Abstract: A thermal utilization system is capable of producing power, storing energy via a chemical or and a hydropower-elevation means. It also capable of transport fluid as vapor over obstacles and terrains, as well as desalinate water. It may in some embodiments do all or some of these tasks simultaneously and with the same amount of energy. It may run with any source of energy including renewable energy sources such as solar energy, and wind. The system may use that energy to run a heat engine and, at the same time, stores that energy via chemical separation. When energy is needed, the system may withdraw the chemical substances and lets them interact to claim the energy back, and then use it to run a heat engine and desalinate water. Some parts of the system can be used for cooling and heating. The system may be configured to be an air conditioner unit or a refrigerator that has an internal back up energy storage.

Abstract: A constant density heat exchanger is provided. The constant density heat exchanger includes a housing extending between a first end and a second end and defining a chamber having an inlet and an outlet. A first flow control device is positioned at the inlet of the chamber and movable between an open position in which a working fluid is permitted into the chamber and a closed position in which the working fluid is prevented from entering the chamber. A second flow control device is positioned at the outlet of the chamber and movable between an open position in which the working fluid is permitted to exit the chamber and a closed position in which the working fluid is prevented from exiting the chamber. A heat exchange fluid imparts thermal energy to the volume of working fluid held at constant density within the chamber by the first and second control devices.

Abstract: System for storage of electricity in the form of thermal energy, and release of thermal energy during times of demand. The system includes a unit for containing at least one electrically conducting phase change material and electrical circuitry for driving electrical current through the phase change material to heat the phase change material into a molten state, or at least one electrical heater used to convert electricity into heat stored in the phase change material. Structure is provided for transferring heat in the phase change material to a working fluid such as steam or gas for electricity generation in a steam turbine or gas turbine, capable of generating supercritical fluids. Structure is also provided for transferring heat in the phase change material to a thermal energy to electrical energy conversion device. A suitable phase change material is elemental silicon or an aluminum-silicon alloy.

Abstract: Systems and methods for converting energy are provided. In one aspect, the system includes a closed cycle engine having a piston body and a piston assembly movable within the piston body. An electric machine is operatively coupled with the piston assembly and operable to generate electrical power. An electrical device is in communication with the electric machine. The system includes a control system having sensors, a controllable device, and a controller. The controller is configured to determine whether a load change on the electric machine is anticipated based at least in part on received data indicative of a load state of the electrical device; in response to whether the load change is anticipated, determine a control command for adjusting an output of at least one of the engine and the electric machine; and cause the controllable device to adjust the output based at least in part on the control command.

Abstract: A heat engine includes two kinds of thermodynamic cycles, wherein a thermodynamic cycle 1 is composed of four processes: an isothermal exothermic compression process, an isochoric endothermic heating process, an isothermal endothermic expansion process and an isochoric exothermic cooling process, and the thermodynamic cycle 1 is composed of two loops, and the structure thereof includes a cylinder #1, a cylinder #2, a cylinder #3, a turbo expander or a double-shaft double-acting cylinder and an airproof container; and a thermodynamic cycle 2 is composed of three processes: an isothermal endothermic expansion and working process, an isobaric exothermic compression process and an isochoric endothermic heating process, and the thermodynamic cycle 2 is composed of two loops, and the structure thereof includes a heat insulating cylinder #1, a heat insulating cylinder #2, a condenser #1, a condenser #2, a cylinder #3, a turbo expander or a double-shaft double-acting cylinder and an airproof container.

Abstract: Methods and associated systems for storing compressed air and extracting energy from the compressed air are disclosed. An exemplary method comprises: compressing air; storing the compressed air in a first storage tank at a first pressure; transferring the compressed air from the first storage tank to a second storage tank; storing the compressed air in the second storage tank at a second pressure lower than the first pressure; discharging the compressed air from the second storage tank; and extracting energy from the compressed air discharged from the second storage tank. The method may also comprise adding heat to the compressed air between the first storage tank and the second storage tank.

Abstract: A thermodynamic system includes a cyclical heat exchange system and a heat transfer system coupled to the cyclical heat exchange system to cool a portion of the cyclical heat exchange system. The heat transfer system includes an evaporator. The evaporator includes a wall configured to be coupled to a portion of the cyclical heat exchange system and a primary wick coupled to the wall. The heat transfer system further includes a condenser coupled to the evaporator to form a closed loop that houses a working fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving a member has at least one artificial muscle style activation element, and a primary movable connector secured to the at least one artificial muscle style activation element. The primary movable connector is configured to be movable from a first connected location on the member to a second connected location on the member.

Abstract: Rotary expansible chamber (REC) devices having one or more working-fluid ports that are adjustable, for example, in size or location. In some embodiments, the variable port mechanisms can be used to control any one or more of a plurality of operating parameters of a REC device independently of one or more others of the operating parameters. In some embodiments, the REC devices can have a plurality of fluid volumes that change in size during rotation of the REC device, and that transition to a zero volume condition during the rotation of the REC device. Systems are also provided that can include one or more REC devices. Methods for controlling various aspects of REC devices, including methods of controlling one or more operating parameters, are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus can include a pressure vessel that defines an interior region that can contain a liquid and/or a gas. A piston is movably disposed within the interior region of the pressure vessel. A divider is fixedly disposed within the interior region of the pressure vessel and divides the interior region into a first interior region on a first side of the divider and a second interior region on a second, opposite side of the divider. The piston is movable between a first position in which fluid having a first pressure is disposed within the first interior region and the first interior region has a volume less than a volume of the second interior region, and a second position in which fluid having a second pressure is disposed within the second interior region and the second interior region has a volume less than a volume of the first interior region.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus (10) for providing mechanical energy. The apparatus (10) for providing mechanical energy comprises a motor (11) for providing mechanical energy. The motor (11) comprises a chamber (17, 117, 217, 317, 417) for receiving a fluid to be heated. An amplified stimulated emission radiation source (e.g. a laser and/or a maser) (36, 436) is provided for supplying radiation to the chamber (17, 117, 217, 317, 417).

Abstract: A nanofuel engine including receiving nanofuel (including moderator, nanoscale molecular dimensions & molecular mixture) internally in an internal combustion engine that releases nuclear energy, is set forth. A nanofuel chemical composition of fissile fuel, passive agent, and moderator. A method of obtaining transuranic elements for nanofuel including: receiving spent nuclear fuel (SNF); separating elements from SNF, including a stream of elements with Z>92, fissile fuel, passive agent, fertile fuel, or fission products; and providing elements. A method of using transuranic elements to create nanofuel, including: receiving, converting, and mixing the transuranic elements with a moderator to obtain nanofuel. A method of operating a nanofuel engine loaded with nanofuel in spark or compression ignition mode.

Abstract: A hot fluid expansion engine has a plurality of actuator modules arranged in a star configuration around a central shaft. Each module includes a drive piston defining a working chamber of variable volume in the first enclosure; a movable displacement piston subdividing a second enclosure into a low temperature chamber of variable volume and a high temperature chamber of variable volume with the high temperature chamber communicating with a unit of a fluid heater device and the low temperature chamber communicating with the working chamber; and a fluid circulation circuit extending between the fluid heater device and the working chamber. The drive piston and the displacement piston of each actuator module are connected to the central shaft via respective first and second eccentric transmission devices suitable for imparting reciprocating motion in translation to each of the pistons with a phase lag of 90°.

Abstract: Thermal expansion drive devices and related methods are provided herein. A thermal expansion drive device can include a driven shaft that is configured to rotate and multiple dual heat exchanger units centered around the driven shaft. The multiple dual heat exchanger units are configured to drive rotation of the driven shaft through the creation of a gravitational imbalance in the thermal expansion drive device as portions of the multiple dual heat exchanger units are heated and cooled.

Abstract: A two-stage thermal hydraulic engine utilizes the expansion and contraction of a working fluid to convert heat energy to mechanical or electrical energy. The transfer of heat to and from the working fluid occurs in at least two process heat exchangers and may be aided by thin twisted strips of a thermally conductive material that are in contact with the working fluid. The engine does not require the working fluid to undergo a phase change to operate. The subsequent expansion of the working fluid is used to drive pistons contained within at least two triplex hydraulic cylinders. The pistons may be alternately and sequentially driven to pump a fluid with a laminar flow and at a constant pressure. The cylinders may include a self-lubrication system.

Abstract: A displacer for adjusting a level of a liquid cryogen in a cryostat. The displacer including an expandable member at least partially defining a sealed chamber. The expandable member being configured to transition from a collapsed state where the sealed chamber has a smaller volume to an expanded state where the sealed chamber has a larger volume. The displacer includes a first end piece attached to a first end of the expandable member and a second end piece attached to a second end of the expandable member.

Abstract: A plant for the producing of cold, heat and/or work. The plant includes at least one modified Carnot machine having a first assembly that includes an evaporator Evap combined with a heat source, a condenser Cond combined with a heat sink, a device DPD for pressurizing or expanding a working fluid GT, a means for transferring said working fluid GT between the condenser Cond and DPD, and between the evaporator Evap and DPD; a second assembly that includes two transfer vessels CT and CT? that contain a transfer liquid LT and the working fluid GT in the form of liquid and/or vapor; a means for selectively transferring the working fluid GT between the condenser Cond and each of the transfer vessels CT and CT?, as well as between the evaporator Evap and each of the transfer enclosures CT and CT?; and a means for selectively transferring the liquid LT between the transfer vessels CT and CT? and the compression or expansion device DPD, said means including at eat hydraulic converter.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for rapidly and isothermally expanding and compressing gas in energy storage and recovery systems that use open-air hydraulic-pneumatic cylinder assemblies, such as an accumulator and an intensifier in communication with a high-pressure gas storage reservoir on a gas-side of the circuits and a combination fluid motor/pump, coupled to a combination electric generator/motor on the fluid side of the circuits. The systems use heat transfer subsystems in communication with at least one of the cylinder assemblies or reservoir to thermally condition the gas being expanded or compressed.

Abstract: Heat engine with at least two cylinder-piston units, each containing an expansion fluid, which stands under a prestressing pressure and which changes its volume in the case of a change of temperature and thus moves the piston, elements for the individually controllable supply of heat to the expansion fluid of each cylinder-piston unit, and a control means controlling the heat supply elements to allow each expansion fluid to alternately heat up and cool down and thus move the pistons, wherein a common prestressing fluid acts on the pistons of all cylinder-piston units in order to exert a common prestressing pressure on the expansion fluids, the control means is fitted with a pressure gauge for the prestressing pressure, and the control means controls the heating and cooling phases of the heat supply elements in dependence on the measured prestressing pressure in order to hold the prestressing pressure within a predetermined range.

Abstract: In various embodiments, coupling losses between a cylinder assembly and other components of a gas compression and/or expansion system are reduced or eliminated via valve-timing control.

Abstract: The current invention is a closed cycle heat engine that includes a plurality of variable volume movable working chambers, each chamber having a first volume of working fluid when disposed at an isentropic expansion zone leading edge, a second volume when disposed at an isentropic expansion zone trailing edge, a third volume when disposed at an isentropic compression zone leading edge and a fourth volume of working fluid when disposed at an isentropic compression zone trailing edge. The second volume of working fluid divided by the first volume of working fluid provides a first volume ratio. The third volume of working fluid divided by the fourth volume of working fluid provides a second volume ratio. The first volume ratio equals the second volume ratio. The working fluid efficiently performs work by traversing a cycle consisting of an isothermal expansion, an isentropic expansion, an isothermal compression, and an isentropic compression.

Abstract: In various embodiments, heat is exchanged with a gas being compressed or expanded within an energy storage and recovery system without the use of flexible hoses.

Abstract: In various embodiments, coupling losses between a cylinder assembly and other components of a gas compression and/or expansion system are reduced or eliminated via valve-timing control.

Abstract: A heat engine system comprises a first heat exchanger, an expander, a second heat exchanger and a valve assembly. The first heat exchanger is in fluid communication with a heat source for heating a working fluid therein. The expander is downstream the first heat exchanger and is in fluid communication therewith for receiving the heat working fluid. The second heat exchanger is downstream the expander and in fluid communication therewith for cooling down the working fluid received therefrom. The valve assembly is in fluid communication with the second heat exchanger and the expander for providing for selectively injecting the expander with cooled working fluid from the second heat exchanger.

Abstract: A compressor or expander has a variable-volume chamber with a heat exchanger located inside the chamber. The heat exchanger can have a helical structure and may be connected between walls of the chamber that move relative to one another during compression or expansion. The heat exchanger comprises a passage containing a heat exchange fluid. The heat exchange fluid may add heat to or remove heat from a gas being expanded or compressed. Embodiments may provide isothermal or near isothermal compression or expansion.

Abstract: A thermal power station system has at least one heat engine connected to at least one work receiver. The heat engine is arranged to be able to utilize a working fluid alternating between liquid and gas phase. In the heat engine is arranged at least one heat exchanger in thermal contact with at least one expansion chamber. A method is for energy supply to a building or a vessel.

Abstract: An energy harvesting device may include a pneumatic system inlet configured to receive a pressurized gas; a pneumatic-to-electrical (PN/E) transducer that converts a flow of the pressurized gas into generated electrical energy; and an electrical device coupled to receive the electrical energy of the PN/E transducer.

Abstract: In various embodiments, dead space and associated coupling losses are reduced in energy storage and recovery systems employing compressed air.

Abstract: A closed cycle system for waste heat recovery is provided. The system comprises: a heat exchanger configured to transfer heat from an external heat source to a working fluid; an expander fluidly connected to an outlet of the heat exchanger and configured to expand the working fluid and produce mechanical energy; a recuperator fluidly connected to an outlet of the expander and configured to remove heat from the working fluid; a condensing unit fluidly connected to an outlet of the recuperator and configured to condense the working fluid; and a pump fluidly connected to an outlet of the condensing unit and configured to pump the condensed working fluid back to the recuperator, wherein the recuperator is fluidly connected to the heat exchanger such that the working fluid follows a closed path.

Abstract: A compression vapor engine which, being at its core a cylinder and piston, the latter attached to a rotary wheel, moves the piston to compress air, thereby heating it; introduces water to the compressed air, converting it from liquid to vapor, water to steam; and uses the expanding steam to move the piston reciprocally: all organized as a reciprocal cylinder-piston engine creating continuing rotary movement which can be made to do work.

Abstract: In various embodiments, coupling losses between a cylinder assembly and other components of a gas compression and/or expansion system are reduced or eliminated via valve-timing control.

Abstract: In various embodiments, energy-storage systems are based upon an open-air arrangement in which pressurized gas is expanded in small batches from a high pressure of, e.g., several hundred atmospheres to atmospheric pressure. The systems may be sized and operated at a rate that allows for near isothermal expansion and compression of the gas.

Abstract: In various embodiments, foam is compressed to store energy and/or expanded to recover energy.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for an engine is disclosed. The heat exchanger includes a vortex tube and a gas return path. Expansion media tubes, which have a working fluid therein, are located between the vortex tube and the gas return path. Hot gases in the vortex tube, along with warm gases in the return path, heat the working fluid. In one embodiment, the working fluid, is delivered to a cylinder in which it expands, so as to move a piston. In one embodiment, the working fluid is fuel. In one embodiment, after the working fluid expands in the cylinder, it is recovered and burned in a combustion chamber, which is in, fluid communication with the vortex tube. In one embodiment, the working fluid is water.

Abstract: This engine (1) (of the piston engine or rotary Wankel-type engine type) includes a heat-exchanging cylinder head (2) which transfers to the fluid internal to the engine the heat energy collected from an external hot source (liquid, gaseous or by radiation). In a closed or open cycle it uses a gaseous fluid (air) or a refrigerant such as an engine fluid in particular when the temperature of the hot source is low. The volumetric compression ratio of the engine is optimized according to the temperature level of the hot source in order on the one hand to allow the internal heat exchanging cylinder head (2) and (9) to be positioned in the dead volume freed inside the chamber (piston top dead center) of the engine (1) and on the other hand to extract significant mechanical work. It is a matter of increasing technological feasibility at the expense of an acceptable loss in efficiency given that the contribution from the hot source is free of charge.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electricity generation device using hot gas engine. The device contains a closed container filled with high-pressure gas. The container has an outlet which is connected to a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder. Hot and cold fluids are sprayed alternatively and repeatedly into the closed container to heat up or cool down the high-pressure gas. As the high-pressure gas expands or contracts, a piston rod of the cylinder is pushed and pulled back and forth so as to produce electricity continuously.

Abstract: An artificial muscle (10) comprises a chamber (12) having a flexible wall of plastics material, a device for heating and/or cooling a low-boiling-point fluid contained in, or in communication with, the chamber so that at least some of the fluid changes state between liquid and gaseous so that the force in the chamber on the flexible wall changes and/or the flexible wall moves to change the volume of the chamber, and a tendon (14) which at least partly encircles the chamber over an extent that varies with variations in the chamber volume for transmitting force between the flexible wall and a load. The use of a low-boiling-point fluid operating at around its boiling point enables plastics materials to be used without thermal damage, and the use of plastics materials enables low production costs. The use of a flexible wall to convey an effort to a load avoids the need for sliding parts and can provide advantages such as reduced friction and ease of sealing.

Abstract: A universal heat engine is disclosed for converting energy from an input heat source to an output. The universal heat engine comprises a heat engine section and an output section. The heat engine section includes a heat engine bore receiving a heat engine piston. A heat engine valve assembly communicates with the heat engine bore for effecting reciprocal motion of the heat engine piston. The output section includes an output bore receiving an output piston. A piston rod interconnects the heat engine piston to the output piston. A control controls the heat engine valve assemblies to operate the heat engine section in accordance with a desired output from the output section. The heat source may comprise the burning of a petroleum product, a solar heat source, geothermal heat source or a byproduct heat source. The output may comprise a static or mobile air conditioning system or an electrical generator.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for rapidly and isothermally expanding and compressing gas in energy storage and recovery systems that use open-air hydraulic-pneumatic cylinder assemblies, such as an accumulator and an intensifier in communication with a high-pressure gas storage reservoir on a gas-side of the circuits and a combination fluid motor/pump, coupled to a combination electric generator/motor on the fluid side of the circuits. The systems use heat transfer subsystems in communication with at least one of the cylinder assemblies or reservoir to thermally condition the gas being expanded or compressed.

Abstract: In various embodiments, compressed-gas energy storage and recovery systems include a cylinder assembly for compression and/or expansion of gas, a reservoir for storage and/or supply of compressed gas, and a system for thermally conditioning gas within the reservoir.

Abstract: A rotary heat engine has a cylindrical engine block containing a rotor with four equally spaced pistons and corresponding cylinders extending radially in the rotor. The pistons are pivotally connected to connecting rods that are in turn connected to a shaft at an inner end of each connecting rod. The engine block has a cover thereon and the block can have heating and cooling locations that create heating and cooling chambers within the rotor, thereby causing the pistons to reciprocate and causing the rotor to rotate within the engine block. The pistons reciprocate within the rotor while the rotor rotates within the engine block.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for rapidly and isothermally expanding gas in a cylinder. The cylinder is used in a staged hydraulic-pneumatic energy conversion system and includes a gas chamber (pneumatic side) and a fluid chamber (hydraulic side) and a piston or other mechanism that separates the gas chamber and fluid chamber while allowing the transfer of force/pressure between each opposing chamber. The gas chamber of the cylinder includes ports that are coupled to a heat transfer subassembly that circulates gas from the pneumatic side and exchanges its heat with a counter flow of ambient temperature fluid from a reservoir or other source.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods including an energy conversion system for storage and recovery of energy using compressed gas, a source of recovered thermal energy, and a heat-exchange subsystem in fluid communication with the energy conversion system and the source of recovered thermal energy.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for rapidly and isothermally expanding and compressing gas in energy storage and recovery systems that use open-air hydraulic-pneumatic cylinder assemblies, such as an accumulator and an intensifier in communication with a high-pressure gas storage reservoir on a gas-side of the circuits and a combination fluid motor/pump, coupled to a combination electric generator/motor on the fluid side of the circuits. The systems use heat transfer subsystems in communication with at least one of the cylinder assemblies or reservoir to thermally condition the gas being expanded or compressed.

Abstract: A thermo-electro-acoustic engine comprises a sealed body having a regenerator, hot and cold heat exchangers, an acoustic source, and an acoustic energy converter. An acoustic pressure wave is generated in a gas in the region of the regenerator. The converter converts a portion of the acoustic pressure into electrical energy. A portion of the electrical energy is used to drive the acoustic source. The acoustic source is controllably driven to produce acoustic energy which constructively adds to that of the acoustic pressure wave in the region of the regenerator. The remaining electrical energy produced by the converter is used external to the engine, such as to drive a load or for storage. The resonant frequency of the engine and the frequency of the energy output can be controlled electronically or electromechanically, and is not limited solely by the physical structure of the engine body and its elements.

Abstract: The system to generate power by freeze expansion pressure powered generator and method for tapping the energy of cold weather from the environment, comprising of flexible water chambers that enable motion for the rotor shaft, gears enabling transformation of linear motion to shaft rotation, and power generator coupling achieving the generation of electricity. The inner part of flexible water chamber is fitted with an immersed heating coil to de-freeze water, so that it can be subjected to freezing and exertion of pressure to rotate the shaft continuously. Freezing of water in flexible chamber is achieved by exposing portion of chamber to atmospheric cold. The turbine rotor speed, temperature, water chamber pressure, and atmospheric pressure are monitored by sensors to ensure overall system safety and performance.

Abstract: An external combustion engine provided with a pipe-shaped main container with a heating portion and a cooling portion, an output part converting displacement of the liquid part of said working fluid generated due to the change in volume of said working fluid accompanying generation and condensation of said steam to mechanical energy for output, a venturi provided at a communicating part of the main container and an auxiliary container, a communicating member forming a communicating passage bypassing the venturi and communicating the main container and the auxiliary container, and a shutting means for closing the communicating passage at the time of normal operation and opening the communicating passage at the time of startup, wherein at the time of startup, the pressure loss at the communicating passage becomes smaller than a saturated steam pressure at the temperature of the heating portion.

Abstract: In various embodiments, heat is exchanged with a gas being compressed or expanded within an energy storage and recovery system without the use of flexible hoses.

Abstract: An external combustion engine provided with a main container in which a working fluid is sealed flowable in a liquid phase state, a heater heating part of the liquid phase state working fluid in the main container to make it vaporize, a cooler cooling steam of the working fluid heated and vaporized by the heater so as to make it liquefy, an output part converting displacement of the liquid part of the working fluid caused by a change of volume of the steam into mechanical energy and outputting the energy, an auxiliary container communicated with the main container through a venturi means and having a liquid sealed inside it, an auxiliary heater heating the liquid in the auxiliary container to make it vaporize, a storage container communicated with the auxiliary container and storing the liquid, and a liquid draining means for draining liquid in the auxiliary container into the storage container when the internal pressure of the auxiliary container becomes a first predetermined pressure or more.

Abstract: An external combustion engine alternately repeating a first stroke of making a working fluid evaporate at a plurality of heating portions and making a liquid phase part of the working fluid displace toward an output part side and a second stroke of making the working fluid evaporated at the first stroke condense at the plurality of cooling portions and making the liquid phase part of the working fluid displace toward the side of the plurality of the heating portions and provided with inflow adjusting means for reducing differences in inflows among the plurality of the heating portions, wherein the inflow is defined as the amount of a liquid phase part of the working fluid flowing into the heating portions when the liquid phase part of the working fluid displaces from the output part side to the side of the plurality of the heating portions in the second stroke.