Abstract: A horizontal-shaft wind machine having improved low wind speed performance and greater overall efficiency consists of multiple rotors, wherein each successive rotor is larger in diameter than the previous rotor moving from the most windward rotor to the most leeward rotor. Each rotor may be coupled to a shroud/diffuser that is displaced axially downwind from the rotor.

Abstract: A horizontal-shaft wind machine having improved low wind speed performance and greater overall efficiency consists of multiple rotors, wherein each successive rotor is larger in diameter than the previous rotor moving from the most windward rotor to the most leeward rotor. Each rotor may be coupled to a shroud/diffuser that is displaced axially downwind from the rotor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel injector which requires preferably no more than about 10 pounds-force to open the fuel injector, regardless of the pressure downstream of the injector and interfacing with the injector when closed prior to injection. For instance, this low actuation force may be utilized for each and every discharge pressure within the range from a vacuum to about 1,000 psi. Principally, for a given inlet pressure (e.g., the pressure within the fuel injector when closed prior to injection) and a given discharge pressure (e.g., the pressure downstream of the discharge port when closed and interfacing with the fuel injector), at least two surface areas are jointly selected to allow for the use of this reduced actuation force. One of these surface areas is exposed to the inlet pressure and exerts a force which is generally directed to close the discharge port.

Abstract: A Wankel rotary engine is modified to operate on natural gas, with the exhaust from the engine being fed into a combustion chamber where an ignition device ignites the hydrocarbons in the engine exhaust, with the engine timing, and the air and fuel mixture of the engine being controlled to produce a sufficient amount of hydrocarbons in the engine exhaust to enable ignition and combustion of the engine exhaust in the combustion chamber without the addition of fuel to air. The exhaust from the combustion chamber drives a power turbine. In further embodiments, the engine may be turbocharged, and heat exchangers use the excess heat from the engine coolant, lubricant, and exhaust gases to heat a usable liquid, such as water, thus providing a cogeneration system.