Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods that include a sorption vessel containing a pulp including an aqueous slurry and a sorbent, a screening system at least partially submerged within the pulp and including a housing and a vibratory screening machine including a compression assembly and a screen assembly. The aqueous slurry includes a metal that is adsorbed by the sorbent to form an oversized material in the pulp. The compression assembly compresses the screen assembly into a concave shape and the screen assembly is inclined such that the pulp if fed over a first inclined portion of the screen assembly and the oversized materials are conveyed over a second inclined portion of the screen assembly and removed from the system or conveyed back into the sorption vessel. The undersized material passes through the screen assembly into a portion of the housing separate from the pulp and is discharged to another sorption vessel.

Abstract: Backup energy systems utilizing compressed air storage (CAS) systems and bridging energy systems to supply backup power to a load are provided. During a power failure, the bridging energy system provides backup power to the load at least until the CAS system begins supplying adequate power. In various embodiments, backup power capability is enhanced through the use of one or more exhaustless heaters, which are used to heat compressed air. The compressed air, in turn, drives a turbine which is used to power an electrical generator. In various embodiments, ambient air heat exchangers or other types of heat exchangers are used to heat compressed air prior to the compressed air being routed to the turbine, thereby increasing system efficiency. Backup power and backup HVAC are also provided by utilizing turbine exhaust, heat exchangers and various resistive heating elements.

Abstract: Backup energy systems utilizing compressed air storage (CAS) systems and bridging energy systems to supply backup power to a load are provided. During a power failure, the bridging energy system provides backup power to the load at least until the CAS system begins supplying adequate power. In various embodiments, backup power capability is enhanced through the use of one or more exhaustless heaters, which are used to heat compressed air. The compressed air, in turn, drives a turbine which is used to power an electrical generator. In various embodiments, ambient air heat exchangers or other types of heat exchangers are used to heat compressed air prior to the compressed air being routed to the turbine, thereby increasing system efficiency. Backup power and backup HVAC are also provided by utilizing turbine exhaust, heat exchangers and various resistive heating elements.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling humidity of a working fluid used to provided climate control of a mission critical application are provided. Such control may be accomplished by using a humidification system in connection with a CAS or TACAS system. The humidification system may introduce a liquid (e.g., water) into one or more, predetermined points within the CAS or TACAS system to adjust the moisture content of a working fluid used to influence the environment of a mission critical application or enclosure.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to transient energy systems for supplying power to a load substantially instantaneously on demand. Transient energy systems may include a flywheel coupled the rotor of an induction motor generator. One embodiment of the disclosure refers to systems and methods for reducing loads on a bearing in a transient energy system. In another embodiment, the disclosure refers to an induction motor generator that is optimized for high power transient power generation, yet low power motor operation. Yet another embodiment of the disclosure refers to using a flywheel as a drag pump to cool components of a transient energy system. In yet another embodiment, a slip control scheme is discussed for regulating a DC bus. In yet a further embodiment of the disclosure a method is provided for reducing unnecessary turbine starts by making turbine start a function of the rotational velocity of a flywheel.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to transient energy systems for supplying power to a load substantially instantaneously on demand. Transient energy systems may include a flywheel coupled the rotor of an induction motor generator. One embodiment of the disclosure refers to systems and methods for reducing loads on a bearing in a transient energy system. In another embodiment, the disclosure refers to an induction motor generator that is optimized for high power transient power generation, yet low power motor operation. Yet another embodiment of the disclosure refers to using a flywheel as a drag pump to cool components of a transient energy system. In yet another embodiment, a slip control scheme is discussed for regulating a DC bus. In yet a further embodiment of the disclosure a method is provided for reducing unnecessary turbine starts by making turbine start a function of the rotational velocity of a flywheel.

Abstract: A thermal storage unit having at least one conduit around which a cast is made is provided. The thermal storage unit uses conventional piping or tubing to create conduits that economically maximize the surface area of flow in contact with the thermal mass by proving multiple passes for the fluid through the cast. This enables the thermal storage unit to economically provide heat storage as well as effective heat delivery and pressure containment for a fluid flowing through the conduit.

Abstract: Backup energy systems utilizing compressed air storage (CAS) systems and bridging energy systems to supply backup power to a load are provided. During a power failure, the bridging energy system provides backup power to the load at least until the CAS system begins supplying adequate power. In various embodiments, backup power capability is enhanced through the use of one or more exhaustless heaters, which are used to heat compressed air. The compressed air, in turn, drives a turbine which is used to power an electrical generator. In various embodiments, ambient air heat exchangers or other types of heat exchangers are used to heat compressed air prior to the compressed air being routed to the turbine, thereby increasing system efficiency. Backup power and backup HVAC are also provided by utilizing turbine exhaust, heat exchangers and various resistive heating elements.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to transient energy systems for supplying power to a load substantially instantaneously on demand. Transient energy systems may include a flywheel coupled the rotor of an induction motor generator. One embodiment of the disclosure refers to systems and methods for reducing loads on a bearing in a transient energy system. In another embodiment, the disclosure refers to an induction motor generator that is optimized for high power transient power generation, yet low power motor operation. Yet another embodiment of the disclosure refers to using a flywheel as a drag pump to cool components of a transient energy system. In yet another embodiment, a slip control scheme is discussed for regulating a DC bus. In yet a further embodiment of the disclosure a method is provided for reducing unnecessary turbine starts by making turbine start a function of the rotational velocity of a flywheel.

Abstract: Backup energy systems utilizing compressed air storage (CAS) systems and bridging energy systems to supply backup power to a load are provided. During a power failure, the bridging energy system provides backup power to the load at least until the CAS system begins supplying adequate power. In various embodiments, backup power capability is enhanced through the use of one or more exhaustless heaters, which are used to heat compressed air. The compressed air, in turn, drives a turbine which is used to power an electrical generator. In various embodiments, ambient air heat exchangers or other types of heat exchangers are used to heat compressed air prior to the compressed air being routed to the turbine, thereby increasing system efficiency. Backup power and backup HVAC are also provided by utilizing turbine exhaust, heat exchangers and various resistive heating elements.

Abstract: A thermal storage unit having at least one annular flow channel formed between an inner and outer member is provided. The thermal storage unit uses conventional mill products to create annular flow channels that economically maximize the surface area of flow in contact with the thermal mass included in the inner and outer members. This enables the thermal storage unit to economically provide heat storage as well as effective heat delivery and pressure containment for a fluid flowing through the annular channel.

Abstract: Backup energy systems utilizing compressed air storage (CAS) systems and bridging energy systems to supply backup power to a load are provided. During a power failure, the bridging energy system provides backup power to the load at least until the CAS system begins supplying adequate power. In various embodiments, backup power capability is enhanced through the use of one or more exhaustless heaters, which are used to heat compressed air. The compressed air, in turn, drives a turbine which is used to power an electrical generator. In various embodiments, ambient air heat exchangers or other types of heat exchangers are used to heat compressed air prior to the compressed air being routed to the turbine, thereby increasing system efficiency. Backup power and backup HVAC are also provided by utilizing turbine exhaust, heat exchangers and various resistive heating elements.

Abstract: Integrated flywheel uninteruptible power supply (UPS) systems provide reliable back-up power protection in a single integrated housing unit. The integration of the two normally independent systems results in a synergism such that various components may be shared between the systems. For example, the flywheel unit and the UPS electronics unit may utilize a single cooling system that is less complex and requires less energy to operate than two independent cooling systems. Other shared components may include at least control circuitry, user and display interface circuitry, fusing, DC bus capacitors, and emergency shut-off circuitry.

Abstract: The motor-generator circuitry of a flywheel energy conversion device can be utilized to preheat the rotor of the flywheel device. It may be desirable to preheat the rotor prior to normal operation because a rotor operating in cold temperature may be more susceptible to brittle fracture or other damage than a rotor operating at a specified operating temperature. The present invention may utilize the principle of induction heating to preheat the rotor. In preferred embodiments, high frequency current may be passed through armature windings of the motor-generating circuitry to induce surface currents into the periphery of the rotor. Heat may then be generated in portions of the rotor receiving the induced currents and then radiate from those portions to raise the rotor temperature to a desired level.

Abstract: A field replaceable air-gap cartridge armature device for use in rotating electric machines is presented. The cartridge armature includes a plurality of bent-shaped air-gap windings rigidly arranged in a circular fashion to form an inner rim, an outer rim and an active section. The inner and outer rims are formed by end turn sections that are bent toward and away, respectively, from the center of the cartridge device. The windings may be generally arranged into a Z-shaped cross-section that is embedded in a fiber reinforced epoxy resin matrix to provide a rigid structure for transferring torque from the air-gap windings to a stator. Countersunk fasteners are used to easily attach and remove the cartridge armature from a rotating electric machine. The cartridge armature can be configured as a three phase, Y-connected armature circuit, and provides electrically insulated, substantially vacuum tight terminal penetration of a rotating electric machine for electrical feed-throughs.