Abstract: A method includes: during a first time period, pumping propellant: to a set of moderator coolant channels to cool the moderator; through a set of fuel elements to heat the propellant to a first outlet temperature; out of a thrust nozzle to produce a first thrust; and locating the reflector at a first closed position to reflect neutrons toward the set of fuel elements to maintain a fission rate of the set of fuel elements above a threshold fission rate. Additionally, during a second time period: locating the reflector at a second open position to reduce the fission rate of the set of fuel elements to below the threshold fission rate; and pumping the propellant through the fuel elements to heat the propellant to a second outlet temperature less than the first outlet temperature and out of the thrust nozzle to produce a second thrust less than the first thrust.

Abstract: A cooling system including a heat spreader and a cooling element is described. The heat spreader is thermally coupled with a heat-generating structure. The cooling element is in fluid communication heat spreader. The heat-generating structure is offset from the cooling element. The cooling element undergoes vibrational motion when actuated to drive a fluid toward the heat spreader while not directing the fluid directly at the heat-generating structure.

Abstract: A heating system for heating a component in a liquid distribution system of an aircraft engine. The liquid distribution system feeds a liquid to the component. The heating system includes an acoustic generator disposed in communication with the component via a liquid passage of the liquid distribution system. The liquid passage defines a length between the acoustic generator and the component. The acoustic generator generates a resonant frequency selected as a function of the length of the liquid passage to generate a standing wave in the liquid within the liquid passage. The standing wave transmitting energy to the component to heat the component.

Abstract: A heat exchanger comprises a base, and a plurality of deformable fins connected to a surface of the base. Some deformable fins have a free end configured to move away from the surface of the base as a function of a local temperature increase of the base. The deformable fins are distributed on the surface of the base to be exposed to a coolant flowing over the surface of the base, wherein a distribution of the deformable fins on the surface of the base is non-uniform.

Abstract: A device for constraining liquid cooling tubes may include connecting a first tube connector and a second tube connector with a stretchable strip of flexible material. The first tube connector is configured to fluidly seal to a first end of a liquid cooling tube, and the second tube connector is configured to fluidly seal to a second end of the liquid cooling tube. The device may also include connecting the first tube connector to a first manifold and connecting the second tube connector to a second manifold when a computing device in a rack is in operation. The device may also include disconnecting the first tube connector to the first manifold and the second tube connector to the second manifold. The first tube connector and the second tube connector are constrained by the stretchable strip of flexible material when the computing device is moved out of the rack.

Abstract: A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system includes first and second fluids, a heat exchanger, a refrigerant sub-system, and at least one closed loop sub-system. The heat exchanger includes a membrane for channeling the first fluid through the heat exchanger and is disposed for heat transfer between the first fluid and the second fluid. The membrane defines an inlet having an inlet height relative to grade. The closed loop sub-system transfers heat from the heat exchanger to the refrigerant sub-system and includes an expansion tank containing the first fluid. A level of the first fluid within the expansion tank has a level height relative to grade. The expansion tank is positioned relative to the heat exchanger such that the inlet height is greater than the level height and the membrane is maintained in a collapsed configuration.

Abstract: A gas cooler effectively prevents or suppresses an outflow of drain water to the outside. The gas cooler includes a casing, a cooling unit, a seal plate, a lead-in port, a lead-out port, and a drain scattering prevention member. The cooling unit is accommodated within the casing and cools gas. The seal plate is provided in the cooling unit and partitions an inside of the casing into an upper space thorough which the gas before passing through the cooling unit flows and a bottom space through which the gas after passing through the cooling unit flows. The gas is led from the lead-in port into the upper space, and the gas is led out of the bottom space via the lead-out port. The drain scattering prevention member is disposed in the bottom space, and collects the drain water, while allowing the gas to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A mobile device, such as a mobile phone, including a housing and active cooling cells is described. The active cooling cells are in the housing. The cooling cells utilize vibrational motion to drive a fluid such that the mobile phone has a coefficient of thermal spreading (CTS) greater than 0.5 for a steady-state power generated by the mobile phone of at least five watts.

Abstract: Vessel assemblies, heat transfer units for prefabricated vessels, and methods for heat transfer prefabricated vessel are provided. A heat transfer unit includes a central rod, and a plurality of peripheral rods surrounding the central rod and connected to the central rod. The plurality of peripheral rods are movable between a first collapsed position and a second bowed position, wherein in the second bowed position a midpoint of each of the plurality of peripheral rods is spaced from the central rod relative to in the first position. The heat transfer unit further includes a heat transfer element connected to one of the plurality of peripheral rods.

Abstract: The present technology relates to methodologies, systems and apparatus for separating a liquid and a gas from a multi-phase flow stream. In particular, a gas-liquid separator having a curvilinear flow path sized is described. The flow path is designed to create a shift in the axial velocity of the primary flow field through the gas-liquid separator and generate a secondary flow field effect perpendicular to the primary flow field. The curvilinear flow path can minimize additional dispersion and provide improved efficiencies in fraction collection.

Abstract: A refrigeration appliance has a refrigeration appliance component and a cleaning device for cleaning the component. The cleaning device includes a cleaning element, an actuating element, and a connection element. The cleaning element is connected to the actuating element by the connection element. The refrigeration appliance has a cavity which extends from the front side of the refrigeration appliance to the back side of the refrigeration appliance, and in which the connection element is accommodated. The cleaning element is moveable across a surface of the refrigeration appliance component upon actuation of the actuating element in order to remove dirt deposits from the surface of the refrigeration appliance component.

Abstract: A plant or refinery may include equipment such as reactors, heaters, heat exchangers, regenerators, separators, or the like. Types of heat exchangers include shell and tube, plate, plate and shell, plate fin, air cooled, wetted-surface air cooled, or the like. Operating methods may impact deterioration in equipment condition, prolong equipment life, extend production operating time, or provide other benefits. Mechanical or digital sensors may be used for monitoring equipment, and sensor data may be programmatically analyzed to identify developing problems. For example, sensors may be used in conjunction with one or more system components to detect and correct maldistribution, cross-leakage, strain, pre-leakage, thermal stresses, fouling, vibration, problems in liquid lifting, conditions that can affect air-cooled exchangers, conditions that can affect a wetted-surface air-cooled heat exchanger, or the like. An operating condition or mode may be adjusted to prolong equipment life or avoid equipment failure.

Abstract: A vibrational fluid mover includes a housing having at least one actuator element positioned thereon that vibrates responsive to a wave shape voltage applied thereto, such that a volume of a chamber in the housing increases and decreases to entrain and eject fluid into/out from the chamber. A control system is operably connected to the actuator element to cause the voltage to be provided thereto so as to actively control the movement of the actuator element. The control system is programmed to set a baseline value for an operational parameter of the vibrational fluid mover generated responsive to a target voltage and frequency being provided, monitor operation of the vibrational fluid mover during operation at the target voltage and frequency, identify a deviation of the operational parameter from the baseline value, and modify the voltage and frequency provided to the actuator element based on any deviation of the operational parameter.

Abstract: Vessel assemblies, heat transfer units for prefabricated vessels, and methods for heat transfer prefabricated vessel are provided. A heat transfer unit includes a central rod, and a plurality of peripheral rods surrounding the central rod and connected to the central rod. The plurality of peripheral rods are movable between a first collapsed position and a second bowed position, wherein in the second bowed position a midpoint of each of the plurality of peripheral rods is spaced from the central rod relative to in the first position. The heat transfer unit further includes a heat transfer element connected to one of the plurality of peripheral rods.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for use in a contact group of a sulfuric acid plant includes a chamber in which a tube bundle is arranged on a circular ring. A gas space is formed between the tube bundle and a chamber casing surrounding the tube bundle. A gas supply opening is provided in the chamber casing and is configured to introduce a gas into the gas space substantially radially to the tube bundle. A gas outlet opening adjoins an interior space enclosed by the tube bundle in a substantially axial direction. A center of the tube bundle is offset with respect to a center of the chamber casing in a direction opposite to the gas supply opening.

Abstract: A thermal management system is provided. The thermal management system includes at least one heat sink including one or more respective fins, wherein the one or more fins include one or more respective cavities. The thermal management system also includes a synthetic jet stack including at least one synthetic jet mounted within each of the respective cavities employing at least one engaging structure to provide a rigid positioning of the synthetic jet stack within the fins, wherein the synthetic jet includes at least one orifice through which a fluid is ejected.

Abstract: A system and method for applying an electrical bias to a photovoltaic device in a temperature control chamber, in which the temperature of the photovoltaic device is controlled according to a temperature profile. The temperature profile may include at least one hot phase and at least one cool phase.

Abstract: A flexible heat transfer assembly includes a covering layer (100) and a functional filler (200). The covering layer (100) surroundingly forms a sealed chamber (11), in which the material of the covering layer (100) is one of rubber, silica rubber, and resin. The functional filler (200) is filled in the sealed chamber (110). The functional filler (200) comprises at least one of silicone, silicone oil, silica gel, and paraffin, and at least one of ceramic powder, metal powder, metal oxide powder, and graphene. By means of the covering layer (100) tightly attached to a heat-generating part and by means of the heat transfer of the functional filler (200), the flexible heat transfer assembly can absorb or dissipate the heat generated by the heat-generating part.

Abstract: A thermal interface pad, includes a substrate and carbon nanowires, where the substrate has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the carbon nanowires are disposed on both the first surface and the second surface of the substrate, and the carbon nanowires are arranged in an array. The substrate includes a flexible composite metal film, or a material of the substrate includes at least one of flexible graphite and a solder alloy, and the flexible composite metal film is a flexible metal film with a surface coated with nickel, silver or gold. The thermal interface material has high thermal conductivity, may be attachable and affixed, and is easy for industrial production and use. The embodiments of the present invention further provide a production method of a thermal interface material, which features a large production volume, low costs, and easy control of product quality.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a thermal management system which includes providing a set of synthetic jet actuators A={a1, . . . , an} (309, 311, 313), wherein n?3, and wherein each member of A has a diaphragm which oscillates along a principle axis. The members of set A are arranged and operated such that they have corresponding forces F1, . . . , Fn at any given time during their operation, wherein any force Fk ? {F1, . . . , Fn} has vector components along mutually orthogonal axes x, y and z of Fkx, Fky, and Fkz, wherein at least one of the sets Sx={|F1x|, . . . , |Fnx|}, Sy={|F1y|, . . . , |Fny|} and Sz={|F1z|, . . . , |Fnz|} has more than one member, and wherein the sum TF=?i=1n Fi is essentially zero.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger comprising at least one heat conducting conduit for passage of a first medium and at least one block of an open cell porous medium for passage of a second medium. The method comprises providing at least one groove in the open cell porous medium. Thereafter, the porous medium is bent in a direction such that at least part of the grooves are opened and heat conducting conduits are applied in this at least one opened groove. Thereafter, the porous medium is rebend such that the heat conducting conduits are locked in said open cell porous medium.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for introducing beating or pulsed movements into tube walls within a pressure vessel, wherein a first ram imparting the beating pulse to the tube wall passes through the pressure vessel wall and is guided into a pressurized first annular space which is acted upon by a second ram, which is guided in a further tubular chamber. Such a device is intended to provide a solution by which the wear of the ram that acts on the tube wall is compensated over as long a time as possible and effective sealing with respect to the surroundings is ensured.

Abstract: A system and method for producing surface deformations on a surface of a body. The system and method relate to changing the convective heat transfer coefficient for a surface. The system includes a first surface being a surface of a body exposed to a fluid flow and at least one actuator affecting deformation of the first surface. The system also includes a control system providing control commands to the at least one actuator, the control commands configured to change deformations on the first surface in order to change the convective heat transfer coefficient of the first surface. Further, the system includes a sensor providing environmental characteristic information to the control system.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a temperature of a device. The apparatus includes a body (500) having a plurality of chambers (630) spaced substantially symmetrically about an axis of the body (500), wherein each of the plurality of chambers (630) comprises an upper diaphragm (635) and a lower diaphragm (640). The apparatus also includes a heat transfer element (515) attached to the body (500) via the plurality of chambers (630) such that the plurality of chambers (630) is in fluid communication with the heat transfer element (515).

Abstract: A water heater in which by applying pulsation of a liquid to be heated which circulates between a tank and a heat exchanger, scale that has been deposited on the inner wall (heat-transfer surface) of a to-be-heated liquid flow channel in a heat exchanger is detached, and the number of times of circulation of the liquid to be heated which circulates between the tank and the heat exchanger is controlled to be three times or less. The number of times of circulation is determined, based on the entire volume of the to-be-heated liquid stored in the tank, a boiling time to be taken for the entire volume of the to-be-heated liquid in the tank to reach a predetermined temperature, and the flow rate of the to-be-heated liquid which passes through the to-be-heated liquid flow channel.

Abstract: A solid/heat-transport and reactive gas reactor, including: a helical duct including an inlet and an outlet, the helical duct defining a helical bottom track on which a solid reagent can slide from the inlet to the outlet of the helical duct; a mechanism for bringing the solid reagent to the inlet of the helical duct; a mechanism for causing a heat-transport gas to flow in the helical duct, from the outlet to the inlet of the helical duct; a reservoir of solid reagent under the outlet of the helical duct; and a conveyor for conveying the reagent from a low point of the reservoir to the bringing mechanism.

Abstract: A method and system for stabilizing flow includes introducing a flow into a channel with a minimum cross-sectional dimension of less than three millimeters and triggering a release of one or more bubbles in the flow at one or more locations in the channel. The one or more locations are spaced in from an inlet and an outlet to the channel.

Abstract: A rapper device for cleaning a heat exchange surface in a pressure vessel by transmitting impact energy. The rapper device includes a striker and an impacting device for impacting the striker which has one end contacting the heat exchange surface in the pressure vessel. The striker includes a piston section having a piston rod projecting out of the pressure vessel via a passage opening in line with the impacting device. A piston head is slideable within a piston chamber in line with the passage opening. The piston chamber is operatively connected to a sealing gas supply. The piston head is a separate part with an aperture. The piston rod runs through the aperture, e.g., in a slideable arrangement.

Abstract: A method and a rapper device for cleaning a heat exchange surface in a pressure vessel. The rapper device includes a striker rod which has one end contacting the heat exchange surface in the pressure vessel and one end projecting out of the pressure vessel via a passage opening. The rapper device also includes an impacting device for impacting the projecting end of the striker rod. A section of the striker rod is slideably supported in a pressure chamber adjacent the passage opening. The pressure chamber is connected to a sealing gas supply maintaining the pressure in the pressure chamber at a higher level than the pressure in the pressure vessel. A bellows defines a pressure chamber around at least a section of the striker rod.

Abstract: An internal heat exchanger for an air conditioning system, having: a high pressure side through which a coolant under high pressure flows in operation; and a low pressure side through which coolant under low pressure flows in operation. The heat exchanger is configured in such a way that pulsations of the coolant flowing therethrough dampen noise.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a heat sink apparatus for cooling a semiconductor device includes: (a) a rigid support ring having a top surface and a bottom surface; (b) a thermally conductive bottom sheet having a top and a bottom surface, wherein the top surface of the sheet is attached to the bottom surface of the rigid support ring; and (c) a channel for cooling fluid formed by a volume contained by the rigid support ring, the sheet, and an enclosure; wherein the sheet is held in tension by the rigid support ring, thereby reducing the macroscopic coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of the sheet. In use, thermally induced mechanical stress in a semiconductor device attached to the bottom surface of the sheet may be ameliorated by the reduction in macroscopic CTE, thereby increasing reliability of an assembly as it is cycled in temperature during normal operation.

Abstract: A thermal connector configured to be placed within a recess of a heat sink between the heat sink and a heat generating component and transfer heat from the component to the heat sink, including a heat spreader configured to fit within the recess of the heat sink, a spring configured to sit between the heat spreader and with the heat sink and bias the heat spreader towards and away from the heat sink, a flexible membrane attached to the heat sink and the heat spreader and seal off the recess, and a phase change material that fills the recess, wherein the flexible membrane contains the phase change material and allows it to contract or expand in response to the movement of the heat spreader towards or away from the heat sink.

Abstract: Provided are adaptive heat transfer methods and systems for uniform heat transfer to and from various types of workpieces, such as workpieces employed during fabrication of semiconductor devices, displays, light emitting diodes, and photovoltaic panels. This adaptive approach allows for reducing heat transfer variations caused by deformations of workpieces. Deformation may vary in workpieces depending on types of workpieces, processing conditions, and other variables. Such deformations are hard to anticipate and may be random. Provided systems may change their configurations to account for the conformation of each new workpiece processed. Further, adjustments may be performed continuously of discretely during heat transfer. This flexibility can be employed to improve heat transfer uniformity, achieve uniform temperature profile, reduce deformation, and for various other purposes.

Abstract: “VIBRATING HEAT EXCHANGER EQUIPMENT FOR LOW TEMPERATURE CONVERSION FOR ORGANIC WASTE TREATMENT AND ORGANIC WASTE TREATMENT PROCESSING THROUGH THE USE OF VIBRATING HEAT EXCHANGER EQUIPMENT FOR LOW TEMPERATURE CONVERSION” The present invention relates to a reactor and the respective procedure that employs it, for processing lipid and protein rich organic waste using the technique of low temperature conversion, the reactor also being used for the treatment of waste with organochlorine contaminants and processing lignocellulosic organic waste, the main products being generated during the processing of oil and coal. The reactor (1) essentially consists of a single bypass tube shell-type heat exchanger, with several heating tubes (7) of cylindrical shape and is mounted so that the axis of the heating tubes (7) are positioned vertically with a triangular distribution, which facilitates the construction of devices with circular section and facilitates the distribution of the raw material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of removing a particulate layer from a gasification system component including locating a shedding apparatus in operable communication with the gasification system component. A force is transmitted from the shedding apparatus into the gasification system component and the particulate layer is shed from the gasification system component as a result of the force. Further disclosed is a syngas cooler for a gasification system including a vessel and a plurality of thermal energy transfer platens located in the vessel. A shedding apparatus is in operable communication with the plurality of platens and is capable of shedding a particulate layer from the plurality of platens by transmitting a force to the plurality of platens. The apparatus includes a manifold disposed between the shedding apparatus and the plurality of platens and connected to the plurality of platens via one or more struts capable of distributing the force to the plurality of platens.

Abstract: Targeted application of anti-fouling mechanisms in a heat exchange system produces higher rates of energy recovery. The anti-fouling mechanisms with high mitigation rates can be deployed at only the hottest portions of a pre-heat train that experience the highest rates of fouling and heat loss. In application, bundles of corrosion resistant smoothed tubes are deployed in the late pre-heat train to significantly reduce the formation of harder deposits. Vibration can be used as an adjunct approach in conjunction with the corrosion resistant, smooth tubes, or deployed alone on existing bundles. The use of high performing, more durable exchangers in select locations justifies the increased cost of these components.

Abstract: A small heat exchanger can efficiently exchange heat, and can be produced at low cost in comparison with a conventional heat exchanger. In the heat exchanger, a heat-transfer tube can be easily replaced so that the heat exchanger can be used for a treatment which requires a low flow rate. A heat-transfer tube produced in the form of a coil is attached to, for example, a lower closing portion and an inner tube, which are integrally produced. The heat-transfer tube is pulled in the U-direction to reduce the diameter of the coiled portions and, thus, is closely bonded or welded to the inner tube. An outer tube and an upper closing portion are attached so that there is a slight gap between the outer tube and the outer diameter of the heat-transfer tube.

Abstract: A heat dissipating device includes a heat sink and an oscillation unit. The oscillation unit is disposed in the heat sink, and includes an oscillation element, and a liquid that surrounds the oscillation element and that transmits an oscillation movement of the oscillation element to the heat sink to generate a resonant oscillation and to thereby enhance heat dissipation. By virtue of the high-frequency resonant oscillation generated in the heat sink, infrared radiation can be dissipated quickly increasing the efficiency of heat dissipation.

Abstract: A method for cooling an object includes coupling a cooling device to the object, wherein the cooling device includes at least one thermoacoustic engine and a plurality of gas diodes, generating acoustic power with the thermoacoustic engine, channeling acoustic oscillations of a fluid through the gas diodes, and transferring the heat produced by the object to the fluid to facilitate moving the heat away from the object.

Abstract: A heat exchange unit, adapted to performing heat exchange between first and second fluids at different temperatures, comprises a heat exchange apparatus provided with a tube bundle, crossed internally by said first fluid, and containing means of the second fluid, adapted to receiving the exchange apparatus so that at least one portion of the tube bundle is externally surrounded by the second fluid. The exchange apparatus further comprises connection means which are structurally separate from said retainer means and to which one end of the tube bundle is operatively connected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrogen storage system using a hydrogen storage material and can increase a heat exchanging efficiency by improving a contact frequency to the heat exchanger by vibrating the heat exchanger that is mounted in the hydrogen storage tank using the hydrogen storage material by using a vibrator to induce resonance vibration of the packed storage material powder.

Abstract: A ultrasonic transducer is associated with a heat exchanger and is operable to vibrate a tube associated with the heat exchanger to break up accumulated solids which may have formed on an outer periphery of the tube. A gas flow passes over the tube to remove the pulverized solids.

Abstract: A vibratory apparatus includes a trough assembly comprising first and second plates, the first and second plates joined together in close proximity so as to define a space through which a fluid may pass at a high velocity, a vibration generator coupled to the trough assembly, and a frame resiliently coupled to the trough assembly. Also included is a system including the vibratory apparatus and other equipment, and a method of using the vibratory apparatus.

Abstract: Vibrational energy generated with a pneumatic vibrator is controlled to independently adjust the amplitude and the frequency. A mechanical resonator is used to adjust the frequency. The controlled vibrational energy can be applied to equipment, such as a heat exchanger to mitigate fouling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly chilling or heating a container of liquid is provided. The method may include angularly oscillating the container in the presence of a coolant to impart inertial flow to the liquid contained in the container. Various devices for achieving accelerated cooling of liquids are disclosed.

Abstract: Fouling of heat exchange surfaces is mitigated by a process in which a mechanical force is applied to a fixed heat exchanger to excite a vibration in the heat exchange surface and produce shear waves in the fluid adjacent the heat exchange surface. The mechanical force is applied by a dynamic actuator coupled to a controller to produce vibration at a controlled frequency and amplitude output that minimizes adverse effects to the heat exchange structure. The dynamic actuator may be coupled to the heat exchanger in place and operated while the heat exchanger is on line.

Abstract: A device is coupled to a heat exchanger for mitigating fouling by applying a mechanical force to a fixed heat exchanger to excite a vibration in the heat exchange surface and produce shear waves in the fluid adjacent the heat exchange surface while the heat exchanger is in operation. An electromagnetic driven impulse device induces vibration onto heat exchanger tubes and/or an acoustic wave through the liquid service fluid to reduce fouling. The device can be mounted directly onto the outer part or piping and produces acoustical/vibrational modes onto the tube or near the surface of tubes.

Abstract: A synthetic jet cooling device (1) for cooling an object (5), comprising: a transducer (10) adapted to generate velocity waves, and an enclosure (4) arranged to receive the velocity waves via an actuated aperture (8). The enclosure (4) is sufficiently large to generate, at the actuated aperture (8), an internal synthetic jet inside the enclosure (4). Furthermore, the enclosure (4) is arranged to contain the object (5), thereby enabling cooling of the object (5) by the internal synthetic jet. The arrangement typically permits multifunctional use of an existing enclosure, containing the object to be cooled, both for its original purpose (e.g. a reflector in a lamp, or a LED backlight module) and as an enclosure generating internal synthetic jets, why the cooling device typically requires virtually no extra space and weight, and can be provided at a low cost.

Abstract: A heat sink and method for using the same for use in cooling an integrated circuit (IC) chip is provided herein. The heat sink includes a manifold block, a liquid-filled cooling system, and a compliant foil affixed to the manifold block and backed by a liquid in the closed loop cooling system. The pressure provided by the liquid behind the foil causes the foil to bow, and to conform to non-planarities in the surface of the IC chip, thus reducing air gaps and increasing thermal coupling between the IC chip and the heat sink.

Abstract: Vibrational energy generated with a pneumatic vibrator is controlled to independently adjust the amplitude and the frequency. A mechanical resonator is used to adjust the frequency. The controlled vibrational energy can be applied to equipment, such as a heat exchanger to mitigate fouling.