System Having Plural Motors Or Having Diverse Types Of Energy Input Patents (Class 60/698)
  • Publication number: 20140174085
    Abstract: An improved heat engine is disclosed. The heat engine comprises at least one heat pipe containing a working fluid flowing in a thermal cycle between vapor phase at an evaporator end and liquid phase at a condenser end. Heat pipe configurations for high-efficiency/high-performance heat engines are disclosed. The heat pipe may have an improved capillary structure configuration with characteristic pore sizes between 1? and 1 nm (e.g. formed through nano- or micro-fabrication techniques) and a continuous or stepwise gradient in pore size along the capillary flow direction. The heat engine may have an improved generator assembly configuration that comprises an expander (e.g. rotary/turbine or reciprocating piston machine) and generator along with magnetic bearings, magnetic couplings and/or magnetic gearing. The expander-generator may be wholly or partially sealed within the heat pipe. A heat engine system (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Elwha LLC.
    Inventors: JORDIN T. KARE, NATHAN P. MYHRVOLD, ROBERT C. PETROSKI, LOWELL L. WOOD, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140174086
    Abstract: An improved heat engine is disclosed. The heat engine comprises at least one heat pipe containing a working fluid flowing in a thermal cycle between vapor phase at an evaporator end and liquid phase at a condenser end. Heat pipe configurations for high-efficiency/high-performance heat engines are disclosed. The heat pipe may have an improved capillary structure configuration with characteristic pore sizes between 1? and 1 nm (e.g. formed through nano- or micro-fabrication techniques) and a continuous or stepwise gradient in pore size along the capillary flow direction. The heat engine may have an improved generator assembly configuration that comprises an expander (e.g. rotary/turbine or reciprocating piston machine) and generator along with magnetic bearings, magnetic couplings and/or magnetic gearing. The expander-generator may be wholly or partially sealed within the heat pipe. A heat engine system (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Elwha LLC
    Inventors: JORDIN T. KARE, NATHAN P. MYHRVOLD, ROBERT C. PETROSKI, LOWELL L. WOOD, JR.
  • Publication number: 20140165545
    Abstract: Graphene materials having encapsulated gas cells and methods to make and use same. Alternative electrically conductive and atomically thin materials (such as graphene oxide) can be used alternatively or in addition to the graphene in the graphene encapsulated micro-bubble materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: CLEAN ENERGY LABS, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph F. Pinkerton, Everett William Neil
  • Publication number: 20140165568
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an energy recovery system for a mobile machine The energy recovery system may include a tank configured to store a liquid fuel for combustion within an engine of the mobile machine, and a first reservoir configured to receive gaseous fuel formed in the tank. The energy recovery system may also include a conduit disposed around the tank that may be fluidly connected to the first reservoir. The energy recovery system may also include a second reservoir fluidly connected to the conduit, and an energy recovery configured to generate work utilizing a temperature gradient between gaseous fuel disposed within the first and second reservoirs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: ELECTRO-MOTIVE DIESEL, INC.
    Inventor: Aaron Gamache FOEGE
  • Publication number: 20140165569
    Abstract: A clean energy system, a renewable energy system or a zero emission energy system (ZEES) to utilize CO2 waste. The energy system may include a fuel processor, an energy catalytic reactor, and a power generator. The fuel processor may catalytically convert the CH4 component in the natural gas, biogas or syngas into a reformate including H2, CO, CO2 and H2O species. The energy reactor may convert the reformate in gas form into a liquid fuel. The power generator may generate power using an output of the fuel processor and/or an output of the energy reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: ZTEK CORPORATION
    Inventor: Michael S. Hsu
  • Publication number: 20140116049
    Abstract: A system includes a first steam generator configured to generate a first boiler feedwater, a second steam generator configured to generate a second boiler feedwater, a common boiler feedwater configured to combine the first boiler feedwater and the second boiler feedwater to produce a common boiler feedwater, and a heater configured to receive the common boiler feedwater to heat a gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: John Caleb Wilson, Leroy Omar Tomlinson, George Frederick Frey
  • Publication number: 20140116793
    Abstract: The hybrid vehicle can have a heat engine driving a first pair of wheels and an electric motor on another pair of wheels. The electric motor is selected to have a greater power than the heat engine, such as corresponding to the maximum power requirement of the vehicle, whereas the heat engine can have a power corresponding to a cruise power requirement of the vehicle. A generator is coupled to the heat engine and can be designed to have a generator capacity corresponding to the power of the heat engine. The electric motor can be used for propulsion during city driving conditions, and the heat engine can be used for propulsion during long range highway conditions, for instance. The design can be considered a power split through the road approach.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: PREVOST, UNE DIVISION DE GROUPE VOLVO CANADA INC.
    Inventors: Martin Pelletier, Alain Dulac, Christophe Lemarechal
  • Patent number: 8707698
    Abstract: A modular energy harvesting system. The system preferably uses an organic Rankine cycle heat engine to recover energy from relatively low-temperature heat sources. The system is both modular and scalable. The components are preferably housed within shipping containers so that they may be easily transported by sea and over land. Two or more power harvesting modules may be assembled on a single site to increase the production capacity in a scalar fashion. Each of the integrated units preferably includes an oil-less turbine and motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Inventor: Ronald David Conry
  • Patent number: 8683988
    Abstract: Embodiments of engine systems for improved engine cooling and work production are disclosed herein. A working fluid can be injected into a combustion chamber or an engine during any portion of an energy cycle to cool the engine and/or to produce useful work in addition to work generated by combustion events in the chamber. The system can include a monitoring system configured to measure conditions within individual combustion chambers. Based on the interior conditions of the chamber, the system can adaptively inject working fluid mixtures into the engine. The engine can be part of a cascading series of engines including a primary engine and a secondary engine that receives fluids from the primary engine and generates energy from the fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Roy Edward McAlister, Roy Edward McAlister
  • Patent number: 8677752
    Abstract: A geothermal power system for production of power, and in particular electrical energy, utilizing naturally occurring geothermal energy sources and a method for identifying and converting manmade and natural geological formations into a substantial source of energy and at the same time providing remediation of environmental and safety hazards. Utilizing surface air that is substantially cooler than the geothermal temperature of the subterranean cavern an induced air flow will be produced. This naturally induced air flow will be harnessed and provide the energy to the system power plants for production of electrical energy. The system includes a hydro electric power system, a geothermal well, heat recovery systems, a source of renewable biomass material, and air and water remediation systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: MINE-NRG, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. DuBois
  • Publication number: 20140075946
    Abstract: A hydroelectric power generation device, comprises at least a potential energy generation unit including a control and load device, a withdrawal tank, a withdrawal pipe and a collection tank, where the control and load device acquires water from the withdrawal tank through the withdrawal pipe, and the collection tank is used to receive the water discharged from the control and load device; a steam boiler, acquiring hot water from a heat storage bucket of a solar water heater by way of a lower pipeline and generating steam, and then discharging steam to the control and load device via an upper pipeline; a gravity transmission unit, receiving water from the collection tank; and a generator set, converting the gravity introduced by the water in the collection tank into rotations thereby further generating electrical power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventor: Tien-Chuan CHEN
  • Patent number: 8650770
    Abstract: This invention is a method and apparatus for drying wet objects, comprising passing air through the wet objects thereby having air absorb moisture from said wet objects; compressing the air adiabatically, thereby heating it; extracting heat from the air by passing it through the hot side of a heat exchanger thereby cooling it; expanding the air adiabatically, thereby cooling it further, below its dew point; separating the condensate from the air; restoring to the air all or part of the heat by passing it through the second side of the heat exchanger; and redirecting all or part of the air back to the wet objects thereby forming a loop in the flow of the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Inventor: George Samuel Levy
  • Patent number: 8649927
    Abstract: A method of controlling operation of an energy system for a hybrid vehicle, the energy system including a combustion engine controlled to work at a desired engine rotational speed; an electric generator/motor driven by the combustion engine to output a generated electric power; a power consuming device driven by the combustion engine and drivable by the electric generator/motor; and an energy storage device connected to the electric generator/motor and arranged to receive the generated electric power output by the electric generator/motor. The method includes the steps of: monitoring an actual engine rotational speed; and if the actual engine rotational speed decreases from the desired engine rotational speed, controlling the electric generator/motor to output a gradually reducing generated electric power. Hereby, the combustion engine can be allowed to remain in an operating range where it works efficiently, while at the same time fulfilling the need for power of the power consuming device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: El-Forest AB
    Inventor: Roger Gustavsson
  • Patent number: 8602141
    Abstract: A power distribution system comprises at least one fuel cell that is selectively operated in response to conditions to provide power to electrical loads and/or to charge an electrical storage device such as a vehicle battery. One form of an alternator can be selectively engaged or disengaged to provide power to the electrical loads and/or to charge the electrical storage device. Either or both of the fuel cell and alternator can be operated to provide electrical power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Daimler Trucks North America LLC
    Inventors: Justin Yee, Mark S. Woolley, Cristin Paun, Shivkumar Duraiswamy, Maik Ziegler, Derek James Rotz, Matthew C. C. Rogers
  • Patent number: 8601815
    Abstract: A system and method for generating, transmitting and receiving power includes providing a source of non-optical power, such as thermal energy, which is converted into electricity. The non-optical power is converted into an optical power beam which is directed into a hollow pipe and transmitted along a length thereof. The hollow pipe may have an inner reflective surface, or lenses or collimators to direct the light therethrough. Upon exiting the hollow pipe, the optical power beam is converted into electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce C. Marshall, Aravinda Kar
  • Publication number: 20130283797
    Abstract: Disclosed are devices which provide a practical means of extracting energy from the electromagnetic zero-point energy which permeates the universe. This is done by exploiting the Casimir-van der Waals' forces to accelerate a fluid through the device and exhaust it with a higher velocity and energy than that with which it entered. This kinetic energy gained by the fluid may then be used to do work, such as spin a turbine for power generation, or provide thrust for direct propulsion. These devices do not consume fuel nor any non-renewable resources during operation and they are capable of generating significantly more energy than they require to start or to be manufactured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: Anthony David Bressi
  • Patent number: 8561915
    Abstract: When an economy switch signal is ON to instruct that fuel economy should be given priority, a blower of an air conditioning device is operated using a blower characteristic map for fuel economy so that a blower level of the air conditioning device is changed with respect to the change in an engine coolant temperature at a low rate. Also, it is determined whether an engine needs to be operated or stopped using an engine operation map for fuel economy so that the engine is likely to be stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Ishida, Kunihiko Jinno, Keita Honda
  • Patent number: 8516990
    Abstract: A hybrid engine including a set of sequencing generators, an electric motor, and a rotary internal combustion engine, including pivotal vane elements mounted on a rotor and biased into engagement to sequentially form intake, compression, combustion and exhaust chambers between the rotor and its housings annular inner wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Inventor: Michael M. Vasilantone
  • Publication number: 20130174554
    Abstract: A power generation system includes a first vessel having a generally constant volume and a second vessel having a variable volume. Thermal energy is supplied to an ideal gas within the first vessel in order to raise its temperature and pressure. The thermally compressed gas is then released into, and expands the volume of, the second vessel. The expanding volume of the second vessel expands raises a mass and/or strains an elastic member, thus storing gravitational and/or elastic potential energy. This stored potential energy can be released on demand by evacuating the second vessel, typically into a third vessel, and used to power a generator. Preferably, the potential energy is used to coupled to the generator using a planetary gear drive, such that a relatively small number of input rotations yields a relatively large number of output rotations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: GRAVATON ENERGY RESOURCES LTD, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Anthony Brewer
  • Publication number: 20130174555
    Abstract: The invention relates to a power station comprising at least two generators (3, 3?) for generating electricity, wherein a gas turbine (1) is provided for driving one of the at least two generators (3, 3?), and a reciprocating piston engine (2) is provided for driving the other of the at least two generators (3, 3?). According to the invention, the reciprocating piston engine (2) comprises at least one charge air inlet (21) for precompressed charge air, and the gas turbine (1) comprises at least one compression stage (11), the at least one charge air inlet (21) of the reciprocating piston engine (2) being connected to an exit of the at least one compression stage (11) via a charge air line (41).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Applicant: GE Jenbacher GmbH & Co OG
    Inventor: GE Jenbacher GmbH & Co OG
  • Publication number: 20130118173
    Abstract: The present invention proposes a process involving the use of at least one, preferentially several non-tethered airships of at least one type, at least carrying one solar energy unit (SEU) and/or one wind energy unit (WEU) for carrying out certain airborne missions of generating a given total amount of final energy (E), whereby preferentially most of which (E1) is used for energy distribution, including airborne energy transmission by means of onboard energy transmission units (ETU), and/or storage by means of onboard, energy storage units (ESO) and supply thereof by connecting to energy devices or grids at platforms (A) or consumers (B), and whereby at least most of the remanding energy amount (E2=E?E1) is used for direct uses by said airships, such as flight assistance systems, or for other uses, such as telecommunications; The present invention also proposes distinctive features of said airships, respective platforms and energy systems associated with, different missions of airborne energy generation and d
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventor: Paulo Alexandre Cardoso
  • Patent number: 8397507
    Abstract: A brake booster system for a motor vehicle of a type having an internal combustion engine without a conventional throttle-type valve in an intake manifold for engine output control. In accordance with the present invention, a throttleless-type IC engine of the above described type is modified to include a valve which can periodically close or obstruct the path of intake air to the IC engine to generate intake manifold vacuum to provide a needed pressure differential for brake booster operation. The system includes a pressure transducer which controls operation of the valve to provide the desired control of engine brake booster vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Continental Automoitve Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Hans-Joerg Lothar Scheibel
  • Publication number: 20130047617
    Abstract: A hybrid drive includes an electric motor coupled to a hydraulic drive having a double-acting hydraulic piston and a piston rod, and a substantially throttle-less valve for actuating the hydraulic drive, and a control unit for actuating the electric machine. To avoid unnecessary energy consumption, an actuating direction requested by the hybrid drive and a desired actuating force are determined, the valve is switched to a position such that the hydraulic drive is effective in the actuating direction, at least when the actuating force cannot be generated by the electric motor alone, the difference between the force generated by the hydraulic drive and the actuating force is determined, and the electric motor is operated such that the desired actuating force is achieved by adding the force generated by the motor to the force generated by the hydraulic drive, or subtracting the first from the latter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: Netstal-Maschinen AG
    Inventors: Markus Notz, Markus Lanker
  • Publication number: 20130042617
    Abstract: An energy storage apparatus is provided comprising a flywheel (12) having at least one input. According to an aspect, the flywheel input is arranged, in use, to supply energy to the flywheel, wherein that energy has been recovered from engine exhaust gas. According to another aspect, an apparatus is provided comprising a charge boosting device arranged, in use, to provide inlet pressure boost to an engine. The apparatus further comprises a flywheel wherein said flywheel is arranged to supply energy to drive operation of the charge boosting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: RICARDO UK LIMITED
    Inventors: Andrew Farquhar Atkins, Jonathan Charles Wheals, Simon Timothy David Shepherd, Joshua Jonathan Dalby, Brian Gorman Cooper, John Stokes
  • Patent number: 8365520
    Abstract: A system is disclosed including a primary engine that provides vehicle propulsion and a secondary engine that drives a generator to provide auxiliary power. The system further includes a first exhaust gas passageway from the primary engine and a second exhaust gas passageway from the secondary engine. The system further includes an emission treatment device including an exhaust inlet to treat exhaust from the primary and secondary engines. The system further includes an exhaust routing device that selectively routes exhaust from the first passageway or the second passageway to the exhaust inlet. The exhaust routing device at least partially blocks the first passageway or the second passageway from fluid communication with the exhaust inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Cummins Power Generation IP, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony T. Klejeski, Ronald J. Mellum, Lowell K. Siewert
  • Publication number: 20120291426
    Abstract: The system according to the invention comprises a rotary shaft (50), a compressor (54) mounted integral with the rotary shaft (50), a power turbine (52) capable of rotating the rotary shaft (50), a cold expansion turbine (56) rotated by the rotary shaft (50) and supplied with a compressed gas from the compressor (54) toward the cold turbine (56). The system (22) comprises an upstream assembly (42) supplying outside air to the aircraft not having passed through a propulsion engine (16A, 16B) of the aircraft, the upstream supply assembly (42) being connected to an inlet of the compressor (54).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: DASSAULT AVIATION
    Inventor: Renaud LOISON
  • Publication number: 20120247105
    Abstract: Integrated systems and methods for low emission power generation in a hydrocarbon recovery processes are provided. One system includes a control fuel stream, an oxygen stream, a combustion unit, a first power generate on system and a second power generation system. The combustion unit is configured to receive and combust the control fuel stream and the oxygen stream to produce a gaseous combustion stream having carbon dioxide and water. The first power generation system is configured to generate at least one unit of power and a carbon dioxide stream. The second power generation system is configured to receive thermal energy from the gaseous combustion stream and convert the thermal energy into at least one unit of power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: Exxonmobile Upstream Research Company
    Inventors: Eric D. Nelson, Moses Minta, Loren K. Starcher, Franklin Mittricker, Omar Angus Sites, Jasper L. Dickson
  • Patent number: 8219272
    Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle drive unit, which comprises at least two individual drives, at least one of which is able to provide a negative torque. A vehicle control unit is provided, within which a continuous torque comparison is performed within a monitoring level. A permissible torque is ascertained therein. Using a torque range checker it is established whether ascertained setpoint torques lie within torque ranges of the at least two individual drives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Seel, Holger Niemann, Oliver Kaefer, Per Hagman
  • Publication number: 20120156534
    Abstract: An apparatus is described including a hybrid power train having an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. The apparatus includes a hybrid power system battery pack that is electrically coupled to the electric motor. The apparatus includes an energy securing device that is thermally coupled to the hybrid power system battery pack. The energy securing device selectively removes thermal energy from the hybrid power system battery pack, and secure removed thermal energy. The energy securing device secures the removed thermal energy by storing the energy in a non-thermal for, or by using the energy to accommodate a present energy requirement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Vivek Anand Sujan, Nazar Al-Khayat, Bangalore Siddalingappa Nagabhushana
  • Publication number: 20120129651
    Abstract: A system for driving an assembly arrangement for a motor vehicle, which assembly arrangement having at least one auxiliary assembly and an electric machine which is configured independently of a drive unit of the motor vehicle. It is possible for the electric machine to be operated both as a motor for driving the auxiliary assembly and as a generator for generating electric power. If required, it is possible for a separate engine which is configured as an internal combustion engine to be connected or fastened releasably via an interface to the assembly arrangement and to be coupled to the assembly arrangement for drive action, in order to supply the at least one auxiliary assembly and/or the electric machine with rotational drive moment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: MAGNA E-CAR SYSTEMS GMBH & CO OG
    Inventors: Konstantin Erjawetz, Helfried Müller
  • Publication number: 20120123623
    Abstract: The present invention discloses electric vehicles and methods to operate such vehicles, comprising an electric drive capable of moving the vehicles, together with a non-battery operative feature to enhance the performance of the vehicle, such as extending the range or increasing the power. The non-electrical enhanced feature is independent and not integrated with the electric drive, to enable the return of the vehicle design to pure electrical power with minimum modification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventor: Tai Dung Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8169092
    Abstract: In a cogeneration system having a generator adapted to be connectable to an AC power feed line between a commercial power network and an electrical load, an internal combustion engine for driving the generator such that exhaust heat of the engine is supplied to a thermal load and an actuator that opens and closes a throttle valve of the engine, there are provided a power demand detector that detects power demand of the electrical load, a thermal demand detector that detects thermal demand of the thermal load. The operation of the actuator is controlled in response to the detected power demand so as to increase or decrease the engine, and ignition timing of the engine is controlled in a retard direction in response to the detected thermal demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoichi Yamamura, Hiroyuki Eguchi
  • Publication number: 20120091833
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electric machine (5), in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising a housing (9), at least one shaft (8), a stator (6), a rotor (7), a cooling circuit for cooling the electric machine (5) using a liquid, in particular oil, wherein the liquid can be conveyed from at least one at least partially radially aligned channel (11) into at least one rotating part (12) of the electric machine (5) due to a rotational movement of the at least one channel (11), at least one outlet opening (13) for draining the liquid from the at least one channel (11), wherein the electric machine (5) is provided with at least one agent (14) for reducing the conveyed amount per unit time of liquid that can be conveyed from the at least one channel (11) due to the rotational movement of the at least one channel (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Douglas-Brent Hackett, Thorsten Rohwer, Denis Kern, Paul Esse, Christian Buehnert, Andreas Herzberger, Jens Koerkemeyer
  • Publication number: 20120031079
    Abstract: An exhaust aftertreatment system for treating an exhaust gas feedstream of an internal combustion engine includes a catalytic converter, a fluidic circuit and a Stirling engine. The Stirling engine is configured to transform thermal energy from a working fluid heat exchanger to mechanical power that is transferable to an electric motor/generator to generate electric power. The Stirling engine is configured to transform mechanical power from the electric motor/generator to thermal energy transferable to the working fluid heat exchanger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: John Patrick Spicer, Kerem Koprubasi
  • Patent number: 8102065
    Abstract: A wave energy converter has a shell, a pendulum pivotally positioned in the shell, a magnet thereon, a variable inductor positioned in the shell, a pendulum adjustor for changing a center of gravity of the pendulum, a motion sensor positioned in the shell, a position sensor connected to the pendulum, a rotation sensor connected to the pendulum, and a controller connected to the motion sensor and the position sensor and the rotation sensor. The pendulum has a magnet thereon. The magnet of the pendulum oscillates adjacent the variable inductor. The variable inductor can adjust the inductive capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Inventor: Miles Hobdy
  • Patent number: 8080895
    Abstract: A method and system to use compressed fluids to generate electrical energy or an equivalent useful form of energy. A first embodiment uses pressurized air that can be stored to selectively and directly generate energy as required. A second embodiment uses a pressurized working fluid that can be stored to selectively and directly generate energy as required. A third embodiment uses at least one compressible floor module to compress at least one working fluid that can be stored to selectively and directly generate energy as required. The working fluid in various embodiments of the invention can be air, steam, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, commercially available Freons, carbon dioxide, methane, ethane, propane, butane, various types of natural gas, ammonia, an equivalent type of gas, or an appropriate liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventors: Brian B. Williams, Thomas J. Burns
  • Publication number: 20110283705
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for generating energy from a process contained series of explosion cycles is provided. The Explo-Dynamicsâ„¢ energy generating system includes several embodiments for stimulating the heat and pressure release episodes of the process configurations and translating the released forces into torque, thrust, motive force, and/or super-heat impulses. The methods and systems of the present invention include a comprehensive arrangement of process configurations and components as well as a means of operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: Troy Oliver
  • Publication number: 20110219772
    Abstract: A hybrid drive system for a motor vehicle includes an internal combustion engine and at least one electric motor, each driving wheels of the motor vehicle. The internal combustion engine is coupled to the corresponding wheels via a first multispeed transmission. The electric motor is coupled to the corresponding wheels via a second multispeed transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: Frank Steuernagel, Peter Khatchikian, Sasha Dreschmann, Boyke Richter, Manfred Hellmann, Rene Schenk
  • Patent number: 8008800
    Abstract: An agricultural vehicle including a plurality of engines, a plurality of loads, a plurality of electrical generators, at least one load sensor, at least one electrical energy storage device, and a controller. The plurality of engines include a first engine and a second engine. The plurality of loads include a first mechanical load, a second mechanical load, a first electrical load, and a second electrical load. The first mechanical load is coupled to the first engine and the second mechanical load is coupled to the second engine. The plurality of electrical generator include a first generator and a second generator. The first generator is coupled to the first engine and the second generator is coupled to the second engine. The first generator is electrically coupled to the first electrical load and the second generator is electrically coupled to the second electrical load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Ryan P. Mackin, Alan D. Sheidler
  • Patent number: 7997081
    Abstract: A gas delivery system includes a gas booster module for delivering natural gas from a utility gas service to power generation equipment installed in or around a building in a manner that meets the minimum volume and pressure requirements of the power generation equipment. The gas delivery system advantageously uses pipe of a relatively small size for delivering gas to the power generation equipment, thereby substantially reducing installation costs and eliminating the need for a welded gas line. The gas delivery system also provides a control system that facilitates close control over the gas flow and ensures compliance with local building codes and safety regulations and requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: OfficePower, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Edwards, John S. Pifer
  • Publication number: 20110192165
    Abstract: An air cycle machine includes a shaft formed from end sections attached to a center section. The center section includes a first diameter that is supported on bearings within the air cycle machine and a second diameter that forms a part of an interface with a corresponding end section. The second diameter is less than the first diameter and extends an axial distance from an end of the center section and provides for the weld beam to be directed normal to the interface location such that weld quality and manufacturing efficiencies are improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventors: Seth E. Rosen, Craig M. Beers, Robert M. Pragluski, Michael P. Rowley
  • Patent number: 7964981
    Abstract: A system for converting wind and solar energy for use with an electrical generator, the system includes a wind powered subsystem including: a rotor for receiving wind to generate mechanical energy; and a first shaft for providing a permanent mechanical coupling between the rotor and the electrical generator for transferring the generated mechanical energy to the electrical generator; a solar powered subsystem including: a solar collector for receiving solar energy to generate thermal energy; a thermo-mechanical engine coupled to the solar collector for converting the generated thermal energy into mechanical energy; and a second shaft mechanically coupled to the thermo-mechanical engine; and an interconnection subsystem for selecting between coupling the second shaft to the first shaft for combining the mechanical energy generated by the wind and solar powered subsystems to be transferred to the electrical generator, and decoupling the second shaft from the first shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Inventor: Jason Tsao
  • Patent number: 7958732
    Abstract: A method of rotating a crank shaft and in internal detonation engine are provided. The internal detonation engine comprises a deflagration to detonation transition section. The deflagration to detonation transition section is connected to a main cylinder, which houses a piston. Inducing a detonation wave from the deflagration wave and passing the detonation wave through a fluid, gives rise to high pressure and temperature in a cylinder and pushes a piston towards bottom dead center. An internal detonation reciprocating engine may be a single cylinder and may be either a two or four stroke engine. A two-stroke internal detonation reciprocating engine is similar to a four-stroke internal detonation reciprocating engine but has different valve placements. Detonations produce a more thorough combustion of the fuel and may, thereby, yield reduced emissions of carbon monoxide as compared to internal combustion engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Frank K. Lu, Philip K. Panicker, Donald R. Wilson, Jiun-Ming Li
  • Publication number: 20110072820
    Abstract: A process fluid cooler can extract thermal energy from a process fluid including carbon dioxide. An absorber can transfer carbon dioxide from the process fluid to a removal fluid. A reboiler can heat the removal fluid so as to cause carbon dioxide to be released from the removal fluid and outputted as part of a reboiler output stream. The reboiler can also output a heating fluid. A stripper condenser can extract thermal energy from the reboiler output stream so as to cause condensation of water associated with the reboiler output stream and to remove carbon dioxide therefrom. A compression system can remove thermal energy from carbon dioxide received from the stripper condenser. A heat engine can be configured to operate according to an organic Rankine cycle, receiving thermal energy from the heating fluid and/or extracted at the process fluid cooler, at the stripper condenser, and/or at the compression system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Matthias Finkenrath, Gabor Ast, Michael Adam Bartlett, Vittorio Tola
  • Publication number: 20110061295
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method of sustainable economic development, such as development through an integrated production of renewable energy, material resources, and nutrient regimes. In some embodiments, the system utilizes resources extracted from renewable energy sources to assist in the capture of energy from other renewable energy sources. In some embodiments, the system utilizes energy from renewable energy sources to extract resources from other renewable energy sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: McAlister Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Roy E. McAlister
  • Publication number: 20110034282
    Abstract: A power plant which is capable of enhancing the driving efficiency and the power-generating efficiency thereof. In the power plant 1, the output shaft 3a of a heat engine 3 is connected to driven parts DW and DW via a first transmission 20. A rotating machine 31 includes a first rotor 34 having a magnetic pole row that has each two adjacent magnetic poles 34a so disposed as to have polarities different from each other, a stator 33 having an armature row that is disposed in a manner opposed to the magnetic pole row, for generating a rotating magnetic field between the armature row and the magnetic pole row by a predetermined plurality of armature magnetic poles, and a second rotor 35 having a soft magnetic material element row that is formed by a plurality of soft magnetic material elements 35a arranged in a manner spaced from each other, and is disposed between the magnetic pole row and the armature row.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Publication date: February 10, 2011
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigemitsu Akutsu, Noriyuki Abe, Satoyoshi Oya, Kota Kasaoka
  • Publication number: 20110006534
    Abstract: The invention relates to a turbine engine that includes at least first and second lift turbine stacks with transverse flow. The shafts of adjacent turbines in the first stack are connected by a first coupling device adapted for compensating space misalignments, and the shafts of adjacent turbines in the first stack are connected by a second coupling device adapted for compensating for space misalignments. The turbine engine includes a device for supporting the first and second turbine stacks, which is symmetrical to said plane, and a control device adapted for permanently maintaining the symmetry between the first and second turbine stacks relative to the plane, and for maintaining the rotation speeds of the first and second turbine stacks at equal values in opposite rotation directions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: Institut Polytechnique de Grenoble
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Achard, Didier Imbault, Ali Tourabi
  • Publication number: 20100319346
    Abstract: A waste heat recovery system includes at least two integrated rankine cycle systems coupled to at least two separate heat sources having different temperatures. The first rankine cycle system is coupled to a first heat source and configured to circulate a first working fluid. The second rankine cycle system is coupled to at least one second heat source and configured to circulate a second working fluid. The first and second working fluid are circulatable in heat exchange relationship through a cascading heat exchange unit for condensation of the first working fluid in the first rankine cycle system and evaporation of the second working fluid in the second rankine cycle system. At least one recuperator having a hot side and a cold side is disposed in the first rankine cycle system, second rankine cycle system, or combinations thereof. The at least one recuperator is configured to desuperheat and preheat the first working fluid, second working fluid, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Gabor Ast, Thomas Johannes Frey, Pierre Sebastien Huck, Herbert Kopecek
  • Publication number: 20100293951
    Abstract: A hybrid electrical motor includes a shaft, an electrical subsystem, and a gas subsystem. The electrical subsystem is operable to output a force that rotates the shaft. The gas subsystem is also operable to output a force that rotates the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: Robert Fleming
  • Publication number: 20100242481
    Abstract: A drive apparatus has: a DC power source that is chargeable and dischargeable; an electric motor that inputs and outputs drive force; an inverter circuit that drives the electric motor; a voltage-boosting circuit that boosts the voltage of power supplied from the DC power source and then supplies the power to the inverter circuit that is opposite from where the DC power source is present; and an auxiliary that is connected to and is powered from the inverter circuit side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Sumikazu Shamoto, Tadayoshi Kachi