Abstract: High-temperature solar thermal systems and methods are described. In one aspect, a system is described that includes a heat engine power conversion system, or a “heat engine,” with a fluid working medium. The heat engine includes a first input, a second input, and a heat exchanger. The first input receives heated high temperature tolerant particles, or “heated particles,” from a solar energy collection and distribution component that is coupled to the heat engine. The heat engine's second input receives the working fluid medium used to drive the power cycle in the heat engine. The heat exchanger transfers heat from the received heated particles to the working fluid medium, and thereby, energized the heat engine's power cycle.

Abstract: Thermal energy storage systems and devices comprise at least one storage vessel, at least one heat transfer ramp adjacent to the at least one storage vessel, and at least one heat transfer fluid channel adjacent to the heat transfer ramp. Heat exchange occurs between a heat transfer medium traveling down the heat transfer ramp and a heat transfer fluid traveling through the heat transfer channel. The heat transfer ramp may be angled with respect to the storage vessel such that the heat transfer medium travels down the heat transfer ramp assisted by force of gravity.

Abstract: High-temperature solar thermal systems and methods are described. In one aspect, a system is described that includes a heat engine power conversion system, or a “heat engine,” with a fluid working medium. The heat engine includes a first input, a second input, and a heat exchanger. The first input receives heated high temperature tolerant particles, or “heated particles,” from a solar energy collection and distribution component that is coupled to the heat engine. The heat engine's second input receives the working fluid medium used to drive the power cycle in the heat engine. The heat exchanger transfers heat from the received heated particles to the working fluid medium, and thereby, energized the heat engine's power cycle.

Abstract: Systems and methods of energy storage and release comprise at least one storage vessel and a combined conveyor and heat transfer device linked to the at least one storage vessel by at least one discharge device. The combined conveyor and heat transfer device includes a rotatable conveyor drum and at least one heat transfer fluid conduit within the rotatable conveyor drum. A granular material travels from the at least one storage vessel to the combined conveyor and heat transfer device via the at least one discharge device, and the rotatable conveyor drum moves the granular material therethrough in counterflow to a flow of heat transfer fluid traveling through the heat transfer fluid conduit.

Abstract: An electrode arrangement for electrohydrodynamic (EHD) enhancement of heat and mass transfer is disclosed. Electrodes of alternating polarity are embedded within a nonconductive heat transfer wall material and are connected to a high voltage source at either end of the heat transfer wall material where the heat transfer wall material passes through a tube sheet, fitting or other confinement. When voltage from the high voltage source is applied to the alternating electrodes, electric field gradients are created on both the interior and exterior heat transfer surfaces of the heat transfer wall material. Regions of intense electric field gradient reside in close proximity to both heat transfer surfaces, thus when nonconductive fluids pass over the heat transfer surfaces, bubbles are repelled from the regions of strong electric field gradients above the electrodes and additional fluid is attracted into these regions.

Abstract: A device for applying an evaporation-inhibiting film to an exposed liquid surface of a liquid body, which includes an impeller disposed below and coplanar with the exposed liquid surface; means for rotating said impeller; means for delivering the evaporation-inhibiting film to the exposed liquid surface at a location immediately above said impeller; and means for bringing liquid from beneath the exposed surface of the liquid body to above said impeller.

Abstract: Chain or conveyor system for a machine to manufacture pile fabrics which have the blades thereof closely spaced by arranging the chain lugs on each chain in staggered relationship to the chain lugs on the next adjacent chain.

Abstract: A hollow needle for a tufting machine using fluid means to insert the yarn through a backing material. The needle has a fairly sharp point and is ground to merge the walls of the point of the needle into the base diameter to provide a gradual spread of the yarns in the backing material through which the needle is inserted.