Motive Fluid Comprises A Material Other Than Steam Or Water Patents (Class 60/671)
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Patent number: 8407998Abstract: A waste heat recovery system for use with an engine. The waste heat recovery system receives heat input from both an exhaust gas recovery system and exhaust gas streams. The system includes a first loop and a second loop. The first loop is configured to receive heat from both the exhaust gas recovery system and the exhaust system as necessary. The second loop receives heat from the first loop and the exhaust gas recovery system. The second loop converts the heat energy into electrical energy through the use of a turbine.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2010Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Cummins Inc.Inventors: Timothy C. Ernst, Christopher R. Nelson
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Patent number: 8408000Abstract: Pendular and differential periodic heat engines with theoretical efficiencies of ONE, and industrial efficiencies close to ONE, exclusively subordinate to the physical constraints inherent in any material device under ordinary conditions of use, operating with recirculation of the gases in closed loops between a thermodynamic pendulum (2/2, 2/4) made up of a chamber (1/2, 1/4) fitted with a piston (2/2, 2/4) connected to a free flywheel (3/2), and a regulated supply of heat (10/4, 10/4, etc.) positioned some distance away from the chamber of the thermodynamic pendulum (FIG. 2), with extension to turbine engines (FIG. 5) thanks to phase changes.Type: GrantFiled: January 8, 2009Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Inventor: Albert Cohen
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Patent number: 8397504Abstract: A method and system for waste heat recovery for conversion to mechanical energy. Exhaust is received from an engine into a first heat exchanger where heat from the exhaust is transferred to a refrigerant. The exhaust is then transferred to a regenerator module in order to produce electricity which is provided to a power box. The hot refrigerant from the first heat exchanger is transferred to a kinetic energy recovery system to produce electricity which is also transferred to said power box. The power box provides electricity to a traction motor and the traction motor turns an axle. The refrigerant is then transferred to a refrigerant cooling unit and then to a second heat exchanger wherein ambient air from the regenerator module is cooled. The refrigerant and cooled ambient air can be then transferred to an engine cooling jacket to cool the engine.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Global Alternative Fuels, LLCInventors: Carlos Guzman, Larry Lee Walter
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Patent number: 8375719Abstract: The present invention is directed to a turbine seal system. The turbine seal system captures working fluid which is escaping from a closed loop thermodynamic cycle system, condenses the captured working fluid, and returns the condensate back to the thermodynamic cycle system. The turbine seal system is configured to apply nitrogen, or other non-condensable, or other material, to capture or mix with the escaping working fluid. The combined mixture of working fluid which escapes the turbine and the nitrogen utilized to capture the working fluid is evacuated by an exhaust compressor which maintains a desired vacuum in a gland seal compartment of the turbine seal. The combined mixture can then be sent to a condenser to condense the working fluid vapor and evacuate the non-condensables, forming a working stream. Once the non-condensables have been evacuated, the working stream is pumped to a higher pressure, and prepared to be re-introduced into the thermodynamic cycle system.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2006Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Assignee: Recurrent Engineering, LLCInventors: Lawrence Rhodes, Yakov Lerner
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Patent number: 8375720Abstract: A plasma-vortex engine (20) provided. The engine (20) consists of a plasmatic fluid (22) circulating in a closed loop (44) encompassing a fluid heater (26), an expansion chamber (30), and a condenser (42). The expansion chamber (30) is fabricated of magnetic material, and encompasses a rotor (72), fabricated of non-magnetic material, to which T-form vanes (114), also fabricated of non-magnetic material, are coupled. A shaft (36) is coupled to the rotor (72). During operation, the plasmatic fluid (22) is heated to produce a plasma (86) within the expansion chamber (30). The plasma (86) is expanded and a vortex (100) generated therein to exert a plasmatic force (93) against the vanes (114). The rotor (72) and shaft (36) rotate in response to the plasmatic force (93). A plurality of magnets (115,119) are embedded in the vanes (114) and rotor (72) to provide attractive and repulsive forces (97,99,101) and better seal the vane (114) to the expansion chamber (30).Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Inventor: Merton W. Pekrul
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Publication number: 20130033037Abstract: Embodiments provide a heat engine system containing working fluid (e.g., sc-CO2) within high and low pressure sides of a working fluid circuit and a heat exchanger configured to transfer thermal energy from a heat source to the working fluid. The heat engine system further contains an expander for converting a pressure drop in the working fluid to mechanical energy, a shaft coupled to the expander and configured to drive a device (e.g., generator or pump) with the mechanical energy, a recuperator for transferring thermal energy between the high and low pressure sides, and a cooler for removing thermal energy from the working fluid in the low pressure side. The heat engine system also contains a pump for circulating the working fluid, a mass management system (MMS) fluidly connected to the working fluid circuit, and a supply tank fluidly connected to the MMS by a supply line.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2012Publication date: February 7, 2013Applicant: Echogen Power Systems, Inc.Inventors: Timothy J. Held, Jason D. Miller
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Patent number: 8353160Abstract: A thermo-electric engine with a working fluid operative in a closed Rankine cycle to enable a harvesting energy from an external source of thermodynamic energy comprising an internal combustion engine or solar energy. The thermo-electric engine comprising an evaporator; a turbine fluidically coupled to the evaporator; a heat exchanger comprising a condenser for receiving working fluid from the turbine; a hot liquid input for coupling to a source of heated liquid coolant from an internal combustion engine to the evaporator; a liquid return for returning liquid coolant to the internal combustion engine; a cooling liquid input to the condenser for receiving cooling liquid from a radiator; and a cooling liquid return for returning the cooling liquid to the radiator. Alternatively, a solar energy collector can power a turbine fluidically coupled to the solar energy collector for receiving working fluid.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2009Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Inventors: John Pesce, David Pesce
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Publication number: 20130008165Abstract: A Rankine cycle system includes: a superheater, an expander including a first outlet discharging steam and a second outlet discharging liquid refrigerant produced therein; a first discharge path discharging the steam from the expander; a condenser condensing the steam introduced through the first discharge path into liquid refrigerant, a condensed water tank reserving the liquid refrigerant produced in the condenser; and a second discharge path discharging the liquid refrigerant from the expander to the condensed water tank, wherein a liquid level in the condensed water tank satisfies a following relation: ?h>?Pto/?g, when ?h means a height difference between the liquid level and a lowest liquid level in the second discharge path, ?Pto means a pressure loss when the steam flows into the condenser from the expander through the first discharge path, ? means a density of the liquid refrigerant, and g means a gravitational acceleration.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2010Publication date: January 10, 2013Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Kenichi Yamada, Hideo Kobayashi, Masahide Ishikawa, Toshihisa Sugiyama
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Publication number: 20130000302Abstract: A method of improving heat utilization in a thermodynamic cycle, the method comprising heating a working stream in a at least one distillation assembly to produce a rich stream and a lean stream; wherein the distillation assembly comprises a bottom reboiler section, a middle distillation section and a top condenser section; superheating the rich stream in at least one superheater to produce a gaseous working stream; expanding the gaseous working stream in at least one means for expansion to obtain energy in usable form and at least one spent stream; mixing the spent stream and the lean stream to produce a mixed stream; condensing the mixed stream in an absorber-condenser assembly using cooling water to obtain a condensed stream; exchanging heat between the condensed stream and the rich stream to partially condense the rich stream before step b); whereby the condensed stream on heat exchange gives a liquid working stream; exchanging heat between the liquid working stream and the lean stream in at least one heaType: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2011Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: Institute of Chemical TechnologyInventors: Bhagwat Sunil Subhash, Satpute Satchidanand Ramdasji, Patil Swapnil Shridhar, Shankar Ravi
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Publication number: 20130000303Abstract: An engine is configured to extract energy from a heat source as follows. A shaft is adapted to be rotatably coupled to a support and rotatable in a first direction. A plurality of vessels is coupled to and arranged about the shaft. At least a first vessel of the plurality of vessels includes a thermally insulative portion and a thermally conductive portion. A plurality of conduits connects the plurality of vessels together. Each of the plurality of vessels is in communication with at least one other of the plurality of vessels via at least one of the conduits. The plurality of vessels is arranged to allow the thermally conductive portion of the first vessel to encounter the heat source. The thermally conductive portion is capable of transferring heat to at least partially vaporize volatile fluid within the first vessel to cause a mass to at least partially move towards a connected vessel located above the first vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 15, 2010Publication date: January 3, 2013Applicant: DYVERGA ENERGY CORPORATIONInventor: Harold Emerson Godwin
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Patent number: 8341960Abstract: For operating a multi-heat source power plant, including a thermal collector having access to heat from a solar collector as a first heat source for heating a first fluid to a first temperature, a topping power generation cycle using the first fluid as a motive fluid, and a geothermal second heat source for heating a second motive fluid, which is different from said first motive fluid, to a second temperature lower than the first temperature, a heat exchanger transfers heat from the first fluid to the second fluid to raise the temperature of the second fluid to a higher temperature. A bottoming power generation cycle uses said second fluid, heated to the higher temperature, as a motive fluid.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2009Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: Ormat Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Dov Berger, Joseph Shinai, Lucien Y. Bronicki
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Publication number: 20120317983Abstract: Simple thermodynamic cycles, methods and apparatus for implementing the cycles are disclosed, where the method and system involve once or twice enriching an upcoming basic solution stream, where the systems and methods utilize relatively low temperature external heat source streams, especially low temperature geothermal sources.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 15, 2011Publication date: December 20, 2012Applicant: KALEX, LLCInventor: Alexander I. Kalina
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Patent number: 8333074Abstract: A mixing device for incorporating a light gas at low pressure into a working fluid at a very high pressure includes a mixing section in the form of a truncated conical section between the an inlet and an outlet, a plurality of inlets for the light gas into the mixing section, and a plurality of passages through the truncated conical section into a cylindrical section leading to the outlet.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2009Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Inventor: Thomas KaKovitch
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Publication number: 20120291433Abstract: This invention relates to a low temperature solar thermal power system, which combines the solar hot water collectors with the organic Rankine cycle system using the low critical temperature hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) or hydrocarbons (HC) working fluid for converting solar energy to electrical energy. This invention also relates to systems and methodology for conversion of low temperature thermal energy, wherever obtained, to electrical energy using the low critical temperature hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) or hydrocarbons (HC) working fluid for organic Rankine cycle system to drive an electrical generator or do other work in a cost effective way.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 19, 2011Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: Ning MengInventors: Ning Meng, Zhaolute Meng, Zhayate Meng
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Publication number: 20120291435Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein that generally involve a double pinch criterion for optimization of regenerative Rankine cycles. In some embodiments, operating variables such as bleed extraction pressure and bleed flow rate are selected such that a double pinch is obtained in a feedwater heater, thereby improving the efficiency of the Rankine cycle. In particular, a first pinch point is obtained at the onset of condensation of the bleed and a second pinch point is obtained at the exit of the bleed from the feedwater heater. The minimal approach temperature at the first pinch point can be approximately equal to the minimal approach temperature at the second pinch point. Systems that employ regenerative Rankine cycles, methods of operating such systems, and methods of optimizing the operation of such systems are disclosed herein in connection with the double pinch criterion.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2012Publication date: November 22, 2012Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Hussam Zebian, Alexander Mitsos
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Patent number: 8302399Abstract: The present application and the resultant patent provide a waste heat recovery system for recovering heat from a number of turbocharger stages. The waste heat recovery system may include a simple organic rankine cycle system and a number of charge air coolers in communication with the turbocharger stages and the simple organic rankine cycle system. The charge air coolers are positioned in a number of parallel branches of the simple organic rankine cycle system.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2011Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Sebastian W. Freund, Gabor Ast, Pierre Huck, Sara Rocci Denis, Monika Muehlbauer, Albert Scharl, Wolfgang Madl
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Patent number: 8297064Abstract: An energy efficient air conditioning system preferably includes a compressor, a reaction turbine, an electrical generator, an expansion device, an evaporator coil, an evaporator fan and a refrigerant gas. A condenser coil and fan are replaced with the reaction turbine. Hot high pressurized gas is piped into the reaction turbine from the compressor, which causes a drive shaft of the reaction turbine to spin the electrical generator. High pressurized liquid exits the reaction turbine into the expansion device as a high pressure liquid. A low pressure liquid exists at an output of the expansion device and enters the evaporator coil. The low pressure liquid boils, absorbing heat in the evaporator. The evaporator fan blows warm air from a confined space over the evaporator coil to provide a flow of cold air to the confined space. The low pressure gas then enters the compressor to start a new cycle.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2011Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Inventor: James M. Walters
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Publication number: 20120255302Abstract: A thermal separator/power generator uses the thermodynamic properties of refrigerant substances to provide supplemental heating, cooling, and power without emitting any additional greenhouse gases to the environment by utilizing waste or unused heat energy. This is accomplished through the combined operation of a Rankine Cycle Generator using a refrigerant, preferably a natural refrigerant such as NH3, as the working fluid, and a CO2 a vapor compression heat pump cycle, also called a Thermal Separator Module. The combined system is called a Thermal Separator/Power Generator. It produces electrical power and simultaneously produces secondary heating and water or air cooling as byproducts. In the combined vapor compression heat pump/Rankine power generator cycle, waste heat from external source(s) are recovered and used for heating in the Rankine power cycle. The CO2 heat pump provides cooling and optional space or process heating in lieu of heat boost efficiency for the Rankine power generator cycle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2010Publication date: October 11, 2012Inventors: Rodney D. Hugelman, Marc S. Albertin
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Patent number: 8281592Abstract: A direct heat exchange method and apparatus for recovering heat from a liquid heat source is disclosed, where the method includes contacting a liquid heat source stream with a multi-component hydrocarbon fluid, where the hydrocarbon fluid compositions has a linear or substantially linear temperature versus enthalpy relationship over the temperature range of the direct heat exchange apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2009Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Inventor: Alexander I. Kalina
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Patent number: 8276384Abstract: Ambient temperature thermal energy cryogenic engine with constant pressure with continuous “cold” combustion at constant pressure and with an active chamber operating with a cryogenic fluid stored in its liquid phase, and used as a work gas in its gaseous phase and operating in a closed cycle with return to its liquid phase. The initially liquid cryogenic fluid is vaporized in the gaseous phase at very low temperatures and supplies the inlet of a gas compression device, which then discharges this compressed work gas, still at low temperature, and through a heat exchanger with the ambient temperature, into a work tank or external expansion chamber fitted or not fitted with a heating device, where its temperature and its volume will considerably increase in order to then be preferably let into a relief device providing work and for example comprising an active chamber according to international patent application WO 2005/049968.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2007Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: MDI-Motor Development International S.A.Inventors: Guy Negre, Cyril Negre
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Patent number: 8276383Abstract: A Rankine cycle system uses as a refrigerant one of several quaternary organic heat exchange fluid mixtures which provide substantially improved efficiency and are environmentally sound, typically containing no chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). The system includes a closed circuit in which the refrigerant is used to drive a turbine, which may be used to drive an electric generator or for other suitable purposes.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2009Date of Patent: October 2, 2012Assignee: Acme Energy, Inc.Inventor: Samuel M. Sami
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Patent number: 8272217Abstract: In accordance with the invention, to reduce the complexity of a cycle process, a liquid working medium flow (13) is brought up to an increased pressure and through part condensation of an expanded working medium flow (12) a first partly vaporized working medium flow (15) is created. Through further vaporization of the first partly vaporized working medium flow (15) with heat which is transferred from an external heat source (20), a second at least partly vaporized working medium flow (18) is created. In this second at least partly vaporized working medium flow (18) the vapor phase (10) is separated from the liquid phase (10), subsequently the energy of the vapor phase (10) is converted into a usable form and an expanded vapor phase (11) created. The expanded vapor phase (11) is mixed with the liquid phase (19) and the expanded working medium flow (12) is formed.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2005Date of Patent: September 25, 2012Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellshaftInventor: Jörg Lengert
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Publication number: 20120235415Abstract: A power recovery system using the Rankine power cycle incorporating a two-phase liquid-vapor expander with an electric generator which further consists of a heat sink, a heat source, a working fluid to transport heat and pressure energy, a feed pump and a two-phase liquid-vapor expander for the working fluid mounted together with an electric generator on one rotating shaft, a first heat exchanger to transport heat from the working fluid to the heat sink, a second heat exchanger to transport heat from the heat source to the working fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2011Publication date: September 20, 2012Applicant: Ebara International CorporationInventor: Joel V. Madison
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Publication number: 20120227404Abstract: The invention relates to a thermodynamic machine having a circulation system in which a working fluid, in particular a low-boiling working fluid, circulates alternately in a gaseous and a liquid phase, a heat exchanger, an expansion machine, a condenser, and a fluid pump. The invention also relates to a method for operating the thermodynamic machine. According to certain embodiments of the invention, in the flow line of the fluid pump, a partial pressure increasing the system pressure is applied to the liquid working fluid by adding a non-condensing auxiliary gas. Compact ORC machines can be implemented, preventing cavitation in the liquid working fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2010Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: Orcan Energy GmbHInventors: Andreas Schuster, Andreas Sichert, Richard Aumann
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Patent number: 8245512Abstract: Use of working fluids for energy conversion in a thermal Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) process for combined generation of electrical and heat energy. The heat source used in the ORC process is in particular thermal water. The working fluids used in the ORC process are partially or perfluorinated hydrocarbons and/or partially or perfluorinated polyethers and/or partially or perfluorinated ketones. In some embodiments, the working fluid used is a combination of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane and a fluorinated polyether having a molecular weight of 340 and a boiling point of 57° C. at 101.3 kPa, or a combination of 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane and at least one partially or perfluorinated ketone.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2011Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: SOLVAY FLUOR GmbHInventors: Martin Schwiegel, Felix Flohr, Christoph Meurer
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Publication number: 20120205918Abstract: A closed loop thermodynamic system acts as power generator. The system includes an air blower, an expansion coil, a compressor, a large heat storage tank, a gas turbine, and an electric generator. The expansion coil includes heat absorption tubes which extract heat from air circulated by the blower and add heat to a refrigerant within the exchanger tubes. The compressor condenses the refrigerant into a large heat storage tank. The compressed liquid is allowed to expand into a high pressure gas which drives the gas turbine to drive an electric generator. The generator electricity is converted into household electricity which is used to provide electric power.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2012Publication date: August 16, 2012Inventor: Antonio Ancona
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Patent number: 8236193Abstract: A working medium for heat cycle has less impact on the environment and is excellent in heat cycle characteristics for a Rankine cycle system, a heat pump cycle system, and a refrigerating cycle system. The working medium has the formula CnF2n+1—CmH2m+1, wherein n is an integer of from 2 to 8, an m is an integer of from 0 to 3.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2009Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, LimitedInventor: Masato Fukushima
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Patent number: 8236093Abstract: A method of reducing the concentration of pollutants in a combustion flue gas having a first temperature is provided. The method includes the step of providing an organic Rankine cycle apparatus utilizing a working fluid and including at least one heat exchanger is arranged in thermal communication with the flue gas. The method further includes the step of reducing the temperature of the flue gas to a second temperature less than the first temperature by vaporizing the working fluid within the heat exchanger utilizing thermal energy derived from the flue gas. The method further includes the step of filtering the flue gas through at least one filter disposed downstream of the heat exchanger to remove pollutants from the flue gas. An associated system configured to reduce the concentration of pollutants in the combustion flue gas is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2009Date of Patent: August 7, 2012Assignee: BHA Group, Inc.Inventors: Robert Warren Taylor, James Easel Roberts, Charles Michael Booth
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Publication number: 20120192563Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to heat recovery systems that employ two or more organic Rankine cycle (ORC) units disposed in series. According to certain embodiments, each ORC unit includes an evaporator that heats an organic working fluid, a turbine generator set that expands the working fluid to generate electricity, a condenser that cools the working fluid, and a pump that returns the working fluid to the evaporator. The heating fluid is directed through each evaporator to heat the working fluid circulating within each ORC unit, and the cooling fluid is directed through each condenser to cool the working fluid circulating within each ORC unit. The heating fluid and the cooling fluid flow through the ORC units in series in the same or opposite directions.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2012Publication date: August 2, 2012Applicant: JOHNSON CONTROLS TECHNOLOGY COMPANYInventors: Justin P. Kauffman, Andrew M. Welch, Gregory R. Dawson, Eric N. Minor
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Patent number: 8215114Abstract: A vapor power generating system for generating power by using heat from a source of heat. The system has a closed circuit for a working fluid, and includes a heat exchanger assembly (1) for heating the fluid under pressure with heat from the source, a separator (8) for separating the vapor phase of the heated fluid from the liquid phase thereof, an expander (14) for expanding the vapor to generate power, a condenser (17) for condensing the outlet fluid from the expander (14), a feed pump (F) for returning condensed fluid from the condenser (17) to the heater and a return path for returning the liquid phase from the separator to the heater. The liquid phase of the working fluid contains a lubricant which lubricant is soluble or miscible in the liquid phase and a bearing supply path (21) is arranged to deliver liquid phase pressurized by the feed pump (F) to at least one bearing for a rotary element of the expander.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2006Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: City UniversityInventors: Ian Kenneth Smith, Nikola Rudi Stosic, Ahmed Kovacevic
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Publication number: 20120151923Abstract: A method for recovering waste heat in a process for the synthesis of a chemical product, particularly ammonia, where the product is used as the working fluid of a thermodynamic cycle; the waste heat is used to increase the enthalpy content of a high-pressure liquid stream of said product (11), delivered by a synthesis section (10), thus obtaining a vapour or supercritical product stream (20), and energy is recovered by expanding said vapour or supercritical stream across at least one suitable ex-pander (13); the method is particularly suited to recover the heat content of the syngas effluent after low-temperature shift.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2010Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: AMMONIA CASALE SAInventors: Ermanno Filippi, Raffaele Ostuni
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Patent number: 8196405Abstract: An energy storage system is provided which includes an electrolyser a hydrogen gas storage and a power plant. The electrolyser is connected to the hydrogen gas storage and the hydrogen gas storage is connected to the power plant. Furthermore, a method for storing and supplying energy is provided which includes delivering electrical energy to an electrolyser; decomposing water into oxygen and hydrogen gas by means of the electrolyser; storing the hydrogen gas; supplying the stored hydrogen gas to a power plant; and producing electrical energy via of the power plant.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2009Date of Patent: June 12, 2012Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Erik Wolf
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Publication number: 20120137689Abstract: A hydrogen production apparatus (1) which, in order to improve power generation efficiency, comprises: a humidifier (2), which is supplied with a process fluid containing carbon monoxide and mixes the process fluid with steam; a reactor (3), which reacts the humidified process fluid output from the humidifier (2) in the presence of a catalyst, thereby converting the carbon monoxide within the process fluid into carbon dioxide; a first pipe (A) through which the high-temperature process fluid flows following reaction in the reactor (3); a second pipe (B) that supplies makeup water; at least one first heat exchanger (51a, 51b), each of which is disposed at one of one or more locations where the first pipe (A) and the second pipe (B) cross each other; and a third pipe (C) that supplies the steam generated by heat exchange in the first heat exchanger (51a, 51b) to other apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2010Publication date: June 7, 2012Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Takanori Tsutsumi, Yoshinori Koyama, Katsuhiro Ota, Takashi Fujii, Hiromi Ishii
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Publication number: 20120131921Abstract: A system for converting thermal energy to work. The system includes a working fluid circuit, and a precooler configured to receive the working fluid. The system also includes a compression stages and intercoolers. At least one of the precooler and the intercoolers is configured to receive a heat transfer medium from a high temperature ambient environment. The system also includes heat exchangers coupled to a source of heat and being configured to receive the working fluid. The system also includes turbines coupled to one or more of the heat exchangers and configured to receive heated working fluid therefrom. The system further includes recuperators fluidly coupled to the turbines, the precooler, the compressor, and at least one of the heat exchangers. The recuperators transfer heat from the working fluid downstream from the turbines, to the working fluid upstream from at least one of the heat exchangers.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2011Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: ECHOGEN POWER SYSTEMS, LLCInventor: Timothy James Held
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Publication number: 20120131918Abstract: Systems and methods for recovering energy from waste heat are provided. The system includes a waste heat exchanger coupled to a source of waste heat to heat a first flow of a working fluid. The system also includes a first expansion device that receives the first flow from the waste heat exchanger and expands it to rotate a shaft. The system further includes a first recuperator coupled to the first expansion device and to receive the first flow therefrom and to transfer heat from the first flow to a second flow of the working fluid. The system also includes a second expansion device that receives the second flow from the first recuperator, and a second recuperator fluidly coupled to the second expansion device to receive the second flow therefrom and transfer heat from the second flow to a combined flow of the first and second flows.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 28, 2011Publication date: May 31, 2012Applicant: ECHOGEN POWER SYSTEMS, LLCInventor: Timothy James Held
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Patent number: 8181463Abstract: The present invention provides an organic Rankine cycle power system, which comprises means for superheating vaporized organic motive fluid, an organic turbine module coupled to a generator, and a first pipe through which superheated organic motive fluid is supplied to the turbine, wherein the superheating means is a set of coils through which the vaporized organic motive fluid flows and which is in direct heat exchanger relation with waste heat gases.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2008Date of Patent: May 22, 2012Assignee: ORMAT Technologies Inc.Inventors: Dany Batscha, Shlomi Argas, Avinoam Leshem
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Patent number: 8176738Abstract: Methods and systems for converting waste heat from cement plant into a usable form of energy are disclosed. The methods and systems make use of two heat source streams from the cement plant, a hot air stream and a flue gas stream, to fully vaporize and superheat a working fluid stream, which is then used to convert a portion of its heat to a usable form of energy. The methods and systems utilize sequential heat exchanges stages to heat the working fluid stream, first with the hot air stream or from a first heat transfer fluid stream heated by the hot air stream and second with the flue gas stream from a second heat transfer fluid stream heated by the hot air stream.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2008Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: Kalex LLCInventor: Alexander I. Kalina
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Patent number: 8166761Abstract: A method of generating power from a heat source, said method including: compressing (10) a working fluid to increase its temperature; exchanging (11) heat between said working fluid and said heat source to superheat said working fluid; expanding (12) said superheated working fluid to drive a turbine, thereby reducing its temperature; condensing (13) said working fluid to further reduce its temperature: and returning said working fluid to said compressing step (10), the method further including the step (14) of regenerating the heat of said working fluid wherein working fluid passing between said compressing step (10) and said heat exchanging step (11) exchanges heat with working fluid passing between said expanding step (12) and said condensing step (13); wherein said steps are performed in a thermodynamic cycle (S1-S1?-S2-S3-S3?-S4) within a supercritical region (SC) above the saturation dome (A) of said working fluid, and wherein said heat regenerating step (14) is performed under isenthalpic conditions toType: GrantFiled: May 14, 2007Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Newcastle Innovation LimitedInventors: Behdad Moghtaderi, Elham Doroodchi
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Publication number: 20120090324Abstract: A process for the use of ambient air as a heat exchange medium for vaporizing cryogenic fluids wherein the vaporized cryogenic gases are heated to a selected temperature for use or delivery to a pipeline.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Inventors: Martin J. Rosetta, Bill R. Minton, David A. Franklin
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Publication number: 20120085096Abstract: Heat recovery systems and methods for producing electrical and/or mechanical power from heat by-product of an overhead stream from a process column are provided. Heat recovery systems and methods include a process heat by-product stream for directly or indirectly heating a working fluid of an organic Rankine cycle. The organic Rankine cycle includes a heat exchanger, a turbine-generator system for producing electrical or mechanical power, a condenser heat exchanger, and a pump for recirculating the working fluid to the heat exchanger.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: Chevron U.S.A. Inc.Inventors: John David Penton, Leonore R. Rouse, Jerry M. Rovner
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Patent number: 8146360Abstract: Some embodiments of a generator system can be used with the working fluid in a Rankine cycle. For example, the generator system can be used in a Rankine cycle to recover heat from one of a number of commercial applications and to convert that heat energy into electrical energy. In particular embodiments, the generator system may include a turbine generator apparatus to generate electrical energy and a liquid separator arranged upstream of the turbine generator apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2010Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Scott R. Myers, Robert Miller
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Publication number: 20120067049Abstract: A power generating system in one embodiment employs a Rankine Cycle system that is coupled to multiple heat sources. The Rankine cycle system includes a customized working fluid that comprises a mixture of a plurality of constituent fluids, the selection of which causes the mixture to exhibit a working fluid profile. In one embodiment, the working fluid profile includes a temperature glide portion selected and optimized based on operating conditions of the heat sources, wherein the temperature glide portion includes a constituent phase point at which one of the constituent fluids undergoes a phase change before the other constituent fluids of the mixture.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2010Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicant: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Lance D. Woolley, Sean P. Breen, Ahmad M. Mahmoud
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Publication number: 20120067047Abstract: Embodiments of a system for storing and providing electrical energy are disclosed. Also disclosed are embodiments of a system for purifying fluid, as well as embodiments of a system in which energy storage and fluid purification are combined. One disclosed embodiment of the system comprises a latent heat storage device, a sensible heat storage device, a vapor expander/compressor device mechanically coupled to a motor/generator device, a heat-exchanger, and a liquid pressurization and depressurization device. The devices are fluidly coupled in a closed-loop system, and a two-phase working fluid circulates therein. Embodiments of a method for operating the system to store and generate energy also are disclosed. Embodiments of a method for operating the system to purify fluid, as well as embodiments of a method for operating a combined energy storage and fluid purification system are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2011Publication date: March 22, 2012Inventors: Richard B. Peterson, Robbie Ingram-Goble, Kevin J. Harada
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Patent number: 8132410Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for the production of hydrogen and the use of high-temperature heat sources in energy conversion. In one embodiment, a primary loop may include a nuclear reactor utilizing a molten salt or helium as a coolant. The nuclear reactor may provide heat energy to a power generation loop for production of electrical energy. For example, a supercritical carbon dioxide fluid may be heated by the nuclear reactor via the molten salt and then expanded in a turbine to drive a generator. An intermediate heat exchange loop may also be thermally coupled with the primary loop and provide heat energy to one or more hydrogen production facilities. A portion of the hydrogen produced by the hydrogen production facility may be diverted to a combustor to elevate the temperature of water being split into hydrogen and oxygen by the hydrogen production facility.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2007Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Battelle Energy Alliance, LLCInventors: Chang H. Oh, Eung S. Kim, Steven R. Sherman
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Patent number: 8132411Abstract: A method and system for generating power in a vaporization of liquid natural gas process, the method comprising pressurizing a working fluid; heating and vaporizing the working fluid; expanding the working fluid in one or more expanders for the generation of power, the working fluid comprises: 2-11 mol % nitrogen, methane, a third component whose boiling point is greater than or equal to that of propane, and a fourth component comprising ethane or ethylene; cooling the working fluid such that the working fluid is at least substantially condensed; and recycling the working fluid, wherein the cooling of the working fluid occurs through indirect heat exchange with a pressurized liquefied natural gas stream in a heat exchanger, and wherein the flow rate of the working fluid at an inlet of the heat exchanger is equal to the flow rate of the working fluid at an outlet of the heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2008Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.Inventors: Jianguo Xu, Donn Michael Herron
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Patent number: 8132413Abstract: A method of converting heat energy generated in an evaporator to mechanical energy by expanding an evaporated working fluid includes evaporating the working fluid in the evaporator and expanding the evaporated working fluid in an expansion device. The expansion is in a low-pressure expansion device which is formed as a roots blower in which the working fluid is expanded and heat energy is converted to mechanical energy.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2004Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Ecoenergy Patent GmbHInventors: Erwin Oser, Michael Rannow
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Publication number: 20120047890Abstract: Advanced Tandem Organic Rankine Cycle (AT ORC) is described for recovering power from source of heat energy into two separated independent cycles with organic fluid of propane or mix of light hydrocarbons with similar thermal stability, namely the high temperature cycle realized in the high temperature closed loop thermally connected to the high temperature zone, and the low temperature cycle realized in the low temperature closed loop thermally connected to the low temperature zone of the source of heat energy. In the process of each cycle, organic fluid changes phases from pressurized liquid to pressurized superheated organic vapor using residual heat energy from depressurized superheated organic vapor, and heat energy from corresponding temperature zone. Separation of the source of heat energy on the high temperature zone and low temperature zone is implemented to maximize thermal and overall efficiency of recovering power in each cycle and of the overall AT ORC.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 5, 2011Publication date: March 1, 2012Inventors: Yakov Regelman, Yuriy Cherepashenets
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Patent number: 8122715Abstract: A self-contained refrigerant powered system is provided having a motor configured for receiving liquefied refrigerant and converting the liquefied refrigerant into gaseous form for powering the motor; a condenser in fluid communication with the motor for receiving gaseous refrigerant and for converting the gaseous refrigerant to liquefied form; and at least one pipe in fluid communication with the condenser and the motor for returning the liquefied refrigerant to the motor.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2006Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Inventors: Marios K. Rapitis, Markos Rapitis
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Patent number: 8117844Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for implementing a closed loop thermodynamic cycle utilizing a multi-component working fluid to acquire heat from two or more external heat source streams in an efficient manner utilizing countercurrent exchange. The liquid multi-component working stream is heated by a first external heat source stream at a first heat exchanger and is subsequently divided into a first substream and a second substream. The first substream is heated by the first working stream at a second external heat source stream at a second heat exchanger. The second substream is heated by the second working stream at a third heat exchanger. The first substream and the second substream are then recombined into a single working stream. The recombined working stream is heated by the second external heat source stream at a fourth heat exchanger.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2007Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Recurrent Engineering, LLCInventors: Mark D. Mirolli, Lawrence Rhodes, Yakov Lerner, Richard I. Pelletier
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Publication number: 20120036854Abstract: A combined vapor compression and vapor expansion system uses a common refrigerant which enables a super-critical high pressure portion and a sub-critical low pressure portion of the vapor expansion circuit. Provision is made to combine the refrigerant flow from the vapor expander and from the compressor discharge. The outdoor heat exchanger is so sized and designed that the working fluid discharged therefrom is always in a liquid form so as to provide a liquid into the pump inlet. The pump and expander are so sized and designed that the high pressure portion of the vapor expansion circuit is always super-critical. A topping heat exchanger, liquid to suction heat exchanger, and various other design features are provided to further increase the thermodynamic efficiency of the system.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 28, 2010Publication date: February 16, 2012Applicant: CARRIER CORPORATIONInventors: Igor B. Vaisman, Timothy C. Wagner, Joseph J. Sangiovanni, Craig R. Walker