SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MULTI-LEVEL VACUUM GENERATION AND STORAGE

A system and method for vacuum generation is disclosed. A saturated steam of higher than ambient pressure is inserted into a condensation cylinder with two chambers, separated by a movable piston, and wall-imbedded heat exchangers. The steam moves the piston to fill one chamber while expel gaseous content and condensate out of the other chamber. The steam is then condensed to a rough vacuum state by cooling. By repeated operations of inserting and condensing steam in each chamber alternatively, a sustained vacuum generation is achieved. A system and method for constructing a multi-level vacuum storage is also disclosed, with a high vacuum chamber placed inside a rough vacuum chamber to reduce the leakage as well as mechanical stresses. Furthermore the vacuum generation system and method is extended for creating a prime mover or actuator to drive vacuum pumps, maximizing the thermal energy usage for increased vacuuming capacity.