Thermogravitational cycles: theoretical framework and example of an electric thermogravitational generator based on balloon inflation/deflation

TL;DR

This paper introduces a theoretical framework for thermogravitational cycles, demonstrating their potential as pure power cycles with efficiencies comparable to Carnot, and presents a prototype electric generator utilizing low-temperature heat sources.

Contribution

It develops a comprehensive theoretical model for thermogravitational cycles and demonstrates a novel low-temperature heat engine prototype that operates without external work input.

Findings

Thermogravitational cycles achieve efficiencies similar to Carnot cycles.

A working prototype generates 50 mV peak-to-peak using low-temperature heat.

The system can operate using renewable energy sources like geothermal or solar.

Abstract

Several studies have combined heat and gravitational energy exchanges to create novel heat engines. A common theoretical framework is developed here to describe thermogravitational cycles which have the same efficiencies as the Carnot, Rankine or Brayton cycles. Considering a working fluid, enclosed in a balloon, inside a column filled with a transporting fluid, the cycle is composed of four steps. Starting from the top of the column, the balloon goes down by gravity, receives heat from a hot source at the bottom, rises and delivers heat to a cold source at the top. Unlike classic power cycles which need external work to operate the compressor, thermogravitational cycles can operate as "pure power cycle" where no external work is provided to drive the cycle. To illustrate this concept, the prototype of a thermogravitational electrical generator is presented. It uses a hot source of low temperature (average temperature near 57{\deg}C) and relies on the gravitational energy exchanges of an organic fluorinated fluid inside a balloon attached to a magnetic marble producing an electromotive force of 50 mV peak to peak by the use of a linear alternator. This heat engine is well suited to be operated using renewable energy sources such as geothermal gradients or focused sunbeams.