Abstract: A new metal fiber yarn (1) and methods for obtaining such a yarn are provided. The metal fiber yarn comprises at least 9 bundles (8) of continuous metal fibers. Each of the bundles comprises at least 30 metal fibers (7). The at least 9 bundles are arranged in at least 2 layers of continuous metal fiber bundles as seen over a transverse cross section through the metal fiber yarn. This new metal fiber yarn has an increased flexlife and strength.

Abstract: A new metal fiber yarn is provided. The metal fiber yarn (10) constitutes a construction comprising continuous metal fibers (13) forming a metal fiber yarn. The construction comprises at least 5 bundles (12) of continuous metal fibers twisted together to form a yarn. Each of the metal fiber bundles (12) comprises at least 30 metal fibers (13). The yarn comprises at least one partial yarn (11), said partial yarn comprising at least two metal fiber bundles (13) twisted around each other with a predetermined number of torsions per meter.

Abstract: A combustor assembly of a turbine engine is provided with a mechanical air regulation unit which selectively varies the amount of air being delivered into a combustion zone of the combustor based upon a pressure of a fuel being supplied to the combustor. A first type of air regulation unit would act to increase the amount of air entering the combustion zone when greater amounts of a high heat value fuel are being delivered to the fuel nozzles of the combustor. A second type of air regulation unit could act to decrease the amount of air entering the combustion zone when greater amounts of a low heat value fuel are being delivered into the combustor through fuel nozzles.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing electromagnetic radiation to a combustor during a combustion process are disclosed. An electromagnetic radiation source delivers electromagnetic radiation through a first waveguide to a second waveguide that includes an electromagnetic radiation outlet positioned to deliver electromagnetic radiation to the interior of the combustor. Electromagnetic radiation is delivered to low temperature regions of a combustor to reduce carbon monoxide (CO) and unburned hydrocarbon (UHC) emissions. In addition, the electromagnetic radiation stimulates the combustion process so that lean air-fuel mixtures and low BTU gases can be burned at lower combustion temperatures leading to reduced NOx emissions.

Abstract: A method for regenerating a particulate filter configured to treat engine exhaust gas in a vehicle equipped with an on-board navigation and an extra-vehicle communications system includes monitoring present operation of the vehicle, projecting vehicle operating conditions based upon information from the on-board navigation and the extra-vehicle communications system, monitoring a storage capacity of the particulate filter, executing a control scheme to regenerate the particulate filter when the storage capacity of the particulate filter exceeds an upper threshold, executing the control scheme to regenerate the particulate filter when the storage capacity of the particulate filter is less than the upper threshold and in response to an operator request to regenerate the particulate filter, and executing the engine control scheme to regenerate the particulate filter when the storage capacity of the particulate filter is less than the upper threshold and the projected vehicle operating conditions indicate an oppo

Abstract: A control strategy selectively controls the heating of fluid lines equipped with line heaters that may be utilized with a selective catalytic reduction system. The control strategy measures a tank temperature representative of reductant agent in a storage tank and a representative ambient temperature representative of an ambient temperature proximate the fluid line. The control strategy determines a lowest possible reductant agent temperature (“LPRAT”) based on the measured tank temperature and representative ambient temperature. The LPRAT is compared with a desired reductant agent temperature and, in response to the comparison, the control strategy may activate the line heater.

Abstract: When it is estimated that an amount of oxygen stored in the catalyst is a maximum amount, an electronic control unit executes forced rich control and estimates a maximum oxygen release amount during a period between the start of this control and a rich reversal of an output of the oxygen sensor, based on this period of time. When it is estimated that the amount of oxygen stored in the catalyst is a minimum amount, the electronic control unit executes forced lean control and estimates a maximum oxygen storage amount during a period between the start of this control and a lean reversal of the output of the oxygen sensor, based on this period of time. If the absolute value of a difference between the maximum oxygen release amount and the maximum oxygen storage amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, an exhaust gas control apparatus and a method for determining an abnormality thereof determine that there is a response delay.

Abstract: A configuration for purification of an exhaust gas flow of an internal combustion engine includes at least one exhaust gas line having an element for exhaust gas purification with a first end face and a second end face. The exhaust gas flows through the element from the first end face to the second end face. An adding device is provided downstream of the element for adding a reactant to the exhaust gas flow. The adding device is positioned at a distance of no more than 30 mm from the second end face of the element in such a way that at least part of the added reactant strikes the second end face of the element. A method for adding a reactant into an exhaust line during the operation of an internal combustion engine is also provided.

Abstract: An exhaust chamber (34) for a motorcycle is disposed at a location upstream of a muffler (36) of an exhaust passage (38) leading from a combustion engine (E). The exhaust chamber (34) includes a chamber body (40) having expansion compartments (41, 42, 43) defined therein, a chamber outlet pipe (46) having an outlet passage defined therein for discharging the exhaust gases (G) from the chamber body (40), and an exhaust control valve (72) disposed in the chamber outlet pipe (46) for adjusting the sectional area of the outlet passage inside the chamber outlet pipe (46).

Abstract: A sensor for an exhaust gas purifying apparatus includes an examining filter and a holding member. The examining filter is provided in a secondary exhaust line diverging from a primary exhaust line of an internal combustion engine. The holding member holds the examining filter on the secondary exhaust line. The holding member holds an approximately 10% to approximately 50% part by area of a peripheral portion of the examining filter so as to cover the part from a peripheral side of the examining filter.

Abstract: An exhaust apparatus for an internal combustion engine comprises: an exhaust heating device (40) provided in an exhaust passage (12) of an internal combustion engine (1) for increasing a temperature of an exhaust gas; an exhaust purification catalyst (13) provided in the exhaust passage (12) downstream from the exhaust heating device (40); an EGR passage (30) for connecting the exhaust passage (12) downstream of the exhaust purification catalyst (13) and an intake passage (6) of the internal combustion engine (1); a bypass passage (31) for connecting the EGR passage (30) and a point downstream from the exhaust heating device (40) and also upstream from the exhaust purification catalyst (13) in the exhaust passage (12); a bypass valve (39) operable to open/close the bypass passage (31); and a controller (50) for controlling the control valve.

Abstract: Provided is an exhaust purification apparatus for an internal combustion engine capable of reducing the quantity of a catalytic noble metal used in a catalytic converter without reducing the purification performance. A catalytic converter unit (3) contains an OSC material in addition to a catalytic noble metal, and includes an upstream catalytic converter (31) and a downstream catalytic converter (32) provided on the downstream side of the upstream catalytic converter (31). The upstream catalytic converter 31 contains more OSC material than the downstream catalytic converter (32), and the downstream catalytic converter contains more catalytic noble metal than the upstream catalytic converter (31).

Abstract: A method for regenerating an open particle separator includes at least determining at least one parameter, as a characteristic variable of a regeneration capability of the open particle separator. The at least one parameter is compared with a first threshold value. At least one portion of a comparison period during which the parameter has reached the first threshold value is determined. The portion is compared with a first minimum portion corresponding to a minimum regeneration time in the comparison time period. Measures are initiated to influence the parameter so that the parameter lies at least according to the first minimum portion and the first threshold value is reached and/or the open particle separator is regenerated. A motor vehicle having at least one open particle separator is also provided.

Abstract: An exhaust purification system provided with an exhaust manifold, a catalytic converter which is arranged at a downstream side of the exhaust manifold an angle with respect to the exhaust manifold and which houses an NOx storage and reduction catalyst, and a reducing agent feed system which feeds reducing agent into exhaust gas which passes through the inside of the exhaust manifold. The part of the inner wall surface of the casing of the catalytic converter which faces the exhaust manifold outlet is provided with a projecting part which projects out toward the diametrically outward direction of the casing. Part of the wall surface which defines the projecting part is formed so that a velocity component, in an axial direction of the casing, of at least part of the flow of exhaust gas which flows into the projecting part, is oriented in an opposite direction to the direction heading toward the NOx storage and reduction catalyst.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine and an exhaust gas system, which comprises an exhaust gas line by means of which the exhaust gas can be removed from the internal combustion engine, as well as an exhaust gas recirculation line by means of which the exhaust gas can be recirculated into the internal combustion engine from the exhaust gas line. The exhaust gas recirculation line has an exhaust gas cooler and a condensate line for removing the condensate from the recirculated exhaust gas, wherein the condensate line is connected with a first end to the exhaust gas recirculation line downstream of the exhaust gas cooler in the direction of flow of the exhaust gas and with a second end to the exhaust gas line.

Abstract: A secondary air control valve connected to an exhaust system includes a passage forming member and a valve mechanism. The passage forming member includes a container unit and a plurality of fins. The container unit that defines therein an exit cavity and an exit passage. The plurality of fins projects from the container unit into the exit cavity such that the plurality of fins collides with counter-flow exhaust gas that counter-flows in a direction from the exit passage to the exit cavity through the first opening. The plurality of fins divides the exit cavity into a plurality of cavities, in which counter-flow exhaust gas forms a plurality of vortex flows.

Abstract: A pneumatic cylinder system has a pneumatic supply at a first predetermined pneumatic pressure. A double acting cylinder is operably connected to the pneumatic supply and with a piston reciprocatingly mounted inside for retraction and extension of a piston arm connected to the piston. A high pressure pneumatic reserve chamber stores pneumatic reserve at a second predetermined pneumatic pressure that is higher than the first predetermined pressure. The high pressure pneumatic reserve chamber is operably connected to the double acting cylinder through a valve device such that when the pneumatic supply falls below a third predetermined pressure below the first predetermined pressure, the valve device opens communication between the high pressure pneumatic reserve chamber to a selected side of the double acting cylinder to selectively retract or extend the piston and the attached piston arm.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a hydraulic pump including a first motor running at a fixed speed, a reservoir for fluid and a first pump operatively coupled to the motor such that the pump runs at the same speed as the motor and generates a flow of fluid from the reservoir. The hydraulic pump further includes a second motor, a speed control valve operatively coupled to the to the first pump and operatively coupled to the second motor such that a portion of the flow is directed to the second motor and the remainder of the flow is diverted to the reservoir, and a second pump operatively coupled to the second motor such that the second pump is driven by the second motor.

Abstract: Actuator for emergency opening of an openable element (Co) of an aircraft, having: a thrustor (1) arranged to be connected, at one (3) of its ends, to said openable element and, at its other end (4), to a reference element (Re) of the aircraft to which said openable element is linked, a pressurised-gas reservoir (2), said gas reservoir (2) having a membrane (6) capable of being perforated in order to actuate said thrustor for the purpose of emergency opening of the openable element by release of the gas from the reservoir, a movable perforator (7) arranged to perforate said membrane of said reservoir in order to release the gas contained in the latter into the thrustor via a first fluid circuit (8), means (9) for venting, away from the thrustor, the gas contained in the reservoir, in the event of accidental rupture of said membrane, via a second fluid circuit (10) which does not actuate said thrustor.

Abstract: A system for generating electricity includes a pump operable to convert wave motion from a body of water into mechanical energy. The pump includes an input port through which an operating fluid can enter the pump and an output port through which the operating fluid can exit the pump. A first outlet line and a second outlet line are fluidly coupled to the output port of the pump. A first reservoir is fluidly connected to the first outlet line, and a second reservoir is fluidly connected to the second outlet line, both reservoirs being selectively capable of receiving operating fluid driven through the output port.

Abstract: A wave energy convertor (1) is provided comprising an elongate construction (2), typically a breakwater or harbour wall, located in a body of water having wave action associated with it with the waves moving generally in a dominant wave direction (10) and having a generally constant wavelength. A plurality of equally spaced chambers (20) extends along the length of the construction internally thereof with each chamber extending generally upwardly and having at or near its lowermost end (28) an opening (24) into the body of water. Each chamber communicates through a unidirectional valve (40, 42) respectively with each of a high pressure conduit (44) and a low pressure conduit (46) with the high pressure conduit feeding into an inlet to a turbine (56) and the low pressure conduit communicating with an outlet from the turbine. The length of the construction is approximately equal to an integral number of said generally constant wavelengths in the dominant wave direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heat pump which follows an intermediate form between an ideal Carnot cycle and a Stirling cycle and which, as the same time, has high thermal efficiency as heat is transferred from low temperature to high temperature due to a heat cycle caused by the compression and expansion of a gas by means of an external motive force.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for controlling a turbocharger of an engine via a wastegate are described. In one example, the wastegate is adjusted according to a difference between the boost pressure and the atmospheric pressure. In this manner, the interdependency between controlling the boost pressure and using the boost pressure to actuate the wastegate in a boost-based wastegate configuration may be reduced.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to prevent a diaphragm of an actuator from being damaged by a high temperature, and improve a heat resistance property of the actuator. A valve actuator includes a communication hole that allows communication between a high pressure chamber and a low pressure chamber that are separated by a diaphragm, and a normally closed reed valve that opens and closes the communication hole. When a temperature of the valve actuator is less than a pressure release temperature, an ECU changes a differential pressure between the high pressure chamber and low pressure chamber by means of a pressure regulating valve, to control the valve actuator. This control is executed within a range of differential pressures at which the reed valve does not open. If the temperature exceeds the pressure release temperature, a differential pressure at which the reed valve opens is realized by the pressure regulating valve.

Abstract: An exhaust gas treatment system for an internal combustion engine having an intake air compressor includes an exhaust gas conduit in fluid communication with, and configured to receive exhaust gas from the engine. A particulate filter assembly is in fluid communication with the exhaust gas conduit and periodically receives heated exhaust gas for combustion of carbon and particulates trapped therein. An air conduit extends between and fluidly couples the intake air compressor to the exhaust gas conduit and is configured to inject air from the compressor into the exhaust gas conduit when the particulate filter is receiving heated exhaust gas to assist the combustion of the carbon and particulates.

Abstract: A water turbine for producing energy in flowing water systems, which can be easily adapted to different usage conditions and enables comparatively high efficiency. The turbine has blades that are pivotably disposed between turbine wheels by joints on the outside circumference of the turbine wheels. An inflatable element is disposed on at least one of the blades and extends parallel to the axis of rotation of the wheels.

Abstract: Ammonia sometimes present in geothermal steam increases the solubility of hydrogen sulfide in the steam condensate produced by the surface condenser in a steam cycle geothermal power generating unit by reacting with the hydrogen sulfide to produce nonvolatile ammonium bisulfide. The condenser vent gas also produced contains carbon dioxide. Contacting the steam condensate with the condenser vent gas at a pressure slightly greater than atmospheric causes carbon dioxide to dissolve in the condensate, decreasing pH and converting bisulfide ion back to hydrogen sulfide. Subsequently exposing the acidified condensate to condenser vacuum strips the hydrogen sulfide from the condensate, eliminating the need for further chemical treatment of the condensate to prevent air pollution. Hydrogen sulfide partitioning performance is further improved by converting the hydrogen sulfide in the vent gas to sulfur dioxide before contacting it with the condensate.

Abstract: A method for operating a waste heat steam generator including an evaporator, an economizer having a number of economizer heating surfaces, and a bypass line connected on the flow medium side in parallel with a number of economizer heating surfaces is provided. The method makes possible higher operational safety and reliability in the control of the waste heat steam generator. For this purpose, a parameter that is characteristic of the thermal energy fed to the waste heat steam generator is used to control or regulate the flow rate of the by-pass line.

Abstract: A combustor includes a first combustion chamber, a pre-mixing primary fuel-nozzle assembly associated with the first combustion chamber, a second combustion chamber, and a secondary fuel-nozzle assembly associated with the second combustion chamber. The pre-mixing primary fuel-nozzle assembly includes a number of vanes configured to swirl airflow, each vane comprising a number of fuel injection holes configured to inject fuel into the airflow.

Abstract: A method of operating a combustor includes delivering a primary fuel flow through a plurality of primary fuel nozzles toward a primary combustion zone and combusting the primary fuel flow in the primary combustion zone. A secondary fuel flow is delivered through a secondary fuel nozzle toward a secondary combustion zone and combusted therein. The secondary fuel is located such that the plurality of primary fuel nozzles are arrayed around the secondary fuel nozzle. An outer swirler is located between the plurality of primary fuel nozzles and the secondary fuel nozzle and includes a plurality of outer swirler channels extending therethrough. A flow of swirler fuel is delivered through the plurality of outer swirler channels into the combustor substantially between the primary combustion zone and the secondary combustion zone to stabilize combustion in the primary combustion zone and/or the secondary combustion zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for commanding and controlling at least one resistive heating element (1) belonging to an aircraft turbojet engine nacelle deicing set, characterized in that it involves the steps aimed at: obtaining, from a central control unit (6) of the aircraft, parameters representative of the exterior flight conditions; determining a thermal model corresponding to the flight conditions obtained; as a function of the thermal model, delivering the appropriate corresponding electrical power (4) to the resistive heating element.

Abstract: A method of regulating the Wobbe number of a multi-composition gas fuel supplied to one or more combustors of a gas turbine includes: (a) providing a control system for regulating fuel and air flow to the one or more combustors; and (b) reforming a fraction of the gas fuel upstream of the one or more combustors to form hydrogen and carbon monoxide to be supplied to the one or more combustors with a remaining fraction of the fuel; wherein the fraction of fuel reformed is adjusted to maintain the Wobbe number of the fuel supplied to the one or more combustors within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A turbine system includes a compressor unit which compresses a fluid; a combustor unit which burns fuel with the compressed fluid; a turbine unit which is driven due to a combustion gas that is generated when the combustor unit burns the fuel; and a first device which receives power that is generated when the turbine unit is driven. The at least one compressor unit operates using at least the generated power, and is separately disposed from at least one of the turbine unit and the first device.

Abstract: An example arrangement for driving a turbomachine includes an input shaft that is configured to rotate a rotor of the turbomachine through a hydraulic log and gear differential rotatable coupled to the input shaft. A motor-generator is rotatably coupled to the differential. The motor-generator has a motor mode of operation and a generator mode of operation. The motor-generator is configured to drive the input shaft through the hydraulic log and differential when the motor-generator is in the motor mode of operation. The input shaft is configured to drive the motor-generator through the hydraulic log and differential when the motor-generator is in the generator mode of operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a turbo engine, in particular a gas turbine aircraft engine, having a plurality of compressor components, at least one combustion chamber and a plurality of turbine components, wherein at least one support rib (36) is positioned in a flow channel (35) between two turbine components (32, 34) connected one behind the other, wherein the support rib (36) or each support rib (36) has a suction side, a pressure side, a front edge (37) and a rear edge (38), wherein the support rib or each support rib diverts a flow that flows through flow channel (35), and wherein a preferably cylindrical guide element runs in an inside space of the support rib or of each support rib.

Abstract: A magnetic flux generating device is provided. The magnetic flux generating device includes: a magnetic flux structure, including: a core and at least one coil wraps around at least part of the core; and a power module, electrically coupled between a power source and the magnetic flux structure, for exciting the magnetic flux structure to generate magnetic flux, the power module including: an energy storage device for storing power outputted from the power source and providing power to the magnetic flux structure. The energy storage device includes at least one super capacitor. A magnetic heat pump based on the magnetic flux generating device is also provided.

Abstract: A compact merchandiser cooler is provided for chilling food and/or beverage containers. The compact merchandiser cooler utilizes thermoelectric cooling technology and is configured to be positioned within the line of sight of customers that are either approaching or present at a point of purchase so as to effectively promote impulse purchases. The compact merchandiser cooler includes a base assembly, a housing assembly, and a lid. The housing assembly may include a number of thermoelectrically cooled sleeves that are arranged in a substantially horizontal array to allow customers easy access to containers received within the sleeves. Additionally, to further attract consumer notice, the compact merchandiser cooler may be customized with branding information related to the food and/or beverage containers to be chilled within the compact merchandiser cooler.

Abstract: A CPU cooling circuit for a CPU includes a thermoelectric element and a current source circuit. The thermoelectric element includes a first thermoelectric substrate attached to the CPU, a second thermoelectric substrate opposite to the first thermoelectric substrate, a plurality of n-type semiconductor units and p-type semiconductor units alternately sandwiched between the first and the second thermoelectric substrates and electrically connected in series between a positive power supply input and a negative power supply input. The current source circuit is configured for providing driving current to flow through the n-type semiconductor units and the p-type semiconductor units of the thermoelectric element according to a temperature of the CPU.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cooling device that is easy to attach and that ensures intimate contact at a contact surface between a heat absorbing surface of a Peltier element and an object to be cooled and a contact surface between a heat radiating surface of the Peltier element and a cooling part.

Abstract: A freezer that uses liquid cryogen as a refrigerant includes an inner vessel defining a storage chamber and an outer jacket generally surrounding the inner vessel so that an insulation space is defined there between. A heat exchanger is positioned in a top portion of the storage chamber and has an inlet in communication with a supply of the liquid cryogen refrigerant so that the liquid cryogen refrigerant selectively flows through the heat exchanger to cool the storage chamber while being vaporized. A purge line is in communication with the outlet of the heat exchanger and includes a purge outlet positioned over the exterior of the heat exchanger. A purge valve is positioned within the purge line so that the vaporized liquid cryogen from the heat exchanger is selectively directed to the exterior of the heat exchanger to reduce ice formation on the heat exchanger.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for transferring a cryogenic fluid. The apparatus includes a conduit having an inlet and outlet, a source of cryogenic fluid connected to the inlet for providing cryogenic fluid to the conduit and a cool down line disposed within the conduit, the cool down line in fluid communication with the source of cryogenic fluid. Such an apparatus enables a conduit for transferring a cryogenic fluid to be pre-cooled to a cryogenic temperature more quickly so that transfer operations can begin.

Abstract: This invention relates to gas vaporization and supply system that includes (a) a vessel suitable for holding a bulk quantity of a liquefied gas; (b) at least one heating source positioned on or near the vessel to supply energy to, or remove energy from, the liquefied gas; and (c) a heating source controller adapted to use process variables feedback for dynamically regulating the heating source and maintaining and regulating gas output. The process variables feedback results from cascading sequence control of at least two process variables. The process variables include pressure, temperature, and/or gas output flow rate. This invention also relates to a method for delivery of a gas, e.g., ultra high purity gases, from a liquefied state in a controlled manner to a usage site, e.g., a semiconductor manufacturing facility. This invention provides faster heating system response to fluctuations in customer demand, a longer heater life, and improved reliability.

Abstract: A cryogenic self powered system includes a cryogenically cooled chamber having a heat exchanger expelling an exhaust gas therefrom and a power generator coupled to the heat exchanger to use the exhaust gas to generate electricity.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is a cryo-connector, a connector that allows for the delivery and return of a cryogen in an axial configuration. In one embodiment, the connector is a tri-axial configuration allowing for the delivery and return of pressurized cryogen as well as the application of an independent vacuum in the third lumen. Various configurations, however, may accommodate any number of luminary spaces such that cryogen (or other fluids) and/or vacuum spaces may be created in a fashion complementary to the components that the connector will affix to and interconnect with. The connectors can be utilized with any low temperature, cryogenic device and at varying pressures.

Abstract: A cold trap includes a refrigerator and a cold panel that is thermally connected with the refrigerator to be cooled. A rough surface is formed on the cold panel. The cold trap is arranged, for example, in an evacuation channel for connecting a vacuum chamber with a turbo-molecular pump in order to freeze and capture, on a surface thereof, part of a gas that is to be sucked and pumped into the turbo-molecular pump from the vacuum chamber through the evacuation channel.

Abstract: An efficient heat pump is disclosed, the heat content of the refrigerant flowing out of an existing condenser is reduced by sub-cooling using an additional condenser. The heat reduced during the sub-cooling phase is added to the evaporator to superheat the refrigerant during evaporation phase. Removing heat from condensation phase (which is otherwise wasted) of the refrigeration cycle and adding that heat to the evaporation phase (which requires additional heat) may enhance the efficiency of the heat pump.

Abstract: The absorption chiller-heater apparatus of present invention utilizes a portion of direct heat, used to heat water, for providing the refrigeration effect. The external heat input required for providing refrigeration is minimal; hence, the efficiency of the apparatus is increased by 30-40% over the conventional systems. Further, as the quantum of the external heat source required for a new cycle is reduced, the size of the high temperature generator required, is smaller, which results in lower capital costs. The apparatus provides chilled water which can be used for various industrial purposes. The absorption chiller-heater reduces CO2 emissions and utilizes a single arrangement to produce both heating and refrigeration effect. Thus, additional electrical and heat input or separate components are not required.

Abstract: An air conditioner using photovoltaic energy is provided. The air conditioner may include a photovoltaic cell for converting photovoltaic energy into Direct Current (DC) power, an indoor unit for exchanging heat, and an outdoor unit for exchanging heat. Photovoltaic power generated by the photovoltaic cell may be supplied to the indoor unit and used as at least one of standby power in a standby mode, consumption power in an automatic photovoltaic mode, or auxiliary power in a cooling mode.

Abstract: A refrigeration appliance includes an evaporator and a defrost heater which periodically subjects the evaporator to a defrost process, A temperature sensor is disposed at least in proximity to the evaporator and is adapted for switching off the defrost heater once the temperature sensor detects a predetermined defrost temperature. The temperature sensor provides a predetermined defrost temperature profile having first, second and third time segments. A first defrost temperature during the first time segment changes to a second defrost temperature during the second time segment, and holds the second defrost temperature during the third time segment.

Abstract: A refrigerator, in particular a household refrigerator, includes an utility chamber for cooled goods and a control device, with which a cold air flow can be introduced into the utility chamber when a cooling signal is present. A defrost heating element is rendered operative by the control device to prevent the formation of condensate and/or ice due to the cold air flow fed into the utility chamber. A timing element keeps the heating element out of operation for a predetermined time interval in response to the generation of the cooling signal.