Generating Plants Patents (Class 123/3)
  • Patent number: 9140220
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a unique method for operating an engine. Another embodiment is a unique engine system. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for engines and engine systems. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: LG Fuel Cell Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Vincent Scotto
  • Patent number: 9140180
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine reformer installation comprises an internal combustion engine, a mixing device having a first feed conduit for a first substance flow and a second feed conduit for a second substance flow, wherein a mixture can be produced from the first and second substance flows in the mixing device, a reformer for reforming the mixture to afford a synthesis gas, a mixture conduit connected to the mixing device and the reformer, and a synthesis gas feed conduit connected to the reformer and the internal combustion engine. A first heat exchanger in heat-coupling relationship with the first feed conduit and a second heat exchanger in heat-coupling relationship with the second feed conduit are arranged in the synthesis gas feed conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: GE JENBACHER GMBH & CO OG
    Inventors: Friedrich Gruber, Gunther Wall, Michael Url
  • Patent number: 9121370
    Abstract: A combustion system includes a reformer reforming a fuel on a catalyst to increase a combustion energy generated by the fuel per unit quantity of the fuel. The system includes an injection unit injecting a reformed fuel and a non-reformed fuel in such a manner that the reformed fuel is annularly distributed along an inner circumferential wall of a cylinder and the non-reformed fuel is distributed inside of the annularly distributed reformed fuel. The reformed fuel and the non-reformed fuel are combusted in a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine at a substantially same time. The reformed fuel is annularly distributed along an inner circumferential wall of an internal combustion engine. The non-reformed fuel is distributed in a center portion of the annularly distributed reformed fuel. The non-reformed fuel is compressed self-ignited to be combusted and the reformed fuel is ignited by a combustion of the non-reformed fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masaki Takeyama
  • Patent number: 9109506
    Abstract: Method and system for operating a compression engine on ether containing fuel obtained by conversion of a primary fuel based on alcohol comprising the steps and means for: (a) continuously withdrawing the primary fuel based on alcohol from a fuel tank and pressurising the primary fuel based on alcohol in its liquid form to a final engine injection pressure; (b) continuously introducing the pressurized primary fuel based on alcohol into a fuel accumulation chamber; (c) continuously distributing the pressurized primary fuel based on alcohol into pipes connecting the accumulation chamber with fuel injectors of the engine; (d) prior to the fuel injectors continuously converting the pressurised primary fuel based on alcohol to an ether containing fuel by contact with an alcohol dehydration catalyst being arranged in each of the pipes upstream the fuel injectors; (e) continuously injecting the ether containing fuel at injection pressure into the engine; and (f) continuously withdrawing a part of the introduced prim
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: Haldor Topsoe A/S
    Inventors: Svend-Erik Mikkelsen, Ton V. W. Janssens, Pär L. T. Gabrielsson, Simon Ivar Andersen
  • Patent number: 9038579
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel cell-engine hybrid system formed to effectively utilize an exhaust gas discharged from a process for generating electricity. A fuel cell-engine hybrid system according to the present invention includes: an electricity generating unit including a cathode and an anode interposing an electrolyte membrane therebetween; and an engine unit connected to a rear end of the electricity generating unit and generating power by receiving the exhaust gas discharged from the anode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF MACHINERY & MATERIALS
    Inventors: Kook Young Ahn, Young Duk Lee, Sang Gyu Kang, Sang Min Lee, Han Seok Kim, Ju Hyeong Cho, Min Kuk Kim, Sung Ho Park, Seung Jin Song, Han Ho Song
  • Patent number: 9038598
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided with an engine, an H2 and CO tank, a CO2 reclaimer, an electrolytic solution tank, an electrolyzer, a water tank and the like. During operation of the engine, an exhaust gas is introduced into an absorbing liquid in the CO2 reclaimer so as to recover CO2 in the exhaust gas and to store the same in the electrolytic solution tank. While supplying the absorbing liquid having absorbed CO2 and water to the electrolyzer from the electrolytic solution tank and the water tank, respectively, electric power is supplied to the electrolyzer. As a result, a mixed gas composed of CO and H2 from CO2 and water. The generated mixed gas is temporarily stored in the H2 and CO tank and is supplied to the engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hideyuki Nishida, Masaki Shitara, Yasushi Ito
  • Publication number: 20150136047
    Abstract: Disclosed here is an adaptive mixed-mode combustion method, which is mainly for internal combustion engines, either compression ignition or spark ignition, or mixed-mode engines using both compression ignition and spark ignition. The combustion method is composed of steps of partially charging fuel reformates through intake ports, or charging fuels with high ignition temperature through intake ports, wherein it has adaptive means to introduce fuels into combustion chamber space through both intake port fuel charge and direct fuel injections, based on engine loads and speeds, to produce a separate twin triangular heat release curves to effectively reduce emissions and fuel consumptions. A combustion engine using the disclosed combustion method is also provided. A corresponding method and fuel reformer of using exhaust energy for fuel reforming is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventor: Deyang Hou
  • Patent number: 9032913
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine system basically has an internal combustion engine, a reforming fuel injection device and a reformer. The internal combustion engine has an exhaust circulation path that is connected to an exhaust path and an intake path communicating with a combustion chamber. The reforming fuel injection device injects a reforming fuel into an exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust circulation path. The reformer has a reforming catalyst for generating a hydrogen-containing gas using the reforming fuel. The internal combustion engine system has a reforming catalyst regeneration device for causing an oxygen-containing gas to flow through the exhaust circulation path and thereby regenerate the reforming catalyst at a predetermined timing for regenerating the reforming catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Maki Hoshino, Takao Izumi
  • Patent number: 9027342
    Abstract: A supplementary intercooler cools engine air after it has passed through the turbocharger of a vehicle's turbocharged internal combustion engine, but before it enters the engine. The unit has an inlet for capturing the turbo's air charge and an outlet for routing the air charge to the engine after passing through the intercooler. A container stores water until it is needed and a water pump transfers water from the container to the unit. This loosened bond of water is then sprayed on capacitor plates under turbo pressure to be converted into hydrogen and injected into the air intake stream making it a totally “hydrogen-on-demand” intercooler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventors: Nicholas Frederick Foy, Ursula Meta Foy
  • Publication number: 20150107538
    Abstract: An alcohol reforming system for an internal combustion engine includes a reformer in selective fluid communication with a fuel line via a reformer inlet line for receiving liquid fuel from the fuel line. The reformer reforms the alcohol in the alcohol-gasoline mixture of the fuel into a reformate mixture comprising hydrogen gas and gasoline. A buffer tank in fluid communication with the reformer receives the reformate mixture and disengages the hydrogen gas from the gasoline in the reformate mixture. The buffer tank includes a liquid fuel outlet in fluid communication with the fuel line for re-introducing the gasoline as a liquid into the fuel line, and a reformate gas outlet for delivering the reformate gas to a reformate line through which the reformate gas is delivered to the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: Erik D. Sall, David A. Morgenstern, James D. Wilson, II
  • Patent number: 8991165
    Abstract: Energy recovery systems can utilize waste heat from an internal combustion engine or other base energy conversion system in the operation of hydrogen processors. Some energy recovery systems can utilize more than one source of waste heat from the energy converting system for this purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Inventor: Lyle Bates
  • Patent number: 8985065
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine (10) comprises a chamber (12), inlet valving (24, 26) operable to admit constituents of a combustible mixture into the chamber for combustion in the chamber to provide a pressure increase in the chamber, outlet valving (16) operable to release an outflow of liquid from the chamber under the influence of that pressure increase as an energy output of the chamber, input valving (136) for selectively admitting a heated aqueous fluid into chamber and a supply system (130, 132, 134) for supplying heated aqueous fluid to the input valving. The input valving is arranged to admit the heated aqueous fluid into a region of the chamber in which combustion of the combustible mixture occurs such that at least a portion of the heated aqueous fluid will dissociate to provide hydrogen that is combusted in the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Nigel Alexander Buchanan
  • Patent number: 8984881
    Abstract: A Steam Engine Powered System is provided which, when integrated with an internal combustion engine, generates hydrogen gases to provide an additional fuel source. The System's hydrogen is created by electrolysis from electrical power supplied from an external generator powered by the steam engine which in turn is powered by the radiant heat of the engine without putting a drain on the existing electrical system. The system will also store external canisters of separated Hydrogen and Oxygen for later use of various needs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Arthur David Stanton
  • Publication number: 20150075451
    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: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Hiroyuki INUZUKA, Hideki OBAYASHI, Takeshi MIZOBUCHI
  • Publication number: 20150064585
    Abstract: A storage system for storing hydrogen and providing controlled release of hydrogen gas includes a container having an outer wall defining an interior. The interior is configured to contain liquid lithium hydride, and a portion of the outer wall includes a thermally insulating layer. The storage system also includes a temperature control system configured to maintain the interior at a temperature such that the lithium hydride decomposes to produce hydrogen gas at a substantially equilibrium state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Thomas J. Nugent,, JR., Clarence T. Tegreene, David B. Tuckerman, Lowell L. Wood,, JR.
  • Publication number: 20150059664
    Abstract: A method and system for generating electricity from water, which includes the steps of passing water from a water source to a holding tank; heating the water, thereby generating steam; cooling the steam, thereby generating distilled water; splitting the distilled water into hydrogen and oxygen; powering an engine with the hydrogen, wherein the engine is coupled to a generator; and powering the generator with the engine, thereby generating electricity for distribution from the generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher S. Roys, Phillip Marco Roys
  • Patent number: 8967089
    Abstract: Improved internal combustion engine power systems (e.g., those used to generate mechanical or electrical power in vehicular applications) that utilize a reformed alcohol fuel comprising a hydrogen-containing gas mixture, and more particularly, the efficient operation of such engines and power systems are disclosed. Modes of operating the engine power systems that provide faster startup and lower cost and emissions are provided. In various preferred embodiments, the internal combustion engine power systems include dilution of the intake fluid mixture introduced into the combustion chamber or cylinder of the engine using recirculated exhaust gas and/or excess combustion air as the diluent, use of blends of ethanol reformate and unreformed ethanol as fuel and aftertreatment of the exhaust gas discharged from the cylinder using a lean NOx trap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Monsanto Technology LLC
    Inventors: David A. Morgenstern, Jennifer C. Wheeler, Robert A. Stein
  • Publication number: 20150053153
    Abstract: A collection of gasifier fueled engine systems is networked through a system of connecting pipes and valves in order to provide fast response to output power demands and to extend the range of power levels at which the system exhibits high conversion efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: V-GRID ENERGY SYSTEMS
    Inventor: Michael Cheiky
  • Patent number: 8960708
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an example towable power generation system. The towable power generation system includes a guide that facilitates mounting the enclosure onto a base. In some embodiments, the guide is attached to the enclosure. When enclosure is mounted on the towable power generation system, the guide on the enclosure engages another portion of the towable power generation system as the enclosure is assembled onto (or removed from) the rest of towable power generation system. The guide facilitates alignment and mounting of the enclosure relative to the towable power generation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Joshua Ziebert, Dawn Vertz
  • Patent number: 8955469
    Abstract: A hydrogen fuel generator having a fuel cell unit having a computerized injection controller and passive conductive tubular cells that are not coupled to a power source is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Hydrogen Injection Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred E. McConahay, John D. Dupree, Richard Ortenheim
  • Publication number: 20150040844
    Abstract: An apparatus that regulates a flow of hydrogen and oxygen generated by fuel cells as supplemental fuel for an internal combustion engine, in which a microprocessor controller receives engine operating parameters, determines a fuel demand for the engine responsive to the operating parameters, and regulates the supply of power to the fuel cells for generating the supplemental fuel. A supply body holds process water supplied to the fuel cells. The generated hydrogen and oxygen communicate to an intake manifold of the engine. A method of regulating the disbursement of hydrogen and oxygen for supplemental fuel for an engine is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Jonathan Goldman, Doug King, Reid Meyer, Chris Petty, Basil Lee Winslett, Jackie Lee
  • Publication number: 20150040843
    Abstract: A system for managing moisture content of hydrogen and oxygen gas produced by a fuel cell for a fuel supplement for an internal combustion engine, with a tank holding process water and respective separate hydrogen and oxygen header spaces for receiving hydrogen and oxygen gas having moisture content wherein some moisture content forms droplets and falls into the process water yielding dried hydrogen and oxygen gases for communicating through supply lines to the engine as a fuel supplement during operation. A method is disclosed for managing moisture content of hydrogen and oxygen gas produced by a fuel cell for delivery as a fuel supplement to an engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Jonathan Goldman, Doug King, Reid Meyer, Chris Petty, Basil Lee Winslett, Jackie Lee
  • Publication number: 20150040546
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine includes a chamber and inlet valving operable to admit constituents of a combustible mixture into the chamber for combustion therein to provide a pressure increase in the chamber. First input valving admits a liquid into the chamber and a control system controls the first input valving such that the liquid is admitted to the chamber to compress at least one constituent of the combustible mixture. Outlet valving releases an outflow of the liquid from the chamber under an influence of the pressure increase as an energy output of the chamber. Second input valving selectively admits a heated aqueous fluid into a region of the chamber in which combustion of the combustible mixture occurs to promote a hydrogen separation process in the chamber to provide hydrogen that is combusted in the chamber. A supply system supplies the heated aqueous fluid to the second input valving.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Nigel A. Buchanan
  • Publication number: 20150033755
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the treatment of a feedstock material, the method comprising: (i) thermally treating a feedstock material to produce an syngas; and (ii) plasma-treating the syngas in a plasma treatment unit in the presence of additional carbon dioxide to produce a refined syngas, wherein the additional carbon dioxide is added to the feedstock material during the thermal treatment and/or to the syngas before plasma treatment and/or introduced in the plasma treatment unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: ADVANCED PLASMA POWER LIMITED
    Inventor: Richard Taylor
  • Patent number: 8944014
    Abstract: The gas control system removes gas from a borehole by generating and collecting an air stream from the borehole using a blower, collecting the gas contained in the air stream using a fuel collector, removing moisture from the gas using a heated dryer, and transporting the gas from the heated dryer to an engine that is at least partially fueled by the gas. The gas control system can include one or more sensors that provide data associated with operating conditions of the gas control system. The sensor data is provided to a manager component, and can be used to evaluate system performance, determine consumption of greenhouse gases and optimize system operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: KSD Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: H. David Cutlip, Gary W. Disbennett
  • Publication number: 20150027385
    Abstract: A power plant may include a power house, a tank farm, and a fuel treatment building. The power house may include an internal combustion engine adapted to be operated with pyrolysis oil based fuels. The power house may further include a conditioning and circulating system with a conditioning unit and a fuel recirculating unit, forming a fuel recirculating cycle together with an engine fuel system. The tank farm may include tanks for pyrolysis oil based fuels, a switching fuel or its components, and crude oil based fuels. The power plant may also include a first switching unit and a second switching unit to release fuel mixes from the fuel recirculating cycle. The power plant may allow switching fuels while continuously operating the internal combustion engine with various fuels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR MOTOREN GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Von Der Osten-Sack, Jens-Uwe Reeh
  • Patent number: 8936005
    Abstract: A method for operating a stationary power generating plant, comprising a gas engine with at least one pre-chamber and at least one main combustion chamber, wherein the stationary power generating plant is fed a gas stream—in particular a substantially continuous gas stream—which comprises a hardly inflammable gas, wherein the gas stream is divided in the stationary power generating plant into a main stream and a partial stream, wherein the main stream is fed to the at least one main combustion chamber and wherein the partial stream is treated to increase its inflammability and is fed to the at least one pre-chamber of the gas engine, and also a stationary power generating plant with a gas engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Assignee: GE Jenbacher GmbH & Co OG
    Inventors: Friedrich Gruber, Guenther Wall
  • Patent number: 8935995
    Abstract: A wheeled, manually movable, internal combustion engine powered electric generator is mounted in a rigid frame formed of tubular steel elements. A pair of aligned wheels is pivotally mounted to each opposite side of the frame, and one pair has a locking mechanism. The electricity generating components are mounted to the bottom of the frame. The battery and trickle charger are carried above the engine in a locked compartment. The engine's muffler is disposed beneath the upper outline of the engine to free space for accommodating the battery and the fuel tank, which is completely within the outline of the frame and holds more than 12 gallons of diesel fuel. The frame also supports and contains a locked compartment that houses the electric connector that is used to connect the electric output of the generator to the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2015
    Inventor: Bobby L. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 8925498
    Abstract: Disclosed are a system and a method for promoting the formation of the emulsified fuel of a diesel engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Fu You Te Chemical Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sui Chuan Tan
  • Publication number: 20150000615
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for reducing vehicle emissions by converting exhaust gases to hydrocarbon fuel. The apparatus and process supplement conventional emission control techniques to further reduce vehicle emissions of harmful substances. The apparatus includes a heat exchanger to extract thermal energy from exhaust gases of a combustion engine that powers propulsion of a vehicle, a membrane separator to separate water and carbon dioxide from the exhaust gases, and a catalytic reactor comprising a nano catalyst. The catalytic reactor receives the water and the carbon dioxide from the membrane separator, contains a reaction of the water and the carbon dioxide that produces hydrocarbon fuel and is facilitated by the nano catalyst, and uses the thermal energy from the heat exchanger to stimulate the reaction. The catalytic reactor is contained within a body of the heat exchanger to facilitate the transfer of thermal energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Hasan Imran, Muased Salem Musaed Al-Ghrami Al-Ghamdi, Aadesh Harale, Jean-Pierre R. Ballaguet, Aqil Jamal
  • Publication number: 20140352635
    Abstract: Device for generating hydrogen for internal-combustion engines essentially comprising first means for generating hydrogen (H2) and second means for generating oxygen (O2) that addresses the technical problem of storing hydrogen, as well as the derived problems of using a substation to produce the fuel required to start and run the positive-ignition engine, increasing the working potential of said engine compared to operation with hydrocarbon and reducing residues to very low levels, clearly benefitting the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2011
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicants: Diego Martinez Mendoza, Antonio Gonzalez-Amaliach Cano
    Inventor: Victor Luis San Miguel Beltran
  • Patent number: 8893666
    Abstract: A cogeneration power plant for producing steam and electricity. A boiler burner receives fuel from a fuel source and a boiler combustion air/exhaust mixture from a boiler combustion air fan. An internal combustion engine receives fuel and air for combustion. The internal combustion engine drives an electricity generator for the production of electricity. A boiler combustion control system automatically monitors the boiler load and the combustion air and engine exhaust mixture oxygen level and temperature. The boiler combustion control system will then appropriately automatically adjust the speed of the boiler combustion air fan to provide a near stoichiometric mixture of fuel and combustion air and engine exhaust mixture so as to provide for a high burner temperature causing the reduction of NOx emissions in the boiler exhaust while maintaining a very high boiler operating efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Robert P. Benz
  • Patent number: 8881691
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine (10) comprises a chamber (12), inlet valving (24, 26) operable to admit constituents of a combustible mixture into that chamber for combustion in that chamber to provide a pressure increase in that chamber, outlet valving (16) operable to release an outflow of liquid from that chamber under an influence of that pressure increase as an energy output of that chamber and an output storage device (14) for receiving that outflow of liquid from that chamber. That output storage device (14) is arranged such that that outflow of liquid is released into a region of that output storage device that is maintained substantially free of stored liquid at least while that liquid flows into that output storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Inventors: Nigel Alexander Buchanan, Ian Kurt Rosen
  • Patent number: 8874309
    Abstract: A method for acquiring information from a driving operation of a vehicle, in which first information is acquired with respect to at least one operating state of the vehicle and additional second information is ascertained with respect to this at least one operating state using statistical methods, the first and second information concerning this at least one operating state being stored. A method for the assigning and diagnosis of at least one operating state of a vehicle, a control unit, a computer program and a computer-program product are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Genssle, Michael Kolitsch, Tobias Pfister
  • Patent number: 8869754
    Abstract: An engine system with a reformer, wherein an unreformed fuel is reformed by the reformer mounted in an exhaust pipe, and wherein a reformed fuel containing hydrogen is supplied to an engine. The engine system with a reformer includes a controller which, when the hydrogen generated by the reformer is supplied to the engine, determines a target heat generation beginning timing in accordance with a load applied to an engine, an engine speed, and an air excess ratio of an air-fuel mixture, and which controls an ignition timing of the engine so that a difference between a current heat generation beginning timing and the target heat generation beginning timing of the engine is within a predetermined range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Ltd
    Inventors: Atsushi Shimada, Takao Ishikawa, Yasuo Yoshii
  • Publication number: 20140311428
    Abstract: The internal combustion engine has an ammonia feeder which feeds ammonia to a combustion chamber and an NOx selective reduction catalyst which is arranged in an engine exhaust passage. The removal rate of the NOx selective reduction catalyst depends on a ratio of concentration of ammonia to NOx of the exhaust which flows into the NOx selective reduction catalyst, that is, a ratio of concentration of inflow. A high removal rate range where the NOx removal rate in the NOx selective reduction catalyst becomes substantially maximum and, furthermore, the ammonia removal rate becomes substantially maximum, is set in advance. The internal combustion engine is controlled so that the ratio of concentration of inflow becomes inside the high removal rate range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2013
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventor: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA CHUO KENKYUSHO
  • Publication number: 20140311429
    Abstract: A portable, on-demand hydrogen generation system is provided for producing hydrogen and injecting the hydrogen as a fuel supplement into the air intake of internal combustion engines, more particularly to vehicles. Hydrogen and oxygen is produced with a fuel cell at low temperatures and pressure from water in a supply tank. The hydrogen and oxygen is passed back thru the supply tank for distribution and water preservation. The gases are kept separate by a divider in the tank and the water level in the tank. In the case of gasoline engines, the hydrogen is directed to the air intake of the engine while the oxygen is vented to the atmosphere. The device is optionally powered by the vehicle battery, a stand alone battery, waste heat of the internal combustion engine or solar energy. The system utilizes a vacuum switch or other engine sensor that permits power to the device and therefore hydrogen production only when the engine is in operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventor: Donald Wade Owens
  • Patent number: 8863701
    Abstract: An apparatus and process for reducing vehicle emissions by converting exhaust gases to hydrocarbon fuel. The apparatus and process supplement conventional emission control techniques to further reduce vehicle emissions of harmful substances. The apparatus includes a heat exchanger to extract thermal energy from exhaust gases of a combustion engine that powers propulsion of a vehicle, a membrane separator to separate water and carbon dioxide from the exhaust gases, and a catalytic reactor comprising a nano catalyst. The catalytic reactor receives the water and the carbon dioxide from the membrane separator, contains a reaction of the water and the carbon dioxide that produces hydrocarbon fuel and is facilitated by the nano catalyst, and uses the thermal energy from the heat exchanger to stimulate the reaction. The catalytic reactor is contained within a body of the heat exchanger to facilitate the transfer of thermal energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
    Inventors: Hassan Imran, Muased Salem Musaed Al-Ghrami Al-Ghamdi, Aadesh Harsale, Jean-Pierre R. Ballaguet, Aqil Jamal
  • Publication number: 20140290596
    Abstract: Reformer-enhanced alcohol engine system. The engine system includes a spark-ignited alcohol engine having a compression ratio in the range of 13-15 and includes a turbocharger or supercharger operatively connected to the engine to provide a pressure boost of at least about 2.5 times atmospheric pressure to cylinders of the engine. A source of alcohol is provided for injection into the engine. A reformer is provided including a low-temperature reforming catalyst in a heat transfer relation with exhaust gas from the engine and arranged to receive alcohol from the alcohol source for reforming the alcohol into a hydrogen-rich gas. Means are provided for injecting the hydrogen-rich gas into the engine and a knock sensor detects knock in the engine. A fuel management control unit is provided which is responsive to the knock sensor to apportion the ratio of alcohol injected into the engine to hydrogen-rich gas injected into the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Daniel R. Cohn, Leslie Bromberg
  • Publication number: 20140290595
    Abstract: A portable on-demand hydrogen supplemental system is provided for producing hydrogen gas and injecting the hydrogen gas into the air intake of internal combustion engines for the purpose of increasing the combustion efficiency in the combustion chamber and lowering particulate emissions at idle. Hydrogen increases the laminar flame speed of diesel fuels, thus increasing combustion efficiency. Hydrogen and oxygen is produced by an electrolyzer from nonelectrolyte water in a nonelectrolyte water tank. The hydrogen gas is passed through a hydrogen gas collector. Nonelectrolyte water mixed with the hydrogen gas in the hydrogen gas collector is passed back thru the tank for distribution and water preservation. The system utilizes an an onboard diagnostic (OBD) interface in communication with the vehicle's OBD terminal, to regulate power to the system so that hydrogen production for the engine is adjusted based on the RPM level and operation conditions of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventor: Donald W. Owens
  • Publication number: 20140290279
    Abstract: A liquefied gas treatment system includes: a first stream of boil-off gas, which is generated from the liquefied natural gas in the cargo tank and is discharged from the cargo tank; a second stream of the boil-off gas, which is supplied as fuel to the engine in the first stream; and a third stream of the boil-off gas, which is not supplied to the engine in the first stream. The first stream is compressed in a compressor and is then branched into the second stream and the third stream. The third stream is liquefied by exchanging heat with the first stream in a heat exchanger, so that the boil-off gas is treated without employing a reliquefaction apparatus using a separate refrigerant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: DAEWOO SHIPBUILDING & MARINE ENGINEERING CO., LTD
    Inventors: Joon Chae Lee, Dong Kyu Choi, Young Sik Moon, Seung Kyo Jung, Jeheon Jung, Nam Soo Kim
  • Publication number: 20140290594
    Abstract: A hydrogen fuel generator having a fuel cell unit having a computerized injection controller and passive conductive tubular cells that are not coupled to a power source is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: HYDROGEN INJECTION TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Fred E. McConahay, John D. Dupree, Richard Ortenheim
  • Patent number: 8844473
    Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of systems and methods for oxidizing gases. In some embodiments, a reaction chamber is configured to receive a fuel gas and maintain the gas at a temperature within the reaction chamber that is above an autoignition temperature of the gas. The reaction chamber may also be configured to maintain a reaction temperature within the reaction chamber below a flameout temperature. In some embodiments, heat and product gases from the oxidation process can be used, for example, to drive a turbine, reciprocating engine, and injected back into the reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Ener-Core Power, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Schnepel, Boris A. Maslov
  • Publication number: 20140283762
    Abstract: A combustion system includes a reformer reforming a fuel on a catalyst to increase a combustion energy generated by the fuel per unit quantity of the fuel. The system includes an injection unit injecting a reformed fuel and a non-reformed fuel in such a manner that the reformed fuel is annularly distributed along an inner circumferential wall of a cylinder and the non-reformed fuel is distributed inside of the annularly distributed reformed fuel. The reformed fuel and the non-reformed fuel are combusted in a combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine at a substantially same time. The reformed fuel is annularly distributed along an inner circumferential wall of an internal combustion engine. The non-reformed fuel is distributed in a center portion of the annularly distributed reformed fuel. The non-reformed fuel is compressed self-ignited to be combusted and the reformed fuel is ignited by a combustion of the non-reformed fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masaki TAKEYAMA
  • Publication number: 20140261252
    Abstract: A combination air pressure system and a gas generator system adapted for mounting next to an intake manifold of a turbocharged diesel engine. The system includes a solution reservoir tank for supplying a fluid mixture to a gas generator. The gas generator includes a housing with a plurality concentric tubular electrodes consisting of both anode and cathode tubular electrodes with a series of interposed bipolar electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: CFT Global, LLC.
    Inventor: Kenny Kerstiens
  • Publication number: 20140261253
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine is powered on or using a mix of a liquid fuel and hydrogen, to produce energy that is converted into electricity using an alternator, which is subsequently used to produce hydrogen. The hydrogen is produced through the use of hydrogen generating cells which breaks down water using electrolysis and outputs hydrogen. The cell uses anode rods inserted into a tank containing cathode tubes. Additionally, the tank itself also acts as the cathode as the tank is connected to the negative end of a circuit. A current passes from the anode rods to the cathode through water to produce hydrogen. Hydrogen is off gassed and stored in a reservoir to be used in an internal combustion engine as fuel. The energy needed to perform electrolysis is garnered from an alternator and a turbine that is part of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Clean Power Providers LLC
    Inventor: Magnus L. Wold
  • Publication number: 20140261251
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for reforming fuels by subjecting them to ultrasonic energy. Such methods and systems can be conducted and carried on-board vehicles powered by combustion engines to enhance fuel efficiency and/or modify exhaust emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Robert Ryon
  • Patent number: 8833312
    Abstract: An external combustion engine fuel that converts the expansion force of a fluid vapor to mechanical force. In some embodiments, the external combustion engine utilizes the coolant passages of an internal combustion engine block to shroud the engine block with the heat of fuel combustion when the expanding fluid vapor is directed into the engine block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: ZED Power International Corporation
    Inventor: John Berkyto
  • Publication number: 20140251237
    Abstract: A portable, on-demand hydrogen generation system producing hydrogen and injecting the hydrogen into the air intake of internal combustion engines. Hydrogen and oxygen is produced with an electrolyzer from nonelectrolyte water in a supply tank. The hydrogen and oxygen is passed back thru the supply tank for distribution and water preservation. The gases are kept separate by a divider in the tank. The device is optionally powered by the vehicle battery, a stand alone battery, waste heat of the internal combustion engine or solar energy. The system utilizes a vacuum switch or other engine sensor that permits power to the device and therefore hydrogen production only when the engine is in operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: HNO GreenFuels, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Wade Owens
  • Publication number: 20140251236
    Abstract: A hydrogenation system is disclosed for controlling the air-fuel ratio in an internal combustion engine and using engine waste heat to produce hydrogen for supplying into the engine to achieve the purposes of reducing air pollution and saving fuel; and includes a fuel-water solution supply unit, a catalytic converter, a first temperature detecting switch, a fuel supply control unit, a coolant supply unit and a second temperature detecting switch. When the first temperature detecting switch detects the catalytic converter has reached a working temperature for producing hydrogen, an amount of fuel-water solution is supplied to the catalytic converter and subjected to molecular rearrangement for producing hydrogen gas, which is sent into the engine to burn along with fuel. When the second temperature detecting switch detects the catalytic converter has reached a safe temperature, coolant is supplied from the coolant supply unit to the catalytic converter to lower the latter's temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: PROMETHEUS ENERGY TECHNOLOGY CO.
    Inventors: Hui-Wen FENG, Yaw-Chung CHENG