Heating Plants Patents (Class 290/2)
-
Patent number: 9488096Abstract: An actuating force transmitting device (10) of an exhaust-gas turbocharger (1), having: a regulating rod (12) which can be displaced by an actuator (11); a guide piece (15) arranged on a free end region (14) of the regulating rod (12); and a lever (16) which is fastened to a guide piece pin (19) of the guide piece (15). There is radial play (SR) between a lever bore (50) and the guide piece pin (19) which extends through the lever bore (50), and there is axial play (SA) between the guide piece (15) and the lever (16). A clamping spring (20; 20?; 20?) preloads the lever (16) relative to the guide piece pin (19).Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2012Date of Patent: November 8, 2016Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventor: Jürgen Tschirschke
-
Patent number: 9429070Abstract: System and method for starting a turbine engine are disclosed. These systems and methods for starting a turbine engine may be located on a vehicle, such as such as a Class 8 vehicle, equipped with a turbine engine as the prime mover or as a generator in a hybrid powertrain. In that regard, a fluid forcing device may be employed to start the turbine engine, such as an electric pump/compressor. The fluid forcing device may already be located on the vehicle for other purposes, and can include an electrically powered steering pump (also referred to as an electric pump) or an electrically powered air brake compressor (also referred to as an electric compressor). In order to start the turbine engine, the output of the electric pump/compressor drives an associated fluid circuit, which in turn, supplies fluid over a portion of the turbine shaft, wheel or scroll in order to impart rotational motion thereto. The rotational motion imparted to the turbine shaft, wheel or scroll aims to start the turbine engine.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: PACCAR IncInventors: William C. Kahn, Steve J. Polansky, Christopher G. Wehrwein
-
Patent number: 9367052Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are described that can be used to generate an operating schedule for a controller of an energy storage asset that is in communication with a transport vehicle, based on an optimization process. The operating schedule is generated based on an operation characteristic of the energy storage asset, an energy-generating capacity of the transport vehicle in communication with the energy storage asset based on a motion of the transport vehicle, and a price associated with a market (including a regulation market and/or an energy market). Operation of the energy storage asset according to the generated operating schedule facilitates derivation of energy-related revenue, over a time period T. The energy-related revenue available to the energy customer over the time period T is based at least in part on the regulation market and/or the energy market.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2012Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: VIRIDITY ENERGY, INC.Inventors: Alain P. Steven, Duncan K. DeVore, Craig Stewart
-
Patent number: 9356490Abstract: The electric machine (1) comprises a stator (2), a rotor (3), a cooling circuit for the stator (2) and/or rotor (3), fans (20) for cooling fluid circulation. The fans (20) are separated from the rotor (3).Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2013Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Inventor: Tjerk Michiel De Graaff
-
Patent number: 9243566Abstract: To provide a method of controlling a turbine equipment and a turbine equipment capable of carrying out a starting operation of controlling a load applied to a speed reducing portion while complying with a restriction imposed on an apparatus provided at a turbine equipment. The invention is characterized in including a temperature elevating step (S1) of elevating a temperature of a working fluid flowing to the turbine portion, a flow rate increasing step (S2) of increasing a flow rate of a working fluid bypassed from a delivery side to a suction side of the compressing portion when a temperature of the working fluid flowing to the turbine portion is elevated by a heat source portion, and a flow rate reducing step (S3) of reducing the flow rate of the bypassing working fluid after an elapse of a predetermined time period after increasing the flow rate of the bypassing working fluid.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2009Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignees: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD., PEBBLE BED MODULAR REACTOR (PTY) LIMITEDInventors: Hitoi Ono, Takashi Sonoda, Naoto Tochitani, Makoto Kato, Masahide Umaya, Fuminori Fujii
-
Patent number: 9193271Abstract: Provided is an in-vehicle charger capable of reliably obtaining charging control parameters prior to charging and capable of safe charging. In this charger, a charging unit (105) charges a battery (111) in accordance with the charging control parameters. A storage unit (103) stores a table in which a plurality of areas on a map and the charging control parameters are made to correspond to each other. A position information receiving unit (101) obtains position indicating the current position of a vehicle (250). A control unit (104) refers to the table on the basis of the position information and sets the charging control parameters made to correspond to an area including the current position when a charging cable (107) is not connected.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2012Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Akira Ishida, Kenji Sugihara, Norihiko Kimura, Tomohiro Terada
-
Patent number: 9083215Abstract: A power generation apparatus according to the present invention includes: an inlet which is provided at a location on an opposite side of an expander rotor with respect to a power generator stator in a power generator housing and which is capable of leading a working medium into the power generator housing, a cooling flow passage which supplies the inlet from a circulation pump with the working medium without interposition of an evaporator, a communication opening which is capable of leading the working medium out of the power generator housing so as to lead the working medium to a condenser, and a throttle valve which depressurizes the working medium led via the cooling flow passage from the circulation pump into the power generator housing.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.Inventor: Noboru Tsuboi
-
Patent number: 9049752Abstract: The invention describes a method of generating electrical power utilizing hot surface air as the heat source, high atmosphere as the heat sink and a microwave beam aimed upward providing updraft to initiate and control the large-scale air circulation. The frequency of the microwave beam is centered at approximately 60 GHz, within the absorption band of molecular oxygen, so as to result in beam penetration to an altitude of several kilometers. The power plant comprises a high-power microwave source, e.g. a bank of gyrotrons, one or more turbine-generator sets, and—optionally—a condenser/cyclone (if on a floating platform). The plant can also provide clean water from condensation out of humid, sea level air. The plant could also be used to remove atmospheric carbon dioxide from large quantities of air.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2013Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: Aella SAInventor: Slobodan Tepic
-
Patent number: 9048719Abstract: A photovoltaic cell for the production from solar radiation of electrical energy includes a reservoir adapted to contain a quantity of photoionizable solution, a solar powered plasma generator in fluid communication with the reservoir, a solar powered ionization chamber in fluid communication with the plasma generator, an electrode baffle in fluid communication with the ionization chamber and a return fluid communication path from the electrode baffle to the reservoir. As arranged, the reservoir, the plasma generator, the ionization chamber and the electrode baffle form a closed fluid loop in order from the reservoir to the plasma generator to the ionization chamber to the electrode baffle and back to the reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2010Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Inventor: Jack L. Bernard
-
Patent number: 9030034Abstract: The invention concerns a stationary power plant, in particular a gas power plant, to generate electricity; having an internal combustion engine, comprising a fuel medium inlet and an exhaust gas outlet, whereas an exhaust-gas flow of the internal combustion engine is discharged via the exhaust gas outlet; having an electrical generator, which is driven by the internal combustion engine to generate electricity, and which is coupled or can be coupled to an electrical grid, in order to feed the generated electricity into said grid; having a fuel medium supply, which is connected to the fuel medium inlet; wherein a steam circuit, in which a working medium is circulated by means of a feed pump, is provided, comprising a heat exchanger arranged in the exhaust gas flow, by means of which waste heat of the exhaust gas flow is transferred to the working medium for partially or completely evaporating the working medium, further comprising a condenser, in which the working medium partially or completely condenses.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2012Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: SteamDrive GmbHInventors: Jens Grieser, Jurgen Berger, Stephan Bartosch
-
Patent number: 9006913Abstract: A cogeneration apparatus includes an electrical generator, an engine for driving the generator, and a heat exchanger for using waste heat of the engine as a heat source, which are housed in a housing. The apparatus is provided with an internal fuel line for supplying fuel to the engine from outside, and power wiring for supplying electrical power generated by the electrical generator to the outside. The housing has a substantially V-shaped lead-out part capable of leading the fuel line and the wiring to outside of the housing.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2011Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshiharu Takita
-
Publication number: 20150069756Abstract: A combined heat and power plant has at least one primary heat source thermally connected to a heat distribution network for heat energy via one or more primary heat exchangers. At least one secondary heat source is thermally connected to one or more energy converters arranged to, when an amount of heat energy is supplied from the at least one secondary heat source, generate an amount of electrical energy for an internal electricity distribution network in the combined heat and power plant. A method is for operating a combined heat and power plant.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2013Publication date: March 12, 2015Applicant: VIKING HEAT ENGINES ASInventors: Trond Aas Bjerkan, Harald Nes Risla, Kjetil Sorvig
-
Patent number: 8963348Abstract: A packaged engine working machine is provided. The machine includes an electrical component containing space partitioned into two spaces and a cooling air intake port. An engine disposed in the lower space of a package and electrical components disposed in the upper space, the upper space being partitioned into a high heat generation chamber containing high heat components, a low heat generation chamber containing low heat components, and an intake fan chamber provided with an intake fan for drawing outside air through the intake port. A high heat generation chamber cooling path and a low hear generation chamber cooling part are provided in which outside air reaching the intake fan chamber passes through the chambers via first, second and third communication ports.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2012Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Yanmar Co., Ltd.Inventors: Keisuke Kawakita, Tatsuya Kawano, Masaaki Ono
-
Patent number: 8952556Abstract: A modular heating or cooling system includes a heating and/or cooling unit and a plurality of storage modules that may be releasably connected to the heating and/or cooling unit by a releasable coupling. The storage modules may include a heat exchanger having a thermal transfer bladder filled with eutectic fluid. The storage modules may include a hydroelectric generator and/or turbine assembly placed in-line in a circulation line for transporting heated or cooled fluid to and/or from the heat exchanger, the hydroelectric generator and/or turbine assembly operative to drive an electric light or a fan. A base station in the form of a movable cabinet is also disclosed for storing a plurality of the storage modules. The base station includes circulation lines that attach to fluid supply lines from a heating or refrigeration unit and may include terminals with releasable couplings for connecting to the storage modules stored therein.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2012Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Inventor: John S. Warren
-
Publication number: 20150035277Abstract: A method for operating a gas power plant is provided, having a gas turbine which has a compressor stage and a turbine stage, and is connected to a generator via an axle, wherein the generator is designed to also be operated as a motor, wherein the method involves the operation of the generator as a motor for the rotatory operation of the axle, as well as a simultaneous discharge of the heated gas flow exiting from the turbine stage and routing of said gas flow to a first heat exchanger for the transfer of thermal energy from the gas flow to a heat exchanger fluid, wherein the heat exchanger fluid is provided to either discharge thermal energy to a heat accumulating medium or it can be used an accumulating medium itself for temporary storage.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2013Publication date: February 5, 2015Applicant: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Christian Brunhuber, Oliver Hirschfelder, Uwe Lenk, Wolfgang Menapace, Nicolas Vortmeyer
-
Patent number: 8890343Abstract: An electrical energy generating device for a propfan-type aircraft propulsion unit rotor. The propulsion unit includes a turbomachine that drives in rotation at least one rotor including a plurality of blades arranged around an annular crown moving with the blades, which forms with its outer wall part of an outer envelope of the propulsion unit, the outer envelope being subjected to atmospheric conditions outside the propulsion unit. The turbomachine generates a flow of hot gases that exit via an annular hot vein, which is concentric with the moving annular crown, and defined for part of its surface by an inner wall of the moving annular crown, and includes, within the moving annular part, a mechanism to transform thermal energy into electrical energy, preferably by thermal diodes. Such a device, as an example, can find application to a device for controlling a pitch of rotors of a propfan-type propulsion unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2010Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Airbus Operations S.A.S.Inventors: Guillaume Bulin, Severine Perret, Jean-Michel Rogero
-
Patent number: 8884449Abstract: A device for energy recovery for a large diesel engine includes a current generator for converting mechanical rotational energy into electric energy. The current generator includes input shaft for applying rotational energy; a steam turbine a first shaft for transmitting the rotational energy of the steam turbine to the input shaft of the current generator a power turbine and a second shaft for transmitting the rotational energy of the power turbine to the input shaft of the current generator, wherein the first shaft and the second shaft are coupled with the input shaft of the current generator. A first coupling device between the current generator and the steam turbine couples the input shaft of the current generator and the first shaft and/or a second coupling device between the current generator and the power turbine couples the input shaft of the current generator and the second shaft are provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2009Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: MAN Turbo AGInventors: Rudolf Zellermann, Michael Lutz, Mario Schenzer, Peter Steinhoff, Heinz-Hugo Bösch
-
Patent number: 8866334Abstract: The placement of fully available prime movers having a DC output at a location inside or adjacent to an inverter-based intermittently available renewable energy site is disclosed. The fully available prime movers add reliability to an unreliable energy asset that is reaching its maximum penetration within the grid due to its unpredictability and the requirement for additional spinning reserves in other parts of the grid. The present invention can provide a portion or all of the power to an intermittently available renewable power generating facility so that the power output to the power grid is dispatchable power. In particular, a method and means are disclosed to utilize high-efficiency engines operated on various fuels some of which may be non-fossil fuels to maintain a constant power output from an otherwise intermittent power generating facility.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2011Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: ICR Turbine Engine CorporationInventors: Frank Wegner Donnelly, David William Dewis
-
Publication number: 20140306450Abstract: A electrical machine and a wind power generating system include a stator having a stator winding, a rotor arranged on a side of an inner diameter of the stator with a clearance between the rotor and the stator, a shaft fixed to the rotor and rotated along with the rotor, and a heat pipe arranged from an inner portion over to an outer portion of the shaft, and a radius of gyration of a portion of the heat pipe arranged at the outer portion of the shaft is smaller than that of a portion arranged at the inner portion of the shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2014Publication date: October 16, 2014Applicant: HITACHI, LTD.Inventors: Daisuke SATOH, Mamoru KIMURA, Nobuhiro KUSUNO, Masahiro HORI
-
Patent number: 8847117Abstract: There is described a method for stabilizing a post-trimming resistance of a thermally isolated electrical component made from a thermally mutable material, the method comprising: generating at least one heating pulse, the at least one heating pulse having an initial amplitude corresponding to a trimming temperature, a slope corresponding to a given cooling rate and a duration corresponding to a given cooling time; and applying the at least one heating pulse to one of the thermally isolated electrical component and a heating device in heat transfer communication with the thermally isolated electrical component, after a trimming process, in order to cause the electrical component to cool in accordance with the given cooling rate, the given cooling rate being slower than a passive cooling rate determined by the thermal isolation of the electrical component.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2009Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Sensortechnics GmbHInventors: Oleg Grudin, Yougui Liao, Leslie M. Landsberger, Gennadiy Frolov, Lyudmila Grudina, Gerald Arzoumanian, Saed Salman, Tommy Tsang, Bowei Zhang
-
Patent number: 8847417Abstract: The invention is directed to a combination heater and electrical generator designed to allow continual use of the heating system in the absence of an external source of electricity. The system shares fuel and electrical inputs and also shares exhaust outputs so to facilitate ease of use installation as well as affording a small installation footprint.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2012Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Everlite Hybrid Industries, LLCInventor: Stewart Kaiser
-
Patent number: 8836191Abstract: A power generation apparatus includes a housing that contains a driving unit of the expander within a space enclosed by a partition wall, and a magnetic coupling that is divided between the inside and outside of the housing through the partition wall and that transmits the rotational driving force of the expander to the exterior of the housing. The magnetic coupling includes driving-side magnets and slave-side magnets, and first and second magnetic path formation members respectively magnetically connect the driving-side magnets and also the slave-side magnets.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2012Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.Inventors: Shigeto Adachi, Masayoshi Matsumura, Yutaka Narukawa, Kazuo Takahashi
-
Publication number: 20140203557Abstract: A system including a gas turbine system and an electrolysis unit configured to produce a hydrogen gas for reducing a minimum emissions compliance load of the gas turbine system.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2013Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Kihyung Kim, Seyfettin Can Gulen
-
Publication number: 20140183863Abstract: A novel heat exchange device to provide sufficient amounts of heat within a manifold including a working fluid within heating coils to generate electricity through an external combustion steam engine and electrical generator is provided. Such a novel heat exchanger includes coils that surround a central heating compartment thereby exposing such coils to gradually increasing temperatures such that the working fluid is first vaporized and then is ultimately superheated to a “dry” steam upon the point of egress of the heat exchanger leading to the engine portion. In this manner, greater efficiency in heating of the working fluid is accomplished with all of the fluid converted to a gas under pressure to effectuate the necessary engine, etc., movement for energy production.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: July 3, 2014Inventor: Thomas V. Thillen
-
Publication number: 20140159364Abstract: A cogeneration machine with an oil and filter change feature is disclosed. The present invention makes it possible to change the oil and/or the oil filters of a reciprocating engine in cogeneration equipment without turning off the engine. A cogeneration system user can safely change the engine oil or oil filters in the system without effecting its operation or incurring the significant costs associated with taking the system off-line.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2012Publication date: June 12, 2014Inventors: Kenneth P. Harris, Brian C. Skinner
-
Patent number: 8746232Abstract: In a hot water supply system having a solar heater that heats a heating medium with absorbed solar heat, a cogeneration unit that heats the medium by heat exhausted from an engine, a hot water supply unit with a heat exchanger for heat-exchanging between the medium and water supplied from a water supply source to generate the hot water, a medium circulator that circulates the medium among the solar heater, cogeneration unit and heat exchanger, an electric heater that heats the hot water with the power generated by the generator, a heat absorption amount to be adsorbed by the solar heater is estimated and operations of the cogeneration unit and the electric heater are controlled based on the estimated heat absorption amount, thereby enabling to improve energy efficiency of the entire system.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2010Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yasushi Kanai
-
Patent number: 8729719Abstract: A cogeneration facility for supplying buildings and facilities with thermal energy and electrical energy is located in a closed enclosure, which is permanently under negative pressure during operation, wherein the negative pressure in the enclosure is controlled by a partial exhaust-gas recirculation into an intake channel of an internal combustion engine and an additional external flow resister that is provided in the closed enclosure, and a frequency converter capable of backfeed is connected to the generator in an advantageous manner. Highly efficient heat recovery is achieved, wherein heat losses are substantially minimized and, in combination with the exhaust-gas recirculation and the frequency converter capable of backfeed, very high power modulation is achieved while the exhaust-gas pollutants such as CO, HC, and NOx are simultaneously minimized.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2010Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Inventor: Horst Beuche
-
Publication number: 20140110938Abstract: An induction heating apparatus includes a rotor having a rotation shaft, and a stator having a heating portion disposed at a distance from the rotor. A coil that generates magnetic flux in a direction of the heating portion is provided in the rotor. The heating portion is formed of a composite material of a magnetic material and a conductive material, and has a structure in which a magnetic material portion and a conductive material portion are combined. When the coil is in a position opposed to the heating portion, a cross-sectional area of the magnetic material portion is smaller than an area of linkage of magnetic flux generated by the coil in the heating portion, and the conductive material portion is disposed to surround a periphery of the magnetic material portion. A flow passage in which the heating medium circulates is provided in the heating portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2012Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicants: KYOTO UNIVERSITY, SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Toru Okazaki, Tetsuji Matsuo, Takeshi Mifune
-
Patent number: 8704386Abstract: A thermoelectric generator including a membrane maintained by lateral ends and capable of taking a first shape when its temperature reaches a first threshold and a second shape when its temperature reaches a second threshold greater than the first threshold; at least one electrically conductive element attached to with the membrane and connecting the lateral ends of the membrane; and circuitry capable of generating, at the level of the membrane, a magnetic field orthogonal to the membrane displacement direction, the lateral ends of the membrane being connected to output terminals of the generator.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2010Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: STMicroelectronics (Crolles 2) SASInventor: Thomas Skotnicki
-
Publication number: 20140103649Abstract: In a cogeneration apparatus having a power generation unit equipped with a power generator, an internal combustion engine, and a hot water tank connected to the engine through a heat exchanger, there are provided a first pump provided at a flow channel connecting the engine to the heat exchanger and a second pump provided at a second flow channel connecting the heat exchanger to the hot water tank. A temperature of the engine cooling water heated by the engine and a temperature difference between the temperature and a temperature of the engine cooling water cooled by the heat exchanger is determined and based on the determined values, flow rates of the first and second pumps are controlled.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2013Publication date: April 17, 2014Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Toshiaki TOHODA, Koichi TSUNO, Koichi OKA
-
Patent number: 8674532Abstract: A hybrid concentrated solar combined cycle (CSCC) power plant based on solar reforming technology, method of generating electricity using the system and a solar reformer for use in the system are provided. The system enables integration of a concentrated solar power plant (CSP) and a combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) power plant, resulting in a hybrid system that corrects known issues related to large-scale concentrated solar power generation. The solar reformer provides for the storage of solar energy in a reformate fuel during the reforming reaction and subsequent release through a gas turbine combustion reaction. Fuels directed into the gas turbine power plant can be alternated between hydrocarbon fluid and the reformate fuel dependent upon available solar thermal energy.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2011Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Wei Wei, Lingzhi Zhang, Parag Prakash Kulkarni
-
Publication number: 20140070533Abstract: A fast heat transfer device is provided. The device dissipates heat and generates power at the same time. A liquid flow is used to absorb heat for forming a vapor gas flow; then, the gas flow drives a blade turbine and a power generator; and, finally, the gas flow is cooled down to become the original liquid flow for recycling. Thus, the present invention dissipates heat and generates power simultaneously with a minimized size and a reduced cost together with energy conservation.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2012Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: ATOMIC ENERGY COUNCIL-INSTITUTE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY RESEARCHInventors: Heng-Yi Li, Chun-Wei Yang, Shih-Tse Chang, Tsair-Fuh Huang, How-Ming Lee, Chin-Ching Tzeng
-
Publication number: 20140039708Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for a network of cogenerations systems. In some cases, each system includes at least one cogeneration plant and at least one host facility, where the systems in the network are under the control of a common control system that optimizes a result for the network as a whole. In some cases, each cogeneration system in the network has an individual profile that is used by the control system for controlling that individual cogeneration system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: February 6, 2014Inventor: Concentric Power Inc.
-
Patent number: 8633606Abstract: An assembly for generating electrical and thermal energy has a structure that supports a cogeneration device provided with a combustion engine supplied with fuel, an electric generator driven by the combustion engine, and at least one heat exchanger to heat a fluid for a thermal appliance using the heat produced by the combustion engine; the assembly also has a plurality of storage batteries, which guarantee the continuity of the flow of electrical energy during start-up of the electric generator and during load transients and are housed in a base of the structure.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2009Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per AzioniInventors: Franco Anzioso, Giovanni Barba
-
Publication number: 20130328322Abstract: A novel Biomass Combustion Unit apparatus purposefully designed to be uniquely fueled with Non-To-Minimally Fractionalized Biomass for the intentional production of heat for conversion to a multiplicity of useful energy forms. More particularly, said apparatus provides useful heat for: (i) Power Generation, (ii) Heating Applications, (iii) Cogeneration or Combined Heat and Power (CHP), (iv) Trigeneration or Combined Cooling, Heat, and Power (CCHP), (v) Mechanical Energy and (vi) Facilitating the production of Biofuels. Additionally, methods and systems are presented wherein the abovementioned forms of energy deploy organic and inorganic working fluids, in both Subcritical and Supercritical Power Generation Cycles, via Organic Rankine Cycle and a modified Rankine Cycles, respectively. Further, Woody Biomass Energy Crops and Biofuel components are presented as well.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2012Publication date: December 12, 2013Inventor: Marvin Duane Julian
-
Patent number: 8590605Abstract: The invention is directed to a heat exchange module to help employ usable heat to pre-warm a water supply prior to entry into a tankless water heater. The module comprises an insulated housing having an inner shell having a top end, bottom end and cylindrical middle portion. A first intake attaches to the insulated housing which introduces cooling water from the cogeneration system, while a second intake feeds the water supply coils (positioned within the insulated housing) to effectuate heat exchange with the cooling water. After heat exchange, a first outlet removes cooling water for return to the cogeneration system, while a second outlet removes the water supply from the cooling coils. Upon removal, this water supply may be fed into a tankless water heater. A controller connected to both outlets and inlets optimizes efficient exchange of energy through timing introduction and removal of the water supply from the module.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2010Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Everlite Hybrid IndustriesInventor: Stewart Kaiser
-
Patent number: 8593003Abstract: An outdoor power generating apparatus includes a housing placed at an outside and including a power generation chamber, a power generation source accommodated in the power generation chamber and formed by either one of an engine and a fuel cell, an intake portion provided within the housing and positioned at an upper side of the power generation source, the intake portion including an outside air inlet portion that opens to a side wall of the housing to bring an outside air, the intake portion including a meander passage that connects the outside air inlet portion to the power generation chamber while bringing the outside air to meander from the outside air inlet portion towards the power generation chamber, and a drain port provided at the meander passage and discharging a water in a liquid state that remains at the meander passage to an outside of the meander passage.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2011Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Tomoaki Niwa, Hiroshi Kamiya, Yoshinobu Nakano
-
Publication number: 20130307268Abstract: A specific electrical generator powered by an external combustion steam engine that functions through the initial combustion of various potential fuel sources to consequently generate steam from an internal working fluid that drives an electric motor or alternator to generate electricity is provided. The steam is then condensed to return to its liquid form in order to again be heated into steam through further combustion. The all-in-one electric generator combusts the fuel provided within the generator and incinerates such fuel in a manner and in an environment to effectively eliminate the potential for appreciable resultant levels of nitrogen and/or sulfur oxides. The combustion fuel may be any type of material, such as used vehicle or equipment oil, waste vegetable or cooking oil, diesel, gasoline, syngases, natural gases, and the like.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Inventor: Thomas V. Thillen
-
Patent number: 8587138Abstract: Systems recover gas and/or heat and convert the recovered gas and/or heat to electrical power. The systems recover gas and/or heat from metal melting and/or smelting processes used in the manufacturing and/or refining of metals and/or their by-products. The recovered gas and/or heat are converted into electrical power. The heat of the metal melting and/or smelting process is converted to superheated liquid, such as steam, through a heat exchanger for operating a turbine motor and electrical power generator to produce electrical power. Flue gases from the melting and/or smelting processes used in the manufacturing and/or refining of metals and/or their by-products are utilized to drive a gas turbine motor and electrical power generator to produce electrical power. Electricity generated by the systems electrolyze water to form hydrogen gas and oxygen gas.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2009Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Inventors: Kevin Statler, Fermin Maldonado
-
Patent number: 8577508Abstract: Embodiments according to the present invention provide methods and a system for a control approach that effectively maintains the DC link voltage at a constant set value under variable system conditions and keeps the converter operating within an optimal power factor range.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2008Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: University of AlabamaInventors: Shuhui Li, Timothy A. Haskew
-
Patent number: 8575770Abstract: These inventions related to systems and methods for producing, shipping, distributing, and storing hydrogen. In one embodiment, a hydrogen production and storage system includes a plurality of wind turbines for generating electrical power; a power distribution control system for distributing, and converting the electrical power from the wind turbines, a water desalination and/or purification unit which receives and purifies seawater, and an electrolyzer unit that receive electrical power from the power distribution system and purified water from the desalination units and thereby converts the water into hydrogen and oxygen. After its production, hydrogen is stored, transported, and distributed in accordance with various embodiments.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2013Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Inventor: Timothy J. Devine
-
Publication number: 20130277968Abstract: The invention concerns a stationary power plant, in particular a gas power plant, to generate electricity; having an internal combustion engine, comprising a fuel medium inlet and an exhaust gas outlet, whereas an exhaust-gas flow of the internal combustion engine is discharged via the exhaust gas outlet; having an electrical generator, which is driven by the internal combustion engine to generate electricity, and which is coupled or can be coupled to an electrical grid, in order to feed the generated electricity into said grid; having a fuel medium supply, which is connected to the fuel medium inlet; wherein steam circuit, in which a working medium is circulated by means of a feed pump, is provided, comprising a heat exchanger arranged in the exhaust gas flow, by means of which waste heat of the exhaust gas flow is transferred to the working medium for partially or completely evaporating the working medium, further comprising a condenser, in which the working medium partially or completely condenses.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2012Publication date: October 24, 2013Inventors: Jens Grieser, Jurgen Berger, Stephan Bartosch
-
Publication number: 20130221668Abstract: A unit for producing energy comprising an enclosed housing, a heat producing gas driven engine mounted within the housing, a rotatable device for producing electrical energy mounted within the housing and coupled to the engine for rotatably driving the device, the water-carrying piping coiled around the interior of the housing, the engine, the rotatable device and the piping immersed in oil within the housing, and including a means for circulating the oil in a prescribed path within the housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 3, 2012Publication date: August 29, 2013Inventor: Jon Edward Butler
-
Patent number: 8511073Abstract: The invention is directed to a high efficiency cogeneration system capable of creating electricity and usable heat. The invention includes a fuel source, which can be a reservoir filled with a fossil fuel. The fuel source feeds a modified combustion engine that can turn a shaft to power an alternator to create electricity. The combustion engine creates hot gases that are treated by a catalytic converter. The byproduct and hot gases are then fed into one or more cooling manifolds.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2010Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Inventor: Stewart Kaiser
-
Publication number: 20130206134Abstract: Techniques for subsurface thermal energy storage of heat generated by concentrating solar power enable smoothing of available energy with respect to daily and/or seasonal variation. Solar thermal collectors produce saturated steam that is injected into a producing or wholly/partially depleted oil reservoir that operates as a heat storage reservoir. Some of the saturated steam generated by the collectors is optionally used to generate electricity. Heat is withdrawn from the reservoir as saturated steam and is used to operate an active thermal recovery project (such as a producing thermally enhanced oil reservoir) and/or to generate electricity. Withdrawn heat is optionally augmented by heat produced by firing natural gas. The reservoir is optionally one that has been used for thermally enhanced oil recovery and thus is already warm, minimizing heat losses.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2012Publication date: August 15, 2013Applicants: THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIVERSITY, GLASSPOINT SOLAR, INC.Inventors: GLASSPOINT SOLAR, INC., THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE LELAND STANFORD JUNIOR UNIVERSITY
-
Patent number: 8487469Abstract: An apparatus for generating electrical power. The apparatus comprises a plurality of solar energy collectors for generating electricity from solar energy; a plurality of wind turbines for generating electricity from wind energy; a support structure having arms extending radially from a vertical shaft, the arms positioned at different vertical distances along the vertical shaft and the arms having different lengths; solar energy collectors and the wind turbines affixed to terminal ends of the arms; and the support structure comprising camouflage elements causing the support structure to resemble vegetation.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2010Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Inventors: Frank L. Christy, Stephen C. Keiser, David M. Archer
-
Publication number: 20130168969Abstract: A generator system includes (i) an internal combustion engine, (ii) an exhaust gas outlet, connected to the internal combustion engine, for venting exhaust gasses, and (iii) a condenser, connected to the exhaust gas outlet, for condensing water from exhaust gasses.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2012Publication date: July 4, 2013Inventor: Larry J. Markoski
-
Publication number: 20130127163Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating and using decarbonized fuel for power generation. In particular, the integrated systems and methods are provided for generating a synthesis gas, removing carbon dioxide from the synthesis gas and using the synthesis gas for producing power.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2012Publication date: May 23, 2013Applicant: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventor: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
-
Publication number: 20130127164Abstract: An electricity generating installation is provided. The installation comprises an electricity generation unit of a gas turbine, steam turbine or combined-cycle type, wherein the electricity generation unit is coupled to a generator and is connected to a distribution network, an energy storage unit configured to store kinetic energy and electrical energy, and a standby electricity generation unit. The installation further comprises a controller configured to manage the operation of the energy storage unit and configured to manage the connection of the energy storage unit to the electricity generation unit and to the network. The controller receives a series of information originating from the network, the energy storage unit, the electricity generation unit and a network operator in order to control the generation of electricity to be delivered to the network and to auxiliary systems of the installation from the energy storage unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2012Publication date: May 23, 2013Applicant: GE ENERGY PRODUCTS FRANCE SNCInventor: GE ENERGY PRODUCTS FRANCE SNC
-
Patent number: 8446023Abstract: A cogeneration apparatus having a ventilation-introducing channel communicating an electrical-equipment compartment with a ventilation fan is disclosed. Driving the ventilation fan causes air to be led from an exterior of a cogeneration case through the electrical-equipment compartment to the interior of the ventilation-introducing channel. The air led to the interior of the ventilation-introducing channel is led to an electrical generator. The air led to the electrical generator is exhausted through a power-generation compartment to the exterior of the cogeneration case.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2011Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., LtdInventors: Yoshiharu Takita, Atsumu Naoi