With Vapor Generation And/or Condensing Patents (Class 123/41.2)
  • Patent number: 11421564
    Abstract: When an EDU determines that a motor is in a control unstable state where the motor cannot be controlled to a target rotation speed due to a drive voltage output duty value being smaller than a threshold value, the EDU performs a control point shifting operation to shift a control point between a first control point, which is in the control unstable state, and a second control point, which is a control stable state outside the control unstable state. Thus, even when the motor is in a stepping rotation state, it is possible to control the target rotation speed regardless of influence of a cogging torque, and appropriately control the cam phase of the intake camshaft to a target phase when the engine is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yoshiki Kato
  • Patent number: 10858980
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling system (4) for an internal combustion engine having at least one cylinder head (1), the at least one cylinder head being connected to at least one cylinder block (2) by means of a cylinder-bead sealing surface (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: AVL LIST GMBH
    Inventors: Reinhard Biller, Christof Knollmayr, Gernot Fuckar
  • Patent number: 10774727
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for conducting air, in particular inlet air distributor pipe, for an internal combustion engine with a plurality of cylinder heads. The device for conducting air includes a pipe body. The pipe body has an air distribution channel with a plurality of outlet openings for connecting to a plurality of inlet channels of the plurality of cylinder heads. The pipe body includes a plurality of single venting channels for connecting to a plurality of coolant chambers of the plurality of cylinder heads for venting the plurality of coolant chambers. The pipe body additionally includes a collective venting channel, the plurality of single venting channels discharging therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: MAN TRUCK & BUS AG
    Inventor: Thomas Schneider
  • Patent number: 10508615
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for actively heating pistons in combustion chambers to decrease a torque imbalance in an engine. In one example, a method for operation of an engine includes determining a variation between compression ratios in a first combustion chamber and a second combustion chamber and operating a piston heating system to apply a targeted amount of heat to a first piston assembly based on the variation between the compression ratios, the first piston assembly including a first piston positioned within the first combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Christopher Polonowski, Eric Matthew Kurtz, Daniel William Kantrow
  • Patent number: 10145334
    Abstract: A container-type compressed air storage power generation device (2) comprises compressors (5a-5c); a tank (8); power generators (9a-9c); a control device (12); and a container (4). The compressors (5a-5c) compress air. The tank (8) is driven by air supplied from the compressors (5a-5c). The power generators (9a-9c) are driven by air supplied from the tank (8). The control device drives and controls the compressors (5a-5c) and the power generators (9a-9c). The container (4) houses the compressors (5a-5c) and the power generators (9a-9c), and the tank (8) is disposed outside the container (4). Therefore, the container-type compressed air storage power generation device (2) is easy to transport and construct on-site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kanami Sakamoto, Hiroki Saruta, Masaki Matsukuma, Masatake Toshima
  • Patent number: 9789632
    Abstract: A machine for a temperature regulation arrangement that includes a closed area within the machine leading a temperature regulating chamber positioned adjacent a heat source, in which there are a number of liquid collectors arranged so that each has a feed take off that provides a elevated passage way from one liquid collector to the next.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2017
    Assignee: RITEMP PTY LTD
    Inventor: Malcolm Barry James
  • Patent number: 9631571
    Abstract: The embodiments herein provide a fuel anti-freeze system comprising a temperature sensor, an Engine Control Unit (ECU), a combustion rail pump and two electrical valves. The temperature sensor reports an atmospheric temperature of a fuel rail to the ECU. The ECU controls the combustion rail pump and the electrical valves to control a depletion of the fuel from the fuel rail to a fuel tank, when the atmosphere temperature in the fuel rail is below a threshold temperature. The system empties the fuel rail when the atmosphere temperature is below the threshold temperature, thereby preventing freezing and stiffing of the fuel in the fuel rail of an internal combustion engine. The first electrical valve transfers the fuel from the fuel rail to the fuel tank, and the second electrical valve transfers the fuel from the fuel rail to the fuel tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Inventors: Mohammad Kiani, Abbas Saeidi Asl
  • Patent number: 9476345
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for reducing corrosion of a charge air cooler and preventing engine misfire due to condensate formation. In response to condensate forming in a charge air cooler, engine cooling fan operation is adjusted. Engine cooling fan operation may also be controlled in response to vehicle operating conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Joseph Styles, Gopichandra Surnilla
  • Patent number: 8939113
    Abstract: An engine is provided with a variable valve timing device which transmits a rotational force generated by a motor via a motor drive circuit to a cam shaft so as to change a rotational phase of the cam shaft relative to a crank shaft. An ECU cools a motor and a motor drive circuit when the change of the rotational phase stops during the changing of the rotational phase of the cam shaft to a target value is detected. In addition, the lock state is eliminated by driving the motor by the motor drive circuit after cooling the motor device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Kanda, Masao Kurisu
  • Patent number: 8833341
    Abstract: In one example, a method for controlling a fuel system with fuel is provided. The method includes, in response to an engine shutdown, increasing communication between a fuel rail and a fuel tank to increase boiling of fuel in the rail, and then decreasing the communication after the fuel rail cools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company of Australia Limited
    Inventors: Andrew Paul Chee Aun Wong, Adam Nolan, Jamie Terence Slaymaker
  • Patent number: 8707914
    Abstract: A waste heat recovery system connects a working fluid into passages formed within an internal combustion engine. The fluid passages transport the working fluid to high temperature areas of the engine, raising the temperature of the working fluid near the phase change point or above the phase change point. The heated working fluid drives an energy conversion portion located downstream from the engine. The heat absorbed by the working fluid decreases the load on an engine cooling system as well as driving an energy conversion portion, improving fuel efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Cummins Intellectual Property, Inc.
    Inventor: David M. Barnes
  • Patent number: 8661817
    Abstract: The coolant in the cooling jacket of a dual cycle internal combustion steam engine is intentionally maintained at an elevated temperature that may typically range from about 225° F.-300° F. or more. A non-aqueous liquid coolant is used to cool the combustion chamber together with a provision for controlling the flow rate and residence time of the coolant within the cooling jacket to maintain the temperature of the coolant at a selected elevated temperature that is substantially above the boiling point of water but below the boiling point of the coolant. The coolant is passed from the jacket through a heat exchanger in a first circuit to transfer heat to a vaporizable working fluid such as water and is then returned. An optional second circuit is an intrajacket perturbation circuit within the engine can be used to disrupt and disperse pockets of vapor that may tend to form before damaging hot spots can develop around the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Thermal Power Recovery LLC
    Inventors: James V. Harmon, Sr., Jerry A. Peoples
  • Patent number: 8082889
    Abstract: A system is provided that draws heat from an open-loop engine cycle into a closed-loop working fluid circulatory system that utilizes computer-aided feedback mechanisms. The closed-loop working fluid draws engine heat from multiple sources: exhaust stack gases, the engine block, the engine transmission, and the engine headers and exhaust manifold near the valves. Heat exchangers are arranged in an ascending pattern according to the temperature of the heat at each heat generating location of the open-loop engine cycle. A wankel or similar type engine receives the heated working fluid and rotates a shaft connected to a generator to generate electricity. An electrolysis unit is powered by the generated electricity and separates water into hydrogen and oxygen. A reformation unit receives fuel such as diesel and the generated hydrogen to reform the fuel prior to injection into the engine for combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Gemini Energy Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary G. Otterstrom, Charles P. Lindsey
  • Patent number: 8003271
    Abstract: A heat exchanger that can mechanically automatically control a level of cooling water according to heat generation of the fuel cell. The heat exchanger includes a housing having a cooling water inlet and an outlet connected to a fuel cell stack, a moving plate which moves reciprocally in the housing and discharges cooling water filled in the housing to the stack when it moves in a one direction and when it receives a steam pressure from the stack it moves in an opposite direction, and an elastic member that applies a force to the moving plate in the one direction. The heat exchanger can automatically maintain the level of cooling water despite a difference in heat generated between a full and a partial load operation of the fuel cell obviating complicated electronics such as a thermo-sensor, a valve, or a controller. Also, under a partial load, the exposure of flow channels to superheated steam is avoided, thereby extending the lifetime of the fuel cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tae-won Song, Seung-jae Lee
  • Patent number: 7845167
    Abstract: In an exhaust heat recovery system for an internal combustion engine, a heat pipe includes an evaporation portion in which a working fluid is heated and evaporated by heat exchange with exhaust heat from the internal combustion engine, a plurality of condensing portions in which the working fluid from the evaporation portion is cooled and condensed by heat exchange with respective subjects to be heated, and connection piping through which the condensing portions are connected to the evaporation portion in parallel with respect to the evaporation portion so as to form a closed circuit. Furthermore, a switching portion is located to switch a flow of the working fluid from the evaporation portion to any one between the condensing portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Masashi Miyagawa, Yasutoshi Yamanaka, Takahisa Suzuki, Koichi Ban
  • Publication number: 20100283262
    Abstract: An apparatus for a hybrid machine is disclosed. The apparatus includes a fluid pump operably connected to a condenser and a fluid path operably connected to the fluid pump. The fluid receives thermal energy from a first machine component and a second machine component. The first machine component has a static operating temperature equal to or lower than the second machine component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Applicant: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey E. Jensen, Brian Howson, David M. Spurtlock, Michael J. Barngrover
  • Publication number: 20100212304
    Abstract: The invention relates to a drive system for motor vehicles comprising a waste heat-producing internal combustion engine and a circuit for draining off at least partially said waste heat with a working fluid which is relievable in an expansion machine, wherein said working fluid comprises several components, wherein at least one component is transferable into a gas phase by absorbing heat of the internal combustion engine and/or another source inside the drive system which also comprises means for separating the liquid fraction from the working fluid prior to the expansion machine pressure removal. The internal combustion engine can be cooled by a first cooling circuit. A second cooling circuit can be used in such a way that the first cooling circuit is cooled thereby.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Hoetger
  • Patent number: 7690333
    Abstract: A system is provided that draws heat from an open-loop engine cycle into a closed-loop working fluid circulatory system that utilizes computer-aided feedback mechanisms. The closed-loop working fluid draws engine heat from multiple sources: exhaust stack gases, the engine block, the engine transmission, and the engine headers and exhaust manifold near the valves. Heat exchangers are arranged in an ascending pattern according to the temperature of the heat at each heat generating location of the open-loop engine cycle. A wankel or similar type engine receives the heated working fluid and rotates a shaft connected to a generator to generate electricity. An electrolysis unit is powered by the generated electricity and separates water into hydrogen and oxygen. A reformation unit receives fuel such as diesel and the generated hydrogen to reform the fuel prior to injection into the engine for combustion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Gemini Energy Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary G. Otterstrom, Charles P. Lindsey
  • Patent number: 7673591
    Abstract: A cooling system for a liquid cooled internal combustion engine having coolant passages and a heat exchanger selected to operate the engine cooling system in the region of nucleate boiling. A sensor detect the presence of nucleate boiling and a pump and pressure relief valve responsive to the sensor maintain the coolant system pressure at a level marinating optimum nucleate boiling to increase heat flux from the engine and reduce overall size of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventor: Carl T. Vuk
  • Publication number: 20090301410
    Abstract: A cooling system for a liquid cooled internal combustion engine having coolant passages and a heat exchanger selected to operate the engine cooling system in the region of nucleate boiling. A sensor detect the presence of nucleate boiling and a pump and pressure relief valve responsive to the sensor maintain the coolant system pressure at a level marinating optimum nucleate boiling to increase heat flux from the engine and reduce overall size of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: Carl T. Vuk
  • Publication number: 20090000577
    Abstract: A waste heat collecting apparatus includes a loop-type heat pipe and a valve device. The loop-type heat pipe includes a vaporizing portion, a condensing portion, and a connecting portion. The valve device includes a driving portion and a valve body. The driving portion is configured to be actuated in accordance with at least one of pressure of the first medium, temperature of the first medium, and temperature of the second medium. The valve body is formed integrally with the driving portion for opening and closing the connecting portion in association with the driving portion. The valve device is provided at one of (a) a position downstream of the condensing portion, and (b) a position upstream of the vaporizing portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masashi Miyagawa
  • Publication number: 20080127913
    Abstract: The invention concerns an engine cooling system that comprises a cooling circuit (8) and an evaporative cooling arrangement (9). The cooling circuit (8) has a cooling capacity provided by exchanging the heat generated by the engine with ambient air. The evaporative cooling arrangement (9) has a cooling capacity provided by dissipating the heat generated by the engine, by vaporisation of a vaporising coolant in a boiler. The cooling capacity of the evaporative cooling arrangement (9) is such that with the cooling capacity of the cooling circuit (8), the global capacity of the cooling system can match, at least peak, cooling demands. As the cooling capacity of the cooling system is divided between the capacity of the cooling circuit and the capacity of the evaporative cooling arrangement, the capacity of the cooling circuit can be reduced in comparison to a conventional cooling circuit which has to match alone peak cooling demands.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2004
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: RENAULT TRUCKS
    Inventor: Thomas Justin
  • Patent number: 6968811
    Abstract: A power tool includes a combustion chamber (1; 54), a drive piston (8) adjoining the combustion chamber (1; 54) and displaceable upon combustion of fuel in the combustion chamber, an ignition device (52) for igniting the fuel in the combustion chamber (1; 54), and a cooling device (2a, 6a; 64; 70) connected with the combustion chamber (1; 54) for cooling the combustion chamber (1; 54) with a liquid cooling medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Ulrich Rosenbaum
  • Patent number: 6866092
    Abstract: Various techniques are disclosed for improving airtight two-phase heat-transfer systems employing a fluid to transfer heat from a heat source to a heat sink while circulating around a fluid circuit, the maximum temperature of the heat sink not exceeding the maximum temperature of the heat source. The properties of those improved systems include (a) maintaining, while the systems are inactive, their internal pressure at a pressure above the saturated-vapor pressure of their heat-transfer fluid; and (b) cooling their internal evaporator surfaces with liquid jets. FIG. 43 illustrates the particular case where a heat-transfer system of the invention is used to cool a piston engine (500) by rejecting, with a condenser (508), heat to the ambient air; and where the system includes a heat-transfer fluid pump (10) and means (401-407) for achieving the former property.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventor: Stephen Molivadas
  • Publication number: 20040200442
    Abstract: Heat transfer in coolant circuits, as in an internal combustion engine for example, can be beneficially enhanced by maintaining the coolant in a nucleate boiling state, but undesirable transitions to a film boiling state are then possible. The disclosed coolant circuit has selected surface(s) that have a tendency to experience high heat flux in comparison to adjacent surfaces in the coolant circuit. These surfaces are provided with a surface configuration, such as a matrix of nucleation cavities, which has a tendency to inhibit a change in boiling state. The surface configuration can be provided on the parent coolant circuit surface or on a surface of an insert positioned in the coolant circuit. Thus, transitions to film boiling can be effectively avoided at locations in the coolant circuit that are susceptible to such transitions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2003
    Publication date: October 14, 2004
    Applicant: Perkins Engines Company
    Inventors: Colin Peter Garner, Adrian Holland