A CO2 separation and liquefaction system such as might be used in a carbon capture and sequestration system for a fossil fuel burning power plant is disclosed. The CO2 separation and liquefaction system includes a first cooling stage to cool flue gas with liquid CO2, a compression stage coupled to the first cooling stage to compress the cooled flue gas, a second cooling stage coupled to the compression stage and the first cooling stage to cool the compressed flue gas with a CO2 melt and provide the liquid CO2 to the first cooling stage, and an expansion stage coupled to the second cooling stage to extract solid CO2 from the flue gas that melts in the second cooling stage to provide the liquid CO2.
F25J 3/06 - Procédés ou appareils pour séparer les constituants des mélanges gazeux impliquant l'emploi d'une liquéfaction ou d'une solidification par condensation partielle
F25J 1/00 - Procédés ou appareils de liquéfaction ou de solidification des gaz ou des mélanges gazeux
A thermal heat capture, storage, and exchange arrangement, includes at least one thermal exchange and storage (TXES) array, with each TXES array including one or more TXES elements that receive a fluid flow of a heat source fluid and a working fluid, with the TXES elements providing for a transfer of thermal energy between the heat source fluid and the TXES elements. A manifold system provides the working fluid to an input of the TXES elements and receives the working fluid from an output of the TXES elements. At least one heat engine operable with the TXES array extracts heat from the TXES array and converts it to mechanical energy, with the heat engine being selectively connected to the manifold system of a TXES array to pass the working fluid through the TXES elements, such that a transfer of thermal energy between the working fluid and the TXES elements occurs.
F28D 20/00 - Appareils ou ensembles fonctionnels d'accumulation de chaleur en généralAppareils échangeurs de chaleur de régénération non couverts par les groupes ou
F28D 20/02 - Appareils ou ensembles fonctionnels d'accumulation de chaleur en généralAppareils échangeurs de chaleur de régénération non couverts par les groupes ou utilisant la chaleur latente
3.
Response time managed valves and their applications
A valve assembly that provides reliable opening and closing valves at specified times despite changing performance characteristics of the valve is disclosed. The valve assembly includes a controllable valve selectively actuatable to control flow of a fluid therethrough, with the controllable valve having a variable valve open/close response time. The valve assembly also includes a plurality of sensors configured to measure current operational parameters of the controllable valve and/or the fluid and a valve controller programmed to process valve timing control instructions generated by an external source, process inputs from the plurality of sensors regarding the measured operational parameters of the controllable valve and/or the fluid, and provide an actuation signal to the controllable valve based on the valve timing control instructions and the inputs from the plurality of sensors, so as to control a timing of an actuation of the controllable valve.
F16K 31/00 - Moyens de fonctionnementDispositifs de retour à la position de repos
F01L 9/04 - Systèmes de distribution à soupapes, à commande non mécanique électrique
H01H 3/42 - Mécanismes-moteurs, c.-à-d. pour transmettre la force motrice aux contacts utilisant des cames ou excentriques
G05G 5/04 - Butées pour limiter le mouvement des organes de commande, p. ex. butée réglable
F16K 37/00 - Moyens particuliers portés par ou sur les soupapes ou autres dispositifs d'obturation pour repérer ou enregistrer leur fonctionnement ou pour permettre de donner l'alarme
H01H 5/04 - Énergie accumulée par déformation de pièces élastiques
H01H 1/26 - Contacts caractérisés par la manière dont les contacts coopérants s'engagent en butant l'un contre l'autre avec montage élastique avec support par lame-ressort
F02D 41/00 - Commande électrique de l'alimentation en mélange combustible ou en ses constituants
4.
CONCRETE AND TUBE HOT THERMAL EXCHANGE AND ENERGY STORE (TXES) INCLUDING TEMPERATURE GRADIENT CONTROL TECHNIQUES
A thermal heat capture, storage, and exchange arrangement, includes at least one thermal exchange and storage (TXES) array, with each TXES array including one or more TXES elements that receive a fluid flow of a heat source fluid and a working fluid, with the TXES elements providing for a transfer of thermal energy between the heat source fluid and the TXES elements. A manifold system provides the working fluid to an input of the TXES elements and receives the working fluid from an output of the TXES elements. At least one heat engine operable with the TXES array extracts heat from the TXES array and converts it to mechanical energy, with the heat engine being selectively connected to the manifold system of a TXES array to pass the working fluid through the TXES elements, such that a transfer of thermal energy between the working fluid and the TXES elements occurs.
F01K 23/10 - Ensembles fonctionnels caractérisés par plus d'une machine motrice fournissant de l'énergie à l'extérieur de l'ensemble, ces machines motrices étant entraînées par des fluides différents les cycles de ces machines motrices étant couplés thermiquement la chaleur de combustion provenant de l'un des cycles chauffant le fluide dans un autre cycle le fluide à la sortie de l'un des cycles chauffant le fluide dans un autre cycle
F01K 27/00 - Ensembles fonctionnels transformant la chaleur ou l'énergie d'un fluide en énergie mécanique, non prévus ailleurs
F02G 5/02 - Utilisation de la chaleur perdue dans les gaz d'échappement
A thermal heat capture, storage, and exchange arrangement, includes at least one thermal exchange and storage (TXES) array, with each TXES array including one or more TXES elements that receive a fluid flow of a heat source fluid and a working fluid, with the TXES elements providing for a transfer of thermal energy between the heat source fluid and the TXES elements. A manifold system provides the working fluid to an input of the TXES elements and receives the working fluid from an output of the TXES elements. At least one heat engine operable with the TXES array extracts heat from the TXES array and converts it to mechanical energy, with the heat engine being selectively connected to the manifold system of a TXES array to pass the working fluid through the TXES elements, such that a transfer of thermal energy between the working fluid and the TXES elements occurs.
F28D 20/00 - Appareils ou ensembles fonctionnels d'accumulation de chaleur en généralAppareils échangeurs de chaleur de régénération non couverts par les groupes ou
F28D 20/02 - Appareils ou ensembles fonctionnels d'accumulation de chaleur en généralAppareils échangeurs de chaleur de régénération non couverts par les groupes ou utilisant la chaleur latente
F01K 7/16 - Ensembles fonctionnels de machines à vapeur caractérisés par l'emploi de types particuliers de machines motricesEnsembles fonctionnels ou machines motrices caractérisés par un circuit de vapeur, un cycle de fonctionnement ou des phases particuliersDispositifs de commande spécialement adaptés à ces systèmes, cycles ou phasesUtilisation de la vapeur soutirée ou de la vapeur d'évacuation pour le réchauffage de l'eau d'alimentation les machines motrices étant uniquement du type turbine
F01K 25/06 - Ensembles fonctionnels ou machines motrices caractérisés par l'emploi de fluides énergétiques particuliers non prévus ailleursEnsembles fonctionnant selon un cycle fermé, non prévus ailleurs utilisant un mélange de fluides différents
A compressed fluid energy storage system includes a submersible fluid containment subsystem charged with a compressed working fluid and submerged and ballasted in a body of water, with the fluid containment subsystem having a substantially flat portion closing a domed portion. The system also includes a compressor and an expander disposed to compress and expand the working fluid. The fluid containment subsystem is at least in part flexible, and includes an upper portion for storing compressed energy fluid and a lower portion for ballast material. The lower portion may be tapered proximate the flat portion to prevent it from being collapsed by ballast materials. The region between the fluid and the ballast has exchange ports to communicate water between the inside and outside of the containment subsystem. In other embodiments, an open-bottomed fluid containment system is held in position underneath a ballast system by a tensegrity structure.
A locomotive assembly including a legacy locomotive controller and an intercept locomotive controller and a method of controlling a locomotive are disclosed. The locomotive assembly includes a power bus, a locomotive, and an intercept locomotive controller. The locomotive includes a primary power unit coupled to the power bus and a legacy locomotive controller programmed to transmit a control command to the primary power unit. The intercept locomotive controller is electrically coupled between the locomotive controller and the primary power unit and is programmed to intercept an initial locomotive control signal transmitted from the legacy locomotive controller to the primary power unit indicating an amount of locomotive power, modify the initial locomotive control signal, and transmit the modified control signal to the primary power unit.
A locomotive assembly including a legacy locomotive controller and an intercept locomotive controller and a method of controlling a locomotive are disclosed. The locomotive assembly includes a power bus, a locomotive, and an intercept locomotive controller. The locomotive includes a primary power unit coupled to the power bus and a legacy locomotive controller programmed to transmit a control command to the primary power unit. The intercept locomotive controller is electrically coupled between the locomotive controller and the primary power unit and is programmed to intercept an initial locomotive control signal transmitted from the legacy locomotive controller to the primary power unit indicating an amount of locomotive power, modify the initial locomotive control signal, and transmit the modified control signal to the primary power unit.
Engine systems and associated methods, including subterranean and submarine storage volumes are disclosed. An engine system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a compressor having a compressor inlet and a compressor outlet and a combustor having a combustor inlet coupled to the compressor outlet, the combustor further having a combustor outlet, A subterranean compressed air storage volume, such as a gas well or aquifer, can be coupled between the compressor and the combustor. The engine system can include a positive displacement expander having an expander inlet coupled to the combustor outlet, the expander further having an expander outlet, and a work output device; a valve coupled between the combustor and the expander to regulate a flow of hot combustion products passing from the combustor to the expander; and an exhaust energy recovery device coupled to the expander outlet to extract energy from the combustion products exiting the expander.
A locomotive assembly including an auxiliary power unit and a method of providing auxiliary power to a locomotive are disclosed. The locomotive assembly includes a locomotive having a power bus, a primary power source electrically coupled to the power bus, and a locomotive controller programmed to control the primary power source and transmit a first command signal to a power unit that is electrically coupled to the power bus. The power unit includes an auxiliary engine-generator set, a power interface electrically coupling the auxiliary engine-generate set to the power bus, and an auxiliary controller electrically coupled to the locomotive controller. The auxiliary controller is programmed to receive the command signal from the locomotive controller indicating a desired amount of power, control the auxiliary engine-generator set to produce at least the desired amount of power, and control the power interface to deliver the desired amount of power to the power bus.
B61C 3/00 - Locomotives ou automotrices électriques
B60L 50/10 - Propulsion électrique par source d'énergie intérieure au véhicule utilisant la puissance de propulsion fournie par des générateurs entraînés par le moteur, p. ex. des générateurs entraînés par des moteurs à combustion
H02P 9/04 - Commande s'exerçant sur un moteur primaire non électrique et dépendant de la valeur d'une caractéristique électrique à la sortie de la génératrice
A locomotive assembly including an auxiliary power unit and a method of providing auxiliary power to a locomotive are disclosed. The locomotive assembly includes a locomotive having a power bus, a primary power source electrically coupled to the power bus, and a locomotive controller programmed to control the primary power source and transmit a first command signal to a power unit that is electrically coupled to the power bus. The power unit includes an auxiliary engine-generator set, a power interface electrically coupling the auxiliary engine-generate set to the power bus, and an auxiliary controller electrically coupled to the locomotive controller. The auxiliary controller is programmed to receive the command signal from the locomotive controller indicating a desired amount of power, control the auxiliary engine-generator set to produce at least the desired amount of power, and control the power interface to deliver the desired amount of power to the power bus.
B61C 3/00 - Locomotives ou automotrices électriques
B60L 11/02 - utilisant des générateurs entraînés par le moteur
H02P 9/04 - Commande s'exerçant sur un moteur primaire non électrique et dépendant de la valeur d'une caractéristique électrique à la sortie de la génératrice
12.
SEMI-ISOTHERMAL COMPRESSION ENGINES WITH SEPARATE COMBUSTORS AND EXPANDERS, AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEM AND METHODS
Engine systems and associated methods, including systems with semi- isothermal compression devices are disclosed. An engine system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a compressor having a compressor inlet and outlet, a combustor having a combustor inlet coupled to the compressor outlet and further having a combustor outlet, a positive displacement expander having an expander inlet coupled to the combustor outlet, and further having an expander outlet and a work output device. A valve is coupled between the combustor and the expander to regulate a flow of hot combustion products passing from the combustor to the expander, and an exhaust energy recovery device is coupled to the expander outlet to extract energy from the combustion products exiting the expander.
F01K 23/10 - Ensembles fonctionnels caractérisés par plus d'une machine motrice fournissant de l'énergie à l'extérieur de l'ensemble, ces machines motrices étant entraînées par des fluides différents les cycles de ces machines motrices étant couplés thermiquement la chaleur de combustion provenant de l'un des cycles chauffant le fluide dans un autre cycle le fluide à la sortie de l'un des cycles chauffant le fluide dans un autre cycle
F02B 53/00 - Aspects combustion interne des moteurs à pistons rotatifs ou oscillants
F01L 5/04 - Systèmes de distribution à tiroirs comprenant des tiroirs cylindriques, à fourreau ou en forme de secteur annulaire
F01L 7/02 - Systèmes de distribution à tiroirs rotatifs ou oscillants comportant des tiroirs cylindriques, à fourreau ou en forme de secteur annulaire
F02C 3/04 - Ensembles fonctionnels de turbines à gaz caractérisés par l'utilisation de produits de combustion comme fluide de travail ayant une turbine entraînant un compresseur
A thermal energy storage system includes a container positioned within a surrounding body of water and comprising a container wall. The wall has an interior surface exposed to and defining an internal volume of the container and has an exterior surface opposite the interior surface and exposed to the surrounding body of water. The internal volume is substantially full of water, and the container is configured to thermally separate water within the internal volume along the interior surface from water of the surrounding body of water along the exterior surface. A thermal source in thermal communication with the water within the internal volume is configured to transfer a thermal potential to the water within the internal volume.
A thermal energy storage system includes a container positioned within a surrounding body of water and comprising a container wall. The wall has an interior surface exposed to and defining an internal volume of the container and has an exterior surface opposite the interior surface and exposed to the surrounding body of water. The internal volume is substantially full of water, and the container is configured to thermally separate water within the internal volume along the interior surface from water of the surrounding body of water along the exterior surface. A thermal source in thermal communication with the water within the internal volume is configured to transfer a thermal potential to the water within the internal volume.
The present technology is directed generally to pneumatic gearbox systems with variable speed transmission and associated systems and methods. In selected embodiments, pneumatic gearbox systems can include a variable input power source and a compressor operatively coupled thereto. The compressor can be configured to compress a fluid at a first cyclic frequency from the variable power input power source. The system can further include a storage vessel in fluid communication with the compressor and an expander in fluid communication with the storage vessel. The storage vessel can be configured to retain a volume of the fluid after compression until the expander draws upon it to expand the fluid at a second cyclic frequency different from the first cyclic frequency. The second cyclic frequency can be configured to synchronize with that of an electrical generator.
The present technology is directed generally to rotary displacement systems and associated methods of use and manufacture. The systems can be used to compress and/or expand compressible fluids. In some embodiments, the rotary displacement systems include a chamber housing having a pressure-modifying chamber with a first port and a second port, a first passageway in fluid communication with the chamber via the first port, and a second passageway in fluid communication with the chamber via the second port. The systems can further include a shaft positioned within the chamber housing and rotatable relative to the chamber housing about a rotational axis, and a rotor comprising no more than two lobes. The rotor can be carried by and rotatable relative to the shaft, and can be alternately operable in a first mode in which flow is provided from the first passageway to the second passageway via the chamber.
An apparatus for storage vessel deployment includes a plow for deployment of a flexible vessel that includes a body having an outer wall and an inner wall extending along a bore passing through the body. The body also has an intermediate wall extending between the outer wall and the inner wall, wherein a vessel cavity is formed between the inner and outer walls that is configured to receive the flexible vessel in a pre-deployment configuration.
F03G 7/08 - Mécanismes produisant une puissance mécanique, non prévus ailleurs ou utilisant une source d'énergie non prévue ailleurs récupérant l'énergie produite par le balancement, le roulement, le tangage ou des mouvements semblabes, p. ex. par les vibrations d'une machine
A compressed fluid storage system includes a bi-directional compressor/expander (C/E) unit constructed to compress fluid during a first operational mode and allow expansion of fluid in a second operational mode, a fluid storage system positioned on a sea floor under a body of water, and a piping system positioned between the C/E unit and the fluid storage system and configured to pass fluid between the C/E unit and the fluid storage system.
F02C 6/16 - Ensembles fonctionnels de turbines à gaz comportant des moyens pour emmagasiner l'énergie, p. ex. pour faire face à des pointes de charge pour emmagasiner de l'air comprimé
F02C 6/18 - Utilisation de la chaleur perdue dans les ensembles fonctionnels de turbines à gaz à l'extérieur des ensembles eux-mêmes, p. ex. ensembles fonctionnels de chauffage à turbine à gaz
19.
SYSTEM FOR UNDERWATER COMPRESSED FLUID ENERGY STORAGE AND METHOD OF DEPLOYING SAME
A system and method for underwater compressed fluid energy storage include a compressed fluid storage system that comprises a fluid containment vessel positioned on a floor of a body of water, wherein the fluid containment vessel comprises sediment positioned therein to ballast the vessel on the floor.
F03G 7/04 - Mécanismes produisant une puissance mécanique, non prévus ailleurs ou utilisant une source d'énergie non prévue ailleurs utilisant les différences de pression ou les différences thermiques existant dans la nature
F03B 13/22 - Utilisation de l'écoulement de l'eau résultant du mouvement des vagues, p. ex. pour entraîner un moteur hydraulique ou une turbine
F03C 1/26 - Machines motrices à liquide à pistons alternatifs adaptées à une utilisation particulière ou combinées avec les appareils qu'elles entraînent
brevets
