Heating Plants Patents (Class 290/2)
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Publication number: 20110025055Abstract: A domestic combined heat and power generation system comprising a pair of Stirling engines mounted so that the vibrations of one substantially counteract the vibrations of the other. At least one engine burner heats the heads of the engines. An auxiliary burner provides additional heat. Gas and air are supplied to the engine burner and auxiliary burner controlled by a controller. A heat exchanger recovers heat from the exhaust gases from the engine burner and auxiliary burner and provide a heat output. An electrical output is provided from an alternator of each engine. The engines having a combined electrical power output of less than 2.5 kW.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2007Publication date: February 3, 2011Inventors: Stephen Michael Hasko, Heather Allderidge, James Robert Lowrie
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Patent number: 7849690Abstract: A method of using geothermal energy to produce electricity by lowering a geothermal generator deep into pre-drilled holes below the Earth's surface. A geothermal generator includes a boiler, a turbine compartment, an electric generator, a condenser and an electric cable. The geothermal generator also includes an internal cylinder, an external cylinder and a plurality of tubes disposed between the internal cylinder and the external cylinder. The plurality of tubes is part of the condenser. In a method of using the geothermal generator, water contained within the boiler is converted to high-pressure, super heated steam due to heat contained within a pre-drilled well below the earth's surface. The steam is used to produce electric energy, which is transported to the ground surface by the electric cable.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2007Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Inventor: Nikola Lakic
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Publication number: 20100293962Abstract: A CHP system can include one or more heat sources generating heat output and producing emissions. The CHP system can further include one or more power converters configured to convert the heat into a useful power output. The power converters can deliver the balance of heat to one or more thermally-activated devices (TADs) configured to convert the heat into a useful thermal (heating and cooling) output. The method for configuring the CHP system can comprise the steps of: representing the useful power output by the power converters as a function of the heat output by the heat sources; representing the useful thermal output by the TADs as a function of the heat output by the heat sources; representing the specific emission output as a function of the heat output by the heat sources; and determining the values of the individual heat source heat output which are sufficient to attain the pre-defined levels for useful power output and useful thermal output, while meeting the regulated specific emission levels.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2010Publication date: November 25, 2010Applicant: CARRIER CORPORATIONInventors: Timothy C. Wagner, Alexander Chen, Mark E. Marler
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Patent number: 7816796Abstract: A hand-held power tool has a drive motor driving a tool and a generator. One or more heating devices having one or more heating elements are provided. The generator supplies the one or more heating devices with energy. A control device controls a power supplied to the one or more heating elements as a function of at least one operating parameter of the drive motor.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2007Date of Patent: October 19, 2010Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KGInventors: Heinrich Leufen, Rolf Walter, Fried Berkenkamp
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Publication number: 20100242475Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed related to utilization of energy including utilization of latent energy from electricity generating processes. According to one exemplary implementation, steam is produced from thermal energy, such as fossil fuel energy, nuclear energy and solar thermal energy; generating electricity from the steam using a turbine; and directing steam exhausted from the turbine to an absorption chiller or desalination apparatus as a condenser to drive an industrial process therein. In one exemplary implementation the absorption chiller may be an atmospheric control system to produce a gas of a desired temperature such as in an air-conditioning system. In another exemplary implementation the heat exchange apparatus is a desalination system employed to produce water of a desired purity.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2010Publication date: September 30, 2010Inventors: Xiao Dong Xiang, Rong Zhang
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Publication number: 20100244444Abstract: According to the invention, a communal heating and power station unit having a reciprocating internal combustion engine and having an electrical generator, which are coupled to one another by means of a shaft which transmits power, with the generator having a stator and a rotor, with the rotor being borne in a floating manner and with a reciprocating internal combustion engine housing also forming the stator housing or the stator housing being flange-connected to the reciprocating internal combustion engine housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2010Publication date: September 30, 2010Inventor: Christian Appel
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Publication number: 20100212226Abstract: A gasification facility includes an air separator and a high temperature gas cooler for cooling the gaseous products that are produced at the facility's gasifier. The high temperature gas cooler is configured and a method is provided to produce superheated steam that is used to generate electric power in a steam turbine to satisfy the power demands of at least the air separator. Alternatively, or in addition, the superheated steam can be employed to drive compressors at the air separator. The high temperature gas cooler can be further configured so that it produces only that quantity of superheated steam required for the steam turbine to power the gasification facility, including the air separator, or a quantity of superheated steam adequate for the steam turbine to both power the gasification facility, including the air separator, and provide electric power or superheated steam to other users.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 20, 2009Publication date: August 26, 2010Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventor: Delome Fair
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Publication number: 20100205956Abstract: An electrical power and heat co-generation unit typically comprising a Stirling engine includes an adsorption element within a sealed interior of the unit which is effective to remove from gas circulating within the interior of the machine hydrocarbons or other chemical species originating from within the interior of the machine from a grease, a lubricant, a retaining compound, or a sealant to reduce carburisation and/or oxidisation of internal components. The unit may also comprise within the sealed interior of the machine an atmosphere dosing fluid which is effective to react with hydrocarbons or other chemical species circulating in the interior of machine in addition to a working fluid of the machine, to produce reaction products which can be removed by the sorption element.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2008Publication date: August 19, 2010Inventors: Donald Murray Clucas, Reuben Rusk
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Patent number: 7777358Abstract: A power turbine speed control system for a turbo-shaft type gas turbine engine that has a gas generator compressor spool and a power turbine spool and drives an electrical generator that powers at least one electrical load by way of at least one electrical bus, comprises a power turbine controller that senses the rotary speed of the power turbine spool and generates at least one signal that changes the torque of the electrical generator in response to the sensed change in the rotary speed of the power turbine spool.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2009Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand CorporationInventors: David G. Halsey, Charles J. Romenesko
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Publication number: 20100194111Abstract: A combined heat power system comprises a Rankine cycle, optionally an organic Rankine cycle, using a fluid both in gaseous phase and liquid phase. The Rankine cycle comprises —an evaporator for evaporating the fluid from liquid phase to gaseous phase, an expander for expanding the fluid in gaseous phase provided by the evaporator. The expander is suitable to transform energy from the expansion of the fluid in gaseous phase into mechanical energy, —a condenser for condensing the fluid from gaseous phase from the expander to liquid phase and —a liquid pump for pumping the fluid in liquid phase provided by the condenser to the evaporator. The system comprises a heat source providing exhaust gas. The exhaust gas provides thermal energy for evaporating the fluid from liquid phase to gaseous phase by the evaporator. The system further comprises a generator unit for converting mechanical energy from expander to electrical energy. The expander is a volumetric expander.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2008Publication date: August 5, 2010Inventors: Alex Van Den Bossche, Bart Meersman
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Publication number: 20100187818Abstract: The present invention relates to an energy efficient method of combined heat and power/combined-cycle electricity generation method and gasification method utilizing a multi-process method of producing, methane, biodiesel, and ethanol production. The waste heat from the combined heat and power generation/combined-cycle method and gasification method is utilized by these multiple methods in such a manner that the waste heat of each successive method serves directly as the heat reservoir for the succeeding method before it is reclaimed at the back-end of the combined-cycle method.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2010Publication date: July 29, 2010Inventor: William D. Bivins
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Publication number: 20100176592Abstract: It is suitable for a combined electric, thermal and/or mechanical power generation by being adapted to selectively operate according to a first operating mode for supplying mechanical power to a shaft to produce electrical power through an electrical generator (60) in which the assembly (10) includes a recuperator (200) adapted for preheating fluid; and a second operating mode in which the assembly (10) is operated according to simple cycle microturbine for supplying thermal power. It is adapted for receiving a removable, interchangeable inner module (100) suitable for channeling the flow of circulating fluid when the assembly (10) is operated according to said second operating mode. Said inner module (100) includes a series of heat exchange and/or noise reducing fins.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2008Publication date: July 15, 2010Applicant: ARTÉS TECNOLOGÃA ENERGÉTICA, S. L.Inventor: Jesus Artes De Arcos Marco
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Publication number: 20100176591Abstract: A machine includes at least one piston (1) reciprocally movable in a cylinder (2), at least two balancing rotors (3c, 3d) mounted for oscillating rotational movement about an axis or axes (4) transverse to the axis of motion of the piston, one balancing rotor having a centre of mass on one side of and another balancing rotor having a centre of mass on an opposite side of the axis or axes of motion of the rotors, and at least one connecting member or mechanism between the piston and rotors so that the rotors move in opposition to the reciprocal movement of the piston. The machine may be an electrical machine such as an electric motor or generator. An electronic control system may control piston motion or output waveform.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2007Publication date: July 15, 2010Inventor: Donald Murray Clucas
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Patent number: 7723858Abstract: A power plant for generating electricity has a high temperature heat reservoir and a low temperature heat reservoir. The plant is operated to store heat during off peak power periods and to use the stored heat during peak power periods to produce additional electricity.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2006Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: New World Generation Inc.Inventors: Duraid S. Nayef, Na'al S. Nayef
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Patent number: 7705479Abstract: A Stirling engine (1) includes a reciprocating piston which drives an alternator to provide an electrical output (7). The current signal (7) is measured by a current monitor (60) and a fast Fourier Transform value is produced. The FFT of the current signal (7) has been found to be directly related to the stability of operation of the Stirling engine. As harmonic peaks in the FFT increase, this indicates that the stroke length of the piston is approaching or exceeding a safe maximum. Correction action, such as a reduction in heat to the Stirling engine, can be taken in consequence. A variety of stroke length detectors (110) are also disclosed, for use in combination with, or separately from, the FFT analysis of the current signal (7). Optical and mechanical switches and analogue sensors are disclosed, along with an accelerometer mounted upon the casing of the Stirling engine.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2005Date of Patent: April 27, 2010Assignee: Microgen Engine Corporation Holding B.V.Inventors: Christopher John Spenceley, Roger Stuart Silcock, Wayne Kenneth Aldridge, Jarlath Michael McEntee, Stephen Charles Welty, Gordon Smith, Christopher Mark Hardingham
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Patent number: 7663256Abstract: A cogeneration system is disclosed. The system has a cooling water circulation channel for returning cooling water of the engine to the engine after some of the cooling water has been removed. The cooling water circulation channel is provided with a cooling water pump for pressure-feeding the cooling water; electricity supplying means; and a control part for performing a control so that electrical energy is supplied from the electricity supplying means to a motor for driving the cooling water pump when a power outage signal is received.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2008Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Nobuyuki Yuri, Tsutomu Wakitani
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Patent number: 7629701Abstract: The system comprises a main cogeneration module which can be supplied with a flow of fuel for a combustion process and is able to generate electrical energy and thermal energy in the form of a flow of at least one first hot fluid, preferably water. The main module has an electrical output terminal or node which can be directly connected to electrical user appliances and can be connected in parallel to an external electric power generating and supply network via a controlled switching device.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2007Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: C.R.F. Societa Consortile per AzioniInventors: Pasquale Campanile, Franco Anzioso
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Publication number: 20090295157Abstract: In a cogeneration system having three generation units each equipped with a generator and an internal combustion engine, a single hot water tank is prepared for the three generation units to contain hot water heated by exhaust heat of the engine. The temperature of the hot water contained in the tank and a power demand of an electrical load are detected. Then, the number of the generation unit or units to be operated is determined based on the detected power demand when the detected hot water temperature is equal to or less than a first predetermined value, and operation of the generation unit or units determined to be operated is controlled, thereby reducing a space for the installment of the tank and heat loss from the tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2009Publication date: December 3, 2009Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Nobuyuki Yuri
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Publication number: 20090295158Abstract: In a cogeneration system having a generation unit equipped with a generator and an internal combustion engine, there is installed with a hot water unit including a first flow channel connecting a water supply source with a thermal load, a heat exchanger exchanging heat between water flowing the first flow channel and engine coolant, a first electromagnetic solenoid regulating flow rate of the water heated by the heat exchanger, a second flow channel connected to the first flow channel, a boiler heating water flowing through the second flow channel, and a second electromagnetic solenoid regulating flow rate of the water to be heated by the boiler. The temperatures of the engine coolant and water at the first and second flow channel joint are detected and operation of the first and second valves is controlled based on the detected temperatures, rendering hot water tank unnecessary, thereby achieving the compact structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2009Publication date: December 3, 2009Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Nobuyuki Yuri
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Publication number: 20090284011Abstract: The present invention teaches that a power generation system of the type having been based on Dalton's law of expansion with an engineered gas suitable for changing phase between liquid and gaseous states within a engineered thermal differential. Using high pressure tubing in vacuum as a conduit for the engineered gas charge, heat energy is applied to the heat exchanger, the liquid gas expands and tries to equalize in the system, moving from its liquid receiver to the low pressure side of the system. Still mostly in liquid form the engineered gas passes through a pressure reversing valve, and turbines capable of running at high pressure. The gas then passes through a regulating orifice until decompression and condensation occurs in the second heat exchanger. The cycle then is continuous. The power generated can be stored in a power storage device or used directly through a power inverter.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2008Publication date: November 19, 2009Inventors: Thomas S. McBride, Alexandra McBride
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Patent number: 7615878Abstract: A cogeneration system that is operated in system connection is disconnected from the system and operated independently at a power failure of the system. A power generator 1 driven by an engine E is connected to a system 9. A water-cooling device 13 recovers exhaust heat of the engine E. When an operating switch 20 is switched, to its independent operation mode for an independent operation apart from the system 9, the upper limit of the target rotation speed Ntgt of an electronic governor 16 is increased over that at system connection operation, thereby the engine speed can be increased, and the maximum output point of the power generator 1 is increased for operation.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2005Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Motohiro Shimizu, Toshimitsu Takaishi, Hiroyuki Eguchi
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Patent number: 7615877Abstract: The present invention is a mobile-energy generating system capable of providing redundant direct current power. It comprises a reciprocating engine and generator having dual fuel capability, a fuel cell, commercial electrical power hookups, and capacitors used for bridging purposes. Back-up fuel for the engine and fuel for the fuel cells are stored in propane and hydrogen storage tanks, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2007Date of Patent: November 10, 2009Assignee: Sprint Communications Company L.P.Inventors: Julie A. Willets, Larry L. Johnson, Jerry D. Meyers
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Patent number: 7608938Abstract: Methods and apparatus for operating a combined-cycle power system are provided. The method includes operating the steam turbine, the combustion turbine, and the steam source at steady state operating conditions. Upon sensing a grid frequency deviation away from the standardized grid frequency value, determining a current thermal energy capacity of the steam source, determining a rate of frequency recovery available using the current thermal energy capacity of the steam source and a predetermined rate of change of the at least one steam turbine control valve, if the determined rate of frequency recovery available is greater than the grid frequency deviation, mitigating the frequency deviation using the current thermal energy capacity, if the determined rate of frequency recovery available is less than the grid frequency deviation then mitigating the frequency deviation using the current thermal energy capacity substantially simultaneously with a power level increase of the combustion turbine.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2006Date of Patent: October 27, 2009Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Philip Lynn Andrew, Timothy Andrew Melsert, John Edward Ford
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Publication number: 20090212560Abstract: A heating system includes at least one wind turbine, one or more wind turbine components producing surplus heat, and one or more cooling systems for removal of the surplus heat from the wind turbine components. The heating system also includes a mechanism for transporting at least a part of the surplus heat to heating processes in at least one location external to the at least one wind turbine. A wind turbine or wind park as well as a method for utilizing surplus heat of one or more wind turbine components is also contemplated. Further contemplated is use of a method for utilizing surplus heat of one or more wind turbine components in at least one wind turbine.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2009Publication date: August 27, 2009Applicant: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/SInventor: Gerner Larsen
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Publication number: 20090206599Abstract: In a cogeneration system having a generator adapted to be connectable to an AC power feed line between a commercial power network and an electrical load, an internal combustion engine for driving the generator such that exhaust heat of the engine is supplied to a thermal load and an actuator that opens and closes a throttle valve of the engine, there are provided a power demand detector that detects power demand of the electrical load, a thermal demand detector that detects thermal demand of the thermal load. The operation of the actuator is controlled in response to the detected power demand so as to increase or decrease the engine, and ignition timing of the engine is controlled in a retard direction in response to the detected thermal demand. With this, generation of surplus electricity is suppressed so as to improve operation efficiency.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2009Publication date: August 20, 2009Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoichi Yamamura, Hiroyuki Eguchi
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Publication number: 20090206600Abstract: In a cogeneration system having a power plant that includes a generator and an internal combustion engine for driving the generator such that exhaust heat of the engine is supplied to a thermal load, there are provided a battery, a controller that controls operation of the thermal load, a main switch disposed to be operable by an operator, a microprocessor that controls operation of the power plant when the main switch is turned on by the operator, and an external terminal adapted to transmit an activation signal to the controller upon manipulation by the operator when the main switch is kept off. In the system, the microprocessor is operated by power supplied from the battery in response to the activation signal so as to activate the power plant. With this, even when the operator stays at a place away from the main switch, the power plant can be activated to supply power to electrical loads.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2009Publication date: August 20, 2009Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ariko Horie, Yoshinori Nakagawa, Tsutomu Wakitani
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Patent number: 7576442Abstract: The invention relates to a mobile container power plant. The aim of the invention is to allow for the first time the production of a mobile power plant of this size, which produces an electric current without the emission of pollutants. To achieve this, said plant consists of a container (1), in which a drive assembly (4), a generator (3), a drive shaft with transmission gearing (5), a ventilation and deaeration system (9) and a control system (7) comprising GPS-GSM technology are installed. The mobile power plant can supply an electric current of up to 10 MW. Said electric current is environmentally friendly, as the fuel that is used consists of methanol and water or ethanol and water and produces no pollutants. Said mobile container can be installed anywhere and is autonomous as it contains a tank (10) with a capacity of up to 45,000 liters.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2005Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Inventor: Gerhard Auer
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Patent number: 7566980Abstract: A roadway system and method for energy generation and distribution are presented. This system allows a geothermal infrastructure to be tied into the roadway system electricity grid. The geothermal infrastructure may include energy exchangers that are electrically connected to the roadway system electricity grid. By connecting the energy exchangers electrically to the roadway system electricity grid, the energy exchangers may be powered by solar and/or wind generating devices. In one embodiment of the invention, a roadway system for energy generation and distribution comprises a plurality of energy harnessing devices (e.g., solar and/or wind generating devices). The roadway system electricity grid is configured for mass distribution of electricity. The energy exchangers are configured to electrically connect to the roadway system electricity grid.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2007Date of Patent: July 28, 2009Assignee: Genedics Clean Energy, LLCInventors: Gene S. Fein, Edward Merritt
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Publication number: 20090175603Abstract: Equipment for storage of heat energy preferably for storage of heat energy by converting electric energy produced by plants utilizing wind energy into heat energy and using the stored heat energy for providing various heat supply services, and, in order to eliminate the disadvantages due to the intermittent operation of plants utilizing wind energy, using the stored heat energy for generating electric energy during windless period; furthermore, storing the energy by means of cheap electric energy produced by the power stations during night and using it during peak load periods.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2005Publication date: July 9, 2009Inventor: Gabor Gode
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Publication number: 20090165456Abstract: A high-efficiency heat cycle system including a compressor, a first turbine, first and second heat exchangers 7 and 8, a first pump, and an expander, and a composite heat cycle power generator using the high-efficiency heat cycle system. Working gas Fg compressed in the compressor (C) drives a first turbine (S) and is thereafter cooled by passing through a heat dissipating side of a first heat exchanger (7) and then raised in pressure by a first pump (P) to form high-pressure working liquid Fe, the high-pressure working liquid is expanded and evaporated in a expander (K) to form working gas Fg, said working gas Fg is heated by passing through a heat receiving side 82 of the second heat exchanger before being introduced into the compressor C. A heat dissipating side 81 of the second heat exchanger comprises a heat dissipating portion of a refrigerating machine or a heat dissipating portion for waste heat from a heating machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 12, 2006Publication date: July 2, 2009Inventor: Noboru Masada
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Publication number: 20090115368Abstract: An electric power generating system is arranged such that the system efficiency approaches 100%. In the context of this special arrangement, system efficiency is defined as the electrical energy produced divided by the amount of heat energy allocated to its production. All heat energy that is not converted to electric energy is completely used by an associated household. However, high efficiency requires that heat usage by the household is not increased as a result of this arrangement. Unlike most electric power generation, heat is not wasted, so there is no inefficiency. The motor vehicle includes an electric generator driven by a heat engine, with an optional natural gas connection to the household. The heat from the exhaust and the engine coolant is connected to household devices that make full use of that heat. As needed, operation of the heat engine is regulated such that heat discharge rate does not exceed the rate at which household devices can use that heat.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2007Publication date: May 7, 2009Inventor: James Kenneth Bullis
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Patent number: 7514805Abstract: A drive axle for a working machine, in particular an industrial truck, has at least one electrical traction motor (1 or 2) and a second electrical machine, the traction motor (1 or 2) being arranged in the axial direction. In order to extend the field of use of the drive axle, according to the invention, the second electrical machine is electrically connected to the traction motor (1 or 2) and forms, together with the traction motor, an electrical converter. The second electrical machine is drive-connected to a combustion engine (12) and is provided as the generator (11) of the electrical converter.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2006Date of Patent: April 7, 2009Assignee: Linde Material Handling GmbHInventor: Bernward Welschof
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Patent number: 7511387Abstract: An apparatus for generating and a method for creating the apparatus are disclosed. In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises an element (e.g., a mountain) having a conduit formed therein. The conduit has an inlet and an outlet, with the inlet disposed at a first elevation and the outlet disposed at a second elevation higher than the first elevation. A generator is disposed in the conduit such that fluid moving through the conduit motivates the generator.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2003Date of Patent: March 31, 2009Inventor: Mehdi Fakhrai
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Publication number: 20090066086Abstract: A thermodynamic closed hydraulic electric generating system consisting of pressurized tanks, containing gas and liquid volumes interconnected by pipes. The system has a minimum of two tanks, one for heating and one for cooling. The heating source is solar, thermal or chemical. One tank is heated while the other is cooled, causing a significant pressure difference between the two tanks. Once one tank is heated to its optimum temperature and the other is cooled to its lowest temperature, a pressure valve is activated opening a regulated gate valve allowing the liquid in the higher pressure tank to flow through the connecting pipes and through a generator to the tank with the lower pressure and generating electric power. Liquid flow will occur until the tanks' pressure system equalizes, then the system is reversed. Tanks are heated by solar energy by parabolic mirrors and cooled by liquid/gas. Heat sinks promote heating/cooling.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2007Publication date: March 12, 2009Inventor: Howard O. Hansen, JR.
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Publication number: 20090045626Abstract: In a cogeneration system having at least with a generation unit comprising a generator connectable to an AC power feed line between a commercial power network and an electrical load, an internal combustion engine for driving the generator, and a battery, the cogeneration system producing hot air/water through exchange heat generated by the engine to supply to a thermal load, it is determined whether it is a predetermined self-diagnosis time, and when the result is affirmative, the generation unit is operated by an output of the battery and self-diagnoses is made on at least one of output voltage of the battery, a speed of the engine and an output of the generator, when it is determined to be the predetermined self-diagnosis time.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2008Publication date: February 19, 2009Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Nobuyuki Yuri
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Publication number: 20090045625Abstract: In a cogeneration system having a generation unit comprising a generator connectable to an AC power feed line between a commercial power network and an electrical load, and an internal combustion engine for driving the generator and having a coolant circulation passage through which a coolant circulates, there are provided a first heat exchanger installed at the coolant circulation passage of the engine to exchange heat with the coolant, a blower that supplies intake air to the first heat exchanger to exchange heat and heat-exchanged hot air to a hot-air passage, a selector comprising a damper that selectively connects the hot-air passage to a room or to exterior, and a controller that controls operation of the selector based on thermal demand, i.e., to lead the hot air to the exterior when there is no thermal demand.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2008Publication date: February 19, 2009Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Nobuyuki Yuri
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Patent number: 7492052Abstract: An electrical generator for use in conjunction with a heat exchange system having an evaporator and a condenser is presented. The electrical generator may include a control circuit, a moderator and a working spool. The moderator may include a moderator cylinder having a moderator chamber and three moderator ports in fluid communication with the moderator chamber. The three moderator ports are respectively in fluid communication with the evaporator, the condenser and the working spool. The moderator and working spool each may include a coil surrounding at least a portion of a cylinder having a piston slidably disposed therein. The working spool coil is configured for generating current upon movement of the working spool piston. Movement of the working spool piston is achieved through the selective admission of the working fluid to the working spool as controlled by the moderator and the control circuit.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2006Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Northrop Grumman CorporationInventor: Robert E. Stumm
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Publication number: 20090033095Abstract: In a powertrain that includes an engine having a filter for removing particulate matter from engine exhaust gas, and an electric machine driveably connected to the engine, a method for controlling temperature of the filter including operating the engine to produce a magnitude of positive crankshaft power for driving the vehicle, increasing the temperature of the engine exhaust gas by operating the electric machine to increase load on the engine, and regenerating the particulate filter by passing engine exhaust gas at the increased temperature through the particulate filter.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2007Publication date: February 5, 2009Inventors: Deepak Aswani, Mathew A. Boesch, Ihab S. Soliman, Andrew J. Silveri, Fazal U. Syed, Mark S. Yamazaki
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Publication number: 20090021010Abstract: A closed-cycle system and method of electrical power generation uses steam to transport charge carriers through an MHD generator. Water droplets, fine particles or mixtures thereof are used as the charge carriers. The fine particles are sufficiently small to allow the particles to pass through pumps and other equipment in the flow path with little or no damage, thereby eliminating the need to remove and re-inject a seed material, or treat it prior to discharge to the environment. The high operating temperatures of prior art MHD generators are avoided, thereby allowing more economical and readily available materials to be used. The system and method also allows the MHD generator to be used as the bottoming cycle in a single-loop power generation system, with a conventional steam turbine-generator used as the topping cycle, resulting in an increased heat rate with reduced emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants, and with reduced heat rejection to the environment per unit of electricity produced.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 19, 2007Publication date: January 22, 2009Inventor: David J. Walker
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Patent number: 7466034Abstract: A cogeneration system is disclosed, wherein a generator which generates electricity, a drive source which operates to drive the generator, and generates waste heat during the operation of the drive source, a waste heat recoverer which recovers the waste heat of the drive source, and a radiator which radiates the waste heat recovered by the waste heat recoverer are arranged in a single chassis. The cogeneration system has a compact and simple arrangement, and achieves simple control operations, and an enhancement in operability.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2005Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Seung Tak Kang, Chang Min Choi, Won Jae Choi, Hyung Soo Lim, Yoon Jei Hwang
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Publication number: 20080296896Abstract: A Stirling engine includes a reciprocating piston which drives an alternator to provide an electrical output. The current signal is measured by a current monitor and a fast Fourier Transform value is produced. The FFT of the current signal has been found to be directly related to the stability of operation of the Stirling engine. As harmonic peaks in the FFT increase, this indicates that the stroke length of the piston is approaching or exceeding a safe maximum. Correction action, such as a reduction in heat to the Stirling engine, can be taken in consequence. A variety of stroke length detectors are also disclosed, for use in combination with, or separately from, the FFT analysis of the current signal. Optical and mechanical switches and analogue sensors are disclosed, along with an accelerometer mounted upon the casing of the Stirling engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 22, 2005Publication date: December 4, 2008Applicant: MICROGEN ENERGY LIMITEDInventors: Christopher John Spenceley, Roger Stuart Silcock, Wayne Kenneth Aldridge, Jarlath Michael McEntee, Stephen Charles Welty, Gordon Smith, Christpher Mark Hardingham
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Patent number: 7459799Abstract: A domestic combined heat and power (dchp) unit includes a Stirling engine 1 to provide heat for a domestic dwelling along with a source of electrical power. Under normal operation, the dchp is supplied with power from the national grid. When there is an interruption in the mains power from the grid, the dchp switches into a grid independent mode wherein power is generated by the dchp and is supplied to a controller 26 and to a water pump so as to maintain integrity of heat supply to the dwelling; the remaining power after that is supplied to selected domestic electrically powered equipment such as lights or television sets. The invention also discloses methods for black start of the dchp during a mains power loss, and also modification of the operating voltage on start up of electrical equipment during a power loss, to prevent the Stirling engine stalling.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Microgen Energy LimitedInventors: Wayne Kenneth Aldridge, David Anthony Clark, George McChesney Francis, Heather Allderidge, Graham Richard Roberts
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Publication number: 20080211230Abstract: An integrated and hybrid energy provider and storage device system for enhancing the energy efficiency and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions particularly for systems that utilize energy in a discrete and discontinuous manner, such as plug-in hybrid vehicles is provided. The system provides automated means to generate power, distribute the preferably locally generated power to a multiplex array of energy storage devices in a dynamic manner. The system, when utilizing dynamic algorithms, preferably meets the complex demands of often conflicting energy storage device requirements and real-time demand loads in-conjunction with dynamic switching between energy storage devices to enhance the performance and effectiveness that is beneficial to both the aggregate energy efficiency and the individual owner demands of each energy storage device.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2007Publication date: September 4, 2008Applicant: reXorce Thermionics, Inc.Inventor: Michael H. Gurin
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Publication number: 20080197630Abstract: In a cogeneration system having a power plant comprising a generator connected to an AC power feed line between a power network and an electrical load and an internal combustion engine for driving the generator and for supplying its exhaust heat to a thermal load, the power supply from the generator to the power network is interrupted by turning off a switch installed in the feed line when an outage of the power network is detected, and a battery for storing DC power is connected to an inverter circuit to invert the DC power to AC power, such that the inverted AC power of the battery and the output of the generator are supplied to the electrical load, thereby enabling to respond to a power network outage for preventing reverse flow of the power output by the cogeneration system into the power network and supplying as much electric power as possible to the electrical load.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 13, 2008Publication date: August 21, 2008Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tsutomu Wakitani, Hiroyuki Eguchi, Yoshinori Nakagawa
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Publication number: 20080174115Abstract: Systems, methods, and heaters for treating a subsurface formation are described herein. At least one method includes treating a hydrocarbon containing formation. The method may include providing heat to the formation; producing heated fluid from the formation; and generating electricity from at least a portion of the heated fluid using a Kalina cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2007Publication date: July 24, 2008Inventor: Gene Richard Lambirth
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Patent number: 7378749Abstract: An electrical generator system includes a source for producing heated gases, a conduit connected to the source for receiving a flow of the heated gases, and a generator assembly positioned in close proximity to the conduit. The generator assembly includes a plurality of magnets positioned in a spaced relationship, the plurality of magnets producing a magnetic field. At least one electrical conductor is positioned adjacent the plurality of magnets to conduct an electrical current generated in response to the flow of heated gases in the conduit and the magnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2005Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Inventor: Donald O. Moore
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Patent number: 7372171Abstract: The present invention concerns a wind power installation comprising a pylon and a pod arranged at the tip of the pylon. The invention further concerns a method of controlling such a wind power installation. In order to prevent a fire from occurring or at least to be able to rapidly extinguish a fire which has occurred, there is provided a first apparatus for producing an inert atmosphere.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2003Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Inventor: Aloys Wobben
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Patent number: 7355297Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a combined-cycle power system is provided. The system is coupled to an electric power grid. The system includes at least one electric power generator, at least one steam turbine coupled to the generator, at least one combustion turbine coupled to the generator, and at least one steam source that is in flow communication with the steam turbine. The method includes operating the system at a first power output level with the steam turbine and the combustion turbine being synchronized to an operating frequency of the grid, so that the steam turbine, the combustion turbine, and the grid are operating at a frequency substantially similar to a standardized grid frequency value. The method also includes sensing a grid frequency deviation away from the standardized grid frequency value.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2007Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Philip Lynn Andrew, John Edward Ford, Timothy Andrew Melsert
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Patent number: 7329959Abstract: There is provided a micro power generator enhanced in efficiency and power generation output, and having an increased temperature range for operation. The micro power generator comprises: a high-temperature heat source; a low-temperature heat source; an enclosed body containing a working substance therein, the enclosed body being deformable by means of a phase change of the working substance between a first shape wherein heat can be transferred from the high-temperature heat source and a second shape wherein heat can be transferred to the low-temperature heat source; a permanent magnet constituting the enclosed body, the permanent magnet being maintained in a first position when the enclosed body has the first shape and in a second position when the enclosed body has the second shape; and a wire in which an electric current is induced by a movement of the permanent magnet.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2006Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Assignee: Korea Institute of Science and TechnologyInventors: Kwang Ho Kim, Gwi Eun Song, Jae Hak Jeon, Yoon Pyo Lee
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Publication number: 20080023962Abstract: Provided is a cogeneration system. The system includes a chassis, a controller cooling unit, and a driver cooling unit. The chassis is provided with a generator, a driving source, a waste heat recovering unit, and a controller. The generator generates power. The driving source drives the generator and generates heat. The waste heat recovering unit recovers a waste heat of the driving source. The controller controls operations of the generator, the driving source, and the waste heat recovering unit. The controller cooling unit introduces air at one side inside the chassis, circulates the introduced air, and cools at least any one of the generator and the controller. The driver cooling unit introduces air at the other side inside the chassis, circulates the introduced air, and cools at least any one of the driving source and the waste heat recovering unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2007Publication date: January 31, 2008Applicant: LG ELECTRONICS INC.Inventors: Nam Joon CHO, Hyung Soo KIM, Bon Chang HWANG