Having Pump Device Patents (Class 60/412)
  • Patent number: 11905857
    Abstract: A plant for storing energy comprises a casing for the storage of a working fluid other than atmospheric air, in gaseous phase and in equilibrium of pressure with the atmosphere; a tank for the storage of said working fluid in liquid or supercritical phase with a temperature close to the critical temperature. The plant is configured to perform a closed cyclic thermodynamic transformation, first in one direction in a charge configuration and then in an opposite direction in a discharge configuration, between said casing and said tank. In the charge configuration the plant stores heat and pressure and in the discharge configuration the plant generates energy. The plant is also configured to define a closed circuit and to perform a closed thermodynamic cycle in the closed circuit with at least a part of the working fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: ENERGY DOME S.P.A.
    Inventor: Claudio Spadacini
  • Patent number: 11892234
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a supercritical compressed air energy storage system. The supercritical compressed air energy storage system includes a supercritical liquefaction subsystem, an evaporation and expansion subsystem, a staged cryogenic storage subsystem, a heat storage and heat exchange subsystem, and a cryogenic energy compensation subsystem, the staged cryogenic storage subsystem being used for implementing the staged storage and release of cryogenic energy, improving efficiency of recovering cryogenic energy during energy release and energy storage, and thereby improving cycle efficiency of the system. The present disclosure does not need to provide any inputs of additional cryogenic energy and heat energy input externally, and has the advantages of high cycle efficiency, low cost, independent operation, environmental friendliness, and no limitation on terrain conditions, and it is suitable for large-scale commercial applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Inventors: Xipeng Lin, Liang Wang, Haisheng Chen, Ningning Xie, Zheng Yang
  • Patent number: 11808409
    Abstract: A system that can eliminate engine combustion emissions in addition to raw and fugitive methane emissions associated with a gas compressor package. The system may comprise an air system for starting and instrumentation air supply; electrically operated engine pre/post-lube pump, compressor pre-lube pump, and cooler louver actuators; compressor distance piece and pressure packing recovery system; blow-down recovery system; engine crankcase vent recovery system; a methane leak detection system; and an overall remote monitoring system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: BHE COMPRESSION SERVICES, LLC
    Inventors: Michael Robbins, Peter Strezo
  • Patent number: 11643964
    Abstract: An energy storage plant includes a casing for the storage of a working fluid other than atmospheric air, in a gaseous phase and in equilibrium of pressure with the atmosphere; a tank for the storage of said working fluid in a liquid or supercritical phase with a temperature close to the critical temperature; wherein said critical temperature is close to the ambient temperature. The plant is configured to carry out a closed thermodynamic cyclic transformation, first in one direction in a charge configuration and then in the opposite direction in a discharge configuration, between said casing and said tank; wherein in the charge configuration the plant stores heat and pressure and in the discharge configuration generates energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: ENERGY DOME S.P.A.
    Inventor: Claudio Spadacini
  • Patent number: 11441425
    Abstract: Apparatus for providing a source of compressed air for an engine having an engine cylinder and an engine crank shaft, includes a rotatable compressor crank shaft, a compressor cylinder defining an interior space and including a surface defining the interior space having first and second apertures, a valve in each aperture, a piston compressor moved upon rotation of the compressor crank shaft in the interior space of the compressor cylinder, a compressor intake conduit leading from ambient environment to one aperture, and an air tank. The apparatus also includes a compressor outlet conduit leading from the other aperture to the air tank, an engine intake conduit leading from the air tank to an interior space of the engine cylinder, and interconnection structure that interconnects the compressor crank shaft to the engine crank shaft such that rotation of the engine crank shaft causes rotation of the compressor crank shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Cyclazoom, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Kipnis
  • Patent number: 10784225
    Abstract: Embodiments of bonded semiconductor structures and fabrication methods thereof are disclosed. In an example, a semiconductor device includes a first semiconductor structure, a second semiconductor structure, and a bonding interface between the first semiconductor structure and the second semiconductor structure. The first semiconductor structure includes a substrate, a first device layer disposed on the substrate, and a first bonding layer disposed above the first device layer and including a first bonding contact. The second semiconductor structure includes a second device layer and a second bonding layer disposed below the second device layer and including a second bonding contact. The first bonding contact is in contact with the second bonding contact at the bonding interface. At least one of the first bonding contact or the second bonding contact is made of an indiffusible conductive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: YANGTZE MEMORY TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zongliang Huo, Jun Liu, Jifeng Zhu, Jun Chen, Zi Qun Hua, Li Hong Xiao
  • Patent number: 10550732
    Abstract: A cryogenic energy storage system comprising a liquefaction apparatus for liquefying a gas to form a cryogen, wherein the liquefaction apparatus is controllable to draw power from an external power source to liquefy the gas, a cryogenic storage tank in fluid communication with the liquefaction apparatus for storing cryogen produced by the liquefaction apparatus, a power recovery apparatus in fluid communication with the cryogenic storage tank for recovering power from cryogen from the cryogenic storage tank by heating the cryogen to form a gas and expanding said gas, a hot thermal store for storing hot thermal energy, wherein the hot thermal store and the power recovery apparatus are arranged so that hot thermal energy from the hot thermal store can be transferred to the gas before and/or during expansion in the power recovery apparatus, and a charging apparatus which is controllable to draw power from the external power source when the power drawn by the liquefaction apparatus is below a threshold value, and
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Highview Enterprises Limited
    Inventors: Chris Bailey, Stephen Gareth Brett, Stuart Nelmes
  • Publication number: 20150082781
    Abstract: A method to rotate crankshaft of an engine via a pneumatic system is disclosed herein. The engine includes a plurality of engine cylinders. The pneumatic system has an air compressor and a plurality of valves. The method includes monitoring angular orientation of the crankshaft and determining the position of the piston of the plurality of engine cylinders. An engine cylinder amongst the plurality of engine cylinders is selected with the piston in one of a power stroke or a compression stroke. A valve corresponding to the engine cylinder is activated. Upon activation of the valve, compressed air is supplied to the engine cylinder by the air compressor. The valve is then deactivated as the piston attains completion of one power stroke or one compression stroke. The activation, supply, and deactivation are sequentially repeated for each of the plurality of engine cylinders, based on predetermined firing order of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: ELECTRO-MOTIVE DIESEL, Inc.
    Inventors: Farhan F. Devani, Aaron G. Foege, Veronica Anne Hannink
  • Publication number: 20150054291
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Karl E. STAHLKOPF, Danielle A. FONG, Stephen E. CRANE, Edwin P. BERLIN, JR., AmirHossein POURMOUSA ABKENAR
  • Publication number: 20150033724
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Danielle A. FONG, Stephen E. CRANE, Edwin P. BERLIN, JR., AmirHossein Pourmousa ABKENAR, Kartikeya MAHALATKAR, Yongxi HOU, Todd BOWERS
  • Publication number: 20140223910
    Abstract: An energy-storing device with a charging circuit for a working gas for storing thermal energy, comprising a compressor, a heat accumulator, and an expansion turbine is provided. The compressor is connected to the inlet of the expansion turbine at the outlet side of the compressor via a first line for the working gas, and the heat accumulator is connected into the first line. The compressor and the expansion turbine are arranged on a common shaft, and the heat exchanger of the heat accumulator is designed such that the working gas which is expanded in the expansion turbine largely matches the thermodynamic state variables of the working gas prior to entering the compressor. Only a part of the thermal energy is transferred to the heat accumulator in the process. The working gas fed to the expansion turbine remains relatively hot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Christian Brunhuber, Carsten Graeber, Gerhard Zimmermann
  • Publication number: 20140223894
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for operating a subsea compression system. The subsea compression system comprising a separator, a compressor and a pump, wherein the compressor is operable for compression and discharge of gas that is separated from a well stream fed into the separator, and the pump is operable for pumping liquid that is separated from the well stream. The compressed gas is recycled from the compressor discharge side to the compressor intake side via a turbo-expander unit which is drivingly connected to the pump, the pump operable in response to circulation of compressed gas from the compressor discharge side to the compressor intake side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: Vetco Gray Scandinavia AS
    Inventors: Ole Petter Tomter, Jorgen Wessel
  • Publication number: 20140109563
    Abstract: A method for storing energy using a combined heat and pressure storage device, includes mixing a gaseous first component and a liquid second component in an initial first step at a first pressure/temperature point to form a working medium. The working medium is compressed in a following step in such a way that the working medium has a second pressure/temperature point, at which the second component is at least partially gaseous. The compressed working medium is led into the combined heat and pressure storage device and stored there. In order to recover the energy, the working medium is expanded, whereupon the second component is at least partially liquefied. An apparatus for implementing the method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2013
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: ADENSIS GMBH
    Inventors: TIM MUELLER, BERNHARD BECK
  • Patent number: 8621857
    Abstract: In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an energy storage device is presented. The energy storage device includes a porous material that adsorbs air and a compressor. The compressor converts mechanical energy into pressurized air and heat, and the pressurized air is cooled and adsorbed by the porous material. The energy storage device also includes a tank used to store the pressurized and adsorbed air and a motor. The motor is driven to recover the energy stored as compressed and adsorbed air by allowing the air to desorb and expand while driving the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Energy Compression Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy F. Havel
  • Publication number: 20130340420
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for optimizing thermal efficiency within a gas compression system are described herein. In some embodiments, a device can include a first hydraulic cylinder, a second hydraulic cylinder, and a hydraulic actuator. The first hydraulic cylinder has a first working piston disposed therein for reciprocating movement in the first hydraulic cylinder and which divides the first hydraulic cylinder into a first hydraulic chamber and a second hydraulic chamber. The second hydraulic cylinder has a second working piston disposed therein for reciprocating movement in the second hydraulic cylinder and which divides the second hydraulic cylinder into a third hydraulic chamber and a fourth hydraulic chamber. The hydraulic actuator can be coupled to the first or second working piston, and is operable to move the first and second working pistons in a first direction and a second direction such that volume in the hydraulic chambers are reduced accordingly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: General Compression, Inc.
    Inventor: General Compression, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130334480
    Abstract: A landing gear system for a trailer is described. The landing gear system includes two jacks, each with a first tubular body in which a second tubular body is telescopically mounted, a hydraulic chamber and a pneumatic chamber. The system includes a hydraulic fluid reservoir, a pneumatic fluid source, a pneumatic manifold in pneumatic fluid communication with the pneumatic source and in pneumatic fluid communication with said hydraulic reservoir and a hydraulic manifold in hydraulic fluid communication with the hydraulic reservoir. Pneumatically operated hydraulic pumps are included, along with a central control mechanism attached to the pneumatic manifold and disposed to simultaneously control pneumatic flow into the pneumatic chambers of the jacks and to pneumatically operated hydraulic pumps. Separate pneumatically operated hydraulic valve are provided to individually control hydraulic flow from the jacks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Jeffrey K. Daniel
  • Patent number: 8522540
    Abstract: A counterbalancing arrangement and a method for counterbalancing two mutually movable parts, which is arranged to counteract the gravitational force of at least one of the movable parts. The counterbalancing arrangement includes a gas spring and a compressor system. The compressor system is designed to sense a pressure in the gas spring and to adjust the pressure if the pressure deviates from a predetermined value. The counterbalancing arrangement can be used for counterbalancing an industrial robot arm and is capable of maintaining its working capacity regardless of any gas leakage and variations in the ambient temperature so as to result in very few unwanted stops occasioned by a need for servicing the balancing spring of the counterbalancing arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Stromsholmen AB
    Inventors: Johan Runesson, Johannes Samuelsson, Björn Limber
  • Publication number: 20130167519
    Abstract: The invention relates to a door control system for vehicles, with a compressor (1), an air dryer (3), a door control valve (4) and at least one cylinder (2) which can be actuated by compressed air, and also relates to a method for actuating a cylinder (2) of a vehicle door, in which a piston (13) of the cylinder (2) can occupy a first functional position (O) and a second functional position (X). The air dryer (3), in drying mode, is exposed to throughflow of the air flowing into the cylinder (2) and in regeneration mode is exposed to throughflow by the air discharging from the cylinder (2). The cylinder (2) is pressurised only with compressed air from a compressed air accumulator (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: WABCO GmbH
    Inventors: Ingo Hellbusch, Uwe Stabenow
  • Patent number: 8468815
    Abstract: In various embodiments, cylinder assemblies are coupled in series pneumatically, thereby reducing a range of force produced by or acting on the cylinder assemblies during expansion or compression of a gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: SustainX, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy O. McBride, Robert Cook, Benjamin R. Bollinger, Lee Doyle, Andrew Shang, Timothy Wilson, Michael Neil Scott, Patrick Magari, Benjamin Cameron, Dimitri Deserranno
  • Publication number: 20130113213
    Abstract: A technique facilitates powering of devices at a subsea location without requiring routing of hydraulic pressure and/or electric signals through an umbilical from a surface location. A fluid flow, such as an injection chemical fluid flow, is at least partially routed through a flow converter disposed at a subsea location. The flow converter converts energy from the fluid flow to energy used to operate a power generation device. The power generation device may be designed to generate electrical, hydraulic, or other suitable power which is utilized at the subsea location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: John Yarnold, Jason Gandolfi, Larry W. Phillips, Matt W. Niemeyer, Javier Cascudo
  • Publication number: 20130069426
    Abstract: In a hybrid power and electricity system for an electric vehicle, the system provides two kinds of electricity sources for the electric vehicle to resolve conventional problems such as insufficient driving range and long charging time. The system includes a compressed gas power engine that uses compressed gas to generate power; a gas tank that supplies compressed gas to the compressed gas power engine; a generator that is driven by the compressed gas power engine to generate electricity; a battery that is charged by the generator or an external electricity source; a motor that propels the electric vehicle. The motor consumes electricity that is supplied by the battery or the generator driven by the compressed gas power engine. The electric vehicle can be driven and charged at the same time, and has an increased driving range. Furthermore, compressed gas is inexpensive and easily available.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Yu-Hun Nien, Kuo-Pao Kao
  • Patent number: 8387375
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for optimizing thermal efficiency within a gas compression system are described herein. In some embodiments, a device can include a first hydraulic cylinder, a second hydraulic cylinder, and a hydraulic actuator. The first hydraulic cylinder has a first working piston disposed therein for reciprocating movement in the first hydraulic cylinder and which divides the first hydraulic cylinder into a first hydraulic chamber and a second hydraulic chamber. The second hydraulic cylinder has a second working piston disposed therein for reciprocating movement in the second hydraulic cylinder and which divides the second hydraulic cylinder into a third hydraulic chamber and a fourth hydraulic chamber. The hydraulic actuator can be coupled to the first or second working piston, and is operable to move the first and second working pistons in a first direction and a second direction such that volume in the hydraulic chambers are reduced accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: General Compression, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Blieske
  • Publication number: 20120291426
    Abstract: The system according to the invention comprises a rotary shaft (50), a compressor (54) mounted integral with the rotary shaft (50), a power turbine (52) capable of rotating the rotary shaft (50), a cold expansion turbine (56) rotated by the rotary shaft (50) and supplied with a compressed gas from the compressor (54) toward the cold turbine (56). The system (22) comprises an upstream assembly (42) supplying outside air to the aircraft not having passed through a propulsion engine (16A, 16B) of the aircraft, the upstream supply assembly (42) being connected to an inlet of the compressor (54).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: DASSAULT AVIATION
    Inventor: Renaud LOISON
  • Patent number: 8272212
    Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for optimizing thermal efficiency within a gas compression system are described herein. In some embodiments, a device can include a first hydraulic cylinder, a second hydraulic cylinder, and a hydraulic actuator. The first hydraulic cylinder has a first working piston disposed therein for reciprocating movement in the first hydraulic cylinder and which divides the first hydraulic cylinder into a first hydraulic chamber and a second hydraulic chamber. The second hydraulic cylinder has a second working piston disposed therein for reciprocating movement in the second hydraulic cylinder and which divides the second hydraulic cylinder into a third hydraulic chamber and a fourth hydraulic chamber. The hydraulic actuator can be coupled to the first or second working piston, and is operable to move the first and second working pistons in a first direction and a second direction such that volume in the hydraulic chambers are reduced accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: General Compression, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Blieske
  • Publication number: 20120233994
    Abstract: A vacuum—actuated handling device including, in the inner space (12) of a hollow body (11) with closed ends, a guide cylinder (13) defining an axial chamber (26) and, with the inner space, an annular compartment (25). In the chamber (26) a piston (14) movable between a rearward position adjacent to a first end and a forward position adjacent to a second end of said body (11) is accommodated. The piston is provided with an axially pierced rod (15), emerging from the second end of the body, carrying a gripping end sucker (27) and it is connected to a return spring (23) aiming to move the piston (14) to the rearward position. The piston (14) divides the chamber (26) in a first part of the chamber (a) adjacent to the first end and a second part of the chamber (b) on the side of said piston rod (15).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Giuseppe Maffeis
  • Publication number: 20120216520
    Abstract: Disclosed is an energy storage system using supercritical air, comprising compressor units (1, 3), heat exchanger and storage device (2, 4), a throttle valve (5), a cryogenic tank (6), a cryogenic pump (8), expander units (9, 10), a generator (11), a driver unit (12), and a plurality of pipes. There are several advantages of this invention, including high energy density, high efficiency, no storage cycle and geographical conditions restriction, easy implementation with all kinds of power stations, environment friendliness and capability of recycling low to medium temperature waste heat and so on.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Inventors: Haisheng Chen, Chunqing Tan, Jia Liu, Yujie Xu
  • Publication number: 20120167559
    Abstract: In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an energy storage device is presented. The energy storage device includes a porous material that adsorbs air and a compressor. The compressor converts mechanical energy into pressurized air and heat, and the pressurized air is cooled and adsorbed by the porous material. The energy storage device also includes a tank used to store the pressurized and adsorbed air and a motor. The motor is driven to recover the energy stored as compressed and adsorbed air by allowing the air to desorb and expand while driving the motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: ENERGY COMPRESSION INC.
    Inventor: Timothy F. HAVEL
  • Publication number: 20120132477
    Abstract: A compressed air engine comprises a housing and an impeller body fixed on a primary power output shaft and located within the housing. An ejecting inlet ejects air to the impeller body in the housing. Working chambers are provided on the impeller body. The inner surface of the housing closes the working chambers so that the compressed air ejected to the working chambers pushes the impeller body to rotate and is temporarily stored in the working chamber, and an ejecting outlet is provided on the housing so that the compressed air temporarily stored in the working chamber expands outwards when the compressed air is rotated to the gas ejecting outlet and do work to further push the impeller body to rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventor: Yang Cong
  • Publication number: 20120119513
    Abstract: In various embodiments, cylinder assemblies are coupled in series pneumatically, thereby reducing a range of force produced by or acting on the cylinder assemblies during expansion or compression of a gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2012
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Troy O. McBride, Robert Cook, Benjamin R. Bollinger, Lee Doyle, Andrew Shang, Timothy Wilson, Michael N. Scott, Patrick Magari, Benjamin Cameron, Dimitri Deserranno
  • Publication number: 20120085087
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of regulating the temperature of a heat regenerator (ST1, ST2) used in an installation (10) for storing energy by adiabatic compression of air. The regenerator is subjected to successive operating cycles, each cycle comprising a compression stage followed by an expansion stage. Between two successive cycles, the method consists in cooling a bottom compartment (26a) of the layer of refractory material (26) of the regenerator that is situated in the proximity of the bottom distribution box (24) in order to bring the air leaving the heat regenerator to a temperature that is compatible with the range of temperatures required during the compression stages. The invention also provides such a heat regenerator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: GDF SUEZ
    Inventors: Patrick Canal, Lionel Nadau
  • Patent number: 8136354
    Abstract: In an embodiment of the present disclosure, an energy storage device is presented. The energy storage device includes a porous material that adsorbs air and a compressor. The compressor converts mechanical energy into pressurized air and heat, and the pressurized air is cooled and adsorbed by the porous material. The energy storage device also includes a tank used to store the pressurized and adsorbed air and a motor. The motor is driven to recover the energy stored as compressed and adsorbed air by allowing the air to desorb and expand while driving the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Energy Compression Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy F. Havel
  • Patent number: 8109085
    Abstract: In various embodiments, pneumatic cylinder assemblies are coupled in series pneumatically, thereby reducing a range of force produced by or acting on the pneumatic cylinder assemblies during expansion or compression of a gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: SustainX, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy O. McBride, Robert Cook, Benjamin R. Bollinger, Lee Doyle, Andrew Shang, Timothy Wilson, Micheal Neil Scott, Patrick Magari, Benjamin Cameron, Dimitri Deserranno
  • Publication number: 20110302912
    Abstract: An auxiliary power unit is disclosed that includes a compressor section having a compressor inlet and a compressor exit. A turbine section is arranged downstream from the compressor exit. A diffuser is disposed in fluid communication with and between the compressor section and the turbine section. The diffuser has multiple generally radially extending circumferentially arranged vanes. A shroud housing is secured against the vanes. A damper is arranged between at least one vane and the shroud housing and configured to damp vibration of the at least one vane relative to the shroud housing during operation of the auxiliary power unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Gordon F. Jewess, Ralph E. Gordon
  • Patent number: 8056665
    Abstract: A magnetic air car uses a magnetic motor to compress input air and save moderately compressed high-pressure air in storage tanks. The compressor and storage tanks deliver the high-pressure working air and operational flows to several stages of compressors that boost the pressures during driving to very high-pressure, then ultra high-pressure, then super high-pressure, and finally to extremely high-pressure. A pneumatic torque converter uses jets of the extremely high-pressure to turn an input shaft of a transmission and differential. These, in turn, drive the powered wheels of a car. The compressors float a connecting shaft with matching vanes and impellers on opposite ends on air bearings to reduce shaft turning friction to near zero. The balance of forces between the two ends of a coupled turbo pair allow a simple air bearing design to operate safely and reliably at high rotational speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Magnetic Air Motors, Ltd.
    Inventors: Steven Leonard, Paul Donovan
  • Patent number: 8056666
    Abstract: A vehicle powertrain includes an engine capable of being selectively turned on and turned off, a transmission operatively connected to the engine, and a hydraulic control system including a pump in fluid communication with the transmission. The pump is operatively connected to the engine for supplying fluid to the transmission when the engine is on, wherein the pump is idle when the engine is off. The hydraulic control system additionally includes an accumulator arranged to accumulate the fluid when the engine is on. The accumulator is also controlled to accumulate fluid when the engine is on, to retain the fluid when the engine is turned off, and to discharge the fluid to the transmission when the engine is restarted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Micheal P. Portell, Daryl A. Wilton, Carlos E. Marin, Leonid Basin, Ajit S. Grewal
  • Patent number: 8037678
    Abstract: In various embodiments, pneumatic cylinder assemblies are coupled in series pneumatically, thereby reducing a range of force produced by or acting on the pneumatic cylinder assemblies during expansion or compression of a gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: SustainX, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy O. McBride, Robert Cook, Benjamin R. Bollinger, Lee Doyle, Andrew Shang, Timothy Wilson, Michael Neil Scott, Patrick Magari, Benjamin Cameron, Dimitri Deserranno
  • Publication number: 20110049909
    Abstract: An mechanical power system provides torque without using a heat engine where fossil-fuel engines have conventionally been used, by replacing the fossil-fuel burning engine with a rotary pneumatic motor and feeding pressure-regulated compressed gas to the rotary pneumatic motor. The rotary pneumatic motor can be used anywhere, and requires preferably compressed nitrogen in a non-liquid state. Automotive, marine and electrical generating applications are adaptable, and auxiliary power is available for emergencies where a supply of compressed gas has been exhausted. A screw-type compressor can be electrically powered to supply compressed gas to the pneumatic motor where tanks of compressed gas have been exhausted. An electrical generating power plant includes an array of solar panels for generating direct current (DC) and a DC/AC converter for converting the DC to alternating current (AC) and outputting a portion of the AC via a power plant output port to supply an AC load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Timothy Domes
  • Publication number: 20110041501
    Abstract: This invention relates to a Compressed Air Turbine-Generator, or CAT-G that will enable the ability to manage energy gathered from ecologically friendly sources, such as solar and wind power. Compressed Air Energy Storage, (C.A.E.S.), is a promising mode of clean energy storage. A major challenge facing this technology is the need to efficiently convert the compressed air energy into electricity. Conventionally, high-pressure air is used only to improve the efficiency of a conventional jet powered turbine generator. The focus herein is on a new technology that efficiently converts the energy stored in compressed air directly into electrical power without producing greenhouse byproduct gases or other pollutants. This new capability will add important flexibility to the optimization of ecologically friendly energy systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventor: Henry M. Gerard
  • Publication number: 20100257852
    Abstract: A vacuum accumulator system includes a booster, a vacuum accumulator disposed in fluid communication with the booster and an engine disposed in fluid communication with the vacuum accumulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventors: John McCormick, Gunnar Ross, Dale Scott Crombez
  • Publication number: 20100251712
    Abstract: An adiabatic Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) system includes a low pressure compressor structure (14) to provide compressed air; a first heat exchanger (26) to extract heat from the compressed air exiting the low pressure compressor structure; a thermal storage device (60) to store the extracted heat during off-peak load periods; a motor-driven high pressure compressor (30) to receive compressed air cooled by the first heat exchanger, an aftercooler (34) to extract heat from the further compressed air; an air storage (36) to receive and store the further compressed air cooled by the second heat exchanger; a second heat exchanger (64) to transfer heat stored in the first thermal storage device to compressed air released from the air storage during peak periods; and a turbine structure (40) to expand the heated compressed air released from the air storage to produce power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Nakhamkin
  • Publication number: 20100212307
    Abstract: An electropneumatic torque generating system using a pneumatic engine and having a first tank connected to a first of a pair of manifolds with a first discharge connection arrangement so as to be capable of discharging portions of any of the operating gas in the first tank through the first discharge connection arrangement into the first manifold. The system further includes a first gas compressor to thereby discharge operating gases at greater pressures with the first gas compressor inlet being connected to a second of the pair of manifolds through a first input collection connection arrangement so as to be capable of receiving operating gases from that manifold through the first input collection connection arrangement that have flowed from the first manifold.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: NGE, LLC
    Inventor: Mark Von Edward Genaddi Gerisch
  • Publication number: 20090256362
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing and transporting energy in the form of compressed air energy via a pipeline shown. The method preferably consists of using at least one power source to drive a compressor to compress air into storage, wherein the pipeline can be adapted to reduce the pressure losses that are experienced along its length, such as by providing first and second segments, wherein the second segment is located further downstream from the first segment, and the first segment's diameter is greater than that of the second segment. Facilities or communities connected to the pipeline can use the energy in the form of electricity, or to drive pneumatic tools or equipment, or to generate chilled air as a by-product, which can be used for refrigeration, air conditioning or desalination. A utility or grid or wind farm or other power source can be used to generate the compressed air energy, such as during low demand periods, such that the energy can be used during high demand periods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Ben M. Enis, Paul Lieberman
  • Publication number: 20090200805
    Abstract: Disclosed are a compressed air energy-storing electricity generating system and an electricity generating method using the same, in which air of a high pressure is injected into a tank laid under the ground using midnight electricity and surplus produced electricity, and the air of the high pressure in the tank is uniformly discharged so as to drive a generator during a time period when the consumption of electric power is high, thus efficiently managing energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF MACHINERY & MATERIALS
    Inventors: Yeong-min Kim, Daniel Favrat, Dong-gil Sin, Kyu-baek Cho
  • Publication number: 20090084101
    Abstract: Apparatuses for converting pressure differences of gaseous or liquid media into rotary motion are provided. In some embodiments, apparatuses for utilizing the pressure differences of gaseous, vaporous or liquid media by pressure expansion of the media are provided, the apparatuses comprising: a housing having an inner wall with a length; a plurality of hose pieces positioned in the housing on the inner wall with a length corresponding at least to the length of housing wall; inlet valves and outlet valves coupled to the hose pieces that substantially synchronously regulate a sequence of filling and emptying of the hose pieces by the media; a roller that is positioned between the hose pieces, that rotates on an eccentric, and that rotates in connection with the tilling and emptying of the hose pieces; and a shaft coupled to the roller at the eccentric that rotates as the roller rotates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: Christian Erker
  • Patent number: 7461626
    Abstract: A powertrain for driving a motor vehicle includes an internal combustion engine including first and second rotors supported for rotation about an axis, a first epicyclic gear unit including a first component fixed against rotation, a first driving component, and a first driven component, a first power path alternately producing a first drive connection between the driven component and the first rotor, and opening said first drive connection, and a second power path producing a second drive connection between the driven component and the second rotor, and opening said second drive connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: John W. Kimes
  • Patent number: 7437872
    Abstract: An object separating apparatus uses gas and has a hollow housing with a closed end connected to a first object, and an opened end. An axially movable cylinder is installed at an inner space of the housing and a piston assembly is coupled to the cylinder and connected to a second object at an outer end. A fixing portion between the housing and the cylinder and the piston assembly fixes the cylinder and the piston assembly into the housing. A gas generator communicates with the inner space, wherein when the gas generator is operated, the gas generator pressurizes the cylinder to release the cylinder from the piston assembly and to separate the cylinder and the piston assembly from the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Agency for Defense Development
    Inventors: Heung-Youl Kim, Yong-Bum Jun, Sang-Hwa Kim
  • Patent number: 7343848
    Abstract: A self-vacuum arrangement for pneumatic equipment is provided. A Venturi device having first and second ports and a central tap is provided. A first check valve having a first port operably coupled with the central tap of the Venturi device is configured to prevent pneumatic flow from the central tap through the first check valve. Optionally included is a second valve having a first port operably coupled with the first port of the Venturi device, and a second port operably coupled with the second port of the Venturi device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Norgren, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick Maher, Jeffrey S. Stephens
  • Patent number: 6871493
    Abstract: A braking device, particularly for a motor vehicle, comprising a master cylinder (10) associated with a pneumatic booster (12), and a vacuum pump (36) to create a vacuum in the vacuum chamber (16) of the booster, characterized in that the vacuum pump (36) is fixed to the envelope (14) of the booster on the inside of the latter within the vacuum chamber (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Juan Simon Bacardit
  • Patent number: 6799601
    Abstract: A device for at least intermittently generating an overpressure in a system S in relation to an ambient pressure U includes a pump P that has a pressure side 20 and an intake side 10, where during the generation of an overpressure, the pressure side 20 is connected to the system S and the intake side 10 is connected to the ambient pressure by means of at least one first valve MV1, in particular a solenoid valve. At least one additional valve (ZV) is provided, which is connected in parallel to the first valve MV1 and can provide an additional cross section for the intake volume flow during the generation of an overpressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Bertram Bauer, Harald Merz, Wolfgang Paessler
  • Publication number: 20040006979
    Abstract: A linear actuator having a low profile and a long stroke is provided. The actuator includes a housing integrally connected to a telescoping piston. The piston may be extended by a fluid such as inflation gas provided by an inflation gas generator in fluid communication with the piston. The piston extends rapidly through a one-shot stroke. The extending piston converts energy in the fluid into motion for performing linear work. The linear actuator may be formed from a single piece of parent material through stamping processes including deep draw stamping. Alternatively, other metal forming processes may be used to form the linear actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Publication date: January 15, 2004
    Inventor: Brent Parks