US Patent 7520133 Thermodynamic engine

A thermodynamic engine converts the superheated steam of at least one working medium into kinetic energy using a decompression device. Said engine includes a low-temperature circuit, in which a first working medium is transported through a first heat exchanger and subsequently through the decompression device and a high-temperature circuit, in which a second working medium is transported through a second heat exchanger and subsequently through the decompression device. The first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger are located in the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, and the internal combustion engine a coolant circuit can be used to heat the working mediums in separate collection containers.