Abstract: One embodiment of LMHPs, as shown in FIG. 10, is a multi-function, grid-interactive heat pump system by alternately charging/discharging thermal energy storage (40) as its heat pump source. The charging process maintains thermal stability to the source. The thermal stability of the source ensures high system performance, and this energy-storage-as-source and its effective use provide system operational versatility. Which takes the forms of availing the system-operation of dual heat sources (10 and 20) for heating application, demand-response management (48), grid-integrated water heating (46) as well as grid-integrated space heating and cooling (48). By transcending the limitations of individual, stand-alone, solar units and heat pump units, the grid-interactive heat pump system performs heating function better than all existing heat pump methods. LMHP principle is applicable to single-function, grid-interactive heat pump operation with similar benefits of high performance and demand-response management.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for improved efficiency in the collection of solar energy, in which an energy conversion device is provided that includes a first zone for converting received solar energy into thermal energy, the first zone having a Fresnel lens, and a heat absorption layer with heat collectors embedded therein. The energy conversion device also includes a second zone positioned at a lower level of first energy zone for converting received solar energy into electrical energy utilizing a photovoltaic cell.

Abstract: A turbocharged-intercooled engine utilizing the turbo-cool principle and method for operating the same. The engine has an air turbine for turbo-expansion cooling. The air turbine is coupled to a compressor so intake air pressure loss as a result of turbo-expansion is partially compensated by pressure gain due to the compression process. This use of an air turbine and its coupling to a compressor define the essence of the turbo-cool principle.

Abstract: A supercharged and intercooled engine utilizing the turbo-cool principle and a method for operating the same is provided. The classical Carnot-Otto-Diesel paradigm for internal combustion engines is modified so internal combustion engines achieve highest performance in an optimal peak temperature range, which is lower than the typical peak operation temperatures of current gasoline engines and diesel engines. Turbo-cooling turbocharging systems provide for internal combustion engines operating within this peak temperature range by simultaneously controlling engine load-and-speed and intake-air temperature through the combined application of a primary load-and-speed control and a second operation control unit, primarily for intake air conditioning. This can be applied to gasoline engines, diesel engines, direct-injection gasoline engines, and homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engines.

Abstract: A supercharged internal combustion engine which includes a turbocharger which includes a compressor and a turbine in communication with ambient air wherein that air is pressurized by the compressor to greater than ambient pressure. An intercooler, in communication with the outlet of the compressor, reduces the temperature of the greater than ambient pressure air. An intake manifold, in communication with the outlet of the intercooler, distributes the cooled and above ambient pressure air into an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine, which may be a diesel engine, a spark ignition gasoline engine or a direct ignition gasoline engine, is provided with an exhaust manifold in communication with the turbine of the turbocharger.

Abstract: The present invention includes an intercooled cycle gas turbine. The intercooled cycle gas turbine is supercharged to improve performance. Pereformance is defined in terms of thermal efficiency and mass specific power, the turbine defining a cycle with a peak cycle pressure and a peak cycle temperature. The turbine includes an intercooler for intercooling the turbine, wherein placement of the intercooler within the cycle divides the cycle into a first compression stage and a second compression stage. The intercooler placement r=1/2 ln P.sub.super /ln(P.sub.peak /P.sub.super). The first compression stage and the second compression stage have an unequal pressure ratio.

Abstract: A gas generation engine having improved fuel economy and performance comprises a gas generator in the form of a supercharged internal combustion engine coupled to an expander in the form of a gas turbine. The exhaust produced by the internal combustion engine is utilized to drive the turbine. The values for the supercharging pressure ratio and internal combustion engine exhaust back pressure are chosen such that increased thermal efficiency and power output can be simultaneously obtained. The value for the peak cylinder pressure is significantly higher than the typical value for existing diesel engines. The form of internal combustion engine may be a four-stroke cycle piston engine with intercooled supercharging, the internal combustion engine driving the supercharger as well as providing the turbine input.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine apparatus and method of operation includes the monitoring of the exhaust gas temperature and air-fuel ratio on a continuing basis. The exhaust gas temperature is compared to a stored value and compression of the input air is varied to cause the exhaust gas temperature to equal the stored value. By minimizing the exhaust gas temperature increased engine efficiency can be realized. The invention may be embodied in a variety of engine configurations, including piston and turbine systems.

Abstract: A compound internal combustion engine includes a piston type internal combustion engine drive coupled with a gas turbine, the piston engine exhaust gases driving the turbine whose exhaust preheats the piston engine air intake and then enters the suction input of a multistage turbocompressor driven by the gas turbine and having interstage cooling the output of the compressor discharging to exhaust.