Patents by Inventor Frank K. Lu
Frank K. Lu has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11592183Abstract: Rotating detonation engines are provided with various improvements pertaining to performance and reliability. Improvements pertain to, for example, a fluidic valve/premixing chamber, injection/swirl, flow control and turning, ignition, and cooling. A rotating detonation engine can include a cylindrical inner shell within an outer housing, a cylindrical outer shell positioned between the inner shell and the outer housing, an annular gap between the outer shell and the outer housing functioning as a detonation chamber.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2020Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Andrew R. Mizener, Frank K Lu
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Patent number: 11280196Abstract: In one embodiment, a power generation system includes a pulse detonation engine including a combustion chamber, a linear power generator including a working chamber, and a nozzle positioned between the combustion chamber and the working chamber that expands exhaust gas expelled from the combustion chamber, wherein the nozzle increases thermodynamic efficiency of the system.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2015Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Assignee: BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEMInventors: Eric M. Braun, Frank K. Lu
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Publication number: 20210003285Abstract: Rotating detonation engines are provided with various improvements pertaining to performance and reliability. Improvements pertain to, for example, a fluidic valve/premixing chamber, injection/swirl, flow control and turning, ignition, and cooling.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 16, 2020Publication date: January 7, 2021Inventors: Andrew R. Mizener, Frank K Lu
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Publication number: 20180080412Abstract: Rotating detonation engines are provided with various improvements pertaining to performance and reliability. Improvements pertain to, for example, a fluidic valve/premixing chamber, injection/swirl, flow control and turning, ignition, and cooling.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 20, 2017Publication date: March 22, 2018Applicant: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Andrew R. Mizener, Frank K. Lu
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Patent number: 9909533Abstract: A pulsed detonation engine may include a detonation tube for receiving fuel and an oxidizer to be detonated therein, one or more fuel-oxidizer injectors for injecting the fuel and oxidizer into the detonation tube, one or more purge air injectors for injecting purge air into the detonation tube for purging the detonation tube, and an ignition for igniting the fuel and oxidizer in the detonation tube so as to initiate detonation thereof. The detonation tube has an upstream end, a downstream end, and an axially extended portion extending from the upstream end to the downstream end and having a perimeter. The fuel-oxidizer injectors and purge air injectors may be disposed at least along the axially extended portion. The ignition may include a plurality of igniters disposed at or near the perimeter of the axially extended portion, spaced about the perimeter, at or near the upstream end of the detonation tube.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2012Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEMInventors: Frank K. Lu, Donald R Wilson
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Publication number: 20170093253Abstract: In one embodiment, a power generation system includes a pulse detonation engine including a combustion chamber, a linear power generator including a working chamber, and a nozzle positioned between the combustion chamber and the working chamber that expands exhaust gas expelled from the combustion chamber, wherein the nozzle increases thermodynamic efficiency of the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2015Publication date: March 30, 2017Applicant: Board of Regents, the University of Texas SystemInventors: Eric M. Braun, Frank K. Lu
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Patent number: 8544280Abstract: A continuous detonation wave engine (CDWE) is disclosed. An example embodiment includes a generally annular combustion chamber dimensioned to allow a fuel mixture to detonate, a mixing chamber, and a fuel mixture channel that provides for fluid communication between the mixing chamber and the combustion chamber. At least part of the fuel mixture channel features a quenching structure dimensioned to substantially prevent detonation from spreading from the combustion chamber via the fuel mixture channel to the mixing chamber. Other embodiments are described and claimed.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2009Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Frank K. Lu, Nathan L. Dunn
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Publication number: 20130025256Abstract: A pulsed detonation engine may include a detonation tube for receiving fuel and an oxidizer to be detonated therein, one or more fuel-oxidizer injectors for injecting the fuel and oxidizer into the detonation tube, one or more purge air injectors for injecting purge air into the detonation tube for purging the detonation tube, and an ignition for igniting the fuel and oxidizer in the detonation tube so as to initiate detonation thereof. The detonation tube has an upstream end, a downstream end, and an axially extended portion extending from the upstream end to the downstream end and having a perimeter. The fuel-oxidizer injectors and purge air injectors may be disposed at least along the axially extended portion. The ignition may include a plurality of igniters disposed at or near the perimeter of the axially extended portion, spaced about the perimeter, at or near the upstream end of the detonation tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEMInventors: Frank K. Lu, Donald R Wilson
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Patent number: 8127533Abstract: The system and method described herein uses a hybrid pulsed detonation engine (PDE) system to drive a turbine that powers an electric generator. The combustion chamber of the PDE is shaped in a helical form, so that the external length of the section is reduced, while maintaining the distance for acceleration to detonation. This allows the achievement of deflagration to detonation transition without the help of turbulence enhancing obstacles, while keeping the overall size of the detonation tube small. The PDE output can be scaled by: increasing the cross sectional area of the detonation chamber; increasing the number of detonation tubes; and increasing the frequency of operation of the PDE. The replacement of conventional deflagrative internal combustion engines, including gas turbines and reciprocating engines, with pulsed detonation engines for electric power generation, may provide fuel savings and have a lower environmental impact.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2009Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Frank K. Lu, Philip K. Panicker, Donald R. Wilson, Jiun-Ming Li
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Patent number: 7958732Abstract: A method of rotating a crank shaft and in internal detonation engine are provided. The internal detonation engine comprises a deflagration to detonation transition section. The deflagration to detonation transition section is connected to a main cylinder, which houses a piston. Inducing a detonation wave from the deflagration wave and passing the detonation wave through a fluid, gives rise to high pressure and temperature in a cylinder and pushes a piston towards bottom dead center. An internal detonation reciprocating engine may be a single cylinder and may be either a two or four stroke engine. A two-stroke internal detonation reciprocating engine is similar to a four-stroke internal detonation reciprocating engine but has different valve placements. Detonations produce a more thorough combustion of the fuel and may, thereby, yield reduced emissions of carbon monoxide as compared to internal combustion engines.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2009Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Frank K. Lu, Philip K. Panicker, Donald R. Wilson, Jiun-Ming Li
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Patent number: 7907038Abstract: Actuation for control of surfaces is provided through use of a conducting material comprising electrolyte particles electrically charged with electromagnetic fields in boundary layers. Interactions of the electrically charged particles with electromagnetic fields in boundary layers are coordinated for generation of control forces for various applications.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2008Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Frank K. Lu, Donald R. Wilson, J. Craig Dutton
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Publication number: 20100050592Abstract: A continuous detonation wave engine (CDWE) is disclosed. An example embodiment includes a generally annular combustion chamber dimensioned to allow a fuel mixture to detonate, a mixing chamber, and a fuel mixture channel that provides for fluid communication between the mixing chamber and the combustion chamber. At least part of the fuel mixture channel features a quenching structure dimensioned to substantially prevent detonation from spreading from the combustion chamber via the fuel mixture channel to the mixing chamber. Other embodiments are described and claimed.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2009Publication date: March 4, 2010Applicant: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Frank K. Lu, Nathan L. Dunn
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Publication number: 20090322102Abstract: The system and method described herein uses a hybrid pulsed detonation engine (PDE) system to drive a turbine that powers an electric generator. The combustion chamber of the PDE is shaped in a helical form, so that the external length of the section is reduced, while maintaining the distance for acceleration to detonation. This allows the achievement of deflagration to detonation transition without the help of turbulence enhancing obstacles, while keeping the overall size of the detonation tube small. The PDE output can be scaled by: increasing the cross sectional area of the detonation chamber; increasing the number of detonation tubes; and increasing the frequency of operation of the PDE. The replacement of conventional deflagrative internal combustion engines, including gas turbines and reciprocating engines, with pulsed detonation engines for electric power generation, may provide fuel savings and have a lower environmental impact.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2009Publication date: December 31, 2009Applicant: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Frank K. Lu, Philip K. Panicker, Donald R. Wilson, Jiun-Ming Li
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Publication number: 20090320812Abstract: A method of rotating a crank shaft and in internal detonation engine are provided. The internal detonation engine comprises a deflagration to detonation transition section. The deflagration to detonation transition section is connected to a main cylinder, which houses a piston. Inducing a detonation wave from the deflagration wave and passing the detonation wave through a fluid, gives rise to high pressure and temperature in a cylinder and pushes a piston towards bottom dead center. An internal detonation reciprocating engine may be a single cylinder and may be either a two or four stroke engine. A two-stroke internal detonation reciprocating engine is similar to a four-stroke internal detonation reciprocating engine but has different valve placements. Detonations produce a more thorough combustion of the fuel and may, thereby, yield reduced emissions of carbon monoxide as compared to internal combustion engines.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 3, 2009Publication date: December 31, 2009Applicant: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Frank K. Lu, Philip K. Panicker, Donald R. Wilson, Jiun-Ming Li
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Publication number: 20090126343Abstract: A method of rotating a crank shaft and in internal detonation engine are provided. The internal detonation engine comprises a deflagration to detonation transition section. The deflagration to detonation transition section is connected to a main cylinder, which houses a piston. Inducing a detonation wave from the deflagration wave and passing the detonation wave through a fluid, gives rise to high pressure and temperature in a cylinder and pushes a piston towards bottom dead center. An internal detonation reciprocating engine may be a single cylinder and may be either a two or four stroke engine. A two-stroke internal detonation reciprocating engine is similar to a four-stroke internal detonation reciprocating engine but has different valve placements. Detonations produce a more thorough combustion of the fuel and may, thereby, yield reduced emissions of carbon monoxide as compared to internal combustion engines.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2007Publication date: May 21, 2009Inventors: Frank K. Lu, Philip K. Panicker, Donald R. Wilson, Wei-Hsiang Lai, Jiun-Ming Li
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Publication number: 20090102203Abstract: The system and method described herein uses a hybrid pulsed detonation engine (PDE) system to drive a turbine that powers an electric generator. The combustion chamber of the PDE is shaped in a helical form, so that the external length of the section is reduced, while maintaining the distance for acceleration to detonation. This allows the achievement of deflagration to detonation transition without the help of turbulence enhancing obstacles, while keeping the overall size of the detonation tube small. The PDE output can be scaled by: increasing the cross sectional area of the detonation chamber; increasing the number of detonation tubes; and increasing the frequency of operation of the PDE. The replacement of conventional deflagrative internal combustion engines, including gas turbines and reciprocating engines, with pulsed detonation engines for electric power generation, may provide fuel savings and have a lower environmental impact.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2007Publication date: April 23, 2009Inventors: Frank K. Lu, Philip K. Panicker, Donald R. Wilson, Wei-Hsiang Lai, Jiun-Ming Li
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Publication number: 20090038408Abstract: Actuation for control of surfaces is provided through use of a conducting material comprising electrolyte particles electrically charged with electromagnetic fields in boundary layers. Interactions of the electrically charged particles with electromagnetic fields in boundary layers are coordinated for generation of control forces for various applications.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2008Publication date: February 12, 2009Applicant: BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEMInventors: Frank K. Lu, Donald R. Wilson, J. Craig Dutton
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Patent number: 7340903Abstract: A scalable power generator is described. A scalable, portable pulsed detonation engine is coupled to a turbine which drives a generator and using commonly available fuels, electric energy is provided. Additional embodiments incorporate a mechanical compressor at the intake of the pulsed detonation engine which is driven by a second turbine, the second turbine drives a shaft that powers the mechanical compressor. Other enhancements to the invention and additional embodiments are described.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2003Date of Patent: March 11, 2008Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Frank K. Lu, Donald R. Wilson
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Patent number: 6857261Abstract: A multi-mode propulsion system for potential application to hypersonic and aerospace planes. The system can employ various propulsion modes at various points in time, with the propulsion system employed at a given point in time being selected according to the velocity of the inlet airflow. In one embodiment, the propulsion system of the present invention has an ejector-augmented pulsed detonation rocket propulsion mode, a pulsed normal detonation wave engine mode, a steady oblique detonation wave engine mode, and a pure pulsed detonation rocket mode.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2003Date of Patent: February 22, 2005Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas SystemInventors: Donald R. Wilson, Frank K. Lu
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Publication number: 20040128977Abstract: A multi-mode propulsion system for potential application to hypersonic and aerospace planes. The system can employ various propulsion modes at various points in time, with the propulsion system employed at a given point in time being selected according to the velocity of the inlet airflow. In one embodiment, the propulsion system of the present invention has an ejector-augmented pulsed detonation rocket propulsion mode, a pulsed normal detonation wave engine mode, a steady oblique detonation wave engine mode, and a pure pulsed detonation rocket mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2003Publication date: July 8, 2004Inventors: Donald R. Wilson, Frank K. Lu