Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing heat and electricity independent of an electrical grid. The apparatus includes a burner adapted to produce at least one of radiant heat, flame and hot combustion gases. A thermal-to-electric conversion device is integrated with the burner and proximate to the burner, for producing electricity. The conversion device has a first side disposed toward the at least one of radiant heat, flame and hot combustion gases and a second side disposed toward and in heat transfer contact with a liquid supply line. The apparatus is useful in water heaters. The liquid supply line provides both water to be heated and a cooling medium for the thermal-to-electric conversion device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering water from a heated gas mixture. The heated gas mixture is passed across one or more heat pipe heat exchangers connected in series. Each heat pipe heat exchanger includes an upper chamber separated from a lower chamber, and sealed heat pipes extending between the chambers. The heated gas mixture is passed across the lower chamber, where the heated gas mixture is cooled with the plurality of heat pipes, passing heat into the heat pipe fluid and thereby condensing water vapor to liquid water on an outside of the of heat pipes. Ambient air or other gas of a cooling temperature is passed across the upper chamber to reduce the heated temperature controlled fluid inside the plurality of heat pipes.

Abstract: Methods and combustion devices for reducing NOx formation upon combusting oxidant with fuel to form products of combustion are provided. Such methods and device may involve mixing at least first portions of at least two fluids selected from the group of oxidant, fuel and recirculated products of combustion in at least one first conduit to form a first mixture. The first mixture is subsequently supplied to a plurality of second conduits each in direct fluid communication with the first conduit. Motive energy is utilized to aspirate at least second portions of one or more fluids selected from the group of oxidant, fuel and recirculated products of combustion in at least one second conduit to form a combustible mixture that can be subsequently burned. In one embodiment, the motive energy may be provided or result from the first mixture.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing heat and electricity including a burner to produce radiant heat. A thermal-to-electric conversion device is integrated with the burner and proximate to the radiant heat. The conversion device provides a first side disposed toward the radiant heat and a second side disposed toward a cooling fluid flow path, such as combustion air for the burner or a media to be heated by the burner.

Abstract: A system and method of producing oil is provided. The system includes a support module that provides air, water and fuel to a well. A steam generator is fluidly coupled to the support module to receive the air, water and fuel. The steam generator includes an injector having a plurality of tubes. The tubes have an outer surface with an oxidation catalyst thereon. The steam generator is configured to divide the supplied air and direct a first portion through the tubes. A second portion of the supplied air is mixed with supplied fuel and directed over the outside of the tubes. The air and fuel is burned in a combustor and water is sprayed on the combustion gases to produce steam. The steam and combustion gases are directed in the direction of the oil reservoir.

Abstract: A system and method of producing steam is provided. The system includes a support module and a steam module. The support module is configured to supply air, water and fuel. The steam module includes a casing defining a hollow interior that is fluidly coupled to receive water from the support module. An interface module is provided having a first conduit made from flexible tubing that is fluidly coupled to receive fuel from the support module. The interface module further having a second conduit being made from flexible tubing that is fluidly coupled to receive air from the support module. A combustor is coupled to and spaced apart from the interface portion, the combustor being fluidly coupled to receive fuel from the first conduit and air from the second conduit. A steam generator is coupled to an end of the combustor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for pressurizing liquid hydrogen (LH2). The system has a pressure vessel for containing an initial quantity of LH2, with the pressure vessel containing an inlet orifice and an outlet orifice. A vaporizer is used which has an inlet and an outlet. A supply tube is used to couple the outlet orifice of the pressure vessel with the inlet of the vaporizer. A discharge tube couples the discharge outlet of the vaporizer with the inlet orifice of the pressure vessel. The vaporizer receives LH2 from the pressure vessel via the supply tube during a pressurization operation, warms the LH2 using an ambient environment, and discharges heated and pressurized H2 back to the pressure vessel through the supply tube.

Abstract: A system and method of producing oil is provided. The system includes a support module that provides air, water and fuel to a well. A steam generator is fluidly coupled to the support module to receive the air, water and fuel. The steam generator includes an injector having a plurality of tubes. The tubes have an outer surface with an oxidation catalyst thereon. The steam generator is configured to divide the supplied air and direct a first portion through the tubes. A second portion of the supplied air is mixed with supplied fuel and directed over the outside of the tubes. The air and fuel is burned in a combustor and water is sprayed on the combustion gases to produce steam. The steam and combustion gases are directed in the direction of the oil reservoir.

Abstract: A system and method of producing oil is provided. The system includes a support module that provides air, water and fuel to a well. A steam generator is fluidly coupled to the support module to receive the air, water and fuel. The steam generator includes an injector having a plurality of tubes. The tubes have an outer surface with an oxidation catalyst thereon. The steam generator is configured to divide the supplied air and direct a first portion through the tubes. A second portion of the supplied air is mixed with supplied fuel and directed over the outside of the tubes. The air and fuel is burned in a combustor and water is sprayed on the combustion gases to produce steam. The steam and combustion gases are directed in the direction of the oil reservoir.

Abstract: A system and method of producing steam is provided. The system includes a support module and a steam module. The support module is configured to supply air, water and fuel. The steam module includes a casing defining a hollow interior that is fluidly coupled to receive water from the support module. An interface module is provided having a first conduit made from flexible tubing that is fluidly coupled to receive fuel from the support module. The interface module further having a second conduit being made from flexible tubing that is fluidly coupled to receive air from the support module. A combustor is coupled to and spaced apart from the interface portion, the combustor being fluidly coupled to receive fuel from the first conduit and air from the second conduit. A steam generator is coupled to an end of the combustor.

Abstract: Methods and combustion devices for reducing NOx formation upon combusting oxidant with fuel to form products of combustion are provided. Such methods and device may involve mixing at least first portions of at least two fluids selected from the group of oxidant, fuel and recirculated products of combustion in at least one first conduit to form a first mixture. The first mixture is subsequently supplied to a plurality of second conduits each in direct fluid communication with the first conduit. Motive energy is utilized to aspirate at least second portions of one or more fluids selected from the group of oxidant, fuel and recirculated products of combustion in at least one second conduit to form a combustible mixture that can be subsequently burned. In one embodiment, the motive energy may be provided or result from the first mixture.

Abstract: A system and method of producing oil is provided. The system includes a support module that provides air, water and fuel to a well. A steam generator is fluidly coupled to the support module to receive the air, water and fuel. The steam generator includes an injector having a plurality of tubes. The tubes have an outer surface with an oxidation catalyst thereon. The steam generator is configured to divide the supplied air and direct a first portion through the tubes. A second portion of the supplied air is mixed with supplied fuel and directed over the outside of the tubes. The air and fuel is burned in a combustor and water is sprayed on the combustion gases to produce steam. The steam and combustion gases are directed in the direction of the oil reservoir.