Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid power accumulator in which the fluid undergoes a state change as the system is pressurized to store energy. A state change can be a phase change, a chemical reaction, or a combination of these. Generally the state change results from the interaction of a compressible fluid contained in the accumulator with another substance, which can be a fluid or a solid. Preferably, the state change includes the physical adsorption of a fluid by a solid adsorbant. The invention can improve the energy storage density of a fluid power accumulator, allow a given energy storage density to be achieved at a lower maximum pressure, facilitate heat transfer and storage within an accumulator, and/or improve accumulator efficiency by storing energy in a form other than thermal energy, such as in the form of chemical energy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid power accumulator in which the fluid undergoes a state change as the system is pressurized to store energy. A state change can be a phase change, a chemical reaction, or a combination of these. Generally the state change results from the interaction of a compressible fluid contained in the accumulator with another substance, which can be a fluid or a solid. Preferably, the state change includes the physical adsorption of a fluid by a solid adsorbant. The invention can improve the energy storage density of a fluid power accumulator, allow a given energy storage density to be achieved at a lower maximum pressure, facilitate heat transfer and storage within an accumulator, and/or improve accumulator efficiency by storing energy in a form other than thermal energy, such as in the form of chemical energy.

Abstract: An improved on-board storage and use system employing a gaseous hydrocarbon fuel to power internal combustion engine vehicles is disclosed. Storage of the fuel by sorption in a plurality of storage vessels at above atmospheric pressure enables subsequent removal for use during vehicle operation to include using an air stream in a particular manner for greater fuel recovery.

Abstract: An improved method for storage of a first adsorbable gas is disclosed employing a more strongly adsorbed gaseous material. The first adsorbable gas is stored in a bed of solid adsorbent particles after already having adsorbed the more strongly adsorbable gas which causes less of the first adsorbable gas to be retained when being desorbed from the storage medium.

Abstract: An improved method for removal of a gas constituent from a gas stream is disclosed employing a composite sorbent material. The gas stream is passed through a bed of solid absorbent particles having a surface liquid deposit which absorbs part of the gas constituent to be removed while further enabling a remaining portion of the gas constituent to be adsorbed.