Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a system controller having a location determination module configured to cause determination and/or reporting of the location of the HVAC system in response to a first run and/or initialization of the HVAC system. The location determination module may determine and/or report location information via global positioning system (GPS) capability, a service provider (SP), customized data provider (CDP), Internet sites, LAN, WAN, 3G, 4G, and/or any other type of network infrastructure to effect reporting of the location of the HVAC system.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling facility exhaust systems and vehicle power interconnections. A controller for controlling exhaust ventilation systems in facilities related to vehicles, wherein the controller automatically engages and reengages operation of the exhaust ventilation system, based on vehicle status inputs and wherein the system is capable of determining location of a vehicle even when receiving an operational status signal, to avoid unnecessary operation when the vehicle is out of the facility and there is no need for ventilation of exhaust gases for the vehicle.

Abstract: To provide an air-conditioning apparatus that is safer and has small conveying power for such as water at the indoor unit side can be made small. It is characterized in that a compressor 10 and a heat source side heat exchanger 12 are accommodated in a heat source apparatus 1, an intermediate heat exchanger 15 and a pump 21 in a relay unit 3, a use side heat exchanger 26 in an indoor unit 2, respectively, and when a controller 60 makes the compressor 10 stop based on the thermo-off due to decrease in the heat load in the use side heat exchanger 26 or an operation stop instruction, the controller 60 makes the pump 21 stop after the compressor 10 is stopped or almost at the same time as the stop.

Abstract: A household electric appliance and a household electric system are provided which are capable of quickly responding to the electric power demand in which the peak cut of the power consumption is requested. The household electric appliance comprises: a receiving unit that receives a request for a peak cut of power consumption at a predetermined rate from a remote controller and a mobile terminal; a drive unit that drives a power-consuming object to be driven; and a control unit that controls an action of the drive unit. The control unit, in the case of reception of the peak cut request from the remote controller or the mobile terminal, controls the action of the drive unit so as to cut a maximum value of the power consumption within the appliance based on the requested rate.

Abstract: An air-conditioning control system, which controls a central-type air-conditioning system, includes a plurality of auxiliary controllers respectively set in a plurality of areas and a main controller capable of communicating with each auxiliary controller. Each auxiliary controller includes a sound wave receiving unit, which receive sound waves that are outputted from a portable apparatus capable of outputting sound waves, and a sound wave strength information transmitting unit which transmits, to the main controller, sound wave strength information indicating sound wave reception strength. By the main controller, a first operating mode is set for at least a single area in which the auxiliary controller of a transmission source for specific sound wave strength information, which indicates a sound wave strength that is a predetermined threshold or higher is set, and a second operating mode is set for at least one of the remaining areas.

Abstract: An air-conditioning control system, which controls a central-type air-conditioning system, includes a plurality of auxiliary controllers set in respective areas of a plurality of areas and a main controller capable of communicating with each auxiliary controller. Each auxiliary controller includes a sound wave receiving unit, which receive sound waves that are outputted from a portable apparatus, and a sound wave strength information transmitting unit which transmits, to the main controller, sound wave strength information indicating sound wave reception strength. B the main controller, when specific sound wave strength information is present among the sound wave strength information received from the auxiliary controllers, a first operating mode is set for the area in which the auxiliary remote controller that is a transmission source of the specific sound wave strength information indicating the highest sound wave strength is set, and a second operating mode is set for all the remaining areas.

Abstract: An energy-reducing method and apparatus for retrofitting a single zone, constant volume HVAC system, with or without an economizer, that provides heating, cooling, and ventilation to occupants within a building space. The present invention includes the introduction of a programmable logic controller and variable frequency drive (VFD) that takes control of the existing fan, heating, cooling, and optional economizer operation. The reduction of the fan speed in the ventilation mode when the 100% operation is not needed saves significant energy of the existing constant volume HVAC system where the fan motor is designed to run 100% of the time.

Abstract: On the basis of a detection result obtained by a pre-presence-in-room environment detection means, an air-conditioning apparatus A changes a presence-in-room start set temperature Ts serving as a target temperature at the start time of a precooling operation or a preheating operation and at the presence-in-room start scheduled time of the user.

Abstract: A thermostat may include a processing system, a plurality of HVAC connectors configured to receive a corresponding plurality of HVAC control wires, and a connection sensing circuit coupled to the plurality of HVAC connectors and configured to provide an indication to the processing system of whether a wire is inserted for each of the plurality of HVAC connectors. The processing system may be configured to receive an indication from the connection sensing circuit when an HVAC connector in the plurality of HVAC connectors has a wire inserted therein, the HVAC connector being associated with a plurality of possible HVAC functions. The processing system may also be configured to display the plurality of possible HVAC functions on a user interface, to receive input selecting one of the possible HVAC functions for the HVAC connector, and to operate the selected HVAC function through the HVAC connector.

Abstract: A system for optimising one or more environmental parameters of an enclosed space comprising first and second relatively enclosed regions, such as a living space and a roof space within a building, is disclosed. The system comprises an internal sensor, in the first region, and an external sensor, external to the enclosed space, for measuring respective environmental parameters. The system also comprises a controller and a diverter valve. The controller is configured to specify the first region's ideal internal environmental parameter, and compare this specified parameter with the measured first region's internal parameter and the measured external parameter to determine whether the diverter valve directs air from the first or second enclosed region to exhaust through the ventilator.

Abstract: An indoor unit of an air conditioner includes a casing (1) defining a receiving cavity (10), a heat exchanger (2) and a fan (3) disposed in the receiving cavity (10) respectively, and a panel (4) disposed on a bottom of the casing (1). The panel (4) is movable between a close position in which both an air inlet (11) and an air outlet (12) of the receiving cavity (10) are closed and an open position in which both the air inlet (11) and the air outlet (12) are open. In the open position, the panel (4) at least partially separates the air entering via the air inlet (11) from the air exiting via the air outlet (12).

Abstract: A sound enclosure of a compressor to attenuate an operational sound level of the compressor is disclosed. The sound enclosure may be configured to generally enclose the compressor and attenuate radiantly emitted sound by the compressor. The sound enclosure may be configured to include a plurality of assembly sections, particularly two side sections and one bottom section, where the two side sections can be joined together like two halves of a clam shell and joined to the bottom section to facilitate easy assembly. The sound enclosure may form openings at longitudinal ends of the sound enclosure to accommodate refrigerant lines. The assembly sections of the sound enclosure may include one or more openings to accommodate a junction box, wire bundles, oil lines, mounting mechanisms, etc.

Abstract: A device for heating and/or vaporizing a fluid is provided. The device comprises a heat conductive inner conduit defining a fluid flow pathway. An electrically powered heating element is arranged to surround said inner conduit whereby heat energy from the heating element heats fluid passing through the fluid flow pathway. A casing is provided to sealedly surround the heating element. An exterior surface of the casing is in communication with a space into which heated fluid or vapour is emitted from the outlet of the inner conduit. The casing is heat conductive such that heat energy is received from the heating element heats fluid within said space. Fluid such as water can be efficiently heated by passing it through the fluid flow pathway and having it contact the exterior surface of the casing for double heating. Also, by restricting water flow through the fluid flow pathway can result in easy generation of steam.

Abstract: A steam generator having a channel for circulating heated fluid through a heat exchanger and having a channel for supplying water through the heat exchanger. The steam side of the heat exchanger is maintained at a pressure lower than the outside atmosphere and is heated by the heating fluid to a temperature more than the boiling point of the water at the lowered pressure. The water being introduced to the heat exchanger is heated to a boil. The steam produced is less than the boiling point of water in the atmosphere. A vacuum pump draws the steam from the heat exchanger and ejects the steam through a steam hose into atmospheric pressure. This rise in pressure is accompanied by a rise in temperature of the steam above the boiling point of water at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing lime scale buildup in a water heater tank includes a curve-biased tube, the tube including an opening disposed at an end, a length of at least seventy five percent of the circumference of an interior bottom of the water heater tank, and a plurality of holes disposed along the length that face radially inward when the tube is arranged in a substantially annular configuration in accordance with its curve-biased position.

Abstract: A solar receiver having a receiver vessel with a receiver chamber, a receiver cover with a receiver window, a receiver fluid inlet, a receiver fluid outlet, and an absorption media matrix in the receiver chamber. In operation of the solar receiver, incident solar radiation is transmitted through the receiver window to the absorption media matrix. Receiver fluid is circulated through the receiver chamber and the absorption media matrix. Heat is transferred from the absorption media matrix to the receiver fluid.

Abstract: A thermal energy system adapted to be coupled to a building energy system which selectively provides heating and/or cooling to a building, the thermal energy system comprising a heat pump system having an output for a working fluid connected to a heating output of the thermal energy system, a first geothermal system in which a working fluid is, in use, circulated, a first switch assembly selectively connecting the first geothermal system to at least one of the heating output of the thermal energy system and an input for a working fluid of the heat pump system, a second geothermal system in which a working fluid is, in use, circulated, and a second switch assembly selectively connecting the second geothermal system to at least one of a cooling output of the thermal energy system and the input of the heat pump system.

Abstract: A reduction in a permeability of refrigerant gas is suppressed while increasing a filling factor of regenerator material particles with respect to a stage of a cold head. A cold head includes a stage including regenerator material particle groups, and a metal mesh material partitioning the regenerator material particle groups. The metal mesh material has quadrangular mesh holes each having a length of a long side of 1/10 or more and ½ or less of each of average particle sizes of the regenerator material particle groups.

Abstract: A thermoelectric heat exchanger and a thermoelectric heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC) configured to provide a cooled fluid or air stream and a heated fluid or air stream. The thermoelectric heat exchanger may include a plurality thermoelectric devices (TEDs), also known as thermoelectric coolers (TECs) or Peltier coolers, in thermal communication. The thermoelectric devices may be arranged in a three dimensional array to provide compact packaging for the thermoelectric heat exchanger assembly. The thermoelectric heat exchanger may be configured to transfer thermal energy between a first thermoelectric device and a second thermoelectric device via evaporation and condensation of a working fluid or refrigerant contained within the thermoelectric heat exchanger.

Abstract: Inexpensive, lightweight, flexible heating and cooling panels with highly distributed thermoelectric elements are provided. A thermoelectric “string” is described that may be woven or assembled into a variety of insulating panels such as seat cushions, mattresses, pillows, blankets, ceiling tiles, office partitions, under-desk panels, electronic enclosures, building walls, refrigerator walls, and heat conversion panels. The string contains spaced thermoelectric elements which are thermally and electrically connected to lengths of braided, meshed, stranded, foamed, or otherwise expandable and compressible conductor. The elements and a portion of compacted conductor are mounted within the insulating panel On the outsides of the panel, the conductor is expanded to provide a very large surface area of contact with air or other medium for heat absorption on the cold side and for heat dissipation on the hot side.

Abstract: A regenerator accumulates cooling generated by expansion of refrigerant gas, and the regenerator includes a regenerator material which is made of a nonmagnetic material, a regenerator material which is made of a magnetic material, a container which includes a high temperature end and a low temperature end, and which accommodates the regenerator material made of the nonmagnetic material at the high temperature end side and the regenerator material made of the magnetic material at the low temperature end side. The container further accommodates an insertion member which narrows a passage area of the refrigerant gas flowing to a region accommodating the refrigerator material made of the magnetic material so that the passage area of the low temperature end side is narrower compared to the passage area of the high temperature end side.

Abstract: Provided is a heat pump device configured to collect heat both from outside air and another heat source. A controller calculates heat exchange amounts with use of heat exchange performance of each of an air heat-source heat exchanger and an underground heat-source heat exchanger in addition to an outside air temperature and an underground temperature. Then, in switching between a simultaneous operation of causing refrigerant to flow through both of the air heat-source heat exchanger and the underground heat-source heat exchanger and a single operation of selecting the air heat-source heat exchanger or the underground heat-source heat exchanger to cause refrigerant to flow therethrough, the controller selects a heat source having a larger calculated heat exchange amount. In this manner, an appropriate heat source suitable for operation conditions can be selected.

Abstract: A compressor, a water-refrigerant heat exchanger, pressure reducing devices which reduce the pressure of a refrigerant, an air-side heat exchanger, an outdoor fan which delivers air to the air-side heat exchanger, a geothermal-side heat exchanger, a switching device which switches a flow passage so that the air-side heat exchanger or the geothermal-side heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, and controller for controlling the switching device so that, when the geothermal-side heat exchanger functions as an evaporator, the air-side heat exchanger and the water-refrigerant heat exchanger are connected in parallel, and for stopping the outdoor fan, are provided.

Abstract: Provided is a heat-pump system including a plurality of compressors, wherein the plurality of compressors includes a first compressor and a second compressor that compress refrigerant, an oil separator provided on a discharge side of the plurality of compressors to separate oil mixed with refrigerant compressed by the plurality of compressors, an oil separation pipe extended from the oil separator to allow the plurality of compressors to recover oil, and a compressor side oil balance pipe extended from the second compressor to allow the first compressor to recover oil stored in the second compressor.

Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus that includes a compressor, a heat-source-side heat exchanger, a plurality of use-side heat exchangers, and a relay unit which switches some of the plurality of use-side heat exchangers to the cooling operation side and which switches some of the plurality of use-side heat exchangers to the heating operation side and that performs a cooling and heating simultaneous operation by switching each of the plurality of use-side heat exchangers to the cooling operation side or the heating operation side in accordance with a control instruction, includes a second flow rate control device which adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing into the compressor, a third flow rate control device which is connected in parallel to the second flow rate control device and which adjusts the flow rate of the refrigerant flowing into the heat-source-side heat exchanger, and a controller which adjusts the second flow rate control device and the third flow rate control device.

Abstract: A compressor (20) has a case (22) and a crankshaft (38). The case has a number of cylinders (30 32). For each of the cylinders, the compressor includes a piston (34) mounted for reciprocal movement at least partially within the cylinder. A connecting rod (36) couples each piston to the crankshaft. A pin (44) couples each connecting rod to the associated piston. Each pin has first (52) and second (53) end portions mounted to first (56) and second (57) receiving portions of the associated piston and a central portion (48) engaging the associated connecting rod. For each of the pistons a pair of first and second at least partially non metallic plugs have respective stems received in the pin first and second end portions and respective heads facing a wall surface of the associated cylinder.

Abstract: A micro-channel heat exchanger includes a first header, a second header, multiple sets of flat pipes, and a distributor disposed outside of the first header. The distributor is provided with at least one main outlet and at least one secondary outlet. The first header is provided with at least one main fluid port connected to the main outlet of the distributor through a main connecting pipe. The first header or the second header is provided with a secondary fluid port. The secondary outlet of the distributor is connected to the secondary fluid port through a secondary connecting pipe, and a height of the position where the distributor is located is greater than a height of the first header.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for detecting a refrigerant charge in a cooling system. The systems and methods involve performing at least a partial pump down of the refrigerant while monitoring one or more metrics. The measured metrics may be compared to a standard in order to determine if a refrigerant leak has occurred or to determine other refrigerant information. Other systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a control system for a compressor assembly of an heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. A control assembly comprises a controller for varying the capacity of a compressor unit of the compressor assembly. The controller determines a first pressure of the compressor unit based on a first operating state of the compressor unit.

Abstract: A chiller system includes a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator in fluid communication. A motor drives the compressor. A variable speed drive powers the motor. An oil heater and pump system circulate heated lubricating oil in the compressor. A control panel is arranged to determine whether an input parameter is greater than or equal to a threshold parameter; deactivate the VSD in response to sensing that the input parameter is less than the threshold parameter; determine at least one chiller capacity control parameter at a point when the VSD is deactivated, and maintain the at least one chiller capacity control parameter while the VSD is deactivated; determine that the input parameter has been restored; determine a motor rotation and motor rotational speed; and in response to determining that the input parameter is restored and the motor is rotating in a forward direction, reactivate the VSD.

Abstract: Operation of a transcritical refrigerant vapor compression system is controlled, when operating in a high capacity mode, through control of the refrigerant pressure in the refrigerant heat rejection heat exchanger (40) or the compressor (30) discharge pressure, also referred to herein as the high side pressure, so as to optimize energy efficiency. When operating in unloaded low capacity mode, such as for chilling perishable product during temperature maintenance operation, the high side pressure is controlled so that the system can operate in a continuous running mode.

Abstract: An ice dispensing system includes an ice hopper structure including a plurality of walls having inner surfaces that define an inner volume storing ice therein. The ice hopper may include a drain. A cleaning structure is coupled to the ice hopper structure. The cleaning structure includes a pump linked to a spray mechanism positioned within the inner volume of the ice hopper structure. The spray mechanism disperses a liquid on an inner surface of the ice hopper structure during a cleaning cycle of the ice dispensing mechanism.

Abstract: Provided is a freezing apparatus capable of freezing an object to be frozen efficiently according to the material or the shape of the object to be frozen during freezing of the object to be frozen using a freezing medium. A freezing apparatus (1) that freezes an object to be frozen using a freezing medium (S) has a first freezing space and a second freezing space whose inner temperatures can be adjusted. The first freezing space contains a plurality of freezing medium bags (15) with the freezing medium (S) sealed therein and in the second freezing space, the freezing medium (S) is housed in such a manner that it can immerse the object to be frozen.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that involve balancing conditioned air delivered to a plurality of zones based on temperature-time profiles for each of the plurality of zones. Wireless temperature sensors may be used to send temperature data to a processing unit to develop the plurality of temperature-time profiles. The temperature-time profiles are analyzed to identify any outliers requiring adjustment of conditioned air to a zone. Adjustments to balance the conditioned air may be made manually or automatically. Other systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A refrigerator (1) includes a storage chamber (12) for produce storage and a produce ripening control system (10). The produce ripening control system (10) includes an ethylene absorber (18) adapted to operate in absorption mode in a first status and in desorption mode in a second status. A recirculation circuit (20) is configured to fluidly connect the absorber (18) with the storage chamber (12) and to draw air from the storage chamber (12), to flow the drawn air through the absorber (18) and to return it into the storage chamber (12). A control unit (30) configured to selectively operate the absorber either in the absorption mode for ethylene absorption or in the desorption mode for ethylene desorption.

Abstract: A moisture control system includes a cabinet having a mullion defining first and second compartments and openings within the mullion to provide selective communication between the compartments. An evaporator is disposed in the first compartment. A cooling bank is disposed in the second compartment in selective thermal communication with the evaporator, and includes cooling and condensing portions separated by a dividing member, and a fluid collector disposed proximate the condensing portion. A first cooling fan is disposed proximate the evaporator and configured to direct air across the evaporator and through the first compartment. A second cooling fan is disposed proximate the cooling bank and operable between an evaporator position in fluid communication with the evaporator and the cooling bank, and a bank position in fluid communication with the cooling bank. A panel assembly is disposed proximate the plurality of openings and operable between a plurality of positions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a refrigeration device, in particular a domestic refrigeration device, comprising a refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant circuit has a compressor, an evaporator, and a shut-off valve between an outlet of the compressor and an inlet of the evaporator. The refrigeration device also comprises a heater for defrosting the evaporator and a control unit that is designed to prepare for defrosting of the evaporator by operating the compressor with the shut-off valve closed.

Abstract: An air handling unit used in a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system may include an enclosure having an air inlet, an air outlet, and a fluid duct that extends from the air inlet to the air outlet, a heater assembly comprising a base plate comprising an inner surface and an outer surface and that is configured to form at least a portion of the fluid duct, and a heat exchanger assembly configured to selectively receive the heater assembly between a left heat exchanger slab and a right heat exchanger slab. The base plate of the heater assembly may be configured to carry a plurality of electrical components on the outer surface of the base plate and may be configured to carry a plurality of heating elements on an inner surface that are disposed within the fluid duct and configured to heat an airflow passing through the fluid duct.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a refrigerator having a door rotatably hinged to a body of the refrigerator that prevents droop of the door at the side opposite to the axis of rotation of the door. A dyke formed on the rear surface of the door is provided with a roller, which is supported by the bottom surface of the storage compartment. A roller cap having a roller accommodation space to accommodate a part of the roller is connected to the dyke, and the roller is rotatably mounted to the roller cap.

Abstract: A refrigerator has a storage chamber opened and closed by a door and a water supply system to supply water to a water taking port disposed at the door. The water supply system includes a water tank and a plurality of connecting pipes. The water tank includes an elongated cylindrical shaped body and a cap configured to form a reservoir such that a section of the cap overlaps the body, a first port having a passageway integral with the elongated cylindrical shaped body, and a second port integral with the cap, the second port being aligned in a direction different from a longitudinal axis of the water tank. The connecting pipes include a first water line positioned in an opening of the first port in a direction different from the longitudinal axis of the water tank, and a second water line positioned in an opening of the second port.

Abstract: An illuminating display cooler assembly is configured to cool and display one or more products. The assembly may include a cover moveably secured to a main body. The cover is configured to be moved between an open position and a closed position over an internal chamber. At least one clear display panel is formed in the main body. The clear display panel(s) is configured to allow one or more products within the internal chamber to be viewed. At least one light-emitting member is configured to emit light into the internal chamber to enhance an appearance of the product(s) within the internal chamber. The light is diffracted by ice within the internal chamber.

Abstract: Embodiments of cascading ice luges and embodiments of apparatuses and methods for making cascading ice luges are disclosed. One apparatus embodying the principles of the invention features shelves and attached brackets in stepwise configuration. The shelves are affixed to a scaffold. Ice blocks can be frozen in trays such that pre-formed lanes are formed in the ice blocks. The trays can be of convenient size that can be placed in a conventional household freezer. Ice blocks can be arranged on the shelves in stepwise figuration and oriented so that a liquid or beverage placed on the uppermost ice block will flow in the pre-formed lanes in a cascading manner thereby rapidly cooling the beverage with minimal dilution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering boil-off gas from a head space of a liquid storage tank having a fluid contained therein is provided. The method can include the steps of withdrawing the boil-off gas from the storage tank and introducing said boil-off gas to a heat exchanger using a vapor flow inducer; cooling the boil-off gas in the heat exchanger by using cold energy from vaporization of liquid nitrogen to form a cooled fluid; and introducing the cooled fluid to the liquid storage tank, thereby reducing the temperature within the liquid storage tank.

Abstract: A method for producing liquid natural gas (LNG) includes the following steps. Compressor stations forming part of existing natural-gas distribution network are identified. Compressor stations that are geographically suited for localized distribution of LNG are selected. Natural gas flowing through the selected compressor stations is diverted to provide a high pressure first natural gas stream and a high pressure second natural gas stream. A pressure of the first natural gas stream is lowered to produce cold temperatures through pressure let-down gas expansion and then the first natural gas stream is consumed as a fuel gas for an engine driving a compressor at the compressor station. The second natural gas stream is first cooled with the cold temperatures generated by the first natural gas stream, and then expanded to a lower pressure, thus producing LNG.

Abstract: In another embodiment of the invention, a method for recovering boil-off gas from a head space of a liquid storage tank having a fluid contained therein is provided. In one embodiment, the method can include the steps of flowing the boil-off gas from the liquid storage tank to a heat exchanger by opening a valve; creating a vacuum within the heat exchanger by cooling and condensing the boil-off gas in the heat exchanger by using cold energy from vaporization of liquid nitrogen from a liquid nitrogen storage tank to form a cooled fluid; and introducing the cooled fluid to the liquid storage tank, thereby reducing the temperature within the liquid storage tank.

Abstract: The invention provides a process and system for processing natural gas and separating natural gas liquids into natural gasoline and a Y-grade liquid that meets specifications for low methane and ethane content. The process and system includes a side stripper and reboiler to separate methane and ethane from heavier hydrocarbons and a reboiler system to stabilize the natural gasoline.

Abstract: A link belt for use in a sintering furnace, which is made of a plurality of first links, each of said links having working surfaces for supporting objects to be carried on the belt. A plurality of rollers are positioned intermediate certain of said first links, and a plurality of pins pass through apertures within said first links and within said rollers.

Abstract: A method and system for improving high excess air combustion system efficiency, including induration furnaces, using a re-routing of flue gas within the system by gas recirculation. Flue gas is drawn from hot system zones including zones near the stack, for re-introduction into the process whereby the heat recovery partially replaces fuel input. At least one pre-combustion drying zone, at least one combustion zone, and at least a first cooling zone exist in these furnaces. At least one exhaust gas outlet is provided to each pre-combustion drying and combustion zone. At least part of the gaseous flow from each system zone exhaust outlet is selectively delivered to an overall system exhaust, the remaining flow being selectively delivered via recirculation to cooling zones. Recirculation flow is adjusted to meet required system temperatures and pressures. The method and system provide efficiency improvements, reducing fuel requirements and greenhouse gas emissions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dental furnace wherein a firing chamber is heated up in a first heating-up period at a first heating-up rate of more than 501 K/min, in particular more than 1001 K/min, which heats the furnace to at least 10001 C, in particular to 1100-12501 C. The first heating-up period is followed by an intermediate heating period, which is at least five minutes long, in particular at least ten minutes long, the gradient or heating-up rate of which is adapted to the material to be sintered in the dental furnace (10), and wherein this is followed by an end heating-up period (44) during which heating up is effected at a heating-up rate of more than 301 K/min, in particular approximately 501 K/min, and wherein during this the furnace temperature is held for at least five minutes, in particular for at least 25 minutes, above the temperature toward the end of the first heating-up period, and wherein forced cooling of the furnace (10) is performed after this.

Abstract: A contra-rotating fan system for evaporative cooling equipment and air-cooled heat exchangers. The system can include a first axial fan disposed in an air conduit of an evaporative equipment unit, a second axial fan disposed in the air conduit and arranged coaxially with the first fan, a transmission for driving the first axial fan and the second axial fan and a motor for driving the transmission, wherein the direction of rotation of the first axial fan is opposite to the direction of rotation of the second axial fan.