Patents by Inventor Howard Gruenspecht

Howard Gruenspecht 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).

  • Patent number: 11949279
    Abstract: Modular electricity generation systems that use large numbers of low-cost Multiplexed Automotive Engines (MAE) to provide dispatchable electricity for decarbonized grid reliability or for non-grid backup power are disclosed. The engines may be disposed in power modules that are readily transportable containers that house several engine-generator units and typically produce 1 to 2 MW of maximum power. The MAE-based generation approach could provide greater flexibility in fuel use; power rating; transportability and location, along with faster startup time and very low air pollution. MAE electricity generation systems can be fueled with natural gas, low-carbon hydrogen and/or various liquids that may or may not be produced by grid electricity. The MAE generation systems can be employed in an energy storage process that uses surplus grid generated electricity from wind or solar energy to produce a fuel that is stored and later converted back into electricity when needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Inventors: Daniel R. Cohn, Leslie Bromberg, Howard Gruenspecht
  • Publication number: 20230187964
    Abstract: Modular electricity generation systems that use large numbers of low-cost Multiplexed Automotive Engines (MAE) to provide dispatchable electricity for decarbonized grid reliability or for non-grid backup power are disclosed. The engines may be disposed in power modules that are readily transportable containers that house several engine-generator units and typically produce 1 to 2 MW of maximum power. The MAE-based generation approach could provide greater flexibility in fuel use; power rating; transportability and location, along with faster startup time and very low air pollution. MAE electricity generation systems can be fueled with natural gas, low-carbon hydrogen and/or various liquids that may or may not be produced by grid electricity. The MAE generation systems can be employed in an energy storage process that uses surplus grid generated electricity from wind or solar energy to produce a fuel that is stored and later converted back into electricity when needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2021
    Publication date: June 15, 2023
    Inventors: Daniel R. COHN, Leslie BROMBERG, Howard GRUENSPECHT
  • Publication number: 20230042829
    Abstract: Modestly modified automotive engine powered generator systems to substantially improve capability for providing renewable electricity powered grid reliability and energy storage are disclosed. The use of these engines to improve capability for non-grid electricity generation, including affordable and clean fast charging of electric vehicles, is also disclosed. In one embodiment, these automotive engines use high RPM and stoichiometric air fuel ratio operation so as to provide the advantages of substantially reduced cost and NOx emissions. These engines also have multifuel capability that provides highly flexible use of low carbon fuels (such as hydrogen, methanol and ammonia) as well as the use of present fuels that are widely available. When these low-carbon fuels are produced with excess electricity from the grid and supplied to the grid when there is an electricity-supply shortfalls, they can serve as a means of energy storage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2022
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Inventors: Daniel R. Cohn, Leslie Bromberg, Howard Gruenspecht