Abstract: An apparatus and system for separating a liquid from a mixed gas stream includes a porous graphite foam support comprising graphite foam with pores having a first pore size and a membrane support surface. A porous condensation membrane layer is provided on the membrane support surface, and interlocked with the pores of the graphite foam. The condensation membrane layer includes capillary condensation pores having a second pore size that is less than the first pore size. A mixed gas stream passageway is in fluid communication with the condensation membrane layer. A liquid collection assembly collects condensed liquid from the condensation pores and the graphite foam support pores. A gas inlet is provided for flowing the mixed gas stream into the mixed gas stream passageway. A gas outlet is provided for exhausting gas from the mixed gas stream passageway. A method for separating a liquid from a mixed gas stream is also disclosed.

Abstract: A solar membrane distillation apparatus includes a housing comprising a light transmitting wall. A solar distillation membrane is positioned in the housing to receive solar radiation transmitted through the light transmitting wall. The solar distillation membrane includes a porous graphitic foam and a coating of a hydrophobic composition on the surface and pores of the graphitic foam. A water chamber within the housing is provided for retaining water adjacent to the solar distillation membrane. A vapor chamber is provided for collecting water vapor distilling through the solar distillation membrane. A condenser is provided for condensing distilled water vapor from the vapor chamber into liquid water. A separation membrane and a method of solar distillation are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for separating a liquid from a mixed gas stream includes a porous graphite foam support comprising graphite foam with pores having a first pore size and a membrane support surface. A porous condensation membrane layer is provided on the membrane support surface, and interlocked with the pores of the graphite foam. The condensation membrane layer includes capillary condensation pores having a second pore size that is less than the first pore size. A mixed gas stream passageway is in fluid communication with the condensation membrane layer. A liquid collection assembly collects condensed liquid from the condensation pores and the graphite foam support pores. A gas inlet is provided for flowing the mixed gas stream into the mixed gas stream passageway. A gas outlet is provided for exhausting gas from the mixed gas stream passageway. A method for separating a liquid from a mixed gas stream is also disclosed.

Abstract: A solar membrane distillation apparatus includes a housing comprising a light transmitting wall. A solar distillation membrane is positioned in the housing to receive solar radiation transmitted through the light transmitting wall. The solar distillation membrane includes a porous graphitic foam and a coating of a hydrophobic composition on the surface and pores of the graphitic foam. A water chamber within the housing is provided for retaining water adjacent to the solar distillation membrane. A vapor chamber is provided for collecting water vapor distilling through the solar distillation membrane. A condenser is provided for condensing distilled water vapor from the vapor chamber into liquid water. A separation membrane and a method of solar distillation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus includes a refrigeration enclosure comprising outer walls defining a hermetic interior refrigeration chamber, and a porous thermally conductive foam insert within the chamber. A desiccant enclosure includes outer walls defining a hermetic interior desiccant chamber, and a desiccant within the desiccant chamber. A fluid conduit establishes a fluid connection between the refrigeration chamber and the desiccant chamber. A control valve controls the flow of a fluid through the fluid conduit. The refrigeration enclosure and an article to be refrigerated can be placed within an outer thermally insulated cooler. A method of refrigerating an article and a human-powered refrigeration system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a solid foam article from a solid foam blank includes the steps of forming a pilot hole in the solid foam blank; positioning a chisel in the pilot hole, the chisel having a cutting portion and a shaft; and directing the cutting portion into the pilot hole in a reciprocating motion to remove solid foam material surrounding the pilot hole. A system for forming articles from solid foam blanks and a heat exchange device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A thermally insulating paint composition including carbon microspheres having an average diameter in the range of 1 to 100 ?m. The paint composition including the carbon microspheres can be applied as a primer coating to substrates such a metal, and can be covered with a finish coat of a second paint. The paint system including the microsphere-filled primer can lower interior temperatures when applied to vehicles or structures.

Abstract: One embodiment includes an on-board thermoelectric vehicle system for generating electrical energy using a heated fluid stream, including at least one thermoelectric device having a high temperature junction and a low temperature junction, and a body of high conductivity foam shaped and located to increase heat transfer from the heated fluid stream to the high temperature junction or to increase heat transfer from the low temperature junction of the thermoelectric device.