Generating Plants Patents (Class 123/3)
  • Patent number: 10559838
    Abstract: An oxygen sensing device with capability of storing energy and releasing energy including an oxygen sensing unit, a gas storing unit, and a control unit. The oxygen sensing unit includes a solid oxide electrolyte disposed between two conductive catalyst layers. The control unit includes a power source, a voltmeter, and a power output circuit. The power source provides electrical power to these conductive catalyst layers of the oxygen sensing unit to process a catalytic reaction and generate hydrocarbons for being stored in the gas storing unit. The voltmeter senses a voltage generated by the oxygen sensing unit when the oxygen sensing unit senses oxygen. The oxygen sensing unit makes the hydrocarbons stored in the gas storing unit and oxygen process a chemical reaction for generating electrical power to the power output circuit. The oxygen sensing unit uses the power source to generate hydrogen or syngas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: YUAN ZE UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Guo-Bin Jung, Cheng-You Lin, Bo-Wei Huang, Shih-Yua Sun, Shih Hung Chan
  • Patent number: 10486133
    Abstract: Systems and methods for separating hydrocarbons on an internal combustion powered vehicle via one or more metal organic frameworks are disclosed. Systems and methods can further include utilizing separated hydrocarbons and exhaust to generate hydrogen gas for use as fuel. In one aspect, a method for separating hydrocarbons can include contacting a first component containing a first metal organic framework with a flow of hydrocarbons and separating hydrocarbons by size. In certain embodiments, the hydrocarbons can include alkanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2019
    Assignee: KING ABDULLAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Mohamed Eddaoudi, Youssef Belmabkhout
  • Patent number: 10483821
    Abstract: Provided is a stator for rotating electric machine that enables reduction in imbalance of compression stress on a stator core between a thin portion due to formation of a cooling passage of a frame and a thick portion where there is no cooling passage. This stator for rotating electric machine includes: a stator core 2 formed in a cylindrical shape; and a frame 4 having an inner circumferential side to which the stator core 2 is fitted and fixed with a predetermined interference, and an outer circumferential side on which a passage 6 for cooling fluid for cooling the stator core 2 is formed, wherein the interference at a thin portion A due to formation of the cooling passage 6, of the frame 4 is greater than the interference at a thick portion B where there is no cooling passage 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Naoki Ohashi, Masaya Inoue
  • Patent number: 10478912
    Abstract: A portable welding system casing includes front, rear, top and bottom portions. First and second side members can each have a plurality of fastening lug portions. The first and second side members may each have a recess so that the recess of the first side member receives a first perimeter edge of the front, rear, top and bottom portions and the recess of the second side member receives a second perimeter edge of the front, rear, top and bottom portions. A plurality of handle members can be coupled between associated fastening lug portions of the first and second side member. First and second foot members coupled to respective surfaces of the front, rear and bottom portions. The resulting casing has improved structural strength and rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: THE ESAB GROUP INC.
    Inventors: Daryll Scott Evans, Mark Lowther, Cristiano Magalhães Campos Ferreira
  • Patent number: 10473054
    Abstract: Method to control the combustion of a compression ignition engine with reactivity control through the injection temperature; the control method provides for the steps of: establishing a quantity of fuel to be injected into a cylinder; injecting a first fraction of the quantity of fuel fed by a first feed system without active heating devices, preferably equal to at least 70% of the quantity of fuel, at least partially during the intake and/or compression stroke; injecting a second fraction of the quantity of fuel fed by a second feed system provided with at least one active heating device, and equal to the remaining fraction of the quantity of fuel, into the cylinder at the end of the compression stroke and preferably at no more than 60° from the top dead center; and heating the second fraction of the quantity of fuel to an injection temperature of over 100° C., before injecting the second fraction of the quantity of fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: MARMOTORS S.R.L.
    Inventor: Luca Marmorini
  • Patent number: 10337446
    Abstract: A control device for an internal combustion engine is configured to feed fuel to a combustion chamber in an intake stroke to form a homogeneous premix and make the homogeneous premix burn by flame propagation when a temperature of an engine body is less than a first threshold value, to feed fuel to the combustion chamber in the intake stroke to form a homogeneous premix and make the homogeneous premix burn by compression ignition when the temperature of the engine body is the first threshold value to less than a second threshold value larger than the first threshold value, and to directly feed fuel to the combustion chamber in a compression stroke to form a partial premix and make the partial premix burn by compression ignition when the temperature of the engine body is the second threshold value or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Koji Kumagae
  • Patent number: 10340537
    Abstract: A fuel cell system includes a reformer, a raw-material supplier, a desulfurizer, a flow controller, a vapor supplier, a fuel cell, a combustor, and a controller. After the raw-material supplier supplies a raw material at the startup of the fuel cell system, the controller causes the combustor to combust the raw material exhausted as off-gas from the fuel cell, subsequently causes the flow controller to allow gas exhausted from the reformer to flow through a recycle gas passage, and thereafter causes the vapor supplier to supply vapor, or the controller causes the flow controller to allow the gas exhausted from the reformer to flow through the recycle gas passage, subsequently causes the combustor to combust the raw material exhausted as the off-gas from the fuel cell, and thereafter causes the vapor supplier to supply the vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yasushi Kaneko, Kunihiro Ukai
  • Patent number: 10337111
    Abstract: An air inert gas generating system consists of heat exchangers, a heating element, and a plurality of solid oxide electrochemical gas separator (SOEGS) cells. The SOEGS cells are interconnected in series to create a stack. A voltage is applied to the stack causing oxygen ions to be transported from the air flowing through the cathode through the electrolyte to the anode side of the SOEGS, resulting in oxygen-depleted gas. The oxygen-depleted gas can be used to inert the ullage of aircraft fuel tank or support the fire suppression system in the cargo hold. The oxygen-enriched gas can be used for other purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Hamilton Sunstrand Corporation
    Inventors: David E. Tew, Stephen E. Tongue, Jonathan Rheaume
  • Patent number: 10337421
    Abstract: When a load on an engine device is lower than a first predetermined load falling within a low load range, feedback control is performed on a main throttle valve. When the load is higher than the first predetermined load, map control based on a data table is performed on the main throttle valve. When the load is higher than a second predetermined load higher than the first predetermined load, an opening degree of the main throttle valve is brought to a fully-open opening degree, and each of an exhaust bypass valve and an air supply bypass valve is controlled to allow pressure inside an intake manifold to be adjusted to a target value appropriate to the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: YANMAR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Koichi Hirose, Taishi Murakami, Tatsuro Ohsara
  • Patent number: 10330003
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for improving fuel usage while addressing knock by adjusting the use of spark retard and direct injection of a fluid based on engine operating conditions and the composition of the injected fluid. One or more engine parameters, such as EGR, VCT, boost, throttle position, are coordinated with the direct injection to reduce torque and EGR transients.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Patent number: 10323582
    Abstract: A vehicle drive system is disclosed comprising an internal combustion engine for driving a vehicle, wherein the internal combustion engine comprises a combustion chamber with injectors for injecting diesel into the combustion chamber, a supply line for delivering a gas mixture to the combustion chamber, an electrolysis chamber for producing hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, and a vacuum pump for sucking the hydrogen gas and the oxygen gas from the electrolysis chamber. The vehicle drive system furthermore comprises a gasification tank with volatile organic compounds received therein, in particular methanol or ethanol, as well as a supply line for supplying a gas mixture to the combustion chamber, wherein the gas mixture comprises gasified organic compounds from the gasification tank and at least a part of the hydrogen gas and the oxygen gas. Furthermore a corresponding method for operation a vehicle drive system is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Fuelsave GmbH
    Inventor: Dirk Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 10302026
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving combustion in a highly exhaust gas diluted engine are disclosed. The methods and systems may be provided in an engine that is supplied two different types of fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, John D. Russell
  • Patent number: 10260460
    Abstract: A system for reforming a fuel may include a first sensor configured to measure an operating parameter of an engine. The operating parameter may correlate to a NOx emission level of the engine. The system may also include a controller in communication with the sensor and a reformer. The controller may be configured to determine a target NOx emission level for the engine. The controller may be also configured to determine a target value of the operating parameter corresponding to the target NOx emission level. The controller may be further configured to control the reformer to reform at least a portion of the fuel based on a difference between the measured value and the target value of the operating parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jaswinder Singh, David Ginter, Martin L. Willi, Joel D. Hiltner
  • Patent number: 10247050
    Abstract: A multi-energy-form output energy tower for stepwise recovering waste heat of a gas engine, comprising an internal combustion engine (1), wherein the present invention also comprises a steam Rankine cycle system (2) which is capable of heat exchanging with the high temperature exhaust exhausted from the IC engine (1) to make the steam turbine (22) do expansion work. An organic Rankine cycle system which is respectively heat exchanged with high temperature exhaust, jacket water and charge air which are exhausted from the IC engine (1), and with condensation heat in the steam Rankine cycle system (2) to do expansion work; a lithium bromide refrigerator (4) which uses jacket waterpart of jacket water discharged from the IC engine (1) as a heat source of the absorption cooling system for heat exchange; and a hot water heat exchanger (5) connected with a high temperature exhaust of the IC engine (1) for heating domestic water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Tianjin University
    Inventors: Gequn Shu, Xuan Wang, Hua Tian, Jiaqiang Che, Peng Liu
  • Patent number: 10247045
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for the improved use of waste heat recovery systems which utilize the organic Rankine cycle (ORC) to generate mechanical and/or electric power from heat sources generating power from byproducts of water purification process(es). Waste heat energy obtained from heat source(s) is provided to one or more ORC system(s) which may be operatively coupled to electric generator(s). A heat coupling subsystem provides the requisite condensation of ORC working fluid by transferring heat from ORC working fluid to one or more other process(es) or system(s), such as anaerobic digester tank(s), to provide heat energy that enhances the production of fuel for the prime mover(s) without requiring the consumption of additional energy for that purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Bitxer US, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans Wain, David C Williams, Paul Hughes
  • Patent number: 10233809
    Abstract: A method to process exhaust gas expelled from at least one cylinder of a plurality of cylinders of an internal combustion engine, the method comprising providing an internal combustion engine, wherein the engine comprises a steam hydrocarbon reformer including a steam reformation catalyst, treating exhaust gas of the engine containing hydrocarbon and water by reacting the hydrocarbon and water in the presence of the steam reformation catalyst in the steam hydrocarbon reformer to provide treated exhaust gas. The treated exhaust gas includes carbon monoxide gas and hydrogen gas produced from the reaction, and mixing the treated exhaust gas, including the carbon monoxide gas and hydrogen gas produced in the steam hydrocarbon reformer with air to provide the mixture of air and treated exhaust gas introduced into the cylinders of the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventor: Cary A. Henry
  • Patent number: 10195944
    Abstract: In a control apparatus mounted in a vehicle and configured to control a power supply system, a power generation controller is configured to operate an alternator such that a charge level of a second rechargeable battery becomes a target charge level. A target charge level setter is configured to variably set the target charge level of the second rechargeable battery based on changes in a state quantity correlated with at least one of a charge state and a discharge state of the second rechargeable battery. A limiter is configured to, if there is a change in the state quantity and if a prescribed permission condition is not met, limit an operation of the alternator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshinori Morita
  • Patent number: 10066304
    Abstract: Features for an aqueous reactor include a field generator. The field generator includes a series of parallel conductive plates including a series of intermediate neutral plates. The intermediate neutral plates are arranged in interleaved sets between an anode and a cathode. Other features of the aqueous reactor may include a sealed reaction vessel, fluid circulation manifold, electrical power modulator, vacuum port, and barrier membrane. Methods of using the field generator include immersion in an electrolyte solution and application of an external voltage and vacuum to generate hydrogen and oxygen gases. The reactor and related components can be arranged to produce gaseous fuel or liquid fuel. In one use, a mixture of a carbon based material and a liquid hydrocarbon is added. The preferred carbon based material is powdered coal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: Advanced Combustion Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary J. Bethurem
  • Patent number: 10060344
    Abstract: A spark-ignited (SI) internal combustion (IC) engine designed to operate on high octane fuels, such as gasoline, is reconfigured to operate on low octane fuels including logistically preferred distillate fuels, such as diesel or JP-8. Design modifications involve coupling a fuel reformer module to the internal combustion engine. Auxiliary components include a system control module, a heat exchange module, a bypass valve to facilitate start-up, and/or a throttle body to control a reformate-oxidizer mixture fed to the engine. Small portable generators having 0.3-3.0 kWe power output are disclosed based upon the modified SI-IC engine design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: PRECISION COMBUSTION, INC.
    Inventors: Subir Roychoudhury, Richard Mastanduno, David Lang Spence, Bruce Crowder, Curtis Morgan
  • Patent number: 10036291
    Abstract: An after-treatment system including an exhaust treatment component provided in an exhaust passage, a tank carrying an aqueous reagent, and an electrochemical cell in communication with the tank and configured to receive the aqueous reagent therefrom. The electrochemical cell is configured to convert the aqueous reagent into a first exhaust treatment fluid and a second exhaust treatment fluid. A controller is in communication with the electrochemical cell. The controller is configured to vary amounts and/or composition of each of the first exhaust treatment fluid and the second exhaust treatment fluid produced by the electrochemical cell. An injector is in communication with the electrochemical cell and the exhaust passage, and is configured to receive one of the first exhaust treatment fluid or the second exhaust treatment fluid from the electrochemical cell, and dose the one exhaust treatment fluid into the exhaust passage at a location upstream from the exhaust treatment component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Tenneco Automotive Operating Company Inc.
    Inventors: Adam J. Kotrba, Padmanabha Reddy Ettireddy, Michael Golin, Michael C. Bradford, Bradley Fingland
  • Patent number: 10016731
    Abstract: The present invention relates, inter alia, to a process for enriching a hydrocarbon fuel for use in an internal combustion engine, the process comprising: (i) contacting a hydrocarbon fuel with a gas stream containing hydrogen gas such that at least some of the hydrogen gas is introduced into the hydrocarbon fuel to produce an enriched hydrocarbon fuel; and optionally (ii) delivering the enriched hydrocarbon fuel to an internal combustion engine. The present invention further provides a device for use in the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: ADVANCED FUEL TECHNOLOGIES UK LIMITED
    Inventors: David Charles Colin Lewis, Christopher Leonard Smith, John Richard Lister
  • Patent number: 9961877
    Abstract: A feed mixer truck for mixing feed and for discharging mixed feed into an elongated feed bunk. The engine of the truck is mechanically connected to three hydraulic pumps which are hydraulically connected to a hydraulic motor for driving the drive wheels of the truck, which are hydraulically connected to a hydraulic motor for operating the feed mixer augers, and which are hydraulically connected to a hydraulic motor which operates a feed discharge assembly. A control is electrically connected to the motors to control the operation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Inventor: Vinc L. Aulick
  • Patent number: 9945299
    Abstract: A fuel enhancement system and method for supplying an engine with a pressurized homogenized mixture of a liquid fuel and a gaseous component. In one embodiment the system comprises a controller; a gaseous component flow control device, a homogenization system, and a gas processor. In another embodiment, the system comprises a controller; a gaseous component flow control device, a device for generating signals indicative of liquid fuel flow, and a homogenization system. Particular embodiments of the gas processor and device for generating signals indicative of liquid fuel flow are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: EXEN Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Morten A. Lund
  • Patent number: 9926837
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine, in particular a stationary gas engine, includes a combustion chamber to which a propellant can be fed from a first propellant source via a combustion chamber pipe, and a pre-combustion chamber to which a flushing gas can be fed via a flushing gas pipe. A flushing gas mixer, in which a propellant to be fed via a propellant pipe from the first propellant source or from a second propellant source, and a synthesis gas to be fed via a synthesis gas pipe, can be mixed is provided. A mixer outlet opens into the flushing gas pipe, and the synthesis gas can be generated by a reformer to which a fuel can be fed from a fuel source via a reformer feed pipe. The reformer outlet of the reformer opens into the synthesis gas pipe, and a cooling device for cooling the synthesis gas is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: GE Jenbacher GmbH & Co OG
    Inventors: Friedrich Gruber, Guenther Wall
  • Patent number: 9915185
    Abstract: An injector mounting assembly for supporting an injector is described. The injector mounting assembly includes an upstream wall and a downstream wall coupled to the upstream wall. The injector mounting assembly further includes a thermoelectric cooler coupled to at least one of the upstream wall and the downstream wall. The thermoelectric cooler is disposed in thermal contact with the injector and configured to exchange heat with the injector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew M. Denis
  • Patent number: 9903291
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing engine cold-start emissions. An exhaust system having a passive NOx adsorber (PNA) may store NOx during an engine cold-start until conditions are optimal for release of the stored NOx to a downstream SCR catalyst. Based on PNA conditions, including a NOx load and a PNA bed temperature, adjustments to EGR rate and/or injection timing may be made to achieve a catalytically favorable ratio of NOx species upstream of the SCR catalyst, after the SCR catalyst has reached its light-off temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph Robert Theis, Christine Kay Lambert, Justin Anthony Ura
  • Patent number: 9863309
    Abstract: An engine system for generating hydrogen and oxygen, and a method using a by-product of electrolysis, for use in an internal combustion engine to improve efficiency and reduce emissions. The engine system has an electrolysis cell for generating hydrogen and oxygen by electrolysis of an aqueous solution, a battery as a source of power for providing electrical power to the electrolysis cell, and cooling system for maintaining the temperature of the electrolysis cell to reduce problems associated with overheating of the cell during electrolysis. The engine system traps sludge generated during hydrolysis in a filter. The sludge is released from the filter by agitation, resulting in a gas containing the sludge which is then used during combustion to improve fuel efficiency. The novel reconfiguration of existing engine parts and introduction of new features results in a less expensive, cleaner and more efficient hydrogen powered engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Inventor: Aaron Salter, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9845754
    Abstract: A system includes an internal combustion engine having a number of cylinders, with at least one of the cylinder(s) being a primary EGR cylinder that is dedicated to provided EGR flow during at least some operating conditions. A controller is structured to control combustion conditions in the cylinders in response to one or more operating conditions associated with the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Carlos Alcides Lana, David J. Stroh, Samuel C. Geckler, Marten H. Dane, Anthony Kyle Perfetto, Karthik Kappaganthu, Govindarajan Kothandaraman
  • Patent number: 9843062
    Abstract: A reformer assembly includes a vortex tube receiving heated fuel mixed with steam. A catalyst coats the inner wall of the main tube of the vortex tube and a hydrogen-permeable tube is positioned in the middle of the main tube coaxially with the main tube. With this structure the vortex tube outputs primarily Hydrogen from one end and Carbon-based constituents from the other end. In some embodiments a second vortex tube receives the Carbon output of the first vortex tube to establish a water gas shift reactor, producing Hydrogen from the Carbon output of the first vortex tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignees: ENERGYIELD LLC
    Inventor: Robert Hotto
  • Patent number: 9843061
    Abstract: A hydrogen generator includes: a reformer configured to generate a hydrogen-containing gas by a reforming reaction of a material gas; a combustor configured to heat the reformer by diffusion combustion of the material gas and combustion air; a supplementary air flow rate adjuster configured to adjust the flow rate of supplementary air added to the material gas; and a controller configured to control the supplementary air flow rate adjuster such that the flow rate of a mixture gas of the material gas and the supplementary air becomes a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuuichi Yakumaru, Kunihiro Ukai, Susumu Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 9816467
    Abstract: A fuel separation system includes a fuel separator configured to receive a fuel stream and separate the fuel stream, based on a volatility of the fuel stream, into a vapor stream defined by a first auto-ignition characteristic value and a first liquid stream defined by a second auto-ignition characteristic value, the second auto-ignition characteristic value greater than the first auto-ignition characteristic value; and a heat exchanger fluidly coupled between a fuel input of the fuel stream and the fuel separator, the heat exchanger configured to transfer heat from the vapor stream to the fuel stream, and output a heated fuel stream to the fuel separator and a second liquid stream defined by the first auto-ignition characteristic value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Esam Z. Hamad, Ibrahim M. Algunaibet
  • Patent number: 9803153
    Abstract: A radiant, non-catalytic recuperative reformer has a flue gas flow path for conducting hot exhaust gas from a thermal process and a reforming mixture flow path for conducting a reforming mixture. At least a portion of the reforming mixture flow path is positioned adjacent to the flue gas flow path to permit heat transfer from the hot exhaust gas to the reforming mixture. The reforming mixture flow path contains substantially no material commonly used as a catalyst for reforming hydrocarbon fuel (e.g., nickel oxide, platinum group elements or rhenium), but instead the reforming mixture is reformed into a higher calorific fuel via reactions due to the heat transfer and residence time. In a preferred embodiment, a portion of the reforming mixture flow path is positioned outside of flue gas flow path for a relatively large residence time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Gas Technology Institute
    Inventors: Mark J. Khinkis, Aleksandr P. Kozlov
  • Patent number: 9797349
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for increasing the level of hydrogen produced in an exhaust gas recirculation pathway within an internal combustion engine. A hydrocarbon water gas shift reformer is positioned in series with a water gas shift reformer within the exhaust gas recirculation pathway to improve the yield of hydrogen and to improve the relative efficiency of both catalytic procedures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventor: Cary A. Henry
  • Patent number: 9784164
    Abstract: In an exhaust gas purification system provided with a denitration catalyst layer, a reducing agent oxidation catalyst layer is installed together; a reducing agent and air are supplied into the reducing agent oxidation catalyst layer at the time of catalyst regeneration of the denitration catalyst layer; a high-temperature oxidation reaction gas is produced by a reaction heat generated by an oxidation reaction of the reducing agent and the air in this reducing agent oxidation catalyst layer; and this high-temperature oxidation reaction gas is introduced into the denitration catalyst layer to heat the denitration catalyst, thereby recovering a denitration performance of the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Hitachi Zosen Corporation
    Inventors: Takuma Mori, Susumu Hikazudani, Kiyoshirou Umeo
  • Patent number: 9765713
    Abstract: A hydrogen fuel assist device for an internal combustion engine includes: a hydrogen gas generator for generating hydrogen gas; a fluid pump capable of pumping the hydrogen gas into a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine through an air throttle valve, which is connected to the combustion chamber, at varying flow rates; and a pump controller for controlling a rotational speed of the fluid pump in response to opening degree of a fuel throttle valve connected to the combustion chamber so as to adjust the flow rate of the hydrogen gas to be supplied into the combustion chamber during operation of the internal combustion engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Inventor: Huan-Hsin Kou
  • Patent number: 9738518
    Abstract: A reformer reactor is provided for converting hydrocarbon fuel into hydrogen rich gas by auto-thermal reaction process having a cylindrically shaped and double walled, housing with two side faces forming a reaction chamber of the reformer. Additionally, a fuel inlet is provided in one of the two side faces for providing hydrocarbon fuels into the reaction chamber, wherein further a fuel preheating means is provided which preheats the hydrocarbon fuel before the hydrocarbon fuel enters the reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: POWERCELL SWEDEN AB
    Inventors: Bård Lindstrõm, Anders Karlsson, Lars Pettersson
  • Patent number: 9702271
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for the improved use of waste heat recovery systems which utilize the organic Rankine cycle (ORC) to generate mechanical and/or electric power from heat sources generating power from biofuel such as biogas produced during the anaerobic digestion process. Waste heat energy obtained from heat source(s) is provided to one or more ORC system(s) which may be operatively coupled to electric generator(s). A heat coupling subsystem provides the requisite condensation of ORC working fluid by transferring heat from ORC working fluid to another process or system, such as anaerobic digester tank(s), to provide heat energy that enhances the production of fuel for the prime mover(s) without requiring the consumption of additional energy for that purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: ElectraTherm, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans Wain, David C Williams
  • Patent number: 9677484
    Abstract: A fuel reformer includes a reforming-fuel injection valve and a fuel reformer catalyst disposed in an EGR pipe and performs a catalyst recovery control when a preset fuel cut execution condition is satisfied. In the catalyst recovery control, a fuel reforming capacity of the fuel reformer catalyst is recovered by stopping an injection of a main fuel and an injection of a reforming-fuel, while supplying additional air to the catalyst by maintaining both of an EGR valve and a throttle valve in a valve open state. Further, in the catalyst recovery control, temperature and a carbon deposit amount of the fuel reformer catalyst are estimated or detected based on which of an opening of the EGR valve and an opening of the throttle valve are adjusted. As a result, fuel reforming capacity is recovered without decreasing a fuel consumption rate improvement effect and a worsening of exhaust emission or drivability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Inuzuka, Hideki Obayashi, Takeshi Mizobuchi
  • Patent number: 9673679
    Abstract: A driving device is provided with a gear unit and a plurality of motors. The gear unit includes a plurality of input shafts supported by a supporting member, and a driven member to which the plurality of input shafts is engaged. Each motor rotor is respectively attached to a corresponding one of the input shafts. Each motor stator is attached to a housing that is detachably attached to the supporting member. When the housing is attached to the supporting member, phase angles of the rotors of all of the motors are equal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: NABTESCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takahito Azuma, Hiroki Mizuhashi
  • Patent number: 9657692
    Abstract: An exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system and corresponding method for improved combustion efficiency of an internal combustion engine having a number of cylinders, comprising one or more main cylinders connected to an intake manifold and one or more cylinders operable as a dedicated EGR cylinder(s). The dedicated EGR cylinder(s) have two independent intake flow paths for where one flow path provides only intake air and one flow path provides air and recirculated exhaust gas. The exhaust gas output of the one or more dedicated EGR cylinders are connected to an exhaust gas recirculation loop which delivers the exhaust gas output to the main cylinder intake manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventor: James P. Chiu
  • Patent number: 9650949
    Abstract: A method of using exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) in an internal combustion engine. At least two of the cylinders are “dual exhaust-ported cylinders” having two exhaust ports. For each of these cylinders, one of the exhaust ports is connected to the EGR loop and the other of the exhaust ports is connected to the main exhaust line. These cylinders are controlled such that one exhaust port is open and the other exhaust port is closed during each engine cycle, and are operated, on a cycle-by-cycle basis so that all of the exhaust produced by a cylinder may be delivered to the EGR loop at any cycle. The number of cylinders operating as EGR cylinders per engine cycle is in response to a desired EGR rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Jess W. Gingrich, Raphael F. Gukelberger
  • Patent number: 9653961
    Abstract: A hybrid system includes an electric motor/generator or eMachine with a stator received in a cooling sleeve. The stator is pressed into the cooling sleeve to form a press-fit connection. The press fit connection has sufficient strength to carry the complete torque generated by the eMachine, so the stator will never move relative to the sleeve through the life of the hybrid system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: ALLISON TRANSMISSION, INC.
    Inventor: Jorge E. Silva
  • Patent number: 9611794
    Abstract: Various systems and method for controlling exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) in an internal combustion engine are provided. In one embodiment, a method includes during a first operating condition, directing exhaust gas from a first cylinder group into an engine air intake stream and directing substantially no exhaust gas from a second cylinder group to the engine air intake stream. The method further includes during a second operating condition, directing exhaust gas from the second cylinder group through a turbocharger bypass into the engine air intake stream and reducing a fuel injection amount of the first cylinder group relative to a fuel injection amount of the second cylinder group.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Neil Xavier Blythe, Shawn Michael Gallagher, James Robert Mischler, Luke Henry
  • Patent number: 9593284
    Abstract: A process for generating a main fuel composition comprising methanol and water and not more than 20% by weight dimethyl ether, and a fumigant comprising dimethyl ether, the process comprising: providing a pre-fuel composition comprising methanol and dimethyl ether, adding water to the pre-fuel composition to cause or aid evaporation of at least a portion of the dimethyl ether from the pre-fuel composition, collecting the portion of dimethyl ether evaporated from the pre-fuel composition for use as a fumigant, and using the remainder of the pre-fuel composition comprising methanol and water as a main fuel composition. The water may be at a temperature above ambient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Gane Energy & Resources Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Greg Morris
  • Patent number: 9581113
    Abstract: A nozzle for a gaseous fuel injector has a converging portion, a tip connected to the converging portion, and an anti-leakage device disposed at the tip to selectively inhibit leakage of a residual gaseous fuel from the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.
    Inventors: Deep Bandyopadhyay, Farhan F. Devani, John P. Timmons
  • Patent number: 9562295
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a dry cell system for separating water into hydrogen and oxygen in combination with catalytic-type chemicals and materials. The separated hydrogen/oxygen are provided into the air intake system of an internal combustion engine and used therein to greatly improve the operation of said internal combustion engine, both in regards to fuel consumption as well as detrimental exhaust products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Inventor: Brian McDugle
  • Patent number: 9562206
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for increasing the high load (knock) limit of an internal combustion engine operated in a low temperature combustion ignition mode, the method comprising operating the engine with a fuel composition comprising (a) gasoline having a Research Octane Number (RON) greater than 85 and (b) one or more cetane improvers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: William James Cannella, Amir Gamal Maria, John E. Dec, Chunsheng Ji
  • Patent number: 9559366
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a solid oxide fuel system is provided. The solid oxide fuel cell system may include a chromium-getter material. The chromium-getter material may react with chromium to remove chromium species from chromium vapor. The solid oxide fuel cell system may also include an inert substrate. The chromium-getter material may be coated onto the inert substrate. The coated substrate may remove chromium species from chromium vapor before the chromium species can react with a cathode in the solid oxide fuel cell system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: VERSA POWER SYSTEMS LTD.
    Inventors: Hongpeng He, Anthony Wood
  • Patent number: 9540931
    Abstract: To provide an axial piston motor, comprising at least one main burner, which has at least one main combustion space and at least one main nozzle space, and comprising at least one pre-burner, which has at least one pre-combustion space and at least one pre-nozzle space, wherein the pre-combustion space is connected to the main nozzle space by way of at least one hot gas feed, that has improved operating and control characteristics even under non-steady-state operating conditions, the pre-nozzle space of the pre-burner has at least one auxiliary hot gas feed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: GETAS Gesellschaft fuer thermodynamische Antriebssysteme mbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Rohs, Dieter Voigt
  • Patent number: 9505991
    Abstract: There is provided an apparatus (1) and methods for processing biomass to produce charcoal, bio-oil(s) activated carbon, recarburizer carbon, or nut coke by means of microwave energy. The apparatus has a rotatable tube (5) for receiving biomass (108), an electromagnetic generator (7). One method provides applying electromagnetic energy to the biomass (108) and an absorbing material (109). An alternative method provides allowing an indirect, black body radiation field to develop, and exposing the biomass (108) to the black body radiation field and the electromagnetic energy. Another method provides allowing plasma to form and exposing the biomass to the plasma and the electromagnetic energy. Another method provides introducing the biomass to a second container (205), introducing the second container to a first reaction container (5), applying electromagnetic energy to the biomass and an absorbing material (109), allowing a plasma to form in the first container, which heats the biomass in the second container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: Carbonscape Limited
    Inventors: Gregory Thomas Conner, Forrest John Tyrrell-Baxter