Patents Issued in December 28, 2017
  • Publication number: 20170370248
    Abstract: A housing for a rotor of an engine is provided. The housing forms an interior space for accommodating the rotor that is defined by a housing wall and the housing wall (W) circumferentially surrounds the rotor that is accommodated inside the housing. The housing has at least one service opening which is provided in the housing wall for maintenance and/or repair work and through which the interior space is accessible from the outside. The service opening is provided in the area of two facing flange sections of the housing, wherein the service opening is closed by at least one closure part that is received at least partially inside a gap formed between the facing flange sections and fixated therein in a releasable manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Robert KWIATKOWSKI
  • Publication number: 20170370249
    Abstract: A turbine (3) includes: a turbine impeller chamber (43) having a tubular outflow portion (432), from which an exhaust gas flows out in an outflow direction (F) substantially parallel to an axis (C) of a turbine impeller (5); a bypass flow passage (491) bypassing the inside of the turbine impeller chamber; an outer duct (47) having an inner peripheral surface (475) that expands in diameter in the outflow direction from the outflow portion; and an inner duct (48) that extends in the outflow direction from the outflow portion. A diffuser flow passage (483) that expands in diameter in the outflow direction is disposed in the inner duct at least in a portion between the outflow portion and a distal end portion (481a). An outlet (492) of the bypass flow passage and a waste gate valve (493) that opens and closes the outlet are disposed on the inner peripheral surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co.,Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki ITOH, Naoki KUNO, Takashi SAKAKIBARA
  • Publication number: 20170370250
    Abstract: Disclosed is a combined energy supply system of wind, photovoltaic, solar thermal power and medium-based heat storage, capable of storing the energy which would have been “abandoned wind” and “abandoned light” temporarily in the form of heat by medium-based energy storage. Heat is released during peaks in the power grid to generate power, which serves the function of adjusting the peaks in the power grid. With the medium-based energy storage, unstable photovoltaic electric energy can be converted into stable heat energy output when a relatively large fluctuation occurs in wind and photovoltaic power generation, and therefore the stable supply of energy sources can be guaranteed efficiently. Furthermore, a second heater can also be used for heating the low-temperature media outputted by a first medium tank (100), or a third heater is used for heating water in a heat exchanger (500), and therefore the energy storage of the medium or the heating efficiency of the heat exchanger is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2014
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Zhiyong Zeng, Xiaomin Cui, Bei Huang
  • Publication number: 20170370251
    Abstract: A new power generation thermodynamic cycle is described that eliminates need for bulk liquid condensation and vaporization steps required in conventional ORC power systems. An exemplary harmonic adsorption recuperative power cycle system offers more efficient power generation as compared with conventional ORC systems. A multibed adsorption system is used to provide thermal compression for the cycle. An adsorption compressor contains a sorbent with strong adsorption affinity for the working fluid in the pores while well outside the P-T conditions needed to condense the liquid phase, allowing the adsorption compressor to reduce operating pressure exiting the expander.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicants: Battelle Memorial Institute, Rockwell Collins Inc., EthosGen, LLC
    Inventors: B. Peter McGrail, Radha Kishan Motkuri, Jeromy J. Jenks, Paul Roege, William Abrams
  • Publication number: 20170370252
    Abstract: An apparatus for reducing windage loss of steam turbines according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is to reduce or minimize damage to a blade caused by a rise in temperature at an outlet stage of a high-pressure turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Je Young LEE, Seong Jong YANG, Sang Wook KANG, Hyun Woo SON, Seung Chul LEE
  • Publication number: 20170370253
    Abstract: Provided are: a rear plate 13 enclosing an axial end opening of a housing body; a lock pin 30 configured to travel forward and backward in a slide hole formed in a first vane of a vane member; and an annular lock-hole-forming part 31 press-fitted to a retaining hole 13c in an inner end surface of the rear plate, forming a lock hole 32 therein. A projection 35 having a flat distal end surface 35a is formed at one circumferential end side of an inner peripheral surface of the lock-hole-forming part, and recesses 37, 37 continuous with the inner peripheral surface of the lock hole are formed on corresponding sides of the projection in the circumferential direction of the lock hole. This ensures smooth engagement of the locking pin in the lock hole, and enables smooth supply and drainage of hydraulic pressure to and from the lock hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: HITACHI AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS, LTD.
    Inventors: Atsushi WATANABE, Shinichi SATO
  • Publication number: 20170370254
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a valve lift control device. In one example, a method may include rotating an adjusting camshaft of the valve lift control device in order to adjust a valve lift of one or more cylinders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Guenter Hans Grosch, Rainer Lach, Joerg Bonse
  • Publication number: 20170370255
    Abstract: A tank device of an oil circuit of an aircraft engine for stocking oil inside an interior space that is delimited by a wall, having at least one appliance for introducing oil into the interior space. By means of the appliance for introducing oil, the area of the wall that is arranged above a minimal filling level, as it occurs during operation of an aircraft engine, can be impinged with oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Juergen BEIER
  • Publication number: 20170370256
    Abstract: An improved blow-by gas return structure minimizes the occurrence of a drawback caused by freezing at a low temperature by bringing a state where freezing minimally occurs in a blow-bay gas passage such as a pipe disposed outside an engine. The blow-by gas return structure is configured such that a blow-by gas is introduced into an intake manifold through an inner passage formed in a head cover. The blow-by gas return structure includes an outer pipe which connects a blow-by gas outlet of the head cover and a blow-by gas inlet of a main pipe of the intake manifold in a communicable manner, and a temperature elevating mechanism configured to elevate a temperature of the blow-by gas inlet. The temperature elevating mechanism is configured such that a cooling water transfer passage is formed in a portion of the blow-by gas inlet of the main pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Takahiro TOKUNAGA, Yusuke TANIMOTO, Kazuya HAMADA, Shinji KISHI, Yuzo UMEDA
  • Publication number: 20170370257
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for cleaning diesel particulate filters (DPFs) or similar items. Various combinations of features include: a multi-cell cleaning head; contemporaneous/simultaneous cleaning from both directions through the DPF (controlled so that no cell is simultaneously pressured from both ends); rotary or other movement of the heads across a static DPF, or a combination of movements of the DPF and the head(s); controlled positioning of the DPF with respect to the heads; gravity collection of removed ash/debris, separate from internal filtering of air within a cleaning cabinet; and others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Jeramy Ostrander, Brian Bowles
  • Publication number: 20170370258
    Abstract: An exhaust conduit for a marine exhaust system includes an inlet end portion connectable to an exhaust manifold, an outlet end portion that directs exhaust gases toward an exhaust system outlet, a catalytic converter assembly arranged between the inlet and outlet end portions, and inner and outer tubes. The inner tube directs exhaust gases from the exhaust manifold to the catalytic converter assembly, and the outer tube surrounds the inner tube to define a cooling liquid passage between the inner and outer tubes. A flange is secured to the inner and outer tubes at inlet ends thereof, the flange being connectable to an outlet of the exhaust manifold. The inner tube has a uniform diameter between the flange and the catalytic converter assembly, and is welded to the flange independently of the outer tube. First and second welds join the inner and outer tubes to the flange at radially inner and outer faces, respectively, of a flange rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Jason C. Stimmel, Richard J. Waggoner, Kevin J. Kimball, Rachel M. Mashburn, Timothy G. Anderson, Timothy G. Maher
  • Publication number: 20170370259
    Abstract: A system and method for reducing the nitrogen oxides found in the exhaust produced by a vehicle engine, the system comprising a NOx trap and a first adding means for adding a reducing agent to the exhaust gas. The first adding means is positioned downstream of the engine and either upstream of or within the NOx trap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: PLASTIC OMNIUM ADVANCED INNOVATION AND RESEARCH
    Inventors: Jean-Francois BERARD, Anita KOUAKOU, Jules-Joseph VAN SCHAFTINGEN
  • Publication number: 20170370260
    Abstract: The invention concerns a circuit intended to transfer, by means of a pump, first fluid, such as an aqueous urea solution, from a reservoir to an injector, said circuit also containing a second fluid, such as air, and said circuit comprising, downstream of the pump and of the reservoir, a downstream circuit portion which includes, on the one hand, a main branch which leads to the injector and, on the other hand, bypass branch which returns to the reservoir and which is provided with a double-seat valve designed to selectively and automatically adopt: purge configuration allowing to purge the second fluid through the valve out of the main branch, a pressurized supply configuration allowing to direct the first fluid to the injector under a predetermined working pressure, and a recirculation configuration allowing a recirculation through the bypass branch, and to the reservoir, of the first fluid coming from said reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: MGI COUTIER
    Inventors: Matthieu BARDIN, Christophe BONDRAN, Sylvain JAQUET, Yves LAMIRAND
  • Publication number: 20170370261
    Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment system including a selective catalytic reduction device (SCR), a NOx sensor and a reductant injection system is described. A method for controlling the reductant injection system to inject reductant into the exhaust gas feedstream upstream relative to the SCR includes monitoring engine operation, and determining an initial reductant dosing rate responsive to the engine operation. A dosing perturbation is induced in the reductant dosing rate. The exhaust gas feedstream is monitored via the NOx sensor, and a reductant dosing correction term is determined based upon the monitoring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
    Inventors: Min Sun, Anthony B. Will, Ping Ge, Shifang Li, Gongshin Qi
  • Publication number: 20170370262
    Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment assembly and method of manufacturing and operating an exhaust aftertreatment assembly. An exhaust aftertreatment assembly includes an aftertreatment housing and an inlet conduit coupled to the aftertreatment housing at an inlet port so as to transfer exhaust gas into the aftertreatment housing. An inlet chamber is positioned in the aftertreatment housing. The inlet chamber is fluidly coupled to the inlet port of the aftertreatment housing to receive the exhaust gas from the inlet conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: Cummins Emission Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Randolph G. Zoran, David M. Sarcona, Ryan M. Johnson, Enoch Nanduru
  • Publication number: 20170370263
    Abstract: An aftertreatment system comprises a first passageway having a first temperature and a second passageway having a second temperature different than the first temperature. A turbine is disposed downstream from the first passageway and upstream from the second passageway. The turbine is in fluidic communication with the first passageway and the second passageway. The turbine is structured to receive an exhaust gas from the first passageway, generate energy using the exhaust gas flowing through the turbine and communicate the exhaust gas to the second passageway. The aftertreatment system also includes an insertion device structured to insert an exhaust reductant into the first passageway. A selective catalytic reduction system is configured to receive the exhaust gas from the second passageway and treat the exhaust gas. The first temperature can be higher than the second temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: Cummins, Inc.
    Inventors: John K. Heichelbech, John G. Buechler, Richard J. Ancimer, Thomas M. Yonushonis
  • Publication number: 20170370264
    Abstract: In a method and device for controlling and/or monitoring the function of a secondary air supply in an emission control system of an internal combustion engine, the emission control system includes at least two catalytic converters situated in succession in an exhaust duct, it being possible for the second catalytic converter to be implemented as a combination of catalytic converter and particulate filter. For a secondary air diagnosis and for secondary air control, a two-point lambda probe is situated, with respect to a direction of flow of exhaust gas, downstream of the first catalytic converter. Measures are applied for compensating tolerance and aging effects of the two-point lambda probe. This results in particular in cost advantages in emission control systems for fulfilling stricter emission requirements. In particular, this makes it possible to operate the particulate filter in optimized fashion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Frank Meier, Matthias Blei, Michael Fey, Michael Pfeil
  • Publication number: 20170370265
    Abstract: A flameless industrial air heater comprising: a combustion engine having a drive shaft and a combustion exhaust gas conduit to direct hot exhaust gases away from the engine; a mixing chamber having an air inlet and being in fluid communication with the exhaust gas conduit to mix the hot exhaust gasses with air flowing into the mixing chamber to produce a warmed air stream; and a compressor connected to the drive shaft and being driven thereby, the compressor being downstream of the mixing chamber to receive the warmed air stream and to pressurize the warmed air stream for delivery to applications requiring heating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Darrell FORD
  • Publication number: 20170370266
    Abstract: An exhaust treatment device for a diesel engine is provided, which includes a parked regeneration requirement notification component and a parked regeneration start operation component. A regeneration process of the diesel particulate filter (DPF) includes an automatic regeneration process and a parked regeneration process. The automatic regeneration process is automatically started when an estimation value of particulate material (PM) accumulated in the DPF reaches a predetermined automatic regeneration start determination value. The parked regeneration process is performed when first and a second conditions are satisfied. The first condition is that a parked regeneration requirement notification component performs a notification of a parked regeneration requirement when a number of cancellations of the automatic regeneration process reaches a predetermined value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Masayuki TOGAWA, Kazunari TSUJINO
  • Publication number: 20170370267
    Abstract: A method and control device for correcting an output signal of an exhaust gas sensor in an exhaust gas conduit of an internal combustion engine, a secondary air delivery system for delivering air into the exhaust gas conduit being associated with the exhaust gas conduit upstream from the exhaust gas sensor in the flow direction of the exhaust gas. During a measurement of the output signal of the exhaust gas sensor, air is delivered to the exhaust gas conduit via the secondary air delivery system during a correction phase by way of which a correction of the output signal of the exhaust gas sensor is derived. In this operating mode, a defined oxygen content exists in the gas mixture surrounding said sensor, so that the output signal can be compared with reference values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Michael Fey, Michael Pfeil
  • Publication number: 20170370268
    Abstract: In a method and a device for monitoring the operability of an emission control system of an internal combustion engine, at least two catalytic converters are situated in succession in an exhaust duct. For tracking control, breakthrough detection for diagnosing the first catalytic converter, and for a second balancing for the storage capacity of oxygen or rich gas of the second catalytic converter, a two-point lambda probe be used and, for the latter, tolerance and aging effects are compensated. This results in particular in cost advantages in emission control systems for fulfilling stricter emission and diagnostic requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Frank Meier, Matthias Blei, Michael Pfeil, Michael Fey
  • Publication number: 20170370269
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting whether a pressure line in a diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) delivery system has an obstruction. The system includes an electronic control unit with an electronic processor that is configured to receive an unfiltered pressure signal from a pressure sensor; to electronically filter the unfiltered pressure signal to determine a dosing pressure signal; to determine an integrated value based on the dosing pressure signal; and to determine whether the pressure line is obstructed by comparing the integrated value with a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Ashal J. Shah, Palanimuthu Thalamuthu, Oliver Wintersteller
  • Publication number: 20170370270
    Abstract: Disclosed is a water ingress preventive structure for a tailpipe which discharges exhaust gas outside of a vehicle at a terminal of an exhaust passage system. A curved shape is imparted to the tailpipe. A partition is mounted on an inner periphery of a curved portion outward of a curved direction so as to be gradually spaced apart from the inner periphery toward downstream in a direction of flow of the exhaust gas. Thus, a dead end portion is defined by the partition and the inner periphery of the curved portion outward of the curved direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: HINO MOTORS, LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi ENDO, Hiroshi TSUKISAKA
  • Publication number: 20170370271
    Abstract: A cylinder block assembly may include a cylinder block, a cylinder body disposed in the cylinder block, with a plurality of cylinder bores formed in the cylinder body, a fluid jacket, which is formed between an inner circumferential surface of the cylinder block and an outer circumferential surface of the cylinder body, and through which coolant flows, and a block insert disposed in the water jacket and configured to guide a flow of coolant, wherein the cylinder block may include a second block coolant outlet, which is formed at a second side in a surface of an exhaust side of the cylinder block, and through which the coolant in the water jacket is discharged, and wherein the exhaust side may include a side at which combustion gas is exhausted out of the cylinder body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Byung-Soo LEE, Bong-Sang LEE, Woo-Tae KIM
  • Publication number: 20170370272
    Abstract: An engine cooling device includes a heater circulation passage including an exhaust-side channel and a heater channel, the exhaust-side channel extending through an exhaust port-side portion of a cylinder head, the heater channel extending through a heater core; an auxiliary device circulation passage including a main channel and an auxiliary device channel, the main channel extending through a portion of the cylinder head other than the exhaust port-side portion, the auxiliary device channel extending through an auxiliary device; a temperature detecting portion configured to detect a temperature of an engine; and a channel switching valve configured to perform connection between the main channel and the auxiliary device channel and connection between the heater circulation passage and the auxiliary device circulation passage depending on the detected temperature falling within one of three temperature ranges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Tomohiro Koguchi, Ryotaro Nishida
  • Publication number: 20170370273
    Abstract: Pistons for opposed-piston engines include an interior annular cooling gallery. The gallery is provided with inlet and drain passageways constructed to shield a jet of liquid coolant entering the gallery, thereby reducing interference between the incoming jet and liquid coolant circulating in the gallery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: ACHATES POWER, INC.
    Inventor: RYAN G. MACKENZIE
  • Publication number: 20170370274
    Abstract: A coolant pump for an internal combustion engine (ICE) in a vehicle with a central engine control, having a pump shaft that drives an impeller for pumping a coolant. An axial piston pump operated via a wobble plate on a rear face of the impeller, conducts part of the pumped coolant away to a hydraulic circuit that extends from the axial piston pump via a proportional valve back to the pumped coolant and has a branch-off between the axial piston pump and the proportional valve as the hydraulic actuator. A regulating slide valve adjusts coolant volume flow of depending on pressure in the hydraulic circuit. A sensor detects a parameter characteristic of the coolant volume flow and outputs an actual value signal. A dedicated pump control controls the proportional valve based on the actual value signal of the sensor and a desired value signal of the central engine control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Jens Hoffmann, Franz Pawellek
  • Publication number: 20170370275
    Abstract: A split cooling system of an internal combustion engine may include a water pump configured to circulate cooling water; a cylinder head and a cylinder block configured to be supplied with the cooling water from the water pump; an integrated flow control valve configured to include an inlet provided to be supplied with the cooling water of the cylinder head and a plurality of valves that are configured to be opened or closed to distribute the cooling water introduced through the inlet to an oil heat exchanger, a heater core, and a radiator; and a split cooler configured to be mounted at the cylinder block to provide a split cooling channel in the cylinder block and the cylinder header.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Kwang Sik YANG, Jun Sik Park, Bong Hoon Han
  • Publication number: 20170370276
    Abstract: An estimator includes a model unit that calculates a state quantity by using an input signal and a relational expression that expresses a target model, a correction signal measurement sensor that measures a correction signal for correcting the state quantity, a correction unit that outputs a value for correcting the state quantity based on the correction signal to the model unit, and a model changing unit that changes the model unit in accordance with an oil flow related value that relates to a change of flow of cooling oil. The correction signal measurement sensor is arranged to be in contact with a metal member that includes a coil conductive wire that constitutes the stator coil, a terminal connected to the coil conductive wire, and a power line connected between the coil conductive wire and the terminal, at a point on which no cooling oil drops.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hideo NAKAI, Hiroyuki HATTORI, Toshinori OKOUCHI
  • Publication number: 20170370277
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to internal combustion engines, combustion systems that include such internal combustion engines, and controls for controlling operation of the combustion engine. The internal combustion engine may include one or more mechanisms for injecting fuel, air, fuel-air mixture, or combinations thereof directly into one or more cylinders, and controls may operate or direct operation of such mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Douglas David Bunjes
  • Publication number: 20170370278
    Abstract: A turbocharger (1) including a twin scroll turbine and a valve assembly (40, 140) disposed in the exhaust gas inlet (24, 124) that is configured to control the flow exhaust gas through the turbine. The valve assembly (40, 140) includes two rotary valves (60, 160, 80, 180) actuated by a common valve shaft (44, 144). One of the valves (60, 180) may control exhaust gas flow to a volute or between volutes, and the other (80, 160) may control wastegate exhaust gas flow. The valve shaft (44, 144) is driven by an actuator to rotate about the valve shaft rotational axis (46, 146) such that the first valve (60, 160) and the second valve (80, 180) can each be selectively moved between a closed position and an open position, and the time sequence order of opening of the first valve (60, 160) and the second valve (80, 180) is selectable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Michael E. MCGAHEY, Brent CHAMBERLAIN, Mark VENTIMIGLIA
  • Publication number: 20170370279
    Abstract: A compact flow control valve capable of providing long service life in a very hostile environment. The valve is a mono or dual coaxial slider valve capable of controlling two different functions sequentially, at least one of the functions being controlled progressively. The flow control valve controls the fluid connection between two volutes (6, 7) of a turbine housing (2) of a turbocharger as well as the fluid connection between the two volutes (6, 7) of the turbine housing (2) of the turbocharger and a waste gate port (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Michael STILGENBAUER, Matthias RUH, Philip PARMA, Ivan INJAC
  • Publication number: 20170370280
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for a detecting surge of a turbocharger in an engine system. In one example, system includes a turbocharger including a compressor coupled to a turbine and a controller and sensor system configured to detect a surge event of the turbocharger based on at least one of a rate of change of a pressure measured by sensors downstream of the compressor and a measured rate of change of turbine speed, store operational data associated with the surge event in memory of the controller, and determine a performance of the turbocharger based at least in part on one or more of a cumulative number of detected surge events, a magnitude of detected surge events, or associated operational data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Vincent Waikeet Lock, James Robert Mischler, Maryam Abdollahi, Joseph Audu Ishaku, Richard James Scott, Christian Roland Tollefson
  • Publication number: 20170370281
    Abstract: A vehicle system including a plurality of alternators with a common electrical connection interface having at least one connector and a digital communication connector through which a processor communicates with the alternators. Input signals received at the at least one connector are unique for each alternator under normal and unimpaired operating conditions. Upon wakeup of an alternator, the alternator assesses the input signals and whether the address of the alternator is frozen. If the address is not frozen, the status of at least one operating parameter is assessed to determine if a predefined requirement is satisfied. If the predefined requirement is satisfied, the alternator is assigned an address based upon the input signals at the at least one connector and the address is frozen. The alternator can detect faults by determining if the input signals at the least one connector agree with the frozen address of the alternator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Timothy J. Alfermann
  • Publication number: 20170370282
    Abstract: A linear piston engine includes a housing having a combustion chamber located between opposing first and second piston chambers. A first piston assembly is located within the first piston chamber, and a second piston assembly is located within the second piston chamber. Each piston assembly includes a piston for reciprocating within the piston chamber. The piston is located adjacent to the combustion chamber. Each piston assembly also includes a crankshaft coupled to the piston for guiding the piston through a power stroke and a return stroke, and a linear output member coupled to the piston for providing a linear output motion based on reciprocating motion of the piston.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2015
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Franz Kramer
  • Publication number: 20170370283
    Abstract: The present application and the resultant patent provide an exhaust frame for a gas turbine engine. The exhaust frame may include an inner casing extending along a longitudinal axis of the exhaust frame, an outer casing positioned radially outward from the inner casing, a strut extending radially from the inner casing to the outer casing, and a relief groove defined in the inner casing or the outer casing and positioned about the strut. The present application and the resultant patent further provide a method for distributing stress concentrations in an exhaust frame of a gas turbine engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Krzysztof Dynak, Przemyslaw Michal Jakubczak
  • Publication number: 20170370284
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine (10) comprises: a low pressure compressor (18) comprising a centrifugal compressor stage (24); a low pressure turbine (44) configured to drive a load (12), the low pressure turbine (44) being provided rearwardly of the low pressure compressor (18); a high pressure turbine (42) provided rearwardly of the low pressure turbine (44); a combustor (40) provided rearwardly of the high pressure turbine (42); a high pressure compressor (32) provided rearwardly of the combustor (40); and an intercooler heat exchanger (28) configured to exchange heat between core airflow (B) exiting the low pressure compressor (18) and fan airflow (A), wherein the high pressure turbine (42) and high pressure compressor (32) are coupled by a high pressure shaft (46), and the low pressure turbine (44), low pressure compressor (18) and load (12) are coupled by a low pressure shaft (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventors: Giles E. HARVEY, Glenn A. KNIGHT
  • Publication number: 20170370285
    Abstract: A compressor section is in fluid communication with a fan, which includes a first compressor section and a second compressor section. A turbine section includes a first turbine section driving the fan and the first compressor section and a second turbine section driving the second compressor section and the second compressor rotor. A first performance quantity is defined as a product of the first speed squared and the first area. A second performance quantity is defined as a product of the second speed squared and the second exit area. A performance ratio of the first performance quantity to the second performance quantity is between about 0.2 and about 0.8. A gear reduction is included between the first turbine section and the first compressor section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Gabriel L. Suciu, Frederick M. Schwarz, William K. Ackermann, Daniel Bernard Kupratis
  • Publication number: 20170370286
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure can include systems and methods for variable water injection flow control. For example, an operator of a gas turbine system may be enabled to adjust a water injection flow rate (and/or an inlet guide vein (IGV) and/or a firing temperature) of the gas turbine system to optimize performance during current conditions. In one embodiment, a provided method can include: receiving a water injection flow reference comprising one or more conditions of the gas turbine system; receiving water injection flow data from a sensor monitoring the gas turbine system; calculating a water injection flow rate value that characterizes one or more conditions based at least in part on the water injection flow reference and the water injection flow data; and adjusting a water injection flow rate of the gas turbine system to the calculated water injection flow rate value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Mayur Kumar Lala, Thomas Patrick Schmitt, Rajiv Kumar Ojha
  • Publication number: 20170370287
    Abstract: An inlet particle separator system includes a shroud section and a hub section that is at least partly surrounded by the shroud section. The hub section is spaced apart from the shroud section. The inlet particle separator system also includes a flow passageway with an air inlet defined between the hub section and the shroud section. The flow passageway branches downstream of the air inlet into a main passage and a pre-cleaner passage. The main passage is defined between the hub section and the shroud section. The pre-cleaner passage includes a pre-cleaner inlet and extends at least partially through the hub section. Furthermore, the system includes a splitter that divides the main passage into scavenge and engine flow paths. The pre-cleaner inlet is partly defined by a first surface of the hub section. The first surface faces substantially in an upstream direction toward the air inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: John Taylor Pearson, Zedic Daniel Judd, Yogendra Yogi Sheoran, Bruce Dan Bouldin, David Chou, Eduardo Guerra
  • Publication number: 20170370288
    Abstract: An oil distribution system for a casing having at least one component to be supplied with oil in the interior of the casing, where the oil can be fed into the interior of the casing by at least one distribution device and where during operation the oil is conveyed by a centrifugal force to the at least one component, including at least one seal, in particular a contact seal or labyrinth seal for sealing off the casing from the environment, with the at least one seal being designed and/or arranged in the oil distribution system such that during operation it releases, due to the centrifugal force, at least one sealing gap for pressure equalization to provide a connection between the interior of the casing and the environment. Furthermore, the invention relates to an aircraft engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Stephan UHKOETTER
  • Publication number: 20170370289
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel apparatus and methods for controlling an air injection system for augmenting the power of a gas turbine engine, improving gas turbine engine operation, and reducing the response time necessary to meet changing demands of a power plant. Improvements in control of the air injection system include ways directed towards preheating the air injection system, including using an gas turbine components, such as an inlet bleed heat system to aid in the preheating process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Robert J. KRAFT, Scott AUERBACH
  • Publication number: 20170370290
    Abstract: An aircraft gas turbine engine includes a fan arranged to be driven by a gas turbine engine core. The core includes a first core module including a first compressor and a fan drive turbine interconnected by a first shaft, and a second core module including a second compressor and a second turbine interconnected by a second shaft, the first and second core modules being axially spaced. The gas turbine engine further includes an intercooler arrangement configured to cool core airflow between the first and second compressors, the intercooler arrangement including a cooling air duct provided in heat exchange relationship with a compressor duct provided between the first and second compressors, the cooling air duct including a fan air inlet configured to ingest fan air downstream of the fan, wherein the cooling air duct includes a flow modulation valve configured to modulate air mass flow through the fan air inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE plc
    Inventor: Stephen J BRADBROOK
  • Publication number: 20170370291
    Abstract: A cooling system for use with a turbine engine. The system includes a coolant reservoir configured to store cooling fluid therein, and a cooling device coupled in flow communication with the coolant reservoir, wherein the cooling device is configured to cool heated components of the turbine engine with the cooling fluid. The system further includes a first valve configured to control flow of the cooling fluid from the coolant reservoir towards the cooling device, and a controller coupled in communication with the first valve. The controller is configured to monitor an operational status of the turbine engine, and actuate the first valve into an open position after the turbine engine has been shut down such that the cooling fluid cools the heated components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Jeffrey Douglas Rambo
  • Publication number: 20170370292
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine assembly is connected to a pylon for mounting the gas turbine engine to an aircraft. The assembly has a frame supporting at least one accessory independently of the gas turbine engine. Frame is attached to the pylon at forward and rearward engine mounting locations. The frame includes at least one hollow tube and at least one hollow tube is fluid tight. The one hollow tube is evacuated or contains pressurised fluid and a pressure sensor is provided to detect a change in pressure in the at least one hollow tube to determine if there is a leak in the at least one hollow tube and hence if the frame is damaged. This ensures that the frame may be repaired or replaced before there is a loss of operation of one or more of the accessories which may result in a failure of the gas turbine engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE DEUTSCHLAND LTD & CO KG
    Inventors: Jürgen BEIER, Gideon Daniel VENTER
  • Publication number: 20170370293
    Abstract: Various examples of an active combustion control valve, combustion systems, and method of controlling the flow of liquid fluid in a gas combustion system are described. In one aspect of the present invention, an active combustion control valve includes a core valve housing, an actuator, a valve seat in communication with the actuator, and a passageway in fluid communication with the core valve housing and the valve seat. The control valve is responsive to change in voltage applied to the actuator and is capable of a first condition permitting a first fluid flow through the passageway and a second condition permitting a second fluid flow through the passageway, the first fluid flow being different than the second fluid flow. The combustion control valve is small, robust, responsive and self-cooling to operate in severe thermal environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Wendelin M. Burkhardt, John M. Crapuchettes
  • Publication number: 20170370294
    Abstract: An air turbine starter includes a support structure and a turbine having a shaft and a rotor that extends away from the shaft in a radial direction. The air turbine starter also includes a mount structure that supports the turbine for rotation relative to the support structure. The mount structure is configured to transfer a force from the turbine to the support structure. The mount structure includes a deformable member that is configured to deform when the force exceeds a predetermined threshold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: David P Gentile, Peter Kenneth Zeiner
  • Publication number: 20170370295
    Abstract: A jet engine which includes: a fan provided with a plurality of stages of rotor blades; a compressor which compresses air which is sent from the fan; a combustor which generates combustion gas by using compressed air generated by the compressor; a turbine which generates a driving force from the combustion gas; and a nozzle which discharges the combustion gas, the jet engine further includes: a variable guide vane which is disposed upstream of the rotor blades of a second and later stage of the rotor blades of the fan and which adjusts an inlet angle of air flow against the second and later stage of the rotor blades; a fluid resistance adjusting device which adjusts a fluid resistance at the nozzle; and a controller which controls the variable guide vane such that the inlet angle at the time of cruise flight is smaller than the inlet angle at the time of acceleration and controls the fluid resistance adjusting device such that increase in the fluid resistance, due to an increase in a volume flow at an outlet
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Applicant: IHI Corporation
    Inventors: Takehiko KIMURA, Takeshi Murooka, Atsushi Kamei
  • Publication number: 20170370296
    Abstract: A switched reluctance motor is disclosed. The switched reluctance motor includes a rotor, a stator, an air gap between the stator and the rotor, and a plurality of conductive elements. The plurality of conductive elements are disposed on the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Mohammadali Abbasian
  • Publication number: 20170370297
    Abstract: A control system for a gas turbine includes a controller. The controller includes a processor configured to receive a plurality of signals comprising a temperature signal, a pressure signal, a speed signal, a mass flow signal, or a combination thereof, from sensors disposed in the gas turbine system. The processor is further configured to apply the plurality of signals as input to a heating value model. The processor is also configured to execute the heating value model to derive a heating value for a fuel combusted by the gas turbine system. The processor is additionally configured to control operations of the gas turbine system based on the heating value for the fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventor: Veronica Elizabeth Vela