Patents Issued in February 28, 2013
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Publication number: 20130047609Abstract: A solar tower system including an array of individually controlled carousel-type heliostats, where each heliostat includes a rotatable D-shaped carousel, a mirror array including horizontal, elongated flat mirrors supported in a tiltable (e.g., louvered) arrangement on the carousel, and a mirror positioning system that is disposed next to the carousel and controls the tilt position of each mirror and a rotational position of the carousel to reflect light onto a solar receiver. The heliostats are arranged in a closely-spaced (e.g., square or hexagonal) pattern that both maximizes the effective ground coverage ratio of solar power harvesting system and facilitates the formation of service pathways that allow access to any of the heliostats in the array (e.g., by aligning the straight peripheral wall portions of adjacent carousels in parallel with each other).Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: Palo Alto Research Center IncorporatedInventors: Philipp H. Schmaelzle, Patrick C. Cheung
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Publication number: 20130047610Abstract: The present invention is directed to a solar energy system including a tower having a solar radiation receiver, the solar radiation receiver including a plurality of tubes carrying a heat-transfer medium and a drum, the drum in thermal communication with the tubes, and one or more mirrors configured to reflect solar radiation onto the receiver, wherein the receiver receives the reflected solar radiation from the mirrors, thereby heating the heat transfer medium and vaporizing the heat transfer medium.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventor: JOHN DAVID PENTON
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Publication number: 20130047611Abstract: A solar power plant part of a solar thermal power plant including a first solar collector surface which is arranged in one section of a heat transfer medium circuit is provided. A second solar collector surface is arranged in the solar power plant part as a super heater for a working medium which may be released for technical work in a turbine. A solar thermal power plant which includes a solar power plant part is also provided. The solar thermal plant includes a working medium circuit and a steam turbine. A method for operating a solar thermal power plant is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventors: Jan Brückner, Joachim Franke
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Publication number: 20130047612Abstract: A steam turbine exhaust hood includes an exhaust hood section, and a butterfly plate arranged in the exhaust hood section. The butterfly plate includes a complex curvilinear cross-sectional profile having a first section that extends between a first end portion and a middle portion, and a second section that extends between the middle portion and a second end portion. One of the first and second sections is formed from at least two curvilinear segments including at least one curvilinear segment having a positive curvature and at least one curvilinear segment having a negative curvature.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Antanu Sadhu, Prakash Bavanjibhai Dalsania, Shashwat Swami Jaiswal
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Publication number: 20130047613Abstract: The embodiments described herein include a system and a method. In a first embodiment, a system includes a controller configured to control power plant operations. The system further includes a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) monitor communicatively coupled to the controller and configured to receive inputs corresponding to the power plant operations. The system additionally includes an HRSG life prediction model configured to predict an operating life for an HRSG component. The HRSG monitor uses the HRSG life prediction model and the inputs to communicate a control action to the controller.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Joel Donnell Holt, William Barrett Julian, Ashok Dattatraya Acharya
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Publication number: 20130047614Abstract: The invention relates to an ORC (Organic Rankine Cycle) for the conversion of thermal energy into electric energy, comprising at least one heat exchanger unit for re-superheating the working fluid by means of the thermovector fluid from the hot source, between the discharge of the first expander and the input of the second expander, and a regenerator unit including a first regenerator and at least one second regenerator for regenerating the working fluid in at least two successive stages, in said first regenerator and at least in said second regenerator respectively, with an additional regenerative heat exchange along the flow line connecting the liquid working fluid output of the second regenerator to the liquid working fluid input of the first regenerator.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: TURBODEN S.R.L.Inventors: Mario Gaia, Roberto Bini, Claudio Pietra
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Publication number: 20130047615Abstract: A system configured to decrease the emissions of a power plant system during transient state operation is disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes: at least one computing device adapted to adjust a temperature of an operational steam in a power generation system by performing actions comprising: obtaining operational data about components of a steam turbine in the power generation system, the operational data including at least one of: a temperature of the components and a set of current ambient conditions at the power generation system; determining an allowable operational steam temperature range for the steam turbine based upon the operational data; generating emissions predictions for a set of temperatures within the allowable steam temperature range; and adjusting the temperature of the operational steam based upon the emissions predictions.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Gordon Raymond Smith, Kelvin Rafael Estrada
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Publication number: 20130047616Abstract: A cogeneration system includes an engine, a motor/generator unit (MGU) powered by the engine, a compressor powered by the MGU, and a heat storage tank. The system further includes an engine coolant loop which places the engine in thermal communication with the tank, and a vapor loop which circulates refrigerant from the compressor. An air handler unit exchanges heat between the engine coolant loop and the vapor loop. A controller is configured to control the engine, MGU, compressor, and air handler unit, alone or in combination, to heat or cool air supplied to a building and water in the tank, and to selectively charge at least one auxiliary device such as a battery of an electric vehicle (EV) via the MGU. The system may include two power plants, with one, e.g., an EV or a portable module, having the engine and a first engine coolant loop.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Alan G. Holmes, Edward D. Tate, JR., George M. Claypole, Constantine Nick Raptis, Michael Andrew Miller
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Publication number: 20130047617Abstract: A hybrid drive includes an electric motor coupled to a hydraulic drive having a double-acting hydraulic piston and a piston rod, and a substantially throttle-less valve for actuating the hydraulic drive, and a control unit for actuating the electric machine. To avoid unnecessary energy consumption, an actuating direction requested by the hybrid drive and a desired actuating force are determined, the valve is switched to a position such that the hydraulic drive is effective in the actuating direction, at least when the actuating force cannot be generated by the electric motor alone, the difference between the force generated by the hydraulic drive and the actuating force is determined, and the electric motor is operated such that the desired actuating force is achieved by adding the force generated by the motor to the force generated by the hydraulic drive, or subtracting the first from the latter.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 9, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: Netstal-Maschinen AGInventors: Markus Notz, Markus Lanker
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Publication number: 20130047618Abstract: A double-wall structure for use in components in gas turbine engines that are exposed to high temperatures has a first wall spaced apart from a second wall. The first wall has a protrusion extending therefrom towards the second wall. The second wall has a cooling fluid orifice, or hole, through which cooling fluid is directed in use towards the protrusion. The protrusion extends across a significant percentage of the gap between the first and second walls. The cooling fluid removes heat from protrusion as it flows over it through convection, thereby cooling the first wall. The cooling fluid is also redirected so as to become more aligned with the first wall as it flows over the protrusion. In some cases, a trench is provided at the base of the protrusion. The cooling fluid causes a vortex to form in the trench, thereby further assisting cooling.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLCInventor: Jonathan M. GREGORY
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Publication number: 20130047619Abstract: An injection nozzle assembly includes a nozzle body having an outer surface and an inner surface that defines a flow passage, and a center body arranged within the nozzle body and extending along the flow passage. The center body includes a first end that extends to a tip portion through an intermediate portion that defines a fluid passage. The intermediate portion includes a first outer dimension and the tip portion includes a second outer dimension that is distinct from the first outer dimension. The center body includes a plurality of grooves that extend axially along the tip portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Gregory Allen Boardman, Kwanwoo Kim, Nishant Govindbhai Parsania
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Publication number: 20130047620Abstract: A method of manufacturing gas and/or fuel swirlers for fuel injectors and combustor domes and cone-shaped swirlers so manufactured are disclosed. The disclosed conical swirlers feature cut-through slots on a cone-shaped body. The contour and spacing of the slots are configured and arranged to accommodate a wide range of requirements for fluid flow areas and swirl strengths. Preferably, the cone-shaped swirlers can be manufactured by wire EDM processing. More preferably, multiple cone-shaped swirlers can be manufactured simultaneously by nesting wirier blanks in a stack and wire EDM processing the stack as a unit. The cone-shaped pinwheel swirler fits well into various fuel injector heads, enabling the injectors to reduce the frontal surface area and flat area for minimal potential of carbon formation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventors: Chien-Pei Mao, John Short
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Publication number: 20130047621Abstract: A combustion chamber, for example for a turbine engine, presenting an inner annular wall, an outer annular wall, and a pierced annular chamber end wall extending around an axis, the chamber end wall including at least one opening receiving a fuel injector, the opening being substantially centered on a circular line defining a first chamber end wall portion extending radially between the circular line and the inner annular wall, and a second chamber end wall portion extending radially between the circular line and the outer annular wall. First and second channels are inclined relative to a normal vector normal to the chamber end wall while extending tangentially, the first channels arranged to provide a flow of air in a first rotary direction, the second channels arranged to provide a flow of air in a second rotary direction opposite to the first rotary direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: TurbomecaInventors: Bernard Joseph Jean-Pierre Carrere, Jean-Marc Dubourdieu-Rayrot, Lorenzo Huacan Hernandez, Robert Serrot-Gracie
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Publication number: 20130047622Abstract: A pulse filtration apparatus of a power plant including an air separation unit (ASU) and a gas turbine engine is provided. The apparatus includes a conduit to transmit fluid from the ASU to a combustor of the gas turbine engine and a tap. The tap includes a first end fluidly coupled to the conduit, a second end opposite the first end and fluidly coupled to components of a filter housing disposed upstream from a compressor of the gas turbine engine and a main member fluidly interposed between the first and second ends. The tap is configured to remove fluid from the conduit and to transmit the removed fluid to the components of the filter housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Rajarshi Saha, Rahul Jaikaran Chillar, Prabhakaran Saraswathi Rajesh
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Publication number: 20130047623Abstract: A buffer air pump provides pressurized cooling air for cooling components of the gas turbine engine. The buffer air pump is supported on and/or within an accessory gearbox and draws bypass air in through an inlet manifold. An impeller supported within a scroll housing pressurizes the incoming bypass air and directs the pressurized air through passages to a component requiring cooling. The buffer air pump draws in relatively cool air from the bypass flow, pressurizes the air with the impeller and sends the air through conduits and passages within the gas turbine engine to the component that requires cooling such as a bearing assembly.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Jorn A. Glahn, Brian D. Merry, Christopher M. Dye
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Publication number: 20130047624Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a spool, a gearbox having gearing driven by the spool, and a lubrication system. The lubrication system includes a first heat exchanger positioned in a first air flow path, a second heat exchanger positioned in a second air flow path, and a lubrication pump fluidically connected to both the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger. A first air fan is driven by the gearbox for inducing air flow through the first air flow path. A second air fan is driven by an electric motor for inducing air flow through the second air flow path.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Jorn A. Glahn, Brian D. Merry, Christopher M. Dye, Nathan Snape, Matthew J. Howlett, Matthew G. Dixon
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Publication number: 20130047625Abstract: An enhanced pulse detonation engine (PDE) system for application in an aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and vertical landing (VTOVL) is described. The PDE system described herein may be installed onto a round vehicle platform whereby many PDE chamber and ejector tube assemblies are mounted with the ejector tubes facing towards a rotating bladed fan which, in certain embodiments, provides VTOVL flight and gyro stabilization. The angle and design of the fan blades are such that when the fan is rotated by exhaust force, the fan pulls fresh air through the aircraft's interior ducting, cooling the assemblies and adding more air mass for lift. Ignition rotation is adjustable (with or opposite fan rotation) to maximize the fan's thrust output. The design of the fan blade angle is optimized to provide low acoustical detection, low exhaust thrust temperature signature, and maximum air pull-through for lift.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: Star Drive Propulsion Systems, LLCInventor: William Donald Eatwell
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Publication number: 20130047626Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a first spool, a first gear system connected to and driven by the first spool, a second spool, and a second gear system connected to and driven by the second spool. A first starter-generator has a first shaft with a switchable coupling connected to the first shaft. The switchable coupling selectively couples the first starter-generator to the first gear system when the switchable coupling is in a first position and selectively couples the first starter-generator to the second gear system when the switchable coupling is in a second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Brian D. Merry, Gabriel L. Suciu
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Publication number: 20130047627Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating an IGCC power plant process having integrated CO2 separation. A process gas containing H2 and CO2 is separated into technically pure hydrogen and a fraction rich in CO2 by means of pressure swing adsorption (PSA), wherein the fraction rich in CO2 is released as PSA offgas by means of a pressure drop. The hydrogen that is generated is burned in at least one gas turbine utilized for generating electrical power, wherein the exhaust gas of the gas turbine is utilized for generating steam in a heat recovery boiler, said steam being expanded in a steam turbine process also utilized for generating electrical power. The PSA offgas is burned in a separate boiler using technically pure oxygen, wherein a smoke gas having a smoke gas temperature of greater than 1000° C. is generated. The smoke gas is utilized for superheating the steam fed into the steam turbine process and/or for generating a more pressurized steam for the steam turbine process.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2010Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventor: Johannes Menzel
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Publication number: 20130047628Abstract: A system for providing hydrogen enriched fuel includes first and second gas turbines. The second gas turbine receives a portion of compressed working fluid from the first gas turbine and produces a reformed fuel, and a fuel skid provides fluid communication between a turbine in the second gas turbine and a combustor in the first gas turbine. A method for providing hydrogen enriched fuel includes diverting a portion of a first compressed working fluid from a first compressor to a second compressor and providing a second compressed working fluid from the second compressor. The method further includes mixing a fuel with the second compressed working fluid in a reformer to produce a reformed fuel, flowing the reformed fuel through a second turbine to cool the reformed fuel, and connecting the second turbine to the second compressor so that the second turbine drives the second compressor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventor: General Electric Company
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Publication number: 20130047629Abstract: An integrated turbomachine plant is provided and includes a combustor a turbomachine operably connected to the combustor and including a compressor and a turbine expander, a pathway to flow compressed air from the compressor through the turbine expander to heat the compressed air, an additional pathway by which high temperature fluids output from the turbomachine are employed to heat the compressed air and an air separation unit operably connected to the pathway and configured to separate the heated compressed air into oxygen and oxygen-depleted air.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Ashok Kumar Anand, John Edward Sholes, Veerappan Muthaiah
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Publication number: 20130047630Abstract: A vapor cycle refrigeration system includes a thermoelectric device (TED) as a sub-cooler to sub-cool liquid refrigerant exiting a condenser to increase cooling capacity of an evaporator and pull down temperature within a refrigerated compartment quickly. The TED sub-cooler is turned off after initial temperature pull down and is not operated during steady state operation for maintenance of the compartment temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: B/E Aerospace, Inc.Inventor: Qiao Lu
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Publication number: 20130047631Abstract: A water dispenser including a water inlet system, a drinking water storage system, a heat-exchange water system, a refrigeration system, a heating system and a water outlet system is provided. The drinking water storage system connects the water inlet system. The refrigeration system connects the drinking water storage system and has a water cooling tank and a first thermoelectric element. The cooling side of the first thermoelectric element contacts the water cooling tank. The heating system connected the drinking water storage system has a low-temperature water heating tank and a second thermoelectric element. A heating side of the second thermoelectric element contacts the low-temperature water heating tank. The heat-exchange system connects the water inlet system, a heating side of the first thermoelectric element and a cooling side of the second thermoelectric element. The water outlet system connects the refrigeration system and the heating system.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Ming-Lang Hung, Jyi-Ching Perng, Ya-Wen Chou, Yi-Ray Chen, Yan-Ching Lee
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Publication number: 20130047632Abstract: A system and a method for liquefaction of gases which are utilized in their liquid state as refrigerants in applications that require low temperatures, throughout various pressure ranges, from slightly above atmospheric pressures to pressures near the critical point. The system and method are based on closed-cycle cryocoolers and utilize the thermodynamic properties of the gas to achieve optimal liquefaction rates.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicants: Consejo Superior De Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC), GWR Instruments, Inc., Universidad De ZaragozaInventors: Conrado Rillo Millán, Leticia Tocado Martínez, Richard C. Reineman, Richard J. Warburton
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Publication number: 20130047633Abstract: Provided is an apparatus and method comprising, an airlock chamber; a cryogenic chamber; an equilibrator positioned between the airlock chamber and the cryogenic chamber that is configured to allow for the passage of a sample along to the cryogenic chamber; and a cooling unit that is thermally coupled to the equilibrator. Collectively, the airlock chamber, equilibrator, and the cryogenic chamber define a travel path. A machine-readable medium, comprising instructions which when executed by a controller causes a sample to be cooled, is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventor: General Electric Company
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Publication number: 20130047634Abstract: A cooling cube assembly for cooling a liquid contained within a beverage container. The cooling cube assembly includes a cooling element containing a cooling solution, and an insertion and extraction filament attached to the cooling element for inserting and extracting the cooling element from the liquid within the beverage. The insertion and extraction filament is an elongated flexible filament connected at a first end to the cooling element and at a second end to a tag for inserting and extracting the cooling element from the liquid within the beverage. The cooling element is inserted into the liquid to be cooled while the tag remains outside of the liquid. The cooling element is extracted from the liquid by pulling on the elongated filament with the tag after the liquid is cooled to a desired temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventors: Cory James Harsh, Kim Marie Block, Robert Eliot Block, Andrew Michael Harsh
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Publication number: 20130047635Abstract: A method is provided for operating a refrigerant recovery, recycling and recharging system having a compressor to recover, recycle, and/or recharge the refrigerant in a closed refrigeration circuit coupled to the system. The method includes compressing refrigerant with the compressor, stopping the compressor, re-starting the compressor, and relieving a pressure differential across the compressor at the time of re-starting the compressor.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventors: Eric I. Shultz, Michael J. Glatfelter, Paris K. Gesese
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Publication number: 20130047636Abstract: A method of filling refrigerant into a refrigeration system by means of a filling system comprising a tank includes the step of pressurizing the tank by means of a conditioning process to a predetermined differential pressure above the saturation pressure of the actual ambient temperature before the refrigerant is filled into the refrigeration system.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventor: Louis CORDING
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Publication number: 20130047637Abstract: A method of operating a filling system, which is configured for transferring a refrigerant to a refrigeration system and comprises a receiver for collecting a refrigerant-air-mixture, comprises the steps of determining the saturation pressure of the refrigerant at the actual environmental conditions; determining the air pressure of the refrigerant-air-mixture within the receiver; and stopping the operation of the filling system and/or issuing an alarm if the air pressure of the refrigerant-air-mixture within the receiver exceeds the saturation pressure of the refrigerant by more than a predetermined margin or if the change of the air pressure within the refrigerant-air-mixture within the receiver over time exceeds a predetermined margin.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventor: Louis CORDING
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Publication number: 20130047638Abstract: An appliance heat pump dryer is provided that has an accelerated refrigerant cycle for providing heat to the articles being dried. The heat source, such as an electrical heating element, provides heat to the evaporator so that the appliance can reach steady state operating conditions more rapidly and thereby reduce the overall cycle operating time. Options can be provided for the user to select whether the drying cycle will be accelerated.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Nicholas Okruch, JR., David Gardner Beers
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Publication number: 20130047639Abstract: A system is provided for capturing energy from heat expelled in an exhaust of an engine of a motor vehicle and storing the captured energy. The system comprises a generator, a condenser, an evaporator, and an absorber. The generator captures heat from the exhaust of the engine and may be configured for circulating a first solution having a solute that is vaporizable by heat captured by the generator. The condenser may be coupled to the generator for receiving vaporized solute and condensing the vaporized solute to a liquid. The evaporator may be coupled to the condenser and have an orifice between the condenser and the evaporator. The evaporator may have a first fluid passage for circulating the solute and a second fluid passage for circulating a second solution. The first and second fluid passages may be configured such that solute running through the first fluid passage is vaporizable by heat absorbed from the second solution running through the second fluid passage, thereby cooling the second solution.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: ENERMOTION INC.Inventors: John Hamilton Stannard, David Robert Gibbs, Christopher Bachalo
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Publication number: 20130047640Abstract: Systems and methods for low voltage detection for a heat pump water heater are disclosed. A current sensor can be used to monitor current supplied to a inductive load, such as a compressor or evaporator fan, of the heat pump water heater. The current sensor can be coupled to a controller which receives and processes information from the current sensor to determine whether a low voltage condition of the heat pump water heater has occurred. An alert can be provided to an installer/user of the heat pump water heater that a low voltage condition has occurred. The controller can also disconnect the heat pump water heater from the power source to prevent damage to the heat pump water heater.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Jonathan Nelson, Craig lung-Pei Tsai, Almir Begovich
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Publication number: 20130047641Abstract: An evaporative cooled condenser unit employs a quiet motor/fan system that pulls air across an evaporative media pad, through a drift eliminator and delivers cool air to a condensing unit of an air conditioner thereby increasing the operating efficiency of the air conditioner. A condenser enclosure into which the cool air is delivered is adjustable for various sizes of condenser units and contains a plurality of barometric dampers to provide failsafe operation and provide for external air flow to the condenser during heat pump operation or when the auxiliary cooling module is disabled.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: PHOENIX MANUFACTURING INC.Inventors: Donald I. Townsend, Lawrence R. Chavez, Gary Stephen Jouas
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Publication number: 20130047642Abstract: A system for filtering inlet air of an air conditioner air handler, and method of filtering inlet air without a conventional filter, said system is a structure comprising: an air inlet, an air directing structure, a water chamber, positioned within an internal cavity, a structure for directing condensate from an air handler into said water chamber, a drain positioned to impart a maximum water level of water accumulated in said first water chamber; a second air directing structure configured to direct air from said first internal cavity towards an outlet that is affixed to the inlet of an air conditioner air handler.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventor: Nivaldo Cerdan
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Publication number: 20130047643Abstract: Demand Flow operates chilled water plants at substantially improved efficiency, regardless of plant load conditions. In general, Demand Flow utilizes an operating strategy which controls chilled and condenser water pumping according to a constant Delta T line, which is typically near or at design Delta T. This reduces or eliminates Low Delta T Syndrome and reduces energy usage by chilled and condenser water pumps for given load conditions. Operation of chilled water pumps in this manner creates a synergy which generally balances flow rates throughout the plant, reducing undesirable bypass mixing and energy usage at air handler fans and other components of the chilled water plant. At plant chillers, application of Demand Flow increases the refrigeration effect through refrigerant sub-cooling and superheating, while preventing stacking. Demand Flow includes a critical zone reset feature which allows the constant Delta T line to be reset to adjust to changing load conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: Siemens Industry, Inc.Inventor: Robert Higgins
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Publication number: 20130047644Abstract: This patent covers the any use of vetiver roots material to provide shade, cooling and humidifying effect to any indoor or outdoor area. The use of vetiver root material could be in form of a mat, carpet or rug, however, not limited to them in their use to provide cooling and humidifying effect. A wet or dry mat using vetiver roots is placed in path of any natural or forced air to cool the air that is passing through. The air may be naturally flowing or forced via fan through the mat to provide cooling effect as well as cleaning effect. The patent also covers the use of water with the vetiver mat to provide additional cooling and humidity. The solution significantly reduces energy consumption.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventors: Viken Shah, Manish Shah, Pinku Shah
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Publication number: 20130047645Abstract: An ice making apparatus of a refrigerator and a method for assembling such an ice making apparatus are provided. The ice making apparatus may include an ice tray, a sensor installed on a lower portion of the ice tray, a sensor wire connecting the sensor to a controller of the refrigerator, a driver provided at a first end of the ice tray, a driving shaft provided at the first end of the ice tray, a support device provided at a second end of the ice tray, and a support shaft provided at the second end of the ice tray and inserted into a rotational shaft hole of the support device, the support shaft having a through hole allowing the sensor wire to pass therethrough.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 24, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventor: Bumseup KIM
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Publication number: 20130047646Abstract: A merchandise display system including one or more display units is described. The merchandise display system may include a base unit having a refrigeration unit that cools one or more display units. The refrigeration unit may be removable from the base unit. The one or more display units may attach to another display unit or a base unit. The display units may be stackable on top of one another. The display units may also be configured to attach to the base unit. The one or more display units may include one or more doors, which allow access to display units. The display units may include a C-shaped panel that forms the side walls and back wall of each of the display units.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 25, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: PEPSICO, INC.Inventor: PEPSICO, INC.
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Publication number: 20130047647Abstract: A temperature regulation device includes a temperature regulator. The temperature regulator includes a current adjusting circuit, a refrigerator, and a transmission component. A temperature of the refrigerator is varied due to the adjustable current, and, via the transmission component, to thereby test the temperature-sensing integrity of an object such as a temperature sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTDInventor: ZI-YU ZHAN
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Publication number: 20130047648Abstract: An air conditioning system for use in an over-the-road or off road vehicle is provided that provides a method of operation during both engine on and engine off conditions. The method operates the air conditioning system at one capacity when the engine is running, and at a second capacity when the engine is not running. The selection of these capacities is based on the power capacity of the source of electric power from which the air conditioning system is operated. When a storage battery is used to power the air conditioning system during engine off conditions, the second capacity is lower than the capacity at which the system is operated when the engine is running.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventors: Terry Zeigler, Eric Elias
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Publication number: 20130047649Abstract: A cooling unit constructed in accordance with one example of the present disclosure includes an outer shell that defines an interior volume. A cooling system cools the interior volume. A temperature sensor senses a temperature within the interior volume. A heating element is disposed within the interior volume. A controller communicates with the temperature sensor and the heating element and activates the heating element based on the temperature satisfying a threshold.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventors: Pieter Dirk Berkhout, Joost Moelands
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Publication number: 20130047650Abstract: A system for controlling the temperature of a rack includes a connecting plenum configured to receive incoming cooling air from outside a rack for cooling the rack; a front plenum connected to the connecting plenum and configured to receive cooling air from the connecting plenum and deliver the cooling air to the rack, the cooling air being warmed by powered electrical components as it passes through the rack; at least one ventilator for recycling warmed cooling air from the rack back to the connecting plenum to be mixed with incoming cooling air; a sensor for sensing temperature of air in the rack; and a controller for controlling the at least one ventilator based at least on the sensed temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventor: David L. Moss
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Publication number: 20130047651Abstract: An air-conditioning system for vehicle temperature control incorporates a thermostat having contacts, and a circulation contour, including a condenser, an expansion valve essentially connected with the condenser, an evaporator connected sequentially with the expansion valve, a first tee splitter connected to a common line, a second tee splitter connected to the condenser, a main compressor connected with the first tee splitter and with the second tee splitter, a supplemental compressor connected with the first tee splitter and the second tee splitter. The supplemental compressor is operatively controlled by the thermostat and powered by a supplemental battery. In embodiments, the supplemental compressor is electrically connected with the supplemental battery and operatively controlled by a control circuitry including a power relay, an air-condition relay, and the contacts of thermostat. The proposed system reduces pollutions and saves energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventors: Vladlen Futernik, Boris Futernik
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Publication number: 20130047652Abstract: A refrigerator is disclosed herein. The refrigerator may include a compressor to compress a refrigerant, a condenser to condense the refrigerant passed through the compressor, a capillary tube that lowers a temperature and pressure of the refrigerant passed through the condenser, an evaporator to evaporate the refrigerant passed through the capillary tube, a thermal storage device for auxiliary cooling that undergoes heat exchange with the refrigerant to store thermal energy, an energy management device that receives electric rate information, and a controller configured to control the compressor based on the electric rate information received at the energy management device. The controller may control an operation of the thermal storage device to provide auxiliary cooling for the refrigerator when the compressor is not operational or when electric rates are relatively high.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventors: Taehee LEE, Sangbong Lee, Seokjun Yun, Younghoon Yun, Ilhyeon Jo
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Publication number: 20130047653Abstract: A space-saving, high-density modular data pod system and an energy-efficient cooling system are disclosed. The modular data pod system includes a central free-cooling system and a plurality of modular data pods, each of which includes a heat exchange assembly coupled to the central free-cooling system, and a distributed mechanical cooling system coupled to the heat exchange assembly. The modular data pods include a data enclosure having at least five walls arranged in the shape of a polygon, a plurality of computer racks arranged in a circular or U-shaped pattern, and a cover to create hot and cold aisles, and an air circulator configured to continuously circulate air between the hot and cold aisles. Each modular data pod also includes an auxiliary enclosure containing a common fluid and electrical circuit section that is configured to connect to adjacent common fluid and electrical circuit sections to form a common fluid and electrical circuit that connects to the central free-cooling system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventors: Earl Keisling, John Costakis, Gerald McDonnell
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Publication number: 20130047654Abstract: According to a heat pump hot water apparatus of the invention, the hot water tank 7 is disposed on one side of the casing 50, the antifreeze liquid circulating means 41 and the heat pump circuit are disposed on the other side of the casing 50, and the water/refrigerant heat exchanger 2 is disposed at a location higher than the compressor 1. According to this configuration, the heat pump circuit and the hot water tank circuit are accommodated in one casing 50, stability and noise-reduction effect can be realized when the heat pump hot water apparatus is installed, and the casing 50 can be made smaller in size by enhancing layout balance of functional parts in the casing 50.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventors: Toshikatsu Fukunaga, Shigeo Aoyama, Yasuhiko Isayama
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Publication number: 20130047655Abstract: An atmospheric water generator and system for condensing and collecting moisture contained in the air serves to cool and dehumidify the air. The collected water is purified and can be dispensed at hot or cold temperatures, on demand. In alternative embodiments, the system can be used in a multi-zone application or to provide cooled air and water to a building. An embodiment primarily for use as an air conditioning unit is also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2010Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: AWG International, Inc.Inventor: Keith White
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Publication number: 20130047656Abstract: A refrigerator having an enhanced exterior appearance by eliminating a kick plate and by disposing a water supply pipe at the bottom surface of an outer case. A lower hinge module of a refrigerator includes a body hinge bracket having one portion fixed to the lower surface of the outer case and the remaining portion disposed at the lower portion of the door for supporting the door, a hinge shaft which is protruded from the body hinge bracket and coupled at the lower surface of the door for the door to be capable of rotating and at which a central hole formed for the water supply pipe to pass through, a support member coupled to the lower portion of the body hinge bracket and supported by the bottom surface outside, and a guide unit which is provided along the outer side of the support member.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Byeong Kook KANG, Sang Gyu Jung, Sung Cheul Park
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Publication number: 20130047657Abstract: A reconfigurable vent system in fluid communication with an air chiller to deliver chill air to one or more galley food and beverage storage compartments in parallel is reconfigurable to operate in either of an air-through or an air-over orientation. The reconfigurable vent system comprises a vent in fluid communication with the air chiller via a duct and configured to provide the chill air to the one or more galley food and beverage storage compartments. The vent directs the chill air substantially toward the interior of the one or more galley food and beverage storage compartments in the air-through orientation at a first angle, and the vent directs the chill air substantially around the one or more galley food and beverage storage compartments in the air-over orientation at a second angle different from the first angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 30, 2012Publication date: February 28, 2013Applicant: B/E AEROSPACE, INC.Inventors: Ian Oswald, Qiao Lu, Steven Whisler
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Publication number: 20130047658Abstract: A refrigeration cabinet has an insulated body comprising a rectangular base with an upstanding front wall, rear wall and end walls interconnecting the front wall and rear wall. The body forms an open-topped product chamber. A clear glass or clear plastics lid is mounted by hinges at a top of the rear wall to close the product chamber whilst at the same time allow customers to view chilled or frozen merchandise on display within the product chamber. At one end of the body a refrigeration unit is provided for generating a climate control cold air stream for circulation through the product chamber in order to maintain the merchandise in the product chamber in a chilled or frozen condition as required.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2011Publication date: February 28, 2013Inventor: Eoin Lennon