Refrigerating Cycle Patents (Class 123/41.19)
  • Patent number: 10323885
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a closed system for thermochemical storage comprising at least one water condenser and at least two thermochemical modules, wherein a first thermochemical module comprises a first thermochemical material and a second thermochemical module comprises a second thermochemical material, and wherein the at least one water condenser and the thermochemical modules are connected so that water vapor can be exchanged individually between any two selected from the list consisting of the at least one water condenser and the at least two thermochemical modules. A method for desorption in the system according to the invention is also described. In this method, the first thermochemical module is used as a condenser to dry the second thermochemical module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk onderzoek TNO
    Inventors: Adriaan Jan De Jong, Johannes Christiaan Van 'T Spijker, Ruud Cuypers, Hendrik Pieter Oversloot, Christiaan Franciscus Leonardus Van Soest, Christian Johannes Finck
  • Patent number: 10280870
    Abstract: A combined heat and power system includes a liquid-cooled internal combustion engine, an air-cooled alternator, an air-to-water heat exchanger, and a coolant-to water heat exchanger. The liquid-cooled internal combustion engine includes a liquid cooling system configured to cool the engine with coolant thereby heating the coolant. The air-cooled alternator is configured to be driven by the internal combustion engine to produce electricity. The alternator includes an air cooling system configured to cool the alternator thereby heating air. The air-to-water heat exchanger is configured to receive heated air and water in a heat exchange relationship to preheat the water and cool the air. The coolant-to-water heat exchanger is configured to place heated coolant and preheated water from the air-to-water heat exchanger in a heat exchange relationship to further heat the water and cool the coolant. The coolant-to-water heat exchanger provides heated water to the housing water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Briggs & Stratton Corporation
    Inventor: Jacob J. Schmalz
  • Patent number: 10018145
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for an in-cylinder thermal energy recovery device that utilizes the Rankine Cycle to recover energy from exhaust gasses that may be used to produce additional work in the vehicle. In one example, a method may include outfitting the head area of each cylinder of an engine with a tube array comprising one or more tubes passing through the combustion chamber of the corresponding cylinder. Each tube array may receive an injection of working fluid that is based, in part, on the temperature of the tube array's corresponding cylinder, which may then be utilized to recover heat energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Quazi Ehtesham Hussain
  • Patent number: 8573165
    Abstract: Actuating device for a recirculation pump of a cooling circuit of an internal combustion engine comprising a pulley suitable for being rotationally driven by the engine, a driven shaft for driving the pump and an electromagnetically controlled coupling interposed between the pulley and the driven shaft, in which the electromagnetic coupling comprises an electromagnet, coupling mechanism controlled by the electromagnet and mobile between an engagement position in which the pulley is connected to the driven shaft and a disengagement position, and an elastic member for maintaining an engagement member in the engaged position when the electromagnet is not energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Dayco Europe S.r.L.
    Inventors: Andrea Guala, Gianluca Cariccia, Riccardo Seren Rosso
  • Patent number: 8528677
    Abstract: A cooling assembly is provided for use in a work vehicle. The cooling assembly may comprise a heat exchanger for transferring energy in the form of heat from a coolant fluid to air passing through the heat exchanger, filter structure positioned adjacent a first side of the heat exchanger to filter the air before the air passes through the heat exchanger, and a fan shroud positioned adjacent a second side of the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Crown Equipment Corporation
    Inventors: Dean E. Davis, Derek M. Gamertsfelder, Jason R. Kremer, Joerg Nellen, Nicholas J. Stein
  • Patent number: 8453722
    Abstract: An air conditioning system for use in an over-the-road or off road vehicle is provided that provides a method of operation during both engine on and engine off conditions. The method operates the air conditioning system at one capacity when the engine is running, and at a second capacity when the engine is not running. The selection of these capacities is based on the power capacity of the source of electric power from which the air conditioning system is operated. When a storage battery is used to power the air conditioning system during engine off conditions, the second capacity is lower than the capacity at which the system is operated when the engine is running.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Bergstrom, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Zeigler, Eric Elias
  • Patent number: 8156903
    Abstract: Actuating device for a recirculation pump of a cooling circuit of an internal combustion engine comprising a pulley suitable for being rotationally driven by the engine, a driven shaft for driving the pump and an electromagnetically controlled coupling interposed between the pulley and the driven shaft, in which the electromagnetic coupling comprises an electromagnet, coupling mechanism controlled by the electromagnet and mobile between an engagement position in which the pulley is connected to the driven shaft and a disengagement position, and an elastic member for maintaining an engagement member in the engaged position when the electromagnet is not energized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Dayco Europe S.r.l. con Unico Socio
    Inventors: Andrea Guala, Gianluca Cariccia, Riccardo Seren Rosso
  • Publication number: 20100258063
    Abstract: A thermal management system is disclosed for a hybrid vehicle having an electrochemical power source (battery/fuel cell) and an internal combustion engine. In cooling mode, the system will flow liquid refrigerant over an evaporator attached to the battery/fuel cell, a two-phase mixture will then flow to the condenser where the heat is dissipated to ambient. In cold conditions where the battery/fuel cell needs to be warmed, the system will pick up heat from the engine and pump the warm fluid back to the battery/fuel cell until its optimal operating temperature is reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventor: DALE R. THOMPSON
  • Publication number: 20090277400
    Abstract: An integrated expansion turbine/electrical generator assembly (collectively referred to as a “turbo-generator”) suitable for use in waste heat recovery and similar applications. The turbo-generator uses a common shaft mounting a one or more stage expansion turbine and a homopolar electrical generator. Magnetic levitating axial and thrust bearings are used to hold the common shaft in its proper position with a fixed housing. The magnetic bearings minimize frictional losses, allowing the common shaft to spin at a very high rotational velocity. Sensor rings continually monitor the common shaft's position. This information is used by control electronics to regulate the magnetic bearings in order to hold the rotating shaft's position. Electrical energy is extracted from the rotating shaft in the form of a direct current. Preferably integrated power-switching electronics are used to generate single or three-phase AC power, which can be phase-matched to an existing power grid or other application.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Ronald David Conry
  • Patent number: 7454922
    Abstract: An air conditioning system for use in an over-the-road or off road vehicle that provides operation during both engine on and engine off conditions. The system includes a variable speed compressor, a motor, and a controller. The controller receives electric power from the vehicle's electric power generation system when the engine is on to enable operation of the compressor during an engine on condition. When the engine is off, the controller receives electric power from a battery to enable operation of the compressor during the engine off condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: Bergstrom, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Zeigler, Eric Elias
  • Patent number: 7448227
    Abstract: An air conditioning system for use in an over-the-road or off road vehicle provides operation during both engine on and engine off conditions. The system includes a variable speed compressor, a motor, and a controller. The controller receives electric power from the vehicle's electric power generation system when the engine is on to enable operation of the compressor during an engine on condition. When the engine is off, the controller receives electric power from a battery to enable operation of the compressor during the engine off condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Bergstrom, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Zeigler, Eric Elias
  • Patent number: 7398770
    Abstract: A dual cold air induction (“DCAI”) system, apparatus and method for decreasing the intake air temperature, which increases the air's volume and efficiency, at the diesel internal combustion engine's point-of-ignition. The DCAI system comprises a dual air cooling unit defined by primary and secondary compartments. The primary compartment ingests ambient air and conditions it to a preset predetermined temperature for mixing with ambient air upstream of the turbocharger's compressor side. The conditioned ambient air, located on the turbocharger's compressor's downstream side, is further conditioned in the secondary compartment to a preset predetermined temperature which is then delivered to the engine intake. The housing, which houses a plurality of air cooling components for producing cold air, has insulative capabilities for maintaining the cold air temperature created within both compartments of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Inventors: Henry T. Acuna, Sr., Henry Acuna, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7168400
    Abstract: A cooling system for enhanced variable cooling of internal combustion engine having a multi-speed water pump connected to an internal combustion engine for pumping conventional refrigerant. A radiator is connected to the multi-speed water pump and is in fluid communication with the multi-speed water pump. A first electronic expansion valve is connected to the radiator and is in fluid communication with the radiator. The electronic expansion valve is for metering the conventional refrigerant. A fresh air intake cooler is connected to the first electronic expansion valve and is in fluid communication with the first electronic expansion valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Inventors: Jamie L. Toscano, Travis C. Trilling
  • Patent number: 6904762
    Abstract: A novel pump pressure limiting method for preventing coolant in a cooling system from reaching pressures that exceed predetermined system coolant pressure limits. The method includes reducing the system coolant pressure, as needed to prevent system over-pressurization, by reducing the operational speed of a coolant pump used to pump the coolant through the system. In one embodiment, the system coolant pressure is determined directly, by measurement of the pressure of the coolant in the system typically using pressure sensors. The operational speed of the coolant pump is then reduced until the system coolant pressure decreases to within the predetermined pressure limits. In another embodiment, the system pressure is determined indirectly, by obtaining pressure-indicating data such as coolant temperature. The coolant system pressure is then correlated with the coolant temperature or other data and then the operational speed of the coolant pump is reduced accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William Schwartz, Mukesh Kumar, Gene Cox
  • Patent number: 6173578
    Abstract: Air conditioning which is designed to cool a vehicle engine and provide air conditioning inside the vehicle is comprised of a condenser (5) cooled by air (6). The condenser (5) is installed in the vehicle and separated from the vehicle radiator (18) so that hot air coming out from the condenser will not pass over the vehicle radiator. The condenser (5) will be placed in some place other than next to the radiator and a fan (4-A) will be installed to provide it with fresh air. A cold low-pressure suction pipe (20) coming from the evaporator (13) is placed inside the vehicle radiator in an area in which water cooling the radiator accumulates in the radiator. The high pressure liquid pipe (7) is split after the receiver in a way that connects to a pipe (16) leading back to the vehicle radiator and connects to another pipe leading to the evaporator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Inventor: Saidan Sh. M. Al-Otaibi