Abstract: An appliance includes a first gas-burning heating element, a first gas path extending from an inlet to the first heating element, and a first solenoid valve positioned within the first gas path. The appliance further includes a second gas path extending from upstream of the first solenoid valve to the first heating element and supplying a base gas flow to the first heating element. A controller is electronically coupled with the first solenoid valve for controlling a supplemental flow of gas through the first gas path to the first heating element such that the supplemental gas flow combines with the base gas flow to achieve a total gas flow. The controller controls the supplemental flow to adjust the total gas flow by pulsing the first solenoid valve at a first rate corresponding to a desired rate of the total gas flow to the first heating element.

Abstract: Spread of leaking combustion exhaust or the like is suppressed and a thermal fuse is made to operate in definitive fashion. A back flange is made to protrude so as to be directed toward a rear wall of an outer casing from a joint between a combustor casing and a heat exchanger casing to a location in the vicinity of the rear wall. A thermal fuse is arranged about the periphery of the heat exchanger casing so as to extend along a region near a protruding end edge of the back flange. The back flange is provided with a through hole, and combustion exhaust which leaks from the combustor casing is guided to the thermal fuse. A back flange which is similar thereto is installed at an upper location so as to straddle a tubing elbow. The two flanges are made to protrude beyond the tubing elbow.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention provides for a wear pad system for a turbine combustion system including a transition piece (TP) forward ring, an impingement sleeve substantially surrounding the TP forward ring, and a gap between the TP forward ring and the impingement sleeve, the wear pad system comprising: a wear pad extending through a hole in the impingement sleeve and through the gap to contact the TP forward ring, the wear pad having a radially outer portion and a radially inner portion, the radially outer portion in contact with a radially outer surface of the impingement sleeve and the radially inner portion in contact with a radially outer surface of the TP forward ring.

Abstract: A combustion chamber includes at least one annular wall which includes at least one box like structure and each box like structure includes an inner wall, outer wall, upstream end wall and downstream end wall. The inner wall is spaced radially from the outer wall and the outer wall has a plurality of apertures for the supply of coolant into the box like structure. The inner wall, the outer wall, the upstream end wall and the downstream end wall are integral. The upstream end of the annular wall has features to secure the annular wall to an upstream ring structure and a downstream end of the annular wall has features to mount the annular wall on a downstream ring structure. The inner wall has at least one slot extending through the full thickness of the inner wall to accommodate differential thermal expansion between the inner wall and the outer wall.

Abstract: A heat shield for a combustor of a gas turbine engine includes an outer edge surface with an outlet of an edge cooling passage, the edge cooling passage oriented to direct cooling air generally upstream relative to a combustion gas flow.

Abstract: An afterburner for use with a gas turbine engine includes a plurality of vanes distributed downstream of a turbine of the gas turbine engine. The vanes can include one or more exit apertures through which hot combustion flow from a pilot can be injected. The exit apertures can be protrusions or slots in some forms. In some embodiments, cooling passages are arranged around the exit apertures. An upstream vane portion can be positioned to inject fuel to be combusted via interaction with hot flow that is discharged through the exit apertures.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a fuel nozzle for a gas turbine engine, the fuel nozzle defining a radial direction, a longitudinal direction, a circumferential direction, an upstream end, and a downstream end. The fuel nozzle includes an aft body coupled to at least one fuel injector. The aft body defines a forward wall and an aft wall each extended in the radial direction, and a plurality of sidewalls extended in the longitudinal direction. The plurality of sidewalls couples the forward wall and the aft wall. The forward wall defines at least one channel inlet orifice. At least one sidewall defines at least one channel outlet orifice. At least one micro channel cooling circuit is defined between the one or more channel inlet orifices and the one or more channel outlet orifices.

Abstract: A fuel burner includes a tube extending from a first end to a second end and having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a central passage. The central passage is supplied at the first end with a mixture of air and combustible fuel pre-mixed upstream of the tube. The second end is closed by an end wall in a fluid-tight manner. The tube includes fluid directing structure for directing the pre-mixed mixture radially outward from the central passage to an exterior of the tube such that the pre-mixed mixture rotates radially about the central axis along the exterior of the tube.

Abstract: A nozzle includes a nozzle body defining a longitudinal axis. The nozzle body includes an inner air passage fed by a radial swirler and having a converging conical cross-section. A first fuel circuit is radially outboard from the air passage with respect to the longitudinal axis. A second fuel circuit is radially outboard from the first fuel circuit with respect to the longitudinal axis, wherein each of the first fuel circuit and the second fuel circuit extends from a respective fuel circuit inlet to a respective annular fuel circuit outlet. An outer air passage is defined between a fuel circuit outer wall and an outer air passage wall, wherein the outer air passage is a converging non-swirling outer air passage.

Abstract: A fuel injection nozzle (31) of the present invention comprises a pre-mixing passage (34) which mixes fuel (103) and air (102) to generate an air-fuel mixture; and an injection port (33) which is located downstream of the pre-mixing passage (34) and injects the air-fuel mixture into a combustion chamber (26). The fuel injection port (33) has a slit shape and a width that is less than a dimension that is twice as large as a quenching distance.

Abstract: The invention refers to a sequential combustor arrangement comprising a first burner, a first combustion chamber, a mixer for admixing a dilution gas via a dilution gas inlet to the hot gases leaving the first combustion chamber during operation, a second burner, and a second combustion chamber arranged sequentially in a fluid flow connection. The sequential combustor arrangement further includes four cooling zones with a cooling channel. During operation a cooling gas flows through the cooling channels. The disclosure further refers to a method for operating a gas turbine with such a sequential combustor arrangement.

Abstract: A system and method for igniting liquid fuel in a gas turbine combustor is provided. A liquid fuel cartridge, which is located within the head end, is in flow communication with a liquid fuel supply. A gaseous fuel nozzle is located proximate the liquid fuel cartridge and in flow communication with an auxiliary gaseous fuel supply. A controller is in communication with the liquid fuel supply, the auxiliary gaseous fuel supply, and an igniter located proximate or within the head end. The controller is configured to sequentially: initiate a gaseous fuel flow from the auxiliary gaseous fuel supply to the gaseous fuel nozzle; initiate the igniter to combust the gaseous fuel flow; initiate a liquid fuel flow from the liquid fuel supply to the liquid fuel cartridge; and terminate the gaseous fuel flow from the auxiliary gaseous fuel supply.

Abstract: A fireplace cavity insert provides still and video images appearing to emanate from within the insert.

Abstract: A gas control valve for a hob includes a valve housing, and a valve body accommodated in the valve housing. The valve body is rotatable in a predetermined direction of rotation from a closed position, in which the gas control valve is closed, into an open position, in which the gas control valve is open. The valve body is rotatable in the predetermined direction of rotation beyond the open position into a low-flame position when the valve body is rotated from the open position into the low-flame position for controlling a flow volume of combustion gas flowing through the gas control valve/The valve body is rotatable in opposition to the predetermined direction of rotation from the open position into a booster position, in which the flow volume of combustion gas is greater than the flow volume of combustion gas in the open position.

Abstract: A gas-heated cooking appliance, e.g. a gas cooktop, includes at least one gas valve, which has a connector, and a gas line, which is connected to the connector to supply the gas valve with gas. A carrier part is fastened to a housing part and fixes the gas line relative to the connector.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a cooking compartment with an oven bottom. The oven bottom includes a cooking surface. A cooking member may include the cooking surface. The cooking member may extend from the cooking compartment to the heating compartment. A bottom cover of the oven bottom may include a carrier and the cooking member. The oven bottom with cooking surface may be used in a variety of applications.

Abstract: A low profile spring bracket for a heating element of a cooktop appliance includes features that allow the bracket to move along the axial direction in a smooth fashion with minimal force. In this way, a temperature sensor attached thereto can maintain contact with a cooking utensil placed on the heating element.

Abstract: An operating device for a domestic appliance includes an electronic display field, a guide, and an operating element which is movable relative to the electronic display field to set operating conditions of the domestic appliance. The operating element is comprised of multiple parts and includes a sliding ring and a front part resting on the sliding ring. The front part and the sliding ring are coupled to the guide such that the front part is rotatable in a guided manner relative to the sliding ring by the guide.

Abstract: A services supply device for a commercial kitchen includes multiple wall modules that are interconnectable to form a continuous wall. The continuous wall is defined by a pair of common substantially planar surfaces, one at the front side of the wall and one at the back side of the wall, spaced apart by some distance. The interior of the wall between the front and back sides forms a cavity. A portion of the cavity may be configured as an exhaust duct that conveys exhaust fumes away from a cooking appliance serviced by the services supply device, while another portion may be configured as a filter. The exhaust duct may have an inlet positioned on one of the sides of the continuous wall. The individual wall modules may be formed from functional units stacked on top of each other.

Abstract: A cooktop ventilation appliance or system for providing ventilation for a domestic cooking appliance, includes a housing configured to communicate with a ventilation device to convey air from an environment around the domestic cooking appliance into the housing, and a smoke detection and alarm system including at least one sensor configured to detect a density of particles in the air conveyed by the ventilation device, and a control unit in communication with the at least one sensor. The control unit is configured to compare the density of particles detected by the at least one sensor to a predetermined threshold particle density at a given air speed of the air being conveyed and activate an alarm if the density of particles detected by the at least one sensor exceeds the predetermined threshold particle density for the given air speed.

Abstract: Portable air conditioner provided with an external container comprising internally a refrigerating circuit provided with a condenser.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control box and to an outdoor unit of an air conditioner comprising the same; the control box using a refrigerant cooling device and an air cooling device so as to radiate heat efficiently. The control box comprises: a case; a heat-radiating electronic component located inside the case; a refrigerant cooling device which is attached to one side of the case and makes contact with the electronic component so as to radiate heat to the outside; and an air cooling device which is attached to one side of the case and has a circulation fan for forcible circulating the air inside the case. Because the present invention is provided both with the refrigerant cooling device and the air cooling device, the electronic component inside the control box can radiate heat efficiently.

Abstract: The dual-cycle and dual-outlet air conditioner includes two separate condensation-evaporation cycles that operate independently with respect to one another, but are contained within the same housing. Each cycle includes its own evaporator and condenser, but with a common return air intake/evaporator blower and a common condenser/exhaust fan. Two separate streams of cooled air are produced by the two separate evaporators, which may then be transferred through two separate ducts to supply cooled air to different zones within a building. The two separate condensation-evaporation cycles may be independently controlled by separate thermostats in the different zones of the building.

Abstract: A refrigeration device has a condenser coil that has periodic access to outside air. A time-activated thermostat controls the operation of an evaporator coil that is in thermal contact with a reservoir containing phase change material. A thermally conductive pipe containing antifreeze fluid is connected to a pump that circulates the antifreeze fluid inside the pipe. A first portion of the pipe is inside the reservoir in thermal contact with the phase change material and a second portion of the pipe is near an air fan or connected to a fan coil unit to exchange heat through the pipe between the reservoir and the air blown by the fan or the fan coil unit. The evaporator coil produces a phase change in the phase-changing material in the reservoir at night when outdoor temperature is colder than during day and the phase-change material is used during day to cool air blown by the air fan or the fan coil unit. The air fan and a portion of the pipe can be outside of the refrigeration device and be detached.

Abstract: A system for obtaining energy consumptions, savings and cost reduction in structures adapted for human habitation which includes the utilization of a plurality of mats including phase change material encapsulated within first and second layers of plastic material having heat transfer capability disposed within the plenum area above a ceiling of a room within a building with the amount of phase change material contained within each mat being between 0.5 lbs. and 0.67 lbs. per square foot.

Abstract: A humidifier includes a burner for burning fuel within a water tank for generating steam, a primary heat exchanger within the water tank for transferring heat from products of combustion of the fuel to the water within the water tank, and a secondary heat exchanger. The secondary heat exchanger includes a combusted gas section for receiving the cooled products of combustion from the primary heat exchanger and a water section for transferring additional heat from the cooled products of combustion to water flowing within the secondary heat exchanger. The humidifier further includes a secondary fill valve which is pulsed to provide cool water for transferring additional heat from the cooled products of combustion to water flowing within the secondary heat exchanger. The water from a primary fill valve is fed directly into the water tank. An outlet of the secondary heat exchanger is fed directly into the water tank.

Abstract: A steam dispersion apparatus includes a steam chamber communicating in an open-loop arrangement with a first steam source for supplying steam to the steam chamber. The steam chamber includes a steam dispersion location at which steam exits therefrom at generally atmospheric pressure. A heat exchanger communicates in a closed-loop arrangement with a second steam source for supplying steam to the heat exchanger at a pressure generally higher than atmospheric pressure. The heat exchanger is located at a location that is not directly exposed to the air to be humidified, the heat exchanger being in fluid communication with the steam chamber so as to contact condensate from the steam chamber. The heat exchanger converts condensate formed by the steam chamber back to steam when the condensate contacts the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a specific temperature to a specific bed in a common room having a plurality of beds is disclosed that include: an air filtering module for cleaning the air in the common room, a primary air conditioning module for setting a common temperature, a plurality of secondary air conditioning modules for setting a specific temperature at each bed, a plurality of air circulating modules for creating a convection current of the specific temperature from underneath each bed, and a central processing unit (CPU) for setting specific temperatures of each bed in accordance with a mode selected from an auto mode, a manual mode, and a timing control mode.

Abstract: An air conditioner is provided that may include a pair of air discharge devices; an air discharge device holder that supports the pair of air discharge devices to be spaced apart from each other; and a display positioned between the pair of air discharge devices and having a first side surface that faces an outer peripheral surface of a first air discharge device of the pair of air discharge devices and a second side surface that faces an outer peripheral surface of a second air discharge device of the pair of air discharge devices. The display may be positioned between the pair of air discharge devices, allowing the air conditioner to be compact while preventing any safety accident which might occur if a space between the pair of air discharge devices were exposed to the outside.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, comprising: an indoor HVAC unit configured to operate a first HVAC zone in accordance with an HVAC control signal; at least one piece of environmental equipment configured to control at least one environmental parameter in accordance with at least one environmental control signal; and an HVAC adapter configured to receive operational parameters over a communication network at system setup, provide the at least one environmental control signal to the at least one piece of environmental equipment.

Abstract: An air pressure measuring ventilation system, comprising: at least one duct; at least one motorized exhaust fan; and one or more air pressure sensors. The at least one motorized exhaust fan may draw air through the at least one duct. The one or more air pressure sensors may be placed on a side of the at least one duct such that an air pressure is measured as the air is drawn through the at least one duct, such that a plurality of air pressure measurements are generated. The one or more air pressure sensors may be substantially flush with an interior side of the at least one duct and do not obstruct the air as the air is drawn through the at least one duct.

Abstract: An expectation module determines an expected average power consumption of a heat pump for a predetermined period as a function of indoor and outdoor temperatures of the building during the predetermined period. A difference module determines a power difference between an average power consumption of the heat pump during the predetermined period and the expected average power consumption of the heat pump for the predetermined period. A grade determination module determines a grade of the heat pump for the predetermined period based on the power difference of the predetermined period. A reporting module generates a displayable report including the grade of the heat pump for the predetermined period.

Abstract: An actuator may include a drive motor, an actuatable output, and a sensor for sensing a first sensed parameter in or around the actuator. The first sensed parameter may have a first sensed parameter value that can change with time. The actuator may also include electronics that may identify a first identified value representative of the first sensed parameter value and increment a first counter value when the first identified value falls within a first range of values, and increment a second counter value when the first identified value falls within a second range of values.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of an occupancy monitoring system. The occupancy monitoring system includes a thermal sensor configured to monitor a gate (e.g., entry way) to a space. The thermal sensor includes a pixel array that generates a pixel value for each pixel in the pixel array, and the pixel value corresponds to a quantity of heat or thermal information detected by a pixel. The occupancy monitoring system acquires pixel values for the pixels of the pixel array. The occupancy monitoring system determines whether there is a change in occupancy of the space based on changes to a first region (or first pixel cluster) of the pixel array and a second region (or second pixel cluster) of the pixel array over time. The occupancy monitoring system may adjust lighting, temperature, and/or security systems for the space as the occupancy changes.

Abstract: A system includes primary zone control circuitry coupled to a set of zones, wherein the primary zone control circuitry is configured to communicate a first control signal to master control circuitry via a first communication bus, communicate one or more second control signals to one or more corresponding second zones, and communicate one or more third control signals to secondary zone control circuitry via a second communication bus. The master control circuitry is configured to control a first zone airflow to a first zone based on the first control signal. Each control signal of the one or more second control signals is configured to control a respective second zone airflows to the one or more corresponding second zones. The secondary zone control circuitry is configured to control one or more third zone airflows to one or more corresponding third zones based on the one or more third control signals.

Abstract: A luminaire for lighting and for distribution of conditioned air within a space includes a housing having a lighting element, a duct opening, and at least one air vent coupled to the duct opening. The at least one air vent is configured to deliver conditioned air to the space. A method of controlling light and conditioned air delivery within a space, by a single combined lighting and conditioned air fixture, includes providing control and power signals to a controller coupled to the single combined lighting and conditioned air fixture, controlling lighting functions via the controller, and controlling conditioned air functions via the controller.

Abstract: An exhaust air channel arrangement for a kitchen exhaust air channel system is provided in which the exhaust air channel arrangement is composed of a sheet metal pipe and a supporting structure, which is movably received within the sheet metal pipe along the longitudinal direction (x) of the sheet metal pipe, wherein both opposed wall portions of the sheet metal pipe are mutually supported by the supporting structure.

Abstract: An indoor unit of an air-conditioning apparatus includes: a front panel arranged on a front side of an indoor unit body and having a flat shaped front surface; and a design cover mounted on a front side of the front panel and including an upper design cover and a lower design cover formed separately from the upper design cover, the front panel including: a recess formed to be recessed from the front side to a back side in a center of the front panel in an up-and-down direction in front view, and extending from an inner side of a left end portion of the front panel to an inner side of a right end portion of the front panel; an air inlet formed below the recess; a left-hand recess side portion; and a right-hand recess side portion. The left-hand recess side portion is flat and flush with flat surfaces above and below the left-hand recess side portion, the right-hand recess side portion is flat and flush with flat surfaces above and below the right-hand recess side portion.

Abstract: A heat balancing system for a natural draft gas burning appliance having a flue. When the appliance is in a standby mode, a main burner is shut off and the pilot light remains on. Temperature in the heat exchanger (e.g., temperature of water in a heater tank) may be decreased or increased, respectively, by opening or closing a damper in a flue as needed. If opening the damper does not sufficiently reduce the temperature of the heat exchanger, then the pilot light may be shut off to further reduce the temperature. The pilot light may be turned on again to bring up the temperature. There may be a control or controller to operate the damper to maintain the temperature of the exchanger within a certain range. Electrical power may be provided for the system from a power line, a storage device, or other source.

Abstract: A device for holding a material and a method for holding such materials. The device includes a lower part having at least two engagement points, at least one elongated flexible tensioning element that is attached suspended between the engagement points, and traction mechanisms that are attached on the tensioning element or are part of the tensioning element. The tensioning element is connected to, encloses or carries the material, and the device is configured such that all traction mechanisms can be pulled simultaneously with identical or different tensile force in the direction of the lower part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar selective absorbing coating and a preparation method thereof. The solar selective absorbing coating comprises a substrate, an infrared reflective layer, an absorbing layer and an antireflective layer in sequence from bottom to surface. The absorbing layer consists of a first sublayer, a second sublayer and a third sublayer. The first sublayer and the second sublayer contain metal nitride, and the third sublayer is metal oxynitride. The first sublayer is in contact with the infrared reflective layer, and the third sublayer is in contact with the antireflective layer. The preparation method comprises: depositing an infrared reflective layer on a substrate; depositing an absorbing layer on the infrared reflective layer; and depositing the antireflective layer on the absorbing layer.

Abstract: A flexible pouch for heating articles includes a pair of panels forming a compartment and a pair of heating units which are disposed on either side of the compartment to heat the articles within the compartment. Seal portions are formed adjacent side edges for forming a holding area to be grasped by the hand of the user.

Abstract: A refrigeration cycle apparatus includes: a refrigerant circuit including a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator; an oil separator provided at a refrigerant discharge side of the compressor and configured to separate refrigerant and a refrigerating machine oil; a first oil return path connecting the oil separator to a refrigerant suction side of the compressor; a flow control device provided on the first oil return path and configured to reduce pressure of the refrigerant and the refrigerating machine oil; an oil reservoir provided to branch from the first oil return path between the flow control device and the refrigerant suction side of the compressor and configured to store the refrigerating machine oil; a second oil return path on which the oil reservoir is provided and through which the oil accumulated in the oil reservoir flows when being returned to the compressor.

Abstract: An electric compressor includes a compression portion discharging a high pressure refrigerant by compressing a low-pressure drawn refrigerant, an electric motor driving the compression portion with a rotation of a rotor, a motor drive circuit driving the electric motor, an intermediate pressure port through which an intermediate pressure refrigerant is introduced into the compression portion, and a controller performing a rotation control of the rotor. When the controller stops the electric motor in a two-step compression mode in which the intermediate pressure refrigerant is introduced into the compression portion, the controller stops the rotor rotating by performing short-circuit braking on the electric motor and then fixes a rotational position of the rotor at a predetermined rotational position by performing direct current excitation on the electric motor.

Abstract: A vapor compression system that includes an evaporator system that changes a temperature of a fluid flowing across the evaporator system using a refrigerant. The evaporator system includes a first evaporator section that cools the fluid flowing across the first evaporator section using the refrigerant. The evaporator system also includes a second evaporator section that is capable of alternatively cooling and heating the fluid flowing across the second evaporator section with the refrigerant. A valve system controls a flow of the refrigerant through the second evaporator section between a first flow path of the evaporator system and a second flow path of the evaporator system. The refrigerant heats the fluid flowing across the second evaporator section as the refrigerant flows through the first flow path and the refrigerant cools the fluid flowing across the second evaporator section as the refrigerant flows through the second flow path.

Abstract: A heat pump system for conditioning regeneration air from a space is provided. The heat pump system is operable in a winter mode and/or a summer mode, and may be selectively operated in a defrost mode or cycle. During a defrost mode, hot refrigerant may be used to directly and sequentially defrost the regeneration air heat exchanger. A compressor may be configured to be overdriven during a defrost cycle.

Abstract: A cryogenic expander maximizes the energy absorbing capacity of bumpers that prevent the displacer or piston in a pneumatically driven expander from hitting the cold or warm end of a cylinder. A collar at the warm end of the piston which has the same outside diameter as the piston and a lip at the warm end that engages an “O” ring before the piston hits the cold end or bottom of the cylinder. The warm end of the collar also engages an “O” ring before the pistons hits the warm end or top of the cylinder. Having “O” rings that are near the maximum diameter of the cylinder maximizes the amount of energy they can absorb, and thus permits quiet operation of larger size expanders than prior designs.

Abstract: A heat exchange apparatus includes a first heat exchanger configured to transfer heat between a refrigerant and another medium, a plurality of second heat exchangers configured to transfer heat between the refrigerant and the liquid, a compressor configured to pressurize the refrigerant and a plurality of expansion devices for each of the plurality of second heat exchangers and configured to expand the refrigerant pressurized by the compressor, wherein the refrigerant flows through the plurality of second heat exchangers in parallel, and the liquid flows through the plurality of second heat exchangers in series.

Abstract: A Transport Refrigeration Unit (TRU) includes one or more evaporators inside the TRU each containing two manifold tubes located at opposite ends of the evaporator and a multiplicity of cooling tubes traversing between the manifold tubes; one or more super-insulated vacuum tanks located in front of, beneath or inside the TRU, filled with liquid nitrogen, carbon dioxide or a cryogenic coolant connected to the one or more evaporators using vacuum-insulated pipes; a solenoid or pneumatic valve located upstream or downstream of the evaporator to meter a flow of nitrogen through the evaporator; a temperature controlling circuit that operates the solenoid or pneumatic valve; a flow restricting device that limits the flow of the cryogenic coolant through the evaporator; a vent pipe to vent the spent coolant outside the TRU; and a multiplicity of fans located adjacent to and above the evaporators that distribute the cooled air uniformly throughout the TRU.

Abstract: A thermoelectric heating/cooling device may include first and second thermally conductive headers. A plurality of thermoelectric elements thermally may be coupled in parallel between the first and second thermally conductive headers. In addition, a resistive heating element may be provided on the second header, and the second header may be between the resistive heating element and the plurality of thermoelectric elements.