Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the transport of heat energy from at least one heat source to at least one heat sink, in particular for a district heating network, by means of a working fluid which includes a mixture of at least one first component having a first boiling point and of a second component having a second boiling point, with the first boiling point being lower than the second boiling point. The method includes the step of an at least partial vaporization of the first component of the working fluid by the supply of heat from the heat source. The vaporized portion of the first component is transported separately from the working fluid depleted by the vaporization with respect to the first component from the heat source to the heat sink by means of a transport means. Subsequently, the vaporized first component is absorbed by the depleted working fluid while emitting the heat absorbed on the vaporization to the heat sink.

Abstract: A thermodynamic system that produces mechanical, electrical power, and/or fluid streams for heating or cooling. The cycle contains a combustion system that produces an energetic fluid by combustion of a fuel with an oxidant. A thermal diluent may be used in the cycle to improve performance, including but not limited to power, efficiency, economics, emissions, dynamic and off-peak load performance, and/or turbine inlet temperature (TIT) regulation and cooling heated components. The cycle preferably includes a heat recovery system and a condenser or other means to recover and recycle heat and the thermal diluent from the energetic fluid to improve the cycle thermodynamic efficiency and reduce energy conversion costs. The cycle may also include controls for temperatures, pressures, and flow rates throughout the cycle, and controls power output, efficiency, and energetic fluid composition.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for operating a steam power plant having a coal-fired steam generator, in which at least two partial air streams are heated by means of the exchange of heat in at least one exhaust gas/air heat exchanger with hot exhaust gases that are obtained in the steam generator by the combustion of coal. The coal is dried in a milling-drying system with a first partial air stream of the heated air supplied as a primary air stream and a second partial air stream of the heated air is supplied to the steam generator as a secondary air stream for the combustion of the coal. The secondary air stream is preheated in an air/air heat exchanger upstream from the exhaust gas/air heat exchanger, with respect to the direction in which the secondary air stream flows, by the exchange of heat with the heated primary air stream.

Abstract: A combined heat and power system that may be ON/OFF controlled by the thermal load requirements for the system and/or operated at or below atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for powering one or more remotely-situated devices. In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, energy is added (at a convenient location) to a medium that the remotely-situated devices are associated with (e.g., a medium that the remotely-situated devices are sensing, controlling, alarming, etc). The energy is removed from the medium near to the remotely-situated devices. If required, the energy is converted to a form that is useable by the remotely-situated device. The removed energy is delivered to the remotely-situated devices and is used by them to perform an action that is associated with the medium (e.g., sensing a characteristic of the medium, controlling a characteristic of the medium, providing an alarm responsive to a value of a characteristic of the medium, etc.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for cogeneration of electric power and building heat that efficiently interfaces a liquid-cooled electric power generator with a multi-zone forced hot water (hydronic) space heating system. The system and method utilizes an electric generator with an electric output capacity (kW) that is near the time-averaged electric power consumption rate for the building and with a heat generation capacity that is useful for meeting building heating needs. This generator is operated as the priority source of heat for the building, but normally only when there is a demand for heat in building, with the intent of running the generator for long periods of time and generating a total amount of electric energy (kWhs) that is significant in comparison to the total electric energy consumption of the building over time.

Abstract: An air-conditioning system for a building includes a hot water distribution circuit, a cold water distribution circuit, and several terminal air conditioning units. Each of the terminal air conditioning units includes a fan blowing air in a space of the building, a heating coil connected to the hot water distribution circuit and/or a cooling coil connected to the cold water distribution circuit. At least one ambient temperature control system allows to control heating power of the heating coils and cooling power of the cooling coils. The system further includes a calorific energy management system with a heat pump for transferring calorific energy: a) from the cold water distribution system to the hot water distribution system; b) from the cold water distribution system to atmosphere; and c) from the atmosphere to the hot water distribution system. The calorific energy management system can manage the calorific energy transfers with a three level control system to optimize energy consumption.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for cogeneration of building heat and electric power and that efficiently interfaces a warm air heating system with a liquid-cooled electric power generator. The system and method utilizes an electric generator that is rated at near the time-averaged electric power consumption for the building. This generator is operated as the priority source of heat for the building, but normally only when there is a demand for heat in building. In this manner, the generator can run to generate a significant part of the building's electric power but in a manner that is typically supplemented in variable quantities by power from a public power grid. The heat output is directed via a liquid coolant circuit on the generator, as needed, to the warm air heating unit for the building. The warm air heating unit blows return air through a cabinet and out to the supply duct(s). The warm liquid coolant is directed through a primary heat exchanger in the cabinet.

Abstract: A domestic combined heat and power system comprising a Stirling engine (1) and water heater in the form of a supplementary burner (17). The exhaust gas from the Stirling engine is used to preheat combustible gas entering the Stirling engine and subsequently used to heat the water. The water heater (15) has a helical water duct (41) towards the periphery of a housing (39). Separate parts of this duct are heated, in series, by the exhaust gas from the Stirling engine and the supplementary burner (17) firing radially outwardly through the helical duct.

Abstract: A system and method of protecting production tooling used in semiconductor fabrication from potentially damaging low temperatures or sudden temperature drops during periods of primary power outage and low outside temperatures. The boilers and pumps at a central utility plant (CUP) which normally provide superheated water under pressure to heat exchangers in each building to be heated are cut back to a fraction of their normal heating capacity during periods of primary power outage, although air continues to be exhausted from, and outside air taken into fabrication buildings. In the present invention, an additional heat exchanger is placed in each building which houses production tooling, and the coolant from the engine used to drive the generator for powering the air handling equipment in the building may be selectively directed through one of the flow paths of the second heat exchanger.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for heating fluid in a pipe system, comprising: a first burner for heating pipes of the fluid circuit; a feed for air and/or fuel for causing combustion of this mixture by the burner; a second burner for heating a head of a generator for generating electrical energy; and an outlet pipe for discharging flue gases from the second burner into the space where the first burner is situated.

Abstract: A thermodynamic system that produces mechanical, electrical power, and/or fluid streams for heating or cooling. The cycle contains a combustion system that produces an energetic fluid by combustion of a fuel with an oxidant. A thermal diluent may be used in the cycle to improve performance, including but not limited to power, efficiency, economics, emissions, dynamic and off-peak load performance, and/or turbine inlet temperature (TIT) regulation and cooling heated components. The cycle preferably includes a heat recovery system and a condenser or other means to recover and recycle heat and the thermal diluent from the energetic fluid to improve the cycle thermodynamic efficiency and reduce energy conversion costs. The cycle may also include controls for temperatures, pressures, and flow rates throughout the cycle, and controls power output, efficiency, and energetic fluid composition.

Abstract: An engine operated machine system includes an engine, a working machine driven by the engine, and a waste-heat recovery unit for recovering the waste heat of the engine, each being accommodated in a box-shaped case. The case is provided with a partition wall which partitions the inside of the case into working-machine accommodating and electrical-equipment accommodating chambers, and which has a draft bore connecting the working-machine accommodating chamber to the electrical-equipment accommodating chamber.

Abstract: The space heating system with fuel cells (11) has a connection to a public electrical network (50). In this system a fuel (B) can be supplied to the fuel cells in gaseous form through a main gas valve (200) for the production of thermal and electrical energy. The main gas valve has a control which, on an interruption of the current supplied, results in an automatic operating shutdown. The possibilities exist for the system to feed the electrical energy at least partly into the network and to deliver the thermal energy to a heating circuit which is operable with electrical energy from the network. An electrical inverter (4), with which direct current of the fuel cells can be converted into alternating current, can be operated in two operating states, on the one hand, for a feed into the public network, and, on the other hand, for a feed into the island network of the system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for heating fluid in a pipe system, comprising: a first burner for heating pipes of the fluid circuit; a feed for air and/or fuel for causing combustion of this mixture by the burner; a second burner for heating a head of a generator for generating electrical energy; and an outlet pipe for discharging flue gases from the second burner into the space where the first burner is situated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a turbo heater which utilizes a gas turbine engine and a heat exchanger assembly. The gas turbine engine is adapted to efficiently operate over a prolonged period of time and at varying power outputs without adverse or detrimental effects to the components thereof. For example, the gas turbine engine includes bearing assemblies and a fuel delivery systems which are uniquely designed for the demands of repeated cycling (i.e. starting and stopping), as well as operation at various power outputs without damage to the gas turbine engine. In addition, the use of exhaust gas from the gas turbine engine eliminates direct impingement of combustion on the heat exchanger element, thereby significantly increasing the durability and life span of the turbo heater.

Abstract: A power generating heating unit including a housing, a turbine for generating mechanical energy and heated exhaust gas, an electrical generator for converting the mechanical energy to electrical energy, and a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the heated exhaust gas to a fluid.

Abstract: An evaporator for a micro combined heat and power system. The evaporator includes a heat source, an enclosure with a heating chamber and a primary fluid flowpath, and tubing that can carry a working fluid through a secondary fluid flowpath that intersects the primary fluid flowpath. The tubing is grouped into stages, including a first, or proximal, stage situated closest to the heat source, a second, or intermediate, stage downstream of the heat source relative to the proximal stage, and a third, or distal, stage downstream of the heat source relative to the proximal and intermediate stages. The stages of the evaporator tubing, while preferably circuited in a hybrid co-flow and counterflow arrangement, can also be used with purely co-flow or purely counterflow configuration. The proximal stage can be made from a first, relatively robust material, while the distal stage can be made from a second, relatively high thermal conductivity material.

Abstract: A first plate material is set on a work stage. The first plate material includes first components commonly connected to a first connection member. A second plate material is subsequently set on the work stage. The second plate material includes second components commonly connected to a second connection member. The second components are superposed on the corresponding first components. The first components as well as the second components can be handled as a one-piece component. It leads to an improved productivity. Heat surfaces of a heat block contact the second components. The connection members are prevented from thermal expansion. The constant intervals are reliably maintained between the adjacent first components and the adjacent second components.

Abstract: An auxiliary power system for trucks, the power system having a small diesel engine coupled to an air conditioner compressor and an automotive style DC alternator. During hot weather the auxiliary engine rotates the air conditioner compressor to provide cool air to the truck accessories by load management controls alternator current output to provide DC power to accessories and for battery charging. When peak loads occur, the voltage is reduced into the field of the alternator in a form of load management wherein the truck batteries act as the power sink and the alternator is used to replenish any power drawn from the truck batteries when the peak demand is removed. During cold weather the engine coolant is used to cool the auxiliary engine and is circulated through a heat exchanger for warming of the truck interior, full capacity of the alternator is allowed accommodating the higher amp draws typical of cold weather diesel operation.

Abstract: An exhaust heat trap and redirecting system for utilizing exhaust heat includes an electric generator including an internal combustion engine. The electric generator is electrically coupled to an electrical system of a dwelling. An exhaust conduit is fluidly coupled to the engine for venting exhaust away therefrom. A substantially airtight sheath is positioned about a water tank in a water heater. The sheath comprises a cylinder having an inner wall and an outer wall. The sheath has an upper wall attached to the outer wall. A sheath inlet has a first end fluidly coupled to the sheath and a second end fluidly coupled to the exhaust conduit. A sheath outlet has a first end fluidly coupled to the upper wall of the sheath and a second end is directed outward of the dwelling.

Abstract: A frictional heating system for communicating with an air supply duct to heat and cool air in a building, including an enclosure defining an interior, two air inlets, and at least one air outlet therein communicating with the interior of the enclosure for permitting air flow therethrough. A plurality of turbines are carried on a common shaft for rotation therewith. Each of the turbines is positioned within the enclosure for drawing air into the enclosure and frictionally heating the air therein. A first conduit is in fluid communication with the air outlet, a water heater and an air conditioning system, for moving frictionally-heated air from the air outlet to one or the other of the water heater and the air conditioning system. A motor assembly including a motor is operatively connected to the common shaft and positioned outside the enclosure for driving the common shaft and turbines.

Abstract: Since the starting of an engine at a lower temperature is troublesome, the temperature of the engine is measured by a sensor. When the measured temperature is lower than a reference temperature, the pump is first switched on for circulating a thermal medium. This permits the thermal medium to transfer heat of the hot water stored in a hot water storage tank to the engine, hence warming the engine, decreasing the viscosity of the oil, and preventing the generation of dew in the engine to ease the start up of the engine.

Abstract: A cogeneration system includes an internal combustion engine from which exhaust gases are discharged on combustion of fuel. A waste-heat boiler is connected to the engine to recover waste heat from the exhaust gases and then, heat feedwater to provide hot water. A hot water tank is connected to the boiler and serves as a supply of hot water. An engine cooling system is operatively associated with the engine and has a coolant. The coolant is heated as a result of heat exchange while circulated in the engine. A heat reservoir is connected to the engine cooling system to receive the coolant as heated. Heat in the coolant is accumulated in the body of the heat reservoir and controllably released to warm, for example, a wooden floor.

Abstract: A method of taking the energy from the radiator water, exhaust gas system, and/or the mechanical work from the drive shaft of a thermal module and transferring it to a fluid from a tank for the purpose of heating the fluid in the tank, and scavenging the additional energy from the radiator water, exhaust gas system, and/or mechanical work from the drive shaft of a separate system to supplement the energy from the thermal module for the purpose of greater heating the fluid from the tank.

Abstract: A waste-heat gas driven cogeneration having a micro gas turbine, driving portions including high-temperature-side hydrogen storage alloy containers respectively and operated by heat exchange between waste-heat gas generated from the turbine and a cooling heat medium, and cold-heat generating portions including low-temperature-side hydrogen storage alloy containers respectively to absorb and release hydrogen into/from the containers to generate cold heat and supply the cold heat.

Abstract: An arrangement for supplying heat to a motor vehicle when the vehicle engine is not running. At least one component is operated by electrical energy from a battery in the motor vehicle during the heat supplying to the vehicle and particularly for heating an interior space in the vehicle. An alarm which is activated when the voltage of the battery reaches a lowest acceptable level informs a drive to be able to prevent further lowering of the voltage level of the battery. The heat supply component may be a burner or may be the circulating engine coolant system and may include a fan.

Abstract: A cogeneration apparatus is arranged to properly respond to a plurality of separate demands for supplying the thermal energy. A hot water storage tank 17 is provided for storing a first hot water produced using waste heat from an engine generator 10. A first heat exchanger 20 for producing the first hot water and a second heat exchanger 22 for producing a second hot water by drawing heat from the first hot water are provided in the hot water storage tank 17. A temperature sensor TS1 is provided between the first heat exchanger 20 and the second heat exchanger 22 while a second temperature sensor TS2 is provided above the second heat exchanger 22. A controller 29 control the operation of the engine generator 10 in response to the conditions of thermal loads 21 and 24 determined by the measurements of temperature detected by the temperature sensors TS1 and TS2. Also, a re-heating boiler 25 is provided for heating the second hot water to be supplied to the thermal load 24.

Abstract: A combination power station with power/heat cogeneration. The combination power station includes at least one gas turbine driven by combustion gases from a combustion chamber and at least one steam turbine working in a water/steam circuit. The water/steam circuit converts water into steam in a first apparatus by hot combustion gases emerging from the at least one gas turbine. The steam is supplied to the at least one steam turbine. A separate heat transfer medium is arranged in a heat exchange relationship with a heat consumer and is heated in a second apparatus by thermal energy extracted from the water/steam circuit at a plurality of extraction points each having a different temperature. The combination power station includes means for selectively connecting the second apparatus to the plurality of extraction points depending upon a thermal output and an inlet temperature required by the heat consumer.

Abstract: A small-scale, space-heating and electrical power co-generation system includes a heater and a pump for supplying high-pressure water to the heater. Within the heater, the high-pressure water is heated to at or near its saturation or boiling point so as to produce both vapor (e.g., steam) and liquid (e.g., water) fractions. This high pressure, two-phase mixture is then provided to an expander which expands the two-phase mixture to a lower pressure and, in the process, produces mechanical energy. The expander is coupled to an electrical generator so that the extracted mechanical energy can be used to drive the generator and thus produce electrical power. The fluid exiting the expander is then provided to a condenser. A space heating fluid (e.g., air or a separate water supply) is brought into proximity with the condenser so that it may be heated. This space heating fluid is then be distributed throughout the corresponding home or building for space heating purposes.

Abstract: A combined heat and electricity generating unit is suitable for use in class 8 trucks and the like. When it is operating it provides heat for keeping the engine and cabin warm and electricity for use by the electricity consuming devices in the cabin. It is a closed cycle system that includes a radial inlet turbine driven by a low pressure vaporized and superheated working fluid, an oil fired heater for vaporizing the working fluid, a pump for pumping condensed working fluid, a heat exchanger for heating engine coolant with heat from the condensing working fluid and an electric generator for converting energy produced by the turbine to electricity.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine having a combustion heater capable of simply preventing thermal damages to structures of intake system of the internal combustion engine, enhancing a starting characteristic of the engine in a low-temperature state, even when a compression ratio of the internal combustion engine is decreased, and speeding up of warming of an oil. The combustion heater is connected via a combustion gas introducing passageway to an intake pipe, whereby a combustion gas emitted from the combustion heater is introduced into the intake system via the combustion gas introducing passageway. In introducing the combustion gas, an exhaust gas cooler is arranged in the combustion gas introducing passageway for cooling off the combustion gas flowing therethrough. A bypass passageway is connected astride the exhaust gas cooler in bypass to the combustion gas introducing passageway.