ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEM AND METHOD
The present invention relates to an energy conversion system for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy, comprising an evaporator, an expander, a condenser, a first tank, and a second tank. The energy conversion system further comprises flow control devices for controlling flow or working fluid between the evaporator, the expander, the condenser and the tanks, and a control unit for controlling operation of the energy conversion system by controlling the flow control devices. Each of the tanks has an outlet connected to an inlet of the evaporator, and an inlet connected to the condenser as well as to an outlet of the evaporator. Hereby, some of the pressurized vapor state working fluid flowing from the outlet of the evaporator can be used for pressurizing liquid state working fluid supplied from one the tanks to the evaporator. This configuration of the energy conversion system provides for improved energy conversion efficiency.