Solar power is an obvious solution to the accumulation of Greenhouse Gases, however, the sun is not always out especially in extreme northern and southern latitudes. For this reason most utilities supplement energy production with fossil fuel burning power plants, natural gas turbines in particular. Nearly forty years ago, Robert A. and Edmund J. Kraus developed an idea that with some technical tweaks can increase the efficiency of all types of fuel burning power plants. Just as the mass flow of a gas turbine is used to operate rides at Disney World, this flow of pressurized hot air can be funneled through a Krause-like device to generate additional energy, thus increasing efficiency. Relatively low pressure steam can also be used to inject ambient air through the device for applications with coal or oil fired power plants. This device can also be used to sequester carbon emissions.
Before I go on, this simple idea is not science fiction. The concept relies on the fact that we can get more energy out of an Isothermal expansion than an Isentropic one. The do-ability relies on the fact that the device is an add on, so existing hardware does not necessarily need to be replaced; The additional equipment only requires a modest investment with hardware that is readily available; Maintenance costs should be low; And, fuel efficiency works with, not against, the hegemonic fuel burning power structure. This device can start clearing the air wherever it is built as soon as it is up and running. Which, is good news for places with bad air quality like Beijing.
Global Climate Change is upon us. Any mechanical engineer worth their salt can quickly see the value of this device and how to improve it. The key to curbing greenhouse gas emissions as soon as possible is to make it as easy as possible for the energy producers to increase their profits by saving money on fuel with the least amount of hassle. An unfortunate fact of life is that in order for it to get better someone has to make money on the process.
My modified version of this device the Vortex Isothermal Efficiency Booster is patent pending. But, considering the desperate need for a solution to our collective problem, I am more interested in the widest possible distribution of the concept than I am in personal gain. I want to be a facilitator not a stumbling block. The devil is obviously in the details, both legal and technical. Some research and fine tuning must be done. I have considered offering up what I have along with the existing prior art as part an open source solution to climate change and energy efficiency, but I don't know the ramifications of doing this. What could possibly go wrong? The road to hell is paved with good intentions. Any input is appreciated.
Final note: While studying Electrical Engineering at the University of Florida I took Engineering Thermodynamics as an elective from the infamous Dr. Roger A. Gater. I say infamous because his course was rigorous and he was known for taking no prisoners. Truth be told, he was one hell of a good teacher. During his office hours he had a table set up in his office with at least five students around it working problems and asking questions. Outside, there might be three or four students waiting with questions of their own. His textbooks were loaded with problems that required us to uncover our understanding of thermodynamic through hard work. During one of his lectures Dr. Gater talked about the heat efficiency of various types of engines. The Combined Cycle Power Plant had one of the highest heat efficiencies available. He said that perhaps one of us would discover how to increase that efficiency beyond the 60% that it was at that time. Well Dr. Gater, I believe this might be it.