Abstract: The invention is directed toward a vapor-liquid heat and/or mass exchange device that can be used in an integrated heat and/or mass transfer system. To achieve high heat and mass transfer rates, optimal temperature profiles, size reduction and performance increases, appropriately sized flow passages with microscale features, and countercurrent flow configurations between working fluid solution, vapor stream, and/or the coupling fluid in one or more functional sections of the desorber are implemented. In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a desorber section utilizes a heating fluid flowing in a generally upward direction and a concentrated solution flowing in a generally downward direction with gravity countercurrent to the rising desorbed vapor stream. To further increase the efficiency of the system, various types of column configurations can be used. Additionally, the surfaces of the microchannels can be altered to better transfer heat.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a vapor-liquid heat and/or mass exchange device that can be used in an integrated heat and/or mass transfer system. To achieve high heat and mass transfer rates, optimal temperature profiles, size reduction and performance increases, appropriately sized flow passages with microscale features, and countercurrent flow configurations between working fluid solution, vapor stream, and/or the coupling fluid in one or more functional sections of the desorber are implemented. In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a desorber section utilizes a heating fluid flowing in a generally upward direction and a concentrated solution flowing in a generally downward direction with gravity countercurrent to the rising desorbed vapor stream. To further increase the efficiency of the system, various types of column configurations can be used. Additionally, the surfaces of the microchannels can be altered to better transfer heat.

Abstract: Microscale, monolithic heat or heat and mass transfer systems: a plurality of shims (102, 104) assembled between two outer plates (110, 111) that, when combined, form discrete but integrated heat and mass transfer system components that make up a microscale, monolithic absorption cooling and/or heating system, or other heat or heat and mass transfer system. The shims generally include a plurality of microchannels (702), voids, fluid passages, and other features for transferring fluids between defined components throughout the system, and into and out of the system to and from heating and cooling sources and sinks as needed. Generally, two distinct shim types are used and combined together as a plurality of shim pairs to enable thermal contact between the fluids flowing within the microchannels in each shim pair, each shim in each shim pair comprising slightly different microchannel and fluid passage arrangements as compared to each other.

Abstract: A portable wireless system that comprises a display accessory in communication with a mobile device. The mobile device is configured to communicate with a base station. The mobile device has a memory component configured to receive and store compressed audio video content. The display accessory comprises a controller module, a local power supply, a display, and an auditory output device. The controller module is configured to communicate with the mobile device and receive the stored audio video content through a connection medium. The local power supply supplies energy to the display accessory. The display depicts video signals received from the controller module and receives power from the local power supply. The auditory output device processes audio signals from the controller module and receives power from the local power supply.

Abstract: A portable wireless system that comprises a display accessory in communication with a mobile device. The mobile device is configured to communicate with a base station. The mobile device has a memory component configured to receive and store compressed audio video content. The display accessory comprises a controller module, a local power supply, a display, and an auditory output device. The controller module is configured to communicate with the mobile device and receive the stored audio video content through a connection medium. The local power supply supplies energy to the display accessory. The display depicts video signals received from the controller module and receives power from the local power supply. The auditory output device processes audio signals from the controller module and receives power from the local power supply.

Abstract: A system for rolling metal sheet having a substantially uniform flatness including a rolling mill including a pair of work rollers for reducing the thickness of a metal sheet, an induction heating apparatus in close proximity to at least one roller, bending jacks corresponding to each of the rollers, and a cooling spray system in proximity to rollers; a flatness measuring device positioned to measure a differential in flatness of the metal sheet; and an mill control interface connected between the flatness measuring device and the rolling mill's actuators, in which the mill control interface is configured to actuate the induction heating apparatus, the bending jacks and the cooling spray system to substantially eliminate flatness differentials is the metal sheet's flatness. The induction coil heating apparatus is configured to eliminate high tension on the strip edges caused by the temperature gradients in the work rolls at the edges of the metal strip.

Abstract: A binary-fluid heat and mass exchanger has a support structure with a plurality of horizontal vertically spaced groups of tubes mounted thereon. Each group of tubes comprises a pair of horizontal spaced hollow headers. A plurality of small diameter hollow tubes extend between the headers in fluid communication therewith. Fluid conduits connect a header of one group of tubes with a header of an adjacent group of tubes so that all of the groups of tubes will be fluidly connected. An inlet port for fluid is located on a lower group of tubes, and an exit port for fluid is connected to a higher tube group to permit fluid to flow through the tubes in all of the groups. A second inlet port for introducing a solution of fluid downwardly over the tubes is located above the support structure. An outlet port is located at the top of the support structure to convey generated vapor upwardly through the groups and out of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A binary-fluid heat and mass exchanger has a support structure with a plurality of horizontal vertically spaced groups of tubes mounted thereon. Each group of tubes comprises a pair of horizontal spaced hollow headers. A plurality of small diameter hollow tubes extend between the headers in fluid communication therewith. Fluid conduits connect a header of one group of tubes with a header of an adjacent group of tubes so that all of the groups of tubes will be fluidly connected. An inlet port for fluid is located on a lower group of tubes, and an exit port for fluid is connected to a higher tube group to permit fluid to flow through the tubes in all of the groups. A second inlet port for introducing a solution of fluid downwardly over the tubes is located above the support structure. An outlet port is located at the top of the support structure to convey generated vapor upwardly through the groups and out of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A binary-fluid heat and mass exchanger has a support structure with a plurality of horizontal vertically spaced groups of coolant tubes mounted thereon. Each group of coolant tubes comprises a pair of horizontal spaced hollow headers. A plurality of small diameter hollow coolant tubes extend between the headers in fluid communication therewith. Fluid conduits connect a header of one group of coolant tubes with a header of an adjacent group of coolant tubes so that all of the groups of coolant tubes will be fluidly connected. An inlet port for coolant fluid is located on a lower group of coolant tubes, and an exit port for coolant fluid is connected to a higher coolant group to permit coolant fluid to flow through the coolant tubes in all of the groups. A second inlet port for introducing a dilute solution of fluid downwardly over the coolant tubes is located above the support structure. A third inlet port for introducing a vapor to move upwardly through the groups is located below the lowermost group.

Abstract: A fluid heat exchange apparatus is disclosed that can be used as an absorber in an absorption cooling system. The compact absorber design uses an accordion fin assembly to direct solution downward through the absorber on a plurality of alternatively angled fins. The alternatively angled fins cause the solution to collect at each level against a thermally conductive surface. Each fin includes a plurality of house-shaped perforations that allow the solution to spill over onto the next level fin. The house-shaped perforations also allow the vapor to flow upward in effective counterflow with the solution.

Abstract: An absorption refrigeration machine with two, non-fluid linked loops uses heat from a first loop rectifier to heat a second loop generator by either direct or hydronic heat exchange. Flue gas from the heating of the first loop generator is used to heat strong solution in the second loop. Heat from the first loop condenser and absorber are also used to heat the second loop generator by either direct or hydronic fluid coupling. In order to improve further the efficiencies of the absorption machine, a mass and heat transfer device is used that provides a liquid and vapor distribution system that affords effective heat transfer in conjunction with a large and continually renewed liquid surface area and a relatively constant vapor velocity to effect efficient mass transfer among the various components and processes of the refrigeration machine. A simple liquid metering system is used to meter equal amounts of liquid into the divided liquid flow arrangements used in various components of the machine.

Abstract: A heat pump for a vehicle includes a compressor helically wound with two pairs of concentric tubes forming the condenser and evaporator. One of the tubes of each pair is in fluid communication with glycol solution used as a heat transfer medium, and the other communicates the refrigerant. The first pair of concentric tubes operates as the condenser and produces condensed refrigerant to an expansion device. The evaporator comprises the second pair of concentric tubes and receives the expanded refrigerant for evaporating same. The glycol solution is communicated to air coupled heat exchangers to heat or cool the passenger compartment, depending on the vehicle mode.