Abstract: A heat engine includes a first rotatable pulley and a second rotatable pulley spaced from the first rotatable pulley. A shape memory alloy (SMA) element is disposed about respective portions of the pulleys at an SMA pulley ratio. The SMA element includes a first wire, a second wire, and a matrix joining the first wire and the second wire. The first wire and the second wire are in contact with the pulleys, but the matrix is not in contact with the pulleys. A timing cable is disposed about respective portions of the pulleys at a timing pulley ratio, which is different than the SMA pulley ratio. The SMA element converts a thermal energy gradient between the hot region and the cold region into mechanical energy.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine wherein an exhaust purification catalyst and a hydrocarbon feed valve are arranged downstream in an exhaust passage. A first NOX purification method, which removes NOX by making a concentration of hydrocarbons that flows into the exhaust purification catalyst vibrate within predetermined amplitude and period ranges and a second NOX purification method which utilizes an adsorption action of NOX to the exhaust purification catalyst are used. A high pressure exhaust gas recirculation system (HPL) causing recirculation of high pressure exhaust gas and a low pressure exhaust gas recirculation system (LPL) causing recirculation of low pressure exhaust gas are provided.

Abstract: An assembly for a valve drive of an internal combustion engine, which has a hydraulic support element and a cam follower connected by way of a clamp. The follower rests on one end via a cap on a spherical head of a pressure piston of the support element. The piston extends in a bore of a housing of the support element. The clamp flanks the cap with holding strips along the sides. The inner sides run in a guide zone on the outer shell of the piston. The housing has an opening for hydraulic fluid that can be conducted between the housing and the piston through at least one passage in the piston to a storage chamber. The guide zone on the piston is also designed as an anti-rotation mechanism therefore. The piston is installed in a defined manner and is torsionally oriented in relation to the cam follower.

Abstract: The invention relates electrical power generation using renewable sun energy in a Microturbine Sun Tracker (MST), a system for useful electrical output power that combines a Concentrated Solar Energy (CSE) with a closed cycle Microturbine powerplant. The solar light ray energy of the CSE is directed into a solar receiver with an integrated closed cycle microturbine powerplant, heating the working fluid of the microturbine to cause the turbine rotor/power spool rotation and subsequent output electricity. Also the (MST) system combines the dish form (CSE) and the closed cycle microturbine powerplant to a common frame that incorporates a single axis 360° rotation capability and secondary declination tilting capability.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator includes an SMA element and a flexible outer coating or layer. The element is respectively activated by a heating source. The layer surrounds the element, and enhances the heat transfer characteristics of the element to increase the speed of the actuation cycle. The nominal geometry and/or thermal conductivity may be altered during an activation phase, and may include discrete elements oriented with respect to the element, and partially embedded in the layer. An end gripper assembly may be used to cause the layer to move in concert with the element during a phase transformation. An electro-mechanical system includes the cooling source and the actuator. A method includes connecting the actuator to a load, activating the element using the heating source, and deactivating the element using a cooling source or free/ambient air.

Abstract: A thermal power plant includes a boiler for burning fossil fuel to generate steam, a steam turbine including a high-pressure turbine, an intermediate-pressure turbine, and a low-pressure turbine which are driven by steam generated in the boiler, an absorber for absorbing and capturing CO2 contained in boiler exhaust gas discharged from the boiler in an absorbing liquid, a desorber for circulating the absorbing liquid between the desorber and the absorber and separating CO2 from the absorbing liquid that has absorbed CO2, a reboiler for feeding a heating source for separating CO2 from the absorbing liquid to the desorber, a steam pipe system for feeding steam taken out from the high-pressure turbine and the intermediate-pressure turbine to the reboiler, and a steam feed source switching device.

Abstract: An exhaust manifold including a manifold body made of a first material and at least one heat shield insert provided inside the manifold body and made of a second material. The first material is a low cost material and the second material is a higher grade, temperature-resistant material. The manifold body includes a plurality of runners, collector and an outlet. The shield insert is preferably provided in the collector region adjacent to the outlet. The heat shield insert may have a curved sheet configuration or a tubular configuration depending on applications. The heat shield properly insulates the manifold body from the exhaust gas to protect the manifold body. The exhaust manifold, which is made from a combination of different materials, provides a more cost-effective solution in high temperature applications.

Abstract: A solar energy power generation system generates AC electrical power from solar radiation through the use of parabolic troughs to capture the energy and a fluid turbine to convert the solar energy to mechanical energy. The turbine is directly coupled to a generator to produce AC electrical power.

Abstract: A thermal management system includes an enable module, a status module and a temperature control module. The enable module enables generation of ammonia for use in selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalysts of an exhaust system during a passive SCR mode. The status module determines whether the exhaust system is operating in a passive SCR mode and generates a passive SCR active signal. The passive SCR mode includes operating an engine with rich air/fuel ratios. The temperature control module activates electrical heating of an oxidation catalyst based on the passive SCR active signal and a temperature of the oxidation catalyst.

Abstract: A mixing element has a grid which includes a plurality of rows parallel to each other and a plurality of deflector elements which project from the grid and are inclined in relation to the grid plane normal. All deflector elements of one row are inclined in the same direction. The deflector elements of at least two immediately adjacent first rows are inclined in the same direction. The mixing element is used in an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A hydrogen production apparatus which includes: a humidifier (2), which is supplied with a process fluid containing carbon monoxide and mixes the process fluid with steam; a reactor (3), which reacts the humidified process fluid output from the humidifier in the presence of a catalyst, thereby converting the carbon monoxide within the process fluid into carbon dioxide; a first pipe (A) through which high-temperature process fluid flows following reaction in the reactor; a second pipe (B) that supplies makeup water; at least one first heat exchanger (51a, 51b) disposed at one of one or more locations where the first pipe and the second pipe cross each other; and a third pipe (C) that supplies steam generated by heat exchange in the first heat exchanger to other apparatus.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a Hydrokinetic & Wind Energy Harvester, placed in a wave-swash zone or in a flowing stream captures energy through water turbines and a wind turbine. A funnel guides water to converge and impinge on water turbines housed in a pipe. A trash guard attached to the funnel prevents trash from entering the pipe. A rotational transmission-system with one-way clutches transmits torque to an alternator to generate electricity. Flywheels maintain steady rotation of alternator shaft. A buoyancy chamber at the bottom produces reduction of weight of the unit in water, thereby enhances maneuverability of unit in water. Stabilization tank at the top when filled with water provides extra weight and stability against sliding and overturning of the unit in its operating location. An energy farm combines the energy of several units linked together; in coastal water, units form a seawall-like barrier mitigating coastal erosion.

Abstract: A diesel dosing system for a vehicle includes a control valve (31) controlling fluid flow to a dosing valve (32) for supplying fuel directly into an exhaust passage of the vehicle. A system pressure source (55) feeds the control valve. A shutoff valve (54) is fluidly connected to the pressure source downstream thereof and to the control valve upstream thereof. The shutoff valve permits bi-directional flow there-through. A connection (57) is between the shutoff valve and the control valve defining a fluid volume there-between. The shutoff valve permits fluid flow from the system pressure source through the connection and to the control valve during a regeneration phase of the system. Upon engine shutdown and based on fluid pressure in the volume, the shutoff valve opens so that fluid trapped in the volume will communicate with the pressure source thereby reducing the fluid pressure in the volume.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy actuation apparatus comprises a movable element suspended on a support structure by a plurality of flexures which are non-uniformly configured to apply forces having differing components perpendicular to the movement axis generating a net moment around the center of mass of the movable element in an opposite sense from the moment generated by the actuation force. A shape memory alloy wire is coupled between the support structure and an intermediate body engaging the movable element through a pivotal contact to avoid lateral force transfer. Also coupled between the support structure and the intermediate body is a resilient biassing flexure plastically deformed in a partial region thereof. The shape memory alloy wire is crimped by a crimping member fixed to the support structure holding the shape memory alloy wire against a curved surface from which the shape alloy memory wire extends to the movable element.

Abstract: An eVCP camshaft phaser comprising a harmonic gear drive unit having a circular spline and a dynamic spline linked by a common flexspline, and a single wave generator disposed within the flexspline. The circular spline is connectable to either of a crankshaft-connectable sprocket or an engine camshaft, the dynamic spline being connectable to the other thereof. The wave generator is driven selectively by an eMotor to cause the dynamic spline to rotate past the circular spline, thereby changing the phase relationship between the crankshaft and the camshaft. A coaxial coil spring is connected to the sprocket and to the phaser hub and is positioned and tensioned to bias the phaser and camshaft to a stop position wherein the engine can run or be restarted after the eMotor is de-energized. Preferably, the spring comprises a spring cassette for easy assembly into the eVCP.

Abstract: A coupler plate for a multi-valve system of an internal combustion engine. The coupler plate includes an elongated planar body and through holes on opposite ends. The through holes may be either closed or open ended, and of sufficient size to insert valve stems of valves for an internal combustion engine valve system.

Abstract: An engine assembly may include an engine structure, a first valve, a first valve lift mechanism and a first camshaft. The engine structure may define a first combustion chamber and a first port in communication with the first combustion chamber. The first valve may be located in the first port and the first valve lift mechanism may be engaged with the first valve. The first camshaft may be rotationally supported on the engine structure and may include a first double lobe engaged with the first valve lift mechanism. The first double lobe may define a first valve opening region including a first peak and a second valve opening region including a second peak rotationally offset from the first peak.

Abstract: A reductant delivery unit (10?) for selective catalytic reduction (SCR) after-treatment for vehicles includes a fluid injector (12) having a fluid inlet (24) and a fluid outlet (25) with the fluid inlet receiving a source of urea solution to be sent through the fluid outlet. Movable inlet cup structure (16?) communicates with the inlet of the fluid injector. A shield (18?) is fixed with respect to the fluid injector and surrounds at least portions of the fluid injector and the inlet cup structure. A spring (26) is engaged between a portion of the inlet cup structure and the shield. When the urea solution freezes in the fluid injector and expands near the fluid inlet of the injector, the inlet cup structure moves toward the injector inlet to accommodate the frozen urea solution, with the spring returning the inlet cup structure to an initial position once the frozen urea solution melts.

Abstract: An exhaust gas sensor device for detecting a concentration of at least one exhaust gas component in the exhaust gas line of an internal combustion engine is described, having at least one ChemFET for detecting the oxygen content of the exhaust gas. In addition, a corresponding engine control device and an engine control method are described.

Abstract: An exemplary steam plant having a steam circuit which includes a superheater defining a boundary between a superheated steam region and an unsuperheated steam region. The steam circuit includes a branch, from a superheated steam region of the steam circuit, with a branch valve and a steam desuperheater upstream of the branch valve. The desuperheater provides cooling to the branch during flow mode operation of the branch. During a no flow mode, a first preheat line and a second preheat line provide the cooling by supplying unsuperheated steam to the branch and directing this flow through to a lower pressure region of the steam circuit.