The Baker Thermodynamic Power Conversion Cycle

A two-phase thermodynamic power system includes a capillary device, an inline turbine, and a condenser for generating output power as a generator or receiving input power as a refrigerator. The capillary device, such as a heat loop pipe or a capillary pumped loop, is coupled to the inline turbine for generating output power for power generation or for receiving input power for powered refrigeration. The capillary device receives input heat that is used to change phase of liquid received from the condenser into vapor for driving the turbine. The power system is well suited for space applications using a radioisotope heat source, using waste heat from a radioisotope power system as a heat source, waste heat from spacecraft components such as electronics as a heat source or solar energy as a heat source. The heat source is useful for driving the capillary wick as well as a superheater for increased power efficiency and lifetime operation. The power system is well suited for space receiving heat from a heat source to produce useful mechanical energy. The refrigeration system is well suited for receiving input mechanical power to the turbine for removing waste heat from a spacecraft at a low temperature and rejecting that heat into space at a higher temperature.