Patents Issued in February 3, 2011
  • Publication number: 20110023451
    Abstract: High thrust at sea level and high Isp at high altitudes with low ambient pressure are obtained in a vehicle with an engine of fixed geometry including an exit of non-changing cross section, by incorporating a series of propellant injectors in a divergent section of the engine, spaced apart along the engine axis at points of different engine cross section. At takeoff, the injectors at sites with a large cross section are used, and as the vehicle climbs, these injectors are successively closed leaving injectors activated at sites of successively smaller cross sections. The injectors establish thermal choke points, and the area ratio of the cross section at the exit to the cross section at the thermal choke point thus increases as the vehicle climbs from low to high altitudes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Melvin J. Bulman
  • Publication number: 20110023452
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating an exhaust gas stream and having removable module(s) is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a housing, providing fixed boundaries at least between an inlet and an outlet and at least two sections arranged within said housing, the housing defining an interior exhaust passage that extends sequentially through said sections, wherein one or more treatments are to be performed upon a gas flowing through said sections. At least one of said sections is removable from within the fixed boundaries of the housing in a direction essentially perpendicular to said flow direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: Swenox AB
    Inventors: Thomas Gisslen, Mikael Jonson, Johan Land, Annika Isaksson, Johan Bengtsson
  • Publication number: 20110023453
    Abstract: Engine exhaust system for an internal combustion engine, the engine exhaust system comprising an exhaust conduit (14) connected to an engine (30), an exhaust gas return conduit (32,33) such that at least a part of the exhaust gas can be returned to the engine. The exhaust gas return conduit, at least along a part of its length, is formed with at least two flow paths (48,49). The engine exhaust system further comprises a particle filter arranged in each of the at least two flow paths and at least one cold flame vaporizer (11) in which fuel is partially oxidized in preheated air to form a cold flame gas. The at least one cold flame vaporizer is arranged in fluid communication with all the flow paths such that the cold flame gas can flow through the particle filters, whereby the cold flame gas can be used to regenerate the particle filter in at least one of the exhaust flow paths while, simultaneously, exhaust gas can flow through the other exhaust flow path or exhaust flow paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2008
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: ENERGY CONVERSION TECHNOLOGY AS
    Inventors: Klaus Lucka, Stephan Kohne
  • Publication number: 20110023454
    Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for controlling an engine in a vehicle, the engine having a cylinder with a bowl. One example method comprises, during regeneration of a particulate filter positioned in an engine exhaust, timing a late post injection of fuel in an exhaust stroke to spray at least some of the injected fuel into the bowl and without hitting cylinder walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Eric Matthew Kurtz
  • Publication number: 20110023455
    Abstract: An exhaust system may include an injector mounted at an exhaust pipe or an engine and additionally injecting fuel, a diesel fuel cracking catalyst mounted at the exhaust pipe downstream of the injector and converting additionally injected fuel into a high-reactivity reducing agent through thermal cracking, a DE-NOx catalyst mounted at the exhaust pipe downstream of the diesel fuel cracking catalyst, storing the nitrogen oxide contained in the exhaust gas, and releasing the stored nitrogen oxide by the additionally injected fuel so as to reduce the nitrogen oxide through oxidation-reduction reaction with the high-reactivity reducing agent, and a control portion controlling an additional injection of fuel according to driving condition of the engine, wherein the control portion may control the injector to additionally inject the fuel according to a predetermined injection pattern in a case that driving condition of the engine satisfies an additional injection condition of the fuel and an additional injection ti
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jin Ha Lee, Jin Woo Park, Ilsu Park
  • Publication number: 20110023456
    Abstract: A method and control system for a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) catalytic converter and an ammonia dosing module that stores ammonia in a selective catalyst reducing (SCR) catalyst and that depletes the ammonia level by discontinuing or reducing dosing. The control system also includes an SCR conversion efficiency module that determines an SCR efficiency. An SCR efficiency comparison module compares the SCR efficiency to an efficiency threshold and generates a fault indicator when the SCR efficiency is not above the efficiency threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Stephen Paul Levijoki, Cheryl J. Stark, Scott R. Gordon, Yue-Yun Wang
  • Publication number: 20110023457
    Abstract: An exhaust-gas aftertreatment system (5) for an auto-ignition internal combustion engine, having a catalytic converter (7a) and/or particle filter (7b) which are/is assigned a burner (6) arranged upstream in an exhaust line (4), to which burner (6) fuel can be supplied via a fuel nozzle device and also combustion air can be supplied, and wherein the combustion air and the fuel emerging from the fuel nozzle device are mixed in a downstream air swirl vaporizer nozzle (21). An exhaust-gas aftertreatment system (5) having a burner (6) is provided which operates reliably with a compact design and in which the supplied energy for operating the burner (6) is reduced in relation to known systems. Furthermore, the exhaust-gas aftertreatment system (5) can be used for all conceivable variants of a system of said type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: DEUTZ Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Rolf Miebach, Peter Broll, Stephan Schraml
  • Publication number: 20110023458
    Abstract: An after-treatment apparatus for exhaust gas in a combustion chamber includes a discharge device with an electrode exposed to the combustion chamber and installed in at least one of members constituting the combustion chamber, an antenna installed in at least one of the members constituting the combustion chamber so as to radiate electromagnetic waves into the combustion chamber, an electromagnetic wave transmission line installed in at least one of the members constituting the combustion chamber and with one end connected to the antenna and the other end covered with an insulator or dielectric and extending to a portion, in at least one of the members constituting the combustion chamber, distant from the combustion chamber, and an electromagnetic wave generator for feeding electromagnetic waves to the electromagnetic wave transmission line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: IMAGINEERING, INC.
    Inventor: Yuji Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20110023459
    Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for controlling an engine in a vehicle during engine operation, the engine having an exhaust and a NOx sensor coupled in the engine exhaust. One example includes correcting the NOx sensor to account for transients in exhaust gas flow, such as transients in exhaust gas flow rate. Such transients may cause NOx sensor temperature to deviate from a desired value as the sensor heater is unable to maintain temperature during such transients. In this way, even during such transients, accurate NOx readings are still available.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt, Dave Charles Weber
  • Publication number: 20110023460
    Abstract: A method of determining hydrocarbon slip through a diesel oxidation catalyst for an engine having an electronic control module and an exhaust system having a diesel oxidation catalyst and a diesel particulate filter is provided. The electronic control module receives data indicative of a temperature of a diesel oxidation catalyst input, a temperature of a diesel oxidation catalyst output, and a temperature of a diesel particulate filter output. An energy conversion ratio is calculated with the electronic control module using the data indicative of the temperature of the diesel oxidation catalyst input, the temperature of the diesel oxidation catalyst output, and the temperature of the diesel particulate filter output. The calculated energy conversion ratio is compared to stored energy conversion ratio in a memory accessed by the electronic control module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventor: Nishant Singh
  • Publication number: 20110023461
    Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment system (10) for a vehicle having an engine (14) includes a fluid passageway (20) extending from the engine to an ambient (18) for fluidly communicating exhaust gas (F), and a NOx reduction catalyst (28) disposed on the fluid passageway and downstream of the engine. An injector (34) is disposed downstream of the engine (14) and upstream of the NOx reduction catalyst (28) on the fluid passageway (20) for injecting a reductant (36) into the fluid passageway. A heated mesh device (44) is disposed on the fluid passageway downstream of the injector (34) and upstream of the NOx reduction catalyst (28). The reductant (36) that is injected from the injector (34) impinges on the heated mesh device (44).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Vadim Strots, Gregory A. Griffin
  • Publication number: 20110023462
    Abstract: Various systems and methods are described for controlling a selective catalytic reduction system coupled to an exhaust system of an engine, the selective catalytic reduction system including a catalyst and a diesel particulate filter. One example method comprises, before regeneration of the diesel particulate filter, adjusting an operating parameter to decrease an amount of ammonia stored in the SCR catalyst to a desired amount of stored ammonia, where the desired amount of ammonia storage is varied based on operating conditions, and initiating regeneration of the catalyst when the desired amount of stored ammonia is reached.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Eric Matthew Kurtz, Paul Joseph Tennison
  • Publication number: 20110023463
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling an emission control system of a vehicle having a first SCR region upstream of a second SCR region are provided herein. One exemplary method includes, in a first mode: adjusting an amount of reductant injected upstream of a first SCR region based on a condition of the first SCR region. The method may also include, in a second mode: adjusting the amount of reductant injected upstream of the first SCR region based on a condition of the second SCR region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas Allen Dobson, Ed Badillo, Gang Guo, James Robert Warner
  • Publication number: 20110023464
    Abstract: An exhaust system may include an exhaust line through which a combusted exhaust gas is exhausted outside, a nitrogen oxide purification catalyst that is mounted on the exhaust line and uses unburned fuel or hydrocarbon to reduce one part of the nitrogen oxide in the exhaust gas and diffuse the other part thereof to store therein, an injector that injects fuel into the exhaust line, a fuel cracking catalyst that is disposed between the injector and the nitrogen oxide purification catalyst to activate the additionally injected fuel from the injector through thermal decomposition so as to generate a reducing agent of high reactivity, and a control portion that controls the injector to additionally inject fuel in a predetermined condition such that the nitrogen oxide purification catalyst uses the activated reducing agent to detach and reduce the nitrogen oxide that is stored therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Jin Ha LEE, Jin Woo Park, Hyokyung Lee, Sangmin Lee, Jun Sung Park
  • Publication number: 20110023465
    Abstract: An exhaust purification system of an internal combustion engine comprising an NOX holding material arranged in an engine exhaust passage, having a catalyst metal containing silver, holding NOX contained in the exhaust gas in the form of silver nitrate by the catalyst metal when an air-fuel ratio of inflowing exhaust gas is lean, and releasing the held NOX if the air-fuel ratio of the inflowing exhaust gas becomes a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio or rich. The NOX holding material has a scatter temperature at which catalyst metal scatters in the form of silver nitrate if the temperature rises. When it is time to perform control raising the temperature of the NO holding material to the scatter temperature or above, the NOX held in the NOX holding material is released by making the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the NO holding material the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio or rich.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takamitsu Asanuma, Hiromasa Nishioka, Daichi Imai, Kazuhiro Umemoto
  • Publication number: 20110023466
    Abstract: The invention relates to an SCR exhaust gas aftertreatment device, particularly for diesel motor internal combustion engines having a very large exhaust gas volume and/or divided exhaust gas trains. In order to be able to manufacture this SCR exhaust gas aftertreatment device in a cost-efficient manner, also for a high mixing degree of exhaust gas and AUS, it is proposed that a plurality of metering units (D1, D2, Dn) is provided, each of which has an atomizing nozzle, which nozzle-injects the aqueous urea solution into the exhaust gas train. In this case, the pressure existing in a common line for all metering units (D1, D2, Dn) can be determined by means of a pressure sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: Hydraulik-Ring GmbH
    Inventors: Alexandre Branco, Heico Stegmann, Friedrich Zapf
  • Publication number: 20110023467
    Abstract: As such in one approach a method for operating an engine including a DPF is provided. The method including adjusting a post fuel injection amount based on a rate of change of engine torque during DPF regeneration. As one example, the adjusting includes reducing the amount when the rate of change is positive, and increasing the amount when the rate of change is negative. Furthermore, the method may also include delivering exhaust gas to a turbocharger turbine, to an oxidation catalyst, and then a DPF, the adjusting of the post fuel injection further based on thermal inertia of the turbocharger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Jian Kong, Kevin Chen, Kirk Andrew Parrish, Jeff Malcolm Travis, Christopher Oberski, Michiel J. Van Nieuwstadt
  • Publication number: 20110023468
    Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide an exhaust-gas processing device for a diesel engine, able to inhibit the deterioration of the fuel-consumption and the output reduction. In order to accomplish the above object, the device is provided with a DPF, a means for presuming the amount of PM to be deposited on the DPF, a DPF-regeneration means, a DPF-regeneration control means, a storing means, a means for sending message to demand an accelerated regeneration, and an operation means for starting the accelerated regeneration. While a normal regeneration processing is being continued (S6) since it has started (S2), the time when a term (T1) for reserving judgment as to the demand for accelerated regeneration has elapsed is taken as the judging time (T3). At this judging time (T3), if the assumed value of the PM deposed amount exceeds a value (J2) for judgment as to the demand for accelerated regeneration, the accelerated regeneration is deemed to be demanded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: KUBOTA Corporation
    Inventors: Shuichi YAMADA, Katsushi INOUE, Yuuki ISHII
  • Publication number: 20110023469
    Abstract: An electrically heated element within the exhaust system of a diesel engine raises the exhaust temperature sufficiently at idle or similar low exhaust flow/low exhaust temperature conditions to the point where the DOC is activated to burn fuel. As soon as the catalyst within the DOC housing is active, the DPF regeneration can be initiated. The electrically heated element can be provided within the exhaust pipe between the turbine outlet of turbocharged diesel engines and the DOC housing inlet. The electrically heated element can be powered from the engine alternator and activated when needed by the engine electronic control module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLC
    Inventors: Paul L. Berke, Brad J. Adelman
  • Publication number: 20110023470
    Abstract: An evaporation unit for evaporating an aqueous solution including at least one reducing agent precursor, includes at least one evaporator cavity defined by a wall made of a material containing titanium. A heat-imparting layer disposed outside the evaporator cavity is made of a material having a thermal conductivity of at least 100 W/mK (Watts per meter and Kelvin) and is connected to the evaporator cavity in a heat-conducting manner. A heating layer disposed outside the heat-imparting layer is connected in a materially integral manner to the heat-imparting layer. The evaporator unit can be controlled in a highly dynamic manner, thereby enabling a sufficiently high amount of ammonia to be produced even during rapid load changes and consequently significant increases in the concentration of nitric oxide in the exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine. A device and a motor vehicle having the evaporation unit are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: EMITEC GESELLSCHAFT FUER EMISSIONSTECHNOLOGIE MBH
    Inventors: ROLF BRÜCK, JAN HODGSON, SVEN SCHEPERS, CHRISTIAN VORSMANN, MARC BRUGGER
  • Publication number: 20110023471
    Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment device (1) for an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, especially of a motor vehicle, has a multipart housing (2), which contains an oxidation-type catalytic converter unit (5) and, downstream therefrom, a particle filter unit (6) one after another in an axial direction extending in parallel to a longitudinal direction (3) of the housing. The housing (2) contains an inlet housing part (7), which has an exhaust gas inlet (8) and the oxidation-type catalytic converter unit (5), and an outlet housing part (9), which has an exhaust gas outlet (10) and into which the particle filter unit (6) axially protrudes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Marcus WERNI, Michael Bay, Wolfgang Datz
  • Publication number: 20110023472
    Abstract: Front and rear side flange portions of a filter accommodating cylinder are provided with positioning pins. A flange portion of an upstream cylinder is provided with a notched groove and a flange portion of a downstream cylinder is provided with a notched groove. In consequence, when the filter accommodating cylinder is connected between the upstream cylinder and the downstream cylinder, each of the positioning pins disposed at the front and rear flange portions is engaged with each notched groove of the upstream cylinder and the downstream cylinder. The filter accommodating cylinder can be positioned to be coaxial with the upstream cylinder and the downstream cylinder. As a result, after performing a cleaning operation to a DPF, an operation of once again connecting the filter accommodating cylinder between the upstream cylinder and the downstream cylinder can be quickly and easily performed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: HITACHI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Saito, Hiroyuki Kamata, Hiroki Sugawara, Toshihiro Abe, Shohei Kamiya
  • Publication number: 20110023473
    Abstract: A flow diffuser for vehicles of the type having an engine and an exhaust pipe generally includes a body having a first end configured for attachment to an exhaust pipe, and a diffusion portion including first and second diffusion sections, and a plurality of diversion wings disposed within the body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: PACCAR INC
    Inventors: Jake Tyler Ferderer, Michael A. Waggoner
  • Publication number: 20110023474
    Abstract: In a rotation device using a hydraulic actuator, a rotation angle range is increased. A placement member rotatable coupled to a rotary member has a projecting part on an upper face, A hydraulic actuator is arranged on a projecting face of the projecting part; the actuator and the rotary member coupled with a wire material. The projecting part is formed such that it becomes higher from a leading edge on the side of the rotary member to an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction, and becomes lower from the intermediate portion to a trailing edge. Thereby, when fluid is supplied to the actuator and shortens the actuator length, a tip of the actuator moves along the projecting face of the projecting part, and is located high, separated from the upper face of the placement member such that the rotation angle range of the rotary member becomes large.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicants: SQUSE INC., THE DOSHISHA
    Inventors: Tatuwo Kudawara, Mikio Shimizu, Yasunori Ichikawa, Nobutaka Tsujiuchi
  • Publication number: 20110023475
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission with a transmission housing and at least one hydrodynamic component, of which at least one region is arranged in an integral manner with the transmission housing of the hydrodynamic component. The transmission housing is arranged in a substantially tubular way with an opening at each end. The region of the hydrodynamic component which is arranged integrally with the transmission housing is arranged as a functional element of the hydrodynamic component and arranged between the openings. The inner cross section of the transmission housing is arranged to be constant or expanding from the functional element to the respective opening. The transmission housing can thus be demolded in a simple manner and can be cast without any lost cores in permanent molds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: VOITH PATENT GMBH
    Inventor: Jörg Busch
  • Publication number: 20110023476
    Abstract: In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an energy storage device is presented. The energy storage device includes a porous material that adsorbs air and a compressor. The compressor converts mechanical energy into pressurized air and heat, and the pressurized air is cooled and adsorbed by the porous material. The energy storage device also includes a tank used to store the pressurized and adsorbed air and a motor. The motor is driven to recover the energy stored as compressed and adsorbed air by allowing the air to desorb and expand while driving the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Timothy F. Havel
  • Publication number: 20110023477
    Abstract: Methods and systems for operating a cylinder lock valve to control fluid flow to a hydraulic cylinder operating a drilling rig sub-system. The lock valve 1) allows fluid flow through the valve if pressure on a main and pilot area overcomes a closing spring force on the valve, or 2) blocks flow through the valve if a loss in charge pressure in the main and pilot area falls below the closing spring force on the valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Neil Skoog
  • Publication number: 20110023478
    Abstract: A method and system to control an engine to maintain turbine inlet temperature utilizes two temperature thresholds: a control initiation temperature and a maximum hardware temperature. An engine parameter is adjusted in a closed-loop manner based on an error, which is a difference between a setpoint temperature and the turbine inlet temperature. The setpoint temperature is initially the control initiation temperature. However, after control over turbine inlet temperature is established, the setpoint temperature ramps gradually to maximum hardware temperature. In one embodiment, the engine parameter is engine torque. Other engine parameters affecting turbine inlet temperature include timing and duration of fuel injection pulses, EGR rate, gear selection, and intake throttle position, any of which can be used in place of, or in combination with, torque for controlling turbine inlet temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Aaron John Oakley, Paul Martin Niessen, Jason Ronald Smith
  • Publication number: 20110023479
    Abstract: A method for operation of an engine including a turbocharger system is provided. The method includes adjusting turbocharger rotational acceleration or deceleration in response to one or more resonant frequencies. Additionally in some examples, the method may further include increasing turbocharger rotation in response to one or more resonant frequencies during a first condition, and increasing turbocharger deceleration in response to one or more resonant frequencies during a second condition, the second condition different from the first condition. In this way, it is possible to enhance the useful life cycle of the turbocharger and associated engine by limiting the operating time in a resonant frequency band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Harold Huimin Sun, Yong Shu, Dave Hanna, Tim Schram
  • Publication number: 20110023480
    Abstract: Exhaust temperatures in emission control devices may be directly controlled by an intake air throttle, fuel injection timing, and exhaust pressure when an emission control device is placed between two variable geometry turbocharger exhaust turbines and coupled to a combustion engine. Such an approach may substantially raise the temperature of the exhaust aftertreatment devices in an emission control device during non-warmed exhaust conditions, leading to faster catalytic light-off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy Sung Jae Chyo
  • Publication number: 20110023481
    Abstract: In a method for operating an actuator for a wastegate actuating device of an exhaust gas turbocharger, a wastegate situated in an exhaust branch of an internal combustion engine is electrically adjustable with the aid of the actuator, and an exhaust gas quantity flowing through the exhaust gas turbocharger is adjustable as a function of an opening position of the wastegate. The actuator is controlled using an applied electrical power in a closed position of the wastegate to provide a varying closing pressure of the wastegate as a function of a characteristic curve of an exhaust gas counterpressure applied via the wastegate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Michael Baeuerle
  • Publication number: 20110023482
    Abstract: A turbocharged, diesel engine has a small catalyst provided upstream of the turbocharger with EGR collected from the exhaust stream downstream of the catalyst and upstream of the turbocharger. By making the catalyst small, it packages into a pipe coupling the manifold to the turbocharger, readily reaches lightoff, and absorbs little exhaust energy, thereby providing acceptable conversion of hydrocarbons and CO, but still allowing fast turbocharger response. In one embodiment, the engine has two cylinder banks, two exhaust manifolds, and two pre-turbo catalysts installed upstream of the turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Joseph Styles, Christopher Oberski, Christopher Cowland, Patrick Sexton
  • Publication number: 20110023483
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive unit, in particular for a vehicle drive, comprising a drive machine generating driving power, a cooling system for the fluid cooling of the drive machine and/or a component of the drive unit which is supplied at least indirectly with driving power by the drive machine, wherein in the cooling system a coolant circulates; a lubricating circuit for the lubrication of at least one movable component of the drive unit with a lubricant. The invention is characterized in that the drive unit further comprises an accumulation reservoir, in which a comprehensive operating fluid, which comprises a mixture of an ionic fluid and a vaporizable fluid, is stockpiled, wherein the cooling system and the lubricating circuit are at least indirectly fluidically connected to the accumulation reservoir in order to extract lubricant and coolant from the comprehensive operating fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: VOITH PATENT GMBH
    Inventors: Jürgen Berger, Stephan Bartosch
  • Publication number: 20110023484
    Abstract: An example space-based power generation panel arrangement includes a first reflective panel and at least one heat pipe configured to communicate thermal energy to the first reflective panel and a second reflective panel. The heat pipe is configured to hinge the first reflective panel to the second reflective panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Cheng-Yi LU, David Wait, Brian M. Sutin, Rick L. Howerton, Kenneth John Metcalf, Marcelo Bromberg
  • Publication number: 20110023485
    Abstract: A system reclaiming contaminated water includes a heat exchanger that receives the contaminated water and converts at least a portion of the contaminated water into steam and collects at least a portion of the contaminants within the heat exchanger. A thermal transfer fluid is heated by a solar concentrator during daytime and by a biofuel combustion device during nighttime. The heated fluid is circulated through the heat exchanger to heat the contaminated water. A steam engine is coupled to a generator, the steam engine receives the steam from the heat exchanger to drive the generator to provide power for the system. Steam exhausted from the steam engine is supplied to supplemental heat loads. The collected contaminants are directed to an evaporation device to remove residual liquid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Frank Schubert
  • Publication number: 20110023486
    Abstract: A pump is provided which pumps energy via molecular carriers; the side effect of this method of energy transmittance is the concomitant movement of material. The method of energy and material movement follows three steps. In step one, energy is absorbed by the molecular carrier, transforming the carrier from a liquid or solid state into a gaseous state. The second step is the conveyance of the energized molecular carriers through an energy conduit, through which the molecular carriers may pass without losing energy, despite a potentially very long distance. The third step involves deposition of the energy at the final destination via a transfer which extracts the energy from the material, concomitantly transforming the material from a gaseous state to a liquid or solid state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Sanza T. Kazadi, Mark Webb
  • Publication number: 20110023487
    Abstract: In a method for controlling a waste heat recovery steam generator of the once-through steam generator type in a combined cycle power plant, the flow volume of the feedwater into the steam generator is controlled based on a measured steam temperature at the outlet of a superheater and on a set-point value for the steam temperature for a steam turbine. A degree of superheating at the outlet of a high-pressure evaporator, a degree of subcooling at the inlet into the high-pressure evaporator, and the measured current flow volume of the feedwater are integrated in the control system in a plurality of control steps. For an optimum operation during rapid load changes, the method especially comprises additional controlling of the degree of subcooling of the flow medium at the inlet into the high-pressure evaporator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTD
    Inventor: Hamid OLIA
  • Publication number: 20110023488
    Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: LightSail Energy Inc.
    Inventors: Danielle A. FONG, Stephen E. Crane, Edwin P. Berlin, JR., AmirHossein Pourmousa Abkenar, Kartikeya Mahalatkar, Yongxi Hou, Todd Bowers
  • Publication number: 20110023489
    Abstract: A novel pump design for energy and volatile substances exhibits a high level of reliability and durability with minimal amount of wear on parts constituting the novel pump design. In one embodiment of the invention, a volatile substance is transformed from a solid state or a liquid state to a gaseous (i.e. vaporized) state using a thermal transfer method at a vaporizer, and transformed back to the solid state or the liquid state at a condenser after traveling through an energy conduit (e.g. a continuous cavity). Physical properties of matter such as pressure differences, diffusion, forward, and reverse thermal transfer methods are utilized for operation of a pump according to an embodiment of the invention. A heating mechanism which maintains the interior of the energy conduit above a threshold temperature of the volatile substance can be utilized for a greater pump efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: JISAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Sanza T. Kazadi, Mark Webb
  • Publication number: 20110023490
    Abstract: The invention relates to a machinery arrangement, which comprises a combus-tion unit (3) arranged in an engine room (11), and an exhaust gas duct assem-bly (4) connected to the combustion unit (3) for receiving an exhaust gas flow and for leading the exhaust gas flow to the atmosphere through an exhaust gas cleaning system (5) provided with an exhaust gas pipe (52). In order to condi-tion the exhaust plume, the exhaust gas pipe (52) is arranged in an enclosure (114), whereby the enclosure (114) is arranged in flow connection with the en-gine room (11) in order to provide heat for the exhaust gas pipe (52) by means of a heated air flow from the engine room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Torbjörn Henriksson, Marko Lehikoinen
  • Publication number: 20110023491
    Abstract: A system for supplying fuel to a gas turbine includes piping containing fuel at a pressure greater than approximately 500 psi. A pressure reducing valve connected downstream of the piping reduces the pressure of the fuel to less than approximately 200 psi. A heat exchanger connected downstream of the pressure reducing valve heats the wet saturated fuel or dry saturated fuel to produce a superheated fuel. A control valve connected downstream of the heat exchanger reduces the pressure of the superheated fuel to less than approximately 50 psi. A method for supplying superheated fuel to a gas turbine includes receiving fuel having a pressure greater than approximately 500 psi and reducing the pressure to less than approximately 200 psi. The method further includes separating gaseous fuel from liquid fuel, reducing the pressure of the gaseous fuel to less than approximately 50 psi, and flowing the superheated fuel to the gas turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: KOREY FREDERIC RENDO, COLIN WILKES, DANIEL MARTIN MOSS, TIMOTHY RUSSELL BILTON
  • Publication number: 20110023492
    Abstract: Colorless distributed combustion (CDC) reactors or green combustion gas turbine combustors having a combustion chamber are presented for improved performance of gas turbine combustion engines. The combustors are configured and designed for providing a superior pattern factor (uniform thermal field in the combustion zone) and a reduction or complete elimination of pollutants emission from the combustor (i.e., zero emission gas turbine combustor) and uniform thermal field in the entire combustion zone to provide significantly improved pattern factor. Colorless distributed combustion is achieved with fuel and air entering the combustion chamber via one or more injection ports as non-premixed, or premixed. Rectangular, cylindrical, stadium and elliptical shaped combustors are presented with injection ports and exit ports located in various locations of the combustors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: University of Maryland
    Inventor: Ashwani K. Gupta
  • Publication number: 20110023493
    Abstract: A fuel nozzle for a turbine engine includes a primary fuel passageway for supplying fuel to a plurality of radially extending fuel injectors arranged around the exterior of the fuel nozzle. A secondary fuel passageway couples an upstream end of the primary fuel passageway to a downstream end of the primary fuel passageway. The secondary fuel passageway acts as a resonator tube to help reduce oscillations in the fuel flowing through the primary fuel passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Praveen Babulal JAIN, Narayan Subramanian
  • Publication number: 20110023494
    Abstract: A gas turbine includes a compressor and at least one combustor downstream from the compressor. The combustor includes a burner having an inner shroud extending axially along at least a portion of the burner, an outer shroud radially separated from the inner shroud and extending axially along at least a portion of the burner, and a plurality of stator vanes extending radially between the inner shroud and the outer shroud. The stator vanes have an inner end proximate the inner shroud and an outer end proximate the outer shroud. The burner further includes a vortex tip at one of either the inner end or the outer end of the stator vanes. The vortex tip provides a gap between the inner end and the inner shroud or the outer end and the outer shroud, and the vortex tip includes a plurality of fuel ports. The gas turbine further includes a turbine downstream from the combustor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: JESSE BLAIR BUTLER, DAVID LEACH, KEVIN WESTON MCMAHAN, MARK ALLAN HADLEY, GEOFFREY DAVID MYERS
  • Publication number: 20110023495
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine combustor is provided. An inner liner has an upstream end and a downstream end and extends in an axial direction between the upstream and downstream ends. A dual wall outer liner has a hot wall, a cold wall at least partially surrounding the hot wall, an upstream end, and a downstream end. The outer liner extends in the axial direction between the upstream and downstream ends. A dome assembly is coupled between the upstream ends of the inner and outer liners to define a combustion chamber between the inner liner and the hot wall of the outer liner. Effusion cooling holes are disposed in the hot wall, including a first row disposed at a tangential angle of between about 70° and about 90° and a second row disposed at a tangential angle of between about 0° and about 20°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Bronson, Frank Joseph Zupanc, Paul Yankowich, Nagaraja Rudrapatna
  • Publication number: 20110023496
    Abstract: A combustion liner has an aft seal ring defines a relief slot in a wall of the combustion liner. The relief slot defined in the wall includes a first slot portion extending from a first end of the wall to a termination point. An arcuate slot portion intersects the termination point of the first slot portion, and a generally circular aperture is defined in the wall at each end of the arcuate slot portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: Rolls-Royce corporation
    Inventors: Philip Michael Bastnagel, Jack Dwane Petty
  • Publication number: 20110023497
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for the production and purification of biogas. This involves in principle the production of biogas from biomass in a fermenter. The biogas is divided by means of a separation stage into a methane gas flow and a lean gas flow, and the lean gas flow is converted into heat and electrical power in a combined heat and power plant. The invention is characterised in that, by means of a bypass line which circumvents the separation stage, a variable proportion of the crude gas flow may be fed directly to the combined heat and power plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventor: Tobias Assmann
  • Publication number: 20110023498
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for production of electric energy and CO2 from a hydrocarbon feedstock comprising steam reforming of the feedstock, separation and combustion of hydrogen and separation of CO2. Further the invention relates to a power plant for performing the process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: STATOIL ASA
    Inventors: Gelein De Koeijer, Erling Rytter, Børge Rygh Sivertsen, Henrik Kobro
  • Publication number: 20110023499
    Abstract: An assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a combustor and a vane assembly disposed downstream thereof. A portion of an outer platform of the vane assembly defines an axial sliding joint connection with the combustor, and includes a plurality of depressions located in an outer circumferential surface thereof opposite the combustor. The depressions are disposed in regions of expected higher thermal growth about the circumference of the outer platform such that thermal growth of the entire outer platform is substantially uniform circumferentially therearound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Nicolas GRIVAS, Bhawan B. Patel, Oleg Morenko, Eric Durocher
  • Publication number: 20110023500
    Abstract: A thermo-electro-acoustic refrigerator comprises a sealed body having a regenerator, hot and cold heat exchangers, an acoustic source, and an acoustic energy converter. A first drive signal drives the acoustic source to produce an acoustic pressure wave in the region of the regenerator. The converter converts a portion of the acoustic pressure into a second drive signal which is fed back to and further drives the acoustic source. The pressure wave produces a thermal gradient between the cold and hot heat exchangers, permitting heat extraction (cooling) within at least one of the heat exchangers. The resonant frequency of the refrigerator can be controlled electronically, and is not limited by the physical structure of the refrigerator body and its elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: PALO ALTO RESEARCH CENTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Sean Garner, David Eric Schwartz