Abstract: A method and a turbine-compressor assembly of a system having a turbine-compressor device fluidly coupled with a heat source, a compressor, and a turbine via plural valves. A power device may be coupled with the turbine-compressor device. A controller may control operation of the plural valves to control movement of fluids within the assembly to selectively switch between the turbine-compressor device operating in one of plural modes. In a turbine mode of operation, the turbine-compressor device may generate electrical power and direct the electrical power to the power device. In a compressor mode of operation, the turbine-compressor device may receive electrical power from the power device to consume the electrical power.

Abstract: Locking device comprising: a support, a first locking member and a second locking member, the first locking member being mounted on the support and configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position, an intermediate member movable between a retaining position and a release position, the intermediate member in the retaining position retaining the first locking member in the locked position, and a shape-memory member, the shape-memory member being connected to the intermediate member and configured to move the intermediate member to the release position when the shape-memory member is activated.

Abstract: A hydro power generating system and device is configured to generate electrical power from the movement of water. The device consists of an elongated cylindrical hull to which comprises of a helical screw attached around the outer surface of a hull of the device. Movement of water over the screw causes the hull to rotate. The power created by the rotation of the hull is transferred to a generator located in the hull interior. The hull also contains water ballast tanks and a compressed air source in an air tank allowing adjusting the buoyancy of the device. The system is configured to couple adjacent devices in an array that can extend longitudinally, laterally and/or vertically via a common frame. At least a pair of counter-rotating screws is attached to a common frame, wherein the entire assembly of the system is anchored in flowing water.

Abstract: A geothermal well is provided including a first tube including at least one opening in a first depth; a second tube having a closed bottom in a second depth; and a third tube having a closed bottom in a third depth. The first tube is inside the second tube, which is inside the third tube, wherein the first tube has at least one opening in fluid communication with a first interspace between the first tube and the second tube; wherein the third depth and the first depth are smaller than the second depth. Through-holes are formed in the second tube above the bottom of the third tube, which allow fluid communication between the first interspace and a second interspace between the second tube and the third tube. A first sealing element and a heat insulating material are disposed in the first interspace above the through-holes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are system, apparatus, article of manufacture, method and/or computer program product embodiments, and/or combinations and sub-combinations thereof, for using a hot sedimentary aquifer (HSA) in geothermal energy generation applications. An example embodiment operates by pumping, via multiple extraction wells, heated water from one or more extraction depths of an HSA. The HSA is identified based on a permeability satisfying a threshold permeability range. The example embodiment further operates by extracting, via a power generation unit, heat from the heated water to generate power and transform the heated water into cooled water. Subsequently, the example embodiment operates by injecting, via multiple injection wells, the cooled water at one or more injection depths of the HSA.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating and a controller for controlling generation of geothermal power in an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) operation to thereby supply electrical power to one or more of in-field operational equipment, a grid power structure, and an energy storage device. In an embodiment, during hydrocarbon production, a temperature of a flow of heated fluid from a source or working fluid may be determined. If the temperature is above a vaporous phase change threshold of the working fluid, heat exchanger valves may be opened to divert flow of heated fluid to heat exchangers to facilitate heat transfer from the flow of wellhead fluid to working fluid through the heat exchangers, thereby to cause the working fluid to change from a liquid to vapor, the vapor to cause a generator to generate electrical power via rotation of an expander.

Abstract: An explosively propelled piston assembly (EPPA) comprising an optional mounting plate; at least one lower cylinder fastener; a breach bolt with a base and an upward extending member; a breach plate having a plurality of surround openings; a breach gasket having a plurality of openings; a combustion piston with a base, a center opening, and upward extending side wall and a threaded opening; a piston dampening ring; a combustion cylinder having an upper section, a lower section, upward extending members and at least one ventilation bore; and a plurality of threaded plate fasteners. Once the EPPA is assembled, an explosive charge is placed into the EPPA. The charge is then activated which produces a contained explosive force that actuates the piston, causing the piston to extend outward, applying the force onto an object in contact with or adjacent to the EPPA. The force can be used to produce pushing, flipping, rolling or other movement of the object.

Abstract: Actuators (artificial muscles) comprising twist-spun nanofiber yarn or twist-inserted polymer fibers generate actuation when powered electrically, photonically, chemically, thermally, by absorption, or by other means. These artificial muscles utilize polymer fibers non-coiled or coiled yarns and can be either neat or comprising a guest. Devices comprising these artificial muscles are also described. In some embodiments, thermally-powered polymer fiber torsional actuator has a twisted, chain-oriented polymer fiber that has a first degree of twist at a first temperature and a second degree of twist at a second temperature in which the bias angles of the first degree and second degree of twist are substantially different.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and a method for storing electrical energy which are based on a closed thermodynamic cycle. They make it possible to store electrical energy in a very efficient, cost-effective, and safe manner. No environmentally hazardous or expensive materials are required. The system comprises a compressor, a turbine, and two packed-bed storage units which are operated at different temperature levels. In order to load the packed-bed storage units, the cycle is operated as a counterclockwise heat pump process. In this process, the heat generated at the outlet of the compressor is expanded at a high temperature level into a first packed-bed storage unit and stored therein. The “cold” produced during the subsequent expansion of the gaseous working medium in a turbine is stored in a second packed-bed storage unit. This requires mechanical energy which is provided by an electrical machine. In order to discharge the energy storage system, the cycle is operated in reverse (i.e.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure can include a system for generating steam. The system can include a direct steam generator configured to generate saturated steam and combustion exhaust constituents. A close coupled heat exchanger can be fluidly coupled to the direct steam generator, the close coupled heat exchanger can be configured to route the saturated or superheated steam and combustion exhaust constituents through an exhaust constituent removal system. The system can include an energy recovery system that reclaims the energy from the exhaust constituents.

Abstract: An energy collection apparatus includes an upper body and a lower body. The upper body has a first storage compartment, and is arranged to connect to an external energy generator. The lower body downwardly extends from the upper body, and has a second storage compartment. The energy collection apparatus is securely supported in a deep sea level above seabed so that when sea water enters the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment, geothermal energy and pressure difference between the sea water in the first storage compartment and the second storage compartment create upthrust steam at a top portion of the first storage compartment, the upthrust steam being guided to reach the external energy generator for further use.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that utilizes renewable energy to generate high temperature, superheated steam for driving a prime mover, such as a steam turbine coupled to an electrical generator, and/or to deliver heat where only a portion of the renewable energy system needs to withstand a high temperature working fluid that is necessary to generate high temperature superheated steam.

Abstract: A geothermal system includes an outer vessel having a sidewall that is in contact with surrounding ground material. A geothermal pile is disposed within an interior volume of the outer vessel, wherein a first heat conducting liquid at least partially fills a space between an inner surface of the sidewall of the outer vessel and an outer surface of the geothermal pile when in an installed condition. A conduit disposed within an interior space of the geothermal pile conducts a second heat conducting liquid along a flow path within the geothermal pile toward a bottom end thereof and then back to an outlet at a top end thereof. During operation, heat is transferred from the surrounding ground to the second heat conducting liquid via the first heat conducting liquid within the space between the inner surface of the sidewall of the outer vessel and the outer surface of the geothermal pile.

Abstract: A bi-level tank includes a transfer tank and a return tank containing a volume of water, including transfer and return components in the transfer and return tanks, respectively, and a transition component. A bellows couples an upper surface of a piston in the transfer tank to the return component that exerts pressure on the upper surface, while a lower surface of the piston is under pressure from a pressured fluid supplied by a source thereof, producing a pressure differential on the piston. Actuation of a force-applying mechanism on the piston sufficient to overcome the pressure differential displaces the piston for exchanging respective volumes of the return component and the fluid from the source. An extensible and retractable constant-volume boot holds the transition component around the bellows and has valves configured to open and close for equalizing pressure between the boot and the transfer tank.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electrode assembly includes positioning a layer stack comprising an electrode positioned between an electrode insulator and a support polymer in a vacuum bag, removing air from the vacuum bag thereby vacuum coupling the electrode to the electrode insulator, and removing the layer stack from the vacuum bag, where upon removal of the layer stack from the vacuum bag, the electrode remains vacuum coupled to the electrode insulator and the electrode insulator is in direct contact with the electrode, thereby forming an electrode assembly.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cooling a surface on a flight vehicle and generating power include advancing the vehicle at a speed of at least Mach 3 to aerodynamically heat the surface. A first working fluid circulates through a first fluid loop that heats the first working fluid through a first heat intake thermally coupled to the surface and expands the first working fluid in a first thermal engine to generate a first work output. A second fluid loop has a second working fluid that receives heat from the first working fluid and a second thermal engine to generate a second work output. The first and second work outputs are operably coupled to first and second generators, respectively, to power primary or auxiliary systems on the flight vehicle.

Abstract: An actuator capable of attaining high output. The actuator includes a frame structure part that forms a frame structure surrounding a housing part, and a volume change part housed in the housing part. The volume change part increases a volume thereof by input of external energy. The frame structure part has a higher Young's modulus than a Young's modulus of the volume change part. The housing part has an anisotropic shape, with a maximum width in first direction of the housing part longer than a maximum width in second direction different from the first direction of the housing part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the utilization of wave energy and its conversion into operating motion of an electrical energy generating system. The system for generation of electrical energy through the conversion of aquatic wave motion includes floating bodies and a constant rotation mechanism, which converts the two-way linear motion of an inflexible transmission shaft or a flexible transmission shafts into one-way rotation of an output shaft of the constant rotation mechanism. This mechanism allows utilization of wave energy in two directions caused by the rise and fall of waves. The output shaft of the constant rotation mechanism is coupled to a force multiplier that is further coupled to a generator which generates electrical energy. Constant rotation mechanism can be driven by inflexible transmission shaft pivotally coupled to the floating bodies at one end, and the other end to an input gear of the constant rotation mechanism.

Abstract: A cryogenic oil-free direct drive turbogenerator for gas liquefaction plant applications is described. The pressure energy from cryogenic gas is expanded through a turbine and the power generated is converted into electricity through a directly driven generator and a power electronics arrangement. The machinery can withstand very cold temperature operation (e.g., <?425° F.) by isolating the cold turbine side from the warmer side of the machine turbine end and has a hermetically sealed design wherein the process gas is fully contained from leaking at operating pressures. A unique gas injection scheme uses seal gas segregation, thrust bearing cooling and pressure balance for thrust control which is accomplished through a pressure regulator arrangement. Also described is an algorithm for speed control and overspeed protection through the power electronics system. The rotating components of the turbogenerator are supported on foil gas bearings for oil-free operation eliminating extraneous lubrication.

Abstract: The present disclosure belongs to the technical field of new energy utilization, and provides an offshore oscillating water column wave energy conversion device with an external permeable structure. The offshore oscillating water column wave energy conversion device with the external permeable structure comprises an oscillating water column system, an anchoring fixing system and a permeable structure. According to the offshore oscillating water column wave energy conversion device with the external permeable structure provided by the present disclosure, the offshore oscillating water column wave energy conversion device and the permeable structure are effectively combined. Using an offshore floating structure, the offshore oscillating water column wave energy conversion device with the external permeable structure can be applied to deep and far sea areas with higher wave energy density, and the output power of the device can be effectively improved.