Abstract: Floor panels (1, 1?) are provided with a mechanical locking system including a flexible locking element 15 in a locking groove 14 which during a horizontal motion is displaced vertically.

Abstract: Apparatus and a packaging machine comprising apparatus for placing packaging material in a pre-determined position relative to an array of articles for example bottles to be packaged, comprising a conveyor for conveying an array of articles, feed means for feeding the packaging material from a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel of the articles. The feed means accelerates the packaging material to a sufficient velocity relative to the velocity of the articles such that the packaging material is placed in the pre-determined position whilst continuous forward motion of the articles is maintained.

Abstract: The invention proposes a packaging machine having a frame which comprises side walls and feet which bear the latter, and having at least one workstation borne by this frame, the side walls being in profile form. The packaging machine according to the invention is intended to meet the increasingly stringent hygiene requirements to better effect. This is achieved according to the invention in that the profile (7) is essentially open at the sides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for packaging goods and a vertical packaging machine in a film, whereas cross seals are applied to a film tube (1) with sealing means (9).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a liquid container, the liquid container including a liquid containing chamber in which a liquid can be contained, an air communicating passage allowing the liquid containing chamber to communicate with the air, a liquid supply port for supplying the liquid contained in the liquid container to an outside, a liquid flow passage allowing the liquid container and the liquid supply port to communicate with each other, a valve accommodating chamber disposed in the liquid flow passage, a differential pressure valve which is disposed in the valve accommodating chamber, which is normally urged to a closed state, and which is changed from the closed state to an opened state when a differential pressure of a side of the liquid supply port and a side of the liquid containing chamber is equal to or more than a predetermined value, and a film member forming a part of the valve accommodating chamber, the method includes: pressing a valve body of the differential pressure valve in a direction in wh

Abstract: A quick change module operable for being removably attached to and extending below a forming tube of a conventional vertical form, fill, and seal machine to produce a wide assortment of differently sized vertical stand-up pouches or gusseted flat bottom bags. The quick change module comprises at least one pair of adjustable forming plates located below the forming tube. The lateral distance between each pair of forming plates can be adjusted by shifting the position of each forming plate along a corresponding slotted bracket. A gusseting mechanism mounted to the frame of the machine can be positioned between each pair of forming plates imparting a vertical crease along the length of the bag while it is being formed and advanced down the forming tube of the machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for moving paper, board and cellulosic web rolls in a roll packaging system comprising a plurality of roll handling stations and at least one indexing conveyor capable of operating on at least two elevation levels. According to the method, the rolls (10, 16, 17) are moved in the system by means of a car (4) of an indexing conveyor, the car being adapted to move synchronously at each roll handling station, and the car (4) is moved in a return motion when the car (4) of the indexing conveyor is in its lowermost position of the roll is measured.

Abstract: Device for packaging products having a head and a stick, such as lollipops (P), in wraps, includes a frame having first supply elements (2) for supplying the products, second elements (4) for supplying a web (5) of wrapping material, elements (101) for cutting a wrap from the web, a wrapping station having a driven series of elements for retaining the products and circulating in a first direction about a horizontal shaft, and a drum (50) driven in the same direction having elements for enveloping the product heads with a wrap and elements for securing the wrap on the products, the wrapping station including a supply station and a discharge station, the second supply elements being positioned for supplying the web of wrapping material according to a path that is tangential to the drum, in a direction running along with the drum rotation.

Abstract: An improved halter design and method of haltering an animal. The feature of universal application applies where one size will fit all livestock traditionally haltered for the purpose of control. The design and method of application make it quicker and easier to gain control of the animal than using a traditional halter. The single unit base plate with attached rope simplifies all previous embodiments while maintaining maximum flexibility of use.

Abstract: This invention relates to a compressed gas cleaner utilizing a centrifugal impeller and spiral grooves by spinning a centrifugal impeller automatically with the dynamic power of compressed gas from a compressor, thus the separation of liquid, water, oil sludge and particular pollution dust can be completely cleaned with the spiral grooves instead of solid filters on the basis of specific difference, 1 to 1000, between gas and liquid. A compressed gas cleaner utilizing a centrifugal impeller and spiral grooves comprising: the spiral grooves for generating centrifugal gas stream without loss of pressure and the path of a liquid flow without sludge plugging on the basis of the labyrinth principle. Thus it is upgraded for a higher gas cleaning efficiency, 99.9% without any kind of solid filtering elements, drying chemicals and dehumidifying refrigerators on the basis of simple parts and structure for horizontal piping, low manufacturing fee, easy assembly and free maintenance for many years.

Abstract: A folding filter frame includes two end assemblies, each having a stationary panel having two ends, two folding panels, each having a folding end and a free end, and at least one track. The folding end of each folding panels is foldably secured to one of the ends of the stationary panel and the track runs perpendicular to a length of the end assembly. There is a stationary support extending from one end assembly to the other end assembly. Two side assemblies are present, each including a side panel with two ends and a engagement device secured to each end. The engagement device follows one the tracks of the end panels. The filter frame converts from a folded configuration to a deployed configuration by unfolding the folding panels and sliding the engagement devices in the tracks. A filter is made by positioning a filter media inside the folding frame.

Abstract: Disclosed is a diesel particulate filter, including a plurality of cells, which are partitioned by porous cell walls and are closed in a staggered manner by plugs at the upstream end of the filter and at the opposite downstream end thereof, wherein a first oxidation catalyst coating layer is formed on the entire surfaces of the cell walls of the cells that are open at the upstream end of the filter, and a second oxidation catalyst coating layer is formed on the surfaces of the cell walls of the cells, which are open at the downstream end of the filter, in the downstream half part of the filter.

Abstract: A harvester load control that increases the efficiency of the harvester and its operator by providing a automatic control unit that monitors minute engine RPM's caused by varying crop and transport load effects, automatically adjusting the harvester's ground speed to provide a consistent operational RPM including thrashing, separating and other conditioning services.

Abstract: A self-propelled lawn mower includes at least one cutting blade, at least first and second drive wheels, and hydro pumps for controlling the drive wheels. At least first and second belts are used to drive the pumps and blade(s) of the cutter deck, respectively. In certain example embodiments of this invention, the belt(s) for driving the hydro pumps is/are provided at an elevation lower than a belt(s) for driving the blade(s) of the cutter deck. In certain example embodiments of this invention, this advantageously permits the center of gravity of the mower to be lowered by permitting the hydro pumps and/or engine of the mower to be positioned at a lower elevation. In certain example embodiments, one or both of the hydro pumps is/are mounted on a pump deck which is at an elevation lower than that of the engine deck where the engine is mounted.

Abstract: This invention relates to self-propelled lawn mower including at least one cutting blade and at least first and second rear drive wheels. Optionally, a grass collection system may be mounted on the mower, with much of the system being located laterally rearward of the rear drive wheels so that the center of gravity of the mower is shifted rearwardly. In order to compensate for such a center of gravity shift, the respective positions of the rear drive wheels are adjustable. In certain example embodiments of this invention, the lateral positions of the rear drive wheels may be selectively adjusted as desired by the operator (e.g., to move the center of gravity of the mower forward relative to the rear drive wheels in order to compensate for the added rear-heavy weight of the grass collection system).

Abstract: A power lawn mower includes at least one cutting blade driven, directly or indirectly, by an engine. A cutter deck assembly of the mower includes a cutter deck, cutting blade(s) housed therein, and a pulley/belt system powered by a drive shaft of the engine for driving the cutting blade(s). The cutter deck assembly is selectively adjustable upward/downward to adjust the cutting height of the mower and/or to allow an operator to put the cutter deck assembly in a heightened position for storage and/or transport and thereafter lower the cutter deck assembly to a cutting position. In certain example embodiments of this invention, a latch system is provided as part of a deck lift system for permitting the cutter deck assembly to be more easily and/or efficiently raised/lowered.

Abstract: A trimmer line, hook disk system forming a line trimmer head (e.g., FIGS. 11 & 11A, 20 & 21) for attaching to a powered, rotational device (FIGS. 12-17) to provide a line filament grasscutting/weed-removal action. The trimmer head preferably includes a circular, protective, bottom base (D2/60/160), a main trimmer head top (D3/D30/130), the two forming a disk shape, and a series of peripherally spaced, line holders; with these three basic elements fastened together for ultimate attachment to the powered device. Eleven exemplary line holder are shown (FIGS. 1-10B), with most allowing oscillating (O) motion in their attachment to the trimmer device (D1), allowing the lines to move backwardly when contacting a relatively hard item, and/or some fixed (F). A “broom” embodiment is disclosed (FIG. 18). When used, flexible line, e.g. of nylon, is inserted in (1) and held (2) by the line holders preferably using hook or hook-like line attachments.

Abstract: Forage cutter (1) for cutting forage or similar material in an enclosure having a first and second series of vertical blades (14, 16) for cutting the forage, a conveyor (25) for directing the forage forwardly and cooperating with the blades (14, 16) to spin the forage in an opposite direction with respect to the direction of rotation of the blades (14, 16); and roller means (23) vertical spaced below the second series of blades (16) and above the conveyor (25), the roller means (23) being rotatable in the same direction as the blades (14, 16) for selectively directing a first part of the forage having longer strands against the blades (14, 16) and a second part of the forage having shorter strands out of the enclosure.

Abstract: This patent relates to a reversible, preferably riding harvesting machine with lateral operation that can be used for the mechanic harvesting of citric fruits such as oranges and other fruit crops planted in rows and a method for carrying out the harvesting process with this machine. This invention allows for a better maneuvering of the harvesting machine in small spaces, especially in crop headers, transportation thereof and adaptability to the different shapes of the land. Each one of the gears of said reversible harvesting machine is capable of inverting the direction of the turn thus allowing for harvesting in opposite directions, and the wheels can rotate substantially 90° or more to allow left or right lateral movement of the machine and change the crop row; the harvesting machine of the present invention comprises at least a cab, two seats that can swivel and slide so as to be in the best position in terms of the harvesting direction.

Abstract: Abstract: A refrigeration cycle is integrated into a combined cycle power plant to form a triple cycle power plant in which gas turbine generator inlet air is chilled and dehydrated to increase the mass flow of the inlet air, and in which duct firing in HRSG is increased in dependence of the increased mass flow. In further preferred integration aspects, the heat from the inlet chiller refrigerant is provided to the HRSG.

Abstract: A energy recovery system for an internal combustion engine which dynamically allocates heat energy to multiple vehicle accessory systems

Abstract: A energy recovery system for an internal combustion engine which dynamically allocates heat energy to multiple vehicle accessory systems

Abstract: This invention describes a miniaturized hybrid diesel-electric engine formed by a closed-loop system powered by plasma-aided combustion of JP-8 fuel (or other hydrocarbon fuels) working in tandem with a vapor cycle utilizing miniaturized expanders and condensers. The output of this engine is electric power and mechanical work. Water, or organic fluids, heated by the combustion product developed inside a special burner, undergoes an explosive, quasi-supersonic conversion to steam. This steam drives a high-speed turbine connected together with a gas turbine outputting shaft work. This work output is utilized to power internal subsystems, cool down the miniaturized condensers, and to produce torque and electric power. The dimensions of this miniaturized hybrid-engine are so compact that it can fit inside the battery compartment of most applications requiring high-density miniaturized power sources.

Abstract: The minimum fuel flow to a combustor of a gas turbine engine is limited in response to the engine inlet temperature T1 and x, an exponent dependent on engine configuration and engine entry pressure P1, in order to provide a fuel air ratio (FAR) limit which responds to both factors. This enables the fuel flow to be limited such that the FAR is set to avoid unintentionally extinguishing the combustor flame and the rate of deceleration is maximised, regardless of ambient temperature and engine altitude.

Abstract: Increase of NOx emission is minimized even under a condition that NOx depuration system has malfunction. An exhaust emission control device is disclosed which has selective reduction catalyst 10 incorporated in an exhaust pipe 9, urea water 17 (reducing agent) being added to exhaust gas upstream of the selective reduction catalyst 10 by urea water adding means 18 (reducing agent adding means) so as to depurate NOx through reduction. The exhaust emission control device has NOx sensors 24 and 25 respectively arranged on entry and exit sides of the selective reduction catalyst 10 for detecting NOx concentrations, and an NOx deputation control device 23 (control device) which judges abnormality, on the basis of detection signals 24a and 25a from the NOx sensors 24 and 25, by non-attainment of a predetermined Nox reduction ratio and, when such abnormality is judged, restriction of an amount of fuel to be injected is commanded.

Abstract: A method of purging fuel supply components for a combustion chamber of a regeneration assembly is disclosed. A regeneration cycle is performed during which fuel is supplied from a fuel source to the combustion chamber with fuel supply components including a fuel supply circuit and at least one fuel injector unit. At least a first purging cycle is initiated to purge residual fuel from the fuel supply components. During the purging cycle, a flow of purging gas is directed to the at least one fuel injector unit to purge residual fuel from the at least one fuel injector unit. Also during the purging cycle, a flow of purging gas is directed to the fuel supply circuit to purge at least a portion of the fuel in the fuel supply circuit toward the fuel source.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a regeneration assembly to regenerate a filter assembly during a regeneration cycle, and for supplying fuel to at least one fuel injector unit associated with the regeneration assembly during the regeneration cycle. The method includes dispensing a cleaning substance into a fluid flow path associated with the regeneration assembly during a cleaning cycle. The method further includes directing the cleaning substance through the at least one fuel injector unit during the cleaning cycle.

Abstract: A method for controlling an exhaust system for an internal combustion engine of a vehicle includes flowing exhaust gas to a main catalyst converter provided in a main passage, flowing exhaust gas to a bypass catalyst converter provided in a bypass passage, detecting a predetermined condition related to a poisoning amount of the bypass catalyst converter, and blocking the main passage at least partially in response to the satisfaction of the predetermined condition, thereby causing more of the exhaust gas to flow to the bypass passage.

Abstract: In a control device for an internal combustion engine (E) of a vehicle comprising a particulate filter (42) installed in an exhaust passage of the engine and a loading device (63) that applies a load to the engine, the control device (9) is configured to execute a regeneration process for regenerating the particulate filter under a prescribed condition. When a vehicle is in a congested state, the temperature of the particulate filter typically drops below a threshold level for enabling a regenerating process. However, according to the present invention, the particulate filter may be regenerated even when the vehicle is in a congested state if a loading device such as an air conditioner is activated, and the temperature of the particulate filter is therefore high enough. Thereby, the particulate filter may be actively regenerated whenever possible.

Abstract: If an exhaust throttle valve changes to ON state from OFF state under a filter regeneration control condition for regenerating a PM filter, a differential pressure sensor detects a change of a differential pressure following an operation of the exhaust throttle valve. An increase in an exhaust backpressure is calculated based upon the change in the differential pressure. If the increase in the exhaust backpressure is lower than a predetermined value, the operation of the exhaust throttle valve is determined to be malfunctioning.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for enhancing protection of a soot filter. The method enhances soot filter protection by interpreting a baseline regeneration scheme, estimating whether a set of current soot filter conditions indicate that a regeneration is occurring, and setting an engine operating indicator if an internal combustion engine is operating such that a threshold amount of soot is being generated. The method may continue with incrementing a first counter based on the baseline regeneration scheme and the engine operating indicator, and activating a regeneration request indicator when the first counter reaches a first threshold. The method may further include incrementing a second counter when the regeneration request indicator is active, where the incrementing value for the second counter is based on whether a regeneration is occurring. The method may further include deactivating the regeneration request indicator when the second counter reaches a second threshold.

Abstract: An exhaust system for a motor vehicle with a diesel engine (10) includes a particulate filter unit (36), a particulate receiving accumulator (24) close to the engine being arranged upstream of the particulate filter unit (36) and binding a partial quantity of the particulates contained in the exhaust gas flow, with another partial quantity of the particulates contained in the exhaust gas flow flowing through the particulate receiving accumulator (24) to the particulate filter unit (36). The particulate receiving accumulator (24) is arranged so close to the engine (10) that it is at least partly regenerated during operation owing to the NO2 oxidation effect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated system for the treatment of exhaust gases, which preferably consists of at least one NOx-storing component, at least one in situ ammonia-generating component, at least one ammonia-storing component and at least one ammonia (NH3)-SCR-component, as well as to a process for the treatment of exhaust gas comprising at least the steps (i) storing of NOx under lean exhaust gas conditions in at least one NOx-storing component; (ii) in situ conversion of the stored NOx to ammonia (NH3) under rich exhaust gas conditions; (iii) storing of the ammonia (NH3) in at least one NH3-storing component under rich exhaust gas conditions as well as the (iv) reaction of NH3 with NOx under lean exhaust gas conditions. Thereby, the partial steps “storing of NOx” and “conversion of NH3 with NOx” are carried out at least partially and/or temporarily simultaneously and/or parallelly. Furthermore, preferred catalysts are disclosed for carrying out the process.

Abstract: A device for purifying exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine has a particle filter, which is provided with a catalytically active coating. The catalytically active coating includes a supporting material and an iron-containing material, which is joined to the supporting material and is present on at least the surface of the same. The supporting material is an aluminosilicate or a silicon oxide.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to diagnose a failure of an addition valve provided in the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine. To achieve the object, post injection through a fuel injection valve of the internal combustion engine and reducing agent addition through the reducing agent addition valve are performed at different timings, the quantity of fuel injected through the fuel injection valve when the post injection is performed and the quantity of reducing agent added through the reducing agent addition valve when the reducing agent addition is performed are estimated based on a same parameter, and it is diagnosed that the reducing agent addition valve has a failure on condition that the difference between the estimated fuel quantity and the estimated reducing agent quantity exceeds a predetermined quantity.

Abstract: An exhaust valve for an exhaust component includes a shaft defining an axis and a flapper valve that is fixed to the shaft for rotational movement about the axis. The flapper valve is mounted within an interior cavity of a valve housing that is defined by an inner diameter. The flapper valve comprises a disc-shaped body that has a maximum flapper diameter that is less than the inner diameter. A unidirectional drive unit is used to move the flapper valve between open and closed positions such that the flapper valve only rotates in one direction about the axis.

Abstract: This structure (11) comprises first and second filtering elements (15A, 15B) extending essentially parallel to a longitudinal axis (X-X?) of the structure (11) between an admission region (21) of the gases into the structure (11) and an evacuation region (23) of the gases from the structure, and comprises a seal (17) for joining these elements (15A, 15B). The seal (17) comprises at least one downstream pat (43) which has a thermal mass per unit length greater than the thermal mass per unit length of an upstream part (41) of the seal (17). The invention is for use in particulate filters for the exhaust gases of a motor vehicle diesel engine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an actuation device for the actuating of an adjustment surface of an aircraft such as an elevator, a rudder or the like, of landing gear or another aircraft or surface vehicle actuator, comprising an electrohydraulic actuator having a servo control cylinder, a pump for pressure fluid action on the servo control cylinder as well as an electric motor for the actuation of the pump, with the electric motor having a liquid cooling. In accordance with the invention, the actuation device is characterized in that a leak flow of the pump is guided over a leak passage through the electric motor to cool the electric motor.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a machine is disclosed. The hydraulic control system may have a first fluid actuator, a first pump configured to produce a first stream of pressurized fluid, a second fluid actuator, and a second pump configured to produce a second stream of pressurized fluid. The hydraulic control system may further have a combiner valve, and a controller. The controller may be configured to receive an operator input indicative of a desired velocity for the first fluid actuator, determine a flow rate for the first fluid actuator corresponding to the desired velocity, and determine a flow capacity of the first pump. The controller may also be configured to move the combiner valve to combine the second stream of pressurized fluid with the first stream of pressurized fluid when the determined flow rate for the first fluid actuator is greater than the determined flow capacity of the first pump.

Abstract: There is provided an HST unit including: a first hydraulic motor unit for operatively driving one of a pair of driving wheels; a second hydraulic motor unit for operatively driving the other one of the pair of driving wheels; a hydraulic pump unit operatively connected to a driving power source, the hydraulic pump unit configuring a traveling hydrostatic transmission in cooperation with the first and second hydraulic motor units; and an attachment frame for supporting the first hydraulic motor unit, the second hydraulic motor unit and the hydraulic pump unit, the attachment frame being attachable to a vehicle frame.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for a construction machine is disclosed, which can prevent an energy loss of a hydraulic system by automatically reducing revolution of an engine when a working device such as a boom is not driven. The hydraulic circuit includes first to third hydraulic pumps, a first switching valve, a second switching valve, a third switching valve, a confluence switching valve, a first shuttle valve selecting any one of a pressure of a first signal line in which a signal pressure is formed when the third switching valve for working devices connected to the third hydraulic pump is shifted and a pressure of a second signal line in which a signal pressure is formed when a switching valve for traveling devices is shifted, and a second shuttle valve selecting any one of the pressure selected by the first shuttle valve and a pressure of a third signal line in which a signal pressure is formed when switching valves for the working devices connected to the first and second hydraulic pumps are shifted.

Abstract: An active material actuator assembly is provided having first and second active material components operatively connected to a movable member. Movement of the movable member is modulated, which may be due to activation of the first and second active material components being at least partially temporally distinct or the active material components differing in at least one characteristic affecting movement.

Abstract: Active material actuator assemblies are provided that enable simplified control systems and faster actuator cycle times. A movable member is provided that has multiple active material components operatively connected to it. The active material components are separately selectively activatable for moving the movable member. Movement of the movable member via activation of a first of the active material components triggers activation of the second active material component to further move the movable member. Alternatively or in addition, previously activated active material components are protected from undesired stretching during activation of another active material component or, when desired, an active material component may be reset via activation of another of the active material components in order to prepare it for subsequent activation.

Abstract: A method of controlling an internal combustion engine boosting system of the type including an exhaust-driven turbocharger and a mechanically-driven supercharger. The supercharger includes rotors and a clutch operable in a first condition to transmit torque from a mechanical drive source to a supercharger input in response to a positive input, and operable in a second condition to interrupt the transmission of torque from the source to the input. The method is characterized by determining possible operation of the clutch in a first condition; and commanding a bypass valve toward a closed position, forcing air through the supercharger. The airflow causes the supercharger rotors to rotate, thus rotating the input of the supercharger prior to the clutch operating in the first condition.

Abstract: A supercharging system, in particular an at least two-stage supercharging system, including a first stage and a second stage for an internal combustion engine having two cylinder banks. The at least two-stage supercharging system includes at least two charge air coolers. An exhaust gas turbocharger representing the first stage and an exhaust gas turbocharger representing the second stage are each situated next to one of the cylinder banks of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are turbocharger systems and methods for their operation. In one embodiment a turbocharger system is disclosed. The turbocharger system comprises a turbine, a compressor, an air inlet, a first sensor, a second sensor, and a controller. The turbine is mechanically connected to the compressor and the air inlet is connected in fluid communication to the compressor. The first sensor and the second sensor are connected in operational communication with the air inlet and disposed a sufficient distance from one another to be capable of measuring a temperature differential caused by a hot boundary layer. The controller is connected in operational communication with the first sensor and the second sensor, and the controller is configured to detect surge precursors.

Abstract: A non-positive-displacement machine (10), particularly a turbomachine for producing a mass flow, having a central housing part (11) inside which a turbine shaft is mounted. A turbine housing is mounted on the central housing part (11) on a turbine side and a compressor housing is mounted on the central housing part (11) on a compressor side. The spiral channels (17, 18) required for the compressor side and for the turbine side can be arranged in a partial area inside the covers (15, 16) and at least in one partial area inside the central housing part (11). This permits the contours, which are required for the spiral channels (17, 18) and which are geometrically complex, to be constructed in the central housing part (11).

Abstract: A steam enhanced dual piston cycle engine utilizes a unique dual piston apparatus that includes: a first cylinder housing a first piston therein, wherein the first piston performs only intake and compression strokes; a second cylinder housing an inner power piston that forms an inner internal chamber of the second cylinder, and either a ring-shaped outer power piston surrounding the inner power piston, wherein the outer power piston forms an outer internal chamber of the second cylinder and is configured to convert engine heat into additional work, and/or an outer boiler which is configured to produce steam to be converted into additional work.

Abstract: The offered high-temperature GAES is designed as a stabilising structure in high-power electroenergetic systems to ensure high quality, economy and safety of these systems. The GAES relates to electric energy accumulation equipment in which the unclaimed electric energy is converted by means of an electrically-driven compressor (3, 4, 6) into the air compression heat working medium-air (WMA) and WMA pressure potential energies accumulated in Underground Heat Accumulator (UHA) (14) and, in case of the demand, these potential energies from UHA (14) by means of the WMA turbine (18, 19) and the turbogenerator (21), converted back into electric energy. The principal novelty of the proposed GAES is that UHA (14) is formed in the aquifer (15) which, at the same time, is the storage of the compressed WMA. UHA (14) is conditioned to the WMA pressure (volume), temperature, moisture ensuring agreement of these parameters with certain parameters of the UHA (14) operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods of integrating solar energy into a Rankine cycle power generation system can enhance efficiency of the system. Solar heat can be collected in an array of solar heat collectors. The solar heat collectors can use solar energy to heat a single phase thermal transfer fluid, which can be circulated in a solar heat system. The solar heat system includes a closed loop working fluid heater fluidly coupled to the solar heat collectors that transfers heat energy from the thermal transfer fluid to a working fluid of the power generation system. Thus, the working fluid is preheated before it enters the boiler of the power generation system. The solar working fluid heater can be connected in a regeneration portion of the Rankine cycle downstream of other working fluid heaters, or upstream of at least one working fluid heater. The solar heat input can reduce the fuel consumption of the boiler.