Abstract: An air conditioning system and a method for controlling the same are provided. The air conditioning system includes an enhanced vapor injection compressor, first and second direction switching assemblies, first and second heat exchangers and a flash evaporator. The enhanced vapor injection compressor has a gaseous refrigerant discharge port, a gaseous refrigerant supplement port, first and second gaseous refrigerant suction ports, and a gaseous refrigerant return port. Pressure in a sliding vane chamber of a gaseous refrigerant cylinder corresponding to the second gaseous refrigerant suction port is equal to a discharge pressure at the gaseous refrigerant discharge port.

Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.

Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.

Abstract: A water-injected compressor, which injects the water inside the separator 3 into the compressor and discharges the water along with compressed air into the separator and then gains condensed and separated water, has the compressor stopping and then, if staying at a stop for a predetermined duration of time without activating, becoming activated and operating for a set duration of time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a surface heat exchanger (100) to be inserted within a compressible fluid volumetric alternative machine (200), within which a fluid moves in a not permanent motion, said heat exchanger comprising a plurality of walls, side by side each other, so shaped to realize at least a first duct (22) for the passage of a fluid in a permanent motion, and at least a second duct (22?) for the passage of said fluid in a not permanent motion, said first and second ducts (22, 22?) being configured so as to make said two fluids exchanging heat.

Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.

Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.

Abstract: Some injectors of the invention may include a fluid drive responsive to pressure of a working fluid (e.g., liquid, pneumatic, or both) to impart a sequence of forces to drive a delivery device (e.g., a syringe) to deliver a medical fluid (e.g., a contrast agent, a radiopharmaceutical, a drug, or a combination thereof). Some injectors may include a multimedia tube configured to pass a working fluid (e.g., air) and a light signal (e.g., infrared). Some injectors may include a peristaltic drive responsive to pressure of a working fluid.

Abstract: A valve plate includes a cooling medium duct for a compressor used for generating compressed air. From the perspective of a piston chamber of the compressor, at least part of the cooling medium duct extends between the piston chamber and an air discharge valve that is arranged in the valve plate. A method for cooling compressed air in a valve plate of a compressor is also provided.

Abstract: Method and equipment to control operating temperature of an air compressor. A compressor element compresses air and oil and supplies it to an oil separator. In the separator, the air and oil are separated. Oil is led to a circulating pipe and returned to the compressor element. When necessary, at least some of the oil flowing in the oil circulating pipe is supplied to cooling, which is used for controlling operating temperature of the compressor such that it is as low as possible, but nevertheless so high that no condensation point is reached. The amount of oil to be supplied to cooling is controlled by a thermostatic valve based on a change in dimension of a controlling element such that dimensions of the controlling element are changed by an external command.

Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein to operate an air compression and/or expansion system in its most efficient regime, at a desired efficiency, and/or achieve a desired pressure ratio independent of discharge temperature, with little to no impact on thermal efficiency. For example, systems and methods are provided for controlling and operating hydraulic pumps/motors used within a hydraulically actuated device/system, such as, for example, a gas compression and/or expansion energy system, in its most efficient regime, continuously, substantially continuously, intermittently, or varied throughout an operating cycle or stroke of the system to achieve any desired pressure and temperature profile. Such systems and methods can achieve any desired pressure ratio independent of input or discharge temperature, and can also achieve any desired discharge temperature independent of pressure ratio, without altering any of the structural components of the device or system.

Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.

Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.

Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.

Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.

Abstract: A compressed-air energy storage system according to embodiments of the present invention comprises a reversible mechanism to compress and expand air, one or more compressed air storage tanks, a control system, one or more heat exchangers, and, in certain embodiments of the invention, a motor-generator. The reversible air compressor-expander uses mechanical power to compress air (when it is acting as a compressor) and converts the energy stored in compressed air to mechanical power (when it is acting as an expander). In certain embodiments, the compressor-expander comprises one or more stages, each stage consisting of pressure vessel (the “pressure cell”) partially filled with water or other liquid. In some embodiments, the pressure vessel communicates with one or more cylinder devices to exchange air and liquid with the cylinder chamber(s) thereof. Suitable valving allows air to enter and leave the pressure cell and cylinder device, if present, under electronic control.

Abstract: A method, and a system for reducing the internal temperature of an electrical solenoid or motor device involves placing a heat absorbing phase change material (PCM) in intimate contact with the device to reduce the internal temperature of the device. The PCM material reduces the internal operational temperature of the device by undergoing an endothermic phase transition in an operating temperature range of the device. The PCM material transitions between a solid phase and a liquid phase in the internal operational temperature range of the device, or between a liquid phase and a gaseous phase in the internal operational temperature range of the device. The PCM material can be affixed externally to the device. For example, the PCM material is affixed in the form of externally placed pads to the device. The PCM material can also be affixed inside of the device.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for controlling gas temperature during compression or expansion. The apparatus comprises a chamber for containing gas, a piston for changing the volume of gas in the chamber, a plurality of atomisers for spraying liquid into the chamber and means for delivering liquid to the atomisers. Each atomiser comprises a spray aperture and means defining a flow path for imparting rotary motion to the flow of liquid about the axis of the aperture so that on leaving the aperture the liquid divides into a conical spray. Spray apertures are positioned adjacent one another and the axes of adjacent spray apertures are oriented such that their respective sprays intersect at a position proximate at least one of the respective adjacent spray apertures.

Abstract: A high pressure gas compressor in one embodiment having an internal two staged compression with a compression chamber formed in part by a positive displacement, stepped piston and cylinder configuration, providing a first stage compression by an enlarged diameter segment of the piston and a second stage compression provided by a smaller diameter segment of the piston, and in another embodiment having an internal, single stage compression with a high compression ratio.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compressing a gas by adiabatic compression and isothermal compression. In a preferred embodiment, the gas is first adiabatically compressed from a first state to a second state and then isothermally compressed to a third final desired state. The disclosed two stage compression allows rejection of the heat generated during isothermal compression at a somewhat elevated temperature so that the radiator or other heat exchanger used to reject this heat may be significantly smaller than would be needed if the gas were isothermally compressed starting from the first state.

Abstract: An improved efficiency external combustion engine which utilizes separation on the thermodynamic processes that occur in an external combustion engine into components designed to maximum each operation. The external combustion engine varies flow volume of air to the combustor in response to power demands and delivers fuel to the combustor at a constant air-to-fuel ratio. The system further comprises separate compressors, combustors and expanders wherein the compressor utilizes isothermal compression, the combustor utilizes constant pressure or constant volume combustion or a combination of the two and may provide final compression, and the expander may utilize subatmospheric expansion. Exhaust heat may be regenerated and used in the primary cycle. The engine also comprises a positive lubrication system for the cylinders and pistons that allows a constant flow of a lubricant around the piston. A wide variance valve control mechanism is introduced which offers varied valve timings.

Abstract: A waste gas recovery system employs a compressor which takes in waste gas from an inlet knock-out drum and passes compressed gas to a heat exchanger which cools the gas prior to passage through a further outlet knockout drum. The compressor is driven at a speed which is selected in accordance with the sensed pressure of the incoming waste gas and a valve progressively controls the supply of gas to the compressor inlet in accordance with the sensed pressure. Liquid condensate from the knock-out drums collects in a header tank. A temperature sensing and control arrangement injects liquid from this tank at the inlet to the compressor in the event of an excessive temperature rise at the outlet of the compressor. Gas is also re-circulated from the output of the system to the compressor inlet should the injection of liquid be insufficient to reduce the temperature rise.

Abstract: A waste gas recovery system employs a compressor which takes in raw waste gas from an inlet knock-out drum and passes compressed gas through a heat exchanger to an outlet knock-out drum. The temperature at the outlet of the compressor is sensed by a device which operates valves to inject liquid coolant into the compressor inlet and to re-circulate gas back from the outlet of the outlet knock-out drum to inhibit an excessive temperature rise. A pressure-sensing device senses the pressure of the gas passing into the compressor and controls both the speed of the compressor and an adjustable throttle valve to regulate the gas flow. The throttle valve is closed automatically should there be a fall in the pressure of the gas at the inlet below a safe level. In this event, further pressure-sensing devices act additionally to close the recirculating gas valve and a further valve in the main inlet flow path to reliably isolate the compressor.