Expander circuit

Abstract

An expander circuit for a thermal expander, having a first pump arranged between a condenser and an evaporator, is proposed, the inlet of the expander being connected to the evaporator and the outlet to the condenser, and a separate lubricating circuit connecting the expander circuit to at least one bearing.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An expander circuit for a thermal expander, having a first pump arranged between a condenser and an evaporator, the inlet of the expander being connected to the evaporator and the outlet to the condenser, wherein a separate lubricating circuit connects the expander circuit to at least one bearing. 
     
     
         2 . The expander circuit in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the at least one bearing has a connection of the bearing to the outflow of the first pump. 
     
     
         3 . The expander circuit in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the at least one bearing has a connection of the bearing to the inflow of the first pump. 
     
     
         4 . The expander circuit in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein at least one throttle valve is incorporated in the connection of the at least one bearing to the expander circuit. 
     
     
         5 . The expander circuit in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein a leakage stream is discharged in the expander and the outlet of the leakage stream is converged with the outflow of the lubricating circuit. 
     
     
         6 . The expander circuit in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein a second pump is incorporated into the lubricating circuit. 
     
     
         7 . The expander circuit in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the operating medium is oil-free water.