Abstract: A burner system, preferably including input plumbing, a combustion region, and an exhaust section. In some embodiments, the burner system can include, be attached to, be configured to couple with, and/or be otherwise associated with a thermionic energy converter (TEC). A method of burner system operation, preferably including operating the burner system in a combustion mode and optionally including operating a TEC.

Abstract: A heat exchanger (100) for an exhaust gas recirculation system includes one or more rigid tubes (103), each having one or more internal cooling fins (111) that act as heat exchange surfaces to transfer heat from a gas to the walls of the rigid tubes. The rigid tubes are cooled by a liquid coolant contained within an outer jacket (113) surrounding the tubes. The rigid tubes may be straight and smooth, and may be alternated with one or more bellows sections (108, 104) which provide flexibility to the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for transferring heat between two fluids with different temperature includes a first heat exchange element having at least one core extending longitudinally through the heat exchange element. The at least one core defines a core cavity that is configured with an inlet port and an outlet port to receive a first fluid flowing therethrough. The heat exchange element includes ribs extending continuously substantially in parallel with the at least one core along the whole length of the core. The ribs extend radially outwardly from the core and are exposed to contact with a second fluid that flows along said ribs. Each rib is divided into at least two radially extending fins at a radial distance from the core. Each fin extends to a proximity of an outer casing surrounding the first heat exchanger element or a proximity of fins of an adjacent heat exchanger element.

Abstract: A double pipe heat exchanger and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The double pipe heat exchanger including an outer pipe and an inner pipe having a first flow channel therein and having an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the outer pipe and inserted into the outer pipe to form a second flow channel between the inner pipe and the outer pipe includes a plurality of first grooves formed in a spiral shape in a lengthwise direction at an outer circumferential surface of the inner pipe to enable the second flow channel to have at least partially a spiral shape and at least one second groove each formed in a portion between two first grooves adjacent to an outer circumferential surface of the inner pipe and formed along the first groove.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device comprising a self-regulating pressure pipe for increasing a rate of a fluid flow of a fluid and configured to respond to the volume of the fluid or the viscosity of the fluid by decreasing or increasing the pressure within the self-regulating pressure pipe.

Abstract: An airfoil may be provided that includes a CMC body and a support piece. The CMC body has an inner surface that defines a chamber within the CMC body. The support piece may be positioned within the chamber of the CMC body. The support piece comprises a channel in a surface of the support piece, the surface being in contact with the inner surface of the CMC body. The channel and the inner surface of the CMC body define a passageway for a cooling fluid. The passageway may wind about the circumference of the CMC body and extend along the span of the airfoil. Outlets may be positioned through the CMC body allowing fluid communication between the passageway and the outer surface of the CMC body.

Abstract: The heat exchanger (10) includes a ceramic matrix composite (12) (stable at temperatures up to 1,650° C.) surrounding and defining a hot fluid conduit (14). A hardenable material (18) having a high thermal conductivity is formed into a heat transfer layer (16) surrounding the ceramic matrix composite (12). A metal pipe (20) is coextensive with the heat transfer layer (16) and defines at least a portion (22) of at least one cool fluid passage (24, 34, 54) defined adjacent to and in heat exchange relationship with the heat transfer layer (16) so that a fluid passing through the cool fluid passage (24, 34, 54) absorbs heat passing through the heat transfer layer (16) from the hot fluid passing through the hot fluid conduit (14).

Abstract: A co-fired generator for use in a continuous-cycle absorption heating and cooling system may provide heat to the interior of an annulus chamber from a first heat exchanger, such as a firetube heat exchanger, supplemented by heat to the exterior of the annulus chamber from a second heat exchanger containing fluid heated by an external source. Some embodiments may circulate fluid heated in a solar-heated collector through the second heat exchanger. Other embodiments may route exhaust gas from a combustion engine through the second heat exchanger. The second heat exchanger may be provided with a plurality of fins to increase the surface area available for thermal transfer between the heated fluid and the annulus chamber.

Abstract: A precious metal structure which has an internal gas permeable membrane is described herein for a glass manufacturing vessel configured to have molten glass flow therein. The internal gas permeable membrane can be supplied with an atmosphere of gas (or gases) to control the flux of hydrogen into our out of the molten glass or otherwise improve the production of the molten glass. In this manner, the undesirable detrimental reactions that can occur at the interface of the molten glass and precious metal interface which can cause defects in the molten glass such as bubbles or solid inclusions can be stopped or at least substantially reduced.

Abstract: A system for heating storage containers and bodies of water to prevent freezing and ice buildup. Heated fluid lines are utilized to achieve improved thermal transfer of heat energy to bodies of water.

Abstract: A low-pressure energy system is provided that includes a combustion chamber immersed in water within an insulated container. Low-pressure air flow is introduced into one end of the combustion chamber. Fuel, sparks and water are also introduced to the combustion chamber, thereby generating steam and heat. The steam is blown through the combustion chamber to a first radiator, which emits heat and a steam exhaust, which can be used to increase the humidity of the enclosure housing the energy system. The heat generated by the combustion chamber heats the water in the insulated container. The heated water is pumped through a second radiator, thereby extracting additional heat from the system. A fan may be configured to introduce air flow over both the first and second radiators, thereby further improving heat transfer to the ambient air. Water can optionally be omitted from the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A low-pressure energy system is provided that includes a combustion chamber immersed in water within an insulated container. Low-pressure air flow is introduced into one end of the combustion chamber. Fuel, sparks and water are also introduced to the combustion chamber, thereby generating steam and heat. The steam is blown through the combustion chamber to a first radiator, which emits heat and a steam exhaust, which can be used to increase the humidity of the enclosure housing the energy system. The heat generated by the combustion chamber heats the water in the insulated container. The heated water is pumped through a second radiator, thereby extracting additional heat from the system. A fan may be configured to introduce air flow over both the first and second radiators, thereby further improving heat transfer to the ambient air. Water can optionally be omitted from the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A hot gas water heater has a housing, and at least a pair of concentric coils in the housing through which liquid to be heated is sequentially passed. Each coil has a helical tube with adjacent turns connected by a web member such that the tube and web member form an imperforate coil wall. Hot gas passes sequentially between the coils in co-current flow with liquid flow in one adjacent coil and counter-current flow with liquid flow in another adjacent coil.

Abstract: A gas fired tube and shell heat exchanger directs a flame directly into an inlet end of the tube bundle and the flame and exhaust are drawn through the tube bundle by an induced draft blower located in the exhaust stream outside of the shell. Liquid to be heated is pumped through the shell by an electric pump. In another preferred embodiment, a forced draft blower is placed on behind the burner to force air into the tube bundle. Control features prevent the burner from firing unless there is liquid flow through the shell.