Abstract: Air is conditioned by compressing air at a first location during a first interval of time and storing the compressed air at the first location. Compressed air stored at the first location is transported by pipeline to a second location remote from the first location during a second interval of time different from the first interval of time and expanded at the second location. The expanded air is delivered to enclosures at the second location. The first interval of time is preferably during the night when the power required to compress the air is relatively inexpensive.

Abstract: An air cycle machine (10) has a first stage turbine (60) mounted to a central portion of a common shaft (12), a compressor (50) mounted to the central portion of the shaft (12), a second stage turbine (30) mounted to a first end of the shaft (12), and a fan (40) mounted to a second end of the shaft (12), all for rotation therewith about a longitudinal axis (14). The first and second stage turbines (60, 30) are operative to extract energy from a flow of compressed air for driving the shaft (12), and the fan (40) and the compressor (50), in rotation about the axis (14).

Abstract: To prevent icing in an auxiliary refrigerated air system utilized in jet aircraft for environmental control purposes, wherein high pressure, high temperature input air bleed from the engine compressor is boosted in pressure and temperature, cooled in a heat exchanger and expanded in a turbine to produce refrigerated output air flowing through an output duct, a portion of the input air is diverted to warm appropriate parts of the expansion turbine to prevent ice accretion thereto. To prevent icing of the output duct, input air is also diverted to warm the duct wall. Alternatively, the engine fuel line is coiled about the output duct in heat exchanging relation to warm the duct wall.

Abstract: A method and system for cooling air to cryogenic temperatures [e.g., below - 100.degree. F. (- 730.degree. C.)] for use as a refrigerant medium for direct contact cooling of articles such as foodstuffs for fast freezing.

Abstract: The four processes of a reverse Stirling heat pump cycle; isothehermal compression with the heat of compression being transmitted to a constant, relatively high temperature sink, regenerative cooling, isothermal expansion with heat flow from a cooler, constant temperature source followed by regenerative heating from the heat derived from the previously compressed gas are all performed with constant rather than intermittent flow. A constant flow, constant volume counter-flow heat exchanger, placed between the compressor and expander, rather than an alternately heated and cooled heat storage matrix, provides for the steady flow regenerative heat transfer as required for a steady reverse Stirling cycle heat pump. This invention therefore provides for increased heat pump rate per unit volume.

Abstract: A closed-cycle expansion-valve impingement cooling system provides cooling for electronic components that have a high-density heat flux. Coolant passes from a compressor to a supply heat exchanger where its temperature is reduced and from there to an impingement plenum of a cooling chamber. Expanded cooling medium, at substantially reduced temperature, directly impinges on the electronic components to be cooled, thereby removing heat from the components. The heated coolant then returns to the compressor through a return heat exchanger. The cooling medium may be air or may undergo a phase change at the surface of the components, thereby improving the efficiency of heat removal.

Abstract: In a refrigerator having a compressor settled in a room temperature portion and an expander which is connected to the room temperature portion, a piston of the expander is settled in the room temperature portion and pressure variation at a low temperature portion is transferred to the piston through a gas column in a pipe connecting the room temperature portion and the low temperature portion.

Abstract: A subatmospheric pressure swing filter is integrated with a vapor cycle refrigeration system so as to provide both air filtration and air conditioning.

Abstract: An environmental control system for ground vehicles and low flying aircraft that supplies purified and conditioned ambient air to the vehicle's crew compartment is provided. The system integrates catalytic and particulate filters, that remove nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare agents from ambient air, with a source of compressed ambient air, and an air cycle refrigeration unit.

Abstract: A fan inlet and diffuser apparatus (30) is provided with a lobed mixer (60) for intermixing fan bypass air (25) with a flow of fan discharge air (27). The fan inlet and diffuser apparatus (30) is particularly adapted for use in a inducing a flow of cooling air (21) through an upstream heat exchanger (20) and thence directing a portion (23) of the cooling air passing from the heat exchanger to the inlet side of the fan (14) of an air cycle machine (10), while directing the remaining portion (25) to bypass the fan (14) and pass into the central outlet flow passage (52) flowing over the mixing ejector (60) which imparts a directional swirl to the bypass flow (25) and a counter swirl to the fan discharge flow (27) passing from the fan outlet through the interior of the mixer (60), thereby enhancing the mixing of these two flows within the passage (52).

Abstract: A heat exchange has a main body and a drive shaft in the main body. There is a motor to drive the drive shaft. A rotor is mounted on the drive shaft and has a central hub. Pairs of spaced blades extend radially from the hub to an outer chamber, attached to the outer ends of the blades. There are openings in the hub to communicate a blade with the hub interior and openings in the outer chamber communicating the outer chamber with a blade. There are closure plates at each end of the main body having pairs of inlet/outlet openings. A valve plate between the rotor and each end plate defines gas pathways between on opening and a first end plate and another opening in the second end plate. There are two gas pathways through the apparatus. In the first pathway gas enters an inlet in the first end plate, passes through a valve plate, over the blades of the rotor, through a second valve plate to an outlet of the second end plate.

Abstract: A heat exchange system for a supersonic flight vehicle. A first conduit connects the gas (e.g., helium) exit of a compressor of a gas-driven turbocompressor to the gas inlet of a turbine of the turbocompressor, and a second conduit connects the gas outlet to the turbine to the gas entrance of the compressor. The first conduit has a portion positioned near a hotter temperature region (e.g., the combustor wall) and the second conduit has a portion positioned near a colder temperature region (e.g., the fuel region) of the flight vehicle. The temperature difference self powers the turbocompressor which can transfer large amounts of heat and which is hermetically-sealed in a housing against gas leaks.

Abstract: In an adiabatic heat exchanger, using the principle of kinetic cooling, a carrier gas is forced through a number of narrow, heat-conducting pipes wherein its velocity increases and its temperature drops. Incoming gas is forced to pass over these now cold pipes causing precipitation of a portion of the gas and an increase in temperature of the remaining portion. Such an arrangement permits for example removal of a condensible gas e.g. water vapour from a non-condensible carrier gas without the necessity of using an additional cooling medium.

Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus includes a cooling chamber having a given useful space therein, and a cold generator having a cold air loop connected to the cooling chamber for cooling the given useful space, the cold air loop including a compressing device, a heat exchanger disposed downstream of the compressing device and exposed to the ambient air for cooling air drawn from the useful space with a relatively high temperature level almost to the temperature of the ambient air after compression, cooling device downstream of the heat exchanger, an expansion device downstream of the cooling device, the air being returned to the useful space after subsequent expansion and corresponding cooling below the lowest temperature level, and an additional heat exchanger for dehumidifying the circulated air current in the loop, the additional heat exchanger including heat exchanger surfaces, air drawn from the cooling chamber being dried from the upper temperature level with the aid of expanded cold air by the of condensation

Abstract: An apparatus for cooling the charging air of a supercharged internal combustion engine wherein a part of the charging air delivered by the charger is branched off and is accelerated to supersonic velocity in a Laval nozzle. With the accelerated air, surrounding air is sucked in according to the principle of a jet pump. The mixture which forms flows through the heat exchanger, in which it takes up heat from the charging air flowing around the tubes, and thereafter is discharged to the surroundings.

Abstract: A generator for producing pure air at high pressure includes a compressor, electrical means for driving the compressor and means for purifying compressed air generated by the compressor. A first sensor is provided for detecting the pressure of the compressed air and a second sensor for detecting the absolute temperature of that air. Means is provided for transferring an electrical signal from the first sensor to an electronic controller. Means is also provided for transferring an electrical signal from the second sensor to the controller. The controller processes these electrical signals and varies the power supplied to the means for driving the compressor in such a manner that the ratio of pressure of the compressed air to the absolute temperature of the compressed air remains substantially constant.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing relatively dry, oil free compressed instrument air includes a first compressor for receiving air at ambient temperature and pressure and compressing it to an elevated pressure. A cooler is provided for cooling the compressed air while a vortex directs its cold fraction discharge air to a second compressor. A heat exchanger is disposed intermediate the cooler and the vortex tube for transferring heat from the cooled, compressed air to the cold fraction discharge air. An air-water separator may be disposed between the vortex tube inlet and the heat exchanger for removing any condensed water from the compressed air. The second compressor receives the cold fraction discharge air and generates a supply of instrument air at a pressure not in excess of 25 p.s.i.g. and which has a dewpoint below the freezing temperature of water. A method for producing relatively dry, compressed instrument air is also disclosed.

Abstract: An air cycle air conditioning system (10) for rgulating the temperature and pressure of diverse loads includes open and closed loop sections (12) and (16). A first load (14) requiring heating or cooling with constantly supplied fresh air is provided with chilled air from first turbine (75) and warm air from first bypass valve (50). A second load (20) which can be heated or cooled with a supply of recirculating air is provided with chilled air from second turbine (130) and warm air from a second bypass valve (170). Air is supplied to the second turbine from a compressor driven by the first turbine whereby the first turbine maintains the temperature of both loads either by the direct supply of air thereto or by driving another turbo-compressor system.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an apparatus for extracting heat and/or mechanical energy from a pressured gas wherein the pressured gas is applied to the radially outer ends of rotating cylinder elements defining logitudinally extending fluid pressure chambers having one end thereof remote from the axis of rotation and the other end proximate to the axis of rotation. A free piston is mounted in each of the fluid pressure chambers and is reciprocable therein solely under the influence of the gas pressure and centrifugal force. Valving elements are provided at the outer end of the cylinder elements which are operable by the movement of the free piston toward such outer end to open the pressured gas inlet valve. A second valving element is provided near the inner end of each fluid pressure chamber to open ports causing the exhaust of the expanded, cooled gas from the chamber.

Abstract: The heat pump/engine operates in an open cycle between a cold air reservoir and a hot air reservoir to pump heat or to obtain energy by exchanging air at atmospheric pressure between the two reservoirs at different temperatures.The heat pump/engine employs a positive displacement compressor, heat exchanger and a positive displacement expander to transfer the air flows. A means is also provided for adjusting the stroke volume of the expander during expansion in the heat pump version. Also, a snowmaker preheater can be used with the heat pump to decrease power consumption.

Abstract: A turbine for use in refrigeration cycle comprising a closed casing, a turbine runner housed in said casing, an injection nozzle through which refrigerating medium having at least one of pressure-based and knetic energies is blown to rotate the turbine runner, a liquid refrigerating medium receiving section arranged at the lower end of said casing to collect liquid refrigerating medium, and a refrigerating medium discharging outlet through which refrigerating medium is fed to an evaporator arranged in a refrigeration cycle.

Abstract: The operation of a prior art freezer installation for freezing food can be improved by:(1) providing air curtains at the doors of the freezer;(2) using a pulse bag filter for separating ice from the air leaving the freezer; and(3) ensuring that the air leaving the freezer is colder than -80.degree. F.

Abstract: The operation of a prior art freezer installation for freezing food can be improved by:(1) improved refrigeration techniques;(2) providing air curtains at the doors of the freezer;(3) using a pulse bag filter for separating ice from the air leaving the freezer; and(4) ensuring that the air leaving the freezer is colder than -80.degree. F.

Abstract: An air compressor system of the type having fluid-treating components including a compressor and downstream coolers for hot fluids emanating from the compressor, characterized by a substantially airtight cabinet enclosing the fluid-treating components and including air outlets and an ambient air inlet, a device over the air inlet to clean incoming ambient air, and wherein the coolers are of the air-cooled type. In preferred embodiments, a device at the inlet, preferably a water-scrubbing air cleaner, cools incoming ambient air. The cabinet preferably includes a substantially vertical surrounding wall section and a removable cover engaged therewith. The cabinet wall section preferably includes at least two perimetrical portions removably interconnected to allow separation and thus to allow ready accessibility to fluid treating components. A highly preferred feature is a jack or other similar device for raising the cover for inspection and minor service.

Abstract: In an air conditioning system for a load, air is used as the refrigerant, and identical components including a turbocompressor and a regenerative heat exchanger are used for both cooling in the refrigeration mode and heating in the heat pump mode. A plurality of valves are arranged so that in the refrigeration mode the refrigerant air operates in a closed dry air loop to avoid problems associated with moisture. In the heat pump mode the valves are arranged to cause the refrigerant air to operate open loop by using ambient air as the input to the cycle, and avoiding icing problems by rejecting the refrigerant air, together with any ice present, back into the ambient. Operation closed loop in the refrigeration mode and open loop in the heat pump mode results in maximum cycle efficiency with minimum difficulty caused by moisture entrained in the refrigerant air.

Abstract: A heat exchanger comprising a compressor having an input for receiving air and an output, a static turbulence generator having an input connected to the compressor output, a first output and a second output, an inductor connected to the first output of the static turbulence generator and a control valve connected to the second output of the static turbulence generator. The pressure of air supplied to the static turbulence generator is converted to kinetic energy therein and supplied to the inductor which includes an input for receiving the air with kinetic energy from the static turbulence generator and a second input for receiving additional air with an output and a calibrated duct in the inductor whereby the additional air is drawn into the inductor and heat is absorbed from the surroundings. The control valve is provided for regulating the flow of air to the inductor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating heating and cooling by circulating a working fluid within passageways carried by rotors, compressing said working fluid therewithin and removing heat from said working fluid in a heat removal heat exchanger and adding heat into said working fluid in a heat addition heat exchanger, all carried by said rotors. The working fluid is sealed within, and may be a suitable gas, such as nitrogen. A working fluid heat exchanger is also provided to exchange heat within rotor between two streams of said working fluid. In one arrangement, the unit uses two rotors, both rotating; in an alternate arrangement, one of the rotors may be held stationary. Applications include air conditioning service, and heating applications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the transfer of heat at a lower temperature to another fluid at a higher temperature, using a rotary heat exchanger and circulating the two fluids through said heat exchanger wherein a third fluid is circulated. The third fluid is normally a gas, compressed within the rotor by centrifugal action, with accompanying temperature increase, and heat is removed from said third fluid to a second fluid during and after compression; heat is added to said third fluid from a first fluid during and after expansion. A fourth fluid may be also circulated within said rotor, for removing heat from said third fluid before and during early part of compression to increase the weight of said third fluid within the compression side of the said rotor, thus improving the circulation of said third fluid within said rotor. Said second fluid, said first fluid, and said fourth fluid may be either liquids or gases as desired, including water. Said third fluid may be carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating power and for increasing the temperature of heat in a thermodynamic machine wherein a working fluid is circulated within a rotating rotor. In the machine, the rotor contains a heating heat exchanger and a cooling heat exchanger within the rotor, and also a working fluid heat exchanger to transfer heat from one stream of working fluid into another stream, so that one stream is heated and another cooled. The working fluid heat exchanger is in one or more steps, so that the working fluid stream into which heat is added, is being expanded during heat addition, and also the stream may be compressed with heat addition. Heat removal from the other working fluid stream may also be in steps. The machine may be a single rotor unit, or may have two rotors. Alternately, one of the rotors may be held stationary in some instances, to improve working fluid circulation within the machine cavity.

Abstract: Refrigerating apparatus including a portable container and a manually operated refrigerating system which is intermittently operated to extract air from the container, compress, cool, and expand the extracted air, and return the cooled expanded air to the container to maintain a predetermined low temperature within the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for exchanging heat between two fluid streams, wherein the two fluids are passed in heat exchange relationship with each other within a rotating heat exchanger mounted on a shaft. The heat exchanger comprises a rotating housing, with the heat transfer elements mounted within, so that one of the fluid streams is passed through areas near the housing periphery, and the other fluid stream is passed through areas that are inward nearer to the axis of rotation from the housing periphery. The heat exchanger elements are made of heat conductive material and form bellows like pockets for the heat exchange to take place. Various vanes or other means may be provided to reduce tangential movement of the fluids, and thermal insulation layers may also be provided to prevent undesirable heat transfer. Fluids passing through the heat exchanger may be either gases or liquids.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transport of heat from a low temperature heat source into a higher temperature heated sink, using a compressible working fluid compressed by centrifugal force within a rotating rotor with an accompanying temperature increase. Heat is transferred from the heated working fluid into the heat sink at higher temperature, and heat is added into the working fluid after expansion and cooling from a colder heat source. Cooling is provided within the rotor to control the working fluid density, to assist working fluid circulation. The rotor has outward and inward extending working fluid passages for circulation therein, and heat is provided by a heat source fluid within its own heat exchanger, and heat is delivered into a heated fluid circulating within its own heat exchanger. Cooling is provided by circulating a cooling fluid within its own heat exchanger; alternately, the heated fluid may also serve as the cooling fluid if desired, before being heated.

Abstract: In a process for recovering the energy from a liquefied gas by evaporation in heat exchange with a cycle medium which is simultaneously cooled, said cycle medium being thereafter compressed, heated, subjected to engine expansion and recovered in a cyclical manner, wherein the improvement comprises operating the cycle so that the cycle medium remains in the gaseous phase throughout the entire cycle.

Abstract: A reversible mechanical-thermal energy cell comprising: reversible intake and exhaust passages respectively leading to and from reversible rotatably connected rotary intake and exhaust volumetric periodically vanishing displacement devices of unequal rates of volumetric displacement, said rotary intake and exhaust volumetric displacements flowably connected by a reversible compression-expansion conduit, said conduit being in thermal communication with a thermal energy reservoir for containing matter subject to thermal change; and a compressible-expandible fluid reversibly traversing from said intake to said exhaust passage via said volumetric displacements and said conduit, said fluid subject to volumetric, pressure and thermal change in said conduit. Applicable in a range including thermal energy storage and retrieval, heating, cooling, cooking, refrigerating, and of fixed installation or portable.

Abstract: A means for exchanging heat between two streams of a working fluid, during expansion and compression of said working fluid, thus providing heat removal from said working fluid either during expansion or compression and providing heat addition to said working fluid either during expansion or compression. The heat exchanger means may be either a finned wall, finned tubing, or heat pipes; also, other types of heat exchangers may be used. The heat exchangers are normally mounted within a centrifuge type rotor wherein said working fluid is either cooled or heated when said working fluid either expands or is being compressed within outward extending rotor passages.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating power by passing a fluid from a higher energy level to a lower energy level by compressing said fluid first in a continuous flow centrifuge rotor and then reducing the pressure of said fluid in an inward flow reaction turbine section. The fluid enters the first rotor at center and leaves the second rotor at center, and vanes are provided within both rotors to assure that said fluid will rotate with said rotors. Nozzles are provided near the periphery of the first rotor to increase the absolute tangential velocity of the fluid leaving said first rotor; the tangential velocity of second rotor near rotor tip is greater than said first rotor tangential tip velocity. The said fluid is contained within said rotors, and passes from said second rotor to said first rotor near rotor center.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compressing and expanding a fluid by passing said fluid through a rotating continuous flow centrifuge wherein said fluid is pressurized by centrifugal action on said fluid by said centrifuge rotor. Said rotor is provided with passageways for said fluid with vanes placed therewithin assuring that the fluid will rotate with said rotor. After compression, said fluid is passed in compressed state through nozzles near the periphery of said rotor with said nozzles oriented to discharge said fluid backward thus reducing the absolute tangential velocity of said fluid. After passing said nozzles, said fluid is passed through inward extending passageways to exit near the rotor center. Cooling is provided for said fluid during said compression, and heating is provided during expansion in said inward extending passages. As an alternate, two rotors may be employed, wherein said fluid is passed to a second rotor for said expansion and for deceleration.

Abstract: An open-cycle air-conditioner for compressing and expanding gas with heat rejection for cold production and more particularly to improved means for carrying out thermodynamic cycles in open cycle systems using an internal, stationary, porous body as a thermal capacitor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compressing fluid by passing said fluid through a rotating continuous flow centrifuge wherein said fluid is pressurized by centrifugal action on said fluid by said centrifuge rotor. Said rotor is provided with passageways for said fluid with vanes placed therewithin for assuring that the fluid will rotate with said rotor. After compressing occurs, said fluid is passed in compressed state to a second rotor wherein energy contained in said fluid is converted to work, with said fluid being passed within fluid passageways in said second rotor inwardly to an exit at center, with vanes ensuring that said fluid second rotor will rotate with said fluid for receiving the work associated with deceleration of said fluid. Cooling may be provided during compression of said fluid by circulating a coolant in heat exchange relationship with said fluid. Nozzles may be provided near the first rotor periphery for decelerating said first fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring heat from a source at a lower temperature to a fluid at a higher temperature by employing a rotating centrifuge and a compressor to compress a gaseous first fluid with accompanying temperature increase and then transferring heat from said first fluid to a second fluid being in heat exchange relationship with said first fluid within said centrifuge. The first fluid is then allowed to expand within the rotor and heat is added during and after expansion from a third fluid being in heat exchange relationship with said first fluid. The first fluid is normally a gas, the second fluid may be a gas or a liquid, and the third fluid may be a gas or a liquid. Typical first fluid may be carbon dioxide, second fluid be water, and third fluid be water.