Abstract: An apparatus for removing soot from diesel engine exhaust streams at temperatures below 150° C. is provided. Although the use of particulate filters for removing carbonaceous soot from such exhaust streams is known, such systems are either active or operate under high temperatures, i.e. in excess of 300° C. The claimed apparatus includes a flow through support device composed of ceramic, such as cordierite or silicon carbide, or a primarily nonferrous metal or stainless steel and coated with an oxide formation comprising hematite and bixbyite in a ratio from 1:1 to 9:1. The claimed apparatus can also include a diesel particulate filter coated with a coating comprising tin, aluminum and zirconium oxides prepared by a co-precipitation process and thereafter coated with platinum or other precious metal.

Abstract: A device for exhaust gas recirculation for a combustion engine is provided that includes an exhaust gas pipe configured to conduct exhaust gas and a channel configured to conduct air to the combustion engine. The exhaust gas pipe terminates in the channel, wherein the exhaust gas pipe, in an area of insertion in the channel exhaust, is in thermal exchange with a coolant from a coolant circuit.

Abstract: A vehicle exhaust component includes an outer shell defining an internal cavity, at least one baffle located within the internal cavity, and at least one tube supported by the baffle. The baffle is fixed to the outer shell and includes at least one opening. The tube has first and second tube ends with one of the first and second tube ends being supported within the opening in the baffle. At least one slot is formed within the one of the first and second tube ends at the at least one opening. The slot facilitates noise reduction during cool down of the vehicle exhaust component.

Abstract: Multistage hydraulic systems and methods for converting the potential energy of a pressurized gas, particularly air, into mechanical work when operating in motor, and for producing compressed gas from the mechanical work of the rotating shaft when rotating when operating in compressor mode, by performing a successive expansion/compression of the said gas. Each of the systems comprises: a multistage Compression-Expansion Unit made of several hydraulic Compression-Expansion Modules having different capacity and integrating a gas/liquid separating heat exchanger, designed to convert pressure power into a hydraulic power and vice-versa, by performing an essentially isothermal compression/expansion of the gas; a single stage or multistage, direct or indirect, external forced-air Heat Exchanger for maintaining the active liquid at ambient temperature; and a multi-circuit, multi-displacement Hydraulic Motor/Pump for converting hydraulic power into mechanical power and vice-versa.

Abstract: A hydraulic system for use with a pressurized fluid includes a first cylinder and a second cylinder. A flow path links the first and second cylinders in fluid communication with each other. A first piston is disposed within the first cylinder and defines a first axis and a second piston disposed within the second cylinder. The first piston is movable along the first axis between a variety of operating positions and a rephasing position. The first piston has an exterior surface that defines a peripheral groove and several flutes. The flutes are oriented such that they are parallel to the first axis and intersect the peripheral groove, allowing the fluid to flow from the first cylinder across the flow path and into the second cylinder when the first piston is in the rephasing position thereby automatically rephasing the first and second pistons within the hydraulic system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas pressure actuator whose actuator body has a cylinder, a piston and a gas generator in which a powder is loaded, and the gas generator is positioned at an end portion of the cylinder. The gas generator injects a high pressure gas into the cylinder by the combustion of the powder, thereby moving the piston. The actuator body is provided with a coating which covers the entire actuator body from outside. The coating is a resin coating having electrically insulating, waterproof, and dustproof characteristics.

Abstract: A hydraulic load ramping system, in certain aspects, may utilize load sensing feedback from an engine, thereby reducing the possibility of overloading the engine as well as smoothing the transition between hydraulic load levels. In particular, by ramping between hydraulic load levels, unwanted movement of hydraulically-driven equipment may be minimized. In addition, by efficiently monitoring the load sensing feedback and ramping between hydraulic load levels, the hydraulic output may be maximized.

Abstract: A hydraulic pump unit of variable displacement type is disposed away from a pair of hydraulic motor units which are capable of being independently arranged. The pump unit is fluidly-connected to the pair of hydraulic motor units so as to change the outputs of the pair of hydraulic motor units in both forward and reverse rotation directions. The pump unit includes a hydraulic pump body operatively rotated and driven by a driving source, a pump case surrounding the hydraulic pump body, a capacity adjusting mechanism for changing the capacity of the hydraulic pump body, and an actuator for operating the capacity adjusting mechanism. The actuator is controlled based on a manual operation signal corresponding to a manual operation amount.

Abstract: An external combustion engine having an exhaust flow diverter for directing the flow of an exhaust gas. The external combustion engine has a heater head having a plurality of heater tubes through which a working fluid is heated by conduction. The exhaust flow diverter is a cylinder disposed around the outside of the plurality of heater tubes and includes a plurality of openings through which the flow of exhaust gas may pass. The exhaust flow diverter directs the exhaust gas past the plurality of heater tubes. The external combustion engine may also include a plurality of flow diverter fins coupled to the plurality of heater tubes to direct the flow of the exhaust gas. The heater tubes may be U-shaped or helical coiled shaped.

Abstract: A rod seal assembly for a Stirling Engine of the type having two or more piston assemblies reciprocating within cylinder bores. The rod seal assembly seals against a connecting rod extending between a piston and a kinematic drive system. The rod seal assembly includes a separated cap seal assembly and a base seal assembly with a hollow cavity formed therebetween. The cap seal assembly and base seal assembly include sealing element features which provide high performance gas sealing and excellent durability characteristics. The hollow interior cavity of the rod seal assembly may be used as part of an internal volume within the engine used as part of a pressure balancing system for the isolated cycle volumes within the engine.

Abstract: A piston assembly for a double-acting engine such as a double-acting Stirling engine. A pair of sealing rings located on opposite sides of a land ring are positioned between a base section and a dome section of a piston head. These sealing rings are alternatively urged into sealing engagement with the cylinder bore as the piston reciprocates. The ring assembly further features selected rings with radial gaps used with annular non-split rings. An expander ring is further provided to radially bias the sealing rings with radial gaps. The piston assembly further features assembly features and component configurations providing excellent piston gas sealing and durability performance.

Abstract: A working gas control system for a double acting type Stirling engine having two or more piston assemblies reciprocating within bores. Each of the piston assemblies separate isolated cycle volumes of a working gas which undergoes cyclical pressure variations. The pressure equalization system includes forming isolated first and second volumes with the first volume maintained at a low pressure through the use of a check valve. The second volume is maintained at a pressure intermediate of the minimum and maximum pressures of the cycle volumes. By providing controlled leakage paths between the volumes, the mass or volume of working gas in each of the cycle volumes can be maintained in a balanced condition despite minor leakages outside the engine of the working gas and leakage past the piston assemblies separating the cycle volumes.

Abstract: A control valve for a double acting type Stirling engine of the type having two or more piston assemblies reciprocating in bores with each of the piston assemblies separating isolated volumes of a working gas. The control valve provides the functions of a check valve which allows an internally defined volume within the engine to be held at a low pressure near the minimum pressure of the cycle volumes. The valve may further be actuated to unload the engine to provide low starting torque and to unload the engine in case of an engine or load malfunction. The control valve further provides a controlled leakage path for working fluid flowing between the cycle volumes and the minimum pressure volume which acts as part of a pressure balancing system for the Stirling engine which maintains the volume or mass of a working fluid in a balanced condition between the cycle volumes.

Abstract: The invention pertains to the field of micro-machined electromechanical systems including a proof mass capable of displacement.

Abstract: An air intake tract arrangement for an internal combustion engine includes an exhaust gas inlet device arranged at the inlet side of a charge air cooler and configured to direct injected EGR exhaust gas substantially in a direction towards an inlet of said charge air cooler, thereby enabling the use of plastic intake tract components.

Abstract: An apparatus for returning exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine is provided. The apparatus includes a compressor that is driven by exhaust gas, wherein an exhaust-gas flow enters into the compressor on a high-pressure side and exits the compressor on a low-pressure side. A branch is provided on the high-pressure side with regard to the compressor for returned exhaust gas, and at least one exhaust-gas cooler is provided for transferring heat out of the branched-off exhaust-gas flow into a cooling medium. A heat exchanger is provided, via which heat can be transferred between the exhaust-gas flow, which branches off on the high-pressure side, and an exhaust-gas flow on the low-pressure side with regard to the compressor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an internal combustion engine (1) with two-stage turbocharging by a low-pressure exhaust gas turbine (6) and a high-pressure exhaust gas turbine (7), the low-pressure exhaust gas turbine (6) being positioned downstream of the high-pressure exhaust gas turbine (7) in the exhaust system (3) of the internal combustion engine (1), and the high-pressure exhaust gas turbine (7) being provided with a bypass line (11) with a control valve (12).

Abstract: A super-turbocharger utilizing a high speed, fixed ratio traction drive that is coupled to a continuously variable transmission to allow for high speed operation is provided. A high speed traction drive is utilized to provide speed reduction from the high speed turbine shaft. A second traction drive provides infinitely variable speed ratios through a continuously variable transmission. Gas recirculation in a super-turbocharger is also disclosed.

Abstract: A power generation system includes a mixing unit for receiving and combining heated fluid from a heated fluid source and working fluid to form a vapor. The system also includes a condensation unit positioned at a location having a higher elevation than the heated fluid source. The condensation unit receives the vapor from the mixing unit through a first conduit and condenses the vapor into a liquid. The system further includes a turbine positioned at a location having a lower elevation than the condensation unit. The turbine receives the liquid condensed in the condensation unit through a second conduit. The turbine is driven by the liquid to generate electric power. The system also includes a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the liquid driving the turbine to the working fluid provided to the mixing unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to continuously mass-producing electric power with a low cost, without pollution, greenhouse gas emission, consumption of limited natural resources, wastes and independently of irregularity of wind conditions. The invention is embodied in the form of a hollow tower-shaped structure flared at the base thereof, surrounded by a greenhouse area and is optimised in order to combine the four following natural forces and effects: a chimney effect, greenhouse effect, Coriolis force and a Venturi effect. The inventive plant comprises, in particular curved structures for activating an artificial and self-sustaining vertex, peripheral flap shutters for involving a wind quantity and pools optimised for storing calories supplied by sun and optionally by effluents of nuclear power plants, different industrial activities or geothermal waters. The production capacity of the inventive power plant is of several hundreds of MW and the production cost of one KW/hour could be substantially low.

Abstract: A method for alternate storage and outputting of the thermal energy which is obtained in the primary circuit of a solar-thermal power station, using a heat carrier medium, which can be partially fed between a plurality of storage tanks, in each case flowing through a heat transmission apparatus which is operatively connected to the primary circuit and/or to the steam/water circuit, which heat carrier medium can be heated to a higher temperature or can be cooled to a lower temperature, the aim is to provide a solution which makes it possible, with a storage capacity which is the same as that of installations known from the prior art, to avoid the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular with a smaller space requirement and occupying a smaller installation area.

Abstract: A power generation plant includes a steam turbine and an electrical generator driven thereby. A condenser is downstream from the steam turbine. Moreover, the power generation plant includes a steam source and an inert gas source. A deaerator downstream from the condenser and is operable to perform deaeration using the inert gas source and is also selectively operable to perform deaeration using the steam source.

Abstract: A power generating system comprises a condenser and a deaerator apparatus. The condenser condenses a working fluid into a condensate and operates at an internal pressure above ambient pressure during a normal operating mode. The deaerator apparatus uses steam to remove contaminants from the condensate to bring the condensate to a desirable purity. The deaerator apparatus is deactivated during a typical operating state of the power generating system such that the condensate bypasses the deaerator apparatus. The deaerator apparatus is activated during a non-typical operating state of the power generating system such that the condensate passes into the deaerator apparatus wherein contaminants can be removed from the condensate. The typical operating state of the power generating system occurs when the condensate comprises a desirable purity and the non-typical operating state of the power generating system occurs when the condensate comprises an undesirable purity.

Abstract: A method of substantially preventing contaminants from entering a condenser adapted for use within a steam generating system. A condenser is provided. Steam or a combination of water and steam is passed into the condenser, the condenser operating in a normal mode a pressure in a control area is equal to or greater than a predefined pressure and in a non-normal mode if the pressure in the control area is less than the predefined pressure. An inert gas is injected into the condenser if a pressure in the control area is less than a holding pressure, the holding pressure being equal to or greater than the predefined pressure.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine comprises: a combustor with an aft end exhaust nozzle that discharges along an axis of the combustor; an eductor with a housing that circumscribes the combustor that has a sideward eductor inlet that intakes generally normal to the combustor axis and an aft end eductor outlet that circumscribes the combustor exhaust nozzle and exhausts along the combustor axis; and an eductor distribution shield mounted within the eductor housing between the eductor inlet and the combustor with a deflection surface that deflects the intake of the eductor inlet around the combustor.

Abstract: A fuel nozzle manifold comprising a flange, a stem and a swirler is provided. The flange has a first fluid inlet fluidly connected to a radially extending first flow passage, the stem includes at least a first axially extending and only partially circumferentially extending flow channel, and the swirler has at least a first radially extending premix passage. The flange and the stem can comprise a homogeneous component, or two separate components fluidly connecting the first axially extending flow channel to the first flow passage, to form a fluid connection between the flange and the stem, the swirler comprises another component fitted together with the flange and stem component and fluidly connecting the first premix passage and the first flow channel.

Abstract: An injector includes a surface and an injector hole formed in the surface. The injector also includes a groove formed in the surface, the groove surrounding the injector hole.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine fuel supply assembly which includes a fuel manifold mounted to a casing surrounding a combustor of the engine, and a plurality of fuel nozzles mounted to the fuel manifold. A mating interface between the fuel nozzles and the fuel manifold has at least one sealing element, and at least one aperture defined in the fuel nozzle proximate to the mating interface. The aperture is a non fuel conveying passage, and reduces conductive heat transfer to the sealing element by preventing a direct conductive heat transfer path between a hot region of the fuel nozzle and the sealing element.

Abstract: Transition duct assemblies and gas turbine engine systems involving such assemblies are provided. In this regard, a representative a transition duct assembly for a gas turbine engine includes: an impingement sheet having cooling holes formed therethrough, an inlet end and a non-flanged outlet end, the impingement sheet being operative to be positioned about an exterior of a transition duct such that cooling air is directed to flow about the transition duct; the non-flanged outlet end of the impingement sheet being operative to attach the impingement sheet to the transition duct such that the inlet end is positioned adjacent to an intake end of the transition duct and the outlet end is positioned adjacent to an exhaust end of the transition duct.

Abstract: A corrosion-resistant pressure vessel steel is provided. The corrosion-resistant pressure vessel is formed by aluminization of a pressure vessel steel and deliberate oxidation of the layer which has been enriched in this way. Also provided is a process for producing a corrosion-resistant pressure vessel product. The process includes alitizing the pressure vessel steel and then oxidizing the steel before it is used for the first time. Lastly, a gas turbine component using the pressure vessel steel product is provided.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine valve is disclosed. In one form the valve includes two inlets in fluid communication with an outlet. The valve can include a spool having two lands capable of selectively closing either of the two inlets. The valve can include energy storage devices that initially position the spool within a valve housing. A temperature motor is provided to position the spool based upon a temperature of a mixture of working fluid from the two inlets. A working fluid flowing into the first inlet can be in fluid communication with a second end of the valve; and a working fluid flowing into the second inlet can be in fluid communication with a first end of the valve. A relatively high pressure condition at one or the other of the inlets can be used to alter a position of the valve.

Abstract: A gas turbine control method for preventing then operation from deviating from the operating state at the ideal fuel and air flow-rates expected when the gas turbine is designed and maintaining an efficient operating state.

Abstract: A method for purging fuel from a fuel system of a gas turbine engine on shutdown of the engine comprises, in one aspect, terminating a fuel supply to the fuel system and using the residual compressed air to create a reversed pressure differential in the fuel system relative to a forward pressure differential of the fuel system used to maintain fuel supply for engine operation, and under the reversed pressure differential substantially purging the fuel remaining in the system therefrom to a fuel source.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the production of hydrogen from a hydrocarbon feedstock and water vapor comprising: A stage in which a portion of the hydrocarbon feedstock is sent to a vapor-reforming unit and another portion of the hydrocarbon feedstock is sent directly to an autothermal reformer in a mixture with the effluent that is obtained from a vapor-reforming unit, A vapor-reforming stage of the hydrocarbon feedstock in a vapor-reforming unit, A stage for autothermal reforming of the stream that is obtained in the preceding stage as well as the hydrocarbon feedstock that is sent directly into an autothermal reformer, A vapor conversion stage of the synthesis gas that is obtained in the preceding stage, A stage for recovering carbon dioxide that is present in the stream that is obtained in the vapor conversion stage.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optimized approach of using bleed-off of compressed air flow from a gas turbine compressor in a combined-cycle power plant and performance heating to augment plant performance. In one embodiment, a diverted portion of a by-product off gas and the bleed-off of compressed air flow are fired heated to produce a high temperature flue gas that is used to performance heat a pressurized mixture of fuel prior to being supplied to the gas turbine combustor.

Abstract: A combustor liner assembly support is provided that is used to axially and radially position combustor liners in a gas turbine engine. The combustor liner support includes, in one embodiment, a support bracket that is coupled to a diffuser located upstream in the gas turbine engine; a support spool coupled to the support bracket; and a mount stake coupled to the support spool. The mount stake is connected to the combustor liners and maintains the spaced relation therebetween. An alignment device can be used between the support bracket and the support spool.

Abstract: A furnishing element with a conditioning function comprising a base structure having a determinate aesthetic and/or functional conformation for furnishing, and one or more conditioning components, able to carry out a heat exchange with the environment to determine the conditioning thereof. The base structure defines at least a radiant surface and is made by lost mold casting, wherein the mold or core used for casting is destroyed at the end of casting. The conditioning components are constrained to said base structure and are suitably shaped to be disposed at least in proximity to said radiant surface, so that said radiant surface determines a desired radiation, able to condition a room and/or one or more users.

Abstract: A controlled surface having a direct contact with a flow of cold air circulating within a climate-controlled space is provided. A thermoelectric device is associated with the controlled surface and has a hot junction positioned upstream in the path of the air stream moving over the controlled surface and a cold junction positioned downstream in the path of the air stream. This arrangement provides defogging, defrosting or condensate evaporation for the controlled surface, while the temperature in the climate-controlled space is not appreciably altered, and at least some amount of moisture is removed from the air stream by the thermoelectric device.

Abstract: A temperature control device includes a thermoelectric device and a first sink. The thermoelectric device includes a plurality of thermoelectric elements electrically interconnected with one another by a plurality of electrical interconnects which are coupled between an interior surface of a first plate and an interior surface of a second plate. The first sink has a flat bottom and a plurality of generally parallel fins extending out of the flat bottom. Also, the flat bottom is coupled to an exterior surface of the first plate by a coupling media that includes a resilient and thermally-conductive pad.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying liquid nitrogen for a decompression device: includes a liquid nitrogen supply line extending such that high-temperature, high-pressure liquid nitrogen is introduced to a decompression device; a bypass pipe diverging from the liquid nitrogen supply line; and an expansion unit installed at the bypass pipe to evaporate the liquid nitrogen into nitrogen gas. The expansion unit is disposed to absorb heat from the liquid nitrogen in the liquid nitrogen supply line before being introduced to the decompression device.

Abstract: A cryostat of a superconducting cable disclosed herein includes an inner metallic tube filled with liquid nitrogen and extended along the circumference of a core, an outer metallic tube surrounding the circumference of the inner metallic tube at a distance, a cooling vessel of a terminal connecting box connected to the inner metallic tube and filled with liquid nitrogen, an insulation tube surrounding the circumference of the cooling vessel at a distance, an inner bellows tube connecting an end of the outer metallic tube to the cooling vessel, and an outer bellows tube spaced apart from the inner bellows tube and connecting the end of the outer metallic tube to the insulation tube.

Abstract: A cryogen vessel (12) connected to a refrigerator chamber (15) arranged to house a cryogenic refrigerator (17). A controlled valve (32) is provided between the cryogen vessel (12) and the refrigerator chamber (15), and may be used to isolate the refrigerator chamber from the cryogen vessel.

Abstract: Method for converting thermal energy at a low temperature into thermal energy at a relatively high temperature by means of mechanical energy, and vice versa, with a working medium which runs through a closed thermodynamic circulation process, wherein the circulation process has the following working steps:—reversible adiabatic compression of the working medium, —isobaric conduction away of heat from the working medium,—reversible adiabatic relaxing of the working medium,—isobaric supply of heat to the working medium, and wherein the increase or decrease in pressure of the working medium is produced during the compression or relaxing, increasing or decreasing the centrifugal force acting on the working medium, with the result that the flow energy of the working medium is essentially retained during the compression or relaxing process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a supercooling method and a supercooling apparatus which can maintain an object in a supercooled state. According to the present invention, a supercooling method includes a first cooling step of cooling a stored object toward a cooling temperature below a phase transition temperature thereof, a step of judging whether the stored object is released from a supercooled state in the first cooling step, a step of thawing the stored object when the stored object is released from the supercooled state, and a second cooling step of cooling the stored object toward a cooling temperature below zero that is higher than the lowest temperature of the stored object before the release of the supercooled state, wherein the first cooling step is continuously performed when the object is maintained in the supercooled state.

Abstract: A system for increasing the efficiency of a conventional air conditioner includes: an evaporative air cooler having evaporative pads; and a frame that retains the air cooler so as to enclose a condenser of the air conditioner, thereby directing pre-cooled air from the air cooler to the air conditioner. The system includes a tray and a pump that pumps the water in the tray into the evaporative air cooler, and a sensor to refill the tray. The system may be retro-fitted onto existing air conditioners.

Abstract: A refrigerant system is provided with at least two sequential stages of compression. An intercooler is positioned intermediate the two stages. The refrigerant flowing through the intercooler is cooled by a secondary fluid such as ambient air. A vapor/liquid injection function is also provided for the refrigerant system. The intercooler function and the vapor/liquid injection function are selectively activated on demand depending on environmental conditions and thermal load in a conditioned space. This invention is particularly important for the CO2 refrigerant systems operating in the transcritical cycle.

Abstract: An air conditioning apparatus includes a plurality of heat source apparatuses having heat source apparatus side heat exchangers and compressors, one or a plurality of indoor units having flow rate control devices and indoor unit side heat exchangers, at least two main pipes for performing connection-piping between a plurality of heat source apparatuses and one or a plurality of indoor units, a tubular distributor for branching the refrigerant from the main pipe flowing from the inlet to a plurality of outlets to distribute into a plurality of heat source apparatuses, and connection piping for connecting the plurality of heat source apparatuses and distributor respectively. Among a plurality of heat source apparatuses, the distributor is fixedly disposed at a specified position and in a specified direction against one heat source apparatus.

Abstract: An air baffle structure for refrigerated display cases having an open front and provided with openings at the back for the forwardly directed flow of refrigerated air. The display case has a display bar of non-circular cross section for mounting a plurality of display trays. A baffle support, formed of wire and comprising a front portion and spaced apart side portions, is mounted on the display bar and extends closely underneath the trays. A flat, plastic baffle plate is carried by the baffle support. The baffle support has rear portions of inverted U-shape engaging the display bar, formed in part by upwardly extending baffle positioning elements. Back edge portions of the baffle plate releasably engage the positioning elements to secure the baffle plate in position while accommodating easy removable and replacement for cleaning. A baffle plate typically will extend under a plurality of display trays positioned on the display bar.

Abstract: Dust collection structure for collecting the dust removed from an air filter of an indoor unit has been devised to reduce user's labor in collecting the dust as much as possible. An indoor unit includes, in a casing, an indoor heat exchanger, an indoor fan for sucking air from inside of a room, and blowing the air to the inside of the room, and an air filter arranged on an inlet side of the indoor fan. The dust trapped on the air filter is removed by the dust removing means, and is contained in the dust containing part. A nozzle connector for arranging a nozzle of a cleaner at a predetermined position where suction of the contained dust is allowed is provided at a downstream outlet of a dust collection path as a transfer path for transferring the dust in collecting the contained dust.

Abstract: A refrigeration device having an insulated interior in which at least one refrigerated component part, such as an evaporator, is located and wherein the surface of the component part has a tendency to ice up. According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the surface tending to ice up is provided with a coating comprising organic substances which restrict or limit the growth of ice crystals.