Patents Issued in July 31, 2014
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Publication number: 20140208725Abstract: A heat exchanger (18) is provided for an internal combustion engine (1) for heat transfer between a gas stream (8) and a working medium stream (10). The heat exchanger (18) comprises a housing (28), which encloses a gas path (38), and with at least one spiral tube (29), which carries a working medium path (30) and which is arranged in the gas path (38) and which extends helically in relation to the central longitudinal axis (31) of the housing (28). Increased fatigue strength is achieved with an elastic outer mounting layer (32). The elastic outer mounting layer (32) is arranged between the housing (28) and the at least one spiral tube (29).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: Eberspächer Exhaust Technology GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Jürgen SCHWEIZER, Gerd GAISER, Markus BIRGLER, Matthias FEUERBACH, Christof KLINGLER, Dimitri PENNER, Wolfgang KLEIN
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Publication number: 20140208726Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a cylinder block defining at least one cylinder, and a cylinder head coupled to the cylinder block. An exhaust manifold is coupled to the cylinder head and configured to receive exhaust gas from the cylinder head. The exhaust manifold includes a water jacket tube defining a plurality of liquid coolant passages and an exhaust tube received within the water jacket tube. The exhaust manifold also includes an air gap between the exhaust tube and the water jacket tube. A support mat is positioned in the air gap and compressed between an outer surface of the exhaust tube and an inner surface of the water jacket tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.Inventors: MD Anwarul Karim, Robert A. Sarsfield, Daniel Richard Barb
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Publication number: 20140208727Abstract: A partially integrated manifold assembly is disclosed which improves performance, reduces cost and provides efficient packaging of engine components. The partially integrated manifold assembly includes a first leg extending from a first port and terminating at a mounting flange for an exhaust gas control valve. Multiple additional legs (depending on the total number of cylinders) are integrally formed with the cylinder head assembly and extend from the ports of the associated cylinder and terminate at an exit port flange. These additional legs are longer than the first leg such that the exit port flange is spaced apart from the mounting flange. This configuration provides increased packaging space adjacent the first leg for any valving that may be required to control the direction and destination of exhaust flow in recirculation to an EGR valve or downstream to a catalytic converter.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLCInventors: Alan W. HAYMAN, Rodney E. BAKER
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Publication number: 20140208728Abstract: A hydraulic control system includes a swing control valve between a pump and a swing motor to control flow to/from the swing motor, and a selector valve between an accumulator and the swing motor to regulate fluid flow. A controller is configured to receive inputs indicative of the pressure differential between the accumulator and conduit between the pump and swing motor, and a swing motor command, calculate a target swing motor flow based on the swing motor command input, and modulate operation of the swing control valve and the selector valve to regulate a swing speed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: CATERPILLAR INC.Inventors: Pengfei Ma, Victor Wen, Jiao Zhang, Dayao Chen, Tonglin Shang, Aleksandar M. Egelja
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Publication number: 20140208729Abstract: A downhole control system for actuating hydraulically controlled devices positioned in a well. The system includes a first set of N hydraulically controlled devices positioned in the well and a second set of at least one hydraulically controlled device positioned in the well. A common control line is ported to a first side of each of the hydraulically controlled devices in the first set. N control lines are each ported to a second side of one of the hydraulically controlled devices in the first set. A first control line of the N control lines is ported to a first side of a first hydraulically controlled device of the second set and a second control line of the N control lines is ported to a second side of the first hydraulically controlled device of the second set, such that N+1 control lines are operable to actuate N+1 hydraulically controlled devices.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.Inventors: Joel David Shaw, Michael Robert Konopczynski, Paul R. Terry, Timothy R. Tips
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Publication number: 20140208730Abstract: A compressed air energy storage system integrated with a source of secondary heat, such as a simple cycle gas turbine, to increase power production and to provide power regulation through the use of stored compressed air heated by said secondary heat to provide power augmentation.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2012Publication date: July 31, 2014Inventor: Robert J Kraft
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Publication number: 20140208731Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a soft robot is provided. In one system, a robotic device includes a flexible body having a fluid chamber, where a portion of the flexible body includes an elastically extensible material and a portion of the flexible body is strain limiting relative to the elastically extensible material. The robotic device can further include a pressurizing inlet in fluid communication with the fluid chamber, and a pressurizing device in fluid communication with the pressurizing inlet, the pressurizing device including a reaction chamber configured to accommodate a gas-producing chemical reaction for providing pressurized gas to the pressurizing inlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: President and Fellows of Harvard CollegeInventors: Robert F. SHEPHERD, Adam STOKES, Stephen A. MORIN, Ludovico CADEMARTIRI, Jacob FREAKE, Rui NUNES, Xin CHEN, George M. WHITESIDES
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Publication number: 20140208732Abstract: A direct-fired plunger hydraulic pump, comprising a combustor (1), a high-temperature heat exchanger (2), a steam chamber (3), at least one cylinder plunger mechanism (10), a steam refrigerator (15) and a control system, wherein the high-temperature heat exchanger (2) is connected with the combustor (1) through a pipe; the steam chamber (3) is a sealed container, in which a water nozzle (4) is arranged above the high-temperature heat exchanger (2); the cylinder plunger mechanism (10) is mounted above the steam chamber (3) and mainly consists of a cylinder (20) and a plunger (21); a piston of the cylinder (20) is connected with a piston of the plunger (21) through a mandril (30) with a reset mechanism; an inlet valve (22) communicated with the steam chamber (3) is provided at the bottom end of the cylinder (20), and an exhaust valve (23) is provided on a side wall of the cylinder (20); an oil outlet and an oil inlet are provided at the top end of the plunger (21); the exhaust valve (23) is connected with the sType: ApplicationFiled: December 2, 2011Publication date: July 31, 2014Inventor: Zhongsheng Tang
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Publication number: 20140208733Abstract: A variable displacement hydrostatic power unit (7) is connected with an internal combustion engine (2). The power unit (7) operates as a pump to deliver hydraulic fluid to at least one consumer (V) and operates as a motor as a hydraulic starter for the internal combustion engine (2). Hydraulic fluid from a hydraulic accumulator (25) is supplied to the power unit (7) operated as a motor. The power unit (7) includes a spring device (55) which, when the internal combustion engine (2) is shut off, actuates a displacement volume control device (50) into a position with the maximum displacement volume. When the power unit (7) is actuated with hydraulic fluid from the hydraulic accumulator (25), the internal combustion engine (7) is immediately started by the power unit (7) without the need for an immediately preceding adjustment of the displacement volume control device (50) of the power unit (7).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: Linde Hydraulics GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Lukas Krittian, Martin Steigerwald, Martin Oberhausser, Alfred Langen
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Publication number: 20140208734Abstract: Provided is a load sensing system for controlling a discharge pressure of the hydraulic pump so as to render a differential pressure obtained by subtracting a maximum load pressure among the hydraulic actuators from a discharge pressure of the hydraulic pump to be a constant pressure, and there are provided: a first load pressure flow passage which introduces load pressures of the hydraulic actuators to be outputted to a PLS transmission line which transmits the maximum load pressure among the hydraulic actuators at the time of activating the hydraulic actuators; and a second load pressure flow passage which is a flow path for introducing the load pressures of the hydraulic actuators to be outputted to the PLS transmission line during operation after activations of the hydraulic actuators, and wherein a flow rate of the pressure oil therein is reduced than that in the first load pressure flow passage.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2012Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: KUBOTA CORPORATIONInventor: Hiroshi Horii
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Publication number: 20140208735Abstract: A fluid controller comprising a housing separating an interior of the housing from an inflatable bladder is disclosed, the fluid controller including a plurality of valves fluidly coupling the interior of the housing to the inflatable bladder through a respective opening in the housing, a pump located at least partly within an interior of the housing, wherein the plurality of valves and respective orifices are configured to provide a fluid path between the interior of the housing and the inflatable bladder during inflation of the inflatable bladder, and wherein a valve and respective orifice is biased open to provide a fluid path between the interior of the housing and the inflatable bladder for fluid release.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Inventor: Robert B. Chaffee
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Publication number: 20140208736Abstract: A device which utilizes buoyancy and draws all or a majority of the energy required to make it function from gravity and is able to convert more of that energy into usable force than is required to operate the deviceType: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Inventor: Marshall Anlauf Thompson
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Publication number: 20140208737Abstract: A brake booster for a vehicle, including: a cylinder housing having a center bore for receiving a user-operated push-rod piston for building up a fluid pressure inside of the cylinder housing in response to actuation of the push-rod piston, a first fluid line being in fluid communication with an axial recess in the cylinder housing, and a second fluid line being in fluid communication with the center bore in a cylinder housing region, the first and second fluid lines each being connected to a fluid reservoir at their respective other ends; a third fluid line, which interconnects the first and second fluid lines in a fluid manner; a first electrically and/or hydraulically and/or mechanically operable valve, which is situated in the third fluid line; a second electrically and/or hydraulically and/or mechanically operable valve, which is situated in the second fluid line, namely, in back of a fluid connection of the third fluid line to the second fluid line, when viewed in the direction of the fluid reservoir; aType: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventors: Urs BAUER, Matthias KISTNER
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Publication number: 20140208738Abstract: An engine protection system and methods for preventing intake condensation are disclosed. In a system and various of the methods, an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve is positioned within an EGR passage fluidly connecting an engine exhaust stream and an engine intake stream, while a waste heat recovery (WHR) system is used to recover heat from the EGR stream. An engine control unit (ECU) is coupled to various sensors and valves to divert working fluid from the WHR system from cooling the EGR exhaust flow below a level which favors production of condensation in the engine intake system. The ECU operates to divert working fluid flow when sensors indicate characteristics of either the exhaust flow or the intake stream which might lead to heavy condensation. A three-way valve is also used to divert the working fluid to a variable expansion valve fluidly coupled to the three-way valve in response to a signal from one of the sensors to prevent damage to the system turbine.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2011Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: International Engine Intellectual Property Company, LLCInventor: Deokkyu Park
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Publication number: 20140208739Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for adjusting a flow of exhaust gas in an exhaust gas recirculation system. In one embodiment, a method for an engine comprises controlling a flow of exhaust gas through an exhaust gas recirculation system of an engine system based on a choke level of a turbocharger. For example, the flow of exhaust gas in the exhaust gas recirculation system may be reduced to within a threshold of a choke level of the turbocharger, in response to an ambient condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: James Robert Mischler, Luke Henry, Greg Thomas Polkus
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Publication number: 20140208740Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for removing fluid from a turbocharger turbine. In one example, a turbocharger comprises a turbine including a casing housing a rotor, a drain passage coupled to the casing, and an air jet coupled to the drain passage, the air jet supplying intake air from a high-pressure compressor outlet to the drain passage.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Matthew John MALONE, Harsha VARDHANA
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Publication number: 20140208741Abstract: A turbocharger is disclosed for use with an engine. The turbocharger may include a housing at least partially defining a compressor shroud and a turbine shroud. The turbine shroud may form a volute having an inlet configured to receive exhaust from an exhaust manifold of the engine in a tangential direction. The volute may also include an axial channel disposed downstream of the inlet. The turbocharger may also include a turbine wheel disposed within the turbine shroud that may be configured to receive exhaust from the axial channel. The turbocharger may also include a compressor wheel disposed within the compressor shroud, and a shaft connecting the turbine wheel to the compressor wheel. The turbocharger may also include a nozzle ring disposed within the axial channel at a location upstream of the turbine wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.Inventors: Gary Robert Svihla, Joshua Schueler, Shakeel Nasir, Keith Moravec
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Publication number: 20140208742Abstract: An engine system is disclosed for use with an engine having at least a first cylinder and a second cylinder. The engine system may have a first exhaust manifold fluidly connected to the first cylinder, a second exhaust manifold fluidly connected to the second cylinder, and a recirculation passage extending from the first exhaust manifold to at least one of the first and second cylinders. The engine system may also have a restricted orifice connecting the first exhaust manifold to the second exhaust manifold, a pressure relief passage extending from the first exhaust manifold, and a valve disposed within the pressure relief passage and movable to selectively reduce a back pressure of the first exhaust manifold.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.Inventors: Deep BANDYOPADHYAY, Keith E. MORAVEC, Michael B. GOETZKE
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Publication number: 20140208743Abstract: In response to activation of a compression release brake when a motor vehicle having a turbocharged internal combustion engine is operating at some elevation above sea level and a turbocharger compressor is operating in a region of an operating map which is creating boost air in an engine intake manifold which would cause the compression release brake to decelerate the vehicle more slowly at that elevation than it would at sea level for the same operating conditions of the vehicle and engine other than altitude, the compression release brake decelerates the vehicle less slowly by causing an exhaust gas recirculation system to reduce at least one of a) mass of exhaust diverted to an intake system of the engine and b) cooling of the diverted exhaust.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 25, 2011Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: International Engine Intellectual Property CompanyInventors: Luis Carlos Cattani, John Zagone, Bashar Y. Melhem, Paul Gottemoller, Michael D. Bartkowicz
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Publication number: 20140208744Abstract: A mixing device of an EGR apparatus has a double pipe structure being composed of a first cylindrical member and a second cylindrical member, wherein the first and second cylindrical members are coaxially arranged with each other. Cyclone blades are provided between the first and second cylindrical members, so that EGR gas introduced from an inlet portion into an inside of the first cylindrical member flows along an cylindrical inner wall of the first cylindrical member. A swirl flow is generated in the EGR gas passing through the cyclone blades, so that the EGR gas spirally flows in a downstream side to remove foreign material, such as flocculated water from the EGR gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: DENSO CORPORATIONInventor: Kiyoshi OOSHIMA
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Publication number: 20140208745Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of controlling an engine. The method includes manipulating a combustion air bypass valve between an open position and a closed position to create a negative pressure differential across a supercharger. The negative pressure differential is converted into a torque by the supercharger and transmitted from the supercharger back to the engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Inventors: Christopher Suhocki, Michael J. Silar, Robert P. Benjey, William N. Eybergen, Vasillos Tsourapas, Martin D. Pryor, Daniel R. Ouwenga
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Publication number: 20140208746Abstract: A steam or vapour condensing system (10) for use with radiant solar energy collecting apparatus (17) of the type having solar energy concentrators (20) and in which steam or vapour is generated for supply to a load such as to a steam turbine, the system (10) using the solar energy concentrators (20) to directly or indirectly radiate heat energy of exhaust steam or vapour from the load. The collecting apparatus (17) may float on a body of liquid (19) and heat energy of the exhaust steam or vapour is transferred to the body of liquid for example by being passed through a duct (23) in the body of liquid (19) and heat energy transferred to the body of liquid (19) is radiated by the concentrators (20).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 5, 2012Publication date: July 31, 2014Inventor: Allan James Yeomans
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Publication number: 20140208747Abstract: A steam circuit is defined in a multi-section single shaft turbine. A hot reheat steam is input to a section of the multi-section turbine. A first flow path flows the hot reheat steam from an upstream side through the section of the multi-section turbine to a downstream side to create work. A second flow path directs a portion of the flow back toward the upstream side in the section of the multi-section turbine between an outer shell and an inner shell of the turbine. The effective shell cooling provides for increased main and reheat steam temperatures to improve performance. The system reduces the extraction steam flow required to meet the design final feedwater temperatures and allows more steam to expand through the low pressure section.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventor: Akshay Arvind Datye
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Publication number: 20140208748Abstract: A system and a method for controlling operation of a power plant system. The system has at least a gasifier, a boiler, an induced draft fan, and a baghouse. A controller in communication with the system is configured to implement a first stage and/or a second stage sequences after detecting loss of flame in the boiler using a temperature measurement device. The method includes automatically bypassing the baghouse and controlled (e.g., decreasing) the speed of the induced draft fan in the system to relight the boiler. The input feed to the gasifier can be limited and devices operated for a predetermined amount of time before reigniting the boiler.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: MIDDLEBURY COLLEGEInventor: Michael William Moser
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Publication number: 20140208749Abstract: According to one embodiment, a carbon-dioxide-recovery-type steam power generation system comprises a boiler that produces steam and generates an exhaust gas, a first turbine that is rotationally driven by the steam, an absorption tower allows carbon dioxide contained in the exhaust gas to be absorbed into an absorption liquid, a regeneration tower that discharges the carbon dioxide gas from the absorption liquid supplied from the absorption tower, a condenser that removes moisture from the carbon dioxide gas, discharged from the regeneration tower, by condensing the carbon dioxide gas using cooling water, a compressor that compresses the carbon dioxide gas from which the moisture is removed by the condenser, and a second turbine that drives the compressor. The steam produced by the cooling water recovering the heat from the carbon dioxide gas in the condenser is supplied to the first turbine or the second turbine.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventors: Yuya MURAKAMI, Nobuo OKITA, Takeo TAKAHASHI, Mikio TAKAYANAGI, Takeo SUGA, Takeshi SASANUMA, Toshihisa KIYOKUNI, Hideo KITAMURA
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Publication number: 20140208750Abstract: Provided herein are heat engine systems and methods for starting such systems and generating electricity while avoiding damage to one or more system components. A provided heat engine system maintains a working fluid (e.g., sc-CO2) within the low pressure side of a working fluid circuit in a liquid-type state, such as a supercritical state, during a startup procedure. Additionally, a bypass system is provided for routing the working fluid around one or more heat exchangers during startup to avoid overheating of system components.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Inventors: Michael Louis Vermeersch, Brett A. Bowan, Swapnil Khairnar
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Publication number: 20140208751Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a heat engine system, a method for generating electricity, and an algorithm for controlling the heat engine system which are configured to efficiently transform thermal energy of a waste heat stream into electricity. In one embodiment, the heat engine system utilizes a working fluid (e.g., sc-CO2) within a working fluid circuit for absorbing the thermal energy that is transformed to mechanical energy by a turbine and electrical energy by a generator. The heat engine system further contains a control system operatively connected to the working fluid circuit and enabled to monitor and control parameters of the heat engine system by manipulating a power turbine throttle valve to adjust the flow of the working fluid. A control algorithm containing multiple system controllers may be utilized by the control system to adjust the power turbine throttle valve while maximizing efficiency of the heat engine system.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Inventor: Brett A. Bowan
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Publication number: 20140208752Abstract: Method and apparatus for operating a combined heat and power system with greater flexibility, reliability, control and stability, for providing operational flexibility and energy efficiency in operating a combined heat and power plant which includes a backpressure steam engine that expands a high temperature heat source of a thermodynamic fluid to generate mechanical power and discharge its spent heat for a beneficial use comprises a vessel subsystem for the spent heat, said vessel subsystem including: at least one main indirect heat exchange device or vessel (7) in heat exchange communication between its primary space (10) and its secondary space (11). The present invention also discloses the use of a method and apparatus to operate a combined heat and power system.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2012Publication date: July 31, 2014Inventor: Krishna Moorthy Palanisamy
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Publication number: 20140208753Abstract: A power plant includes a boiler, a steam turbine, a generator driven by that steam turbine, a condenser, a post combustion processing system and an energy storage system including at least one electrochemical cell to store excess electrical energy generated by the generator during period valley demand and release thermal energy for power plant operations at other times.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: University of Kentucky Research FoundationInventors: Kunlei Liu, James Kyle Neathery, Joseph Eugene Remias, Cameron Anthony Lippert, Nick Edward Holubowitch
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Publication number: 20140208754Abstract: A Rankine cycle includes an waste-heat recovery device that is configured to exchange heat between cooling water coming out from an engine and exhaust gas exhausted from the engine, a heat exchanger including an evaporator through which the cooling water coming out from the engine flows to recover waste-heat of the engine to refrigerant, and a superheater through which the cooling water coming out from the waste-heat recovery device flows to recover the waste-heat of the engine to the refrigerant, an expander that is configured to generate power using the refrigerant coming out from the heat exchanger, a condenser that is configured to condense the refrigerant coming out from the expander, and a refrigerant pump that is configured to supply the refrigerant coming out from the condenser to the heat exchanger by being driven by the expander. The cooling water coming out from the superheater is returned to the engine after being joined with the cooling water coming out from the evaporator.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2012Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroyuki Nagai, Tomohiko Saitou, Takayuki Ishikawa, Shinichiro Mizoguchi
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Publication number: 20140208755Abstract: A method and system for measuring a mass flow rate in a portion of a flow path in an inlet duct of a gas turbine engine is provided. The system includes a sensor assembly attached to the inlet duct. The sensor assembly includes a tube with a longitudinal axis disposed in a substantially laminar flow region of the inlet duct, and a flow conditioner disposed in the tube. A hot wire sensor disposed in the tube is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: General Electric CompanyInventors: Sanji Ekanayake, Alston Ilford Scipio, Rex Allen Morgan, Sascha Schieke, Thomas C. Billheimer
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Publication number: 20140208756Abstract: A novel and improved system for cooling and reducing combustion noise in a gas turbine combustor is disclosed. The system includes a flow sleeve for a gas turbine combustor comprising a tubular portion and a conical portion, with a plurality of flow straighteners extending radially inward and between the tubular and conical portions and a plurality of rows of cooling holes extending about the flow sleeve, and an aft ring secured to the outlet end of the conical portion, where the aft ring includes an overlapping piston ring that is able to expand or contract in diameter. A combustion liner extends through the flow sleeve and engages an inlet of a transition duct while the piston ring of the flow sleeve also engages the transition duct to form a seal.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: Alstom Technology Ltd.Inventors: Daniel J. Sullivan, Peter John Stuttaford, Tim Hui, David E. Schlamp
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Publication number: 20140208757Abstract: A fuel injector for use in a gas turbine engine combustor assembly. The fuel injector includes a main body and a fuel supply structure. The main body has an inlet end and an outlet end and defines a longitudinal axis extending between the outlet and inlet ends. The main body comprises a plurality of air/fuel passages extending therethrough, each air/fuel passage including an inlet that receives air from a source of air and an outlet. The fuel supply structure communicates with and supplies fuel to the air/fuel passages for providing an air/fuel mixture within each air/fuel passage. The air/fuel mixtures exit the main body through respective air/fuel passage outlets.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Inventors: Timothy Fox, Reinhard Schilp, Domenico Gambacorta
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Publication number: 20140208758Abstract: A gas turbine may include turbine blades configured to improve stream adhesion by selectively attracting or reducing repulsion of charged particles carried by a combustion gas stream.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 26, 2012Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: CLEARSIGN COMBUSTION CORPORATIONInventor: CLEARSIGN COMBUSTION CORPORATION
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Publication number: 20140208759Abstract: A lubrication system for a heavy duty gas turbine includes a bearing lubrication assembly coupled to the bearing and an oil and vapor extraction assembly disposed in a cavity defined by a bell mouth hood in an air inlet duct. A high volume vacuum blower is coupled to the oil and vapor extraction assembly to provide a relative negative pressure. An oil and vapor separator is disposed downstream from the high volume vacuum blower. The lubrication system also includes a control subsystem that maintains a cavity pressure lower than an air inlet pressure.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Sanji Ekanayake, Alston Ilford Scipio
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Publication number: 20140208760Abstract: A gas turbine engine with a transmission having a first rotatable member coupled to an engine spool, a second rotatable member coupled to a compressor rotor, and coupled rotatable members defining at least first and second alternate transmission paths between the first and second members. Each transmission path defines a different fixed transmission ratio of a rotational speed of the second member on a rotational speed of the first member.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.Inventors: Jean DUBREUIL, Stephen KENNY
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Publication number: 20140208761Abstract: Bi-directional nacelle ventilation and cooling systems for use with aircraft and related methods are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a passageway to fluidly couple an opening formed in a nacelle of an aircraft engine and an engine compartment of the nacelle. The opening provides an inlet into the engine compartment when passive airflow is available to vent or cool the engine compartment and the opening to provide an outlet from the engine compartment when forced air is needed to vent or cool the engine compartment. A fan is positioned in the passageway to provide the forced air when the passive air is unavailable.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANYInventor: THE BOEING COMPANY
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Publication number: 20140208762Abstract: A system and method for washing a gas turbine engine. The method for washing the gas turbine engine includes coupling a pressurized air supply assembly to an air supply and to a secondary air system, cranking a compressor rotor assembly of the gas turbine engine, supplying pressurized offline buffer air from the air supply to the pressurized air supply assembly, and spraying a cleaner into the compressor.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: Solar Turbines IncorporatedInventor: John Frederick Lockyer
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Publication number: 20140208763Abstract: An annular wall for a combustion chamber of a turbomachine. The wall presents a hot side and a cold side and includes at least one primary hole for enabling a first flow of air flowing on the cold side of the wall to penetrate to the hot side of the wall to feed combustion of fuel inside the combustion chamber, and together with a plurality of cooling holes, each having a diameter no greater than 1 mm, to enable a second flow of air flowing on the cold side of the wall to penetrate to the hot side of the wall to cool the hot side of the wall. The plurality of cooling holes can also dilute combustion gas resulting from the combustion by using the flow of air penetrating to the hot side of the wall through the cooling holes.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 22, 2012Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: TURBOMECAInventors: Nicolas Savary, Claude Berat, Guy Grienche, Patrick Berteau, Hubert Pascal Verdier
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Publication number: 20140208764Abstract: A method and system for measuring a flow profile in a portion of a flow path in a turbine engine is provided. The system includes a mass flow sensor assembly having a plurality of hot wire mass flow sensors, the mass flow sensor assembly disposed in the portion of the flow path at a location where the flow profile is to be measured. The system also includes a controller that converts signals from the temperature sensor, the pressure sensor and the plurality of hot wire mass flow sensors to flow profile measurements.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Sanji Ekanayake, Thomas C. Billheimer, Douglas Corbin Warwick, Alston Ilford Scipio, Dale J. Davis, Jason Nathaniel Cook, Vahid Vaezi
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Publication number: 20140208765Abstract: A system and method for supercharging a combined cycle system includes a forced draft fan providing a variable air flow. At least a first portion of the air flow is directed to a compressor and a second portion of the airflow is diverted to a heat recovery steam generator. A control system controls the airflows provided to the compressor and the heat recovery steam generator. The system allows a combined cycle system to be operated at a desired operating state, balancing cycle efficiency and component life, by controlling the flow of air from the forced draft fan to the compressor and the heat recovery steam generator.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Sanji Ekanayake, Alston Ilford Scipio, Steven Hartman, Dale J. Davis
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Publication number: 20140208766Abstract: A method of operating a fuel heating system is provided. The method includes performing pre-ignition diagnostic checks on a plurality of components of the fuel heating system, wherein at least one inlet damper and at least one outlet damper of an exhaust flow circuit are each in a closed position. The method also includes purging the fuel heating system of unburned hydrocarbons. The method further includes operating the fuel heating system in a normal operating condition. The method yet further includes operating the fuel heating system in a cool down condition, wherein the at least one inlet damper is in the closed position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Rushi Mahesh Amin, Douglas Scott Byrd, Dean Matthew Erickson, Michael John Mariani, Christina Renee Pompey, Korey Frederic Rendo, Bryan Edward Sweet
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Publication number: 20140208767Abstract: In order to stably use a catalyst for pyrolysis and supply a reformed fuel, the fuel supply system includes a fuel reforming section which pyrolyses a hydrocarbon system fuel by the heat of the combustion chamber to generate the reformed fuel. The fuel reforming section includes a preheat vaporization section provided on the combustion chamber, and a decomposition reaction section that is provided on the preheat vaporization section and includes the catalyst for pyrolysis. The preheat vaporization section heats the fuel, the decomposition reaction section pyrolyses the heated fuel to generate the reformed fuel, and the fuel reforming section supplies the reformed fuel to the combustion chamber. The reforming catalyst includes a zeolitic catalyst.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Inventors: Kenji SUZUKI, Atsushi KUROYANAGI, Toshinobu YASUTAKE
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Publication number: 20140208768Abstract: A cooling system for a gas turbine engine (10) having a compressor (14), a combustor (16) and a turbine section arranged to receive combustion products from the combustor. The cooling system includes ducting (32,44) defining a flow path from the compressor to a component, such as a turbine blade (26) to be cooled within the turbine section. The ducting (32) bypasses the combustor (16). A heat exchanger (34) may be arranged in the flow path to extract heat from the flow between the compressor and the component. One or more valves (36;64;66) in the flow path are actuated under the control of a controller (48;60) at a predetermined frequency of actuation so as to pulse the flow between the heat exchanger and the component, typically to improve the aerodynamic efficiency of turbine blades in use.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2012Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLCInventor: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
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Publication number: 20140208769Abstract: An integrated inducer heat exchanger is provided. The integrated inducer heat exchanger includes multiple airfoil devices disposed in an annular array within an inner circular casing and an outer circular casing forming multiple passages for allowing a flow of fluid from a forward side to an aft side of the integrated inducer heat exchanger. The integrated inducer heat exchanger also includes multiple annular manifolds arranged about the outer circular casing configured for supplying a flow of coolant at low temperature from one or more coolant sources and returning the flow of coolant at high temperature to the one or more coolant sources via an external heat exchanger for dissipating heat and multiple transfer tubes connecting the multiple annular manifolds with the multiple airfoil devices for transferring the flow of coolant within the airfoil devices for exchanging heat between the coolant and the fluid passing through the multiple passages.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANYInventors: Corey Bourassa, William Dwight Gerstler
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Publication number: 20140208770Abstract: A component formed of a plastic matrix composite material is provided. The component has a metal liner which is fixed in a correspondingly shaped recess formed in the composite material. The liner has a threaded bore into which is screwed an externally threaded, hollow cylindrical, metal insert. The insert has an internal thread for receiving threaded fasteners. The mouth of the bore has engagement formations which engage with the insert to prevent rotation of the insert in the bore, an adjacent part of the insert being plastically deformed to engage with the engagement formations after being screwed into the bore.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLCInventors: Matthew P. FITT, Benjamin G. TAYLOR
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Publication number: 20140208771Abstract: A component for a gas turbine engine according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a body portion having an exterior surface and an internal surface. A cavity is disposed inside of the body portion. A cooling hole extends between the exterior surface and the internal surface and includes a metering section having an outlet and an inlet. The inlet is shaped dissimilar to the outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2012Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventor: United Technologies Corporation
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Publication number: 20140208772Abstract: A device is provided for cooling or heating vessels and containers for carrying out chemical or physical reactions. The device includes the following components in a vertical direction from top to bottom: a heat-conductive cooling or heating plate; at least one Peltier element equipped with electrical connections; optionally at least one heat-conductive separator plate between two Peltier elements respectively; a heat-conductive thermoblock, through which one or more fluid channels pass, for dissipation and supply of heat from and to the at least one Peltier element; and an external control unit for the at least one Peltier element. The components rest on top of one another and are therefore in direct planar contact with one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 4, 2012Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITÄT WIENInventors: Michael Schön, Marko Mihovilovic, Michael Schnürch
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Publication number: 20140208773Abstract: An improved circular multi-element semiconductor thermoelectric hybrid utilizes a make-before-break high frequency switching output component to provide nominal alternating current voltage outputs. Overall efficiency of heat conversion is improved by coupling a chiller to the thermoelectric generator where exhaust heat produces chilled liquid or air that is conveyed to the cold side of the thermoelectric device. The thermoelectric generator is used in a variety of transportation vehicles including manufactured vehicles, retrofitted vehicles and vehicle power combinations.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 29, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Inventors: Jon Murray Schroeder, Gerald Philip Hirsch
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Publication number: 20140208774Abstract: A cryogenic refrigerator includes a compressor that compresses a working gas; an expansion chamber where the working gas compressed by the compressor expands and generates cooling; a valve mechanism including a stator valve and a rotor valve, which rotates with respect to the stator valve; and a forcing mechanism that applies a force to one of the rotor valve or the stator valve toward the other one of the rotor valve or the stator valve. The valve mechanism is configured to switch a flow of the working gas between the compressor and the expansion chamber as the rotor valve rotates. The forcing mechanism is arranged such that the center of the force applied by the forcing mechanism deviates from the center of the valve mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2014Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Takaaki MORIE, Mingyao XU