Abstract: In a method and system for storing gas, especially an inert gas for elect impulse space drives which use inert gas as a reaction mass, the inert gas is filled into a storage tank in the gaseous and/or liquid state and is then cooled to solidify it into the solid state in which it is then stored. While in the earth's atmosphere, temperature regulation is achieved by means of thermal insulation of the tank and a convective heat exchange between a cryogenic coolant and the inert gas in the tank. While in the vacuum of space, temperature regulation is achieved by means of radiant heat exchange between the tank and deep space. For extracting the gas from the tank, the frozen gas is locally sublimated from the solid to the gaseous state by a controlled localized heat application, whereby the required gas pressure is developed for withdrawing gas from the tank which holds the gas in the solid state, except at a heated outlet area.

Abstract: In order to achieve efficient refueling with a method and an apparatus for the automatic refilling of a liquid hydrogen tank in a motor vehicle in which the tank is connected to a liquid hydrogen supply line as well as a hydrogen gas return line, it is proposed that prior to commencement of refilling the liquid hydrogen tank the liquid hydrogen supply line in the vehicle be connected to the hydrogen gas return line and that liquid hydrogen be passed through said lines in order to cool them whereby only after they have been cooled is the liquid hydrogen supply line connected to the liquid hydrogen tank. For this purpose, a bypass line connecting the liquid hydrogen supply line to the hydrogen gas return line is provided in the motor vehicle, and electrically operable closing valves are provided in the liquid hydrogen supply line downstream of where the bypass line branches as well as in the bypass line.

Abstract: A gaseous fuel system for a vehicle including an on-board compressor for recharging an associated pressure storage tank. The compressor and tank are mounted on the vehicle as a structural unit whereby the tank shields the compressor and high pressure gas flow circuits therebetween and provides a heat exchanger surface for the compressor. A regulator in series with a supply line of low pressure gas prevents gas flow when the compressor does not operate to maintain a vacuum in an intervening dispensing line. An O.sub.2 sensor disconnects the compressor motor when the percentage of O.sub.2 exceeds a predetermined safe limit. A bypass circuit allows the tank to be filled from a high pressure supply without operation of the compressor.

Abstract: A process for cooling a passenger compartment of a vehicle equipped with a hydrogen-consuming engine by mechanical refrigeration involves compressing a gaseous coolant, condensing the resulting compressed and heated gaseous coolant with heat removal to liquefy the coolant, and evaporating the liquefied coolant under the action of a pressure relief valve so that the cold generated during the pressure relief is used to cool the passenger compartment. This process is improved by removing additional heat from the compressed coolant by passing the coolant through a metal hydride cooler.

Abstract: A cryogenic fuel system for an internal combustion engine utilizing both the liquid and vapor of a saturated liquid fuel comprising an insulated storage tank having inner and outer walls a vapor tube passing through the walls of the tank with its open end positioned approximate the top of the tank above the liquid level and its opposite end connected to the engine; a liquid entry and exit tube passing through the walls of the tank with a portion of the tube at or above the open end of the vapor tube, the liquid tube extending downwardly to the bottom portion of the tank to its open end; a first pressure-actuated valve means positioned in the vapor tube having an open or closed position which opens the vapor tube to the engine when the tank pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure; and a second valve means in the liquid tube having an open and closed position which opens the liquid tube to the engine when the engine is running.

Abstract: A fuel tank is provided for the automotive transport of a cryogenic liquid fuel which in the course of transport is being consumed by an engine or the like. The fuel tank consists essentially of two containers, one for the cryogenic fuel and the other for a secondary cryogenic liquid which is used to cool the fuel during storage when no fuel is being consumed. By the method of the invention the build up of fuel vapor pressure during storage is avoided and the vapor pressure maintained at a predetermined level. The fuel tank described herein was two distinct modes of operation, namely, the fuel storage mode and the fuel supply mode. In the fuel storage mode the cryogenic fuel is being stored for later use while the secondary fluid is being used as a heat sink for the heat absorbed by the tank from the environment.

Abstract: A closed chamber is provided for containing evaporative liquid fuel for a combustion engine and fuel supply structure is operatively associated with the chamber for maintaining a predetermined general level of liquid fuel in the chamber. The chamber includes engine induction air inlet structure opening thereinto below the aforementioned liquid level and a vaporized fuel and air outlet opening outwardly of the chamber from a level above the predetermined liquid fuel level. Duct structure is provided including an inlet portion communicated with the vaporized fuel and air outlet and an outlet end for communication with the induction passags of a combustion engine. Further, an air conditioner evaporator-type heat exchanger is provided and liquid fuel conduit and pump structure is operatively associated with the chamber and heat exchanger for circulating fuel within the chamber through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for cooling the interior of a motor vehicle which motor vehicle is powered at least in part by hydrogen liberated from a hydride. Cooling of the interior such as the passenger compartment or cargo area is achieved by using the heat of the interior to supply at least part of the heat necessary for heating the hydride to liberate hydrogen. The apparatus includes, in combination with the interior of a vehicle a hydride container and heat transfer mechanism for transferring the heat of the interior to the hydride container thus cooling the interior.

Abstract: An apparatus and system is disclosed for extracting heat units from a relatively lower temperature zone of a cooling system for a Stirling engine and conveying said heat units to a relatively higher temperature zone serving as the passenger compartment of a vehicle. The system is reversible for either heating or cooling of the passenger compartment. The system makes it possible to employ waste heat units of the Stirling engine cooling system even though the average temperature of such cooling system is 60.degree. F or less.

Abstract: An air conditioner for use in a vehicle having a gasoline engine with a fuel intake providing a source of reduced pressure. The air conditioner includes a gasoline vaporizer in which gasoline from the fuel system of the vehicle is vaporized and drawn through a heat exchanger for cooling purposes. There is a blower for blowing air across the heat exchanger to cool the air for circulation in the vehicle. The vaporized gasoline passes through a separator for separating excess gasoline from the mixture, and also passes through a proportioning device connected to the fuel intake of the engine for adjusting the fuel-to-air ratio at the fuel intake to optimize combustion and control pollution.

Abstract: After the intake air for a vehicle's internal combustion type propulsion engine has been throttled down to about the intake manifold pressure, water is sprayed into the air. This air passes through the primary side of an air-to-air heat exchanger so that the vaporization of the water will remove heat from the air passing through the secondary side of the heat exchanger. This cooled air is circulated through an enclosure of the vehicle to provide low cost, low power cooling for the occupants thereof.