1992c
The following is a U.S. Patent granted to Harold Aspden with an issue date of
April 7, 1992.
US PATENT NO 5,101,632
'THERMAL RADIATION ENERGY CONVERSION'
Abstract: Thermal
energy radiation is converted into another energy form by setting up a
temperature differential between two heat sinks forming part of a conventional
converter or heat engine, but the warmer heat sink derives its input energy by
collecting optically-foucesed thermal radiation from a primary heat sink within
the converter structure. Heat rejected by the cooler heat sink is recycled to
the primary heat sink to enhance the thermal efficiency above the Carnot level
set by the base temperature conditions. The power rating of the converter is
enhanced by combination with a reverse heat engine which elevates the
temperature of a heat input to the primary heat sink and so the temperature of
the radiating surface.
