Abstract: Nano-electromechanical systems (NEMS) devices that utilize thin electrically conductive membranes, which can be, for example, graphene membranes. The membrane-based NEMS devices can be used as sensors, electrical relays, adjustable angle mirror devices, variable impedance devices, and devices performing other functions. The NEMS devices have a serpentine shape arrangement of the electrically conductive membrane. The electrically conductive membrane can be controllably wicked down on the edge of the oxide cavity to increase sensitivity of the NEMS device.

Abstract: Nano-electromechanical systems (NEMS) sensor devices that utilize thin electrically conductive membranes, which can be, for example, graphene membranes. The NEMS devices can have a trough shape (such as a serpentine shape arrangement) of the electrically conductive membrane. The thin, electrically conductive membrane has membrane-structures disposed upon it in an array of cavities. These membrane structures are between the thin, electrically conductive membrane and the main membrane trace. Such an arrangement increases the sensitivity of the NEMS sensor device. The electrically conductive membrane can be controllably wicked down on the edge of the oxide cavity to increase the sensitivity of the NEMS sensor device. Such NEMS sensor devices include NEMS sensor devices that are well suited to applications that measure magnetic fields that, operate below 10 kHz, such as brain-computer interfaces.

Abstract: Nanoelectromechanical (NEM) memory cells are provided. More particularly, NEM memory cells are provided by anchoring a conductive nanometer-scale beam (e.g., nanotube) to a base and allowing a portion of the beam to move. A charge containment layer is provided in the vicinity of this free-moving portion in which a charge may be stored. To read if a charge of a particular polarity is stored in a charge containment layer, a charge is formed on the nanotube. If a charge is being stored in the charge containment layer then forces between the charged nanotube and charge containment layer will cause the free-moving portion of the nanotube to be displaced toward or away from a sense contact depending on the polarity of the charge formed on the nanotube. Numerous other NEM memory cell embodiments are also provided. For example, the beam may contact a sense contact at an ambient frequency when no charge is stored in the charge containment layer due to the thermal vibrations of the surrounding environment.

Abstract: Electromechanical systems utilizing suspended conducting nanometer-scale beams are provided and may be used in applications, such as, motors, generators, pumps, fans, compressors, propulsion systems, transmitters, receivers, heat engines, heat pumps, magnetic field sensors, kinetic energy storage devices and accelerometers. Such nanometer-scale beams may be provided as, for example, single molecules, single crystal filaments, or nanotubes. When suspended by both ends, these nanometer-scale beams may be caused to rotate about their line of suspension, similar to the motion of a jumprope (or a rotating whip), via electromagnetic or electrostatic forces. This motion may be used, for example, to accelerate molecules of a working substance in a preferred direction, generate electricity from the motion of a working substance molecules, or generate electromagnetic signals. Means of transmitting and controlling currents through these beams are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing operational resources such as cooling and secondary electrical power to electronics in server racks in data centers is provided. Pressurized air is provided in a closed loop that is routed through each of the servers to a heat exchanger. The electronics in the servers are in thermal contact with the closed loop via a heat sink such that heat from the electronics is transferred to the closed loop. The heated pressurized air travels from the server racks to the heat exchanger which removes the heat from the air and exhausts it to the atmosphere. The pressurized air in the closed loop may be cooled through the use of chilled water, stored water, or both, in which case the closed loop passes through the water prior to traveling to the heat sinks.

Abstract: A pump is provided that includes a nanometer-scale beam that is suspended in a housing. The housing may include a number of apertures such that molecules can move in and out of the housing. The nanometer-scale beam may be suspended as a jump rope or as a cantilever. The movement of the nanometer-scale beam may be mechanically stopped from moving in a particular way (e.g., towards a particular end of the housing). Thus, for example, the beam and the stop work together to pump molecules in the direction that the beam bounces off the stop. The speed and movement of the nanometer-scale beam can also be influenced either electrostatically or electromagnetically. As such, the speed and direction that a working substance is pumped by a nanometer-scale beam may be electrically controlled.

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: Nanoelectromechanical systems utilizing nanometer-scale assemblies are provided that convert thermal energy into another form of energy that can be used to perform useful work at a macroscopic level. These systems may be used to, for example, produce useful quantities of electric or mechanical energy, heat or cool an external substance or propel an object in a controllable direction. In particular, the present invention includes nanometer-scale beams that reduce the velocity of working substance molecules that collide with this nanometer-scale beam by converting some of the kinetic energy of a colliding molecule into kinetic energy of the nanometer-scale beam. In embodiments that operate without a working substance, the thermal vibrations of the beam itself create the necessary beam motion. In some embodiments, an automatic switch is added to realize a regulator such that the nanometer-scale beams only deliver voltages that exceed a particular amount.

Abstract: An automated fabrication system is provided that utilizes electromagnetism to manipulate and/or sense the location of raw materials on a platform. Tools located around said platform may be utilized to fabricate a predetermined structure out of the raw materials. Tags that can be electromagnetically manipulated and sensed may be placed on passive raw materials. Structures fabricated from such a system may be, for example, a roof truss. Additionally, the fabrication system may be mobilized by way of a truck such that structures may be built on-site.

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: A system and method for cooling electrical machines (e.g., generators), sub-systems (e.g., power electronics), and components (e.g., bearings) in an electrical generation system such as a compressed air storage (CAS) energy system or a thermal and compressed air storage (TACAS) energy system is provided. Cooling is derived from the thermal expansion of a compressed gas, which may be the same gas used to drive a turbine-generator of CAS or TACAS energy system.

Abstract: A system and method for cooling electrical machines (e.g., generators), sub-systems (e.g., power electronics), and components (e.g., bearings) in an electrical generation system such as a compressed air storage (CAS) energy system or a thermal and compressed air storage (TACAS) energy system is provided. Cooling is derived from the thermal expansion of a compressed gas, which may be the same gas used to drive a turbine-generator of CAS or TACAS energy system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided that affix truss connector plates to truss members. More particularly, vibrational energy is provided to the truss connector plate when the truss connector plate is being affixed to the truss member in order to reduce the amount of strain in the truss member. The truss connector plate is affixed to the truss member by way of, for example, a pressing or rolling system. The vibrational energy may be generated by accelerating the pressing or rolling member before that member comes into contact with a truss connector plate.

Abstract: Electromechanical systems utilizing suspended conducting nanometer-scale beams are provided and may be used in applications, such as, motors, generators, pumps, fans, compressors, propulsion systems, transmitters, receivers, heat engines, heat pumps, magnetic field sensors, kinetic energy storage devices and accelerometers. Such nanometer-scale beams may be provided as, for example, single molecules, single crystal filaments, or nanotubes. When suspended by both ends, these nanometer-scale beams may be caused to rotate about their line of suspension, similar to the motion of a jumprope (or a rotating whip), via electromagnetic or electrostatic forces. This motion may be used, for example, to accelerate molecules of a working substance in a preferred direction, generate electricity from the motion of a working substance molecules, or generate electromagnetic signals. Means of transmitting and controlling currents through these beams are also described.

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 are coupled to each other via transverse channels for allowing various fluid routing arrangements and piping connections, and 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. The thermal storage unit's size and shape are optimized and its performance enhanced by providing features for maintaining the position of the inner member within the outer member, features for providing support for the unit, and insulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to variable speed constant frequency (VSCF) devices and methods for maximizing engine generator efficiency. In one embodiment, a VSCF device may include at least two paths for conducting power to the load. One path, a line inductor path, may advantageously incur minimal power loss when the engine generator is supplying rated power to a load. A second path, a VSCF path, may be used to ensure that the frequency of the power is maintained at a substantially constant frequency under various load conditions. Another embodiment of the invention describes a process for determining optimal engine generator speed for a particular load. Because engine speed can be varied using any VSCF device, this process determines a speed that minimizes fuel consumption, emissions, and noise pollution for a given load.

Abstract: Nanoelectromechanical switch systems (NEMSS) that are structured around the mechanical manipulation of nanotubes are provided. Such NEMSS can realize the functionality of, for example, automatic switches, adjustable diodes, amplifiers, inverters, variable resistors, pulse position modulators (PPMs), and transistors. In one embodiment, a nanotube is anchored at one end to a base member. The nanotube is also coupled to a voltage source. This voltage source creates an electric charge at the tip of the free-moving-end of the nanotube that is representative of the polarity and intensity of the voltage source. The free-moving end of this nanotube can be electrically controlled by applying an electric charge to a nearby charge member layer that is either of the same (repelling) or opposite (attracting) polarity of the nanotube.

Abstract: Energy conversion systems utilizing nanometer scale assemblies are provided that convert the kinetic energy (equivalently, the thermal energy) of working substance molecules into another form of energy that can be used to perform useful work at a macroscopic level. These systems may be used to, for example, produce useful quantities of electric or mechanical energy, heat or cool an external substance or propel an object in a controllable direction. In particular, the present invention includes nanometer scale impact masses that reduce the velocity of working substance molecules that collide with this impact mass by converting some of the kinetic energy of a colliding molecule into kinetic energy of the impact mass. Various devices including, piezoelectric, electromagnetic and electromotive force generators, are used to convert the kinetic energy of the impact mass into electromagnetic, electric or thermal energy.