Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatuses for fluidized bed using multiple jets to introduce gas into a fluidized bed region and methods of fluidizing. The apparatus for introducing fluidizing medium to a fluidized bed reactor comprises a vessel defining a fluidized bed region and in which solid feed stock is fed, a gas distribution grid housed in the lower portion of the vessel through which a first fluidizing medium is introduced to fluidize the solid feed stock, a plurality of jets positioned through the gas distribution grid through which a second fluidizing medium is introduced into the fluidized bed region for fluidization of the solid feed stock.

Abstract: A fuel cell purge system includes a primary fuel cell in fluid communication with a purge cell. Fuel and oxidant purged with inert gas impurities from the primary fuel cell react in the purge cell, thereby decreasing the volume of purged gases and facilitating storage while maintaining fuel cell electrochemical performance.

Abstract: A fuel vaporizer including fuel injectors is described herein. The vaporizer includes a housing having a plurality of baffles defining a plurality of chambers, with each of the plurality of baffles defining an aperture between adjacent chamber, and the apertures define a flow path from the air inlet, through the plurality of chambers, and to the vapor outlet. A conduit extends through the baffles and chambers, and the conduit is adapted to accept a flow exhaust gas and transfer thermal energy from the exhaust gas to an airflow along the flow path A fuel injector is positioned in the housing to inject fuel into the flow path in the first chamber, the thermal energy from the conduit vaporizing the fuel injected into the airflow and producing the flow of vaporized fuel. The fuel vaporizer may include a heat exchanger pre-heating the airflow and electric heating elements supplementing the conduit heating.

Abstract: Biochars and methods for treating biochars are provided that are useful in various applications, including, but not limited to, applications related to the raising, care, maintenance, disease prevention, disease treatment and odor control of animals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for applying biochar to turf and landscape to allow the turf and landscape to be effectively maintained under reduced water and/or reduced fertilizer applications.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a biochar solution. The method comprises the steps of collecting biochar particles, dispersing the biochar particles in a liquid solution and adding a stabilizing agent to keep the biochar in flowable suspension. The stabilizing agent may be added to the liquid solution or to the biochar prior to placing the biochar in solution.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for using biochar in composting environments to control temperature, moisture, acid and pH levels, odors and bacterial cultures. The method further includes treating the biochar prior to combining it with the compost to further control such parameters.

Abstract: A light fixture includes a frame, a plurality of LED mounting panels that are removably coupled to the frame, a plurality of LEDs that are disposed on each of the plurality of LED mounting panels, and a plurality of drivers. Each of the plurality of drivers is disposed on a corresponding one of the plurality of LED mounting panels and is electrically coupled to the plurality of LEDs disposed on each of the plurality of LED mounting panels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for applying biochar to turf and landscape to allow the turf and landscape to be effectively maintained under reduced water and/or reduced fertilizer applications.

Abstract: A portable power unit is provided that can be embodied in backpack, waist-pack, or other portable form. The portable power unit can include a battery, a bidirectional power processor, and a power port. The bidirectional power processor allows for direct current (DC) power exchange between the battery and the bidirectional power processor and a user selectable alternating current (AC) or DC power exchange between the bidirectional power processor and a power port through which a power source and an external load can be connected for charging and discharging of the electrochemical battery, respectively.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is disclosed in which a fuel or oxidant fluid is used as a coolant fluid that functions as a heat sink a fuel cell.

Abstract: A light fixture suitable for use with fluorescent light bulbs as a fluorescent light fixture includes a frame, a plurality of LED mounting strips that are removably coupled to the frame, a plurality of LEDs that are disposed on each of the plurality of LED mounting strips, and a plurality of drivers. Each of the plurality of drivers is disposed on one of the plurality of LED mounting strips and electrically coupled to the plurality of LEDs disposed on each of the plurality of LED mounting strips.

Abstract: A method of reducing electricity usage during peak demand periods includes the steps of establishing predetermined load reduction criteria representative of a desire by a power provider to reduce loading on an electricity supply grid, and coordinating with a facility having lighting equipment to permit the power provider to turn-off one or more of the lighting equipment by sending instructions to a master controller at the facility in response to the predetermined load reduction criteria, and establishing a list of lighting equipment to be turned-off in response to the instructions, and configuring the master controller to send an override control signal to the lighting equipment to implement the instructions, and configuring the lighting equipment to send a response signal to the master controller providing a status of the lighting equipment.

Abstract: Biochars and methods for producing biochar aggregate particles where the method for producing the aggregate particles comprise the steps of (i) producing or collecting biochar fines; (ii) adding a binding agent to the biochar fines; and (iii) forming the biochar fines and binding agent into solid aggregate particles.

Abstract: A light fixture includes a fixture body, a support structure, a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) a driver, a cover, and a connector. The fixture body includes a first raceway, a second raceway, and a channel. The second raceway is substantially parallel to the first raceway. The channel is coupled to the first raceway and the second raceway such that the channel is substantially orthogonal to the first raceway and the second raceway. The support structure is coupled to the first raceway and the second raceway. The plurality of LEDs is coupled to the support structure and spaced apart along a length of the support structure between the first raceway and the second raceway. The driver is positioned within the channel and electrically coupled to the plurality of LEDs. The cover is detachably coupled to the channel and extends from the first raceway to the second raceway.

Abstract: A fuel vaporizer including a mist vaporizer and a boiler, the boiler being integrated with the mist vaporizer, the mist vaporizer and the boiler including a housing, baffles joined to the housing, conduit extending through the baffles, fuel in a mist form adjacent the conduit and a pool of fuel contained between the housing and baffles.

Abstract: A thin-film battery that includes an adhesive layer is provided. The thin-film battery may have active layer (such as an anode, a cathode, an electrolyte, an anode current collector, and a cathode current collector) and a thin-film substrate made of ceramic or glass. The adhesive layer may be deposited over a portion of the active layer and the substrate. This may provide for a more stable, flexible, and mechanically sound thin-film battery.

Abstract: Biochar is provided that is treated to have certain chemical and physical properties found to have the highest impact on plant growth and/or soil health. In particular, the following physical and/or chemical properties, among others, of a biochar have been identified as critical properties to control for in the selection of biomass feedstock, pyrolysis conditions, and/or enhancing treatment to increase biochar performance: (i) bulk density (ii) impregnation capacity; (iii) particle size distribution; (iv) solid particle density; (v) surface area; (vi) porosity; (vii) total porosity; (viii) ratio of macroporosity to total porosity (ix) content of residual organic compounds; (x) content of volatile organic compounds; (xii) ash content; (xiii) water holding capacity; (xiv) water retention capabilities; (xv) levels of dioxins and other potentially hazardous byproducts of pyrolysis; and (xvi) pH.

Abstract: A method for the production of an agent for enhancing soil growth is described, comprising: grinding a biomass feedstock to produce ground biomass particles; subjecting the ground biomass particles to a biofractioning process including an auger reactor; selectively collecting at least one volatile component as it is released from the ground biomass particles; collecting a last remaining nonvolatile component comprising BMF char; rendering a surface of the BMF char hydrophilic; exposing the BMF char to microorganisms; and adding the BMF char to soil.

Abstract: A separator plate and a frame member for an electrochemical cell are provided. The separator plate includes a plurality of protrusions extending therefrom to define a flow field. A pair of end features arranged along opposite sides of the flow field, each end feature extending substantially the length of the flow field. A periphery portion is provided having a first set of openings and a second set of openings. Wherein the plurality of protrusions and pair of end features extend from a plane defined by the periphery portion. The frame member includes features for facilitating assembly and reducing the risk of an over constrained condition. The frame member further having ports divided by a bridge member to support the frame member under operating pressures.