Abstract: A first system includes a feedstock load port and a feedstock discharge port. The first system also includes a tank configured to retain biomass feedstock for aerobic biodegradation. The first system further includes a mechanical ventilator in fluid communication with the tank. The mechanical ventilator is configured to supply air to facilitate the aerobic biodegradation of the biomass feedstock. The first system also includes an exhaust port configured to receive gas generated during the aerobic biodegradation. A second system includes a feedstock load port and a feedstock discharge port. The second system also includes a pressure vessel configured to retain biomass feedstock for anaerobic biodegradation. The second system further includes a gas release device to facilitate migration of gas within the pressure vessel. The second system also includes a water cycler configured to cycle water within the pressure vessel. The second system further includes an exhaust port.

Abstract: A system includes a vessel configured to couple with a gas source for drawing gas into the vessel. The vessel is also configured to receive liquid. The system includes an overflow port in fluid communication with the environment external to the vessel. The overflow port is configured to separate gas within the vessel from the external environment. The system also includes an overflow conduit having an end within the overflow port so that when gas pressure within the vessel increases, liquid is received by the overflow conduit. Another system includes a tank defining an air space for receiving gas generated during the biodegradation of biomass feedstock. The second system also includes an exhaust port, a first evaporator, a first condenser, an expansion valve, and a compressor. The second system also includes a heat exchanger, a second evaporator, and a second condenser.

Abstract: Techniques are described that may be implemented in an adaptive control device to regulate multiple zone environmental units based upon multiple temperature values and multiple airflow values, where each temperature value and each airflow value is related to the temperature and the airflow in a specific zone. In an implementation, the input interface of the adaptive control device is configured to receive multiple temperature values and multiple air flow values from multiple zone sensors. The adaptive control device may calculate multiple operational values based on the multiple temperature values and the multiple air flow values. An operational value indicates a power state (e.g. power on/power off) for a zone environmental unit's fan, compressor, heater, exhaust fan, and damper. The adaptive control device's output interface is operable to transmit multiple sequencing commands to the plurality of zone environmental units.

Abstract: A method for evaluating a temperature control equipment of a building. The temperature control equipment is communicatively coupled with a thermostat. The method may comprise calculating an ideal design temperature difference (DTD) for temperature control of the building; calculating an actual DTD associated with the temperature control equipment, the actual DTD being calculated at least partially based on: an equipment off time during a temperature control equipment work cycle, an equipment on time during the temperature control equipment work cycle, an ambient temperature, and a set point temperature of the thermostat; and evaluating the temperature control equipment based on the ideal DTD and the actual DTD, the temperature control equipment being evaluated to determine whether the temperature control equipment is at least one of: oversized for the building, undersized for the building, or generally matches with a temperature control requirement of the building.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a building envelope. The method comprises calculating a thermal decay time (TDT) based on: an equipment off time during a work cycle, an ambient temperature, a thermostat set point temperature, and a thermostat set point dead-band; calculating at least one of: a building load factor (BLF) under a calm condition based on the TDT, and a BLF under a windy condition based on the TDT; providing a normal BLF for a calm condition; and analyzing the building envelope for at least one of: a quality of building envelope insulation, and whether the building envelope is leaking; wherein the quality of building envelope insulation is determined based on the BLF under the calm condition and the normal BLF for the calm condition, and whether the building envelope is leaking is determined based on the BLF under the windy condition and the BLF under the calm condition.

Abstract: Techniques are described that may be implemented in an adaptive control device to regulate multiple zone environmental units based upon multiple temperature values and multiple airflow values, where each temperature value and each airflow value is related to the temperature and the airflow in a specific zone. In an implementation, the input interface of the adaptive control device is configured to receive multiple temperature values and multiple air flow values from multiple zone sensors. The adaptive control device may calculate multiple operational values based on the multiple temperature values and the multiple air flow values. An operational value indicates a power state (e.g. power on/power off) for a zone environmental unit's fan, compressor, heater, exhaust fan, and damper. The adaptive control device's output interface is operable to transmit multiple sequencing commands to the plurality of zone environmental units.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-invasively determining a charge level of a refrigerant in a vapor-compression cycle system. The method and apparatus monitor the system while the system is operated to ascertain that the system is operating at approximately steady-state. The superheat and the subcooling of the system are then determined at the suction line and at the liquid line, respectively, and the refrigerant charge level is calculated based on the determined subcooling, the determined superheat, and rated operating conditions of the system, including rated refrigerant charge level, rated liquid line subcooling, and rated suction line superheat.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-invasively determining a charge level of a refrigerant in a vapor-compression cycle system. The method and apparatus monitor the system while the system is operated to ascertain that the system is operating at approximately steady-state. The superheat and the subcooling of the system are then determined at the suction line and at the liquid line, respectively, and the refrigerant charge level is calculated based on the determined subcooling, the determined superheat, and rated operating conditions of the system, including rated refrigerant charge level, rated liquid line subcooling, and rated suction line superheat.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for forming an article of advanced composites on a tool forming surface from a preform are disclosed. Apparatus includes, according a preferred embodiment, a tool forming surface, a first diaphragm for urging a preform into conforming contact with the tool forming surface, and a second diaphragm for supporting a side of the preform opposite the side engaged by the first diaphragm during forming. The second diaphragm does not extend completely between the preform and the tool forming surface. The apparatus is arranged with a first diaphragm mountable on the apparatus and conformable to a preform to be formed and a second diaphragm mounted on the apparatus and conformable to a portion of the preform simultaneously with the first diaphragm. A forming tool is provided, including a tool forming surface positionable for receiving the preform between the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm when the first and second diaphragms are mounted on the apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing the occurrence of undesirable deformations (e.g., wrinkling) in a reinforced thermoformable workpiece. The reduction in undesirable deformations is achieved by increasing the buckling resistance of the workpiece by employing a supplemental reinforcing structure. The reinforcement, in combination with a pair of shaping diaphragms, increase the effective buckling resistance applied to the workpiece during the fabrication of a composite product. The method includes forming a workpiece from a plurality of layers of a thermoformable material, and applying to at least one side of the material an external reinforcing structure to form a reinforced workpiece having a top side and a bottom side. At least one of the top or bottom sides of the reinforced workpiece is placed in contact vith a diaphragm, thus forming a shaping assembly.