초록 ▼

Radiant energy is converted to thermal energy utilizing forced convection through a fluidized bed. The bed is made up of solid, radiant energy absorbing solids in particulate form, which are maintained in fluidized condition by passage of a gas therethrough. Radiant energy impinges upon and is absor

Radiant energy is converted to thermal energy utilizing forced convection through a fluidized bed. The bed is made up of solid, radiant energy absorbing solids in particulate form, which are maintained in fluidized condition by passage of a gas therethrough. Radiant energy impinges upon and is absorbed by the bed, and in turn is transferred thermally to the gas. The gas may be utilized to drive a gas turbine power generator, may be reacted chemically with the particulate solids or the like.

대표청구항 ▼

Apparatus for converting radiant energy from a specified source to thermal energy comprising: a. a housing defining a chamber therein; b. a predetermined quantity of solid particulate material in said chamber, capable of absorbing radiant energy; c. means for supplying gas to said particulate materi

Apparatus for converting radiant energy from a specified source to thermal energy comprising: a. a housing defining a chamber therein; b. a predetermined quantity of solid particulate material in said chamber, capable of absorbing radiant energy; c. means for supplying gas to said particulate material at a pressure and rate which suspends said particulate material in a fluidized bed condition within said chamber; and d. means for coupling radiant energy to said particulate material while simultaneously maintaining said fluidized bed condition, for absorption of radiant energy by said particulate matter and thermal transfer from said particulate matter to said gas.