Abstract: An exhaust muffler includes a first muffler section connected to an exhaust pipe and a second muffler section connected to the first muffler section. Exhaust gases delivered from the exhaust pipe are discharged from the first muffler section and the second muffler section out of the exhaust muffler. The first muffler section includes a tubular member made up of an inner pipe to which the exhaust pipe is connected and an outer pipe covering the inner pipe, and a connector connecting the tubular member and the second muffler section to each other. The first muffler section has a first expansion chamber defined therein between the inner pipe and the outer pipe. The inner pipe houses therein a valve for changing an amount of exhaust gases passing through the inner pipe. The first muffler section includes a curved portion that is curved vertically as viewed in side elevation of the vehicle.

Abstract: The muffler for a motorized vehicle includes a housing with an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber, an exhaust inlet, and an exhaust outlet. The muffler includes a first channel with a first noise dampening amount that is within the housing interior, to fluidly connect the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber. The muffler includes second channel with a second noise dampening amount that is within the housing interior between the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber. The first noise dampening amount is greater than the second noise dampening amount. A valve selectively fluidly connects the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber thorough the second channel, and is configured to variably obstruct the flow of exhaust gas through the second channel. In various embodiments, the muffler has more than one inlet chamber and more than one exhaust outlet.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein relate to generating ammonia from engine exhaust instead of or in addition to using on-board storage tank(s) and/or doser(s) to provide the necessary chemical reagents for purification of the exhaust stream. Systems and methods for generating ammonia and/or hydrogen from engine exhaust in exhaust aftertreatment systems under ambient conditions comprise at least one water-gas shift (WGS) catalyst and at least one ammonia synthesis catalyst (AMS catalyst) positioned downstream of the WGS catalyst. The WGS catalyst is configured, using the engine exhaust gas as an input, to generate hydrogen used by the AMS catalyst as inputs to generate ammonia and/or hydrogen. The ammonia and/or hydrogen thus generated are used downstream in ammonia- and/or hydrogen-based selective catalytic reduction catalysts (SCR).

Abstract: Provided is a plasma reactor capable of reliably generating plasma even in the event of inflow of water. The plasma reactor of the present invention includes a plasma panel stack 20, electrically conductive members 51 and 54, a case, and a mat 71. The plasma panel stack 20 has a structure in which electrode panels 30 are stacked, and generates plasma upon application of voltage between the adjacent electrode panels 30. The electrically conductive members 51 and 54 are electrically connected to discharge electrodes of the electrode panels 30. The case houses the plasma panel stack 20. The mat 71 intervenes between the case and the plasma panel stack 20 and fixes the plasma panel stack 20 to the case. The mat 71 is disposed apart from the electrically conductive members 51 and 54 so that gaps S1 and S2 are formed between the mat 71 and the electrically conductive members 51 and 54, respectively.

Abstract: An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine, especially in a vehicle, comprising at least one first catalytic converter unit (18) with at least one catalytic converter device (24), through which internal combustion engine exhaust gas can flow and a fuel-operated heater (36). The at least one first catalytic converter unit (18) comprises a heat exchanger volume (50) through which heater exhaust gas leaving the heater (36) can flow.

Abstract: A combustion system operated at low cost is provided. A combustion system 1 includes a combustion device 10 that burns fuel, an exhaust line L1 through which exhaust gas flows, the exhaust gas being generated through combustion of the fuel in the combustion device 10, a dust collector 50 that is disposed in the exhaust line L1 and that collects dust in the exhaust gas, and a denitration device 90 that is disposed in the exhaust line L1 and that removes nitrogen oxide from the exhaust gas using a denitration catalyst. The denitration device 90 is disposed downstream from the dust collector 50 in the exhaust line L1. The denitration catalyst contains 43 wt % or more of vanadium pentoxide and has a BET specific surface area of 30 m2/g or more.

Abstract: A system (9) of the invention is a system for detecting deterioration of a catalyst (8) provided in an exhaust passage (12) of an internal combustion engine (11), the system including: means (5) that detects a temperature of an exhaust on an upstream side of the catalyst (8); means (6) that detects a temperature of the exhaust on a downstream side of the catalyst (8); a recognition unit (10) that recognizes, both upstream and downstream of the catalyst (8), a change point at which the temperature changes from temperature fall or constant temperature to temperature rise during acceleration operation, or a change point at which the temperature changes from temperature rise or constant temperature to temperature fall during deceleration operation; and a determination unit (10) that determines that the catalyst (8) has deteriorated when a difference (?T or ?T?) between the upstream and downstream change points becomes equal to or longer than a predetermined time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for restricting work produced by combustion in a combustion chamber, wherein an aftertreatment system is arranged for reduction of at least one substance resulting from the combustion, wherein the work produced by the combustion is restricted when there is a malfunction regarding reduction of the at least one substance. The method includes: performing a first evaluation regarding the reduction of the at least one substance, when the first evaluation indicates a malfunction, performing a second evaluation regarding the reduction of the at least one substance, the second evaluation being different from the first evaluation, and restricting work produced by the combustion only when a malfunction regarding reduction of the at least one substance is indicated also by the second evaluation.

Abstract: Sensing combustion events using a resistive based oxygen sensor exposed to exhaust gases of a periodic combustion process in a combustion engine. The oxygen sensor is disposed in the exhaust plenum of the engine and includes a metal oxide semiconductor layer bridging a gap between first and second electrodes. Spikes in the resistance of the metal oxide semiconductor layer, caused by its reaction to transient changes in the oxygen level and exhaust temperature, are indicated in a combustion signal. The combustion signal may be used to monitor for combustion misfire event(s). Further, a combustion misfire event may be detected by comparing the detected spike timing with expected spike timing, with a spike not being present at a time when a spike is expected indicating a combustion misfire event. Related devices and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: An exhaust system for an off road vehicle includes a main intake pipe running in a generally longitudinal direction on the vehicle, receiving gasses from a first intake pipe for a forward cylinder and from a second intake pipe for a rearward cylinder of an mid-mounted internal combustion engine. A catalytic converter receives gasses from the main intake pipe. Instead of being mounted longitudinally, the catalytic converter extends in a transverse direction, at the rearward end of the exhaust system, behind the axis of the rear wheels. A muffler, located over the axis of the rear wheels, also extends in a transverse direction and receives gasses from the catalytic converter. The muffler outputs the gasses through a tailpipe, which is preferably above and extends wider than the main intake pipe.

Abstract: An exhaust component assembly includes a heat shield and a mounting structure to attach the heat shield to an outer housing of an exhaust component. The mounting structure includes a primary insulator located between an outer surface of the outer housing and an inner surface of the heat shield, and at least one secondary insulator positioned adjacent the primary insulator. The primary insulator comprises a sheet of material including at least one encapsulated insulating cavity.

Abstract: A flow control valve is arranged to simultaneously perform coolant flow control and variable split cooling, according to control of a path opening degree of the flow control valve. The flow control valve can perform four-port control for variably controlling four ports at once by operation of the flow control valve, and thus can implement variable temperature control for increasing a temperature of an engine, rapid warming-up of the engine, while performing split cooling at the same time.

Abstract: A coolant control valve for an internal combustion engine, including: a housing; a rotary valve disposed within the housing, the rotary valve including an axis of rotation and an end stop extending in a radial direction toward the axis of rotation; and a resilient element connected to the housing. In a circumferential position of the rotary valve about the axis of rotation: a circle, centered on the axis of rotation, passes through the resilient element and the end stop; and the end stop is in contact with the resilient element.

Abstract: An intercooler includes a heat exchanger that has a first heat exchange portion through which a first heat exchange medium flows and a second heat exchange portion through which a second heat exchange medium flows. The first heat exchange medium flowing through the first heat exchange portion cools the supercharged intake air by exchanging heat with the supercharged intake air. The second heat exchange medium flowing through the second heat exchange portion cools the supercharged intake air by exchanging heat with the supercharged intake air. The heat exchanger includes an inner fin configured to enhance the heat exchange between the supercharged intake air and the first heat exchange medium. The heat exchanger includes a boiling suppression portion configured to suppress a boiling of the first heat exchange medium flowing in an upstream part, in a flow direction of the supercharged intake air, of the first heat exchange portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods to increase the recharge rate of a supplemental cooling system are provided. The system may include a primary cooling system configured to cool a thermal load, a supplemental cooling system, and a thermoelectric cooling apparatus. The thermoelectric cooling apparatus may assist the primary cooling system in recharging the supplemental cooling system in response to the supplemental cooling system operating in a recharge state, to the availability of electrical capacity, and to one or more operating parameters of the primary cooling system falling outside a predetermined range, wherein the operating parameter affects a cooling capacity of the primary cooling system.

Abstract: A split-cycle engine includes: a first cylinder housing a first piston, wherein the first piston performs an intake stroke and a compression stroke, but does not perform an exhaust stroke; a second cylinder housing a second piston, wherein the second piston performs an expansion stroke and an exhaust stroke, but does not perform an intake stroke; and a valve chamber housing a valve, the valve comprising an internal chamber that selectively fluidly couples to the first and second cylinders, wherein the valve and internal chamber move within the valve chamber and relative to the first and second cylinders.

Abstract: A rotary engine having an insert in a peripheral wall of the stator body, the insert being made of a material having a greater heat resistance than that of the peripheral wall, having a subchamber defined therein and having an inner surface, the subchamber communicating with the cavity through at least one opening defined in the inner surface and having a shape forming a reduced cross-section adjacent the opening, a pilot fuel injector having a tip received in the subchamber, an ignition element having a tip received in the subchamber, and a main fuel injector extending through the stator body and having a tip communicating with the cavity at a location spaced apart from the insert. The subchamber has a volume corresponding to from 5% to 25% of a sum of the minimum volume and the volume of the subchamber. A method of injecting heavy fuel into a Wankel engine is also discussed.

Abstract: An internal combustion butterfly engine system includes a cylindrical housing with an inner surface and an outer surface; a first snitch having a first cylindrical body and a first two tabs extending away from the first cylindrical body; and a second snitch having a second cylindrical body and a second two tabs extending away from the second cylindrical body; the first snitch and second snitch are secured within the cylindrical housing, the first two tabs and the second two tabs creating four chambers within the cylindrical housing.

Abstract: A generator includes an elongated tubular frame, an internal combustion engine attached to the elongated tubular frame, the engine including an engine block including a cylinder and a crankshaft configured to rotate about a crankshaft axis. The generator further includes a fuel tank attached to the elongated tubular frame. The elongated tubular frame is configured to simultaneously support the internal combustion engine and the fuel tank.

Abstract: A variable compression ratio device is provided. The device includes a connecting rod connected to a piston in a cylinder and an eccentric cam interposed between a piston pin and the connecting rod. The eccentric cam moves the piston vertically to vary a compression ratio according to an eccentric cam rotation position. A hydraulic controller adjusts hydraulic fluid supplied to first and second chambers formed between the eccentric cam and the connecting rod. The first chamber rotates the eccentric cam in one direction by supplied hydraulic fluid. The second chamber rotates the eccentric cam in another direction by the supplied hydraulic fluid. A position sensor senses a piston position. A compression ratio controller calculates a target compression ratio according to an operating condition of an engine, calculates a current compression ratio based on the piston, and adjusts the eccentric cam rotation position using an oil control valve.

Abstract: A lubrication system is disclosed. The lubrication system may be used in conjunction with a gas turbine engine for generating power or lift. The lubrication system utilized a flow scheduling valve which reduces lubricant flow to at least one component based on an engine load. The lubrication system may further include a main pump which may be regulated by an engine speed. Thus, a lubrication system which provides a lubricant to engine components based on the load and speed of the engine is possible. The system may improve efficiency of the engine by reducing the power previously spent in churning excess lubricant by at least one engine component as well as reducing the energy used by a lubricant cooler in cooling the excess lubricant. The lubricant cooler size may also be minimized to reduce weight and air drag due to the reduced lubricant flow.

Abstract: A modular gas turbine system is disclosed. The system includes a base plate and a gas turbine engine mounted on the base plate. The gas turbine engine has a rotation axis, a first air compressor section and a second air compressor section. A rotating load is mechanically coupled to the gas turbine engine and mounted on the base plate. A supporting frame extends above the base plate and supports a plurality of secondary coolers, which are fluid exchange relationship with an intercooler of the gas turbine engine.

Abstract: A method for mounting a gas turbine engine having a compressor section, a combustor section, a turbine section, a pylon and a rear mount bracket, includes positioning the mounting bracket between the gas turbine engine and the pylon. The mounting bracket is connected to the turbine case reacting a least a vertical load, a side load, a thrust load, and a torque load from the gas turbine engine through the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket is attached to the pylon reacting the same loads from the gas turbine engine.

Abstract: An air bleed system for a gas turbine engine includes a compressor case, fan panel, compartment, bleed port, bleed valve, and duct. The compressor case extends circumferentially around a core of the gas turbine engine. The fan panel is disposed radially outward from the compressor case. The compartment is disposed between the compressor case and fan panel. The bleed port extends from the compressor case into the compartment. The bleed valve is disposed on an outward end of the bleed port and is configured to selectively occupy an open or a closed position so as to regulate flow of a fluid. The duct extends between the bleed valve and the fan panel and is fluidly connected to the bleed port and to the opening of the fan panel. The duct is configured to transport the fluid from the engine core to the fan panel and through the opening.

Abstract: A power generating unit, control unit and modular power generating system. A power generating unit includes an engine-generator set including an engine that produces mechanical power and a generator mechanically coupled to the engine. The generator converts the mechanical power to electrical power provided to a DC link. The control unit includes at least one controller configured to control fuel flow to the engine based on a voltage of the DC link.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for operating a split exhaust engine system that provides blowthrough air and exhaust gas recirculation to an intake passage via a first exhaust manifold and exhaust gas to an exhaust passage via a second exhaust manifold. In one example, a flow of exhaust (e.g., exhaust gas recirculation) from engine cylinders to the intake passage, upstream of a compressor, via an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) passage and the first exhaust manifold may be adjusted by adjusting a timing of a first set of cylinder exhaust valves coupled to the first exhaust manifold. Additionally, the first set of cylinder exhaust valves open at a different time than a second set of cylinder exhaust valves coupled to the exhaust passage.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for integrating a VCR engine with a CVT transmission. Responsive to a driver demand, a controller may determine whether to maintain a current compression ratio or transition to an alternate compression ratio based on the fuel economy benefit of the transition and further based on any engine limitations that may be incurred at the engine speed-load following the transition. To improve the net fuel economy benefit while addressing the engine limitation, a compression ratio transition may be combined with a CVT adjusted engine speed-load regime, while maintaining engine power output.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed herein that provide for controlling torque in a vehicle. In some embodiments, desired torque values are generated and are compared to an amount of torque currently being generated by an engine. If a different amount of torque is desired, an engine speed target is altered in a linear fashion, and then converted back to a torque request to be provided to an engine ECU for implementation. Techniques disclosed herein may cause changes in torque demand to be limited in such a way to cause predictable and smooth changes in engine speed, even when engine speed and torque do not have a linear relationship to each other.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing noise or vibration generated by an internal combustion engine are described. An engine controller is arranged to operate the working chambers of the engine in a cylinder output level modulation manner A noise/vibration reduction unit actively control of a device that is not a part of the powertrain. The device is controlled in a feed forward manner to alter an NVH characteristic of the vehicle in a desired manner based at least in part on a characteristic of the cylinder output level modulation operation of the engine.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for storing redundancy repair information for memories are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a fuse array, a repair plane, and a decode logic and control circuit. The fuse array stores repair information that includes repair commands and load repair addresses. The load repair addresses include a respective repair address. The repair plane includes a block of memory and repair logic. The block of memory includes a plurality of redundant memory and the repair logic includes a plurality of repair blocks. Each repair block is associated with a respective one of the plurality of redundant memory and each repair block of the plurality of repair blocks stores a repair address. The decode logic and control circuit reads the repair information and decodes the repair commands, and loads repair addresses into the plurality of repair blocks based at least in part on the decoded repair commands.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fuel injection control device for an engine equipped with a solenoid-type fuel injector 67. The fuel injection control device comprises: a voltage sensor SW19 configured to detect a voltage of a solenoid of the fuel injector 67; and a PCM 10 configured to set a valve-open period of the fuel injector 67, based on a fuel injection amount according to an operation state of the engine 1, and control the fuel injector 67 based on the valve-open period. The PCM 10 is configured to perform correction for gradually shortening the set valve-open period, as the voltage (residual voltage) detected by the voltage sensor SW19 when opening the fuel injector becomes larger, and control the fuel injector 67 based on the corrected valve-open period.

Abstract: A device for rotatable mounting of a camshaft of an internal combustion engine. The device includes a first bearing body with a receiver for rotatable mounting of the camshaft. The device has a cylinder head or a fixing frame for fixing the first bearing body. The device has a first fixing means which fixes the first bearing body to the cylinder head or fixing frame. The first fixing means is the sole fixing means which fixes the first bearing body to the cylinder head or fixing frame.

Abstract: free-piston engine power plant incorporating a first combustion cylinder having a first combustion piston, a fluid expander having an expansion cylinder with an expander piston therein, the expander piston reciprocating in unison with the first combustion piston, a bottoming cycle having a working fluid and a heat exchanger.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for decreasing thermalization time and/or increasing coefficients of performance by adding waste heat. A thermal management system may include a coolant loop and be configured to cool a target component via the coolant loop, the thermal management system may be further configured to heat the target component during a thermalization period with a waste heat source via the same coolant loop with which the thermal management system is configured to cool the target component.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a thrust reverser cascade assembly including positioning a first frame section on an assembly fixture, positioning a first set of turning vanes on a first elongated stiffener of the first frame section, securing the first set of turning vanes to the elongated stiffener, positioning a second frame section on the assembly fixture adjacent to the first frame section such that the first set of turning vanes are between the elongated stiffeners of the first and second frame section, adding additional sets of turning vanes and frame sections, and fastening the frame sections together.

Abstract: Systems and methods for limiting power of a gas turbine engine for an aircraft are described herein. A blade angle of a propeller blade of the engine and a commanded power for the engine are obtained. A thrust transition direction is determined. The commanded power is compared to a selected threshold based on the blade angle and the thrust transition direction. Power to the engine is limited when the commanded power exceeds the selected threshold.

Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a system includes a turbofan engine, a nacelle surrounding the engine and defining an annular bypass duct through the engine to define a generally forward-to-aft bypass air flow path, a thrust reverser movable to and from a reversing position where at least a portion of the bypass air flow path is reversed and comprising a first reverser portion having a first latch element, and a second reverser portion having a second latch element that is reversibly engageable with the first latch element to reversibly secure the second reverser portion to the first reverser portion, and an actuator comprising a catch element coupled to a portion of at least one of the first latch element and the second latch element to move the first reverser portion and the second reverser portion into and out of the reversing position.

Abstract: A carburetor may have a fuel metering assembly with a metering valve and a metering diaphragm sealed to a body of the carburetor to at least partially define a metering chamber with a portion of the metering diaphragm movable relative to the body to actuate a fuel metering valve. The diaphragm may include a continuous layer, a discontinuous layer, and an intermediate layer received at least partially between the continuous and discontinuous layers and at least partially inhibiting direct contact between the continuous and discontinuous layers. The continuous and discontinuous layers may be different polymer materials and the intermediate layer may be a polymer different than that of the discontinuous layer. The intermediate layer may include voids, segments, or a wire form.

Abstract: A safe hydrogen fueled IC engine system is described herein, having an electronic control of safety valves and ignition timing. The system is useable with any IC engine and especially with electric hybrid drive systems.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for preheating a fuel vapor storage canister in an evaporative emissions system prior to a vehicle start. In one example, a method may include learning common vehicle routes and identifying routes in which fuel vapor storage canister preheating is indicated, such as routes that will enable fuel vapors to be purged to an engine intake shortly after the vehicle start. Then, in anticipation of an identified route for fuel vapor storage canister preheating, a vehicle controller may be transitioned from a sleep mode to an awake mode prior to the vehicle start in order to commence a fuel vapor storage canister preheating routine.

Abstract: A cooler apparatus for a vehicle may include the tube formed in the clad metal configured such that inosculation layers are formed at both external surfaces of diffusion preventing layers which are A1000 series in a state of forming the diffusion preventing layers at both surfaces of a lead layer including aluminum alloy.

Abstract: A vertically extending air intake duct 1 on a rear of a cab 2 in a delivery vehicle to take in ambient air for an engine through an air intake 3 has a duct body 4 as outer shell with the intake 3 on an upper portion, a side branch section 5 on a lower portion of the body 4 and having upper and lower ends opened in the body 4 and outside, respectively, a mesh member 6 extending over the intake 3 to collect rainwater, a louver 7 for covering the member 6 and the intake 3 to prevent intrusion of matter other than ambient air, and a drip channel or bead 8 on an inner wall of the body 4 and just below the member 6 to capture and guide rainwater flowing down on the inner wall to the upper end of the section 5.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes: an engine body (10) having at least one cylinder; and an air-supply manifold (4) including an adjustment pipe (12). The length of the adjustment pipe is set so that a first pressure wave (14A) propagating from the air-supply manifold toward the adjustment pipe and a second pressure wave (14B) propagating from the adjustment pipe toward the air-supply manifold have opposite phases from each other at the cylinder.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to internal combustion engines. Various embodiments thereof may include a fuel injection valve for a combustion engine comprising: a valve body with a cavity; a valve needle movable in the cavity; an actuator assembly to actuate the valve needle. The actuator assembly includes an electro-magnetic coil, a pole piece positioned inside the cavity, and an armature element. The armature element moves within the cavity to move the valve needle in a predetermined direction. A fixing ring abutting the pole piece, fixed to the valve body by means of joining to a circumferential surface of the cavity.

Abstract: Various embodiments may include a fuel pump for applying pressure to a fuel in a fuel injection system comprising: a housing with a pressure chamber; a fluid port for conducting fuel to and/or from the pressure chamber; a port receiving bore in the housing for receiving the fluid port; and a screw drive arranged in the internal bore of the fluid port, via which the fluid port can be acted on in order to be screwed into the port receiving bore. The fluid port has an internal bore fluidically connected to the pressure chamber. The fluid port is fastened in the port receiving bore with a screw connection.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for dealing with a change of mind event during an automatic shut-down of an engine in which the speed at which a starter motor used to restart the engine is disengaged is based upon the comparison of current engine speed (N) with a cranking speed limit (SLIM). In one example, during an engine restart while the engine is spinning down, the starter motor may crank the engine to a threshold cranking engine speed adjusted based on a position of the gear.

Abstract: A temperature control system for an engine. The system includes a thermal storage expansion tank defining a thermally insulated interior volume for storing engine coolant. The system further includes a pump that pumps engine coolant that has exited the thermal storage expansion tank back into the thermally insulated interior volume of the thermal storage expansion tank and forces air out of the thermal storage expansion tank to store coolant in the thermally insulated interior volume when the engine is off.

Abstract: A hydraulic power generating apparatus which can be easily disposed in a water channel, such as a waterway or a water conducting pipe. The hydraulic power generating apparatus comprises a horizontal rotor supporting housing (4) having a rotor, a holding body (5) erected on an upper surface of the rotor supporting housing (4), a support ring (2) in which the rotor supporting housing (4) is fixed, and a power generator (11). The rotor supporting housing (4) is integrally fixed within the support ring (2) by the holding body (5). The power generator (11) is disposed on the upper part of the holding body (5) protruding from the support ring (2), and the support ring (2) is formed with attachment portions (2A, 2B) for fixing the rotor supporting housing (4) in a water channel.

Abstract: A platform for exploiting the energy contained in waves operating in a marine environment and floating on the sea is disclosed. This comprises a submerged portion existing below a sea surface, an emerged portion existing above the sea surface, and a partially submerged wave power generation mechanism portion including the sea surface and coupling the submerged portion and the emerged portion.

Abstract: A machine is provided for recycling a buoyant module, to convert potential energy of the module into kinetic energy, and to then restore potential energy for the module in another cycle. To do this, the machine requires a bi-level water tank that includes a transfer tank having a lower level water surface and a return tank having an upper level water surface. A two-valve mechanism operates during each cycle to effectively maintain these respective water levels. During a gravity phase in the cycle, the module is dropped from a launch point above the tank to develop kinetic energy for work. After this work is done, the module enters the transfer tank and decelerates. In a buoyancy phase of the cycle, the submerged module is propelled, by its buoyancy, from the transfer tank and through the return tank to the original launch point for another cycle.