Motive Fluid Is Vaporized Liquid Patents (Class 60/618)
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Patent number: 9994332Abstract: An engine assembly for use as an aircraft auxiliary power unit, having internal combustion engine(s) in driving engagement with an engine shaft, a generator having a generator shaft directly engaged to the engine shaft such as to be rotatable at a same speed, a compressor having an outlet in communication with the internal combustion engine inlet, and a turbine having an inlet in communication with the internal combustion engine outlet. The turbine may be a first stage turbine, and the assembly may include a second stage turbine having an inlet in communication with the first stage turbine outlet. A method of providing electrical power to an aircraft is also discussed.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2017Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.Inventors: Richard Ullyott, Anthony Jones, Andre Julien, Jean Thomassin
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Patent number: 9988284Abstract: A desalination system includes a vertical column with a lower end submerged into a body of liquid to be treated. The column has a dark-colored outer surface able to absorb electromagnetic energy, and at least one vacuum compressor is connected to provide a vacuum pressure in the vertical column such that the liquid is drawn into the vertical column through openings in the vertical column. A condensing dome has a main shell and that receives vapor of the liquid in the vertical column via a vapor port joining the vertical column and the condensing dome. A wind-driven outer turbine surrounds the main shell of the condensing dome and draws outside air into a space around the main shell of the condensing dome. A tank is connected to the condensing dome via a pipe and receives desalinated liquid from the condensing dome.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2015Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Inventor: Shaker Ahmed Reda
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Patent number: 9982246Abstract: A hydraulic drive system includes a unidirectional pump, a charge pump configured to supply an input of the unidirectional pump with a hydraulic fluid pressurized with a charge pressure, a hydraulic motor, and a flow control valve configured to meter a flow of hydraulic fluid from an output of the unidirectional pump to a fluid input of the hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor comprises a fluid output configured to be in direct fluid communication with the input of the unidirectional pump. Fluid delivery systems include hydraulic drive systems.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2016Date of Patent: May 29, 2018Assignee: FITZSIMMONS HYDRAULICS, INC.Inventor: Michael M. Fitzsimmons
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Patent number: 9957875Abstract: A target speed module determines a target speed of an engine coolant pump of the vehicle. A speed adjustment module determines a speed adjustment based on a position of a valve, wherein a backpressure of the engine coolant pump changes when the position of the valve changes. An adjusted target speed module determines an adjusted target speed for the engine coolant pump based on the target speed and the speed adjustment. A speed control module controls a speed of the engine coolant pump based on the adjusted target speed.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2014Date of Patent: May 1, 2018Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Eugene V. Gonze, Vijay Ramappan, Yue-Ming Chen
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Patent number: 9945265Abstract: A power generation system having a gas turbine, a fuel cell, an exhaust air circulation line, an exhaust fuel gas supply line, a turbine, an exhaust heat recovery boiler, and at least one exhaust air heat exchanger. The turbine is equipped with a high-pressure turbine, a medium-pressure turbine, and a low-pressure turbine. The exhaust heat recovery boiler is equipped with a high-pressure steam circulation mechanism, a medium-pressure steam circulation mechanism, and a low-pressure steam circulation mechanism. The exhaust air heat exchanger exchanges heat between the steam exchanging heat with the exhaust gas in the high-pressure steam circulation mechanism or the medium-pressure steam circulation mechanism and flowing toward the turbine and the exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust air circulation line, thereby increasing the temperature of the steam and decreasing the temperature of the exhaust gas.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2013Date of Patent: April 17, 2018Assignee: MITSUBISHI HITACHI POWER SYSTEMS, LTD.Inventors: Yukimasa Nakamoto, Kazunori Fujita
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Patent number: 9938162Abstract: A desalination system includes a vertical column with a lower end submerged into a body of liquid to be treated. The column has a dark-colored outer surface able to absorb electromagnetic energy, and at least one vacuum compressor is connected to provide a vacuum pressure in the vertical column such that the liquid is drawn into the vertical column through openings in the vertical column. A condensing dome has a main shell and that receives vapor of the liquid in the vertical column via a vapor port joining the vertical column and the condensing dome. A wind-driven outer turbine surrounds the main shell of the condensing dome and draws outside air into a space around the main shell of the condensing dome. A tank is connected to the condensing dome via a pipe and receives desalinated liquid from the condensing dome.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2015Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Inventor: Shaker A. Reda
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Patent number: 9939202Abstract: A heat exchanger may include a gas conduit flowable through by a predetermined gas and a heat conduit flowable through by a predetermined fluid compound working fluid. The heat conduit may be in thermal communication with the gas conduit. The heat exchanger may include a first section having a first section length, a second section having a second section length, and a third section having a third section length. The gas conduit may span, in a direction of flow of the gas, the first section, the second section, and the third section. The heat conduit may span, in a direction of flow of the working fluid, the third section, the first section, and the second section. The first section may include a gas inlet and the third section may include a working fluid inlet and a gas outlet. The section may include a working fluid outlet.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2014Date of Patent: April 10, 2018Assignee: Mahle Behr GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Peter Geskes, Klaus Irmler, Eberhard Pantow, Michael Schmidt
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Patent number: 9925973Abstract: A control method and system are provided for preventing a motor from overheating when a TMED hybrid vehicle is driven to thus improve driving performance by operating an engine before limiting motor output based on a driving state while the vehicle is driven in an EV mode, and the current temperature of the motor. The method includes monitoring a motor temperature of a hybrid vehicle and operating an engine when the current motor temperature of the motor is a first motor temperature or greater when the vehicle is driven in an EV mode. In addition, motor output is limited when the current motor temperature is equal to or greater than a third motor temperature, which is greater than the first motor temperature, after the engine is operated.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Teh Hwan Cho, Jong Bum Oh, Dong Yeon Han, Seong Ik Park
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Patent number: 9909461Abstract: A waste heat recovery system is disclosed. The waste heat recovery system may include a turbine expander. The turbine expander may include a turbine blade rotatably coupled to a shaft and the shaft may be rotatably engaged with a nozzle ring. The nozzle ring may include a de Laval-nozzle. The waste heat recovery system may additionally include a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor may be located fluidly upstream of the de Laval-nozzle and fluidly downstream of an evaporator. The pressure sensor may be configured to measure pressure of a working fluid and transmit a working fluid pressure signal. Further, the waste heat recovery system may include an electronic controller. The electronic controller may be configured to receive the working fluid pressure signal and transmit a working fluid flowrate adjustment signal in response to the working fluid pressure signal.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2015Date of Patent: March 6, 2018Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.Inventor: Frederick M. Huscher
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Patent number: 9896985Abstract: A heat recovery system includes an engine coolant circuit and an exhaust gas recovery circuit. The engine coolant circuit uses an engine coolant fluid to cool an engine. The exhaust gas recovery circuit comprises a Rankine cycle system that uses a working fluid to convert heat from engine exhaust gases to energy. The engine coolant fluid comprises the working fluid such that the engine coolant circuit and an exhaust gas recovery circuit comprise a common circuit such that the Rankine cycle system recovers energy from exhaust gas heat and from engine coolant heat.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2012Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: Faurecia Emissions Control TechnologiesInventor: Navin Khadiya
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Patent number: 9884538Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a turbo compound system for a vehicle which recovers emission gas energy of an engine, and particularly, to a turbo compound system for a vehicle which may recover emission gas energy and provide the energy to various auxiliary devices for a vehicle in various forms. In addition, the present disclosure relates to a turbo compound system for a vehicle in which recovered emission gas energy is transferred directly to auxiliary devices for a vehicle without passing through a crank shaft for a vehicle, thereby preventing deterioration of fuel efficiency or output reduction, and simplifying facility and control.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2013Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: Doosan Infracore Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tae Joong Wang
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Patent number: 9884546Abstract: A system (100) comprises a cryogenic engine (16) and a power generation apparatus, wherein the cryogenic engine and the power generation apparatus are coupled with each other to permit the cryogenic engine (16) and the power generation apparatus to work co-operatively with each other in a synergistic manner. The cryogenic engine (16) and the power generation apparatus are mechanically and optionally thermally coupled with each other so that the output means is shared between the cryogenic engine (16) and the power generation apparatus and that the two systems can be operated in the most power efficient manner and may also thermally interact to the potential advantage of both performance and economy.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2014Date of Patent: February 6, 2018Assignee: Dearman Engine Company LtdInventors: Michael Ayres, Henry Clarke, Michael Dearman
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Patent number: 9874180Abstract: A powering apparatus has a diesel engine, a low pressure hydraulic tube containing lower pressure hydraulic fluid, a high pressure hydraulic tube containing higher pressure hydraulic fluid, a first hydraulic pump driven by the diesel engine to send hydraulic fluid from the low pressure hydraulic tube to the high pressure hydraulic tube to adjust the pressure difference within a certain range, an exhaust gas recirculating apparatus including a first hydraulic motor driven by the pressure difference and a compressor driven by the first hydraulic motor to compress a portion of exhaust gas and to supply the exhaust gas to an intake air tube, and an exhaust heat collecting apparatus including a turbine rotated by a refrigerant heated by the exhaust gas and a second hydraulic pump driven by the turbine to send hydraulic fluid from the low pressure hydraulic tube to the high pressure hydraulic tube.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2015Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Assignee: MITSUI ENGINEERING & SHIPBUILDING CO., LTD.Inventors: Nobuyuki Sakairi, Kazunori Ohta, Kousuke Matsumaru, Toshinori Shirai
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Patent number: 9874114Abstract: A cogenerating system includes a Rankine cycle, a high-temperature heat transfer medium circuit, a low-temperature heat transfer medium circuit, a bypass channel, a heat exchanger, and a flow rate adjustment mechanism. The high-temperature heat transfer medium circuit is configured such that an evaporator is supplied with a high-temperature heat transfer medium by a high-temperature heat transfer medium heat exchanger. The low-temperature heat transfer medium circuit is configured such that a condenser is supplied with a low-temperature heat transfer medium by a low-temperature heat transfer medium heat exchanger. The flow rate adjustment mechanism includes at least a flow rate limiter that limits the flow rate of the high-temperature heat transfer medium to be supplied to the evaporator, and adjusts a ratio of the flow rate of the high-temperature heat transfer medium flowing through the bypass channel to the flow rate of the high-temperature heat transfer medium flowing through the evaporator.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2015Date of Patent: January 23, 2018Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Atsuo Okaichi, Takumi Hikichi, Osao Kido
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Patent number: 9819038Abstract: A power generation system includes a fuel cell including an anode that generates a tail gas. The system also includes a hydrocarbon fuel reforming system that mixes a hydrocarbon fuel with the fuel cell tail gas and to convert the hydrocarbon fuel and fuel tail gas into a reformed fuel stream including CO2. The reforming system further splits the reformed fuel stream into a first portion and a second portion. The system further includes a CO2 removal system coupled in flow communication with the reforming system. The system also includes a first reformed fuel path coupled to the reforming system. The first path channels the first portion of the reformed fuel stream to an anode inlet. The system further includes a second reformed fuel path coupled to the reforming system. The second path channels the second portion of the reformed fuel stream to the CO2 removal system.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2013Date of Patent: November 14, 2017Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Andrew Philip Shapiro, Robert James Perry, Matthew Joseph Alinger, Bruce Philip Biederman, Irfan Saif Hussaini, Irina Spiry
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Patent number: 9777602Abstract: A system for controlled recovery of thermal energy and conversion to mechanical energy. The system collects thermal energy from a reciprocating engine (for example, from engine jacket fluid) and may also collect further thermal energy from a natural gas compressor (for example, from compressor lubricating fluid). The collected thermal energy is used to generate secondary power by evaporating an organic propellant and using the gaseous propellant to drive an expander in production of mechanical energy. Secondary power is used to power parasitic loads, improving energy efficiency of the system. A supplementary cooler may provide additional cooling capacity without compromising system energy efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2009Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Inventor: Victor Juchymenko
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Patent number: 9759449Abstract: Feedwater to be supplied to a feedwater tank via a feedwater path is passed through a waste heat recovery heat exchanger, a supercooler, and a condenser in sequence. A heat source fluid such as heat source water is passed through an evaporator and the waste heat recovery heat exchanger in sequence. The waste heat recovery heat exchanger is an indirect heat exchanger between the feedwater supplied to the feedwater tank via the feedwater path and the heat source fluid having passed through the evaporator. The supercooler is an indirect heat exchanger between the feedwater supplied to the feedwater tank via the feedwater path and a refrigerant supplied from the condenser to an expansion valve.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2012Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: MIURA CO., LTD.Inventors: Kazuyuki Ootani, Yasukuni Tanaka, Masanori Takemoto, Rikki Sugiura, Tomoya Oozawa
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Patent number: 9756793Abstract: A combined heat and power system for greenhouse carbon dioxide enrichment purifies carbon dioxide from exhaust gas of the combined heat and power system generating and supplying power and heat by combusting fuel and supplies the purified carbon dioxide to a greenhouse. The combined heat and power system includes a unified pipe system configured to simultaneously transmit hot water and carbon dioxide through a single pipe by dissolving the purified carbon dioxide in a heat transmission medium, a storage system configured to store the carbon dioxide transmitted to demand destinations along with the hot water, and supply unit configured to supply the carbon dioxide transmitted to and stored in the demand destinations depending on a heat and carbon dioxide load condition of a demand destination.Type: GrantFiled: August 26, 2013Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF ENERGY RESEARCHInventors: Yong Hoon Im, Jae Yong Lee
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Patent number: 9745881Abstract: A system for recycling exhaust heat from an internal combustion engine is based on a recycling type of circulating a working fluid using the exhaust heat from the internal combustion engine. The system may include an EGR line configured to circulate a portion of exhaust gas generated from the internal combustion engine to an intake side, a working fluid circulation line configured to rotate a turbine with a working fluid vaporized by heat transferred from the EGR line, and an EGR side heat exchange unit configured to thermally connect the EGR line to the working fluid circulation line to cool an EGR gas by transferring heat from the EGR gas to the working fluid.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2014Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: You Sang Son, Sei Young Kim
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Patent number: 9708935Abstract: A parallel motion heat energy power machine and a working method thereof, includes a heat collector, an insulating pipe, a gasification reactor, an atomizer, a cylinder, a piston, a piston ring, an automatic exhaust valve, a cooler, a liquid storage tank, a pressure pump, a push-pull rod, an insulating layer, and a housing. The two cylinders are oppositely arranged on the housing in parallel. The piston is arranged inside the cylinder. The piston is provided with the piston ring. The pistons are arranged on both ends of the push-pull rod. The heat collector is connected to the gasification reactor through the insulating pipe. The atomizer is arranged on the air inlet end of the gasification reactor. The parallel motion heat energy power machine and working method thereof has a high heat-energy conversion efficiency. It is energy-saving, environmentally friendly, and less noisy.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2014Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Inventor: Yuanjun Guo
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Patent number: 9702272Abstract: A Rankine cycle waste heat recovery system uses a receiver with a maximum liquid working fluid level lower than the minimum liquid working fluid level of a sub-cooler of the waste heat recovery system. The receiver may have a position that is physically lower than the sub-cooler's position. A valve controls transfer of fluid between several of the components in the waste heat recovery system, especially from the receiver to the sub-cooler. The system may also have an associated control module.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2014Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: CUMMINS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.Inventors: Timothy C. Ernst, Christopher R. Nelson
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Patent number: 9702263Abstract: A Rankine cycle device in the present disclosure includes an evaporator as a heater, an expander, a cooler, a first temperature sensor, a second temperature sensor, and a control device. The first temperature sensor detects a temperature of the working fluid flowing from an outlet of the heater to an inlet of the expander in the circuit of the working fluid. The second temperature sensor detects a temperature of the working fluid flowing from an outlet of the expander to an inlet of the cooler. The controller controls a number of rotation of the expander based on a difference between a detected temperature of the first temperature sensor and a detected temperature of the second temperature sensor.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2015Date of Patent: July 11, 2017Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.Inventors: Atsuo Okaichi, Osao Kido, Takumi Hikichi, Osamu Kosuda, Noriyoshi Nishiyama, Yoshio Tomigashi, Masaaki Konoto, Subaru Matsumoto, Tetsuya Matsuyama
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Patent number: 9670836Abstract: A drive unit for a motor vehicle that has a combustion machine having an internal combustion engine (10) as well as an exhaust gas system via which exhaust gas can be discharged from the internal combustion engine (10), and has a cyclic device that can be used to convert the thermal energy contained in the exhaust gas into mechanical work in a clockwise thermodynamic cycle, whereby the cycle comprises a heat transfer from the exhaust gas to a working medium in a first heat exchange device, as a result of which the temperature and/or the pressure of the working medium is increased, comprises an expansion of the working medium in an expansion device (30) for generating the mechanical work, and comprises a heat transfer from the working medium to a cooling medium in a second heat exchange device.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2014Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: VOLKSWAGEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Asmus Carstensen, Marcus Dallmann, Jörg Fritzsche, Andreas Herr, Christoph Käppner, Thomas Schulenburg, Artur Semke, Jörg Volkmann
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Patent number: 9540961Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses are directed to monitoring a capacity at which an engine is operating, the engine comprising a turbocharger. It can be determined whether the engine is operating above a threshold capacity. If the engine is operating above a threshold capacity, a closed-loop thermal cycle working fluid can be heated with heated air from the turbocharger. If the engine is operating at or below a threshold capacity, the working fluid can be heated with exhaust from the engine. The heated working fluid can be directed to a turbine generator, which can generate electrical power.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2013Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: Access Energy LLCInventors: Herman Artinian, Keiichi Shiraishi
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Patent number: 9541027Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system and method for recovering waste heat to improve the response and fuel economy of a machine. The system includes a heat recovery apparatus and an engine. The heat recovery apparatus has a cold cylinder, a first piston disposed in the cold cylinder, a hot cylinder, a second piston disposed in the hot cylinder, and a regenerator. The first piston and the second piston are in fluid communication with one another via the regenerator. The engine produces heat from multiple sources. A first heat source produced by the engine is thermally coupled to the regenerator and a second heat source produced by the engine is thermally coupled to the hot cylinder. The heat recovery apparatus is configured to convert the heat generated by the first and second heat sources into mechanical energy.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2014Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Xinyu Ge, Huateng Yang
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Patent number: 9341084Abstract: Aspects of the invention disclosed herein generally provide heat engine systems and methods for recovering energy, such as by generating electricity from thermal energy. In one configuration, a heat engine system contains a working fluid (e.g., sc-CO2) within a working fluid circuit, two heat exchangers configured to be thermally coupled to a heat source (e.g., waste heat), two expanders, two recuperators, two pumps, a condenser, and a plurality of valves configured to switch the system between single/dual-cycle modes. In another aspect, a method for recovering energy may include monitoring a temperature of the heat source, operating the heat engine system in the dual-cycle mode when the temperature is equal to or greater than a threshold value, and subsequently, operating the heat engine system in the single-cycle mode when the temperature is less than the threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: October 10, 2013Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: Echogen Power Systems, LLCInventors: Tao Xie, Michael Vermeersch, Timothy Held
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Patent number: 9328632Abstract: A Rankine cycle includes an waste-heat recovery device that is configured to exchange heat between cooling water coming out from an engine and exhaust gas exhausted from the engine, a heat exchanger including an evaporator through which the cooling water coming out from the engine flows to recover waste-heat of the engine to refrigerant, and a superheater through which the cooling water coming out from the waste-heat recovery device flows to recover the waste-heat of the engine to the refrigerant, an expander that is configured to generate power using the refrigerant coming out from the heat exchanger, a condenser that is configured to condense the refrigerant coming out from the expander, and a refrigerant pump that is configured to supply the refrigerant coming out from the condenser to the heat exchanger by being driven by the expander. The cooling water coming out from the superheater is returned to the engine after being joined with the cooling water coming out from the evaporator.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2012Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroyuki Nagai, Tomohiko Saitou, Takayuki Ishikawa, Shinichiro Mizoguchi
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Patent number: 9217338Abstract: This disclosure relates to a waste heat recovery (WHR) system and method for regulating exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooling, and more particularly, to a Rankine cycle WHR system and method, including a recuperator bypass arrangement to regulate EGR exhaust gas cooling for engine efficiency improvement and thermal management. This disclosure describes other unique bypass arrangements for increased flexibility in the ability to regulate EGR exhaust gas cooling.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2011Date of Patent: December 22, 2015Assignee: CUMMINS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY, INC.Inventors: Timothy C. Ernst, Dave Morris
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Patent number: 9181866Abstract: An energy recovery and cooling system for a hybrid machine is disclosed. The energy recovery and cooling system can include at least one circuit including at least one pump, at least one condenser, and at least one turbine, as well as a first flow path and a second flow path. The first flow path can be connected in fluid communication with the at least one pump, the at least one condenser, and the at least one turbine. The first flow path can additionally be in thermal communication with at least one internal combustion energy system component of the hybrid machine. The second flow path can be connected in fluid communication with the at least one pump, the at least one condenser, and the at least one turbine. The second flow path can additionally be in thermal communication with at least one electrical energy system component of the hybrid machine.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2013Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey E. Jensen, William R. Tinker
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Patent number: 9127573Abstract: An arrangement and a method for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy includes a circulation unit (4) a refrigerant in the a circuit (3), an evaporator (6) for the refrigerant, a turbine (9) driven by vaporised refrigerant, a condenser (12) cooling the refrigerant to condense, and an accumulator tank (14) for storage of the refrigerant is not being circulated in the line circuit (3). A control device estimates the degree of filling of the line circuit (3) with refrigerant at which the turbine (9) achieves a substantially optimum effect, and controls the flow of refrigerant between the line circuit (3) and the accumulator tank (14) to achieve the estimated degree of filling the line circuit (3) with refrigerant.Type: GrantFiled: November 22, 2011Date of Patent: September 8, 2015Assignee: SCANIA CV ABInventor: Ola Hall
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Patent number: 9103249Abstract: An engine exhaust heat recovery system includes an engine exhaust heat conduit that interacts with a two-phase fluid that exists in liquid and gaseous states within a single closed loop. A first heat exchanger, which may be a boiler, interfaces with and receives heat from the engine exhaust conduit. Exhaust heat energy converts the fluid from the liquid state into the gaseous state for transfer into a heat expander situated downstream of the first heat exchanger. The heat expander utilizes the gaseous heat energy to rotate a flywheel, and a system of clutches is situated and adapted to permit the flywheel to transfer mechanical energy for subsequent, selective production of work upon demand. In one disclosed embodiment, the heat expander may be a high-speed turbine with a rotary power shaft coupled to a transmission and a plurality of clutches adapted to engage and actuate the flywheel.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2012Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.Inventor: Jeffrey Edward Jensen
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Patent number: 9091192Abstract: A waste heat recovery system of a vehicle generally comprises a heat source, an air-passage body, and a heat-preservation container. The heat source is provided with a pipe. The air-passage body is coupled to the pipe. The air-passage body defines therein a chamber and at least one passage communicating with the chamber, wherein the chamber communicates with the pipe for collecting waste heat energy transferred by the pipe. The heat-preservation container, being placed above the air-passage body, communicates with the passage of the air-passage body and is provided with multiple heat-transfer elements therein. With the waste heat recovery system, the waste heat energy can be transferred via air from the heat source to the container to enable the container to keep at a lower temperature for food or articles required to be warmed. Furthermore, the waste heat energy enables a conversion module in the chamber to generate electrical power.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2013Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Inventor: Chung-Chien Chang
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Patent number: 9074492Abstract: An energy recovery arrangement is disclosed for use with an engine. The energy recovery arrangement may include a closed circuit containing a high-pressure working fluid, a first boiler configured to receive waste heat from a first source on the engine, and a second boiler disposed upstream of the first boiler and configured to receive waste heat from a second source on the engine. The energy recovery arrangement may also include an energy extractor disposed at a location downstream of the first and second boilers, a condenser disposed at a location downstream of the energy extractor, and a pump disposed at a location downstream of the condenser and upstream of the first and second boilers. The energy recovery arrangement may further include a recuperator disposed in parallel with the second boiler and configured to transfer heat from working fluid exiting the extractor to working fluid exiting the pump.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2012Date of Patent: July 7, 2015Assignee: Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc.Inventors: Teoman Uzkan, Thomas G. Gallagher
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Patent number: 9046006Abstract: A dual cycle waste heat recovery system includes a high-temperature circuit that utilizes a first working fluid. The first working fluid is heated by a first waste heat source and then expanded through a first expander to produce power. The heat recovery system further includes a low-temperature circuit that utilizes a second working fluid. The low-temperature circuit also includes a first heat exchanger for heating the second working fluid with heat from the first working fluid and a second heat exchanger for heating the second working fluid with heat from a second waste heat source. A control valve selectively controls the flow of the second working fluid to each of the first and second heat exchangers according to a predetermined set of parameters. An expander receives the second working fluid from the first and second heat exchangers and expands the second working fluid to produce power.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2010Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: PACCAR IncInventor: Jason Ritter
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Publication number: 20150135708Abstract: A device for recovering the waste heat energy having a Clausius-Rankine circuit with a line system conveying a working medium via which at least one vaporizer for vaporizing the working medium, an expansion device for expanding the vaporized working medium to produce mechanical work, a condenser for fluidizing the vaporized and expanded working medium as well as a delivery pump for condensing and conveying the working medium through the line system are fluidically connected to one another. A compensation tank supplies additional working medium volume and is connected to a fluid line and can be fluidically separated from the line system via a valve that is controllable via a control device connected to a sensor for detecting working medium temperature and/or pressure, such that a working medium volume is transferred from the compensation tank into the line system or from the line system into the compensation tank.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2014Publication date: May 21, 2015Inventors: Rainer LUTZ, Giovanna MOTISI, Richard Bruemmer
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Publication number: 20150121866Abstract: A system and method for recuperation is provided including a boiler wherein air and exhaust gas recirculation pass through the boiler and are cooled by thermal transfer with a coolant. The system includes an expander receiving coolant from the boiler, a recuperator receiving coolant from the expander, a condenser receiving coolant from the recuperator; a pump pumping coolant from the condenser to a low temperature portion of the boiler, and a valve, which allows coolant to pass directly from the boiler to the recuperator.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2012Publication date: May 7, 2015Applicant: International Engine Intellectual Property Company LLCInventor: Chunyi Xia
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Patent number: 9021808Abstract: A Rankine cycle waste heat recovery system associated with an internal combustion engine is in a configuration that enables handling of exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) gas by using the energy recovered from a Rankine cycle waste heat recovery system. The system includes a control module for regulating various function of the internal combustion engine and its associated systems along with the Rankine cycle waste heat recovery system.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2012Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Cummins Intellectual Property, Inc.Inventors: Christopher R. Nelson, Timothy C. Ernst
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Patent number: 9021807Abstract: In a waste heat utilization arrangement for an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle including a waste heat utilization circuit in which a working medium is circulated, a pumping device for pressurizing the working medium, an evaporator for vaporizing the working medium by waste heat of the internal combustion engine, an expansion machine for expanding the working medium while extracting mechanical energy therefrom and a condenser for condensing the working medium in a resting state, the waste heat utilization circuit is in communication with a pressure store capable of maintaining a pressure for setting and ensuring a predetermined adjustable minimum pressure of the working medium in the waste heat utilization circuit.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2013Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: Daimler AGInventors: Jan Gaertner, Thomas Koch
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Patent number: 9003789Abstract: An energy harvesting system for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy includes a heat engine that operates using a shape memory alloy active material. The shape memory alloy member may be in thermal communication with a hot region at a first temperature and a cold region at a second temperature lower than the first temperature. The shape memory alloy material may be configured to selectively change crystallographic phase between martensite to austenite and thereby one of contract and expand in response to the first and second temperatures. A thermal conduction element may be in direct contact with the SMA material, where the thermal conduction element is configured to receive thermal energy from the hot region and to transfer a portion of the received thermal energy to the SMA material through conduction.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2011Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignees: GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Dynalloy, Inc., The Regents of the University of MichiganInventors: Alan L. Browne, Nancy L. Johnson, Paul W. Alexander, John Andrew Shaw, Christopher Burton Churchill, Andrew C. Keefe, Geoffrey P. McKnight, Guillermo A. Herrera, Nilesh D. Mankame, Richard J. Skurkis, Wayne Brown
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Publication number: 20150096297Abstract: An exhaust heat recovery device provided with a Rankine cycle, capable of achieving improvements in start-up performance of the Rankine cycle and an efficient operation (actuation) of the Rankine cycle. An exhaust heat recovery device 1 that recovers and uses exhaust heat of an engine 10 includes: a Rankine cycle 2 including a heater 22, an expander 23, a condenser 24, and a pump 25; a bypass flow passage 26 that allows refrigerant to circulate while bypassing the expander 23; a bypass valve 27 that opens and closes the bypass flow passage 26; and a control unit 4. When starting up the Rankine cycle 2, the control unit 4 executes control to actuate the pump 25 with the bypass valve 27 open, and then to close the bypass valve 27 when a parameter indicating the condensation capacity of the condenser 24 becomes a predetermined value or more.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2013Publication date: April 9, 2015Inventors: Tomonori Haraguchi, Hirofumi Wada
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Publication number: 20150089943Abstract: Systems and methods for operating an engine that includes an exhaust gas heat recovery system are described. The system may selectively or contemporaneously supply energy from engine exhaust gas to generate electricity or warm the engine. In one example, exhaust gas energy raises a temperature of a heat transfer medium and the heat transfer medium is routed to an engine coolant heat exchanger or an expander via a bypass valve.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 2, 2013Publication date: April 2, 2015Applicant: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Quazi Ehtesham Hussain, David Richens Brigham, Mark John Jennings
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Patent number: 8991180Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for the recovery of waste heat from an internal combustion engine (2), according to which a feed pump (6), a heat exchanger (8), an expansion engine (10) and a capacitor (12) are arranged in a circuit (4) containing a circulating working medium. A bypass connection (14) is mounted in parallel to the expansion engine (10), in the circuit (4), the expansion engine (10) being coupled to the circuit (4), or decoupled therefrom, according to an operating situation of the internal combustion engine (2).Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2011Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Gregory Rewers, Nadja Eisenmenger, Achim Brenk, Dieter Seher, Hans-Christoph Magel, Andreas Wengert
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Patent number: 8991179Abstract: The invention relates to a drive unit, in particular for a vehicle drive, comprising a drive machine generating driving power, a cooling system for the fluid cooling of the drive machine and/or a component of the drive unit which is supplied at least indirectly with driving power by the drive machine, wherein in the cooling system a coolant circulates; a lubricating circuit for the lubrication of at least one movable component of the drive unit with a lubricant. The invention is characterized in that the drive unit further comprises an accumulation reservoir, in which a comprehensive operating fluid, which comprises a mixture of an ionic fluid and a vaporizable fluid, is stockpiled, wherein the cooling system and the lubricating circuit are at least indirectly fluidically connected to the accumulation reservoir in order to extract lubricant and coolant from the comprehensive operating fluid.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2010Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Steamdrive GmbHInventors: Jürgen Berger, Stephan Bartosch
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Publication number: 20150075163Abstract: A waste heat utilization device for a motor vehicle includes a waste heat utilization circuit in which a working medium circulates. The water heat utilization circuit includes a conveying device, an evaporator, an expansion machine, and a condenser. The waste heat utilization device also includes an electrical generator in direct or indirect drive connection with a power take-off shaft of an internal combustion engine. The expansion machine is in direct drive connection with the power take-off shaft of the internal combustion engine for purposes of energy recirculation.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2013Publication date: March 19, 2015Inventors: Volodymyr Frank, Manuel Jung, Christoph Junker, Eugen Krebs, Alexander Kropp, Thomas Streule
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Patent number: 8966898Abstract: Disclosed is an energy retriever system and methods for absorbing energy and using that energy elsewhere or converting it to other useful forms of energy or work. The energy retriever system consists of a series of components interconnected by a plurality of conduits containing a fluid. Working as a self-contained thermodynamic system, the energy retriever system allows the fluid to circulate through all of these elements. Heat added to the energy capture subsystem heats the fluid. The fluid becomes more pressurized and moves into the expansion cycle subsystem. The energy extraction subsystem transforms the thermal energy of the fluid into work, kinetic energy or thermal energy. The reservoir subsystem compresses the fluid and reintroduces it into the energy capture subsystem. One-way valves are used throughout the system to keep the flow of the fluid in one direction and separate sections of the system that contain different pressures.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2013Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: Harlequin Motor Works, Inc.Inventor: Paul W. Corley
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Publication number: 20150052893Abstract: A heat exchanger may include a gas conduit flowable through by a predetermined gas and a heat conduit flowable through by a predetermined fluid compound working fluid. The heat conduit may be in thermal communication with the gas conduit. The heat exchanger may include a first section having a first section length, a second section having a second section length, and a third section having a third section length. The gas conduit may span, in a direction of flow of the gas, the first section, the second section, and the third section. The heat conduit may span, in a direction of flow of the working fluid, the third section, the first section, and the second section. The first section may include a gas inlet and the third section may include a working fluid inlet and a gas outlet. The section may include a working fluid outlet.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2014Publication date: February 26, 2015Inventors: Peter Geskes, Klaus Irmler, Eberhard Pantow, Michael Schmidt
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Patent number: 8959914Abstract: A waste heat utilization device (2) for an internal combustion engine has a Rankine cycle (8) that recovers waste heat from an internal combustion engine (4), a generator (30) that is rotationally driven by an expander (14) and converts a rotational drive force into electric power, a converter (32) that controls the rotational speed of the expander (14) through the generator (30), refrigerant-condition detecting means (22, 24, 26, 28) that detects the pressure and temperature of a refrigerant passing through the expander (14), and a controller (34) that calculates pressure ratio Rp of the refrigerant in the immediate upstream and downstream of the expander (14) and specific heat ratio K of the refrigerant passing through the expander (14) on the basis of the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant, which have been detected by the refrigerant-condition detecting means (22, 24, 26, 28), calculates a preset pressure ratio Rps of the pressure ratio Rp by multiplying predetermined volume ratio Rv of the expandType: GrantFiled: October 15, 2008Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Sanden CorporationInventors: Junichiro Kasuya, Yasuaki Kanou
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Publication number: 20150047351Abstract: A waste heat utilization apparatus is provided with a Rankine cycle and a power transmission mechanism that transmits power regenerated by an expander to an engine. The power transmission mechanism includes an expander clutch that interrupts or permits The transmission of the power from to expander to the engine. The expander includes a rotational speed sensor that detects a rotational speed of the expander. An increase in friction of the expander is detected on the basis of an increase in the rotational speed of the expander detected by the rotational speed sensor when the expander clutch is disconnected.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 14, 2012Publication date: February 19, 2015Inventors: Takayuki Ishikawa, Shinichiro Mizoguchi, Hiroyuki Nagai, Riyako Iwahashi, Satoshi Ogihara, Tomonori Haraguchi
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Publication number: 20150040541Abstract: A waste heat recovery (WHR) system operates in a reverse mode, permitting using the WHR system to transfer heat to the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine. In another configuration, a WHR system may operate in two modes. The first mode removes heat from exhaust gas of an engine to perform useful work. The second mode transfers heat to the exhaust gas. The benefit of this flexible system is that a WHR system is adaptable to rapidly heat exhaust gas at startup and during other conditions where the temperature of the exhaust gas is less than a predetermined operating range. Because of the ability to rapidly warm engine exhaust gas, an exhaust gas receiving system, such as an EGR or an aftertreatment system, may function to reduce the emissions of the engine more quickly. Because this system is reversible, it retains the capability of a conventional WHR system.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2014Publication date: February 12, 2015Applicant: Cummins Intellectual Property, Inc.Inventor: Marten H. DANE
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Patent number: 8950184Abstract: A device for utilizing waste heat of an internal combustion engine. A heat exchanger of a circuit of a working medium is provided in its exhaust system. A pump is connected upstream from the heat exchanger, the circuit containing an expansion machine. A coupling heat exchanger is located in the circuit of the working medium, the working medium of the circuit and the cooling medium of the internal combustion engine flowing through the coupling heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2010Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Juergen Stegmaier, Martin Cichon, Manfred Schmitt, Achim Schmidt