Provided is a rotating energy conversion device that includes a heat absorber having a working fluid therein, a power converter in fluid communication with the heat absorber, and a heat rejecter in fluid communication with each one of the heat absorber and the power converter. The device may utilize an energy source that provides radiant energy to the heat absorber. The device may utilize a segmented energy source that may have a plurality of segments, wherein each segment may be either activated or deactivated to deliver the radiant energy to the heat absorber. The device may utilize waste heat produced by the device to create additional work. Furthermore, the device may utilize multiple thermodynamic cycles.