Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to various embodiments of systems and methods for reducing the production of harmful emissions in combustion engines. One method includes correlating combustion chamber temperature to acceleration of a power train component, such as a crankshaft. Once the relationship between acceleration/deceleration of the component and combustion temperature are known, an engine control module can be configured to adjust combustion parameters to reduce combustion temperature when acceleration data indicates peak combustion temperature is approaching a harmful level, such as a level conducive to the formation of undesirable oxides of nitrogen. Various embodiments of the methods and systems disclosed herein can employ injectors with integrated igniters providing efficient injection, ignition, and complete combustion of various types of fuels.

Abstract: Fuel injector-igniters with variable gap electrodes. A fuel injector-igniter comprises a housing, an actuator disposed in the housing, and a valve including a valve head operative to open and close against a valve seat in response to activation of the actuator. An electrode cage surrounds the valve head and includes at least one aperture. At least one reed electrode extends from the electrode cage to form a gap between the reed electrode and the housing. The valve head includes a magnet, such as a permanent magnet, wherein the magnet is operative to move the reed electrode toward the electrode cage when the valve head opens, thereby increasing the gap.

Abstract: Systems and methods for collecting, storing, and conveying aqueous thermal energy are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a floating film retains solar energy in a volume of water located under the film. A series of curtains hanging from a bottom surface of the film define a passage between a periphery of the film and a center of the film to direct the heated water at the center of the film. The heated water is circulated to deliver the heat to a dissociation reactor and/or donor substance. The donor is conveyed to the reactor and dissociated.

Abstract: Techniques, systems, apparatus, and materials are disclosed for generating multi-purpose liquid fuel for isolating contaminants and storing energy. In one aspect, a method of producing a liquid fuel includes forming a gaseous fuel (e.g., by dissociating biomass waste using waste heat recovered from an external heat source). Carbon dioxide emitted from an industrial process can be harvested and reacted with the gaseous fuel to generate the liquid fuel. A hazardous contaminant can be dissolved in the liquid fuel, with the liquid fuel operating as a solvent or continuous phase for a solution or colloid that isolates the hazardous contaminant from the environment. The hazardous contaminant can include at least one of a carbon donor and a hydrogen donor.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and/or detecting the flow of one or more fluids in a fluid system including leak detection system integral to the fluid system (e.g., at any point along a conduit, at a connection between conduits such as at a fitting assembly, etc.) configured to detect incipient, early stage levels of the leak. Based on one or more factors related to the fluid and/or the leak, the methods, devices, and systems disclosed herein can provide an indication of a suitable action or process in response to the fluid or the leak including performing preventative maintenance or providing an indication of the need of maintenance in response to the leak.