Abstract: A liquid heating system may comprise a metallic container and a refillable non-corrosive hollow porous tube, which may be coupled to the metallic container. The refillable non-corrosive hollow porous tube may include at least one open end and anodic material may be filled or refilled into the refillable non-corrosive hollow porous tube through the at least one open end. The anodic material is corroded by the oxidation process at a substantially faster rate compared to the metallic container. The anodic material is refilled into the refillable non-corrosive hollow porous tube through the at least one open end without removing the refillable non-corrosive hollow porous tube from the metallic container or disturbing the position of the refillable non-corrosive hollow porous tube.

Abstract: A heat pump liquid heater (HPLH) system coupled to an array of photovoltaic cells that operate at enhanced efficiency is disclosed. The HPLH system comprises a panel or a box structure coupled to the HPLH. The box structure supports an array of photovoltaic cells and a circulation mechanism. The HPLH generates a coolant as a by-product using ambient air and electric power. The coolant that is circulated around the photovoltaic cells may extract the heat generated by the photovoltaic cells and the temperature of the photovoltaic cells may decrease to a specific level or maintained within an allowable temperature range. The reduction in temperature causes the photovoltaic cells to operate with enhanced efficiency and may generate more electric power. The size of the panel or the number of photovoltaic cells required to generate a required power may be reduced that reduces the cost of the HPLH system.

Abstract: A method for assembling a rotor assembly and a rotor assembly are provided. The method comprises providing a rotor blade including a first sidewall, a second sidewall, where the first and second sidewalls are connected at a leading edge and a trailing edge and extend in span from a root portion to a tip portion, removing blade material from the tip portion to form a tip portion rake angle that enables the tip portion to extend obliquely between the first and second sidewalls, and coupling the rotor blade to a shaft such that during tip rubs the tip portion rake angle facilitates reducing radial loading induced to the blade during tip rubs.

Abstract: An efficient heat pump is disclosed, the heat content of the refrigerant flowing out of an existing condenser is reduced by sub-cooling using an additional condenser. The heat reduced during the sub-cooling phase is added to the evaporator to superheat the refrigerant during evaporation phase. Removing heat from condensation phase (which is otherwise wasted) of the refrigeration cycle and adding that heat to the evaporation phase (which requires additional heat) may enhance the efficiency of the heat pump.

Abstract: A liquid heating system may comprise a metallic container and a refillable non-corrosive hollow porous tube, which may be coupled to the metallic container. The refillable non-corrosive hollow porous tube may include at least one open end and anodic material may be filled or refilled into the refillable non-corrosive hollow porous tube through the at least one open end. The anodic material is corroded by the oxidation process at a substantially faster rate compared to the metallic container. The anodic material is refilled into the refillable non-corrosive hollow porous tube through the at least one open end without removing the refillable non-corrosive hollow porous tube from the metallic container or disturbing the position of the refillable non-corrosive hollow porous tube.

Abstract: A heat pump liquid heater (HPLH) system coupled to an array of photovoltaic cells that operate at enhanced efficiency is disclosed. The HPLH system comprises a panel or a box structure coupled to the HPLH. The box structure supports an array of photovoltaic cells and a circulation mechanism. The HPLH generates a coolant as a by-product using ambient air and electric power. The coolant that is circulated around the photovoltaic cells may extract the heat generated by the photovoltaic cells and the temperature of the photovoltaic cells may decrease to a specific level or maintained within an allowable temperature range. The reduction in temperature causes the photovoltaic cells to operate with enhanced efficiency and may generate more electric power. The size of the panel or the number of photovoltaic cells required to generate a required power may be reduced that reduces the cost of the HPLH system.

Abstract: A heat pump liquid heater for heating a liquid comprising: a heat pump; a liquid tank in heat communication with the heat pump, wherein the liquid tank comprises the liquid; and at least one metal condenser tube immersed into the liquid, wherein the metal condenser tube forms at least one coil. The metal condenser tube has a flattened double-tube configuration and a cross-section defined by concentric ovals such that at least a portion of the concentric ovals is in contact with one another thereby minimizing space between the flattened double-tubes. The heat pump comprises a tube-in-tube heat exchanger and a compressor, wherein the tube-in-tube heat exchanger recovers heat from refrigerant returning from the liquid tank and transfers the recovered heat to refrigerant going to the compressor thereby superheating the refrigerant.

Abstract: A heat pump liquid heater system comprises a liquid conduit to direct a flow of a liquid between a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, and a plurality of heat pump liquid heaters. Each heat pump liquid heater comprises a heat transfer element to transfer heat to the liquid and a temperature sensor to detect temperature of the heated liquid. A controller controls operation of the heat pumps based on the detected temperature of the heated liquid. The liquid conduit through which the liquid flows includes a plurality of adaptor assemblies, each of which has a heat pump port adapted to receive a heat transfer element and a temperature sensor for extension into the liquid conduit.

Abstract: A heat pump liquid heater for heating a liquid comprising: a heat pump; a liquid tank in heat communication with the heat pump, wherein the liquid tank comprises the liquid; and at least one metal condenser tube immersed into the liquid, wherein the metal condenser tube forms at least one coil. The metal condenser tube has a flattened double-tube configuration and a cross-section defined by concentric ovals such that at least a portion of the concentric ovals is in contact with one another thereby minimizing space between the flattened double-tubes. The heat pump comprises a tube-in-tube heat exchanger and a compressor, wherein the tube-in-tube heat exchanger recovers heat from refrigerant returning from the liquid tank and transfers the recovered heat to refrigerant going to the compressor thereby superheating the refrigerant.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method for assembling a rotor assembly is provided. The method comprises providing a rotor blade including a first sidewall, a second sidewall, where the first and second sidewalls are connected at a leading edge and a trailing edge and extend in span from a root portion to a tip portion, removing blade material from the tip portion to form a tip portion rake angle that enables the tip portion to extend obliquely between the first and second sidewalls, and coupling the rotor blade to a shaft such that during tip rubs the tip portion rake angle facilitates reducing radial loading induced to the blade during tip rubs.

Abstract: A heat pump liquid heater for heating a liquid comprising: a heat pump; a liquid tank in heat communication with the heat pump, wherein the liquid tank comprises the liquid; and at least one metal condenser tube immersed into the liquid, wherein the metal condenser tube forms at least one coil. The metal condenser tube has a flattened double-tube configuration and a cross-section defined by concentric ovals such that at least a portion of the concentric ovals is in contact with one another thereby minimizing space between the flattened double-tubes. The heat pump comprises a tube-in-tube heat exchanger and a compressor, wherein the tube-in-tube heat exchanger recovers heat from refrigerant returning from the liquid tank and transfers the recovered heat to refrigerant going to the compressor thereby superheating the refrigerant.

Abstract: A method enables a rotor assembly for a gas turbine engine to be fabricated. The method includes forming a blade including an airfoil extending from an integral dovetail used to mount the blade within the rotor assembly, and extending a projection from at least a portion of the blade, such that the stresses induced within at least a portion of the blade are facilitated to be maintained below a predetermined failure threshold for the blade to facilitate preventing failure of the blade.

Abstract: A technique for easily and cost effectively installing solar photo-voltaic solar panels is provided. Solar panels are installed on pre-existing building structures to minimize the cost of installation. Pre-fabricated and field configurable components are used for mounting the solar panels such that the cost and ease of installation is made even more favorable to an average solar electricity consumer. An example of such a cost-effective implementation includes installing solar panels on pre-existing fences demarcating residences or commercial office spaces. L-shaped brackets are screwed on to the fence pillars. Pre-cut and adjustable aluminum or wooden rails are then mounted on the horizontal protruding arms of the L-shaped brackets. Solar photo-voltaic panels are later fitted on to the rails. Finally, quick disconnects are used to hook-up the solar panels to the DC-to-AC inverter in a desirable configuration to form the electrical circuit.

Abstract: A method enables a rotor assembly for a gas turbine engine to be fabricated. The method includes forming a blade including an airfoil extending from an integral dovetail used to mount the blade within the rotor assembly, and extending a projection from at least a portion of the blade, such that the stresses induced within at least a portion of the blade are facilitated to be maintained below a predetermined failure threshold for the blade to facilitate preventing failure of the blade.