Abstract: A system for generating power is described. The system comprises a gas compressor, a reservoir for storing compressed gas and an apparatus adapted to be located within a body of a liquid. The apparatus comprises at least one chamber in fluid communication with the compressed gas reservoir and an output device. In use, a compressed gas is supplied to the/each chamber from the reservoir, the buoyancy of the gas applying an upward force to a portion of the chamber, the upward force moving at least a portion of the chamber from a first position to a second position, the movement of the at least a portion of the chamber adapted to drive the output device to provide a continuous apparatus output. In at least one embodiment of the invention, heat is extracted from the compressed gas for utilisation in local heating systems.

Abstract: System and method for accumulating steam in tanks for solar use made up of two sets of Ruths tanks (1, 2), called base set and overheat set, identical to one another and each having a saturated steam inlet (3), steam injectors (10) installed inside the tank (1, 2), a steam outlet (4, 4?) with a valve (13) and drainage means (11). A heat exchanger (6) is installed between the two sets of tanks (1, 2). The method of storage consists of a tank loading stage and a tank discharging stage, the latter comprising two discharging phases, the first one from a maximum to an intermediate pressure and the second one from an intermediate to a low pressure.

Abstract: A thin-sheet panel assembly, In one embodiment, a substantially rigid thin-sheet panel assembly having a non-rigid thin-sheet component includes the thin-sheet component which has selected plan area and shape, a backer having a plan shape and area substantially similar to the thin-sheet component, and plural riser elements of selected height and configuration each extending from the backer to distal ends connected to a reverse surface of the thin-sheet component, the riser elements being configured and disposed in an array which causes the assembly to have substantial rigidity in a selected direction in the thin-sheet component, and the thin-sheet panel assembly further includes a bar coupled to the backer and extending between at least one pair of adjacent riser elements of the plural riser elements.

Abstract: Systems and methods for loading a steam turbine are provided. A method may include: receiving a turbine loading factor; receiving a current steam turbine exhaust temperature; determining a steam flow ramping rate parameter and a steam temperature ramping rate parameter based at least in part on the turbine loading factor and the current steam turbine exhaust temperature, wherein the steam flow ramping rate parameter and the steam temperature ramping rate parameter are determined based at least in part on an inverse relationship between the steam flow ramping rate parameter and the steam temperature ramping rate parameter. The method may further include controlling at least one of: (a) steam flow to the steam turbine based at least in part on the steam flow ramping rate parameter; or (b) steam temperature to the steam turbine based at least in part on the steam temperature ramping rate parameter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for recovering energy from waste heat are provided. The system includes a waste heat exchanger coupled to a source of waste heat to heat a first flow of a working fluid. The system also includes a first expansion device that receives the first flow from the waste heat exchanger and expands it to rotate a shaft. The system further includes a first recuperator coupled to the first expansion device and to receive the first flow therefrom and to transfer heat from the first flow to a second flow of the working fluid. The system also includes a second expansion device that receives the second flow from the first recuperator, and a second recuperator fluidly coupled to the second expansion device to receive the second flow therefrom and transfer heat from the second flow to a combined flow of the first and second flows.

Abstract: Various thermodynamic power-generating cycles are disclosed. A turbopump arranged in the cycles is started and ramped-up using a starter pump arranged in parallel with the main pump of the turbopump. Once the turbopump is able to self-sustain, a series of valves may be manipulated to deactivate the starter pump and direct additional working fluid to a power turbine for generating electrical power.

Abstract: Waste heat energy conversion cycles, systems and devices use multiple waste heat exchangers arranged in series in a waste heat stream, and multiple thermodynamic cycles run in parallel with the waste heat exchangers in order to maximize thermal energy extraction from the waste heat stream by a working fluid. The parallel cycles operate in different temperature ranges with a lower temperature work output used to drive a working fluid pump. A working fluid mass management system is integrated into or connected to the cycles.

Abstract: A system for converting thermal energy to work. The system includes a working fluid circuit, and a precooler configured to receive the working fluid. The system also includes a compression stages and intercoolers. At least one of the precooler and the intercoolers is configured to receive a heat transfer medium from a high temperature ambient environment. The system also includes heat exchangers coupled to a source of heat and being configured to receive the working fluid. The system also includes turbines coupled to one or more of the heat exchangers and configured to receive heated working fluid therefrom. The system further includes recuperators fluidly coupled to the turbines, the precooler, the compressor, and at least one of the heat exchangers. The recuperators transfer heat from the working fluid downstream from the turbines, to the working fluid upstream from at least one of the heat exchangers.

Abstract: An example method of coating a surface includes rotating a sprayer about an axis and directing spray away from the axis using the sprayer. The method coats a surface with the spray. The method moves a fluid through apertures established in the surface to limit movement of spray into apertures. The apertures are configured to direct the fluid toward the axis.

Abstract: A combustion system premixer includes one or more streamwise vortex generators configured to passively redirect surrounding high velocity air into at least one of wake and vortex regions within a combustion system fuel nozzle in response to air passing through the premixer. The streamwise vortex generators operate to minimize turbulent flow structures, thus improving air/fuel mixing, and enhancing resistance to flame-holding and flash-back within the premixer.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a reliable gas turbine combustor that can provide lowered NOx and combustion stability. The gas turbine combustor includes a combustion chamber to which fuel and air are supplied; a first burner located on the upstream side of the combustion chamber, the first burner jetting fuel into the combustion chamber and jetting air into the combustion chamber in a swirling manner; a plurality of second burners arranged around the first burner and supplying a premixed gas of air and fuel to the combustion chamber; an annular bulkhead disposed between the first burner and the second burners and having an inclined surface formed to broaden toward the downstream side of the combustion chamber; and a plurality of air jet ports formed in the inclined surface of the annular bulkhead and adapted to jet air into the combustion chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods for an oxy-fuel type combustion reaction are provided. In one or more embodiments, a combustion system can include at least two mixing zones, where a first mixing zone at least partially mixes oxygen and carbon dioxide to produce a first mixture and a second mixing zone at least partially mixes the first mixture with a fuel to produce a second mixture. The combustion system can also include a combustion zone configured to combust the second mixture to produce a combustion product. In one or more embodiments, the first mixture can have a spatially varied ratio of oxygen-to-carbon dioxide configured to generate a hot zone in the combustion zone to increase flame stability in the combustion zone.

Abstract: A laser ignition system for an internal combustion engine, and more specifically a gas turbine engine, is provided. The system comprises at least one laser light source configured to generate a laser beam and an optical beam guidance component. The optical beam guidance component is configured to transmit the laser beam to irradiate on an oxygenated fuel mixture supplied into the combustion chamber at a region of highest ignitability to generate a combustor flame in a flame region. The system further includes an integrated control diagnostic component configured to detect at least a portion of a light emission and operable to control one or more combustion parameters based in part on the detected light emission. The system further includes additional enhanced ignition control configurations. A method for igniting a fuel mixture in an internal combustion engine is also presented.

Abstract: A laser ignition system for an internal combustion engine, and more specifically a gas turbine engine, is provided. The system including a laser light source configured to generate a laser beam, an ignition port configured to provide optimized optical access of the laser beam to a combustion chamber and an optical beam guidance component disposed between the laser light source and the ignition port. The optical beam guidance component is configured to include optimized optic components to transmit the laser beam to irradiate on a fuel mixture supplied into the combustion chamber to generate a combustor flame in a flame region. A method for igniting a fuel mixture in an internal combustion engine is also presented.

Abstract: A system includes a gas turbine engine, a nozzle structure located adjacent to the gas turbine engine, a flexible annular seal linking the gas turbine engine and the nozzle structure, the flexible annular seal having a plurality of corrugate sections arranged about a centerline, and a connection device secured to the gas turbine engine and to the nozzle structure. The connection device is adjustable to select a length of the flexible annular seal measured along the centerline.

Abstract: A system includes a gas turbine engine, a nozzle structure located adjacent to the gas turbine engine, a flexible annular seal linking the gas turbine engine and the nozzle structure, the flexible annular seal having a plurality of corrugate sections, and a reinforcement member positioned between two of the plurality of corrugate sections.

Abstract: A Thermoelectric Cooling (TEC) device is provided, which includes a TEC module, a first heat exchange device, and a second heat exchange device. The TEC module includes a cold end and a hot end corresponding to the cold end. The first heat exchange device is disposed at the cold end of the TEC module, and is configured to exchange heat with a medium surrounding the cold end of the TEC module. The second heat exchange device is disposed at the hot end of the TEC module; the second heat exchange device includes an evaporation end and a condensation end; a cooling medium is disposed in the second heat exchange device, and is configured to perform heat exchange at the evaporation end and the condensation end in a phase transition manner; and the evaporation end adjoins the hot end of the TEC module.

Abstract: A device is disclosed which is designed to separate water, hydrocarbons and gases, based on the electric characteristics of the materials; the device utilises the different capacitance of water and hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A thermodynamic system includes a cyclical heat exchange system and a heat transfer system coupled to the cyclical heat exchange system to cool a portion of the cyclical heat exchange system. The heat transfer system includes an evaporator including a wall configured to be coupled to a portion of the cyclical heat exchange system and a primary wick coupled to the wall and a condenser coupled to the evaporator to form a closed loop that houses a working fluid.

Abstract: An air conditioner according to the present invention comprises an air handling unit comprising a fan for supplying the air mixed the indoor air with the outdoor air to the indoor space and a heat exchanger for exchanging the mixed air blowing by the fan with the chilled water and a temperature sensor for sensing temperature, and a chiller which includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device and an evaporator and supplies the chilled water from the evaporator to the heat exchanger through a water pipe connecting the evaporator with the heat exchanger, wherein the chiller communicates with the air handling unit and sets a chilled water set temperature of the chilled water supplied from the evaporator to the heat exchanger according to the result sensed by the temperature sensor and changes the driving capacity of the compressor according the chilled water set temperature.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for air conditioning, capturing combustion contaminants, desalination, and other processes using liquid desiccants.

Abstract: An air conditioner according to the present comprises a plurality of chillers which include a compressor, a condenser, a expansion device and an evaporator and supply cold water through water pipes connected to the evaporator in parallel. An operating chiller of the plurality of chillers sets a cold water set temperature of the operating chiller according to pressure difference between high pressure part and low pressure part and controls the compressor capacity according to the cold water set temperature and transmits an operation order to a chiller not operating until the present if the pressure difference is more than the set pressure for the set time and at least one of the chillers is not operating. Thus, it is possible to perform an efficient operation according to load and to minimized power consumption.

Abstract: A display apparatus has a compressor cooler having a condenser that condenses refrigerant by radiating heat, an evaporator that evaporates the refrigerant for heat absorption and dehumidification, and a compressor that inhales vapor generated by the evaporator and compresses the vapor to be condensed; a temperature sensor that monitors temperature of the evaporator; a backlight; a first control portion that terminates the compressor when the temperature of the evaporator is a first predetermined temperature or lower; and a second control portion that increases a level of the backlight when the temperature of the evaporator is a second predetermined temperature or lower, wherein the second predetermined temperature is higher than the first predetermined temperature.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for air conditioning, capturing combustion contaminants, desalination, and other processes using liquid desiccants.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for air conditioning, capturing combustion contaminants, desalination, and other processes using liquid desiccants.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for air conditioning, capturing combustion contaminants, desalination, and other processes using liquid desiccants.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for air conditioning, capturing combustion contaminants, desalination, and other processes using liquid desiccants.

Abstract: A solar collector assembly comprises a plurality of heater collection tubes. A thermal enhancement manifold assembly is integrated into the solar collector assembly to enhance thermal efficiency. The enhancement manifold assembly includes a supply manifold subassembly which selectively distributes a refrigerant between at least two supply manifolds and a return manifold subassembly which distributes the refrigerant between at least two return manifolds. A thermal enhancing tube provides fluid communication between each supply manifold and respective return manifold. The thermal enhancing tubes are assembled within an interior volume of the solar heater collection tubes. Each manifold pairing is operatively governed by a respective fluid control valve. The manifold pairings alternate between an active state and an inactive state, optimizing thermal transfer between the collection tube and a refrigerant.

Abstract: A refrigerator is disclosed. The refrigerator includes a cabinet comprising a storage chamber, a cold air generation chamber provided above the storage chamber, an evaporator provided in the cold air generation chamber, and a refrigerant tube configured to pass through a predetermined wall of the cold air generation chamber, not passing the storage chamber, to be connected with the evaporator. An object of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator which has an efficient installation structure of a refrigerant tube connected with an evaporator provided in a cold air generation chamber provided above a storage chamber to enlarge storage space of the storage chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed are a drain device and a refrigerator having the same, wherein a drain pipe is formed to have a single passage, an extension portion is disposed in the middle of the passage, and a drain valve opened and closed by defrosted water or am air pressure difference is provided in the extension portion, resulting in simplification of a structure of the drain device, reduction of a fabricating cost, and facilitation of an installation even in a small space.

Abstract: An air moving unit, an HVAC system and an enclosed plug fan unit are disclosed. In one embodiment, the air moving unit includes: (1) a plug fan with a blower wheel and (2) a circulation enclosure. The circulation enclosure includes: (2A) a back side and (2B) a front side having an inlet orifice corresponding to an intake area of the plug fan, the front side coupled to top, left and right sides that extend therefrom to the back side to form the circulation enclosure, wherein the blower wheel is located within the circulation enclosure and the plug fan is mechanically coupled to at least one side thereof.

Abstract: A self-starting type axial gap synchronous motor includes a stator in which plural small stators are arranged on the same circumference; disc-shaped rotors in each of which plural permanent magnets facing the stator are arranged on the same circumference; and a shaft coupled to the rotors. Each of the disc-shaped rotors includes a metal frame that is provided so as to surround the plural permanent magnets arranged on the same circumference, and each of the metal frames is configured using a nonmagnetic and conductive material. Accordingly, it is possible to obtain a self-starting type axial gap synchronous motor that can be started by a commercial electric power without using an inverter, and a compressor and a refrigeration cycle apparatus using the same.

Abstract: A cooling system for an engine includes a coolant tank, a heat exchanger, and a drain valve. The coolant tank holds a fluid coolant and is coupled with a tank conduit through which the coolant flows from or to the coolant tank. The heat exchanger is fluidly coupled with a supply conduit. The drain valve is fluidly coupled with the coolant tank by the tank conduit and with the supply conduit. The drain valve is fluidly coupled with a drain conduit that directs the coolant out of the cooling system and alternates between a closed position and an open position. The drain valve prevents the coolant from flowing out of the cooling system through the drain conduit when in the closed position and permits the coolant to flow from the heat exchanger and out of the cooling system through the drain conduit when in the open position.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a refrigeration cycle apparatus having a compressor that is not easily heated to high temperature by sliding heat and thus higher in reliability. Provided is a refrigeration cycle apparatus having a cost-effective compressor in the configuration in which a piston 9 eccentrically revolving, as driven by a shaft 4, is placed in a cylinder 6 and the circular terminal region 10a of a vane 10 partitioning the cylinder 6 into a suction chamber 12 and a compression chamber 13 is connected slidably to the external surface of the piston 9 in surface contact, which can reduce the sliding heat and is thus resistant to deterioration in reliability by reaction of the operating refrigerant.

Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus is provided with a refrigerant cycle through which a heat-source-side refrigerant is to be circulated, a first heat medium channel to which a pump is connected and through which a heat medium such as water, an anti-freezing solution or the like is circulated, a first heat medium channel to which a pump is connected and through which a heat medium is circulated, and a plurality of use-side heat exchangers connected to the first heat medium channels. Also, the first heat medium channels are connected to the suction side of a pump through a pump flow direction switching device, and the first heat medium channels are connected to the discharge side of the pump through a pump flow direction switching device. By controlling opening degrees of the pump flow direction switching devices, the first heat medium channel which communicates with the pump is selected.

Abstract: A fluid machine (8A) includes an expander (4) having an expander suction port (4a) and an expander discharge port (4b), a compressor (6) having a compressor suction port (6a) and a compressor discharge port (6b), and a shaft (81) coupling the expander (4) to the compressor (6). The expander suction port (4a) and the compressor suction port (4a) are opened and closed as the shaft (81) rotates. The expander suction port (4a) is opened during a period of time when the compressor suction port (6a) is closed, and the compressor suction port (6a) is opened and maintained out of communication with the compressor discharge port (6b) during a period of time when the expander suction port (4a) is closed.

Abstract: An arrangement for liquefying natural gas is provided. The arrangement includes a gas turbine unit that includes a gas turbine compressor, a steam turbine unit, a first compressor unit, a shiftable clutch, a heated steam generator for supplying steam to the steam turbine unit, and a second compressor unit. The steam turbine unit and the first compressor unit have a common, rigidly connected first shaft assembly, while the gas turbine unit and the second compressor unit have a common, rigidly connected second shaft assembly. In order to increase economic efficiency, the first shaft assembly and the second shaft assembly are operable to be connected to and disconnected from each other using the clutch. A suitable method for starting said arrangement is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an air liquefaction separation method and apparatus by which the apparatus cost can be reduced when liquid products are collected, the method including: a feed air compression step in which the whole amount of a feed air is a pressurized feed air having a first set pressure which is higher than the operating pressure of the intermediate pressure column; an adsorption and purification step in which impurities are adsorbed and removed from the pressurized feed air to obtain a pressurized purified air; a combining step for a circulating air in which the pressurized purified air and the below-described pressurized returned air are combined to obtain a circulating air; a cooling step in which a first branch air stream of the two divided circulating air is cooled at a first set temperature to obtain an air to be introduced into the intermediate pressure column, and a second branch air stream is cooled at a second set temperature which is higher than the first set temperature to obtain an air for exp

Abstract: The invention relates to production of a pressurized gaseous oxygen product by low-temperature separation of air in a distillation column system, having a low-pressure column and a high-pressure column. A first partial stream of the purified feed air is work-expanded in a first expander, and at least partially introduced into the high-pressure column. A second partial stream is cooled in a main heat exchanger to an intermediate temperature, further compressed, cooled in the main heat exchanger where it is liquefied or pseudo-liquefied, and then introduced into the distillation column system. A third partial stream of the compressed feed air is work-expanded in a second expander. A liquid oxygen product stream, removed from the distillation column system, is brought to an elevated pressure, evaporated or pseudo-evaporated in the main heat exchanger, heated to approximately ambient temperature, and ultimately withdrawn as a pressurized gaseous oxygen product stream.

Abstract: The present invention relates to assemblies and methods for interchangeable jewelry, as are disclosed herein. The assemblies and methods disclosed herein enable individuals to customize jewelry through the use of interchangeable decorative elements. In one embodiment, a jewelry assembly comprises: (a) a frame containing a recessed portion wherein the frame is constructed from a material with magnetic properties; (b) a decorative element coupled to a magnet wherein the decorative element is sized to fit within the recessed portion of the frame wherein the magnet removably secures the decorative element within the recessed portion of the frame such that the exposed portion of the decorative element does not sit flushly within the recessed portion of the frame.

Abstract: There are provided an apparatus and a method for manufacturing a vitreous silica crucible which can prevent the deterioration of the inner surface property in the manufacturing process of a vitreous silica crucible. The apparatus includes a mold defining an outer shape of a vitreous silica crucible, and an arc discharge unit having electrodes and a power-supply unit, wherein each of the electrodes includes a tip end directed to the mold, the other end opposite to the tip end, and a bent portion provided between the tip end and the other end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an ultra-thin glass substrate, the method including: a feeding step of feeding a preform for a glass substrate to a production line while being held; a heating step of heating the preform fed from the feeding step to a temperature around a softening point thereof; and a drawing step of drawing the preform that has softened in the heating step to form an ultra-thin glass substrate, in which the preform has been wound on a cylindrical first winding roll.

Abstract: Glass manufacturing apparatuses with particulate removal devices and methods for using the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a fusion draw machine for forming a glass web from molten glass includes an enclosure and a first pull roll and a second pull roll rotatably positioned in an interior of an enclosure. The first pull roll and the second pull roll cooperate to draw a glass web in a draw direction. A particulate removal device for removing particulate matter from the interior of the enclosure is fluidly coupled to the enclosure and includes a vacuum nozzle disposed in the interior of the enclosure and fluidly coupled to a vacuum source with a vacuum line. A particulate filter is fluidly coupled to the vacuum nozzle and the vacuum source and traps particulate matter exhausted from the interior of the enclosure through the vacuum nozzle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a sheet wafer melts feedstock material in a crucible that is part of a crystal growth furnace, passes a plurality of filaments through the crucible to form a sheet wafer, and cuts a portion of the sheet wafer to form a smaller sheet wafer. The method and apparatus then determine the weight of the smaller sheet wafer, and control the temperature of the melted feedstock material (e.g., by controlling crucible temperature or by interfacing with another temperature control system) as a function of the determined weight.

Abstract: A laser processing method of converging a laser light into an object to be processed made of glass so as to form a modified region and etching the object along the modified region so as to form a through hole in the object comprises a browning step of discoloring at least a part of the object by browning; a laser light converging step of forming the modified region in the discolored part of the object by converging the laser light into the object after the browning step; and an etching step of etching the object after the laser light converging step so as to advance the etching selectively along the modified region and form the through hole.

Abstract: A laser sealing device for glass substrates includes a first laser head and a second laser head. The first laser head irradiates laser onto a sealing material coated between glass substrates, thereby melting the sealing material. The second laser head is provided at a predetermined interval from the first laser head, irradiates laser onto the portion which has been irradiated by the first laser head, and is set to a lower power than the first laser head. The device further includes a heating plate provided so as to be movable relative to the first and second laser heads and placed on the glass substrates when being heated to a predetermined temperature. Thus, it is possible to minimize the occurrence of cracking in the glass substrates due to thermal shock since the temperature of the sealing material which is melted by the laser heads drops slowly rather than rapidly.

Abstract: High intensity plasma-arc heat sources, such as a plasma-arc lamp, are used to irradiate glass, glass ceramics and/or ceramic materials to strengthen the glass. The same high intensity plasma-arc heat source may also be used to form a permanent pattern on the glass surface—the pattern being raised above the glass surface and integral with the glass (formed of the same material) by use of, for example, a screen-printed ink composition having been irradiated by the heat source.

Abstract: A method for bending a sheet of material into a shaped article includes providing the sheet of material. A reformable area and a non-reformable area of the sheet of material are heated to a first temperature range corresponding to a first viscosity range. The reformable area of the sheet of material is subsequently heated to a second temperature range corresponding to a second viscosity range. The reformable area of the sheet of material is reformed into a selected shape by at least one of sagging the reformable area of the sheet of material and applying a force to the sheet of material outside of or near a boundary of the reformable area.

Abstract: A cleaving apparatus holds at least one surface (effective surface) of a band-like glass film in a non-contact state to suppress a situation that wavy portions reach a region in which the band-like glass film is to be cleaved. The cleaving apparatus cleaves the band-like glass film, which is being conveyed in a longitudinal direction thereof, along a conveyance direction thereof using a thermal stress generated through localized heating and cooling of a heated region. The localized heating and the cooling is performed on a preset cleaving line extending along the conveyance direction of the band-like glass film. The cleaving apparatus includes an air knife for supplying air to a front surface of the band-like glass film to retain the film on a conveyor at a position on an upstream side of a cleaving region in the conveyance direction.

Abstract: A spray nozzle is used in a process of quenching a hot glass sheet during a laser scoring process or other high energy glass heating process. The nozzle is located in proximity to the glass sheet, creating gas in liquid used to quench the glass located in the nozzle (e.g., water). The gas (e.g., air bubbles) is removed from the quenching liquid. Then, the spray nozzle is used to spray the quenching liquid onto the sheet at a location trailing laser scoring of the sheet. The spray nozzle has a purge opening and tubing leading to a discharge location. The spray nozzle can have a sloped passageway that pre-stages gas bubbles near the purge opening. The spray nozzle can include a cooling coil passing around the nozzle passagewayto cool the quenching liquid passing through the nozzle, and increase the solubility of bubbles in the quenching liquid.