Patents by Inventor Jiro Fukudome

Jiro Fukudome has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11930707
    Abstract: A thermoelectric power generation device including a thermoelectric element having a first side provided to a heating unit and a second side provided to a cooling unit, and a heat transfer pipe arranged in a passage in which a high temperature fluid flows. The heating unit and the heat transfer pipe have internal spaces communicating with each other. The internal space of the heating unit and the internal space of the heat transfer pipe form a circulation path in which a heat medium is circulated. An outlet of the heat transfer pipe from which the heat medium is discharged is provided in a position higher than an inlet of the heat transfer pipe into which the heat medium flows. The heat transfer pipe vaporizes the heat medium flowing in the circulation path by using heat of the high temperature fluid. The heating unit condenses the heat medium vaporized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignee: YANMAR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshika Hatasako, Jiro Fukudome, Yuichiro Tanaka, Shuichi Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 11871665
    Abstract: A thermoelectric generation system is provided with: a thermoelectric element; a heating unit; a cooling unit; a heat transfer unit; a pressure gauge; a first valve; and a control unit. The thermoelectric element uses a temperature difference to generate power. The heating unit has a first heat medium path through which a heat medium passes, and heats the thermoelectric element by means of the heat of the heat medium. The cooling unit cools the thermoelectric element. The heat transfer unit has a second heat medium path through which the heat medium passes and which is connected to the first heat medium path, and heats, by using a heat source, the heat medium reduced in temperature as a result of heating the thermoelectric element. The pressure gauge detects the rise or fall of a value (pressure of heat medium) in accordance with the temperature of the heat source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Yanmar Power Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshika Hatasako, Jiro Fukudome, Shuichi Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 11532777
    Abstract: A thermoelectric power generation device including: a heating unit having a heat medium passage in which a heat medium flows; a cooling unit having a cooling liquid passage in which a cooling liquid flows; a thermoelectric element having the heating unit and the cooling unit so as to generate power by utilizing a temperature difference between a condensation temperature of the heat medium and a temperature of the cooling liquid; a power generation output detection unit configured to detect a power generation output of the thermoelectric element; a heat medium pressure detection unit configured to detect a pressure of the heat medium; a storage unit for storing, in advance, a relationship between a power generation output of the thermoelectric element and the pressure of the heat medium; and an abnormality detection unit configured to detect an abnormality taking place in the thermoelectric power generation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: YANMAR POWER TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshika Hatasako, Jiro Fukudome, Yuichiro Tanaka, Shuichi Nakagawa
  • Publication number: 20220344559
    Abstract: With a thermo-siphon type heat exchanger including a heating section of and a heat transfer pipe of a thermoelectric power generation unit, the thermoelectric power generator recovers a heat from a hot gas flowing through a flow path and generates electricity. To the thermo-siphon type heat exchanger, a storage tank that stores a heat medium is connected in a communication state; transferring of the heat medium from the thermo-siphon type heat exchanger to the storage tank, and returning of the heat medium from the storage tank to the thermo-siphon type heat exchanger can adjust the heat medium amount in the thermo-siphon type heat exchanger. At least a part of the storage tank is placed in the flow path so that the stored heat medium is heated, and the stored heat medium can be cooled with a cooler that is capable of turning a cooling function ON/OFF.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2022
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Applicant: Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jiro FUKUDOME, Hirofumi UKAI, Shuji TAMAKI, Yoshika HATASAKO
  • Patent number: 11031535
    Abstract: A thermoelectric power generation system including a plurality of thermoelectric power generation devices. Each of the thermoelectric power generation devices includes: a heating unit having a heat medium passage in which a heat medium flows; a cooling unit having a cooling liquid passage in which a cooling liquid flows; a thermoelectric element having the heating unit and the cooling unit so as to generate power by utilizing a temperature difference between a condensation temperature of the heat medium and a temperature of the cooling liquid; and a heat transfer pipe communicated with the heat medium passage to form a circulation path in which the heat medium circulates. The heat transfer pipes of the respective thermoelectric power generation devices are arranged in a single flow path in which a high temperature fluid flows. The heat medium passages of the thermoelectric power generation devices are structured to communicate with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: YANMAR POWER TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshika Hatasako, Jiro Fukudome, Yuichiro Tanaka, Shuichi Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 10950776
    Abstract: A thermoelectric power generation device including: a heating unit having a heat medium passage in which a heat medium flows, a cooling unit having a cooling liquid passage in which a cooling liquid flows, a thermoelectric element having the heating unit on one side and the cooling unit on another side, the thermoelectric element configured to generate power by utilizing a temperature difference between a condensation temperature of the heat medium that undergoes latent heat transfer in the heat medium passage and a temperature of the cooling liquid; and the thermoelectric power generation device further including a heat medium adjusting unit configured to adjust the pressure or the temperature of the heat medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: YANMAR POWER TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshika Hatasako, Jiro Fukudome, Yuichiro Tanaka, Shuichi Nakagawa
  • Publication number: 20210050502
    Abstract: A thermoelectric generation system is provided with: a thermoelectric element; a heating unit; a cooling unit; a heat transfer unit; a pressure gauge; a first valve; and a control unit. The thermoelectric element uses a temperature difference to generate power. The heating unit has a first heat medium path through which a heat medium passes, and heats the thermoelectric element by means of the heat of the heat medium. The cooling unit cools the thermoelectric element. The heat transfer unit has a second heat medium path through which the heat medium passes and which is connected to the first heat medium path, and heats, by using a heat source, the heat medium reduced in temperature as a result of heating the thermoelectric element. The pressure gauge detects the rise or fall of a value (pressure of heat medium) in accordance with the temperature of the heat source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2019
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Applicant: YANMAR POWER TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshika Hatasako, Jiro Fukudome, Shuichi Nakagawa
  • Publication number: 20200328337
    Abstract: A thermoelectric power generation device that can improve power generation efficiency. The thermoelectric power generation device (1A) includes thermoelectric elements (2) having their first sides provided on heating units (3) and their second sides provided on cooling units (4). The thermoelectric elements (2) are provided on both sides of the heating unit (3). The cooling units (4) are provided on both sides of the heating unit (3) so as to face each other across the thermoelectric elements (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Applicant: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshika HATASAKO, Jiro FUKUDOME, Yuichiro TANAKA, Shuichi NAKAGAWA
  • Publication number: 20200091395
    Abstract: A thermoelectric power generation device including: a heating unit having a heat medium passage in which a heat medium flows; a cooling unit having a cooling liquid passage in which a cooling liquid flows; a thermoelectric element having the heating unit and the cooling unit so as to generate power by utilizing a temperature difference between a condensation temperature of the heat medium and a temperature of the cooling liquid; a power generation output detection unit configured to detect a power generation output of the thermoelectric element; a heat medium pressure detection unit configured to detect a pressure of the heat medium; a storage unit for storing, in advance, a relationship between a power generation output of the thermoelectric element and the pressure of the heat medium; and an abnormality detection unit configured to detect an abnormality taking place in the thermoelectric power generation device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Publication date: March 19, 2020
    Applicant: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshika HATASAKO, Jiro FUKUDOME, Yuichiro TANAKA, Shuichi NAKAGAWA
  • Patent number: 10557395
    Abstract: A thermoelectric generating unit is configured to generate based on a temperature difference between a cold side and a hot side. A heating part includes a plate-like hollow member and tubular member. The hollow member is provided along a hot-side surface of a thermoelectric transducer, and forms a plate-like cavity inside. The tubular member forms a tubular cavity which communicates the plate-like cavity, with two open ends of the tubular member being positioned distantly from each other and connected to the plate-like hollow member. The tubular member is heated from outside by a hot fluid. The plate-like cavity and the tubular cavity form a circulation path in which a heating medium charged in the cavities circulates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: YANMAR CO., LTD
    Inventor: Jiro Fukudome
  • Publication number: 20190334073
    Abstract: A thermoelectric power generation device including: a heating unit having a heat medium passage in which a heat medium flows, a cooling unit having a cooling liquid passage in which a cooling liquid flows, a thermoelectric element having the heating unit on one side and the cooling unit on another side, the thermoelectric element configured to generate power by utilizing a temperature difference between a condensation temperature of the heat medium that undergoes latent heat transfer in the heat medium passage and a temperature of the cooling liquid; and the thermoelectric power generation device further including a heat medium adjusting unit configured to adjust the pressure or the temperature of the heat medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Applicant: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshika HATASAKO, Jiro FUKUDOME, Yuichiro TANAKA, Shuichi NAKAGAWA
  • Publication number: 20190331425
    Abstract: A thermoelectric power generation system including a plurality of thermoelectric power generation devices. Each of the thermoelectric power generation devices includes: a heating unit having a heat medium passage in which a heat medium flows; a cooling unit having a cooling liquid passage in which a cooling liquid flows; a thermoelectric element having the heating unit and the cooling unit so as to generate power by utilizing a temperature difference between a condensation temperature of the heat medium and a temperature of the cooling liquid; and a heat transfer pipe communicated with the heat medium passage to form a circulation path in which the heat medium circulates. The heat transfer pipes of the respective thermoelectric power generation devices are arranged in a single flow path in which a high temperature fluid flows. The heat medium passages of the thermoelectric power generation devices are structured to communicate with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Publication date: October 31, 2019
    Applicant: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshika HATASAKO, Jiro FUKUDOME, Yuichiro TANAKA, Shuichi NAKAGAWA
  • Patent number: 10422300
    Abstract: A radiant heat recovery heater includes U-shaped heat transfer tubes each including a first path and a second path arranged on a mounting section. The U-shaped heat transfer tubes are housed in a container fixed to the mounting section. The first paths and the second paths of the U-shaped heat transfer tubes are arranged on the mounting section at equal intervals with a pitch angle ?. The first paths are each arranged on the mounting section at a position offset from the pitch angle ? for the associated second path by a predetermined angle ?, so as not to completely overlap a projection of that second path, the projection extending from the container toward the center C of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: YANMAR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jiro Fukudome
  • Publication number: 20170342889
    Abstract: The thermoelectric generating unit 1 generates electric power by a temperature difference between the cold side and the hot side. The heating part 4 is composed of a plate-like hollow member 4a and a tubular member 4b. The hollow member 4a is provided along a hot-side surface of the thermoelectric transducer 2, and forms a plate-like cavity 40a inside. The tubular member 4b forms a tubular cavity 40b which communicates the plate-like cavity 40a, with the two open ends of the tubular member 4b being positioned distantly from each other and connected to the plate-like hollow member 4a. The tubular member 4b is heated from outside by a hot fluid. The plate-like cavity 40a and the tubular cavity 40b form a circulation path 40 in which a heating medium charged in the cavities 40a, 40b circulates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Applicant: YANMAR CO., LTD
    Inventor: Jiro Fukudome
  • Publication number: 20170138301
    Abstract: A radiant heat recovery heater includes U-shaped heat transfer tubes each including a first path and a second path arranged on a mounting section. The U-shaped heat transfer tubes are housed in a container fixed to the mounting section. The first paths and the second paths of the U-shaped heat transfer tubes are arranged on the mounting section at equal intervals with a pitch angle ?. The first paths are each arranged on the mounting section at a position offset from the pitch angle ? for the associated second path by a predetermined angle ?, so as not to completely overlap a projection of that second path, the projection extending from the container toward the center C of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Applicant: YANMAR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jiro Fukudome
  • Patent number: 8850840
    Abstract: A desiccant air conditioner includes an intake path that introduces air SA from outdoors to indoors, an exhaust path that exhausts air RA from indoors to outdoors, a desiccant rotor adapted to perform dehumidification by adsorbing moisture in air SA flowing through the intake path and regenerate dehumidifying capacity by releasing moisture into air RA flowing through the exhaust path, heating heat exchangers that heat air RA in the exhaust path, and a sensible heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between air RA flowing through the intake path and air SA flowing through the exhaust path, wherein two dehumidification regions, the first dehumidification region and the second dehumidification region, through which air in the intake path passes and two regeneration regions, the first regeneration region and the second regeneration region, through which the air RA in the exhaust path passes are alternately formed in the desiccant rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jiro Fukudome
  • Patent number: 8448429
    Abstract: [Problems] Provided is a configuration in which a member is not interposed between exhaust gas and a partition wall of an engine coolant passage, and the exhaust gas is caused to directly collide with the partition wall of the engine coolant passage, thus raising the gas flow velocity in a heat exchange part, which enables further improving the exhaust heat recovery rate. [Means for Solving Problems] An engine exhaust gas heat recovery device (1) recovers heat from engine exhaust gas by performing heat exchange between the engine exhaust gas and engine coolant. A plurality of spray holes (20) facing an inner cylinder tube (31) of a coolant passage (3) have been provided in an outer tube (22) of an exhaust gas inflow tube (2), and the exhaust gas is caused to directly collide with the inner cylinder tube (31) of the coolant passage (3). A minimum distance from each of the spray holes (20) to the inner cylinder tube (31) of the coolant passage (3) is in a range of 1.5 to 7 times the diameter of the spray holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jiro Fukudome, Masataka Sugimoto
  • Publication number: 20130036913
    Abstract: Provided is an air conditioning system capable of high efficiency operation and a compact structure. The air conditioning system is provided with a desiccant and a heat pump. The desiccant absorbs air moisture and the heat pump employs the treating air as a low-temperature heat source while employing the reproducing air as a high-temperature heat source to supply reproducing air with heat for reproducing the desiccant. Heat exchange occurs between the reproducing air before being heated by the heat pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: YANMAR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jiro Fukudome
  • Publication number: 20110214446
    Abstract: A desiccant air conditioner includes an intake path that introduces air SA from outdoors to indoors, an exhaust path that exhausts air RA from indoors to outdoors, a desiccant rotor adapted to perform dehumidification by adsorbing moisture in air SA flowing through the intake path and regenerate dehumidifying capacity by releasing moisture into air RA flowing through the exhaust path, heating heat exchangers that heat air RA in the exhaust path, and a sensible heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between air RA flowing through the intake path and air SA flowing through the exhaust path, wherein two dehumidification regions, the first dehumidification region and the second dehumidification region, through which air in the intake path passes and two regeneration regions, the first regeneration region and the second regeneration region, through which the air RA in the exhaust path passes are alternately formed in the desiccant rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: YANMAR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jiro Fukudome
  • Publication number: 20100205946
    Abstract: [Problems] Provided is a configuration in which a member is not interposed between exhaust gas and a partition wall of an engine coolant passage, and the exhaust gas is caused to directly collide with the partition wall of the engine coolant passage, thus raising the gas flow velocity in a heat exchange part, which enables further improving the exhaust heat recovery rate. [Means for Solving Problems] An engine exhaust gas heat recovery device (1) recovers heat from engine exhaust gas by performing heat exchange between the engine exhaust gas and engine coolant. A plurality of spray holes (20) facing an inner cylinder tube (31) of a coolant passage (3) have been provided in an outer tube (22) of an exhaust gas inflow tube (2), and the exhaust gas is caused to directly collide with the inner cylinder tube (31) of the coolant passage (3). A minimum distance from each of the spray holes (20) to the inner cylinder tube (31) of the coolant passage (3) is in a range of 1.5 to 7 times the diameter of the spray holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: Yanmar Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jiro Fukudome, Masataka Sugimoto