Abstract: A Stirling engine includes a high-temperature side cylinder and an expansion piston that is subjected to gas lubrication, or more specifically static pressure gas lubrication, relative to the high-temperature side cylinder and has a layer on an outer peripheral surface thereof, the layer being formed from a flexible material having a higher linear expansion coefficient than a base material of the expansion piston, wherein a booster pump and a ECU are provided as a contact avoiding device to prevent the expansion piston from contacting the high-temperature side cylinder when an engine operation is stopped until a temperature of the expansion piston can be suppressed below a predetermined value.

Abstract: A device and method for producing a reformate fuel from a hydrocarbon gas source. The invention enables the conversion of a dilute hydrocarbon gas into a more easily consumable reformate fuel. Gases having low concentrations of hydrocarbons are concentrated using a concentrator into a gaseous or liquid concentrated VOC fuel. The concentrated VOC fuel is then converted into a reformate using a reformer. The reformate is more easily consumed by an energy conversion device such as a combustion engine, fuel cell, sterling engine or similar device that converts chemical energy into kinetic or electrical energy. The reformer enables complex hydrocarbon fuels that are not normally suitable for use in an energy conversion device to be converted into a reformate. The reformate may be directly supplied into the energy conversion device.

Abstract: A shape memory stored energy assembly includes a projectile housing having a projectile lumen. A projectile is within the projectile lumen and the projectile is movable relative to the projectile housing. A shape memory actuator is coupled between the projectile anchored end and the projectile housing. The shape memory actuator is configured to transition from a strained energy stored configuration to a fractured kinetic delivery configuration at a specified temperature range to propel the projectile through the projectile lumen. A method includes storing energy in a shape memory actuator coupled with a projectile. The stored energy in the shape memory actuator is released and propels the projectile. Releasing the stored energy includes heating the shape memory actuator, tensioning the shape memory actuator, and fracturing the tensioned shape memory actuator at a fracture locus to propel the projectile away from the fracture locus.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine (100) includes an intake manifold (106) and at least one exhaust manifold (108). A first compressor (120) that is operably associated with a first turbine (128) has a first air inlet (126) and a first air outlet (118). The first air inlet (126) is adapted to admit air into the first compressor (120), and the first air outlet (118) is fluidly connected to the intake manifold (106). The first turbine (128) fluidly communicates with a tailpipe (138). A second compressor (124) is operably associated with a second turbine (160) and has a first tributary fluid inlet (152), a second tributary fluid inlet (154), and a second fluid outlet (122). The first tributary fluid inlet (152) is fluidly connected to the tailpipe (138) at a junction (147), the second tributary fluid inlet (154) is adapted to admit air into the second compressor (124), and the second fluid outlet (122) is fluidly connected to the intake manifold (106).

Abstract: A piston actuated diverter valve is employed to recirculate air through a turbocharger compressor when the device is not activated in an engine. An example diverter valve includes a housing forming a cylinder. A piston is arranged within the cylinder and an aperture passes from an exterior of the housing into the cylinder. A conduit is connected to the cylinder such that a pressurized fluid in the conduit acts to move the piston within the cylinder to cover and/or uncover the aperture.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods including an energy conversion system for storage and recovery of energy using compressed gas, a source of recovered thermal energy, and a heat-exchange subsystem in fluid communication with the energy conversion system and the source of recovered thermal energy.

Abstract: The flow path of exhaust gas to the turbine wheel (70) of a twin volute turbocharger is influenced by the shape and size of the nozzle formed by the shape (22) of the divider wall (21) and the shape of the flow passage determined by the walls (85, 86) of the turbine housing. By moving the walls (85, 86) toward, or away from the divider wall, the flow of exhaust gas through the nozzle, to the turbine wheel (70) can be modulated, which thus modulates the turbocharger boost pressure. The invention also applies to single volute turbines.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method are provided, for pumping fluids, such as water and/or hydrocarbons, from a subterranean formation or reservoir, through use of a cranked rod pumping (CRP) apparatus for imparting reciprocating substantially vertical motion to a rod of a sucker-rod pump having a pump stroke. The CRP apparatus includes a motor driven cranked mechanical actuator arrangement. The cranked mechanical actuator arrangement includes a substantially vertically moveable member attached to the rod of the sucker-rod pump for imparting and controlling vertical motion of the rod of the sucker-rod pump. The actuator arrangement may include pneumatic counterbalancing.

Abstract: A process is described for obtaining energy from waste, comprising the following phases: a) bio-drying of municipal solid waste (MSW) to transform it into refuse-derived fuel (RDF), a dry, homogeneous material with piece size of around 20-30 cm, known by the name of RDF; h) compacting of the material obtained from phase a) into bales or BIOCUBr and storage of the BIOCUBI® in bioreactors; c) activation by wetting with water of the bioreactors to produce biogas by anaerobic digestion; d) combustion at the start of the material obtained from phase a) (RDF) and subsequently of the residue already digested in the bioreactors, and therefore not biodegradable, in a waste combustor provided with a system of purification of combustion gasses and production of superheated steam at approximately 400° C. and pressure of around 70 bar; e) combustion of the purified biogas in a conventional boiler provided with re-superheaters for raising the temperature of the steam produced by the waste combustor by approximately 100° C.

Abstract: A steam turbine (10) has an impulse rotor (11), a multiplicity of stages (N, . . . , N+4) which are arranged in series along a machine axis (12) and with each of which is associated a wheel disk (11a-e) equipped with corresponding rotor blades (17a-e). The rotor blades (17a-e) of the individual stages (N, . . . , N+4) project into a common axial steam passage (15) into which steam (14) enters via an inlet duct (13), and diaphragms (16b-e) are arranged between the stages (N, . . . , N+4) in each case. A simple and effective protection of the wheel disks against stress corrosion cracking is achieved by dry superheated steam (14) being fed to the steam turbine (10), and for reducing or for avoiding stress corrosion cracking on wheel disks (11b-e) of the impulse rotor (11) which are exposed to the risks of wet steam, by the dry superheated steam (14) being used for purging of the wheel disks (11b-e) of the impulse rotor (11) which are at risk.

Abstract: A boiler apparatus is provided that generates a heat source capable of efficiently regenerating absorbing liquid while maintaining steam turbine efficiency to a maximum extent.

Abstract: A drive device has an internal combustion engine, a first electrical machine, and a second electrical machine. The first electrical machine is at least indirectly connectable to the internal combustion engine. In addition, the drive device has an output which is at least indirectly connected to an output shaft. According to the invention, a switching device is provided, using which, in a first state, the internal combustion or the first electrical machine is connectable to the output shaft or, in a second state, the second electrical machine is connectable to the output shaft.

Abstract: Method of reducing acoustic vibratory phenomena in the environment of a combustion chamber of a turbomachine, said chamber being positioned in a cavity delimited by an exterior casing and an interior chamber casing, characterized in that it includes at least the following steps: producing an analysis of at least one vibratory mode of the chamber and the cavity and identifying its resonant frequency and the associated pressure nodes and antinodes, choosing for the vibratory mode to be processed a pressure antinode existing at the level of one of the walls, installing at the level of said antinode a bleed air intake pipe, resuming the analysis of the vibratory mode and identifying the new resonant frequency, determining the length and diameter parameters for said pipe by iteration until the required frequency shift for the vibratory mode concerned is obtained.

Abstract: A fuel nozzle including a nozzle tube and a nozzle outlet opening is provided. The nozzle tube is connected to a fuel feed line for feeding a fuel to the nozzle tube, wherein the fuel is fed from the nozzle outlet opening to an annular air stream surrounding the fuel nozzle, wherein a first nozzle tube section that extends up to the nozzle outlet opening is designed in a floral pattern in such a way that the fuel may be fed substantially coaxially into the air stream.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for protecting an inner radial surface of a housing of a turbomachine from corrosion. The method includes tapering the inner radial surface of the housing and a corresponding outer radial surface of a corrosion-resistant liner, and heating the housing to increase a diameter of the inner radial surface of the housing. The method also includes inserting the corrosion-resistant liner at least partially into the housing, and attaching the corrosion-resistant liner to the inner radial surface of the housing a solid-state bonding process.

Abstract: An exhaust diffuser includes a shroud and a wall radially separated from the shroud to define a fluid passage between the shroud and the wall. A strut extends between the shroud and the wall, and the strut includes a first surface having an adjustable camber. A method for adjusting air flow across a strut having a first side camber and a second side camber includes determining an incidence angle between the air flow and the strut and adjusting the first side camber of the strut.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generation of electric power employing fuel and air staging in which a first stage gas turbine and a second stage partial oxidation gas turbine power operated in parallel. A first portion of fuel and oxidant are provided to the first stage gas turbine which generates a first portion of electric power and a hot oxidant. A second portion of fuel and oxidant are provided to the second stage partial oxidation gas turbine which generates a second portion of electric power and a hot syngas. The hot oxidant and the hot syngas are provided to a bottoming cycle employing a fuel-fired boiler by which a third portion of electric power is generated.

Abstract: A fuel heat management system comprises a fuel line for conveying fuel, and a fuel/oil heat exchanger which receives fuel flowing through the fuel line. The fuel heat management system further comprises an oil line for circulating oil from an engine oil system to the fuel/oil heat exchanger and back to the engine oil system. The fuel/oil heat exchanger brings the oil and the fuel into heat exchange relationship. The fuel heat management system further comprises an air/oil heat exchanger which receives oil flowing through the oil line, the air/oil heat exchanger bringing the oil and air into heat exchange relationship. The fuel heat management system further comprises an air/fuel heat exchanger which receives fuel flowing through the fuel line, the air/fuel heat exchanger bringing the fuel and air into heat exchange relationship.

Abstract: Methods and systems for mitigating distortion of a shaft of a gas turbine engine are provided. One method comprises at least one step of applying intermittent rotary power to a shaft of a gas turbine engine. The step of applying intermittent power to the shaft is performed during a period where conditions of temperature differential in the engine exist capable of distorting the shaft. The methods and systems shorten the time needed to start a gas turbine engine in such a way that bowing of a shaft is not a significant problem.

Abstract: A method is provided for operation of an integrated solar combined-cycle power station. The power station includes a water/steam circuit having a steam turbine and a heat recovery steam generator through which hot exhaust gases from a gas turbine flow. The water/steam circuit is additionally supplied with heat from a solar array. In such a method, an optimum cost-benefit relationship is achieved in that the water/steam circuit is designed only for the full load on the gas turbine, and in that, when feeding additional power from the solar array into the water/steam circuit, the load on the gas turbine is reduced, on the basis of the power additionally fed in from the solar array, to such an extent that the total output power of the integrated solar combined-cycle power station remains substantially constant.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a combustor is disclosed. The combustor can include a combustor housing, a plurality of nozzles disposed within the combustor housing, and a flame detector disposed on and in optical communication with each of the plurality of fuel nozzles, wherein each flame detector is configured to detect an optical property related to at least one of a flame holding condition and a flashback condition in a respective fuel nozzle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention have the technical effect of automatically testing an overspeed protection system of a powerplant machine comprising at least one shaft. An embodiment of the present invention may automatically test the overspeed protection system while the powerplant machine is decelerating from full-speed-no-load (FSNL). Another embodiment of the present invention may automatically test the overspeed protection system of the powerplant machine while the powerplant machine is accelerating to FSNL.

Abstract: A system for cooling components of a turbine includes: at least one input in fluid communication with a source of carbon dioxide gas, the carbon dioxide gas removed from synthesis gas produced by a gasification unit from hydrocarbon fuel; and at least one first conduit in fluid communication with the at least one input and configured to divert a portion of the carbon dioxide gas from the source of carbon dioxide gas to at least one component of the turbine, the turbine configured to combust the synthesis gas.

Abstract: An impingement structure 204 in an impingement cooling system, wherein the impingement structure 204 comprises a plurality of impingement apertures 214 that are configured to impinge a flow of coolant and direct resulting coolant jets against a target-surface 210 that opposes the impingement structure 204 across an impingement cavity 212 formed therebetween, the impingement structure 204 comprising a corrugated configuration.

Abstract: A method of cooling a device, by applying a molecular fan thin film to a heat sink surface of the device, dissipating heat from the device by emitting infrared radiation, and cooling the device.

Abstract: A method for managing thermal energy in an internal combustion engine including an exhaust gas recirculation system and an engine cooling system includes recirculating a portion of an exhaust gas through the exhaust gas recirculation system that is in thermal communication with a first side of a thermoelectric device, flowing an engine coolant into thermal communication with a second side of a thermoelectric device, and controlling electric current between an electrical energy storage device and the thermoelectric device to transfer thermal energy between the recirculated exhaust gas and the engine coolant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a battery test rig, comprising a test cell (3) in which a battery (2) to be tested is arranged, a holder (13) which is arranged in the test cell (3) and is able to hold the battery (2), a regulation unit (4) which can be connected to a battery (2) arranged in the holder (13), at least one sensor device (5, 6) for monitoring the battery (2), wherein the sensor device (5, 6) is connected to the regulation unit (4), and a cooling apparatus (7), which is connected to the regulation unit (4) and is designed to cool the battery (2) in the test cell (3) from the outside in a hazard situation.

Abstract: A temperature regulation apparatus includes a dry ice module that encloses dry ice so that the module's outside surface is not hazardous to touch. Insulation, breathable material, or a combination of insulating and breathable materials, allows dry ice sublimation at a sufficiently slow rate within the attached dry ice module to control the ambient temperature in the area to be cooled. The dry ice module can be attached in a location that maximizes the dry ice cooling properties, typically at or near the top of the area to be cooled. Since sublimated carbon dioxide is heavier than normal air, it falls to the bottom of the area to be cooled and builds up. The venting placement in the dry ice module is based upon the make up of the dry ice module and the breathable materials inside of it.

Abstract: A method and system is provided which receives a desired humidity level from a user for the refrigeration compartment of a refrigerator, determines the current humidity level, and then activates an atomizer in the refrigeration compartment to increase the humidity level if needed. The humidity in the refrigeration compartment may be determined based at least in part on the temperature of the refrigeration compartment, the defrost timer, the door opening times, and the compressor timer.

Abstract: The present application provides a sorption system for generating power and chilling that includes at least one absorber to absorb a working fluid in a liquid sorbent, a pump in fluid communication with the absorber to yield a feed of pressurized liquid sorbent and absorbed working fluid, a heat source to heat the feed of pressurized liquid sorbent and absorbed working fluid to yield a feed of working fluid at a supercritical state, a generator in fluid communication with the feed of working fluid at a supercritical state to yield power and a feed of working fluid in an at least partially condensed state, and an evaporator in fluid communication with the feed of working fluid in the at least partially condensed state to yield chilling and uncondensed working fluid. Additional systems and method for the generating power and chilling are provided.

Abstract: An absorptive refrigeration method and refrigerant/absorbant pairs comprising fluorinated organic compounds, such as fluorinated organic compounds having from one to eight carbon atoms (C1-C8), including hydrofluoroolefin and/or hydrochlorofluoroolefin compounds. In certain embodiments, a fluorinated organic compound, including certain hydrofluoroolefin and/or hydrochlorofluoroolefin compounds (e.g. C2-C4 hydrofluoroolefin and/or hydrochlorofluoroolefin compounds) is/are utilized as the refrigerant, with the absorbant portion either being a fluorinated organic compound or a non-fluorinated oil.

Abstract: A liquid refrigeration system for a thermally-insulated storage container includes a tank configured to store liquid air therein, a conduit system having a first end portion coupled to the tank and a second end portion configured to be positioned within an interior of the thermally-insulated storage container, a spray head coupled to the second end portion of the conduit system, a control system electrically coupled to the tank and the spray head to control the flow of liquid air from the tank to the spray head.

Abstract: An air conditioner that can perform defrosting efficiently while heating or the like is continued even if the air conditioner is configured by one outdoor unit is obtained.

Abstract: A refrigerating appliance comprising a storage compartment, a refrigerant circuit which serves to cool the storage compartment and contains a compressor, and comprising a collecting receptacle for condensed water flowing out of the storage compartment. The collecting receptacle can be heated by a heating device that can be independently operated by the operation of the compressor.

Abstract: An air conditioner includes a cooling heat exchanger configured to cool air, and a wet-state detection sensor attached to an air outlet surface of the cooling heat exchanger to detect a wet state of the air outlet surface due to condensation water. The air outlet surface of the cooling heat exchanger is tilted by an angle with respect to a horizontal direction or is perpendicular to the horizontal direction, and the wet-state detection sensor is arranged at a position in an upper half area of the air outlet surface in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction. Alternatively, the wet-state detection sensor is arranged at a position of the air outlet surface in a high-temperature area in which the temperature is higher than an average temperature of the air outlet surface. In this case, the high-temperature area may be positioned within the upper half area of the air outlet surface.

Abstract: If an operation command is received from any of the indoor units when the initialization of the corresponding electronic expansion valves is not completed. First, initialization is performed on the electronic expansion valve corresponding to the indoor unit which has issued an operation command. When the initialization has been performed on the electronic expansion valves corresponding to all of the indoor units which have issued an operation command, the flow proceeds to a processing step for a compressor. Then, the electronic expansion valves which have been initialized are adjusted to a predetermined operational opening degree. After this step is completed, the electronic expansion vales corresponding indoor units which have issued no operation command and whose initialization has not been completed are initialized and adjusted to a predetermined opening degree. This leads to a reduced loss of time until the compressor is activated after the electronic expansion valves are initialized.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the presently described technology provide methods and systems for providing water for atomization in a refrigerator from a water source to an atomizer via a flexible wick. Certain embodiments provide a refrigerator for cooling and humidifying at least a portion of the refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a main supply fluid tank, a secondary reservoir supplied with fluid from the main supply fluid tank, an atomizer provided with fluid from the secondary reservoir, and a flexible wick for providing fluid transfer from the secondary reservoir to a location proximate to the atomizer. The secondary reservoir has a maximum, controlled height of fluid. The atomizer discharges the fluid provided form the secondary reservoir in an atomized spray to at least a portion of the refrigerator.

Abstract: The present application provides a chiller condensate system. The chiller condensate system may include a chiller that produces a flow of condensate, a condensate drain system positioned about the chiller to collect the flow of condensate, and a heat exchanger in communication with the condensate drain system for the flow of condensate to flow therethrough.

Abstract: A refrigeration device, in particular a domestic refrigeration device, includes a compressor that is connected in a refrigeration circuit and a condensation collection container that collects condensation formed during the operation of the refrigeration device. The condensation collection container has a base resting on an upper face of the compressor and having a side wall which projects towards the compressor and embraces a periphery of the compressor in the manner of a frame.

Abstract: A regenerative evaporative cooler (REC) including: a plurality of dry channel units allowing indoor air to pass therethrough; a plurality of wet channel units formed to extract a portion of air, which has passed through the dry channel units, and formed to heat-exchange with the dry channel units; an evaporation water supply unit disposed at an upper portion of the wet channel units and supplying the wet channel units with evaporation water; and dry channel shields formed at an upper side of the dry channel units, allowing evaporation water supplied from the evaporation water supply unit to be introduced into the wet channel units, and shielding the upper portions of the dry channel units. The dry channel shield effectively prevents evaporation water sprinkled by the evaporation water supply unit from being introduced into the wet channels and simplifies the configuration of the evaporation water supply unit.

Abstract: A cooling device includes a refrigerant inlet, a refrigerant outlet, a cooler including therein a refrigerant passage, an introduction tube communicating with the refrigerant inlet and a filter detachably disposed between the refrigerant inlet and the introduction tube.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, a fresh food compartment disposed within the refrigerator cabinet, a door for providing access to the fresh food compartment, and an ice storage bin at the door. The ice storage bin includes an ice storage bin body having a front, a back, a bottom, opposite sides, an open top, and a cover mounted to the top. Insulation is provided between the cover and the front of the ice storage bin. The ice storage bin may be pivotally mounted to the door and configured to tilt open to allow for access to ice disposed within the ice storage bin. The ice storage bin may be removable. The ice storage bin may be accessed directly from within the fresh food compartment.

Abstract: A gear motor assembly capable of operation in three modes and the method of operating the assembly in such modes, is disclosed herein. The assembly is generally comprised of a reversible motor having an input shaft, a gear train assembly coupled to the input shaft, an output shaft coupled to the gear train assembly, a power source, electrically coupled to the motor, for producing an operating voltage, and an input signal for directing the operating voltage from the power source through one of either a relay for switching the polarity of the operating voltage directed from the power source to the motor, thereby reversing the motor and a voltage control circuit for reducing the voltage to the motor. The motor is capable of operation, based on the input signal, at any one of a first speed in a clockwise direction, a first speed in a counter-clockwise direction, and a second speed.

Abstract: A vapor-compression air conditioning system comprising a blower positioned in a return air flow path from a conditioned space, a reheat heat exchanger positioned in the return air flow path and downstream from the blower, a system reversing valve fluidly coupled to the reheat heat exchanger, and a refrigerant flow sequencer interposed the system reversing valve and the reheat heat exchanger. A method of manufacturing an air conditioning system is also provided.

Abstract: A flow reversing valve includes a reversing valve main body adapted to assume a first circulatory state where a first main valve part is in a fully-open state and a second main valve part is in a fully-closed state and a second circulatory state where the first main valve part is in a fully-closed state and the second main valve part is in a fully-open state; and a flow regulating valve adapted to regulate the pressures of the respective back pressure chambers and of the first main valve part and the second main valve part. The flow regulating valve places the reversing valve main body in the first circulatory state by gradually reducing the pressure of the back pressure chamber of the first main valve part, and in the second circulatory state by gradually reducing the pressure of the back pressure chamber of the second main valve part.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the presently described technology provide methods and systems for providing an atomized food preservation solution to food stored in a refrigerator. Certain embodiments provide an atomization unit for a refrigerator for humidifying at least a portion of the refrigerator. The atomization unit comprises an atomizer for atomizing and dispensing fluid to at least a portion of the refrigerator, a water supply for providing water to the atomizer, the water supply providing water along a fluid supply path to the atomizer, a food preservation solute dispenser located along the fluid supply path at a location where fluid will flow over the food preservation solute dispenser. The food preservation solute dispenser provides a food preservative to be dissolved in water along the fluid supply path as fluid flows over the food preservation solute dispenser.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a refrigerator cabinet, a fresh food compartment disposed within the refrigerator compartment, a freezer compartment disposed within the refrigerator cabinet, a freezer door for providing access to the freezer compartment, a lower freezer basket, an upper freezer basket, a divider operatively connected to the lower freezer basket to divide the lower freezer basket, and guide surfaces on a top portion of the divider to allow for guiding the upper freezer basket forward and back.

Abstract: A portable refrigerator includes a main housing having opposed top and bottom walls, opposed side walls extending therebetween, and a rear wall. The main housing defines an interior space and an open front. A door is pivotally coupled to one of the side walls and movable between a closed configuration covering the open front and an open configuration. The refrigerator includes a motor for maintaining the interior space at a temperature lower than an ambient air temperature outside the interior space. A first pair of wheels is rotatably coupled to a rear end of the housing and a second pair of wheels is pivotally coupled to a front end thereof. A length adjustable handle is coupled to the rear wall of the main housing and movable between retracted and extended configurations.

Abstract: A turbo compressor includes an impeller fixed to one end portion of a rotation shaft by a predetermined fastening member, and a regulating portion which is used to regulate rotation of the rotation shaft during fastening of the fastening member and is provided in the other end portion of the rotation shaft. The regulating portion is formed as a recessed portion recessed from an end surface of the other end portion of the rotation shaft.

Abstract: In a refrigerant circuit (5) of an air conditioner (1), a single-stage compression refrigeration cycle is performed. In the refrigerant circuit (5), a second heat exchanger (40) is provided downstream a first heat exchanger (30). In the first heat exchanger (30), high-pressure refrigerant of a high-pressure flow path (31) is cooled by exchanging heat with first intermediate-pressure refrigerant of an intermediate-pressure flow path (32). First intermediate-pressure gas refrigerant generated in the first heat exchanger (30) is supplied to a first compression mechanism (71). Second intermediate-pressure refrigerant having a pressure lower than that of the first intermediate-pressure refrigerant is supplied to an intermediate-pressure flow path (42) of the second heat exchanger (40). In the second heat exchanger (40), high-pressure refrigerant of a high-pressure flow path (41) is further cooled by exchanging heat with the second intermediate-pressure refrigerant of the intermediate-pressure flow path (42).