Abstract: Methods for stimulating at least one fracture within a subterranean formation by pressurizing an injection subterranean well drilled in the subterranean formation with injected waste water are herein disclosed.

Abstract: A system for utilizing waste heat from a vehicle has a Rankine circuit, and the Rankine circuit includes a fluid machine. A generating unit of the fluid machine has a third rotating body that is disposed coaxially with a first rotating body of a pump unit and a second rotating body of an expansion unit. The fluid machine has a drive shaft that is integrally connected at least to the first rotating body, among the first, second and third rotating bodies, and a power transmission unit that is connected to the drive shaft and transmits external power to the drive shaft.

Abstract: These inventions related to systems and methods for producing, shipping, distributing, storing and consuming hydrogen. In one embodiment, a hydrogen production and storage system includes a plurality of wind turbines for generating electrical power; a power distribution control system for distributing, and converting the electrical power from the wind turbines, and an electrolyzer unit that receive electrical power from the power distribution system and purified water from the desalination units and thereby converts the water into hydrogen and oxygen. After its production, hydrogen is used produce electrical power as and when required. The power can come from a new and/or retrofitted power plant that uses a gas turbine to consume the hydrogen. Secondary electrical generation, co-generation is accomplished when the gas turbine exhaust is used to generate steam to turn a steam turbine and electrical generator.

Abstract: Synergistic Energy Ecosystem using a co-generation system and method wherein waste energy from waste heat producers within an enclosure including an electric generator is reclaimed to supply heat to the cold end of a heat pump within the enclosure for optimized use in space heating a habitat and to the management of the distribution of electricity from the generator so as to supply electricity to the habitat and to neighbouring habitats when efficient, cost-effective or required to do so by distribution policies managing the energy eco-system.

Abstract: A system comprises an injection well for accessing a reservoir containing a native fluid comprising a hydrocarbon. The reservoir is located below one or more caprocks, is at a first temperature, and is accessible without using large-scale hydrofracturing. The system further includes a production well in fluid communication with the reservoir, a supply apparatus configured to feed a non-water based working fluid at a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature through the injection well to the reservoir. The working fluid mixes with the native fluid to form a production fluid comprising at least a portion of the working fluid and at least a portion of the hydrocarbon at a third temperature that is higher than the second temperature. An energy recovery apparatus in fluid communication with the productions well converts energy contained in the production fluid to electricity, heat, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A method for producing electrical energy is disclosed which uses a heat source, such as solar heat, geothermal heat, industrial waste heat or heat from power production processes, providing heat of 150 ° C. or below, further comprising an absorber system in which a working gas, primarily carbon dioxide CO2, is absorbed into an absorbent, typically an amine, further comprising a reactor which receives heat from said heat source and in which the absorbent-CO2 mixture is split into CO2 and absorbent, further comprising an expansion machine, an electricity generator and auxiliary equipment such as pumps, pipes and heat exchangers. The system according to the method allows the cost-efficient production of electrical energy and cooling using low value heat source.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a heat engine system containing working fluid (e.g., sc-CO2) within high and low pressure sides of a working fluid circuit and a heat exchanger configured to transfer thermal energy from a heat source to the working fluid. The heat engine system further contains an expander for converting a pressure drop in the working fluid to mechanical energy, a shaft coupled to the expander and configured to drive a device (e.g., generator or pump) with the mechanical energy, a recuperator for transferring thermal energy between the high and low pressure sides, and a cooler for removing thermal energy from the working fluid in the low pressure side. The heat engine system also contains a pump for circulating the working fluid, a mass management system (MMS) fluidly connected to the working fluid circuit, and a supply tank fluidly connected to the MMS by a supply line.

Abstract: In a cogeneration system having three generation units each equipped with a generator and an internal combustion engine, a single hot water tank is prepared for the three generation units to contain hot water heated by exhaust heat of the engine. The temperature of the hot water contained in the tank and a power demand of an electrical load are detected. Then, the number of the generation unit or units to be operated is determined based on the detected power demand when the detected hot water temperature is equal to or less than a first predetermined value, and operation of the generation unit or units determined to be operated is controlled, thereby reducing a space for the installment of the tank and heat loss from the tank.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an ORC (Organic Rankine Cycle) system at least partially co-generative for the production of electric energy and the heating of a fluid. The system includes at least two regenerative exchangers positioned in series on the route of the work fluid between the exit of an electric expander-generator group and the entrance of a condenser of the ORC system, and a heat exchanger-user connected by means of an offtake line to at least one of said regenerative exchangers to receive from them a part of the capacity of work fluid and crossed by the user fluid to be heated by means of a thermal exchange with said capacity of work fluid. A part of the capacity of the work fluid on exiting from the user exchanger is returned to the same regenerative exchanger.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the generation of electrical energy through the combination of steam flows produced from different fuel sources. Steam produced from processing of a biomass fuel source is combined with steam produced from the processing of natural gas or fossil fuel and routed through a steam turbine generator to produce electrical energy. The steam is preferably reheated after partial processing in the steam turbine generator and then recirculated for further processing in the steam turbine generators. Following extraction of all available energy from the steam, the steam is condensed to water, the feedwater is then reheated and pumped to the boilers of both energy sources for conversion into steam.

Abstract: A system for introducing a geothermal system having a geothermal line and a releasable grout line into a bore in the earth is described. The grout line is withdrawn at a point where it is desired to introduce grout into the bore in the earth.

Abstract: A power plant configured for converting thermal energy to electricity includes a source of thermal energy provided by a temperature difference between a primary fluid having a first temperature and a secondary fluid having a second temperature that is different from the first temperature. The plant also includes a collector configured for enhancing the temperature difference between the primary and secondary fluids, and a heat engine configured for converting at least some thermal energy to mechanical energy. The heat engine includes a pseudoplastically pre-strained shape-memory alloy disposed in heat exchange relationship with each of the primary and secondary fluids. Further, the plant includes a generator driven by the heat engine and configured for converting mechanical energy to electricity.

Abstract: A cogeneration system includes a first cooling device disposed in a cooling water circulation path extending between an engine and a waste-heat heat exchanger, and a second cooling device disposed in a hot water circulation pipe extending between a hot water storage tank and a hot air heater. The first cooling device is activated to cool cooling water when the temperature of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank exceeds a first predetermined value, and the second cooling device is activated to cool the hot water when the temperature of hot air inside the hot air heater exceeds a second predetermined value.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a combination heater and electrical generator designed to allow continual use of the heating system in the absence of an external source of electricity. The system shares fuel and electrical inputs and also shares exhaust outputs so to facilitate ease of use installation as well as affording a small installation footprint.

Abstract: A system for generating power for a vehicle is provided. The system comprises a fan positioned to receive a flow of air, a turbine coupled to the fan, the turbine adapted to rotate the fan when operating in a first mode and to receive power from the fan when operating in a second mode, the turbine adapted to generate electrical power from the power received from the fan, and an electronic control unit adapted to selectively engage the first and second modes of the turbine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for processing sewage sludge using a gasification process. The gasification process takes place at high temperatures in an oxygen-starved environment, which enables carbon-containing materials in the sewage sludge to chemically react under the preferred temperature and oxygen levels, resulting in the formation of usable products, including ash, electricity, and syngas—all of which are generally environmentally benign.

Abstract: Power generation systems are provided that include a circular loop of conduit, a dehumidifier coupled to the conduit, a power turbine coupled to the turbine and a pump coupled to the conduit. Processes for generating energy at an industrial mine site are also provided. Water heating systems are provided that can include a dehumidifier associated with a conduit containing water, a holding tank coupled to the conduit and water heaters coupled to the holding tank. Processes of heating water are also provided.

Abstract: A system for providing a thermal transformer to provide heating and cooling to enclosed structures, most generally a building using solar power combined with geothermal storage and a heat powered heat pump to raise or lower the temperature of the stored energy to a useful temperature as needed. The system also has an electrical generation embodiment to provide electricity in addition to the heating and cooling. The system will collect and store solar energy and supply heated or cooled water to the building's existing HVAC system while consuming no fossil fuels and emitting no greenhouse gases. The system may also be used in one embodiment to supply power for the pumps/fans used to circulate the heated or cooled air or water throughout the building.

Abstract: A cogeneration apparatus for indoor installation includes: an airtight chamber provided within a housing, at least a power generator and an engine being accommodated within the airtight chamber; an intake duct connected to the airtight chamber for introducing air from outside the housing into the airtight chamber; and an exhaust duct connected to the engine for discharging exhaust gas of the engine. The air introduced through the intake duct cools the interior of the airtight chamber and is also sucked in to an air cleaner of the engine, and the exhaust gas of the engine is discharged directly to outside the airtight chamber through the exhaust duct.

Abstract: A cogeneration apparatus having a ventilation-introducing channel communicating an electrical-equipment compartment with a ventilation fan is disclosed. Driving the ventilation fan causes air to be led from an exterior of a cogeneration case through the electrical-equipment compartment to the interior of the ventilation-introducing channel. The air led to the interior of the ventilation-introducing channel is led to an electrical generator. The air led to the electrical generator is exhausted through a power-generation compartment to the exterior of the cogeneration case.

Abstract: A cogeneration apparatus includes a housing for accommodating an engine, a fuel line, an electrical generator, and a power converter part. The housing is partitioned into a power-generation compartment and an electrical-equipment compartment. Empty space in the housing is used to form a concave part, which is indented from the electrical-equipment compartment toward the power-generation compartment. The fuel line is disposed in the concave part.

Abstract: A cogeneration apparatus includes an electrical generator, an engine for driving the generator, and a heat exchanger for using waste heat of the engine as a heat source, which are housed in a housing. The apparatus is provided with an internal fuel line for supplying fuel to the engine from outside, and power wiring for supplying electrical power generated by the electrical generator to the outside. The housing has a substantially V-shaped lead-out part capable of leading the fuel line and the wiring to outside of the housing.

Abstract: The invention concerns an engine-operated device for generating electricity using an internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine drives a generator to generate electricity. The exhaust-gas flow of the internal combustion engine is at least partially fed to a turbo generator, in which electricity is also generated. The thermal energy contained in the exhaust-gas flow of the internal combustion engine and/or the turbo generator is utilized for additional generation of electricity and/or utilized as process heat.

Abstract: In a cogeneration system having a generator adapted to be connectable to an AC power feed line between a commercial power network and an electrical load, an internal combustion engine for driving the generator such that exhaust heat of the engine is supplied to a thermal load and an actuator that opens and closes a throttle valve of the engine, there are provided a power demand detector that detects power demand of the electrical load, a thermal demand detector that detects thermal demand of the thermal load. The operation of the actuator is controlled in response to the detected power demand so as to increase or decrease the engine, and ignition timing of the engine is controlled in a retard direction in response to the detected thermal demand.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to power system sensitivities as computed from power flow parameters and control parameters of a Power Flow Control Device (PFC). To this end, control parameter variations are applied to or generated by a PFC, and comprise variations in a control input u, a control effort e (injected series voltage, inserted series reactance), or a control effect q (power flow, active power transfer, phase-shift, current). A power flow response measuring unit measures a variation of a power flow response such as current, active or apparent power, in a way sufficiently synchronized with the control parameter variation to allow establishing an unambiguous causal relationship or correspondence in the form of a power system sensitivity.

Abstract: A ventilation outlet of a generation unit case installed outdoors and housing a generation unit including a generator and an internal combustion engine to drive the generator. The outlet comprise a maintenance box whose inside surfaces are attached with sound insulators and bored with an inlet hole at its upper portion to be communicated with an inside of the generation unit case and bored with an outlet hole at its lower portion that connects the inlet hole to exterior through a passage formed among the sound insulators. A flow guide plate is installed near the outlet hole to guide rainwater entered from outside to flow upward and a shield is installed at the passage to prevent the rainwater from flowing further upward.

Abstract: Generating electrical power for a cellular tower using solar troughs. Unlike typical long, straight solar troughs, the solar troughs are formed into circular or other shapes such that they at least surround the cellular tower and may be attached to it at different heights. One or more tubes are positioned within each of the solar troughs such that a heat-transfer fluid flowing through the tubes is heated by sunlight reflected from the solar troughs. One or more energy-conversion devices receive the heat-transfer fluid or a byproduct of the heat-transfer fluid to generate electrical power. One or more power-storage devices store and deliver the electrical power.

Abstract: A generator has a receiver adapted to receive an electrical accessory in a manner that allows the electrical accessory to be quickly removed when desired by a user. The receiver allows an electrical accessory, such as a parallel connection kit, transfer switch, or work light, to be securely mounted to the generator, but removed when desired without the need for any tools.

Abstract: In a cogeneration system having a generation unit equipped with a generator and an internal combustion engine, there is installed with a hot water unit including a first flow channel connecting a water supply source with a thermal load, a heat exchanger exchanging heat between water flowing the first flow channel and engine coolant, a first electromagnetic solenoid regulating flow rate of the water heated by the heat exchanger, a second flow channel connected to the first flow channel, a boiler heating water flowing through the second flow channel, and a second electromagnetic solenoid regulating flow rate of the water to be heated by the boiler. The temperatures of the engine coolant and water at the first and second flow channel joint are detected and operation of the first and second valves is controlled based on the detected temperatures, rendering hot water tank unnecessary, thereby achieving the compact structure.

Abstract: In a cogeneration system having at least with a generation unit comprising a generator connectable to an AC power feed line between a commercial power network and an electrical load, an internal combustion engine for driving the generator, and a battery, the cogeneration system producing hot air/water through exchange heat generated by the engine to supply to a thermal load, it is determined whether it is a predetermined self-diagnosis time, and when the result is affirmative, the generation unit is operated by an output of the battery and self-diagnoses is made on at least one of output voltage of the battery, a speed of the engine and an output of the generator, when it is determined to be the predetermined self-diagnosis time.

Abstract: An assembly for generating electrical and thermal energy has a structure that supports a cogeneration device provided with a combustion engine supplied with fuel, an electric generator driven by the combustion engine, and at least one heat exchanger to heat a fluid for a thermal appliance using the heat produced by the combustion engine; the assembly also has a plurality of storage batteries, which guarantee the continuity of the flow of electrical energy during start-up of the electric generator and during load transients and are housed in a base of the structure.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for generating electrical power for a cellular tower using solar troughs. Unlike typical long, straight solar troughs, the solar troughs are formed into circular or similar shapes such that they surround the cellular tower radially and are attached to it at different heights. A pipe is located within each solar trough at the focal point of the reflective surface of the trough. A heat-transfer liquid within the pipe is heated by reflected sunlight and flows to an energy-conversion device that converts energy from the heat-transfer liquid into electrical energy to power the cellular tower.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a high efficiency cogeneration system capable of creating electricity and usable heat. The invention includes a fuel source, which can be a reservoir filled with a fossil fuel. The fuel source feeds a modified combustion engine that can turn a shaft to power an alternator to create electricity. The combustion engine creates hot gases that are treated by a catalytic converter. The byproduct and hot gases are then fed into one or more cooling manifolds.

Abstract: A system is provided for converting thermal energy derived from a solar field into electricity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a wind turbine connected to a utility grid during a utility grid disturbance. The method comprises the steps of controlling active current in dependency of the frequency deviation from a reference frequency, and controlling reactive current in dependency of the voltage deviation from a reference voltage. The invention also relates to a wind turbine and wind park.

Abstract: In a cogeneration system having a power plant that includes a generator and an internal combustion engine for driving the generator such that exhaust heat of the engine is supplied to a thermal load, there are provided a battery, a controller that controls operation of the thermal load, a main switch disposed to be operable by an operator, a microprocessor that controls operation of the power plant when the main switch is turned on by the operator, and an external terminal adapted to transmit an activation signal to the controller upon manipulation by the operator when the main switch is kept off. In the system, the microprocessor is operated by power supplied from the battery in response to the activation signal so as to activate the power plant. With this, even when the operator stays at a place away from the main switch, the power plant can be activated to supply power to electrical loads.

Abstract: A small (0.1 kW to 1000 kW) biomass fired electrical generator consisting of a boiler or furnace designed to burn biomass material, a thermal to mechanical energy converter and a mechanical to electrical energy converter.

Abstract: A zero-discharge landfill process is disclosed herein. The process described in the present invention recycles the exhaust gases from a combustion engine which reheats the landfill and provides moisture. Additionally, the CO2 from the exhaust gases releases additional methane. Methane production in landfills can thus be enhanced by the method of the present invention. Furthermore, a portion of the exhaust gas can be used to cultivate algae in a cultivation tank. The cultivation of the algal species is enhanced in the presence of water, CO2, CO, and the elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A vehicle heat exchanger arrangement is provided basically with a heat exchanger, a pusher fan and a power recovery device. The heat exchanger has a first side and a second side. The pusher fan is disposed on the first side of the heat exchanger to push air through the heat exchanger to the second side. The power recovery device is disposed on the second side of the heat exchanger to receive the air pushed through the heat exchanger by the pusher fan such that the power recovery device generates electricity.

Abstract: Activation of a propellant in a constant volume container causes a phase change material to rapidly expand so that the pressure in the container increases. Programmability and sequential actuation are enabled by patterning the phase change material into the integrated device. The pressure generated may be used to activate an energy transducer such as a high pressure turbine, a piezoelectric material, and an elastic strain material. This provides a hybrid actuation system of electrical energy, pneumatic and hydraulic power. The pressure change in a constant volume container is also harnessed to provide a microbattery.

Abstract: A fuel cell (10) has a compressed air inlet fed by a compressor (20) and a fuel inlet, and it produces direct current electricity. A turbine (30) receives a flow of gas under pressure from the fuel cell and is mechanically coupled to the first compressor in order to drive it. A second compressor (46) of a circuit for use in flight to feed pressurized air to the aircraft cabin (40) is mechanically coupled to a shaft of the turbine. An electric machine (50) may be coupled to the same turbine shaft as drives the compressor (46), the electric machine being capable of operating as a generator or as an electric motor.

Abstract: A self contained geothermal generator includes a boiler, a turbine compartment, an electricity generator, a condenser and an electric cable. The condenser includes a distributor chamber, a peripheral chamber and plurality of tubes disposed between the chambers. The peripheral chamber of the condenser surrounds and cools turbine, elective generator and selector of the condenser departments. The condenser cools and converts exhausted steam back in liquid state and returns it back into boiler for reheating. In a method of using the geothermal generator, water contained within the boiler is converted to high-pressure, super heated steam due to heat from hot rocks contained within a pre-drilled well below the Earth's surface. The steam is used to produce electric energy which is transported up to the ground surface by the electric cable. A plurality of geothermal generators may be used in a “binary” power plant through system of several heat exchangers.

Abstract: A high power wireless resonant energy transfer system transfers energy across an airgap.

Abstract: A system for generating electrical power supply signals includes at least one heat engine that undergoes heating/cooling cycles and corresponding temperature variations. A thermoacoustic element is thermally coupled to the chamber. The temperature variations of the heat engine induce thermoacoustic oscillations of the thermoacoustic element which form a pressure wave. At least one piezoelectric transducer is deformed by the pressure wave. A power converter can be used to transform the electric signals generated in response to deformation of the at least one piezoelectric transducer to a desired electrical power supply signal. The heat engine preferably uses a geothermal source of cold and an ambient source of hot (typically used in the summer months), or vice-versa (typically used in the winter months).

Abstract: A cogeneration system that allows an engine to be continuously operated even when there is no demand for hot feedwater. The system comprises a hot water tank for storing hot water heated from cold water by heat released by an engine that drives a generator. When the heat of the water in the hot water tank exceeds a predetermined temperature, a control is performed so that a drain valve is opened and the hot water in the tank is released.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for converting electrical energy input provided by a renewable prime energy into efficient thermo-dynamic energy for cogeneration purposes, activated by the main infrared radiation means and an energy density increasing means functioning synergistically. A closely approximated ideal blackbody condition therein, is utilized to heat the (TES,) resulting in a highly stable total kinetic energy (TES) mass. Another section provides an energy density increasing means. Steam generates power and then heats residential or commercial buildings. Service hot-water and air conditioning is also provided. The system can be an auxiliary system for other power plants increasing efficiency. In the second embodiment, higher capacity low cost electricity generation enables efficient power cogeneration.

Abstract: In one embodiment, alternative combustion cavity layouts are provided for practicing fuel staging in a trapped vortex (TVC) combustion apparatus comprising an inlet premixer, for injecting fuel-air mixture into the inlet of the combustion apparatus and one or more vortex premixers, for injecting fuel-air mixture into the recirculating vortex within each of one or more trapped vortex cavities. A plurality of TVC cavities, may, for example, be laid out axially, radially, peripherally, internally, or in combinations of such arrangements. These layouts may be used in conjunction with a fuel staging method whereby the relative proportion of mixture introduced through the inlet and the respective vortex premixers can be varied as a function of operating conditions.

Abstract: A premixer is provided for injecting premixed fuel-air mixture into the inlet of a combustion apparatus. In one embodiment, the premixer assembly comprises a plurality of concentric, aerodynamic injector rings, with radially-directed injection holes. The injection holes have a plurality of different diameters, facilitating good mixing over a broad power range. Due to configuration and hole sizes, the assembly is gas or liquid compatible. The radial, concentric injection formation allows for a short injection path.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine used to produce electric power is supplied with a fuel from a alcohol fuel producing process. A high pressure syngas left over from the alcohol fuel producing process is passed through a small turbine to drive an electric generator and produce electric power. The low pressure syngas from the turbine is then passed into a combustor of the gas turbine engine to power the gas turbine, which drive a larger electric generator to produce more electric power. The high pressure syngas can be passed through a heat exchanger to preheat the syngas prior to be burned within the combustor. By using the small turbine to reduce the pressure of the high pressure syngas, energy from the high pressure syngas can be extracted instead of wasted.

Abstract: A method of operating a system for combined heat and power (CHP) includes generating electricity using a prime mover having a mechanical drive system. The method further includes distributing a variable amount of electricity from the prime mover to an electrical load and distributing a variable amount of electricity from the prime mover to a dummy load.