Abstract: A renewable energy device includes a wheel rotatably mounted on a base to spin about an axis of rotation and having a plurality of hollow, barbell-shaped fluid subassemblies fixed symmetrically about the axis. The fluid subassemblies each have a longitudinal axis radiating away from the axis of rotation, a hollow outer end defining a circular, ring-shaped, outer travel path when rotated about the axis of rotation, a hollow inner end defining a circular, ring-shaped, travel path disposed within the outer travel path when rotated about the axis of rotation, a hollow conduit fluidically connecting the outer and inner ends to define an interior cavity, and a room-temperature-boiling-point fluid disposed in the interior cavity. Inner and outer thermal variance subassemblies cover approximately half of respective ones of the inner and outer travel paths on at least one side of the wheel.

Abstract: A machine tool includes a thermoacoustic apparatus and a fluid supply apparatus, utilizes exhaust heat from a constituent apparatus of the machine tool to cool a heat exchanger included in the thermoacoustic apparatus due to a thermoacoustic effect. Thus, a cooling fluid is cooled which is used to cool a bearing and a machining point.

Abstract: A renewable energy device includes a wheel rotatably mounted on a base to spin about an axis of rotation and having a plurality of hollow, barbell-shaped fluid subassemblies fixed symmetrically about the axis. The fluid subassemblies each have a longitudinal axis radiating away from the axis of rotation, a hollow outer end defining a circular, ring-shaped, outer travel path when rotated about the axis of rotation, a hollow inner end defining a circular, ring-shaped, travel path disposed within the outer travel path when rotated about the axis of rotation, a hollow conduit fluidically connecting the outer and inner ends to define an interior cavity, and a room-temperature-boiling-point fluid disposed in the interior cavity. Inner and outer thermal variance subassemblies cover approximately half of respective ones of the inner and outer travel paths on at least one side of the wheel.

Abstract: A cryogenic turbine expander system which consists essentially of a cryogenic liquid pressure vessel, and the vessel further accommodating a turbine expander, an internal bypass configuration, which are operable in parallel, a three-way valve to direct incoming high pressure liquefied gas flow to the turbine expander, or the internal bypass configuration, which further consists a Joule-Thomson valve, when the turbine expander is not operational.

Abstract: A motor vehicle is provided with an indicator device and to a method for its assembly and/or production. The indicator device includes, but is not limited to an indicator instrument, a face plate unit and a screen unit. The screen unit for covering different indicators that includes, but is not limited to an edge defining an outer contour of the screen unit, and/or the indicator instrument has laterally projecting support extensions for supporting damping elements. The face plate unit includes, but is not limited to an inner portion assigned to the screen unit with a fastening portion. The fastening portion is designed offset from an inner portion. The damping elements are placed onto the support extensions.

Abstract: A thermal torque engine comprising a hot box heated by a thermal agent and a wheel having a plurality of peripherally mounted canisters with diametrically opposed canisters connected by a conduit. One of the pair of canisters having a quantity of refrigerant that is pressurized when within the hot box. The pressurized refrigerant moves to the cooler canister with the process continuing for subsequent paired canisters as long as there is a predetermined thermal difference between the interior and exterior of the hot box.

Abstract: A cryogenic self powered system includes a cooled chamber having a hot face and a cold face; a power generator coupled to the hot face and the cold face to generate electricity therefrom; and a working fluid coupled to the cooled chamber and to the power generator.

Abstract: An energy cell generates pressurized fluid for use as an energy source when a phase change material (PCM) changes from solid to liquid phase. The energy cell includes housing means holding the PCM, insulating means between the housing means and the PCM, heat exchanging means encompassed by the PCM, multiple pipe means, and multiple disc means, each provided with multiple aperture means and each encompassing a part of the pipe, and a centrally located bladder means with open end parts fixed to the energy cell, and which is flexible between the end parts. Each pipe means includes a heat transfer media. The PCM encompasses the pipe means and the disc means and is able to pass through the aperture means. The bladder means includes a hydraulic fluid flowing in and out through the open end parts of the bladder means and is affected by the PCM.

Abstract: An installation for storing thermal energy is provided, comprising a heat accumulator and a cold accumulator. A method for charging and discharging said thermal accumulators is also provided. Using the installation, excess electrical energy can be utilized for converting mechanical energy from a compressor and a turbine into thermal energy, which is available in the heat accumulator and the cold accumulator for a subsequent generation of electrical energy. A temporary heat store is discharged during the charging of the heat accumulator and the cold accumulator, preheating the working gas for the compressor. When the heat accumulator and the cold accumulator are discharged via the turbine and the compressor for the purpose of generating electrical energy, the temporary store can be recharged so that the heat stored therein can be made available for a subsequent charging process of the heat accumulator and the cold accumulator.

Abstract: System, method and apparatus providing power generation and demand management using a thermal hydraulic generator. Also a more efficient (full time cycle) and stable thermal hydraulic generators and heat exchangers are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for producing mechanical movement and then converting the same into electrical energy through expansion and compression of a medium.

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

Abstract: A device includes a core, a membrane, at least one first electrode coupled to the core, at least one second electrode coupled to the core or the membrane and a collapsible electroactive polymer element. The collapsible polymer element is configured to extend from or extend around at least a portion of the core where the element is in an expanded configuration without application of a voltage and in a collapsed configuration with the application of the voltage or in a collapsed configuration without application of a voltage and in an expanded configuration with the application of the voltage. The voltage is applied via the at least one first electrode and the at least one second electrode. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns liquid ring systems, including (i) a fixed or rotating casing adapted to contain a liquid, (ii) a rotor located within the casing and having at least one impeller, (iii) a liquid ring formed by rotation of the rotor or the casing, and (iv) a plurality of gas cells formed between the inner surface of the liquid ring and vanes of the impeller. For example, at least one compressing gas cell is in fluid connection with at least one expanding gas cell integrated with the rotor. A liquid valve may include a small gas cell with a reciprocating liquid surface and at least two fluid connections having a free pathway between the connections during an angle of rotation of the rotor and a closed pathway between the connections during 360° minus the angle of rotation.

Abstract: A power generation apparatus that suppress cavitation includes a first on/off valve provided between a steam generator and an expander in a circulating channel; a bypass channel connected between an area between the steam generator and the first on/off valve and an area between the expander and a condenser; a second on/off valve provided in the bypass channel; a third on/off valve provided between a pump and the steam generator; and a controller. When stopping the pump, the controller outputs a control signal that stops the pump, a control signal that closes the first on/off valve, a control signal that opens the second on/off valve, and a control signal that closes the third on/off valve. In the case where a predetermined condition has been met, the controller outputs a control signal that closes the second on/off valve.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns liquid ring systems, including (i) a fixed or rotating casing adapted to contain a liquid, (ii) a rotor located within the casing and having at least one impeller, (iii) a liquid ring formed by rotation of the rotor or the casing, and (iv) a plurality of gas cells formed between the inner surface of the liquid ring and vanes of the impeller. For example, at least one compressing gas cell is in fluid connection with at least one expanding gas cell integrated with the rotor. A liquid valve consisting of a small gas cell with a reciprocating liquid surface and at least two fluid connections having a free pathway between the connections during an angle of rotation of the rotor and a closed pathway between the connections during 360 minus the angle of rotation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an energy system (100) operable to generate mechanical energy. The energy system (100) comprises a cluster of elongated energy cells (10). The energy cells (10) are arranged parallel to each other in their longitudinal direction in a cylinder block means (102). Each energy cell (10) is operable to generate mechanical energy when a phase change material (PCM) changes from solid phase to liquid phase. The energy system (100) also comprises a cylinder head means (104), and a cylinder bottom means (106), both connected to the cylinder block means (102). In FIG. 1, the energy system (100) is partly shown dismantled.

Abstract: A Rankine cycle system and method is described and illustrated, and in some embodiments includes an expander, a pump, a condenser, and a receiver comprising a variable fluid volume at least partially defined by a movable member, wherein the variable fluid volume defines at least a portion of the working fluid flow path between the condenser and the inlet of the pump. Also, a method of charging a Rankine cycle system with working fluid is described and illustrated, and can include applying a regulated pressure to a chamber located within a receiver, introducing the working fluid to the Rankine cycle system, the working fluid being separated from the chamber by a movable member of the receiver, monitoring displacement of the movable member, and stopping the introduction of working fluid into the Rankine cycle system when the movable member reaches a predetermined position.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat transfer composition comprising: (i) trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234ze(E)); (ii) a second component selected from difluoromethane (R-32), propene (R-1270)propane (R290) and mixtures thereof; (iii) a third component selected from pentafluoroethane (R-125), 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R-134a), and mixtures thereof; and optionally (iv) a fourth component selected from fluoroethane (R-161), 1,1-difluoroethane (R-152a) and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A power generation system in which a thermally expandable fluid, e.g., R134a, CO2, is circulated in a loop between a first location and a second location, the second location being at a higher elevation than the first location. The fluid is heated at the first location to expand it, so that it rises to the second location where it is cooled and contracted. The cooled fluid, being denser, then falls back to the first location under hydrostatic pressure, causing a circular fluid flow. This flow is used to generate power in a power transfer system. The system is regulated so that the fluid does not flash to a vapor, i.e., the fluid does not change state, which improves the efficiency of the system. The system is suitable for use in any situation where a height difference exists, and is particularly suited for geothermal heating sources.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a thermal actuator which comprises at least two containers containing a first fluid. The at least two containers define interior portions that are interconnected such that the interior portions of the containers are in fluidal communication with each other. The first fluid comprises a first liquid component and a second gaseous component. The thermal actuator is arranged such that a change in a temperature difference between one container and the or another container and within a predetermined range of temperature difference causes a quantity of a fluid contained in the thermal actuator to be transferred from the one container to the or another container such that a mass distribution of the thermal actuator is altered in response to the change in temperature difference so as to cause actuation.

Abstract: A high efficiency shell and tube heat exchanger coupled to a hydraulic thermal engine includes an insulated cylindrical shell having first and second ends for conveying a coolant and a plurality of tubes passing through at least one of the ends for conveying a working fluid. A plurality of spaced-apart generally-transverse baffles are disposed in the shell. Each baffle is truncated along one edge defining a slot for passage of coolant along the shell inner wall and past the baffle. Successive of the baffles are rotated with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shell to cause the coolant flowing therethrough to follow a non-axial path. Multiple coolant inlets and outlets may be provided. The heat exchanger is optimized for a use wherein the second working fluid is liquid CO2 in a supercritical fluid state. The heat exchanger tubes have an inside diameter of 0.26 inches or less.

Abstract: A thermo-magnetic actuator includes operative components, preferably in a sealed container, from which a rotatable or translatable shaft extends. The shaft is driven by supplying electrical power to a heater in a closed chamber containing a working fluid that expands upon being heated. The expansion of the fluid drives a piston that, in turn, slides a rack coupled to the shaft. A ferromagnetic target is connected to the rack and attracted by a magnetic field produced by an electromagnet that receives electrical power from the same source as the heater. The attraction of the target causes an end of the target to latch magnetically and mechanically and to open an electrical switch, disconnecting current flow to the heater, without disturbing current flow to the electromagnet. The target is released and the rack and target return to their original positions upon termination of current flow to the electromagnet.

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: An actuator 10 includes a main body 14 having a displacement unit 11 and electrodes 12 and 13 configured to apply a voltage to the displacement unit 11, the displacement unit being made of a mixture of a silicone-containing elastomer and an ionic liquid, and being displaced by applying a voltage between the electrodes; and a displacement transmission unit 15 configured to be displaced in an out-of-plane direction by displacement of the displacement unit 11.

Abstract: An actuator device including: a case housing an expandable material, a moving part that can move in translation as a result of the expansion and/or contraction of the expandable material, and a heater to heat the expandable material. The device also includes: a position sensor which measures the current position of the aforementioned moving part; and a positioner to position the moving part, including a controller acting on the above-mentioned heater according to the current measured position.

Abstract: A polymer actuator component and a polymer actuator assembly, power supply and method of using the activation are described.

Abstract: A device (FIG. 8b) for generating energy using the expansive force of freezing water with an adjuvant to lower its freezepoint; a device (FIG. 12b) for generating energy using the expansive force of freezing water with or without an adjuvant to lower its freezepoint, and; an aerospace device (FIG. 19c) for generating energy using the expansive force of freezing water with or without an adjuvant to lower its freeze point, with cyclic rate enhanced by solar radiation and the heat sink of shaded interplanetary space; in all embodiments, an hydraulic pump.

Abstract: A thermoacoustic engine includes a first stack and a second stack disposed in a gas-filled looped tube. The first stack has a first end to which heat is inputted and a second end to which cooling water is inputted, and the second stack has a first end to which the cooling water is inputted after passing through the second end of the first stack, and a second end provided with a cooling device. The thermoacoustic engine further includes a flow controller for controlling the flow rate of the cooling water to be inputted to the second end of the first stack.

Abstract: An energy producing device, for example a submersible vehicle for descending or ascending to different depths within water or ocean, is disclosed. The vehicle comprises a temperature-responsive material to which a hydraulic fluid is associated. A pressurized storage compartment stores the fluid as soon as the temperature-responsive material changes density. The storage compartment is connected with a hydraulic motor, and a valve allows fluid passage from the storage compartment to the hydraulic motor. An energy storage component, e.g. a battery, is connected with the hydraulic motor and is charged by the hydraulic motor when the hydraulic fluid passes through the hydraulic motor. Upon passage in the hydraulic motor, the fluid is stored in a further storage compartment and is then sent back to the area of the temperature-responsive material.

Abstract: An engine assembly (6) of the type running on liquid air or another gas that is substantially inert in liquefied state, for a vehicle in general and for an urban motor vehicle in particular, such as a bus (1) or a taxi, comprises a Stirling engine (9), in which the gasification of the liquid air takes place, with transformation into kinetic mechanical energy of the latent heat relative to the change in state of the air from liquid state to compressed gas state, as well as a volumetric or flow motor (11), in which the air in compressed state expands up to a pressure substantially equal to atmospheric pressure, with transformation of the mechanical pressure energy into kinetic mechanical energy.

Abstract: An embodiment of a system and method for moving an object in one axis includes one or more fluid inflatable containers which are arranged to transmit fluid pressure to a plunger, such that a flexible membrane of the fluid inflatable container engages with the plunger and forms a rolling lobe in response to changes in volume. The fluid inflatable containers are enclosed within an enclosure or drum, and a shaft runs axially through the center of the enclosure. The system further includes one or more control valves operably connected to the one or more fluid inflatable containers for controlling the volume of fluid in the one or more containers. By changing the volume of fluid in the one or more containers the object is moved. In an embodiment an arced plunger is used to assist in creating the rolling lobe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to volume and/or shape memory systems for which the volume and/or shape can be adjusted by controlling one or more variables such as applied voltage and temperature. In one embodiment, the volume and/or shape memory systems of the present invention are controlled and/or adjusted by way of a temperature mechanism. In another embodiment, the volume and/or shape memory systems of the present invention are controlled and/or adjusted by way of a voltage mechanism. In still another embodiment, the present invention provides a device that contains, in part, a smart volume and/or shape memory material that exhibits high energy densities, and can provide large displacements over broad temperature and/or voltage ranges.

Abstract: Methods for harnessing a heat source to produce energy are provided. One method comprises transferring heat from the heat source to a working fluid using at least one heat pipe; and performing work via the heated working fluid. Another method comprises operating a thermodynamic cycle to convert heat into work, comprising displacing a working fluid within a closed loop, said closed loop being defined by a first pathway within a working chamber, and a return pathway external to the return chamber; wherein displacement of the working fluid along the first pathway causes sympathetic displaced of a movable member held captive in the working chamber, and displacement of the working fluid along the external pathway is under influence of capillary forces; and transferring heat to the working fluid using at least one first heat pipe. Components and systems for implementing the methods are also provided.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention relates to a power plant with a condenser for condensing the process medium, characterized in that at least one separate cooling device for cooling the already condensed process medium and a component cooler are provided in series downstream of the condenser, which are configured in such a manner that the cooling device cools off the process medium to a predetermined temperature prior to entering the component cooler and that the component cooler then reheats the process medium, wherein the occurring temperature increase of the process medium is greater than the previously caused temperature reduction.

Abstract: A heat engine, includes at least one Liquid Ring Rotating Casing Compressor (LRRCC) having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, a combustion chamber in fluid communication with the output of the LRRCC, and at least one expander having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The fluid inlet communicates with the combustion chamber.

Abstract: An external combustion engine provided with a plurality of evaporators and stabilized in output and efficiency, that is, an engine provided with at least one main container, a plurality of evaporators heating the working medium to evaporate, condensers cooling the vapor of the working medium evaporated at the evaporators to make it condense, an output part communicated with the other end of the main container and converting displacement of a liquid part of the working medium occurring due to fluctuations in volume of the working medium accompanying evaporation and condensation of the working medium to mechanical energy for output, a single main container pressure adjusting means adjusting an internal pressure of the main container, and controlling means for controlling the main container pressure adjusting means based on a lowest temperature in the temperatures of the plurality of evaporators constituting a minimum evaporator temperature.

Abstract: A Power Chamber that effectively and rapidly mixes within itself the heated air and combustion products from burning of a heat producing fuel with the injected and atomized spray of a “liquid cryogenic fuel”. This regulated and efficiently balanced mixing causes rapid expansion of the cryogenic fluid within the Power Chamber which creates rapid pressure build-up. The excess pressure that is built-up over the threshold point of the minimum operating pressure within the power chamber is channeled, via the mechanism of a door or a gate or a valve, through the Pressure Delivery Channel and made available for use to create motive power or some other kind of useful work.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating power which includes a phase-change media (PCM) that expands upon cooling contained within an expandable capsule if the phase change involves solidification (if phase change is solid-solid, then capsules are not needed), a carrier liquid that does not freeze in the operating temperature range, a heat exchanger, and an engine. Alternatively, the method and apparatus can include a PCM contained within a layer next to the walls of a constant volume container, a working liquid within the container that does not freeze in the operating temperature range, a heat exchanger, and an engine. In both cases, the engine denotes a device that converts the energy in the high-pressure liquid into electrical or mechanical power.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump adapted to excite a high-intensity sound wave in a fluid feedstock is disclosed. The impeller and stator of the pump are provided with multiple apertures sized and spaced to produce a sound wave of an intensity greater than one megawatt per square meter in the fluid. The sound wave forms cavitation bubbles in the fluid, and the static pressure in the pump combines with the compression cycle of the sound wave to collapse the bubbles at a rate sufficient to cause exothermic reactions in the fluid. The sonic reactor can be configured for use to produce thermal energy, oil refining, catalyst production, water desalination and other uses.

Abstract: The invention relates to fluidic oscillators including compressed gas driven pumps and liquid piston and thermoacoustic heat engines and heat pumps in which the intention is to generate large amplitude oscillations by eliminating the dependence of the oscillations on inertia. According to the principle embodiment represented by circuit 200 pressure or temperature variations 27? drive pressure variations in vessel 11? causing a flow of further working fluid between vessel 11? and load 12? wherein useful work is consumed. Said flow varies out of phase with said pressure variations in vessel 11? by a first phase angle determined by inter alia the dissipative load 12?and the capacity of vessel 11?.

Abstract: The invention provides press brake technology. In more detail, the invention involves a press brake tool holder having a thermally-responsive actuator. In certain embodiments, the actuator comprises a thermally-expandable polymer and/or a shape-memory alloy.

Abstract: A compact electrothermal actuator includes a housing having a longitudinal axis. A slot extends through the housing. A chamber within the housing contains a working fluid that changes phase upon heating. A piston is slidably disposed within the housing and movable along the longitudinal axis between first and second positions. A spring biases the piston toward the first position. The piston slides from the first position to the second position in response to heating of the working fluid. The piston includes a guide pin extending transverse to the longitudinal axis and protruding into the slot. The slot may be linear or helical for sliding of the piston between the first and second positions without or with rotation of the piston. The length of the actuator, measured along the longitudinal axis, is constant, independent of the position of the piston within the housing.

Abstract: A rotatable micro-machine is comprised of a solvent reservoir, a porous evaporation region and a channel connecting the solvent reservoir to the evaporation region. The evaporation region may be constructed of capillary paths that enable a capillary action which pulls solvent from the channel so as to enable a flow of solvent from the reservoir to the evaporation region through the channel. A rotatable member has portions in communication with the channel so as to be rotated by the flow. In one embodiment, the rotatable member may be a component of a micro-turbine generator. A system may be comprised of the rotatable micro-machine in combination with at least one electrical circuit. The porous region may be positioned to receive heat from the circuit.

Abstract: Systems and methods involving monopropellant and hypergolic powered proportional actuators that may be used in applications such as robotics. A blowdown tank delivers fuel to a reaction site, produce gaseous products. Those gaseous products are transported to a pressure reservoir or directly to the actuator. The gaseous products are controllably introduced into the actuator to actuate a piston. The piston may be used to power a host of devices including robots.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for initiating a rapid and long-lasting pH change to a pH dependent polymer or other pH driven reactant is provided by a pH jump molecule in solution. Visible light is used to excite the pH jump molecule. The attendant pH change occurs rapidly (in nanoseconds) and can be maintained by continuous wave light or by an appropriately pulsed light. Heat resulting from the light activation is efficiently discharged by radiative decay through room temperature phosphorescence lifetimes existing on the order of milliseconds.

Abstract: A valve where the valve membrane is made from silicone rubber. Preferably the valve is a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) thermopneumatic valve. Because of the advantageous physical properties of silicone rubber, the valve provides desirable performance with reasonable power consumption.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for converting waste heat from a low temperature heat source, such as an electrical component, to work energy and for efficiently transferring unconverted or remaining waste heat away from the heat source. The apparatus includes a chamber having a first location adapted to receive heat from the heat source, and a second location adapted to dissipate heat transferred via an acoustic wave in the chamber. The acoustic wave may be produced by a first vibration member coupled to an interior surface of the chamber and disposed at an end of the chamber, where the first vibration member is adapted to vibrate at a resonant frequency of the chamber. Alternatively, a first and a second vibration member that are both adapted to vibrate at the resonant frequency of the chamber may be disposed equidistant from opposing ends of the chamber to produce a standing acoustic wave within the chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas expansion apparatus which is part of a system for the conversion of thermal energy into motor energy, especially for a hot-water motor.

Abstract: A micromachined fluid handling device having improved properties. The valve is made of reinforced parylene. A heater heats a fluid to expand the fluid. The heater is formed on unsupported silicon nitride to reduce the power. The device can be used to form a valve or a pump. Another embodiment forms a composite silicone/parylene membrane. Another feature uses a valve seat that has concentric grooves for better sealing operation.