Abstract: The present invention describes a fuel-management system for minimizing particulate emissions in turbocharged direct injection gasoline engines. The system optimizes the use of port fuel injection (PFI) in combination with direct injection (DI), particularly in cold start and other transient conditions. In the present invention, the use of these control systems together with other control systems for increasing the effectiveness of port fuel injector use and for reducing particulate emissions from turbocharged direct injection engines is described. Particular attention is given to reducing particulate emissions that occur during cold start and transient conditions since a substantial fraction of the particulate emissions during a drive cycle occur at these times. Further optimization of the fuel management system for these conditions is important for reducing drive cycle emissions.

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.

Abstract: Permanent magnets using high temperature superconductor tapes are disclosed. For example, a magnet may include a superconductor tape having two ends, a slit in the superconductor tape between the two ends that forms two legs, a separation between the legs that forms a loop, and a trapped magnetic field in the superconductor tape.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for converting renewable energy source electricity and a hydrocarbon feedstock into a liquid fuel by providing a source of renewable electrical energy in communication with a synthesis gas generation unit and an air separation unit. Oxygen from the air separation unit and a hydrocarbon feedstock is provided to the synthesis gas generation unit, thereby causing partial oxidation reactions in the synthesis gas generation unit in a process that converts the hydrocarbon feedstock into synthesis gas. The synthesis gas is then converted into a liquid fuel.

Abstract: The present invention describes a fuel-management system for minimizing particulate emissions in turbocharged direct injection gasoline engines. The system optimizes the use of port fuel injection (PFI) in combination with direct injection (DI), particularly in cold start and other transient conditions. In the present invention, the use of these control systems together with other control systems for increasing the effectiveness of port fuel injector use and for reducing particulate emissions from turbocharged direct injection engines is described. Particular attention is given to reducing particulate emissions that occur during cold start and transient conditions since a substantial fraction of the particulate emissions during a drive cycle occur at these times. Further optimization of the fuel management system for these conditions is important for reducing drive cycle emissions.

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.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods for cracking hydrocarbons into hydrogen gas and carbon using heating of a fluidized bed. The systems and methods utilize electrically conductive carbon or graphite particles as a fluidized bed material for heating hydrocarbon feedstock to at least a pyrolysis temperature. The electrically conductive carbon, graphite, or other particles may be heated by electrically powered sources that include induction heating, microwave heating, millimeter wave heating, joule heating and/or plasma heating. Combustion heating may also be employed in varying amounts with varying combinations of electrically powered heating sources.

Abstract: An integrated biomass conversion system and a method of starting and shutting down the system are disclosed. The integrated biomass conversion system comprises a syngas generator, such as a gasifier, a cleanup engine and a syngas utilization system, which could be a power producing engine or a chemical reactor for chemical or fuel synthesis. The cleanup engine operates rich and at high temperatures so that the tars exhausted by the syngas generators are destroyed and not allowed to foul other components. An orderly sequence to start and shut down the integrated biomass conversion system is disclosed.

Abstract: Fuel management system for enhanced operation of a spark ignition gasoline engine. Injectors inject an anti-knock agent such as ethanol directly into a cylinder. It is preferred that the direct injection occur after the inlet valve is closed. It is also preferred that stoichiometric operation with a three way catalyst be used to minimize emissions. In addition, it is also preferred that the anti-knock agents have a heat of vaporization per unit of combustion energy that is at least three times that of gasoline.

Abstract: Spark ignition engine operation at higher RPM so as to reduce alcohol requirements in high efficiency alcohol enhanced gasoline engines is disclosed. Control of engine upspeeding (use of a higher ratio of engine RPM to wheel RPM) so as to achieve an alcohol reduction objective while limiting any decrease in efficiency is described. High RPM alcohol enhanced gasoline engine operation in plug-in series hybrid powertrains for heavy duty trucks and other vehicles is also described.

Abstract: The present invention describes a fuel-management system for minimizing particulate emissions in turbocharged direct injection gasoline engines. The system optimizes the use of port fuel injection (PFI) in combination with direct injection (DI), particularly in cold start and other transient conditions. In the present invention, the use of these control systems together with other control systems for increasing the effectiveness of port fuel injector use and for reducing particulate emissions from turbocharged direct injection engines is described. Particular attention is given to reducing particulate emissions that occur during cold start and transient conditions since a substantial fraction of the particulate emissions during a drive cycle occur at these times. Further optimization of the fuel management system for these conditions is important for reducing drive cycle emissions.

Abstract: Devices and methods for reducing the specific energy required to reform or pyrolyze reactants in plasmas operating at high flow rates and high pressures are presented. These systems and methods include 1) introducing electrons and/or easily ionized materials to a plasma reactor, 2) increasing turbulence and swirl velocity of the flows of feed gases to have improved mixing in a plasma reactor, and 3) reducing slippage from a plasma reactor system. Such plasma systems may allow plasma reactors to operate at lower temperatures, higher pressure, with improved plasma ignition, increased throughput and improved energy efficiency. In preferred embodiments, the plasma reactors are used to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide, hydrogen and carbon, or carbon monoxide through reforming and pyrolysis reactions. Preferred feedstocks include methane, carbon dioxide, and other hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A biomass conversion system is disclosed. The system comprises a syngas generator, a cleanup engine and a power producing engine. The power producing engine is coupled to a load, such as an electrical generator. Modifications to the cleanup engine to enhance performance are described. Additionally, methods of controlling the cleanup engine in response to changes in load are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the air-to-fuel ratio, and/or recirculation gases are varied. In other embodiments, a chemical synthesis reactor may be coupled to the output of the cleanup engine.

Abstract: A biomass conversion system is disclosed. The system comprises a syngas generator, a cleanup engine and a power producing engine. The power producing engine is coupled to a load, such as an electrical generator. Methods of controlling the power producing engine in response to changes in load are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the air-to-fuel ratio, spark timing, and/or recirculation gases are varied to change the power of the power producing engine. In other embodiments, the power producing engine is throttled by limiting the amount of clean syngas that enters the engine.

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.

Abstract: A measurement system and method of conducting cavity resonance and waveguide measurements is disclosed. The cavity or waveguide may be used to monitor the amount, composition, or distribution of a material or sample contained in the cavity or waveguide or passing through the cavity or waveguide. Improved means for operating the measurement system to reduce measurement variability, improve measurement accuracy, and decrease measurement response times are described. The invention's broad applications range from measurements of filters, catalysts, pipe, and ducts where the material collected in or passing through the cavity or waveguide exhibits dielectric properties different from the material which it displaces.

Abstract: An integrated biomass conversion system and a method of starting and shutting down the system are disclosed. The integrated biomass conversion system comprises a syngas generator, such as a gasifier, a cleanup engine and a syngas utilization system, which could be a power producing engine or a chemical reactor for chemical or fuel synthesis. The cleanup engine operates rich and at high temperatures so that the tars exhausted by the syngas generators are destroyed and not allowed to foul other components. An orderly sequence to start and shut down the integrated biomass conversion system is disclosed.

Abstract: Fuel management system for enhanced operation of a spark ignition gasoline engine. Injectors inject an anti-knock agent such as ethanol directly into a cylinder. It is preferred that the direct injection occur after the inlet valve is closed. It is also preferred that stoichiometric operation with a three way catalyst be used to minimize emissions. In addition, it is also preferred that the anti-knock agents have a heat of vaporization per unit of combustion energy that is at least three times that of gasoline.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for converting renewable energy source electricity and a hydrocarbon feedstock into a liquid fuel by providing a source of renewable electrical energy in communication with a synthesis gas generation unit and an air separation unit. Oxygen from the air separation unit and a hydrocarbon feedstock is provided to the synthesis gas generation unit, thereby causing partial oxidation reactions in the synthesis gas generation unit in a process that converts the hydrocarbon feedstock into synthesis gas. The synthesis gas is then converted into a liquid fuel.

Abstract: The present invention describes a fuel-management system for minimizing particulate emissions in turbocharged direct injection gasoline engines. The system optimizes the use of port fuel injection (PFI) in combination with direct injection (DI), particularly in cold start and other transient conditions. In the present invention, the use of these control systems together with other control systems for increasing the effectiveness of port fuel injector use and for reducing particulate emissions from turbocharged direct injection engines is described. Particular attention is given to reducing particulate emissions that occur during cold start and transient conditions since a substantial fraction of the particulate emissions during a drive cycle occur at these times. Further optimization of the fuel management system for these conditions is important for reducing drive cycle emissions.