An apparatus for a refrigerant-based power generation system comprises an evaporator unit 6, a condenser unit 12, a turbine 20, and a generator 22 which is possibly hydro-electric. The turbine, evaporator and condenser unit are in fluid communication and contain refrigerant such that they allow refrigerant to travel cyclically around the system. The turbine is mechanically coupled to the generator. The evaporator unit, turbine and condenser unit are arranged so that, in use, the refrigerant is dropped onto the turbine using the force of gravity to drive the generator for the production of electricity. The system may comprises a control valve 19 and a level transmitter 17, which may measure the refrigerant level in a receiver unit 16. The valve may be controlled based on the volume of refrigerant detected by the transmitter. A plurality of evaporators and turbines may be connected to a single condenser. The heat absorbed by the evaporator may be industrial waste heat, geothermal energy from mines (fig. 4), or heat from atmospheric air (fig. 3). A compressor (15, fig. 4) is not needed with this system but may be used.
展开▼