Flywheel mechanical energy derived from engine exhaust heat

Abstract

An engine exhaust heat recovery system includes an engine exhaust heat conduit that interacts with a two-phase fluid that exists in liquid and gaseous states within a single closed loop. A first heat exchanger, which may be a boiler, interfaces with and receives heat from the engine exhaust conduit. Exhaust heat energy converts the fluid from the liquid state into the gaseous state for transfer into a heat expander situated downstream of the first heat exchanger. The heat expander utilizes the gaseous heat energy to rotate a flywheel, and a system of clutches is situated and adapted to permit the flywheel to transfer mechanical energy for subsequent, selective production of work upon demand. In one disclosed embodiment, the heat expander may be a high-speed turbine with a rotary power shaft coupled to a transmission and a plurality of clutches adapted to engage and actuate the flywheel.