.

After being expanded by MH, the transfer liquid L is discharged in _τ CT. In CT, L _T passes from the low level to the intermediate level (noted I), forces the vapors of G _τ towards the condenser where they condense. The working fluid G _τ in the saturated liquid state is sucked by the pump PHAi and discharged at higher pressure to Evap where it enters the state of subcooled liquid.

In the Mollier diagram (FIG. 6), this step corresponds to the following simultaneous transformations: a - »b between the condenser and the evaporator; b -> bi → c in the Evap-CT 'set; d _vs - »e in all CT-Cond.

It is preferable that the auxiliary hydraulic pump PHAi is not running and that the solenoid valve EV ₃ is not open if there is no liquid G _T upstream of this pump. A liquid level sensor may be provided as a safety element to stop the pump and close the solenoid valve if necessary. The evaporation of Gj in Evap is continuously compensated by the contributions of liquid G _τ from the condenser so that the level of G _τ liquid in the evaporator is approximately constant. From an energy point of view, during this αβ phase heat Q _h was consumed at the evaporator at T _h, Q _heat has been released to the condenser at T _b (T _b < T _h ) and a work W _αβ net has also been delivered externally, said work W _α p being the difference between the work provided by the hydraulic motor MH and that consumed by the auxiliary hydraulic pump PHAi. Phase βγ (between instants t _β and tγ):

At time t _β , that is to say when the level of L ₁ has reached the predefined values (I in CT, J in CT '), the solenoid valve EVV is closed, EV ₂ , EV _{3 is left} , EV _b and EV _{h '} open and PHAi pump running (if presence of G _τ liquid upstream). As a result: - The Gx vapor contained in CT 'continues to expand, but adiabatically (transformation c → d _vs the Mollier diagram, FIG. 6) and still forces the transfer liquid L _τ through the MH engine in the CT cylinder. As for the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, this transformation can be decomposed into a strictly adiabatic expansion (c -> d) which, depending on the fluid G _τ used, ends in the biphasic domain or in the superheated vapor, followed by a slight overheating (d - d _vs ) by the CT 'walls maintained at a temperature sufficient to allow it (between T _b and T _h ). Due to the rise of the level of L _T (from I to H) in CT, the rest of the Gj vapor in CT condenses in Cond (transformation e- »a). As in the previous step the condensates are aspirated by PHAi as they accumulate at the bottom of the condenser.

From an energy point of view, during this βγ phase, heat Q _ea is released at the condenser at T _b , a little heat (taken from the hot source at Tj ₁ ) is consumed at the CT 'level. ensure overheating d - »d _vs and net work Wp _γ is also delivered externally.

The other half is symmetrical: the evaporator and the condenser are the seat of the same successive transformations, while the roles of the CT and CT 'speakers are interchanged Phases γδ (between instants t ^ and W) and δα (between instants U and O:

They are equivalent respectively to the αβ phase and the βγ phase, but with reversal of the CT and CT 'transfer chambers.

More particularly: at time I ₇ , the open circuits are closed at time tp, except that allowing the transfer of G _τ between Cond and Evap (by EV ₃ ), the circuit of G _τ is opened between Evap and CT (by EVi) on the one hand, between CT 'and Cond (by EV _2' ) on the other hand, and the circuit is opened allowing the transfer of L _T from CT to CT 'via the hydraulic motor MH (by EV _h and EV _b ), so that: * G _τ warms up and evaporates in Evap and the saturated vapor of G _τ leaving Evap at the high pressure P _h , enters CT and forces L _τ to an intermediate level J;

* L _τ passes through MH while relaxing, then L _τ is pushed to CT 'up to the intermediate level I; * The Gy vapor contained in CT ¹ and discharged by the liquid Lj condense in Cond;

* G _T in the state of saturated or subcooled liquid arrives in the lower part of Cond condenser where it is sucked as and by PHAi, then discharged in the state of sub-cooled liquid in Evap; at time t _δ , the circuit of G _T is closed between Evap and CT (ie closure of EVi) so that:

* The vapor G _T contained in CT continues to expand, adiabatically, and discharges to the low level L _τ in CT then through MH to CT where it reaches the top level; the rest of the vapors of G _T contained in CT ¹ and discharged by the liquid Lj condense in Cond;

* Gx in the state of saturated or subcooled liquid arrives in the lower part of Cond condenser where it is sucked as and by PHAi and finally discharged in the state of sub-cooled liquid in Evap.

After several cycles, the plant operates at a steady state in which the hot source continuously supplies heat at high temperature T _h at the evaporator Evap, heat is continuously supplied by the condenser Cond cold well at T _b and work is continuously delivered by the machine. In this (so-called ^1st type) configuration, the equation (1) linking the mass volumes of G _τ in the different stages of the cycle is still valid, ie: v _e - v _a = v _dvs - v _c (eq. 1)

However, the mass volume of G _τ at the outlet of the condenser, ie in the saturated liquid state (point "a" in the Mollier diagram) is always much smaller than that of G _T at the outlet of the evaporator , ie in the state of saturated or superheated steam (point "c" or "c _vs " in the Mollier diagram) whatever the temperature difference between T _h and T _b . Thus the following double inequality is always verified: v _a <v _e <v _dvs (in 1)

The point "e" is always between the points "a" and "d _vs " in the Mollier diagram and the temperatures T _b and T ₁ can be set in a totally independent way without affecting the operation of the machine. Carnot Modified Motor ^1st type.

The Carnot machine motor Amended ^1st type is simpler in its functioning and comprises fewer components. However, as with the Rankine cycle, the transformation b - »b _f generates significant irreversibilities which has an adverse effect on cycle efficiency. However, since the increase in the difference (T _h -T _b ) has, conversely, a positive effect on this yield, it is possible, depending on the thermodynamic conditions and the fluid G _τ chosen, that the efficiency of the Carnot machine modified driving of ^1st type is ultimately greater than that of the modified driving Carnot machine of the ^2nd type, including in its preferred configuration.

When the process of the invention is a succession of modified receptor Carnot cycles, the heat source is at a temperature T _b lower than the temperature T _h of the heat sink. Each cycle consists of a succession of steps in which there is a change in the volume of the working fluid G _τ . This volume variation causes or is caused by a displacement of the liquid L _τ . Thus during certain stages, the installation consumes work and restores it during other stages, but on the complete cycle, there is a net consumption of work provided by the environment by means of a hydraulic pump PH.

In a modified receiving Carnot machine of the ^1st type, the adiabatic expansion step is isenthalpic rather qu'isentropique. Indeed the work likely to be recovered during isentropic relaxation is low compared to the work involved during the other stages of the cycle. The isenthalpic expansion requires only a simple irreversible adiabatic expansion device, the pressurizing or relaxing device may be a capillary or an expansion valve. In a modified type receiving Carnot machine of the ^2nd type, it is necessary that the pressurizing and expansion device is an adCDatic compression / expansion bottle ABCD and the associated transfer means. Thus in this preferred configuration of the ^1st type, the coefficient of performance, or amplification of the Carnot machine receiving modified to be slightly reduced (but still higher than the equivalent machines of the prior art) but with a significant simplification of the process and a lower cost. When the process of the invention is a succession of modified receptor Carnot cycles, the heat source is at a temperature T _b lower than the temperature T _h of the heat sink. Each cycle is constituted by a succession of steps during which there is a change in the volume of the working fluid Gj. This change in volume causes or is caused by a displacement of the liquid L _T. Thus during certain stages the installation consumes work and restores it during other stages, but on the complete cycle, there is a net consumption of work provided by the environment by means of a hydraulic pump PH.

FIG. 7 represents a schematic view of a ^2nd type receiving modified Carnot machine which comprises an Evap evaporator, a Cond condenser, an ABCD isentropic compression / expansion chamber, a hydraulic pump PH and two CT and CT transfer chambers. . These different elements are connected to each other by a first circuit exclusively containing the working fluid G _τ , and a second circuit exclusively containing the transfer liquid L _τ . Said circuits comprise different branches that can be closed by controlled or non-controlled means. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the controlled valves are two-way solenoid valves. Other types of valves However, these controls may be used, such as pneumatic valves, slide valves, or check valves. Some pairs of two-way valves (ie, having an input and an output) may be replaced by three-way valves (one input, two outputs or two inputs and one output). Other possible valve associations are within the reach of those skilled in the art.

The evaporator Evap and the condenser Cond exclusively contain the fluid G _τ in general in the state of liquid / vapor mixture. However, according to the working fluid G _τ and the temperature T _h of the hot well, said working fluid G _τ can be in the supercritical range at T _h and under these conditions the condenser Cond contains only G _τ in the state gaseous.

The PH pump is traversed exclusively by liquid L _τ . The elements ABCD, CT and CT 'constitute the interfaces between the two circuits (G _τ and Lj). They contain the hydraulic transfer fluid Lj in the lower part and / or the working fluid G _T in the liquid state, vapor or liquid-vapor mixture in the upper part. ABCD is connected to Cond and Evap by circuits containing G _τ and closable respectively by solenoid valves EV ₃ and EV ₄ . Evap is connected to CT and CT ¹ by circuits containing G _T and closable respectively by solenoid valves EV ₁ and EV-. Cond is connected to CT and CT 'by circuits containing G _T and closable respectively by solenoid valves EV ₂ and EV ₂ -. Generally the liquid passing through a hydraulic pump always flows in the same direction. It is this most common option which is shown in FIG. 7. This implies that the low pressure transfer liquid L _T is always connected to the pump PH at the same inlet (on the left in FIG. 7) and that the Transfer liquid L _τ at high pressure is always connected to the pump PH at the same output (on the right in Figure 7). As the CT and CT 'speakers are alternately high pressure and low pressure, a set of electro valves can be connected to the appropriate input / output of the pump PH. Thus, the pump PH is connected at the input (or upstream) to CT and CT 'by a circuit containing L _x at low pressure and closable respectively by solenoid valves EV _b and EV _b > at the output (or downstream) at CT and CT by a circuit containing L _τ at high pressure and closable respectively by solenoid valves EV _h and EV _{h '} . For example, if the high pressure is in the chamber CT 'and the bass in CT, the solenoid valves EV _h - and EV _b are open and the solenoid valves EV _h and EV _b . closed, the transfer liquid flows through PH from left to right. During the other half of the cycle, the high pressure is then in CT and the low pressure in CT ', and the electro valves EVj _1' and EV _b are closed and solenoid valves EV _h and EV _{b '} are open but the transfer liquid passes through the hydraulic pump in the same direction (from left to right).

ABCD is connected in its lower part by two branches in parallel with the circuit containing the transfer liquid L _τ . The branch closable by the solenoid valve EVj is connected to the high pressure circuit of L _τ , and the branch closable by the solenoid valve EV _r is connected to the low pressure circuit. When _τ L flows from ABCD to the CT or CT transfer chamber ', it flows by gravity and it is therefore necessary that ABCD is above CT and CT pregnant.

The axis of the hydraulic pump PH must be connected to one or more motor devices (ie providing work) either directly or via a conventional coupling, such as a cardan, a belt , a clutch (magnetic or mechanical). For example in Figure 7, the axis AX is connected to an electric motor ME via a magnetic clutch.

EMi, while another magnetic clutch EM ₂ allows the coupling to other engines such as a hydraulic turbine, a gasoline or diesel engine, a gas engine, or a motor modified Carnot machine. Finally, if necessary, a flywheel can also be mounted on this axis to promote the sequencing of the receiver and motor stages of the cycle.

The modified receiver Carnot cycle followed by the working fluid G _T is described in the Mollier diagram shown in FIG. 8.

Depending on the fluid G _T retained, the isentropic compression stage of the saturated steam at the outlet of the evaporator can lead to a biphasic mixture or to superheated steam. In Figure 8, ¹ case (two-phase mixture, rare) is represented by the path between the points "1" and "2" dotted and ^2nd cases (superheated steam) by the trajectory between points "1 "and" 2 _VS "in solid line. On the other hand, whatever G _{τ is} , the vapor at the outlet of the evaporator can be slightly superheated so that after the isentropic compression there is only superheated steam or at the saturated limit. This 3 ^rd case is shown in Figure 8 by the trajectory between points "l _vs" and "2 _VS" in phantom. Any incursion at the beginning or end of isentropic compression in the superheated steam field generates irreversibilities and thus induces a slight decrease in the coefficients of performance or amplification of the cycle. As for the engine modified Carnot machine, it is possible to carry out an overheating of G _τ at the input of the isentropic compression, but this presents only a small interest (to avoid any presence of liquid G _τ in the CT or CT 'enclosures ) and only in the case where said isentropic compression would end up in the biphasic domain. The technical solutions for achieving this superheating are the same as for the prime mover (electrical resistance, exchange with the hot source at T _h , ...) and are not shown in FIG.

The device for introducing the working fluid G _τ into the evaporator is adapted so that G _τ is introduced in the liquid state into the evaporator but after the saturated liquid (point 3 of the Mollier diagram, FIG. either relaxed, and thus by occupying more volume and with a gaseous sky above the remaining liquid (point 4 of the Mollier diagram, figure 8). One solution, among others conceivable, is to introduce a flexible suction tube with its suction end fixed to a float in ABCD and just below the waterline. The enclosure ABCD must be placed above the liquid level G _τ in the evaporator (as shown in FIG. 7) and above CT and CT 'so that the evacuation is of G _τ liquid either L _τ in a tank or the other can be done by gravity. The modified modified Carnot cycle is constituted by 4 successive phases beginning respectively at the instants t _α , t _γ , t _δ and t _λ . Only the cycle l-2 _vs -3-4-5-l is described below because the variant with the point "l _vs " does not bring any modification of principle.

From an initial state in which all the communication circuits of the working fluid G _τ and of the transfer liquid L _τ are closed, at time t ₀ , the hydraulic pump PH is actuated, then Gj is subjected to succession of modified Carnot cycles, each of which comprises the following steps:

Αβγ phase

At the moment immediately preceding t _α , the level of L _τ is high (denoted H) in ABCD and the cylinder CT, and low (denoted B) in the cylinder CT '. At the same time, the saturation vapor pressure of G _τ has a high value P _h in ABCD,

Cond and CT, and a low value P _b in Evap and CT '. It is this moment of the cycle which is schematically represented in the configuration of FIG.

At time t _α , the solenoid valves EV _r , EV _b and EV _h - are opened. The isentropic expansion of Gx in the state of liquid / vapor (but with a mass content of almost zero vapor) in ABCD _τ L discharges through PH. At the same time, the very small amount of saturated steam and the transfer liquid Lx contained in

CT follow the same pressure evolution which, given the small amount of vapor, is not accompanied by a significant variation in the level of L _τ in CT. The transfer of liquid L _τ downstream PH isentropically compresses the G _τ vapors contained in CT ¹ . The pressures upstream and downstream of the pump PH equilibrate at time t _p . Between t _α and t _p there is theoretically no net consumption of work provided by the pump PH. The duration tp-t _α is short because there is during this step no heat transfer. At instant tp, the solenoid valves EV ₁ and EV ₄ are opened. The consequences are: following the opening of EV ₁ , the saturated vapor of G _T leaving the evaporator at P _h , enters CT and forces the transfer liquid Lj to an intermediate level (denoted J). This liquid is sucked up and pressurized by the PH pump, which consumes net work from the outside. At the outlet of the pump, Lj is forced towards the cylinder CT '(up to level I), which makes it possible to finish the isentropic compression of Gj up to the pressure P _h . following the opening of EV ₄ , the working fluid Gx in the saturated and low-pressure liquid state P _b flows by gravity into the evaporator Evap, which more than compensates for the mass of the output of Gj gaseous to CT.

During this αβγ phase, the following transformations were carried out: the 3 → 4 transformation in ABCD; the 4 -> 5 transformation in the Evap-CT set; transformation 1 - »2 _VS in CT '. The compression is isentropic and it is assumed that with the fluid G _T used it ends in the field of superheated steam.

From an energy point of view, during this αβγ phase, heat Q ₄₅ was pumped at the evaporator at T _b and a work W _αPr was also consumed by the pump PH. This work was provided by the outside at power from tp since the pressure upstream of the pump remains almost constant

(= P _b ) from this moment while the downstream pressure increases up to P _h .

Γδ phase

At the moment t _y , that is to say when the level of L _τ has reached the predefined values (B in ABCD, J in CT and I in CT '), we leave EVi, EV _b and EV _h - open and simultaneously open solenoid valves EV ₂ -, EV ₃ and EVj. As a result, the vapor of G _τ continues to be produced in the evaporator, to expand in CT (transformation 5 → 1), which still forces the transfer liquid sucked by the pump into the cylinder CT 'this connected to the condenser. The vapors of G _τ contained in CT 'desuperheat (partly in CT') and condense completely in the condenser (transformation 2 _VS -> 3) where they do not accumulate because they are evacuated by gravity to ABCD. Meanwhile, a portion of the transfer liquid L _τ at the output of the pump is forced to ABCD to reestablish the high LJ

From an energy point of view, during this phase αβ, heat Q ₅₁ is pumped at the evaporator at T _b , heat Q ₂₃ is released at the condenser at T _h (with T _h > T _b ) which requires a work W _γδ provided by the outside. This work is almost constant power since the pressures upstream and downstream of the pump are also virtually constant (with non-limiting heat exchangers at the condenser and the evaporator). At the moment we are halfway through the cycle. The other half is symmetrical: the evaporator, the condenser and the enclosure ABCD are the seat of the same successive transformations, while the roles of the speakers CT and CT 'are inverted.

Phase δελ (between instants U and U) and phase λα (between instants t ^ and t ")

They are equivalent respectively to the αβγ phase and to the γδ phase, but with inversion of the CT and CT 'transfer chambers.

More particularly: at the instant t _δ , all the open circuits are closed at the instant t _y , the circuits of L _τ are opened allowing the transfer of L _τ (by EV _1. ) On the one hand from the enclosure ABCD upstream of the hydraulic pump PH, and secondly from CT 'to CT through the hydraulic pump PH (by EV _b - and

EVj ₁ ), so that:

* G _τ at the liquid / vapor equilibrium state in ABCD and in CT 'relaxes from the high pressure P _h to the low pressure P _b and discharges Lj through PH into CT; the vapors of G _τ contained in CT are compressed adiabatically. at the moment tg, we open the circuit of G _τ between Evap and CT '(by EV _r ) on the one hand, between ABCD and Evap (by EV ₄ ) on the other hand, so that:

* L _τ is sucked by the pump PH which pressurizes and represses it in CT;

* the levels of L _τ in ABCD, CT and CT 'go respectively from high to low, low to intermediate level I, and high to intermediate level

J;

* because the volume occupied by the vapor of G _τ in CT 'increases, G _τ evaporates in Evap and the saturated vapor of G _τ leaving Evap at the low pressure P _b enters CT'; the Gx vapors contained in CT continue to be compressed adiabatically to the high pressure P _h ;

* G _τ in the state of liquid saturated at low pressure P _b flows by gravity from ABCD to Evap; at time t _λ , the circuit of G _τ between ABCD and Evap (by EV ₄ ) is closed, the circuit of L _τ between ABCD and the upstream of the pump PH is closed (by EV _r ), one opens the circuit of Gj between CT and Cond (by EV ₂ ) on the one hand, between Cond and ABCD (by EV ₃ ) on the other hand, and the circuit of Lj is opened between the downstream of the pump PH and ABCD by (EVj), so that: * Lj is still sucked by the pump PH which pressurizes and represses it in

CT;

the levels of L _τ in ABCD, CT and CT 'respectively go from low to high, from intermediate level I to high, and from intermediate level J to low; * As the volume occupied by the GT vapors in CT 'continues to increase, GT evaporates in Evap and the saturated vapor of G _T leaving Evap at the low pressure P _b enters CT';

the GT vapors contained in CT, at high pressure P ₁ , are discharged by LT and condense in Cond; * G _τ in the saturated liquid state flows by gravity from Cond to ABCD.

After several cycles, the system operates at steady state.

For the production of cold, in the initial state, G _τ is maintained in the condenser Cond at high temperature by heat exchange with the hot well at Tj ₁ , and in the evaporator Evap at a temperature less than or equal to T _h by heat exchange with a medium external to the machine, said medium initially having a temperature T _h . In steady state, a net work is consumed by the hydraulic pump PH, Cond condenser continuously discharges heat to the hot well at high temperature T _h , and heat is continuously consumed by Evap Evaporator, with production of cold to the external environment in contact with said evaporator Evap, the temperature T _{b of} said external medium being strictly lower than T _h .

For the production of heat, in the initial state, G _τ is maintained in the evaporator Evap at low temperature by heat exchange with the cold source at T _b , G _τ is maintained in the condenser Cond at a temperature T _h > T _b by heat exchange with a medium external to the machine, said medium initially having a temperature> T _h . In steady state, a net job is consumed by the hydraulic pump PH, the cold source at T _b brings heat continuously to the evaporator Evap, the Cond condenser continuously discharges heat to the hot well, the installation producing heat to the outside environment in contact with said condenser Cond, the external medium having a temperature T _h > T _b .

At the end of the λα phase, the modified receiving Carnot machine of the ^2nd type is found in the α state of the cycle. The various thermodynamic transformations followed by the fluid Gj, and the levels of the transfer liquid Lj are summarized in Table 7. The state of the solenoid valves is summarized in Table 8, in which "x" means that the corresponding valve is open.

Table 7

Stage Transformation Location Level of L _τ

CT CT ¹ ABCD αβγ 3 → 4 ABCD H → JB → 1H → B

4 → 5 Evap + CT

1 → 2 _VS CT ¹ γδ 5 → 1 Evap + CT J → BI → HB → H

2 ". , → 3 CT '+ Cond + ABCD δελ 3 → 4 ABCD B → 1H → J H → B

4 → 5 Evap + CT '

1 - → 2 _VS CT λα 5 → 1 Evap + CT 'I- → HJ → BB → H

2 _VS → 3 CT + Cond + ABCD

Table 8

The work consumption is continuous during the cycle time (except between the instants t _α and tp on the one hand, t _δ and tg on the other hand), but not always at Constant power since the pressure difference across the hydraulic pump may vary. Of course, the average power over one cycle remains constant from one cycle to another, when a steady state of operation is reached and if the temperatures T _h and T _b remain constant. Moreover, the condenser is isolated from the rest of the circuit during the αβγ and δελ phases while the heat removal at the hot well at T _h is a priori continuous. Under these conditions there will be during these phases of isolation a drop in temperature and therefore pressure in the condenser then a sudden rise to the instants I ₇ and t _λ reopening valve EV ₂ or EV ₂ -. The transfer liquid L _τ being incompressible, the level variations which occur simultaneously in the three speakers ABCD, CT and CT 'are not independent. Moreover, these variations of Lx level result or involve concomitant variations in the volume of the fluid G _T. This results in the following equation between the mass volumes of Gx at different stages of the cycle shown in Figure 8:

V ₅ - V ₃ = V ₁ - V _2Vs (eq 2)

Vj being the mass volume of G _τ in the thermodynamic state of the point "i", "i" being respectively the points 5, 3, 1 and 2 _VS. Examples of constant specific volume curve are shown in phantom in Figure 8. Unlike the Carnot cycle modified ^2nd type engine, there is no limit here to the difference in temperature between the cold source at T _b and the hot well at T _h . As the mass volume at point "3" is always the weakest of the cycle, we always have, whatever T _h and T _b , the following double inequality:

V ₄ <V ₅ <V (Ineq. 2) In a modified receiving Carnot machine of the ^1st type, the pressurizing / expansion device is interposed in series between the condenser and the evaporation Cond tor Evap, it comprises a single expansion device such as for example an expansion valve VD, or a capillary and possibly in series an electro valve EV ₃ . Such a device is shown in FIG. 9, in which the legends have the same meaning as the other figures, and the combination VD and EV ₃ constitutes the expansion device. The working fluid G _x in the saturated liquid state at the outlet of the condenser Cond is directly expanded and introduced into the evaporator Evap. An example of such a Carnot cycle modified ¹ receptor type is shown schematically by the cycle-2 _vs -2 _g -3-4-5-l in the Mollier diagram of FIG 10. The various stages of the cycle and the state of the solenoid valves are detailed below and summarized in Tables 9 and 10. The EV ₃ electro valve is not essential since when the machine is in operation it is always open. Its only interest is to be able to isolate the condenser of the evaporator at the stop of the machine.

Table 9

rableav 1 10

Open solenoid valves

Step EV ₁ EV ₁ . EV ₂ EV ₂ ^ ₃ EV EV EV _b _h _b FV. EV _h . αβ XXXX

Pr X X X X X γδ X X X X δα X X X X X

The steps of the Carnot cycle modified receptor ¹ type are detailed below to the extent that they differ from those described above for the Carnot cycle modified receptor ^2nd type.

From an initial state in which all the communication circuits of the working fluid Gj and the transfer liquid L _T are closed, the moment t ₀ , the hydraulic pump PH is actuated and the circuit of G _{τ is} opened between Cond and Evap (by

EV ₃ ), and G _τ is subjected to a succession of modified Carnot cycles, each of which comprises the following steps: Phase αβ (between instants t "and t _β ):

At the moment immediately preceding t _α , the level of L _τ is high (denoted H) in the cylinder CT, and low (noted B) in the cylinder CT '. At the same time, the saturation vapor pressure of G _τ has a high value P _h in Cond and CT, and a low value P _b in Evap and CT ¹ . It is this moment of the cycle which is schematically represented in FIG.

At time t _α , the opening of solenoid valves EVi, EV _3; EV _b and EV _{h '} has the following consequences:

The saturated vapor G _τ leaving the evaporator P _b , enters CT and forces the transfer liquid L _τ to an intermediate level (denoted J). L _x is sucked by the pump PH which pressurizes it which consumes work. After being pressurized by PH, the transfer liquid L _x is discharged into CT '. In CT ', L _x passes from the low level to the intermediate level (noted I) and isentropically compresses the vapor of G _x contained in this chamber. following the opening of EV ₃ , the working fluid G _x in the saturated liquid state at high pressure P _h is expanded by the valve V _D and then introduced in the biphasic mixture state in the evaporator Evap, which compensates in mass the exit of G _x gaseous towards CT. On the Mollier diagram (Figure 10), this step corresponds to the following simultaneous transformations: the 3 -> 4 transformation between Cond and Evap; the 4 -> 5 transformation in the Evap-CT set; transformation 1 -> 2 _VS in CT '. As previously, the working fluid G _x retained is supposed to lead to the outcome of this isentropic transformation in the superheated steam range.

From an energy point of view, during this phase αβ, heat Q ₄₅ was pumped at the evaporator at T _b and a work W _α pa was also consumed by the pump PH. This work has been provided by the outside with increasing power since the pressure upstream of the pump remains almost constant (= P _b ) while the downstream pressure increases up to P _h .

Phase βγ (between instants t ^ and tγ):

At the moment t _p , that is to say when the level of L _x has reached the predefined values (J in CT and I in CT '), we leave EV ₁ , EV ₃ , EV _b and EV _h - open and open the solenoid valve EV ₂ -. As a result, the G _x vapor continues to be produced in the evaporator, to expand in CT (transformation 5-> 1), which always forces the transfer liquid sucked by the pump into the cylinder CT 'this time connected to the condenser. The G _τ vapors contained in CT 'desuperhuffle (ie the transformation 2 _VS -> 2 _g partly in CT') and condense completely in the condenser (transformation 2 _vs → 2 _g → 3). The fluid G ₇ in the saturated liquid state is expanded by V _D and introduced into the evaporator.

From an energy point of view, during this βγ phase, heat Q ₅₁ is pumped at the evaporator at T _b , heat Q ₂₃ is released at the condenser at T _h (with T _h > T _b ) which requires a work W _γδ provided by the outside. This work is almost constant power since the pressures upstream and downstream of the pump are also virtually constant (with non-limiting heat exchangers at the condenser and the evaporator).

At the moment t _γ one is at the half of the cycle. The other half is symmetrical: the evaporator, the condenser are the seat of the same successive transformations, while the roles of the CT and CT 'speakers are reversed.

Phase γδ (between instants t _γ and tg) and phase δα (between instants ts and t _α ):

They are equivalent respectively to the αβ phase and the βγ phase, but with inversion of the CT and CT 'transfer chambers.

Specifically: - at the moment I _7, we close all circuits open at time tp, except the G _τ circuit between Cond and Evap is opened _(b EV and EV _h.) Circuit Ic L _τ allowing the transfer of L _τ from CT ¹ to CT via the hydraulic pump PH, and opening (by EVi) the circuit of Gj between Evap and CT ¹ , so that: * L _τ is sucked by the pump PH which pressurizes and represses it in CT;

* the level of Lj in CT goes from low to intermediate level I, and in CT ¹ from high to intermediate level J;

* The volume occupied by the vapors in G _τ CT 'increases, the Gj working fluid evaporates in Evap and the saturated vapor leaving Evap Gx of the low pressure P _b enters CT ^1;

* G _τ vapor contained in CT are compressed adiabatically to the high pressure P _h ;

* G _T in the state of saturated liquid or sub-cooled in Cond and at the high pressure P _h relaxes isenthalpically and is introduced in the state of two-phase liquid / vapor mixture and low pressure Pb in Evap evaporator; at the moment t _δ , the circuit of G _τ is opened between CT and Cond (by EV ₂ ), so that: * L _T is still sucked by the pump PH which pressurizes it and represses it in

CT;

the level of L _τ in CT goes from intermediate level I to high, and in CT 'from intermediate level J to low;

* because the volume occupied by the vapors of Gj in CT 'continues to increase, G _T evaporates in Evap and the saturated vapor of Gx coming out of

Evap at low pressure P _b enters CT ';

* Gj vapor contained in CT, at high pressure Pj ₁ , are discharged by L _τ and condense in Cond;

After several cycles, the system operates at steady state. For the production of cold: in the initial state, G _τ is maintained in the condenser Cond at high temperature by heat exchange with the hot well at T _h , and in the evaporator Evap at a temperature less than or equal to T _h by heat exchange with an external medium to the machine, said medium initially having a temperature less than or equal to T _h ; and in steady state, a net work is consumed by the hydraulic pump PH, the condenser Cond continuously discharges heat to the hot well at high temperature T _h , and heat is consumed continuously by Evap Evaporator, c that is to say that there is a production of cold towards the external environment in contact with said evaporator Evap, the temperature T _{b of} said external medium being strictly lower than T _h - For the production of heat: in the state initial, G _τ is maintained in the evap evaporator at low temperature by heat exchange with the cold source at T _b , in the condenser Cond at a temperature greater than or equal to T _h by heat exchange with a medium external to the installation at a temperature greater than or equal to T _h ; and in steady state, a net work is consumed by the hydraulic pump PH, the cold source at T _b brings heat continuously to Evap, and Cond continuously discharges heat to the hot well, that is to say to say that there is a production of heat towards the external environment in contact with Cond, the temperature T _{h of} said external medium being strictly greater than T _b .

In this configuration (called receptor of ¹ type), equation (2) and inequality (2) linking the specific volumes of G _τ in the various stages of the cycle are still valid. Receiving modified Carnot machine of ^1st type is simpler in its functioning and comprises fewer components. However, as for a conventional cycle with mechanical steam compression, the transformations

3- »4 and 2 _VS -» 2 _g generate some irreversibilities, which has an adverse effect on the coefficients of performance or amplification of the cycle. Nevertheless as this degradation is moderate, this configuration ^1st type is preferred for the modified receiving Carnot machine. Indeed although this Carnot machine receiving Amended ^1st type approximates conventional machines mechanical vapor compression, it still retains two important advantages: - the adiabatic compression step (1- "2 _VS) yield superior isentropic compression, it is less noisy and more reliable; the same machine, with slight adaptations can operate in motor mode which is not possible with the machines of the prior art.

The choice of one or the other type of receiving machine will be made according to the means available, including the temperature of the source and the heat sink, and the working fluid Gj, and the target result.

A same modified Carnot machine can alternately provide, depending on the user's choice, either the motor function or the receiver function. In this case, said modified Carnot machine will be qualified as "versatile". This possibility implies that the machine has the constituent elements necessary to satisfy each of the two operating modes (motor or receiver) as described above and additional elements making it possible to switch from one mode to another, the two modes being unable to operate simultaneously. . Many constituent elements necessary for each mode can be identical; these are elements Cond, Evap, CT, CT ', most of the controlled valves and some parts of the circuits of G _τ and L _τ . It is therefore unnecessary to duplicate these elements in the versatile modified Carnot machine. Other elements are specific to a mode. For example, the DPD device associating ABCD chamber and the solenoid valves EV EV ₃ and _4, as described in Figure 2, allows the operation of ^2nd type motor mode but not the operation in receiving mode of the ^2nd type, such as described in Figure 7. the reciprocal is not true: the DPD device associating ABCD chamber and the solenoid valves EV EV ₃ and _4, as described in Figure 7, allows the operation in receiving mode of ^2nd type or engine of 2 ^nd type. A second example use of mismatch in the two modes further relates to the DPD devices but for Carnot machines modified to Type ^1: the auxiliary hydraulic pump ₁ PHA (Figure 5) can not ensure the function of expansion of the working fluid as the expansion valve VD or the capillary C (Figure 9) and vice versa. In the same way the hydraulic converter is either a pump or a motor. However, there are converters that can perform both functions in the direction of fluid flow.

Figure 11 schematically represents a multipurpose modified Carnot machine that can provide the choice of the user to be the function of Carnot machine motor Amended ¹ type or the Carnot machine function receiving Amended ^1st type. The three other combinations of the two types are also possible: driving and driven of ^2nd type, driving of ^1st type and receiving of ^2nd type, driving of ^2nd type and receiving of ^1st type. Selecting the operating mode (motor or receiver) does not require sophisticated means. For example, in Figure 11, the solenoid valves EV _3M t ^e _3R EV are opened and closed (closed and opened respectively) if the engine mode is selected (the receive mode, respectively). These two solenoid valves EV _3M and EV _3R can be replaced by a three-way valve. Finally, again in this example of Figure 11, the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor are considered as two separate hydraulic converters; depending on the selected mode of operation, motor or receiver, one or the other of the converters is active according to the opening of the three-way solenoid valve EV _RM , the said EV _RM can be replaced by two solenoid valves two ways or any other actuator on the transfer liquid circuit.

In a particular embodiment, a modified Carnot machine can be coupled with a complementary device, by a thermal coupling or by a mechanical coupling.

A modified driving or receiving Carnot machine according to the invention may be thermally coupled at its condenser and / or evaporator to a complementary device. The thermal coupling can be carried out by means of a heat transfer fluid or a heat pipe, or by direct contact or by radiation.

The complementary device may be a driving or receiving thermodynamic machine. The two most interesting cases concern the coupling of a motor modified Carnot machine and a driving thermodynamic machine or the coupling of a receiving modified Carnot machine and a receiving thermodynamic machine. In both cases the thermodynamic machine (motor or receiver) receives heat from the condenser of the modified Carnot machine (respectively driving or receiving) or gives heat to the evaporator of the modified Carnot machine (respectively driving or receiving). Said driving or receiving thermodynamic machines can be a 2 ^nd modified Carnot machine motor ⁽¹ type or ^2nd type) or receptor different from the first ⁽¹ type or ^2nd type).

One embodiment of a thermal coupling between two modified motor Carnot machines is diagrammatically illustrated in FIGS. 12a and 12b. Figure 12a shows the temperature levels of heat sources and sinks and the direction of heat and work exchanges between machines or with the environment. A first so-called high temperature machine (HT) operates between a heat source at the temperature T _h and a heat sink at the intermediate temperature T _m i, and it contains a working fluid G _T j. A second machine, called low temperature (BT) operates between a heat source at T _m2 and a heat sink at the temperature T _b , and it contains a working fluid G _T2 . Temperatures are such that Th> T _ml > T _m2 > T _b > T _am bi _an te- If the heat transfer at the condenser of the HT machine and the evaporator of the BT machine is infinitely efficient (due to of an exchange surface and / or infinite exchange coefficients) the temperature T _ra i and T _m2 are substantially equal. In all cases, in this so-called "thermal cascade" combination, the quantity of heat Q _h is supplied to the HT machine at the temperature T _h for the evaporation of the fluid G _T i, the quantity of heat Q _ml released by the condensation of G _T i in the condenser of the machine HT at the temperature T _m i is transferred entirely (Q _ml = Qπώ) or partially (Q _n , i> Q _m2 ) to the evaporator of the machine BT for the evaporation of the fluid G _τ2 at the temperature T _m2 and the heat Q _b produced at the temperature T _b by the condensation of the fluid G _T2 is transmitted to the environment. When only the production of work is sought, the heat transfer between the source at T _ml and the well at T ₁₁₁₂ is integral, that is to say that there is equality of Q _m i and Q _m2 , noted simply Q _m in this case. When looking for working and heat cogeneration at a sufficient temperature level such as T _ml , then the heat transfer between the source at T _m i and the well at T ₁₁₁₂ is partial, that is, say Q _ml is greater than Q _m2 and the difference is delivered to the user.

Optionally the working fluids Gj i and Gj ₂ may be identical.

At the same time, the working quantities Wi and W ₂ are supplied respectively by the machine HT and the machine BT. The overall efficiency ((Wi + W ₂ ) / Q _h ) of the cascading combination of the two modified motor machines is not necessarily equal, but rather lower, in general, than that of a modified motor Carnot machine. only operating between the same extreme temperatures T _h and T _b shown schematically in Figure 12b. In fact, these two efficiencies are equal to the quadruple provided that both machines be modified Carnot of ^2nd type, operate ideally, that is to say without irreversibilities that the temperatures T _mL and T ^ _n are merged and that there is integral heat recovery (Q _m i = Q ₁₁₁₂ ) at this intermediate temperature T _m .

The thermal cascade association of modified motor Carnot machines can involve machines of the same types ( ^1st or ^2nd ) or of different types.

A ¹ advantage of the association in cascade of two machines Carnot mo- EU and EFTA drive of ^2nd type lies in the fact that the temperature T _h -T amplitude _b is not limited as in the use of a single modified driving Carnot machine of ^2nd type (due to the condition on the specific volumes expressed by equation (I)). As a result, the overall efficiency of the cascade association can always become greater than that of the machine alone when the difference (T _h -T _b ) of said association becomes greater than the maximum variation allowed for said single machine.

A ^2nd advantage of the association in cascade of two machines Carnot modified drive, 1 ^st or ^2nd type, is that each pressure amplitude of Gχi working fluids and Gj ₂ is lower than that of working fluid of the single engine modified Carnot machine (1 ^st or 2 ^nd type) operating between the same extreme temperatures T _h and T _b .

A cascade coupling can be performed using more than two modified motor Carnot machines, according to the same principle. The ^ere the machine is supplied with heat at the highest temperature T _h for evaporating a working fluid, and the last cascade machine releases to the environment, the heat generated by the condensing temperature the lower T _b , T _b is nevertheless greater than the temperature of said environment. Between these two extreme machines, each intermediate machine receives the heat released by the condensation of the working fluid of the machine that precedes it, and transfers the heat released by the condensation of its own working fluid to the machine that follows it. Each machine provides a quantity of work to the environment.

Two modified receiving Carnot machines may be cascaded in a manner analogous to that described above for the engines. The work and heat flows are in the opposite direction to those shown in Figure 12a. The cascade association of two modified receiving Camot machines has the significant advantage of reducing the pressure amplitude of each of the working fluids G _T i and G _T2 relative to that of the working fluid found in a single receiving modified Carnot machine, whether of the ^1st or ^2nd type, and operating between the same extreme temperatures T _b and T _h .

A modified Carnot machine according to the invention may be mechanically coupled to a complementary device at the hydraulic motor if the machine is driving or the hydraulic pump if the machine is receiving. The mechanical coupling can be effected by means for example of a belt, a gimbal, a magnetic clutch or not, or directly on the shaft of the hydraulic motor or the hydraulic pump.

The complementary device may be a motor device, for example an electric motor, a hydraulic turbine, a wind turbine, a gasoline engine, a gas engine, a diesel engine, or other engine modified Carnot machine. The complementary device may be a receiver device, for example a hydraulic pump, a transport vehicle, an alternator, a mechanical vapor compression heat pump, an air compressor, or another receiving modified Carnot machine.

The complementary device may further be a motor-receiver device such as a flywheel for example.

A particularly preferred embodiment of mechanical coupling is to couple a modified motor Carnot machine and a receiving modified Carnot machine.

A ^1st embodiment of an installation comprising a Carnot machine modified motor mechanically coupled to a Carnot machine modified receiver is shown schematically in Figure 13 with the temperature levels of the sources and heat sinks and the direction of the exchanges of heat and work.

The prime mover contains a working fluid G _TJ . It receives a quantity of heat Qj, from a source at temperature Tj ₁ , it releases a quantity of heat Q _1nM at a temperature T _mM and a work W. The temperature T _h of the source is necessarily greater than temperature T _mM of the heat sink.

The receiving machine contains a working fluid G _T2 - It releases a quantity of heat Q _mR at a temperature T _1nR . She receives a quantity of heat Q _b from a source at temperature T _b and the work W released by the prime mover. The temperature T _b of the source is necessarily lower than the temperature T _mR of the heat sink.

The two main applications targeted by such an association, which uses only heat as the sole source of energy at T _h , are: the production of cold at T _b . In this case T _b <r _ant _T <T _1NR heat production to T and T _mR _mM. For example for the heating of the habitat, that is to say when T _b is the ambient outside temperature Tambiant_extérieur _> the two mean temperatures T _mM and T _m R are equal and the amplification coefficient (Q _mR + Q _mM ) / Q _h is greater than 1.

A 2 ^nd embodiment of an installation comprising a machine

Motor modified carnot mechanically coupled to a modified receiving Carnot machine, is shown schematically in FIG. 14 with the temperature levels of the heat sources and sinks and the direction of the heat and work exchanges.

The _{prime mover} contains a working fluid G _T2 - It receives a quantity of heat Q _1nM from a source at the temperature T _m , it releases a quantity of heat Q _b at a temperature T _b and a work W. temperature T _m of the source is necessarily greater than the temperature T _b of the heat sink. The receiving machine contains a working fluid Gy ₁ . It releases a quantity of heat Q _h at a temperature T _h . It receives a quantity of heat Q _mR from the source at the temperature T _m and the work W released by the prime mover. The temperature T _m of the source is necessarily lower than the temperature T _h of the heat sink. Such an installation according to the invention makes it possible to obtain a quantity of heat at a temperature higher than the temperature of the heat source available without consuming work provided by the environment. This application is particularly interesting when there is unused heat rejection and that it is needed at higher temperatures. An installation according to the present invention can be used to produce, from a heat source, electricity, heat or cold. Depending on the application considered, the installation includes a modified motorized Carnot machine or a modified receiving Carnot machine, associated with a suitable environment. The working fluid and the transfer hydraulic fluid are selected according to the purpose, the temperature of the available heat source and the temperature of the available heat sink.

A modified receiving Carnot machine can be used in the whole field of refrigerating machines and heat pumps: freezing, refrigeration, so-called "reversible" air-conditioning, that is, cooling in the summer and heating in the winter.

Conventional mechanical steam compression refrigeration machines (CMV) are known to have good COP (= Q _t / W) or COA (= Q _m / W) performance coefficients. In reality, these coefficients are much lower than (- about 50%) to those of the Carnot machine and therefore of the modified receiving Carnot machine of the present invention in particular ^2nd type and to a lesser extent of the ^1st type. Replacing existing CMV machines with modified receiving Carnot machines would reduce the electrical energy required to meet the same needs. As with conventional heat pumps with mechanical vapor compression, the reasonable pressure range for the working fluid Gj of a modified receiving Carnot machine is between about 0.7 bar and about 10 bar. At pressures below 0.7 bar, the size of the pipes between the transfer cylinder and the evaporator and especially the volume of the transfer cylinder itself would become too great. On the other hand, at pressures above 10 bar there are problems of safety and resistance of the materials. The use of alkanes or HFCs is well suited for these applications. For example, isobutane is already used in current refrigerators or freezers (because no effect on the ozone layer). The transfer liquid that can be associated with these alkanes in a modified Carnot machine receiving for refrigeration applications is water. For the negative cold, it will nevertheless be necessary in this case to interpose a membrane between G _τ and L _τ to prevent frost does not come obstruct the interior of the evaporator or to consider regular defrosts and return devices from L _τ to the transfer cabinets. Instead of water as a transfer liquid, it is also possible to envisage an oil in which the working fluid Gx chosen is poorly miscible.

Carnot modified motor machines can be used for centralized or dispersed electrical production, production work for water pumping, desalination of seawater, etc., production work for a machine ditherme c ' that is to say for purposes of heating or refrigerating production and in particular a receiving modified Carnot machine. The advantages of a motor modified Camot machine and those of a modified receiving Carnot machine can be cumulated by combining the two machines. Indeed, the mechanical - electrical conversion is then no longer necessary, which eliminates the slight loss of efficiency that such conversion implies. An installation according to the invention can be used for the centralized production of electricity from a centralized heat source at high temperature, produced for example by a nuclear reaction. A nuclear reaction produces heat at 500 ^° C. The use of this heat involves either the use of a motor fluid compatible with this high temperature, or the implementation of an intermediate step using an overheated steam turbine. between 500 and 300 ^° C., the heat at 300 ^° C. being then supplied to a motor modified Carnot machine which would operate between this hot source at 300 ^° C. and the cold well of the external environment. With such a difference in temperature it is necessary to combine in thermal cascade at least two modified motor Carnot machines involving different working fluids. For the higher temperature machine, water is well suited as a working fluid. In this configuration the advantage conferred by the invention is that the overall efficiency of electrical production is better than that of current nuclear power plants.

An installation according to the invention can be used for the decentralized production of electricity, using as a heat source solar energy which is renewable, available everywhere but intermittent and fairly diluted (about 1 kW / m ² maximum in good weather) . The current parabolic cylindrical solar collectors can bring the working fluid to 300 ^° C. Compared with centralized production, the work delivered by the turbine is lost between 500 and 300 ⁰ C, but only a renewable energy source is used.

It is also possible to use solar thermal energy delivered at lower temperatures, such as about 130 ^° C. with evacuated tube collectors or about 80 ^° C. with planar collectors. Obviously, the lower the temperature of the hot source, the lower the efficiency of the modified motor Carnot machine. However, for the lower temperature Tj ₁ , that delivered by the planar solar collectors, a thermal cascade association is no longer necessary, the engine modified Carnot machine is then simpler and therefore less expensive. If there is no sun, an auxiliary boiler can provide the necessary heat.

An installation according to the invention can be used to transform heat into work, without necessarily converting it into electricity. Mechanical work can be used directly, for example for a hydraulic pump or for a heat pump whose compressor is not driven by an electric motor. In the latter case, the finalities are: the production of heat at a temperature level T _m lower than that of the hot source at Tj, but with an amplification coefficient greater than 1 or a temperature level Tj ₁ greater than that from the hot source to T _m but with an amplification coefficient of less than 1, said amplification coefficients being greater than those of the prior art by the ad-or absorption systems. the production of cold at a temperature level T _b (lower than the atmosphere) and with a coefficient of performance greater than that of the prior art by the ad-or absorption systems.

The present invention is illustrated by the following eight examples, to which it is however not limited. Figures 15a to 15h summarize schematically, for each of the examples, the heat exchange and work between the machine (or associations of machines) of Carnot modified (s) and the environment, as well as the temperatures of sources and heat sinks. Example 1 (FIG 15a): three modified motor Carnot machines of 2 ^nd type in thermal cascade; Example 2 (Fig 15b.): Two machines Carnot modified drive of ^1st type thermal waterfall;

Examples 3 and 4 (Figs 15c and 15d): modified receptor-modified Carnot machines

^2nd or 1st type;

Example 5 (Fig. 15e): two modified Carnot machines receiving

^1st type in thermal cascade; Examples 6 and 7 (Figure 15f and 15g.) Mechanical coupling of a Carnot machine modified high-temperature driving of ^1st type and a Carnot machine modified receptor of ¹ low-temperature-type;

Example 8 (Fig 15h.) Mechanical coupling of a Carnot machine mo- motor MODIFIED low temperature ^1st type and a Carnot machine modified receptor of ¹ high temperature type.

In these examples, three working fluids G _T are used: water (noted

R718), n-butane (denoted R600) and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (denoted Rl 34a). The Mollier diagrams for these three fluids are shown respectively in Figures 16, 17 and 18. In these diagrams are plotted the different cycles of

Modified Carnot that are involved in the aforementioned Examples 1-8. Example 1

Association in thermal cascade of three Camot machines modified motor of the ^2nd TVpe

The goal is to produce work (convertible into electricity) with the best possible output. For a given cold well temperature (T _b =

40 ° C), the efficiency will be higher when the temperature Tj ₁ of the hot source is high and the cycle of the machine approaches the ideal cycle of

Carnot. The engine modified Carnot cycle of 2 ^nd type is therefore retained in its preferred configuration, that is to say respecting the constraint of equal mass volumes of the working fluid leaving the condenser and the evaporator

(as described in Figure 4).

With a heat source at T _h3 equal to 85 ° C., the working fluid used is R600 and it describes the cycle abcda in FIG. 17. It is noted that with this fluid the adiabatic expansion c-> d results in the domain of superheated steam but nevertheless very close to the saturation curve. Irreversibility is very weak. The yield η ₃ of this cycle is 12.49%, compared to the 12.56% of a perfect Carnot cycle between the same temperatures.

With a heat source at T) ₁₂ equal to 175 ° C and in thermal cascade association with the previous cycle, the working fluid used is R718 and it describes the cycle efghe in Figure 16. It is noted that with this The adiabatic relaxation g → h results in the biphasic domain and thus induces no irreversibility. The yield η ₂ of this cycle merges with that of Carnot and is therefore 16.7%.

Finally, with a heat source at T _hl equal to 275 ° C and in thermal cascade association with the previous cycle, the working fluid used is still R718 and it describes the cycle abcda in Figure 16. The adiabatic expansion c- D still ends up in the biphasic domain. The yield ηi of this cycle is

16.4%.

The association in thermal cascade of these three machines Carnot modified drive of ^2nd type (Figure 15a), with realistic temperature differences at the level of heat transfer between the various machines, leads to overall efficiency: η = (Wf ^f Wa + WayQh = ηi + η _2. (L-η0 + ηs-O-ηOO-ηi) η = 39.10%, ie 91% of the yield of the Carnot machine operating between the same extreme temperatures. This efficiency is better than that of current nuclear power plants (≈ 34%), which nevertheless work with superheated vapors at much higher temperatures (≈ 500 ^° C.). In addition, the heat source at T _h i (= 275 ° C) could be provided by parabolic solar collectors. Example 2

Thermal cascade association of two modified type Carnot machines of the ^1st type

As with the previous example, the objective is to produce work (electricity convertible) but with a simpler machine using Carnot machine associa- tions of modified drive ^1st type. The temperature differences of the source and the heat sink are no longer limited by the constraint of equal mass volumes of the working fluid at the outlet of the condenser and the evaporator. However, excessive pressure differences create other technological problems; thus by taking again the same source and extreme heat sink (275 ° C and 40 ⁰ C), it is better to associate two machines in thermal cascade rather than to realize a single machine operating on a gap so important.

The association in thermal cascade (15b) consists in coupling two machines Carnot modified driving of ^1st type, the first one uses water (R718) as working fluid and describes the ijbcki cycle of Figure 16, the second uses the n-butane (R600) as working fluid and describes the cycle efbcde of Figure 17.

The stages j- »b and f-» b of these two cycles induce additional irreversibilities, but the yields of the two cycles nevertheless remain very satisfactory (in comparison with Carnot yields): T] ₁ = 27.47% for the cycle with the R718 and η ₂ = 10.82% for the cycle with the R600.

The overall yield of the association in thermal cascade (15b) of these two machines Carnot modified drive of ^1st type is: η = (W ₁ + W ₂₎ / Q _h = η ₁ + η ₂ (l-. ηi) is η = 35.32% (82% of the yield of the Carnot machine operating between the same extreme temperatures).

Compared to the previous example, for a rather low degradation of the yield (-3.78%) the simplification of the machine is relatively important: two machines in combination instead of three and especially 1 ^st simpler type than the 2 ^nd . Example 3

Modified receiving Carnot machines of the ^2nd or ^1st type

The objective in Example 3 is the heating of the habitat by transmitters (radiators or underfloor heating) at low temperature. A modified receiving Carnot machine operating between 5 and 50 ^° C. is well adapted to this application (FIG. 15c).

Comparing the two options that are the machines of the 2 ^nd or 1 ^st type using R600 as the working fluid.

With a Carnot machine receiving Amended ^2nd type described cycle is the cycle l-2-3-4'-9-l of Figure 17. With this fluid if the adiabatic compression step was carried out using saturated steam, that is to say the point "9" of this cycle, said fluid at the end of this step would have been in the biphasic domain, which is not a disadvantage. By way of illustration in this example, it is chosen to carry out a slight overheating (that is to say step 9-> 1) such that there is only saturated steam at the end of compression (point "2" of the cycle). This involves during this step a heat input, for example at the level of the transfer cylinders as illustrated in FIG. 2 for a modified motor Carnot machine.

The amplification coefficient of this receiving modified Carnot machine describing this cycle is: COA = Q _h / W = 7.18

This COA is almost equal to that of the Carnot machine operating between the same extreme temperatures because the irreversibility caused by the 9- »1 superheat is very low.

However the machine ^2nd type requires ABCD pregnant and associated connec- xions, which has a cost and requires more complex management cycle.

With a Carnot machine receiving Amended ^1st type described cycle is the cycle of 1-2-3-4-9-1 Figure 17. The COA of the machine ¹ type is lower: COA = Q _h / W = 6,06, or 84% of the COA of the Carnot machine, but still much better than the COA of the current machines with mechanical compression of steam operating between the same extreme temperatures.

Example 4

Modified Receptor Carnot Machine of the ^1st type

The objective in Example 4 is the cooling of the habitat in summer. A Carnot machine receiving modified ¹ type operating between 15 and 40 ⁰ C is well suited to this application (Figure 15d). The working fluid used (R600) describes the 5-6-7-8-5 cycle of Figure 17. Compared to the previous example, it is chosen not to overheat before the isentropic compression step. The coefficient of performance of this modified receiving Carnot machine describing this cycle is:

COP = Q _t / W = 10.33 or 90% of the COP of the Carnot machine and above all much better than the COP of the current machines with mechanical compression of steam operating between the same extreme temperatures. Example 5

Thermal cascade association of two modified receiving Carnot machines of the ^1st type

The objective in Example 5 is low temperature refrigeration production (for freezing). Even if the temperature difference between the source and the heat sink is not limited by any constraint of equality of the mass volumes of the working fluid, it is preferable that there be no difference in pressure too high in the machine because it generates other technological problems. Thus with the cold source at -30 ^° C. and the hot well at 40 ^° C., it is preferable to combine two machines in thermal cascade rather than to make a single machine operating on such a large difference. The association in thermal cascade (see Figure 15) is to couple two machines Carnot receiving modified ^1st type, the first uses R600 as working fluid and describes the 9-6-7-10-9 cycle of Figure 17 the second uses Rl 34a as the working fluid and describes the cycle 1-2-3-4-1 of FIG. 18. The overall coefficient of performance of the thermal cascade combination of these two modified receiving Carnot machines of 1 ^st type is:

COP = Q _b / (W _! + W ₂ ) = 1 / [1 / COP ₂ + (1 + 1 / COP ₂ ) / COA ₁ ]

COP = 2.85 or 82% of the COP of the Carnot machine and above all much better than the COP of the current two-stage mechanical compression steam machines operating between the same extreme temperatures. Example 6

Mechanical coupling of a Carnot machine modified high-temperature driving of ^1st type and a Carnot machine receiving modified low temperature ^1st type The aim in Example 6 (Figure 15f) is the freshening habitat in summer using as energy source only heat, for example from solar collectors. To this is coupled a first machine, the Carnot machine driving modified ¹ type using R600 working fluid and described in Example 2, and a second machine, the Carnot machine receiving the modified ^1st type described in Example 4

The coefficient of performance of this association (figure 15f) is: COP = Q _b / Q _h = TIi-COP ₂ = 1.29 or 89% of the COP of the tritherm Carnot machine and especially much better than the COP of the trithermal systems at ad- or absorption of the current prior art operating between the same sources and heat sinks. Example 7

Mechanical coupling of a Carnot machine modified high temperature of ^1, motor type and a Carnot machine receiving modified low temperature ^1st type

The objectives set out in Example 7 (Figure 15g) are multiple: - workable cogeneration convertible into electricity and heat useful for heating (low temperature) of the habitat in winter; "low temperature" air conditioning, that is to say, compatible with conventional fan coil units for buildings (office or collective housing in particular). in any case, using as energy source only heat at a temperature accessible by a boiler or by cylindrical parabolic solar collectors.

For these practical goals, a first machine is coupled, the Carnot engine driving modified ¹ type using the working fluid R718 describing the 1-mgnl cycle Figure 16, and a second machine, the Carnot engine modified receiving the ^1st type described in example 3. The Ti ₁ yield of the first machine is 25.34% (91% of Carnot yield) which is much higher than the current yield of photo voltaic solar collectors.

If the electricity is not recovered for the receiving machine (figure 15g), the heat production Q _m i completes the electricity production, ie 24.66% of the incident energy Qj ₁ whereas the photovoltaic cells, they, do not deliver heat. In the opposite case, ie for heating only and / or air-conditioning applications, the amplification and performance coefficients of this combination are related to the COP and efficiency of the two machines according to: COA = COP + 1 = COP ₂ .η _! + l

Let COA = 2.28 (84% of the Carnot COA) and COP = 1.28 (74% of the Carnot COA) respectively.

Example 8

Mechanical coupling of a Carnot machine modified low-temperature driving of ^1st type and a Carnot machine modified receiving high temperature ^1st type

The objective in Example 8 (FIG. 15h) is the production of medium pressure steam (2 bars) having as sole source of energy "low temperature" heat (85 ° C.) incompatible with the production. direct of said vapor. This is an example among others conventionally encountered on industrial sites where there are unused heat releases and needs at higher temperatures.

This objective thermotransformation between 85 and 120 ⁰ C (capable of generating steam at 2 bar) can be achieved by mechanically coupling a first machine, the Carnot machine receiving modified ¹ type using R718, operating between 85 and 120 ⁰ C and describing the 1-2-3-4-1 cycle of Figure 16, and a second machine, the Carnot machine motor amended the ^1st type, operating between 85 ° C and 40 ⁰ C (temperature above the atmosphere), using the working fluid R600 and described in Example 2. The COP ₁ coefficient of performance of the first machine (receiver) is 9.14 (89% of the COP of the Carnot dither machine). It is noted that with water as working fluid, the steam at the end of the isentropic compression stage is very superheated (T ₂ = 208 ^° C., 120 ^° C.). The overall coefficient of performance of the association (FIG. 15h) of the two machines verifies:

COP = Q _h / CQ _m i + Q _πtf MCOP, + 1) / (COP, + l / η ₂ )

With these temperatures of the source and wells: COP = 55.2% (89% of the COP of the trithermal Carnot machine).

The various examples described above confirm that a same working fluid can be used as a driving fluid, or as a receiving fluid, depending on the installation and the purpose.

N-butane (R600) discloses a motor cycle ^1, the type in Example 2 (Figure 15b) and a ^1st type receiver cycle in Example 7 (Figure 15g) and Carnot machine respectively driving modified or The receiver that uses this fluid R600 is associated in these two examples with another Carnot machine, in this case a motor, which uses water (R718) as a working fluid. Is deduced therefore that an installation according to the present invention may comprise a Carnot driving machine ¹ type (with the working fluid as R718) coupled to a Carnot machine polyvalente_ modified (as described in Figure 11 and with the R600 as working fluid) and that such an installation can be implemented for applications as different as that referred to in Example 2, and that which is referred to in Example 7.

Claims

1. Installation for the production of cold, heat or work, comprising at least one modified Carnot machine consisting of: a) A ¹ assembly includes a Evap evaporator associated with a heat source, a condenser associated with a Cond heat sink, a DPD device for pressurizing or expanding a working fluid Gj, means for transferring the working fluid Gx between the condenser Cond and DPD, and between the evaporator Evap and DPD; b) ^2nd assembly includes two CT transfer speakers and CT 'which contain a transfer liquid L _τ and G working fluid _τ in the form of liquid and / or vapor, the transfer liquid L _τ and the fluid working being two different fluids; c) means for selectively transferring the working fluid G _T between the condenser Cond and each of the transfer chambers CT and CT ¹ on the one hand, between the Evap Evaporator and each of the CT and CT transfer speakers, on the other hand go ; d) Selective liquid transfer means L _τ between the CT and CT 'transfer chambers and the DPD compression or expansion device, said means comprising at least one hydraulic converter.

2. Installation according to claim 1, wherein the modified Carnot machine is a prime mover, characterized in that the hydraulic converter is a hydraulic motor and the heat source is at a temperature higher than that of the heat sink, and what DPD consists of a device that pressurizes the working fluid G _T which is in the saturated liquid or subcooled liquid state.

3. Installation according to claim 1, wherein the machine of

Modified Carnot is a driving machine, characterized in that the hydraulic converter is a hydraulic motor and the heat source is at a temperature higher than that of the heat sink, and in that the DPD device comprises on the one hand an enclosure compression / expansion ABCD and the transfer means associated therewith and secondly an auxiliary hydraulic pump PHA ₂ for pressurizing the transfer liquid L _τ .

4. Installation according to claim 1, wherein the modified Carnot machine is a receiving machine, characterized in that the hydraulic converter is a hydraulic pump, and the heat source is at a temperature lower than that of the heat sink, and in that DPD is a VD expansion valve or a capillary C or a valve controlled in series with a VCC capillary, said DPD being traversed by the working fluid G _τ .

5. Installation according to claim 1, wherein the machine of

Modified Carnot is a receiving machine, characterized in that the hydraulic converter is a hydraulic pump, and the heat source is at a temperature lower than that of the heat sink, and in that DPD comprises an ABCD enclosure allowing compression or adiabatic relaxation of the working fluid G _τ via the transfer liquid L _τ .

6. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a modified Carnot machine thermally coupled at its condenser and / or evaporator, to a complementary device, the complementary device being a thermodynamic machine diathermal motor for a modified motor Carnot machine, and a receiving thermodynamic ditherme machine for a modified receiving Carnot machine.

7. Installation according to claim 6, characterized in that the coupling is effected by means of a heat transfer fluid or a heat pipe, or by direct contact, or by radiation.

8. Installation according to claim 6, characterized in that the thermodynamic machine is a ditherme ^2nd Carnot machine modified.

9. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the modified Carnot machine is coupled mechanically to a complementary device.

10. Installation according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a receiving modified Carnot machine coupled to a motor complementary device or to a motor-receiver device, or a motor modified Carnot machine coupled to a receiver complementary device or to a motor-receiver device.

11. Installation according to claim 10, characterized in that: the engine supplemental device is an electric motor, a hydraulic turbine, a wind turbine, a gasoline or gas engine, a diesel engine, or a modified motorized Carnot machine; the receiver complementary device is a hydraulic pump, a transport vehicle, an alternator, a heat pump with mechanical compression of steam or gas, an air compressor, or a modified receiving Carnot machine; the engine-receiver complementary device is a flywheel.

12. Installation according to claim 1, capable of operating in motor mode or in receiver mode, characterized in that: it comprises a converter element and means that enable it to be brought into communication selectively with the cylinders CT and CT ¹ , said converter assembly being constituted either by a bifunctional hydraulic converter capable of operating as a motor or pump, or by a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor; the DPD device comprises a pressurizing device, an expansion device and a means of exclusive selection of one of said pressurization and expansion devices which are placed on two parallel circuits between the Cond condenser and the Evap evaporator, and which can each connect the Cond condenser and the Evap evaporator.

13. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises heat exchange means between firstly the source and / or the heat sink which are at different temperatures, and secondly the fluid G _τ work in the CT and CT ¹ transfer chambers, the heat exchange can be direct or indirect.

14. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the working fluid G _τ and the transfer liquid L _x are chosen such that G _x is poorly soluble in L _x , G _τ does not react with L _x and that G _τ in the liquid state is less dense than L _x .

15. Installation according to claim 1, characterized in that the working fluid G _x and the transfer liquid L _x are isolated from one another by a flexible membrane creating an impermeable barrier between the fluids G _x and L _x but which poses only a very weak resistance to the displacement of L _x as well as a weak resistance resistance to thermal transfer, or by a float which has a density intermediate that of the working fluid G _τ in the liquid state and that of the transfer liquid L _x .

16. Installation according to Claim 14, characterized in that the transfer liquid L _τ is selected from water, mineral oils and synthetic oils.

17. Installation according to claim 14, characterized in that the working fluid G _x is a pure body or an azeotropic mixture.

18. Installation according to claim 14, characterized in that the working fluid G _T is selected from water, CO ₂ , NH ₃ , alcohols having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, alkanes having 1 to 18 atoms carbon, chlorofluoroalkanes having 1 to 15 carbon atoms, partially or fully chlorinated alkanes having 1 to 15 carbon atoms and partially or fully fluorinated alkanes having 1 to 15 carbon atoms.

19. A method for producing cold, heat and / or work consisting in subjecting a working fluid G _T to a succession of modified Carnot cycles in an installation according to claim 1, each modified Carnot cycle comprising the transformations of G _τ following: an isothermal transformation with heat exchange between G _τ and the source, respectively the heat sink; an adiabatic transformation with a decrease in the pressure of the working fluid G _τ ; an isothermal transformation with heat exchange between G _x and the well, respectively the heat source; an adiabatic transformation with an increase in the pressure of the working fluid G _x ; characterized in that: the working fluid G _x is in biphasic liquid-gas form at least during the two isothermal transformations of a cycle, the two isothermal transformations produce or are consecutive to a volume change of G _x concomitant with the displacement a transfer liquid L _x which drives or is driven by a hydraulic converter, and work is supplied or received by the installation via a transfer liquid L _x which passes through a hydraulic converter for at least two isothermal transformations.

20. The method of claim 19, characterized in that work is received or provided by the installation via the transfer liquid Ly which passes through a hydraulic converter during only one of the adiabatic transformations.

21. The method of claim 19, characterized in that work is received or provided by the installation via the transfer liquid L _x which passes through a hydraulic converter during the two adiabatic transformations.

22. Process according to claim 19, characterized in that the cycle comprises the following transformations: an isothermal transformation initiated by the addition of heat to G _T from the heat source; an adiabatic transformation with reduction of the pressure of the working fluid G _τ and production of work by the installation; an isothermal transformation during which heat is supplied by Gj to a heat sink at a temperature lower than that of the source; an adiabatic transformation with increasing pressure of the working fluid Gj.

23. The method of claim 22, characterized in that work is exchanged between the installation and the environment during the two adiabatic transformations of the cycle.

24. The method as claimed in claim 23, characterized in that the ratio v _a / v _c is such that 0.9 <v _a / v _c ≤ 1, v _a denoting the mass volume of G _τ at the end of the step heat exchange with the heat sink, v _c denoting the mass volume of Gx at the end of the heat exchange step with the heat source.

25. The method of claim 19, characterized in that the cycle comprises the following transformations: an isothermal transformation with release of heat by G _T to the heat sink; an adiabatic transformation with a decrease in the pressure of the working fluid G _τ ; an isothermal transformation with heat input at G _τ by the heat source at a temperature below the temperature of the heat sink; an adiabatic transformation with an increase in the pressure of the working fluid Gx initiated by the supply of work via the transfer liquid Lγ.

26. The method of claim 19, implemented in an installation which comprises a modified Carnot machine coupled to a ditherme thermodynamic machine, characterized in that the heat of the condenser of the modified Carnot machine is transferred to the thermodynamic machine, or the evaporator of the modified Carnot machine receives heat from the thermodynamic machine.

27. The method of claim 19, implemented in an installation comprising a first and a last modified Carnot machines, and optionally at least one modified Carnot machine intermediate between said first and last modified Carnot machines, the modified Carnot machines. being coupled thermally, characterized in that: - the 1 ^st machine is supplied with heat for the evaporation of a working fluid _P GT and the last machine releases to the environment the heat generated by the condensation of a working fluid GTa, said fluids GT _P and GT _d being identical or different; where appropriate, each intermediate machine receives the heat released by the condensation of the working fluid GTj _-1 of the machine which precedes it, and transfers the heat released by the condensation of its own working fluid GTj to the machine which follows it, said GT fluids; i and GT ₁ may be identical or different; each machine exchanges a quantity of work with the environment; it being understood that the machines are all-wheel or all receiving and that: when all machines are driven, the heat supplied to the ^era machine temperature Tj ₁ and the heat released by the last machine is at temperature T _b < T _h , and a net job is provided to the environment; when all the machines are receiving, the heat supplied to the Machine ^era at temperature T _b and the heat released by the last machine is at temperature T _h higher than both T _b and the temperature of the environment , and a net job is provided by the environment.

28. Process implemented in an installation according to claim 3 for producing heat at a temperature T _b and / or working, characterized in that, from an initial state in which on the one hand the fluid of work G _τ is maintained in the evaporator Evap at high temperature and in the condenser Cond at low temperature by heat exchange respectively with the hot source at Th and the cold well at T _b <[\, and secondly all the communication circuits of G _τ and transfer liquid L _τ are closed; at the moment t _α , the circuit of G _T is opened between Evap and CT ', the circuit of Ly is opened between CT' and the upstream of the hydraulic motor MH, and the auxiliary pump PHA ₂ is actuated, so that than :

* G _τ working fluid evaporates in Evap and the saturated vapor G exiting Evap _τ of the high pressure P _h, enters CT 'and discharges at an intermediate level Lj J;

* L _τ passes through MH while relaxing, then Lj is sucked by PHA ₂ and forced to ABCD; at time t _β , the circuit of G _τ is opened between ABCD and Evap so that the working fluid Gx is introduced in the liquid state into the evaporator. at the moment t _γ , the circuit of G _τ between Evap and CT 'is closed on the one hand, between ABCD and Evap on the other hand, the auxiliary pump PHA ₂ is stopped, the circuit of G _τ is opened between Cond and ABCD on the one hand, between CT and Cond on the other hand, and the circuit of L _τ between CT and ABCD is opened, so that:

* The vapor of G _τ contained in CT 'continues to expand, adiabatically, and represses L _τ to the low level in CT' then through

MH to CT;

the enclosure ABCD in communication with Cond is brought back to the low pressure and L _τ that it contains in its lower part flows towards CT;

the vapors of G _τ contained in CT condense in Cond; at the moment t _δ , all the open circuits are closed at the instant t _γ , the circuit of G _τ is opened between Evap and CT, the circuit of L _τ is opened between CT and the upstream of the hydraulic motor MH , and the auxiliary pump PHA ₂ is actuated, so that:

the saturated vapor of G _T leaving Evap at the high pressure P _h , penetrates into CT and delivers L _x to an intermediate level J;

* L _T passes through MH while relaxing, then L _x is sucked by PHA ₂ and fed back to ABCD. at time t _ε , the circuit of G _x is opened between ABCD and Evap so that the working fluid G _T is introduced in the liquid state into the evaporator; at the instant t _λ, the circuit of G _τ between Evap and CT is closed on the one hand, and the auxiliary pump PHA ₂ is switched off between ABCD and Evap. circuit of G _τ between Cond and ABCD on the one hand, between CT ¹ and Cond on the other hand, and the circuit of L _τ between CT ¹ and ABCD is opened, so that:

* The vapor of G _τ contained in CT continues to expand, adiabatically, and represses L _τ to the low level in CT and then through MH to CT *.

the enclosure ABCD in communication with Cond is brought back to the low pressure and L _τ that it contains in its lower part flows towards CT ';

the vapors of G _τ contained in CT 'condense in Cond; it being understood that after several cycles, the plant operates at a steady state in which the hot source continuously supplies heat at the temperature Tj ₁ at the evaporator Evap, heat is delivered continuously by the condenser Cond cold well at temperature T _b , and work is continuously delivered by the machine.

29. A method for producing heat at a temperature T _b and / or working, implemented in an installation according to claim 2, characterized in that, from an initial state in which the working fluid Gx is maintained in the evaporator Evap at high temperature and in the condenser Cond at low temperature by heat exchange respectively with the hot source at Tj, and the cold well at T _b , and all the communication circuits of the working fluid G _τ and the transfer liquid L _T are closed, at time t _o is actuated PHA auxiliary hydraulic pump ₁ and is opened G _τ circuit between Evap Cond and so that a portion of Gj, to the saturated liquid state or subcooled is sucked by

PHA ₁ in the lower part of condenser Cond, and pumped back to the state of sub-cooled liquid in Evap where it heats up, then Gj is subjected to a succession of modified Carnot cycles, each of which comprising the following steps: instant t _α,. when, during the first action cycle, there remains liquid Gx in the condenser, the circuit of G _τ is opened between Evap and CT 'on the one hand, between CT and Cond on the other hand, and the circuit allowing the transfer of Lx from CT 'to CT via the hydraulic motor MH, so that:

* G _τ warms up and evaporates in Evap, and the saturated vapor of G _τ leaving Evap at the high pressure P _h , enters CT 'and forces L _τ to an intermediate level J;

* Lx passes through MH while relaxing, then Lx is pushed to CT to intermediate level I; * G _T vapor contained in CT and discharged by L _T condense in Cond;

* G _τ in the saturated or subcooled liquid state arrives in the lower part of the Cond condenser where it is sucked as and by PHAi, then discharged in the state of sub-cooled liquid in Evap; at the moment tp, the circuit of Gj is closed between Evap and CT ¹ so that:

* The vapor of G _τ contained in CT 'continues to expand, adiabatically, and drives Lx to the low level in CT' then through MH to CT where it reaches the high level; the rest of the G _T vapor contained in CT and discharged by the liquid

Ly condense in Cond;

* G _τ in the saturated or subcooled liquid state arrives in the lower part of the Cond condenser where it is sucked as and by PHAi, then discharged to the state of sub-cooled liquid in Evap. at the instant t _γ , the open circuits are closed at the instant tp, except that allowing the transfer of G _T between Cond and Evap, the circuit of G _T is opened between Evap and CT on the one hand, between CT 'and Cond other, and opens the circuit for transferring L _τ TC to CT' passing through the hydraulic motor MH, so that: G * _T heats up and evaporates in Evap and steam saturated G _T leaving Evap at high pressure P _h , enters CT and represses L _τ at an intermediate level J;

* L _T passes through MH while relaxing, then L _T is pumped to CT 'up to intermediate level I; the vapors of G _T contained in CT 'and discharged by the liquid L _T condense in Cond;

* G _τ in the saturated or subcooled liquid state arrives in the lower part of the Cond condenser where it is sucked as and by PHAi, then discharged in the state of sub-cooled liquid in Evap; at time t _δ , the circuit of G _T between Evap and CT is closed so that:

* The G ₇ vapor contained in CT continues to expand, adiabatically, and drives Lj to the low level in CT and then through MH to CT 'where it reaches the high level;

the rest of the vapors of G _τ contained in CT 'and discharged by the liquid L _T condense in Cond; * G _τ in the saturated or sub-cooled liquid state arrives in the lower part of the Cond condenser where it is sucked as and by PHAi and finally discharged in the state of sub-cooled liquid in Evap. it being understood that after several cycles, the installation operates at a steady state in which the hot source continuously supplies heat at high temperature T _h at the evaporator Evap, heat is delivered continuously by the condenser Cond to the cold well at T _b and work is delivered continuously by the machine.

30. The method of managing an installation according to claim 5 from an initial state in which all the communication circuits of the working fluid.

G _τ and transfer liquid L _τ are closed, characterized in that, at time t _Λ, the hydraulic pump PH is actuated, then G _T is subjected to a succession of modified Carnot cycles, each of which comprises the following steps at the instant t _α, the circuits of L _τ are opened, allowing on the one hand the transfer of L _τ from the enclosure ABCD upstream of the hydraulic pump PH, on the other hand the transfer of L _τ from CT to CT 'by the hydraulic pump PH, so that:

* G _τ at the liquid / vapor equilibrium state in ABCD and in CT expands from the high pressure P _h to the low pressure P _b and delivers L _τ through PH in CT ';

the vapors of G _τ contained in CT 'are compressed adiabatically. at the moment tp the circuit of G _T between Evap and CT is opened on the one hand, between ABCD and Evap on the other hand, so that: * the transfer liquid L _T is sucked by the pump PH which pressurizes it and represses it in CT ';

the levels of L _τ in ABCD, CT and CT 'respectively go from high to low, high to intermediate J and low to intermediate level I; * because the volume occupied by the vapors of G _τ in CT increases,

G _T evaporates in Evap and the saturated G _T vapor leaving Evap at low pressure P _b enters CT;

* G _τ vapor contained in CT 'continue to be compressed adiabatically up to the high pressure Pj ₁ ; * G _τ in the state of liquid saturated with the low pressure P _b flows by gravity of

ABCD to Evap. at the instant ty we close the circuit of G _τ between ABCD and Evap, we close the circuit of L _τ between ABCD and the upstream of the pump PH, we open the circuit of G _τ between CT 'and Cond of a On the other hand, between Cond and ABCD, and the circuit of L _τ is opened between the downstream of the pump PH and ABCD, so that: * L _T is still sucked by the pump PH which pressurizes and represses it in CT ';

the levels of L _τ in ABCD, CT and CT ¹ respectively go from low to high, from intermediate level J to low, and from intermediate level I to high; * because the volume occupied by the vapor of G _τ in CT continues to increase, G _τ evaporates in Evap and the saturated vapor of G _x leaving Evap at the low pressure P _b enters CT;

the Gy vapors contained in CT ', at high pressure P _h , are discharged by L _T and condense in Cond; * Gx in the saturated liquid state flows by gravity from Cond to ABCD. at the moment t _δ , all the open circuits are closed at the instant t _γ , the circuits of L _τ are opened allowing the transfer of L _τ on the one hand from the enclosure ABCD upstream of the hydraulic pump PH, and secondly from CT 'to CT through the hydraulic pump PH, so that: * G _τ at the equilibrium liquid / vapor state in ABCD and in CT' relaxes from the high pressure Pj ₁ at low pressure P _b and delivers L _T through PH in CT;

the vapors of G _τ contained in CT are compressed adiabatically. at the instant t _ε , the circuit of G ₁ is opened between Evap and CT ¹ on the one hand, and between ABCD and Evap on the other hand, so that:

* L _T is sucked by the pump PH which pressurizes and represses it in CT;

* the levels of L ₇ in ABCD, CT and CT 'go respectively from high to low, low to intermediate level I, and high to intermediate level

J; * because the volume occupied by the vapors of G _T in CT 'increases,

G _x evaporates in Evap and the saturated vapor G exiting Evap _τ pressure low P _b enters CT ^1;

* G _τ vapor contained in CT continue to be compressed adiabatically to the high pressure P ₁₁ ; * G _τ in the state of liquid saturated with the low pressure P _b flows by gravity of

ABCD to Evap; at the instant t _λ, the circuit of G _τ is closed between ABCD and Evap, the circuit of L _τ is closed between ABCD and the upstream of the pump PH, the circuit of G _τ is opened between CT and Cond of a On the other hand, between Cond and ABCD, and the circuit of L _τ is opened between the downstream of the pump PH and ABCD, so that: * L _T is still sucked by the pump PH which pressurizes and represses it in

CT;

* Lx levels in ABCD, CT and CT 'respectively go from low to high, from intermediate level I to high, and from intermediate level J to low; * because the volume occupied by the vapor of G _τ in CT ¹ continues to increase, G ⁱ evaporates in Evap and the saturated vapor of G _T leaving Evap at the low pressure P _b enters CT ¹ ;

* Gj vapor contained in CT, at high pressure P _h , are discharged by L _τ and condense in Cond; * G _τ in the saturated liquid state flows by gravity from Cond to ABCD. it being understood that after several cycles, the installation operates at a steady state, and that: for the cold production, in the initial state, G _τ is maintained in the condenser Cond at high temperature by heat exchange with the well heated to T _h , and in the evaporator Evap at a temperature less than or equal to T _h by heat exchange with an external medium to the machine, said medium initially having a temperature T _h , and in steady state, a net work is consumed by the hydraulic pump PH, the Cond condenser continuously discharges heat to the hot well at high temperature T _h , and heat is continuously consumed by the evaporator Evap, with production of cold to the external environment in contact with said evaporator Evap, the temperature T _{b of} said external medium being less than T _h - for the production of heat, in the initial state, G i is maintained in the evaporator Evap at low temperature ure by heat exchange with the cold source at T _b , G _τ is maintained in the condenser Cond at a temperature T _h >

T _b by heat exchange with an external medium to the machine, said medium initially having a temperature> T _h ; and in steady state, a net work is consumed by the hydraulic pump PH, the cold source at T _b brings heat continuously to Evap Evaporator, Cond Cond condenser continuously discharges heat to the hot well, the installation producing heat towards the external environment in contact with said condenser Cond, the external medium having a temperature T _h > T _b .

31. Method for operating an installation according to claim 4, starting from an initial state wherein all communication circuits G _τ working fluid and the transfer liquid L _τ are closed, characterized in that, at the instant X _0, the hydraulic pump PH is actuated and the circuit of G _τ between Cond and Evap is opened, and G _T is subjected to a succession of modified Carnot cycles, each of which comprises the following steps: instantaneously t _α opens the L _T circuit allowing the transfer of Lx from the CT chamber to the CT 'enclosure through the hydraulic pump PH, and opens the circuit of G _T between Evap and CT, so that: * L _τ is sucked by the pump PH which pressurizes and represses it in CT ';

* the level of L _τ in CT goes from high to intermediate level J, and in CT 'from low to intermediate level I;

* because the volume occupied by the vapors of G _T in CT increases, G _T evaporates in Evap and the saturated vapor of G _T leaving Evap at the low pressure P _b enters CT;

the vapors of G _T contained in CT 'are compressed adiabatically to the high pressure P _h ;

* G _τ in the state of saturated or supercooled liquid in Cond and the high pressure P _h isenthalpically expanded and is introduced in the state of two-phase liquid / vapor mixture and the low pressure P _b in the Evap Evaporator. at the moment tp, the circuit of G _T is opened between CT 'and Cond, so that:

* L _x is still sucked by the pump PH which pressurizes and represses it in CT '; * the level of L _τ in CT goes from intermediate level J to low, and in

CT 'from intermediate level I to high;

* That the volume occupied by the vapors in G _τ CT continues to increase, G _T evaporates in Evap and the saturated vapor G exiting _T Evap pressure low P _b enters CT; the vapors of G _τ contained in CT ', at high pressure P _h , are discharged by L _T and condense in Cond. at time I ₇ , all the open circuits are closed at time tp, except for the circuit of G _τ between Cond and Evap, the circuit of L _τ is opened allowing the transfer of L _T from CT 'to CT by passing by the hydraulic pump PH, and the circuit of G _τ is opened between Evap and CT ', so that:

* L _τ is sucked by the pump PH which pressurizes and represses it in CT; * the level of L _τ in CT goes from low to intermediate level I, and in CT ¹ from high to intermediate level J;

* The volume occupied by the G _T vapor in CT 'increases, the G _τ working fluid evaporates in Evap and the saturated vapor G exiting Evap _τ of the low pressure P _b enters CT';

* Gj in the state of saturated liquid or sub-cooled in Cond and the high pressure P _h isenthalpically relaxes and is introduced in the state of biphasic liquid / vapor mixture and the low pressure P _b in the Evap Evaporator; at the moment t§, the circuit of G _T is opened between CT and Cond, so that:

* L _T is still sucked by the pump PH which pressurizes and represses it in CT; * the level of L _τ in CT goes from intermediate level I to high, and in

CT 'from intermediate level J to low;

* because the volume occupied by the vapor of G _T in CT 'continues to increase, G _T evaporates in Evap and the saturated vapor of G _T leaving Evap at the low pressure P _b enters CT'; * G _T vapor contained in CT, high pressure P _h, are suppressed by L _τ and condense in Cond; it being understood that after several cycles, the installation operates at a steady state, and that: for the production of cold: in the initial state, G _τ is maintained in the condenser Cond at high temperature by heat exchange with the well hot at T _h , and in the evaporator Evap at a temperature less than or equal to T _h by heat exchange with a medium external to the machine, said medium initially having a temperature <T _h ; and in steady state, a net work is consumed by the hydraulic pump PH, the condenser Cond continuously discharges heat to the hot well at high temperature T _h , and heat is consumed continuously by Evap Evaporator, c that is, there is a production of cold to the external environment in contact with said evaporator Evap, the temperature T _{b of} said external medium being <T _h ; for the production of heat: in the initial state, G _T is maintained in the evaporator Evap at low temperature by heat exchange with the cold source at T _b , in the condenser Cond at a temperature> T _h by heat exchange with an environment external to the installation at a temperature> T _h ; and in steady state, a net work is consumed by the hydraulic pump PH, the cold source at T _b brings heat continuously to Evap, and Cond continuously discharges heat to the hot well, that is to say that there is a production of heat towards the external environment in contact with Cond, the temperature T ₁ , of said external medium being greater than T _b .