Generating Plants Patents (Class 123/3)
  • Publication number: 20140014051
    Abstract: An aluminum-alkali hydroxide recyclable hydrogen generator is provided that enables generation of hydrogen for a consuming apparatus on demand. The hydrogen generator includes a source of aluminum, a source of a hydroxide, a source of water, and a reaction chamber, where the amount of at least one of the aluminum, sodium hydroxide, and water that is introduced into the reaction chamber is used to limit the chemical reaction to control the amount of hydrogen generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: Cedar Ridge Research, LLC
    Inventor: Larry W. Fullerton
  • Patent number: 8616159
    Abstract: A wheeled, manually movable, internal combustion engine powered electric generator mounts in a rigid frame formed of tubular steel elements. A pair of aligned wheels is pivotally mounted to each opposite side of the frame. One pair of aligned wheels is provided with a locking mechanism that enables both the front and rear wheels to be locked against rotation. The electricity generating components mount to the bottom of the frame. The internal combustion engine mounts toward the rear end of the frame. A propane fuel tank is carried above the engine by the upper rear portion of the frame. A battery and a trickle charger are carried above the engine and secured in a compartment with a locked hinged cover. 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: June 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Bobby L. Hawkins
  • Patent number: 8613263
    Abstract: A method for operating an engine with a fuel reformer is presented. In one embodiment a first fuel is reformed into a gaseous fuel comprising H, CO, and CH4. The engine is operated by injecting the gaseous fuel and a second fuel to a cylinder of the engine in response to an available amount of gaseous fuel, engine speed and engine load. Further, an engine actuator may be adjusted to vary cylinder charge dilution in response to the available amount of gaseous fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, Michael H. Shelby
  • Publication number: 20130333637
    Abstract: A system includes a diesel engine and a fuel-cracking system in fluid communication with a fuel supply to the diesel engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Alan B. Minick
  • Publication number: 20130333639
    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: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Maki HOSHINO, Takao Izumi
  • Publication number: 20130333638
    Abstract: A vehicle is provided with an engine, an H2 and CO tank, a CO2 reclaimer, an electrolytic solution tank, an electrolyser, 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 electrolyser from the electrolytic solution tank and the water tank, respectively, electric power is supplied to the electrolyser. 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: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hideyuki Nishida, Masaki Shitara, Yasushi Ito
  • Patent number: 8607743
    Abstract: A fuel reforming catalyst is installed in an internal combustion engine, the catalyst generating a combustible gas from a reforming fuel by using heat of the exhaust gas. In the reforming control, the combustible gas generated by action of the fuel reforming catalyst is refluxed into the intake system. An ECU varies a lower limit temperature of the reforming control depending on a mixture ratio of a gasoline and an ethanol in the reforming fuel. If the temperature of the fuel reforming catalyst is lower than the lower limit temperature, the ECU suspends the injection of the reforming fuel. The device can enlarge a temperature range to perform reforming control as much as possible, and perform the reforming control under suitable temperature conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hideo Yahagi
  • Publication number: 20130327286
    Abstract: A mixed fuel generation method comprises a step of mixing a fuel oil and at least one additional fluid other than the fuel oil, wherein one of the additional fluids is water, and a specific ratio that is a ratio of a volume of the water to a volume of the mixed fuel is 6% or less.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: ITO Racing Service Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeshiro Ito
  • Patent number: 8601984
    Abstract: Engine system comprising a compression ignition engine (20) including at least one combustion chamber and a cold flame vaporizer (40) in which a fuel is partially oxidized in preheated air to form a cold flame gas. The cold flame vaporizer (40) is in fluid communication with the combustion chamber of the compression ignition engine (20). There is further provided means (50) for supplying air such that the cold flame gas can be mixed with the additional air before being injected into the combustion chamber, and means (22) for injecting a pilot fuel into the combustion chamber, thereby producing a pilot flame in the combustion chamber which ignites the mixture of cold flame gas and air. There is also provided a method for a substantially NOx-free combustion of diesel fuel in a compression ignition engine (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Cool Flame Technologies AS
    Inventors: Klaus Lucka, Dag Øvrebø, Heide Pohland Vom Schloss
  • Patent number: 8596231
    Abstract: Disclosed is an engine system with a reformer, the engine system comprising a reformer and driving an engine using, as a fuel, a reformed fuel produced by reforming pre-reformed fuel with the reformer, in which the reformer is connected with both a pre-reformed fuel supply adjustment unit which adjusts the amount of the pre-reformed fuel supplied to the reformer and a reformed fuel supply adjustment unit which adjusts the amount of reformed fuel supplied to the engine, and the reformer is installed adjacent to the engine combustion chamber via the reformed fuel supply adjustment unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Shimada, Takao Ishikawa, Tadashi Sano
  • Patent number: 8597524
    Abstract: The current application is directed to an enclosed rotor-based cavitational and catalytic flow-through reaction chamber (“ERCCFRC”) that can be employed in a variety of thermal, chemical, and fluid-mechanical processes. The ERCCFRC features a reaction chamber that incorporates a spinning rotor, generating fluid-mechanical forces and cavitation in a fluid within the ERCCFRC. The reaction chamber further incorporates one or more heterogeneous catalysts that promote specific chemical reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Donnelly Labs LLC
    Inventor: Joseph L. Donnelly
  • Publication number: 20130312315
    Abstract: An energy system may use an alternative, universal, promising, carbon-free, flameless fuel, based on an aqueous solution of ammonium nitrate and/or nitrite or mixtures thereof, wherein the ammonium nitrate and/or nitrite are used in amounts providing, upon their decomposition, a release of energy for forming high pressure vapor-gas mixture to perform work. Upon introduction of organic substances to the fuel composition, stable, homogeneous solutions may be formed also useful as fuel. An engine may perform work by initiating a reaction in on the fuel to expand a gas or fluid within an internal combustion engine or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Inventors: Yuri Alexandrovich Ivanov, Alexander Yurievich Frolov
  • Patent number: 8590516
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods related to an internal combustion engine are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the apparatuses and methods include modifying a conventional internal combustion engine to enhance an operating efficiency. In other embodiments, an internal combustion engine of enhanced operating efficiency is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventors: Robert Hull, Nathan Rogers
  • Patent number: 8590496
    Abstract: An energy conversion and free hydrogen producing system including a electromagnetically energized reciprocating piston motor, a plurality of lead acid flow through batteries, each consisting of a plurality of individual flow through lead acid cells, and a hydrogen burning internal combustion engine. With concentrated sulfuric acid as the primary fluid, the electromagnetically energized reciprocation piston motor, and the hydrogen burning internal combustion engine provide a rotational torque output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventors: Mark Forman, Javier C. Sanchez
  • Patent number: 8590492
    Abstract: The present invention provides an auxiliary power system to provide supplemental power by compressed hydrogen. The system includes a motor configured to be driven by the compressed hydrogen. The motor includes a cartridge for the generation of hydrogen. The cartridge is configured to generate high pressure and high temperature hydrogen. The motor is configured such that hydrogen generated by the cartridge is directed through a manifold and moves pistons in a cylinder block such that the cylinder block rotates. A clutch assembly is provided to transmit power from the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Advanced Hydrogen Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Peter James Lohr, Sr.
  • Patent number: 8583350
    Abstract: A microprocessor controlled automated, multi-fuel apparatus to blend hydrogen, bio-fuel and/or natural or propane gases. This novel multi-stage apparatus first converts cooking oils into bio-fuel. The system automatically blends the bio-fuel with at least one of or both hydrogen gas, generated by a self-contained on-board hydrogen electrolyzer, and/or natural or propane gases. This blended “Hyenrich” gaseous fuel drives various processes including, but not limited to, cogeneration systems and electrical generators to produce “green” electricity by utilizing an adaptive and predictive learning algorithms to significantly reduce cost per kilowatt and lessen dependency on the over taxed utility grid, while simultaneously reducing emissions of CO, CO2 and NOx, making the method and apparatus an environmentally-friendly energy device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: HyCogen Power, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Lee Sagar, Eric Michael Maskrey
  • Patent number: 8578893
    Abstract: A hybrid propulsion system for a vehicle and method of operation are described. In one example, the engine may operate in a two stroke cycle to provide increased engine torque when a recharging operation of the on-board energy storage device is requested. Further, a transition from a four stroke cycle to the two stroke cycle may be performed while maintaining the transmission in the previously selected gear ratio in response to a requested increase in charging or a requested increase in wheel torque as requested by the vehicle operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Patent number: 8580111
    Abstract: A device for separating fuel components comprising a separating membrane for separating high-octane fuel components from un-separated fuel and a heat exchanger between first liquid passing through the heat exchanger and second liquid passing through the heat exchanger, is provided. The first liquid is un-separated fuel passing through the heat exchanger before being supplied to the separating membrane. The second liquid is low-octane fuel remaining when the high-octane fuel components are separated from the un-separated fuel, passing through the heat exchanger after changing to an almost liquid phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Exxon Mobil Research and Engineering Company
    Inventors: Randall D. Partridge, George Walchuk, Kouseki Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 8567355
    Abstract: An integrated control system for use with an engine connected to a generator providing electrical power to a switchgear is disclosed. The engine receives gas produced by a gasifier. The control system includes an electronic controller associated with the gasifier, engine, generator, and switchgear. A gas flow sensor monitors a gas flow from the gasifier to the engine through an engine gas control valve and provides a gas flow signal to the electronic controller. A gas oversupply sensor monitors a gas oversupply from the gasifier and provides an oversupply signal indicative of gas not provided to the engine. A power output sensor monitors a power output of the switchgear and provide a power output signal. The electronic controller changes gas production of the gasifier and the power output rating of the switchgear based on the gas flow signal, the oversupply signal, and the power output signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Sai Keat Wang, Darryl Baldwin, Myoungjin Kim
  • Publication number: 20130276726
    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. 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 can be powered by the vehicles alternator, a stand-alone battery, waste heat or solar energy. 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 only occurs when the engine is running. The hydrogen gas is produced it is immediately consumed by the engine. No hydrogen is stored on, in or around the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: Donald W. Owens
  • Patent number: 8561578
    Abstract: A hydrogen generator provided with a cracker which cracks a compound containing hydrogen atoms and nitrogen atoms to generate hydrogen, a compound feeder which feeds the compound to the cracker, and an oxygen feeder which feeds oxygen to the cracker. The cracker includes catalyst particles which promote the cracking of the compound and catalyst particles which promote the oxidation of the compound. The cracker is fed with the compound and oxygen, causes the compound to oxidize to generate heat of oxidation, and uses the generated heat of oxidation to crack the compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toyota Chuo Kenkyusho, Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroshi Miyagawa, Makoto Koike, Susumu Kojima, Tomojiro Sugimoto, Rioh Shimizu, Norihiko Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8561579
    Abstract: An injection system for injecting one or both of water and alcohol into an internal combustion engine includes a system monitor, a control module and a mixture delivery system. The system monitor can have a parameter level display, the control module can be adapted to receive one or more user-supplied parameters and the control module can be further adapted to store the one or more user-supplied parameters. The control module can also be comprised of a plurality of connectors and at least one electrical signal generator. The injection system can also be comprised of electrical wiring and a mixture delivery system having a pressure source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Inventor: Matthew Snow
  • Publication number: 20130269633
    Abstract: A fuel feeding system for storing liquefied gas and feeding gaseous fuel to be used in a piston engine, which fuel feeding system includes at least two cryogenic fuel tank arrangements having a first tank arrangement and a second tank arrangement in connection with each other. The fuel feeding system includes a gaseous fuel feed line connected at its first end to at least one piston engine, in which system the first tank arrangement is provided with a pressure build-up system having a first heat exchanger unit. The inlet of the heat exchanger unit is connected to a bottom section of the first tank arrangement the outlet of which is connectable to the top section of the first tank arrangement. The first tank arrangement and the second tank arrangement are both pressure vessels, and the first tank arrangement is selectively connectable to the fuel feed line by a gas line extending from an outlet in the top section of the first tank arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2010
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: WARTSILA FINLAND OY
    Inventors: Yves Bui, Mathias Jansson, Soren Karlsson
  • Patent number: 8555824
    Abstract: A system includes a shipping container having air inlets at each end and an air outlet at a top and approximate center. The system includes two engines positioned one on each side of a center region, with two generators—each positioned between one of the engines and an end of the container. The center region includes a fuel tank and an air director. An air flow path on each side flows air in the air inlet, over the generator, over the engine, through an engine radiator, mixes the air with exhaust from the engine, and flows out the air outlet. The system maximizes an exhaust flow path length back to the air inlet to prevent exhaust gas recirculation. The system further configures the exhaust air to be heated and released at a higher location than the inlet to minimize potential exhaust gas recirculation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Cummins Power Generation IP, Inc.
    Inventor: Kent A. Lobsiger
  • Patent number: 8555823
    Abstract: An improved method of powering an engine using water as a fuel by separating the hydrogen and oxygen atoms and igniting the hydrogen with high voltage high amperage dc electricity in the compression/combustion chamber of the engine and recycling the exhaust water for reuse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Fred Dawson
  • Patent number: 8550037
    Abstract: During operation of a spark ignition engine, an ignition system produces an output (e.g., breakdown voltage, peak secondary coil current, and spark duration) used to combust a charge (e.g., mixture of air and fuel) in an engine cylinder. Ignition output is important to consider in engines including a second fuel with high ignitability, for example in engines with a fuel reformer system. Example methods, devices and systems are included for adjusting ignition output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Damian Czekala, Thomas G. Leone
  • Publication number: 20130255597
    Abstract: A system for producing carbon dioxide including a collection subsystem configured to collect a process gas, the process gas including a hydrocarbon, a combustion subsystem configured to combust the hydrocarbon in the process gas and output a gaseous combustion effluent, wherein the gaseous combustion effluent includes carbon dioxide and water, and a separation subsystem configured to separate the carbon dioxide from the gaseous combustion effluent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: John C. Hall, D. Anthony Galasso, Jon A. Magnuson
  • Publication number: 20130255596
    Abstract: A method for enriching air with hydrogen for subsequent use by internal combustion engines is discussed. The method begins with supplying a modified form of water. Subsequently, the method continues with electrolyzing the water to produce hydrogen gas. Next, the method involves mixing the gas with air to produce a hydrogen-air mixture, and injecting the mixture into the air intake of a combustion engine. Also discussed is a system for enriching internal combustion engine air intake with hydrogen gas. The system uses modified water, an electrolysis unit for producing hydrogen gas from the modified water. The system mixes the gas with ambient air to create a mixture, and a venturi-based injector introduces the mixture into the air intake system of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventors: Chris MINGILINO, Leo BAILLEAUX, Charlie CORRY, Thomas FORNARELLI, Timothy TUTT, Anatoly Kalmanovsky
  • Patent number: 8544425
    Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an engine driven generator that includes a first electrical fan and a second electrical fan. The engine driven generator further includes a power source and a circuit connecting the power source to the first electrical fan and the second electrical fan. The circuit is configured to selectively connect the first electrical fan and the second electrical fan in series or in parallel. The circuit may operate the first electrical fan and the second electrical fan at full speed when the first electrical fan and the second electrical fan are electrically connected in parallel. The circuit may operate the first electrical fan and the second electrical fan at less than full speed when the first electrical fan and the second electrical fan are electrically connected in series.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Kohler Co.
    Inventors: Douglas W. Dorn, Isaac S. Frampton, Paul E. Honkanen
  • Patent number: 8546963
    Abstract: An improved generator frame includes a grappling attachment feature and theft-deterring weight receptacle for adding weight on-site. In one method of using the improved generator frame, concrete or metal components may added to the weight receptacle to increase the overall weight of a generator assembly to deter its theft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Safecross Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas G. Peacock, Charles Derek Hibdon
  • Patent number: 8544452
    Abstract: A combination air pressure system and a plasma ion gas generator system adapted for mounting next to an intake manifold of a turbocharged diesel engine. The system includes a water holding tank for supplying water to a plasma ion gas generator. The gas generator includes a housing with a plurality anode and cathode electrode plates. The system also includes an on/off switch and amp meter. The on/off switch is connected to the vehicle's battery. When the system is turned “on”, power is supplied to the gas generator for generating combustible gases. The air pressure system includes an air line connected to a vehicle's high pressure air line. The system's air line is connected to the water holding tank for pressurizing the gas mixture before it's introduced in the intake manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Clean Fuel Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Patric Galvin, Kenny Kerstiens
  • Publication number: 20130247846
    Abstract: A plant and a method for the production of energy from coal CM. In the plant, a macroapparatus comprises: an updraft gasifier, a dedusting unit; an evaporative cooler; a scrubber; and a humidifier. The cooler and the scrubber each comprise means for spraying an aqueous mixture into the gas, a basin for storing a quantity of condensed aqueous mixture, a recirculation circuit for removing the aqueous mixture from the basin and supplying it to the spraying means, and a bleed for removing the condensed pollutants and conveying them to the gasifier. The scrubber also comprises a heat exchanger along the recirculation circuit. The humidifier comprises: means for spraying into an oxygenated gas the aqueous mixture drawn from the cooler basin; a line for supplying the wet oxygenated gas to the gasifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: KOAR ENERGY RESOURCES LLC
    Inventor: Giovanni Cappello
  • Publication number: 20130252115
    Abstract: A generation system using a plasma gasifier, includes a plasma gasifier that combusts pulverized coal or biomass using plasma so as to generate a synthesis gas including hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO), an impurity removing device that removes an impurity included in the generated synthesis gas, a gas storage tank in which the synthesis gas, an impurity of which has been removed by the impurity removing device, is stored, and a gas engine that combusts the synthesis gas stored in the gas storage tank so as to produce electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: KOREA BASIC SCIENCE INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Yong Cheol Hong, Dong Hun Shin, Bong Ju Lee, Han Sup Uhm, Sang Ju Lee, Hyeong Won Jeon
  • Publication number: 20130247582
    Abstract: A chemical reactor comprises a flow channel, a source, and a destination. The flow channel is configured to house at least one catalytic reaction converting at least a portion of a first nanofluid entering the channel into a second nanofluid exiting the channel. The flow channel includes at least one turbulating flow channel element disposed axially along at least a portion of the flow channel. A plurality of catalytic nanoparticles is dispersed in the first nanofluid and configured to catalytically react the at least one first chemical reactant into the at least one second chemical reaction product in the flow channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Bart A. Van Hassel
  • Publication number: 20130252121
    Abstract: A system includes a photoelectrolysis system having a solar collector configured to collect and concentrate solar radiation to heat water, generate electricity, or both. The system also includes an electrolysis unit configured to electrolyze the heated water using at least the generated electricity to produce a first gas mixture and a second gas mixture. The first gas mixture includes oxygen and steam and the second gas mixture includes hydrogen and steam. The system further includes a first device configured to receive and use the first gas mixture as well as a hydrogen membrane configured to receive and separate the hydrogen and steam mixture into a hydrogen component and a steam component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: Judith Pauline Oppenheim
  • Patent number: 8539914
    Abstract: Methods for operating a flexible fuel engine with a fuel reformer which reforms a fuel into a gaseous fuel reformate are provided. Operating parameters of the fuel reformer and delivery of reformate to the engine are adjusted based on an alcohol content of the fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James Michael Kerns, Thomas G. Leone, Michael Howard Shelby
  • Publication number: 20130233256
    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: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: FLEXENERGY, INC.
    Inventor: Mark SCHNEPEL
  • Publication number: 20130236371
    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: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: FLEXENERGY, INC.
    Inventor: Boris A. MASLOV
  • Patent number: 8528504
    Abstract: A device that injects hydrogen gas into an engine's air intake or intake manifold that is demand controlled by the vehicle's throttle linkage in an approximately linear manner. When the throttle is depressed, hydrogen generation can start or increase, and when the throttle is released, hydrogen generation can stop of decrease. The device of the present invention uses the vehicle's own vacuum to control the production of hydrogen by forcing a liquid to rise in a chamber and into contact with metal in response to increasing vacuum thus producing an increasing amount of hydrogen gas with increasing throttle depression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventors: Eduardas Ceremis, Lolita Ceremiene
  • Publication number: 20130220240
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving the efficiency and/or reducing emissions of an internal combustion engine are disclosed. The system may comprise a tank configured to store an aqueous solution consisting essentially of water and a predetermined quantity of electrolyte. The system may further comprise a cell configured for aiding in the electrolysis of the aqueous solution, the cell may comprise a plurality of plates arranged substantially parallel to one another and the plurality of plates may be spaced substantially equidistant from an adjacent one of the plurality of plates. In exemplary embodiments, at least one seal may be located between the plurality of plates to create a substantially air tight and substantially water tight seal between adjacent ones of the plurality of plates to aid in preventing the aqueous solution located between adjacent ones of the plurality of plates from leaking out of the cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: DEEC, INC.
    Inventor: DEEC, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130220239
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for the preparation of an oxygenate compound or mixture of oxygenate compounds suitable for use in internal combustion engines are disclosed. An internal combustion engine system includes: a fuel system including an oxygenate compound synthesis device including a reactor including a catalyst, the oxygenate compound synthesis device being configured to convert at least a portion of a feedstock to an oxygenate compound or a mixture of oxygenate compounds; and an internal combustion engine configured to initiate combustion through compression or high energy discharge, the internal combustion engine including: a fuel injection system configured to provide fuel injection, and a cooling system configured to cool the internal combustion engine, the internal combustion engine being configured to heat the oxygenate compound synthesis device using heat from the cooling system of the internal combustion engine. Applications of the devices, systems and methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: DISCOVERY FUEL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: DISCOVERY FUEL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
  • Patent number: 8516980
    Abstract: A method for operating an engine with a fuel reformer is presented. In one embodiment a method for operating an engine by injecting a gaseous fuel and a liquid fuel to at least an engine cylinder is presented. The method may prioritize the injection of the gaseous fuel in response to an amount of gaseous fuel stored in a fuel storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas G. Leone, Ross Dykstra Pursifull, Gopichandra Surnilla, Michael H. Shelby, Joseph Norman Ulrey, Robert Walter McCabe
  • Patent number: 8499722
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: HNO Greenfuels, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Wade Owens
  • Patent number: 8499723
    Abstract: A drive combination for generation of electrical power and heat includes a piston engine coupled to a generator. A connecting rod of an engine body of the engine is directly linked to an overhung crank, and the crank is a component of a generator shaft of the generator, so that the generator shaft forms the crankshaft of the engine body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Golle Motor GmbH
    Inventor: Hermann Golle
  • Publication number: 20130192543
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for introducing biomaterial into a pressure-loaded combustion or carburetor chamber (1), comprising a feed apparatus (2) for feeding biomaterial to a pressure pipe (3), in which a plunger (4) is guided in such a way that the plunger can be moved back and forth against a pressure lock (5) to the combustion or carburetor chamber (1) in order to form a compressed plug (6) comprised of biomaterial, which is sealed against the combustion chamber (1) and which is periodically advanced toward the combustion chamber (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicants: RAW HOLDING GMBH
    Inventor: Claus Hinterecker
  • Publication number: 20130186350
    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: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventor: Donald W. Owens
  • Patent number: 8485140
    Abstract: A method and system for treating a combustible fluid and operating a combustion system, where the combustible fluid is introduced into an electrolysis cell, electrochemically activated in the electrolysis cell, and combusted in a combustion-based engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Global Patent Investment Group, LLC
    Inventor: Bruce F. Field
  • Patent number: 8486166
    Abstract: Fuel reforming catalysts 28 generate a hydrogen-containing reformed gas when they come into contact with exhaust gas that contains a reforming fuel. Upstream and downstream air-fuel ratio sensors 58, 60 are respectively installed upstream and downstream of the fuel reforming catalysts 28. The upstream air-fuel ratio sensor 58 outputs a upstream sensor signal in accordance with oxygen concentration. The downstream air-fuel ratio sensor 60 outputs a downstream sensor signal in accordance with oxygen concentration and hydrogen concentration by using zirconia's oxygen detection capability and a change of a diffusion layer's hydrogen-concentration-dependent oxygen detection capability. An ECU 50 detects the hydrogen concentration without being affected by the oxygen concentration through the use of the upstream sensor signal in which only the oxygen concentration is reflected and the downstream sensor signal in which the oxygen concentration and hydrogen concentration are reflected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hideo Yahagi, Isamu Nakada, Keiichiro Aoki, Takanori Sasaki
  • Publication number: 20130177823
    Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments provide a system adapted to generate hydrogen, which can comprise a water supply source, hydrogen producing agent, hydrogen collector, hydrogen purifier, a hydrogen outlet, a fuel cell, a storage device for electricity, and an inverter. The inverter can be adapted to convert direct current (“DC”) electrical energy into alternating current (“AC”) electrical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: K TUBE TECHNOLOGY LLC
    Inventors: Khe C. Nguyen, Hieu Dinh
  • Publication number: 20130174797
    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. Hydrogen and oxygen is produced by a fuel cell 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 can be powered by the vehicles alternator, a stand-alone battery, waste heat or solar energy. 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 only occurs when the engine is running. The hydrogen gas is produced it is immediately consumed by the engine. No hydrogen is stored on, in or around the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventor: Donald W. Owens