Abstract: Palladium-based catalyst systems are provided for reforming of hydrocarbons, along with methods for using such catalyst systems. The catalyst systems can be deposited or otherwise coated on a surface or structure, such as a monolith, to achieve improved activity and/or structural stability. It has been discovered that loss of catalytic activity for reforming over time can be reduced or minimized for palladium-based catalyst system by operating the reactor/performing a reaction cycle so that the portion of the reaction environment containing the palladium-based catalyst system is not exposed to oxidizing conditions at temperatures between 600° C. and 900° C. Optionally, the reactor can also be operated/the reaction cycle can also be designed so that during a reforming cycle, the peak temperature in the portion of the reaction environment containing the palladium-based catalyst system is 1300° C. or less.

Abstract: The heat pump system and method for operating a heat pump system includes a first Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) core that is adapted to convert movement of the core into energy in response to a temperature change. A second Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) core is in fluid communication with the first core and adapted to convert movement of the second core into energy. A third Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) or elastocaloric core is in fluid communication with the first and second cores and adapted to convert movement of the third core into energy. The first core, second core and the third core are arranged in series and a control system provides waste pressure from the first core to the second core and/or third core.

Abstract: Energy recovery device and method for recovering energy comprising an engine comprising a plurality of elongated Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) elements or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) elements configured as a core and connected to a drive mechanism; an immersion chamber adapted for housing the engine and adapted to be sequentially filled with fluid to allow a heating cycle and a cooling cycle of the SMA elements or NTE elements to expand and contract the SMA elements or NTE elements; and a compression device configured to apply a compressive mechanical force to at least one of the SMA elements or at least one of the NTE elements. The applied compressive mechanical force compresses the at least one SMA element or the at least one NTE element further during the cooling cycle.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat pump system and method heat pump system comprising a first Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) elastocaloric material core positioned in a housing and adapted to change state in response a temperature change supplied by a fluid. A second Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) elastocaloric material core positioned in a housing and adapted to change state in response a temperature change supplied by the fluid. A pump mechanism connected in a fluid communication with the first core and second core and adapted to control delivery of the fluid to the first and second core.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat pump system and method comprising a first Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) elastocaloric core positioned in a housing and adapted to absorb heat and store energy in response to a first fluid inputted at a first temperature. The housing is configured to receive the first fluid at a first temperature via an inlet to cause the first SMA or NTE elastocaloric core to change state. A device is configured to apply stress on the first SMA or NTE core in the housing to cause the SMA or NTE elastocaloric core to change state, releasing heat/energy and causing the SMA/NTE to heat up. A second fluid at a higher temperature is inputted and then subsequently heated further as a result of heat transfer. A second Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) or elastocaloric core is positioned in a cascade arrangement with the first core, but exhibiting a higher activation temperature.

Abstract: Radiation monitoring devices and associated methods are described. According to one aspect, a radiation monitoring device includes a housing configured to pass radiation emitted from a radiological source located in proximity to the radiation monitoring device, a radiation detector configured to receive the radiation emitted from the radiological source and to generate information regarding the radiation, and communications circuitry configured to communicate the information regarding the radiation in a plurality of communications at a plurality of different moments in time externally of the radiation monitoring device.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat pump system and method heat pump system comprising a first Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) elastocaloric material core positioned in a housing and adapted to change state in response a temperature change supplied by a fluid. A second Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) elastocaloric material core positioned in a housing and adapted to change state in response a temperature change supplied by the fluid. A pump mechanism connected in a fluid communication with the first core and second core and adapted to control delivery of the fluid to the first and second core.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat pump system and method heat pump system comprising a first Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) core and adapted to convert movement of the core into energy in response to a temper-reature change. A second Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) core in fluid communication with the first core and adapted to convert movement of the second core into energy. A third Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) or elastocaloric core in fluid communication with the first and second cores and adapted to convert movement of the third core into energy. The first core, second core and the third core are arranged in series and a control system provides waste pressure from the first core to the second core and/or third core.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat pump system and method comprising a first Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) elastocaloric core positioned in a housing and adapted to absorb heat and store energy in response to a first fluid inputted at a first temperature. The housing is configured to receive the first fluid at a first temperature via an inlet to cause the first SMA or NTE elastocaloric core to change state. A device is configured to apply stress on the first SMA or NTE core in the housing to cause the SMA or NTE elastocaloric core to change state, releasing heat/energy and causing the SMA/NTE to heat up. A second fluid at a higher temperature is inputted and then subsequently heated further as a result of heat transfer. A second Shape-Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) or elastocaloric core is positioned in a cascade arrangement with the first core, but exhibiting a higher activation temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for or forming an elongated length of SMA or NTE material wire for use in an engine core, said system comprising a heat source adapted to cooperate with a base support; a wire holder support having a cavity to define a mould; said heat source is configured to receive the wire holder support to engage the base support; and the wire holder support holds part of the SMA or NTE material wire in the cavity such that on heating the part of the SMA or NTE material wire causes the SMA or NTE material wire shape to change to match the shape of the cavity mould.

Abstract: An energy recovery device comprising a drive mechanism; an engine comprising a plurality of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) elements fixed at a first end by a holder element and connected at a second end to a drive mechanism wherein a compensation mechanism is positioned and adapted to combat the shrinkage of the SMA or NTE elements encountered in heating cycles.

Abstract: The invention provides an energy recovery system comprising a first Shape Memory Alloy (SMAs) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) core and adapted to convert movement of the core into energy in response to a first temperature. Various embodiments are disclosed to include cascaded core arrangements, preheating/cooling of cores and how to decrease the time of reaction for the shape memory alloy in an efficient manner.

Abstract: The invention provides an energy recovery system comprising a first Shape Memory Alloy (SMAs) or Negative the bundle Thermal Expansion (NTE) core and adapted to convert movement of the core into energy in response to a first temperature. Various embodiments are disclosed to include cascaded core arrangements, preheating/cooling of cores and how to decrease the time of reaction for the shape memory alloy in an efficient manner.

Abstract: The present application relates to the field of energy recovery and in particular to the use of shape memory alloys (SMA) for same. An energy recovery device is provided which comprises a one way drive mechanism for incrementally winding a spring. An SMA engine comprising a length of SMA material is fixed at a first end and connected at a second end to the one way drive mechanism. The SMA engine is housed in an immersion chamber and adapted to be sequentially filled with fluid to allow heating and/or cooling of the SMA engine to enable high frequency contractions and expansion. An output transmission is provided which is coupled to and driven by the spring. In this manner, repeated contractions of the SMA material incrementally wind the spring to store energy. The spring is restrained by a release mechanism which may be activated to allow the spring to drive an output transmission.

Abstract: A plurality of wire elements for use in an energy recovery device comprising Shape Memory Alloy or other Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) material, wherein at least one wire element is fixed at one end and free to move at a second end, such that the wire elements are arranged adjacently and are in friction or interference contact with each other and are secured at the outer perimeter of wires utilising a securing means. In such arrangement, during the operation of the bundle arrangement in a heat engine system, the plate elements act to transmit the aggregated force generation of the wire grouping and thus usefully recover and transmit power.

Abstract: The invention provides an energy recovery device comprising an engine comprising a plurality of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) elements fixed at a first end and connected at a second end to a drive mechanism wherein a holder is configured with a plurality of slots adapted to receive the plurality of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) or NTE elements.

Abstract: An energy recovery device comprising a drive mechanism; an engine comprising a plurality of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) elements fixed at a first end by a holder element and connected at a second end to a drive mechanism wherein a compensation mechanism is positioned and adapted to combat the shrinkage of the SMA or NTE elements encountered in heating cycles.

Abstract: The present application relates to the field of energy recovery and in particular to the use of shape memory alloys (SMA) for same. An energy recovery device is provided which comprises a one way drive mechanism for incrementally winding a spring. An SMA engine comprising a length of SMA material is fixed at a first end and connected at a second end to the one way drive mechanism. The SMA engine is housed in an immersion chamber and adapted to be sequentially filled with fluid to allow heating and/or cooling of the SMA engine to enable high frequency contractions and expansion. An output transmission is provided which is coupled to and driven by the spring. In this manner, repeated contractions of the SMA material incrementally wind the spring to store energy. The spring is restrained by a release mechanism which may be activated to allow the spring to drive an output transmission.

Abstract: A plurality of wire elements for use in an energy recovery device comprising Shape Memory Alloy or other Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) material, wherein at least one wire element is fixed at one end and free to move at a second end, such that the wire elements are arranged adjacently and are in friction or interference contact with each other and are secured at the outer perimeter of wires utilising a securing means. In such arrangement, during the operation of the bundle arrangement in a heat engine system, the plate elements act to transmit the aggregated force generation of the wire grouping and thus usefully recover and transmit power.

Abstract: The invention provides an energy recovery device comprising an engine comprising a plurality of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) or Negative Thermal Expansion (NTE) elements fixed at a first end and connected at a second end to a drive mechanism wherein a holder is configured with a plurality of slots adapted to receive the plurality of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) or NTE elements.