Abstract: Methods and apparatus for thermal management according to various aspects of the present invention comprise a heat exchanger and one or more controllable thermal transfer elements. In one embodiment, the thermal transfer elements comprise thermoelectric coolers. The thermal transfer elements are thermally coupled to the heat exchanger. Components on a surface near the thermal transfer elements may be selectively cooled by controlling the thermal transfer elements.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a cooling system for a heat-generating structure includes a heating device, a cooling loop, and a separation structure. The heating device heats a flow of fluid coolant including a mixture of water and antifreeze. The cooling loop includes a director structure which directs the flow of the fluid coolant substantially in the form of a liquid to the heating device. The heating device vaporizes a substantial portion of the water into vapor while leaving a substantial portion of the antifreeze as liquid. The separation structure receives, from the heating device, the flow of fluid coolant with the substantial portion of the water as vapor and the substantial portion of the antifreeze as liquid.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for improving heat transfer between a cold finger of a cryogenic cooler and a Dewar includes forming an annulus between the cold finger of the cryogenic cooler and the Dewar by inserting the cold finger into the Dewar. The cold finger has a first end and a second end. The method also includes inhibiting the formation of convective currents within the annulus in a direction between the first end and the second end. According to another embodiment of the invention, the cooling system includes a cryogenic cooler that includes a cooling section operable to generate cooling fluid and a cold finger operable to receive the cooling fluid. The cooling system also includes a Dewar formed with a void region coupled to an infrared detector. The cold finger is positioned within the void region of the Dewar creating an annulus.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for electronic cooling unit with unique features is disclosed. In representative embodiments and applications, the present invention generally provides improved methods and systems for cooling electronic equipment in environments subject to ingestion of foreign object debris.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for multi-orientation single or two phase coldplate with positive flow characteristics is disclosed. In representative embodiments and applications, the present invention generally provides improved methods and systems for cooling through fluid cooled coldplates.

Abstract: A cooler for an image intensifier system which comprises an image intensifier tube having a face plate. The cold side of a thermoelectric cooler has a hot side and a cold side and is secured to a highly thermally conductive cold plate and the face plate. A highly thermally conductive hot plate contacts the hot side of the thermoelectric cooler. A finned heat sink can be coupled to the thermally conductive hot plate. The thermoelectric cooler is preferably in a state of compression between the cold plate and the hot plate. The system further can include an hermetically sealed region containing the face plate and the cold plate. A desiccant can be disposed within the hermetically sealed region.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for temperature conditioning of matter of the type wherein matter to be conditioned is exposed to a vapor within a vessel for select heating and/or moisture absorption or desiccation. The system includes selectively providing a mixture of condensible and noncondensible gases while controlling the enthalpy, partial pressure and dew point thereof. The gas mixture is delivered to a vessel and interacted with matter disposed therein. The temperature of the matter is brought to the approximate dew point of the condensible and noncondensible gas mixture. In this manner, both the ultimate temperature and moisture content of the matter to be conditioned may be controlled by selectively controlling the aforesaid parameters of enthalpy, partial pressure and dew point. Control of the aforesaid parameters may likewise be affected by controlling the vessel pressure and the rate at which energy is supplied to the condensible and noncondensible gas mixture.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for generating high pressure steam within a well bore. The steam vapor generator is constructed for receiving and mixing high pressure water, fuel and oxidant in a down-hole configuration. High pressure water is received within a heat exchanger constructed around a combustion chamber in an annular sleeve configuration and heated through a thermal wall region forming a lower portion thereof. The combustion chamber utilizes the heat energy of radiation to heat the water flowing in the annular sleeve to the point of steam. The heat exchanger further includes a series of open ended flow tubes which triplicate the length of the flow path of the water prior to egressing from the sleeve. A collection chamber is provided beneath the combustion chamber in communication with the heat exchanger for the mixing of the high pressure vapor and the exhaust thereof into the adjacent well formation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for generating high pressure steam within a well bore for facilitating recovery of hydrocarbon deposits. The steam vapor generator is constructed for receiving high pressure water, fuel and oxidant in a downhole position for select mixing and combustion. High pressure water is received around a combustion chamber in an annular configuration and heated through a thermal wall region forming a lower portion thereof. The combustion chamber utilizes the heat energy of radiation to heat the water in the annular sleeve to the point of steam. The water sleeve further includes orifices for egress of the steam and a plurality of vent tubes within the water sleeve. The vent tubes extend substantially the length of the sleeve for receiving excess water vapor and/or undissolved gases created from the heat of vaporization and out-gassing.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for heating and utilizing fluids by the use of vapor generators of the kind in which a flowing fuel/air mixture is combusted in the presence of a stream of feed water to produce a stream of steam and non-condensibles, preferably at low pressure. This hot stream is then heat exchanged with a stream of the fluid desired to be heated and utilized, to heat it to the level desired for use, including partly or completely vaporizing it, if the use so requires. The fluid may be divided into two or more streams during the heat exchange, with different amounts of heat delivered into each stream. Preferably, the heat exchange is so conducted as to condense the steam from the stream of steam and non-condensibles, and the condensate so formed is selectively recycled to the vapor generator as feed water.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for the controlled heating and utilization of fluids by the use of vapor generators of the kind in which a flowing fuel/air mixture is combusted for heating a stream of feedwater to produce a stream of steam and non-condensibles, preferably at low pressure. The hot stream is then heat exchanged with a stream of the fluid desired to be heated and utilized, to heat it to the level desired for use, including partly or completely vaporizing it, if the use so requires. The fluid may be divided into two or more streams during the heat exchange, with different amounts of heat delivered into each stream. Preferably, the heat exchange is so conducted as to condense the steam from the stream of steam and non-condensibles, and the condensate so formed is selectively recycled to the vapor generator as feedwater.

Abstract: Disclosed is a radiant energy converter which directs concentrated radiant energy in a first direction through or to a plane of limited area. An energy absorbing fluid is passed through the plane in the opposite direction so that the concentrated radiant energy is absorbed directly by the fluid. The converter may be used in connection with conventional collectors and concentrators to provide more efficient conversion of radiant energy. Also disclosed is a magnetohydrodynamic generator employing the converter of the invention.

Abstract: A versatile hot water supply system incorporating a feedback control network and vapor generator of the kind in which a fuel air mixture is combusted in a chamber through which water is flowed. The vapor generator produces a low pressure steam which is permitted to mix with a low pressure water supply at a controlled rate dependent upon the desired temperature and rate of flow of the resultant mixture. The steam formed in the vapor generator is a product of fuel combustion and evaporated feed-water accompanied by the noncondensibles remaining after combustion in the vapor generator. The vapor generator may be run on transportable fuels and therefore affords portability to the system. Control systems are coupled to temperature sensors and related feedback devices and permit the efficient and advantageous use of low pressure steam and condensibles to produce high temperature water at low or high pressures. An upstream, cold water reserve provides high volume, variable temperature capacity to the system.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved vapor generator of the kind in which a fuel-air mixture is combusted in a chamber through which water is flowed. The water acts as a coolant for the unit and is vaporized or converted to steam in the chamber in the presence of the flame. The steam formed from the feed water, the steam formed as a product of combustion, and the non-condensibles remaining after combustion issue from the chamber as a hot mixture suitable for a variety of uses, such as process steam, comfort-heating steam, and the like. The improvements include means for dividing the air feed into two parts, and means for forming a well-mixed stoichiometric mixture of fuel and the air of one part, which mixture is ignited and burned in a prechamber surrounded by and cooled by the air of the other part. The second part of the air is fed into the midregion of the soformed flame in the main chamber to lean it out and insure completeness of combustion, reducing production of carbon monoxide to extremely low levels.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved vapor generator of the kind in which a fuel-air mixture is combusted in a chamber through which water is flowed. The water acts as a coolant for the unit and is vaporized or converted to steam in the chamber in the presence of the flame. The steam formed from the feed water, the steam formed as a product of combustion, and the non-condensibles remaining after combustion issue from the chamber as a hot mixture suitable for a variety of uses, such as process steam, comfort-heating steam, and the like. The improvements include means for dividing the air feed into two parts, and means for forming a well-mixed stoichiometric mixture of fuel and the air of one part, which mixture is ignited and burned in a prechamber surrounded by and cooled by the air of the other part. The second part of the air is fed into the mid-region of the so-formed flame in the main chamber to lean it out and insure completeness of combustion, reducing production of carbon monoxide to extremely low levels.

Abstract: Disclosed is a radiant energy collector and concentrator having opposed symmetrical concave sides forming a trough. The profile curve of each side wall is comprised of two sections defined by different equations. The top section is a parabola and the bottom section is a straight line or another parabola or other curve.