Classifications

• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • F03G—SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS; MECHANICAL-POWER PRODUCING DEVICES OR MECHANISMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR OR USING ENERGY SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • F03G7/00—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for
  • F03G7/04—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using pressure differences or thermal differences occurring in nature
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
  • F01N—GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; GAS-FLOW SILENCERS OR EXHAUST APPARATUS FOR INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
  • F01N5/00—Exhaust or silencing apparatus combined or associated with devices profiting by exhaust energy
  • F01N5/02—Exhaust or silencing apparatus combined or associated with devices profiting by exhaust energy the devices using heat
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
  • C01B3/00—Hydrogen; Gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen; Separation of hydrogen from mixtures containing it; Purification of hydrogen
  • C01B3/02—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen
  • C01B3/22—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by decomposition of gaseous or liquid organic compounds
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
  • C01B3/00—Hydrogen; Gaseous mixtures containing hydrogen; Separation of hydrogen from mixtures containing it; Purification of hydrogen
  • C01B3/02—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen
  • C01B3/32—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds with gasifying agents, e.g. water, carbon dioxide, air
  • C01B3/34—Production of hydrogen or of gaseous mixtures containing a substantial proportion of hydrogen by reaction of gaseous or liquid organic compounds with gasifying agents, e.g. water, carbon dioxide, air by reaction of hydrocarbons with gasifying agents
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
  • C01B32/00—Carbon; Compounds thereof
  • C01B32/20—Graphite
  • C01B32/21—After-treatment
  • C01B32/22—Intercalation
  • C01B32/225—Expansion; Exfoliation
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C10—PETROLEUM, GAS OR COKE INDUSTRIES; TECHNICAL GASES CONTAINING CARBON MONOXIDE; FUELS; LUBRICANTS; PEAT
  • C10L—FUELS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NATURAL GAS; SYNTHETIC NATURAL GAS OBTAINED BY PROCESSES NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C10G, C10K; LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS; ADDING MATERIALS TO FUELS OR FIRES TO REDUCE SMOKE OR UNDESIRABLE DEPOSITS OR TO FACILITATE SOOT REMOVAL; FIRELIGHTERS
  • C10L3/00—Gaseous fuels; Natural gas; Synthetic natural gas obtained by processes not covered by subclass C10G, C10K; Liquefied petroleum gas
  • C10L3/06—Natural gas; Synthetic natural gas obtained by processes not covered by C10G, C10K3/02 or C10K3/04
  • C10L3/10—Working-up natural gas or synthetic natural gas
  • C10L3/108—Production of gas hydrates
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
  • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
  • C25B1/00—Electrolytic production of inorganic compounds or non-metals
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
  • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
  • C25B1/00—Electrolytic production of inorganic compounds or non-metals
  • C25B1/01—Products
  • C25B1/02—Hydrogen or oxygen
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
  • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
  • C25B1/00—Electrolytic production of inorganic compounds or non-metals
  • C25B1/01—Products
  • C25B1/02—Hydrogen or oxygen
  • C25B1/04—Hydrogen or oxygen by electrolysis of water
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
  • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
  • C25B1/00—Electrolytic production of inorganic compounds or non-metals
  • C25B1/01—Products
  • C25B1/24—Halogens or compounds thereof
  • C25B1/26—Chlorine; Compounds thereof
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
  • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
  • C25B11/00—Electrodes; Manufacture thereof not otherwise provided for
  • C25B11/02—Electrodes; Manufacture thereof not otherwise provided for characterised by shape or form
  • C25B11/03—Electrodes; Manufacture thereof not otherwise provided for characterised by shape or form perforated or foraminous
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
  • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
  • C25B13/00—Diaphragms; Spacing elements
  • C25B13/02—Diaphragms; Spacing elements characterised by shape or form
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
  • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
  • C25B15/00—Operating or servicing cells
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
  • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
  • C25B3/00—Electrolytic production of organic compounds
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C25—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES; APPARATUS THEREFOR
  • C25B—ELECTROLYTIC OR ELECTROPHORETIC PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COMPOUNDS OR NON-METALS; APPARATUS THEREFOR
  • C25B9/00—Cells or assemblies of cells; Constructional parts of cells; Assemblies of constructional parts, e.g. electrode-diaphragm assemblies; Process-related cell features
  • C25B9/17—Cells comprising dimensionally-stable non-movable electrodes; Assemblies of constructional parts thereof
• • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
  • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
  • E21C—MINING OR QUARRYING
  • E21C50/00—Obtaining minerals from underwater, not otherwise provided for
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F02—COMBUSTION ENGINES; HOT-GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT ENGINE PLANTS
  • F02G—HOT GAS OR COMBUSTION-PRODUCT POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT ENGINE PLANTS; USE OF WASTE HEAT OF COMBUSTION ENGINES; NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • F02G5/00—Profiting from waste heat of combustion engines, not otherwise provided for
  • F02G5/02—Profiting from waste heat of exhaust gases
  • F02G5/04—Profiting from waste heat of exhaust gases in combination with other waste heat from combustion engines
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • F03B—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS
  • F03B13/00—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates
  • F03B13/12—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy
  • F03B13/14—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy
  • F03B13/16—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the relative movement between a wave-operated member, i.e. a "wom" and another member, i.e. a reaction member or "rem"
  • F03B13/18—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the relative movement between a wave-operated member, i.e. a "wom" and another member, i.e. a reaction member or "rem" where the other member, i.e. rem is fixed, at least at one point, with respect to the sea bed or shore
  • F03B13/1885—Adaptations of machines or engines for special use; Combinations of machines or engines with driving or driven apparatus; Power stations or aggregates characterised by using wave or tide energy using wave energy using the relative movement between a wave-operated member, i.e. a "wom" and another member, i.e. a reaction member or "rem" where the other member, i.e. rem is fixed, at least at one point, with respect to the sea bed or shore and the wom is tied to the rem
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • F03G—SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS; MECHANICAL-POWER PRODUCING DEVICES OR MECHANISMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR OR USING ENERGY SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • F03G3/00—Other motors, e.g. gravity or inertia motors
  • F03G3/08—Other motors, e.g. gravity or inertia motors using flywheels
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • F03G—SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS; MECHANICAL-POWER PRODUCING DEVICES OR MECHANISMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR OR USING ENERGY SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • F03G7/00—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for
  • F03G7/04—Mechanical-power-producing mechanisms, not otherwise provided for or using energy sources not otherwise provided for using pressure differences or thermal differences occurring in nature
  • F03G7/05—Ocean thermal energy conversion, i.e. OTEC
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F22—STEAM GENERATION
  • F22B—METHODS OF STEAM GENERATION; STEAM BOILERS
  • F22B33/00—Steam-generation plants, e.g. comprising steam boilers of different types in mutual association
  • F22B33/18—Combinations of steam boilers with other apparatus
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
  • F24D11/00—Central heating systems using heat accumulated in storage masses
  • F24D11/002—Central heating systems using heat accumulated in storage masses water heating system
  • F24D11/005—Central heating systems using heat accumulated in storage masses water heating system with recuperation of waste heat
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
  • F24H8/00—Fluid heaters characterised by means for extracting latent heat from flue gases by means of condensation
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
  • F24S10/00—Solar heat collectors using working fluids
  • F24S10/40—Solar heat collectors using working fluids in absorbing elements surrounded by transparent enclosures, e.g. evacuated solar collectors
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
  • F24S20/00—Solar heat collectors specially adapted for particular uses or environments
  • F24S20/20—Solar heat collectors for receiving concentrated solar energy, e.g. receivers for solar power plants
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
  • F24S23/00—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors
  • F24S23/30—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors with lenses
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
  • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
  • H01M8/06—Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues
  • H01M8/0606—Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues with means for production of gaseous reactants
  • H01M8/0656—Combination of fuel cells with means for production of reactants or for treatment of residues with means for production of gaseous reactants by electrochemical means
• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
  • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
  • H01M8/00—Fuel cells; Manufacture thereof
  • H01M8/18—Regenerative fuel cells, e.g. redox flow batteries or secondary fuel cells
  • H01M8/184—Regeneration by electrochemical means
  • H01M8/186—Regeneration by electrochemical means by electrolytic decomposition of the electrolytic solution or the formed water product
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
  • C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
  • C01B2203/02—Processes for making hydrogen or synthesis gas
  • C01B2203/0205—Processes for making hydrogen or synthesis gas containing a reforming step
  • C01B2203/0211—Processes for making hydrogen or synthesis gas containing a reforming step containing a non-catalytic reforming step
  • C01B2203/0216—Processes for making hydrogen or synthesis gas containing a reforming step containing a non-catalytic reforming step containing a non-catalytic steam reforming step
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
  • C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
  • C01B2203/02—Processes for making hydrogen or synthesis gas
  • C01B2203/0283—Processes for making hydrogen or synthesis gas containing a CO-shift step, i.e. a water gas shift step
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
  • C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
  • C01B2203/04—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas containing a purification step for the hydrogen or the synthesis gas
  • C01B2203/042—Purification by adsorption on solids
  • C01B2203/043—Regenerative adsorption process in two or more beds, one for adsorption, the other for regeneration
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
  • C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
  • C01B2203/06—Integration with other chemical processes
  • C01B2203/061—Methanol production
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
  • C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
  • C01B2203/12—Feeding the process for making hydrogen or synthesis gas
  • C01B2203/1205—Composition of the feed
  • C01B2203/1211—Organic compounds or organic mixtures used in the process for making hydrogen or synthesis gas
  • C01B2203/1235—Hydrocarbons
  • C01B2203/1241—Natural gas or methane
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
  • C01B2203/00—Integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas
  • C01B2203/80—Aspect of integrated processes for the production of hydrogen or synthesis gas not covered by groups C01B2203/02 - C01B2203/1695
  • C01B2203/84—Energy production
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
  • C02F1/46—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods
  • C02F1/461—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrolysis
  • C02F1/46104—Devices therefor; Their operating or servicing
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
  • C02F2303/00—Specific treatment goals
  • C02F2303/10—Energy recovery
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
  • F24D2200/00—Heat sources or energy sources
  • F24D2200/16—Waste heat
  • F24D2200/26—Internal combustion engine
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
  • F24D2200/00—Heat sources or energy sources
  • F24D2200/16—Waste heat
  • F24D2200/29—Electrical devices, e.g. computers, servers
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
  • F24D2200/00—Heat sources or energy sources
  • F24D2200/16—Waste heat
  • F24D2200/30—Friction
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
  • F24S—SOLAR HEAT COLLECTORS; SOLAR HEAT SYSTEMS
  • F24S23/00—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors
  • F24S23/70—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors with reflectors
  • F24S23/71—Arrangements for concentrating solar-rays for solar heat collectors with reflectors with parabolic reflective surfaces
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
  • F28D—HEAT-EXCHANGE APPARATUS, NOT PROVIDED FOR IN ANOTHER SUBCLASS, IN WHICH THE HEAT-EXCHANGE MEDIA DO NOT COME INTO DIRECT CONTACT
  • F28D7/00—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall
  • F28D7/10—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits being arranged one within the other, e.g. concentrically
  • F28D7/103—Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits being arranged one within the other, e.g. concentrically consisting of more than two coaxial conduits or modules of more than two coaxial conduits
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
  • Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
  • Y02B10/20—Solar thermal
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
  • Y02B30/00—Energy efficient heating, ventilation or air conditioning [HVAC]
  • Y02B30/52—Heat recovery pumps, i.e. heat pump based systems or units able to transfer the thermal energy from one area of the premises or part of the facilities to a different one, improving the overall efficiency
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
  • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
  • Y02E10/10—Geothermal energy
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
  • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
  • Y02E10/30—Energy from the sea, e.g. using wave energy or salinity gradient
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
  • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
  • Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
  • Y02E10/44—Heat exchange systems
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  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
  • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
  • Y02E10/40—Solar thermal energy, e.g. solar towers
  • Y02E10/46—Conversion of thermal power into mechanical power, e.g. Rankine, Stirling or solar thermal engines
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
  • Y02E20/00—Combustion technologies with mitigation potential
  • Y02E20/14—Combined heat and power generation [CHP]
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
  • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
  • Y02E60/16—Mechanical energy storage, e.g. flywheels or pressurised fluids
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
  • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
  • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
  • Y02E60/36—Hydrogen production from non-carbon containing sources, e.g. by water electrolysis
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
  • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
  • Y02E60/30—Hydrogen technology
  • Y02E60/50—Fuel cells
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
  • Y02P20/00—Technologies relating to chemical industry
  • Y02P20/10—Process efficiency
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
  • Y02P20/00—Technologies relating to chemical industry
  • Y02P20/10—Process efficiency
  • Y02P20/129—Energy recovery, e.g. by cogeneration, H2recovery or pressure recovery turbines
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
  • Y02P20/00—Technologies relating to chemical industry
  • Y02P20/10—Process efficiency
  • Y02P20/133—Renewable energy sources, e.g. sunlight
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
  • Y02P20/00—Technologies relating to chemical industry
  • Y02P20/20—Improvements relating to chlorine production
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
  • Y02P70/00—Climate change mitigation technologies in the production process for final industrial or consumer products
  • Y02P70/50—Manufacturing or production processes characterised by the final manufactured product
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
  • Y02P80/00—Climate change mitigation technologies for sector-wide applications
  • Y02P80/20—Climate change mitigation technologies for sector-wide applications using renewable energy
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
  • Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
  • Y02T10/10—Internal combustion engine [ICE] based vehicles
  • Y02T10/12—Improving ICE efficiencies
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
  • Y02W10/00—Technologies for wastewater treatment
  • Y02W10/30—Wastewater or sewage treatment systems using renewable energies
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
  • Y02W10/00—Technologies for wastewater treatment
  • Y02W10/30—Wastewater or sewage treatment systems using renewable energies
  • Y02W10/33—Wastewater or sewage treatment systems using renewable energies using wind energy
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
  • Y02W—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO WASTEWATER TREATMENT OR WASTE MANAGEMENT
  • Y02W10/00—Technologies for wastewater treatment
  • Y02W10/30—Wastewater or sewage treatment systems using renewable energies
  • Y02W10/37—Wastewater or sewage treatment systems using renewable energies using solar energy
• • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
  • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
  • Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
  • Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
  • Y10T137/0318—Processes
  • Y10T137/0391—Affecting flow by the addition of material or energy

Definitions

• This disclosure relates to improved conversion of renewable forces that produce cyclic rectilinear or rotary motion into electricity and/or hydrogen; distribution of electricity and/or hydrogen substantially by existing electrical and pipeline networks; dense storage of fuel fluids such as hydrogen and methane for transportation and cogeneration applications; improved production of electricity by rotary and/or rectilinear generation techniques; and production and/or recovery of potable heated water for homemaking and commercial purposes of air conditioning, washing, and cooking.
• Ocean waves represent a vast but untapped source of dependable energy. Waves are developed by winds that impart cyclic elevations to the surface of the ocean. Solar energy powers the winds and thus the waves that are common to all oceans and other open surfaces of water. Earth's oceans provide wave power of 10 to 80 kilowatts per meter of wave height. Most of the populated areas of the continents are relatively near coastal areas with ocean waves that average at least one meter in height.
• An object of the present disclosure is to overcome the problems noted above. In accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, this objective is accomplished by providing a process for manufacturing an efficient, low-maintenance, linear generator from very low cost materials.
• An object of the disclosure is to improve existing natural gas storage and distribution systems by incorporation of occasional addition of hydrogen produced from surplus electricity and/or other forms of surplus energy and placement of selective separation systems for removal of hydrogen from other ingredients typically conveyed by such natural gas systems.
• Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that utilizes charged particles to force charged particles in a separate circuit to flow and accomplish useful work.
• An object of the present disclosure is to convert forces exerted at a first frequency to electrical energy with current at a frequency that is a multiple of the frequency of the forces.
• Another object of the present disclosure is to manufacture the components of the disclosure at a high rate from very low cost materials with minimum energy requirements.
• Another object of the present disclosure is to provide wave generators that overcome corrosion and biofouling in ocean and lake atmospheres.
• Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that is adaptive to application circumstances such as wave conditions or engine operation for the purpose of producing electricity at a high efficiency.
• An object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that utilizes ingredients that are derived from the surroundings such as ozone from water and chlorine from salt water in which such ingredients are utilized to control biofouling.
• Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a system that utilizes gases such as hydrogen that are derived from the atmosphere in which the invention is applied to control the buoyancy of components of the invention.
• Another object of the present disclosure is to distribute hydrogen in existing underground natural gas conduits and to selectively filter hydrogen from mixtures at desired locations.
• Another object of the present disclosure is to distribute electricity on existing electricity distribution grids from given producers to contract buyers at desired locations.
• Another object of the present disclosure is to store hydrogen and methane at elevated pressure for purposes of recovering stored pressure energy along with stored chemical energy.
• Another object of the present disclosure is to provide for rapid startup and generation of electricity using pressure and chemical storage of hydrogen and methane.
• Another object of the disclosure is to provide a system for achieving a sustainable economy in which energy users are provided with convenient, safe, and
• An object of the disclosure is to provide improved methods and apparatus for cogeneration purposes.
• An object of the disclosure is to provide improved methods and apparatus for agricultural industries.
• An object of the disclosure is to provide improved methods and apparatus for production of chemicals and polymers.
• An object of the disclosure is to provide improved methods and apparatus for production of clean energy in transportation and electricity generation applications.
• This energy conversion regime provides a synergistic system for making the best utilization and payback from the existing large investment that Civilization has made in electricity grids and pipeline networks by harnessing various renewable energy sources such as wave, wind, hydro, and tidal energy.
• this regime will enable the Industrial Revolution to be evolved from a non-sustainable revolution into a sustainable economic reformation that facilitates realization of the principle of wealth addition.
• This regime of energy conversion options provides opportunities to achieve wealth expansion in the farming, manufacturing, commerce, transportation, and home making activities of Civilization by providing energy intensive goods from renewable energy sources.
• Figure 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a linear generator assembly configured in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure for converting wave energy into electricity.
• Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of components of the linear generator assembly of Figure 1 configured in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.
• Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of additional components of the linear generator assembly of Figure 1 configured in accordance with further embodiments of the disclosure.
• Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a rotary generator assembly configured in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure for converting energy in moving water into electricity.
• Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of components of the rotary generator assembly of Figure 4 configured in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.
• Figure 6 is a schematic end view of the rotary generator assembly of Figure 4.
• Figure 7 is a schematic side view of a rotary generator assembly configured in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure.
• FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken substantially along lines 8-8 of Figure 7.
• FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the disclosure for converting a renewable energy source, such as water energy into electrical energy, electrical energy into chemical energy, and convenient delivery of hydrogen and or oxygen to a vehicle and other energy applications.
• a renewable energy source such as water energy into electrical energy, electrical energy into chemical energy, and convenient delivery of hydrogen and or oxygen to a vehicle and other energy applications.
• Figure 10 is a schematic view of a generator assembly configured in accordance with a further embodiment of the disclosure.
• Figure 1 1 is a cross-sectional side partial view of a filter assembly configured in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.
• Figure 12 is an enlarged view of a portion of the apparatus shown in Figure 11.
• Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of a selective outcome filter assembly configured in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure.
• Figure 14 is a process flow diagram of a method configured in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.
• Patent Applications filed concurrently herewith on August 16, 2010 and titled: METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR DETECTION OF PROPERTIES OF FLUID CONVEYANCE SYSTEMS (Attorney Docket No. 69545-8003US); COMPREHENSIVE COST MODELING OF AUTOGENOUS SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ENERGY, MATERIAL RESOURCES AND NUTRIENT REGIMES (Attorney Docket No. 69545-8025US); ELECTROLYTIC CELL AND METHOD OF USE THEREOF (Attorney Docket No.
• Figure 1 is a cross-sectional side view of an energy conversion system or generator assembly 2 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure for converting wave energy, or other forms of water energy or movement in water, into electricity.
• Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of components of the linear generator assembly of Figure 1 configured in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.
• wave energy is used to supply the cyclic rectilinear force required to drive linear generator assembly 2.
• a motion driver or flotation unit 4 moves up and down as it rides waves and supplies a lifting force on attached cable 6 which is sealed by fitting 8 to bellows 10 which is preferably made of EPDM rubber.
• the lower portion of bellows 10 is sealed to a bulkhead 12 which is also sealed to a housing or outer tube 14.
• the housing or outer tube 14 at least partially defines a cavity therein.
• a bulkhead assembly 16 is sealed to the outer tube 14. This provides a hermetic seal of the contents of outer tube 14 but allows for relative reciprocating motion between the contents of the outer tube 14.
• a first generator assembly or stationary tube 20 can remain generally stationary relative to the outer tube 14, and a second generator assembly or generator tube 8 can move relative to the first stationary tube 20.
• the stationary tube 20 and the generator tube 18 each includes multiple spaced apart conductors or metallic rings to generator electricity as the generator tube 18 moves relative to the stationary tube 20.
• a rod 9 couples the generator tube 18 to the cable 6.
• the rod 9 can be a polished rod 9 made from a low-cost stainless alloy such as type 410 SS.
• the generator tube assembly 18 moves up and down (with respect to stationery tube 20) and can be made of a suitable material such as polypropylene, linear low-density polyethylene, or very low- density polyethylene by extrusion or rotational molding techniques in the tubular shape shown in Figures 1 and 2. On the inside of tube 18 are assembled spaced
• FIG. 2 the schematic circuit diagrams of a transformer 56, a full-wave rectifier bridge 58, and an inverter 121 are provided to teach the principles of operation of certain features of the assembly 2. Persons of ordinary skill in the art of energy conversion will understand that these components can be protected from environmental degradation, and if needed provided within water-tight enclosures in actual operation. Moreover, charging lead 24 may be occasionally connected through contactor 26 to a suitable source such as transformer 56 or rectifier assembly 58 for replenishing zones 22 with additional electrons as needed to restore gradual loss of charge. Negative charge conditions 23 and 25 are shown in Figure 2.
• Embodiments of the disclosure can be practiced by operating on a repulsive-force basis with a surplus of negative or positive charges, or by operating on an attractive-force basis by charging rings such as 23 and 25 with oppositely charged particles.
• each ring 50 and 52 it may be preferred to bond an interference-fit cylindrical tube or dielectric spacers 66 within each ring 22 for the purpose of maintaining dimensional stability in operation.
• reinforcements 66 In smaller applications where waves up to 1 meter in height are available it may be preferred to use reinforcements 66. In waters where waves greater than about 1 meter are available, it may be preferred to reinforce generator tube 18 with a structural tube which is not shown but which serves as an elongated form of dielectric spacers 66 with sufficient wall thickness to provide the desired reinforcement and dimensional stability in all modes of operation.
• each ring 50 and 52 it is preferred to reinforce each ring 50 and 52 with a high-strength, oriented carbon, glass, or polyolefin tape 68 for purposes of maintaining dimensional stability.
• stationary tube 20 may be rigidized by internal pressure which preferably approaches that of the surrounding water.
• an electrolyzer assembly 120 integral with the assembly 2 can pressurize the stationary tube 20
• the generator tube assembly 18 is moved upward by ascending wave motion and downward by gravitational force when float 4 descends into a passing wave trough.
• Charged conductors or rings 22 produce an electrostatic field that repels like charges in circumferential conductors or rings 50, 52, which are spaced apart from one another and insulated by dielectric tube 20.
• Conductors 50 and 52 may be connected in any desired way to produce electricity including the parallel connections shown in Figure 2. Repulsion of like charges provides centering of tube 18 within 20 and establishes a low-friction electro-repulsive bearing regarding relative motion of 18 within 20.
• the circuit of 50, 52, and the transformer primary winding of 56 may be charged with the same charge and voltage as carried by 22.
• charging rings 22 with electrons at a suitable voltage, such as 7,200 volts; and the circuit of 50, 52, and the primary of transformer 56 with electrons at a potential of 7,200 volts results in accumulation of electrons at zones 52 at the time that the system is in the position shown in Figure 2.
• wave force moves conductors or rings 22 of the generator tube 18 to the proximate position of rings 50 of the stationary tube 20, and alternately to 52 of the stationary tube 20, the electrons leave 50 and load 52 and vice versa to produce the desired alternating current in the primary winding of transformer 56.
• the spacing of conductors 50 and 52 develops an alternating voltage potential in the moving field of permanently charged ring(s) 22 that causes a current flow that alternates between conductors 50 and 52 as tube 18 moves up and down within tube 20.
• a polyolefin such as polyethylene, polypropylene or polymethylbutene may be used for tubes 18 and 20, and/or to laminate a similar polyolefin to the surface of tube 18 and to the surface of tube 20 for the purpose of protecting conductive metal rings 22, 50,
• all outside surfaces of the polyolefin assembly can be treated with fluorine during the manufacturing process to produce surface zone of fluropolymer with a lower coefficient of friction and to cause these surfaces to be in a state of compression.
• the alternating electrical current frequency is the same as the frequency of the wave motion multiplied by the number of conductors 22 per height of the wave.
• the width and longitudinal spacing of conductors 22 for optimizing conversion of wave energy into electricity is largely dependent upon the surface and volume resistivity along with other dielectric strength characteristics of polymer tubes 18 and 20. Exceptionally high dielectric values are available in thin films of polyolefins in which it is common to achieve 2,000 to 6,000 volts/mil along with at least 10 16 ohms surface resistivity compared to less than 500 volts/mil dielectric strength and less than 10 15 ohms surface resistivity in injection molded or extruded material with thicker walls.
• tubes 18 and 20 as composites in which at least two thin layers of 0.003" polyethylene tubings that are interference fit by control of internal pressure at the time of blow forming and orientation, coated with silver or copper in thin layers at the locations shown as 22, 50, and 52, and then supported by thicker support tubes that are placed on the sides that have been plated with bands 22, 50, and 52 to form the assemblies of tubes 18 and 20 as illustrated in the Figures.
• Another embodiment utilizes at least two thin layers of 0.003" polyethylene tubing which are interference fit by control of internal pressure at the time of extrusion blow forming and orientation.
• Each composite is sized for low-friction running fit of generator 18 within stationary tube 20 and coated with aluminum, silver or copper in thin layers at the locations shown as 22, 50, and 52.
• Tube 20 is then coated with a suitable adhesive, assembled, internally pressurized, and conformed to cylindrical support tube 14 with the result of developing circumferential grooves between bands 50 and 52.
• Thin-walled composite tube 18 can be bonded to fitted end disks 17 and 19 and the top disk 17 is attached to the rod 9 as shown.
• the circumferential grooves in 20 stabilize the gas bearing that results in the annular space between generator tube 18 and stationary tube 20.
• annular grooves between rings 50 and 52 can also provide gas bearings.
• This low-friction and high performance dielectric design enables close packing of rings 22, 50, and 52 and the use of a transformer to produce the desired voltage for inexpensive transmission to shore for grid distribution or to dedicated industrial applications.
• Providing close axial spacing of generator rings 22, 50, and 52 also increases the rate at which work is done in forcing electrons back and forth in the circuit shown.
• High power level per pound of materials results for the components of the invention which is much more attractive than in conventional approaches to wave- energy conversion.
• Another embodiment utilizes at least two thin layers of 0.003" polyethylene tubing which are interference fit by control of internal pressure at the time of extrusion blow forming and orientation.
• Each composite is sized for a low- friction running fit of 18 within 20 and coated with aluminum, silver or copper in thin closely spaced layers at the locations shown in the arrangements noted as 22, 50, and 52.
• Tube 20 is then placed on a suitable gas bearing mandril, the gas bearing is relaxed to collapse 20 on the mandril, coated with a suitable adhesive and fitted with at least two additional conformal 0.003" wall polyolefin tubes with the result of developing conformal seals to bulkheads 12 and 16.
• Thin-walled composite 18 is interference fitted to a glass billet or heavy-walled symmetrical nipple which is attached to 9 as shown. In operation, low-friction centering of generator tube 18 within stationary tube 20 is due to the electrostatic and gas bearing forces previously noted.
• the arrangement of electrical current-inducing components 21 , 22, and 23 may be as shown for production of alternating current with delivery as shown by two conductors 63 and 65, or the system may be configured with equal numbers of current rings with appropriate spacing for production of three-phase alternating current.
• Controller 64 monitors the wave height, form, and frequency
• Tube or nipple ends 17 and 19 are preferably chamfered as shown to provide loading of gas bearing surfaces between the inside diameter of stationary tube 20 and outside diameter of generator tube 18.
• end portion 19 from a heavier material, such as a lead-antimony or steel alloy such as 410 SS, and to make end portion 17 from an engineering polymer or aluminum alloy for purposes of creating a righting force on cable 6 and rod 9 as it is guided through anti-friction bearing 12 which is preferably made from a self-lubricating material such as WearComp from HyComp Inc., 17960 Englewood Drive, Cleveland, Ohio 44130-3438.
• a heavier material such as a lead-antimony or steel alloy such as 410 SS
• end portion 17 from an engineering polymer or aluminum alloy for purposes of creating a righting force on cable 6 and rod 9 as it is guided through anti-friction bearing 12 which is preferably made from a self-lubricating material such as WearComp from HyComp Inc., 17960 Englewood Drive, Cleveland, Ohio 44130-3438.
• a suitable gas for pressurizing the interior of 20 is hydrogen which may be generated as needed by an electrolyzer assembly 120 including electrolyzer electrodes 28, 29 in lower chamber 30.
• the hydrogen may be admitted to the chamber within 20 through filter 46, solenoid valve 44, and filter-regulator 42 as shown. It is preferred to provide a filter media within 42 that prevents water and other liquids from entering stationary tube 20 and which neutralizes any acid/base particles or fumes.
• the electrolyzer assembly 120 can be driven by at least a portion of the electricity produced by the relative movement of the generator tube 18 and the stationary tube 20.
• 69545-8048.USOO/LEGAL18953141.1 -14- stabilization may be provided by tension cables to anchors at the ocean floor or other structures at outer borders or to the leading and tailing edges of arrays that are thus created to withstand horizontal travel due to wind and wave forces.
• a controller 64 regulates the pressure of the hydrogen atmosphere created by the electrolyzer 28 within stationary tube 20.
• the controller can regulate the pressure of the hydrogen or other gases to produce the optimum relationship of minimizing the drag of generator tube 18 within stationary tube 20 while maximizing electrical energy production.
• Increasing the hydrogen pressure increases heat transfer from generator tube 18 through stationary tube 20 to the surrounding water and produces less drag by slightly expanding the diameter of stationary tube 20. However this reduces the electrostatic field strength of plates 22 on 52 and 50, which in turn reduces the repulsive voltage in the circuit of 50 and 52.
• Controller 64 can adaptively control the pressure within stationary tube 20 to optimize these counteractive effects while operating the system within prescribed limits. This enables very inexpensive materials to be selected and used with virtually unlimited lifetimes in greatly varying conditions including wave height, wave frequency, and ambient temperature.
• the illustrated energy conversion assembly 2 can operate in water that is deep enough to place the generator assembly at a depth of at least 100 feet or more below the surface where float 4 is operated for the purpose of minimizing exposure to storms and passing ships. In other embodiments, however, the assembly 2 can be positioned at a depth that is less than or greater than 00 feet. Hydrogen in lower chamber 30 and at a lesser pressure within stationary tube 20 is adaptively adjusted to provide rigidity to the tube generator assembly and provide buoyancy for tensioning base cable 32 against anchor 34 which may be a weight, expanding barb, or another suitable means of tensioning base cable 32.
• motorized tensioner 74 can shorten the base cable 32, and the electrolyzer 28 can be turned off along with opening solenoid valve 44 and solenoid valves 36 and 40 to flood chamber 30 with sea water which has been filtered by filter assembly 38. These actions cause the system to pull 4 downward to a position below harms way.
• electrolyzer 29 When it is safe to reestablish normal operation, electrolyzer 29 generates hydrogen within 30 to lift the system as tensioner 74 releases the base cable 32 to establish the normal
• Tensioner 74 can be adaptively operated to adjust the relative positioning of the 4 with respect to the surface for optimum conversion of wave energy to electricity.
• the generator assembly 2 is vertically and coaxially self centering and provides a high yield of electrical energy per mass of required materials, in certain embodiments it may be preferred to design tube assemblies 18 and 20 for waves that are 5 meters or more. In other embodiments, however, smaller waves are also within the operational envelope as controller 64 can adaptively adjust the tension on base cable 32 to optimize energy conversion efficiency regardless of the prevalent wave height. This enables the system to operate in extreme conditions of high and low wave amplitudes with the capability of efficiently utilizing the maximum amount of wave energy available to produce electricity.
• electrolyzer electrodes 28 and 29 of the electrolyzer assembly 120 For purposes of hydrogen generation, in one embodiment it is preferred to operate electrolyzer electrodes 28 and 29 of the electrolyzer assembly 120 at a voltage only sufficient to liberate hydrogen from 29 but not chlorine or oxygen from 28. However, when biofouling threatens to become a problem, in other embodiments it may be preferred to increase the voltage applied to electrolyzer electrodes 28 and 29 to the point of producing chlorine along with hydrogen from filtered seawater.
• This chlorine is kept separate from the hydrogen by use of a semipermeable membrane or divider 27 and is distributed from cavity 30 through valve 40 to delivery tube 75 to annular distributor tube 76 which is perforated in the annular portion at the bottom of the assembly as shown to create a chlorine or ozone-rich atmosphere to dispel biomass agents from the assembly. After chlorine is depleted from the electrolyte in electrolyzer 29, oxygen is produced.
• the electrolyzer assembly 120 can include features that are generally similar in structure and function to the corresponding
• the atmosphere within stationary tube 20 may be selected from the group consisting of high conductivity, low viscosity gases such as hydrogen and helium; low conductivity gases such as argon and chlorofluorocarbons, and the pressure and composition of any selected atmosphere may be adjusted for purposes selected from the group consisting of: reducing friction losses, increasing or decreasing heat transfer, producing structural rigidity for the system assembly, and managing buoyancy.
• the electricity generated by the assembly 2 can be used to ionize oxidants such as oxygen or chlorine to increase the reactivity as an anti-biofouling agent before release through distributor 76.
• oxidants such as oxygen or chlorine
• Suitable methods for ionizing these gases include spark discharge and ultraviolet lamps operating on the supply circuit shown.
• Additional transformers may be connected in parallel with the primary or secondary of transformer 56 and utilized to produce the desired voltages for electrolyzer 28 and ionizer 31 as needed.
• controller 64 utilizes suitable instrumentation such as doppler or optical electronics or spring 70 and 72 at the ends of tube chamber 20 to monitor the length of travel of 18 within 20.
• Biasing members or springs 70 and 72 can include integral sensors.
• springs 70 and 72 have multiple functions including sensing the travel path of 18 within 20, serving as a shock absorber if necessary, and recovering kinetic energy as the motion of generator tube 18 is reversed. It is desired to allow full motion of generator tube 18 with the wave height that is available up to a design limit at which the motion is safely stopped by the arrangement shown until the wave crest passes. Accordingly, controller 64 evaluates the range of motion of generator tube 18 within
• controller 64 will move the outer tube assembly downward by shortening cable 32 by winding it on the cable spool of motorized tensioner 74 as shown in Figure 1. If spring-sensor 70 is being deflected and 72 is not, cable 32 is lengthened until 18 is suitably centered within 20.
• a small hydrogen fuel cell or battery charger and battery pack 78 is utilized to store energy as a small portion of the energy generated and allow operation of controller 64, tensioner 74, valves 38, 40, 44, and to provide instrumentation and control communications from 64 through a radio antenna in 4 to a central control station on land or on service boats that occasionally maintain the wave generators.
• Fuel cell 78 and controller 64 are available for service by a diver and can be easily replaced if necessary for activation of units that have been stored in the submerged state for extended periods.
• controller 64 optimizes the operation by controlling the hydrogen pressure within 20 and 30 in addition to controlling the position of the floatation unit 4 with respect to the generator tube 20 and to the ocean surface for the purpose of converting as much of the wave energy into electricity as possible. Still another function of controller 64 is to monitor biofouling conditions and to control electrolyzer for production of chlorine as needed to dispel marine organisms that cause biofouling.
• the first force may be produced by the action of a piston in a Stirling or internal combustion engine (ICE) and the restoring force may be produced by a compressed gas, spring, an opposing piston of the same or another engine or a suitable mechanism such as a crank shaft or swash plate that cyclically converts the kinetic energy of a flywheel into restoring work.
• ICE internal combustion engine
• FIG. 3 Another embodiment of a wave-generator assembly 80 is shown in the schematic view of Figure 3.
• permanent magnets (Mi and M 2 ) or electro-magnets 82 and 84 are added to the assembly 2 of Figures 1 and 2 to create a magnetic field that is substantially perpendicular to the circumferential insulated turns of conductor 86 that connect each set of annular rings 88 and 90 as shown.
• rings 88, 90, 92, and 94 may be split as shown to depress eddy currents.
• outer tube 100 for withstanding the pressure forces of the ocean with only sufficient gas pressure to assure adequate cooling of internal parts.
• the outer tube 100 may be made from glass, marine aluminum such as 5086, or a low alloy steel such as 4140 with anti-fouling coatings on exposed surfaces.
• the program controller 64 can be programmed for use in either the embodiment of Figure 2 or 3 to provide hydrogen pressure sufficient to cool the internal components sufficiently to optimize resistive losses along with protecting against material degradation while minimizing losses due to gas drag. This results in much lower hydrogen gas pressures because it is not necessary to cancel crushing forces with internal pressure.
• One significant application of the disclosure is conversion of mineralized feed stocks and ore concentrates to metals, valuable non-metals such as oxygen, halogens, methane, and other refined materials.
• application of direct- current electricity from rectifier 58 as delivered from conductors 60 and 62 through appropriate electrolysis cell 120 provides products such as hydrogen; or halogens such as chlorine, iodine, and bromine; or oxygen; or reactive metals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, titanium, manganese from non-aqueous electrolytes; or transition metals; or heavy metals including precious metals.
• a substantial portion of the electricity produced is applied to electrolysis cell 120 for the purpose of generating metals and non-metals from appropriate concentrates that contain these elements.
• Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a rotary generator assembly 400 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure for converting energy in moving water into electricity.
• Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of components of the rotary generator assembly of Figure 4
• Figure 6 is a schematic end view of the rotary generator assembly of Figure 4. Referring to Figures 4-6 together, the rotary generator assembly 400 includes a
• Generator assembly 420 is driven by a suitable motion driver device such as propeller 436 attached to drive shaft 434 as shown and housed by shrouds 432 and 438.
• a suitable seal 444 prevents loss of atmosphere from housing 430 to the outside area and inward passage of the exterior atmosphere.
• electrolyzer 442 a small portion of the electricity produced by the assembly 400 is utilized to electrolyze water in electrolyzer 442 for the purpose of filling the interior space of housing 430 with hydrogen at an adaptively controlled pressure to remove heat from generator 420 and/or transformer 412, 414 and to reduce the windage losses due to viscosity and friction of the atmosphere within housing 430.
• Operation of electrolyzer 442 is generally similar as described above regarding electrolyzer 120 along with associated controls.
• electrolyzer 442 can include features that are generally similar in structure and function to the corresponding features of electrolyzer assemblies disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 12/707,651 , filed February 17, 2010, entitled "ELECTROLYZER AND ENERGY INDEPENDENT TECHNOLOGIES," U.S.
• the illustrated embodiment can also include a reinforcing shroud or wire- form cage 438 around propeller 436 to keep debris, rocks, marine life, etc., from colliding with propeller 436.
• the assembly can also be elevated by a suitable base or stand 428 as shown in Figures 4 and 6 to provide the desired location above the stream bed or ocean floor to take advantage of the best currents and to prevent propeller 436 from striking the stream or ocean floor.
• a chain or cable attached to 424 secures the generator unit to the desired location of a stream or ocean site. Electricity produced by generator 420 is taken to land by insulated cable 426 generally as shown in Figure 4 to be used for replacement of electricity from nonrenewable sources such as fossil and nuclear fueled power generation stations and to
• a first generator subassembly or rotor 402 is driven by shaft 401 in more or less constant velocity rotation while the wind blows, tide flows, or a stream or current runs and may be provided with reverse pitch capabilities to operate in reverse flow such as provided by tides.
• Rotor 402 can be constructed of a high electrical resistance material such as ceramic, thermoplastic or thermoset polymer, with conductor sections or strips 404 of conductive material on or near the outer rim of rotor 402. These conductors 404 are spaced apart but electrically connected as shown. Conductors or conductive zones 404 receive a maintained electrical charge such as electrons or the absence of electrons as may be produced by charging to the desired voltage.
• Rotor 402 rotates relative to a second generator subassembly or stator 403, which includes multiple spaced apart stationery conductors or conductive zones 406 and 408. More specifically, as the rotor 402 rotates to the position shown in Figure 5, stationary conductive zones 408 are depleted of electrons because of like- charge repulsion. Electrons leave zones 408 and travel in the collection circuit shown to junction 410, which is connected to a suitable load or device such as the transformer primary 412. Electrons leaving primary 412 are then delivered to interconnected zones 406 through connection 416. Rotor 402 continues to rotate and conductors or conductive zones 404 to pass near stationery zones 406 to repel the electrons collected there.
• Repelled electrons pass back through connection 416 to primary 412 and then to conductive zones 408. This cyclic displacement of charge continues as the rotator 402 rotates. It is generally preferred to charge the stationery circuit connected to primary 412 to a relatively high voltage and to the charge rotor zones 404 with high voltage to assure a satisfactory current density in the stationery circuit shown.
• a number of such generators 420 can be used in appropriate orientations that stagger these electricity producing events to provide three-phase electricity for delivery in the regime shown in Figure 9.
• Figure 7 is a schematic side view of a rotary generator assembly configured in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure
• Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken substantially along lines 8-8 of Figure 7.
• drive shaft 401 is rotated or torqued by suitable propeller 436 and is sealed within housing 430 by seal assembly 444.
• Bearing assembly 422 provides support, anti-friction rotation, and centering of multiple spaced apart and concentric rotor shells 460 that are attached to drive shaft 401 by disk 462.
• the generator further includes multiple spaced apart and concentric stationary shells 464 that are held in place by disk 466 which may incorporate a bearing for supporting an extension of drive shaft 401.
• Rotating cylindrical shells 460 have spaced apart conductors or metal longitudinal strips that are kept permanently charged as described regarding the schematic circuits disclosed regarding Figure 5.
• Stationery cylindrical shells 464 have longitudinal conductors or strips 408 and 406 that are spaced apart generally as shown in Figure 5, and that alternately source and receive electrons that are repelled by charged strips 404 as they rotate to close proximity.
• the current created between zones 406 and 408 may be applied to any useful load including those in which power conditioning is provided by a suitable inverter or current transformer 412 and 414 as shown in Figure 5.
• Materials suitable for construction of shells 460 include thermoplastics, thermosets, glass, ceramic, and composites that are stiffened by high modulus fiber reinforcements. Similar materials may be chosen for stationery cylinders 464.
• Protective case 430 may be constructed from materials such as thermoplastics, thermosets, steel, aluminum, glass, ceramics, and composites that are stiffened by high modulus fiber reinforcements.
• Charged strips 404 may be thin layers of aluminum, nickel, copper, silver, gold or other suitable selections for holding dense charges such as electrons. Similar materials may be used in the thickness needed for strips 406 and 408 to produce the currents desired at the resistance allowed in the application. In other embodiments, however, the features of the present disclosure allow the conductors 404, 406, and/or 408 to not include copper.
• Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the disclosure for converting a renewable energy source, such as water energy, into electrical energy, electrical energy into chemical energy, and convenient delivery of hydrogen and or oxygen to a vehicle and other energy consuming applications.
• Figure 9 illustrates an application of some of the method and apparatus embodiments described above with reference to Figures 1-8.
• the generator assembly 2 described above with reference to Figures 1-3, as well as any other generator assembly described herein can be deployed in relatively deep water spaced apart from a shore line 188.
• the generator assembly 2 can be coupled to a portion of an electricity distribution grid 190 to deliver the generated electricity to a transformer 56, a rectifier 58, an electrolyzer assembly 120, and ultimately an energy consuming device such as a vehicle 201.
• Applications include electric lighting, electric tools and appliances, microwave cooking, microwave communications, electric motor drives, induction heating, electromagnet drives, electrodialysis, electro-separation of metals from ores, electro-separation of hydrogen from water, and electric-arc devices.
• Grid electricity 190 produced by wave energy conversion and/or other sources is delivered at the desired voltage to the point of refueling a vehicle 201.
• Electric current is delivered by a suitable delivery circuit or grid 190, which includes appropriate transformers, switch gear, circuit breakers, fuses, electricity conductors, meters, capacitors, resistors, and inductors.
• suitable transformer 56 and rectifier circuit 58 provides the desired direct-current and voltage for operation of water electrolyzer 120 to produce pressurized hydrogen.
• a carbon or glass fiber reinforced composite hydrogen storage tank can be used such as those provided by manufacturers such as Lincoln or Structural Composites Industries (SCI).
• a reversible fuel cell 222 may be used as shown in Figure 9.
• a reversible electrolyzer/fuel cell 222 can be positioned on-board the vehicle 201 to produce hydrogen and oxygen from water when it occasionally consumes electricity from the grid 190 as shown, and/or in the regenerative deceleration of the vehicle. In the reversed mode it serves as the fuel cell for electricity generation for one or more traction motors, acceleration of hybrid flywheels and for other electricity requirements.
• Figure 10 is a schematic view of a generator assembly 300 configured in accordance with a further embodiment of the disclosure. More specifically, Figure 10 is a combination linear generator and a linear motion prime mover, such as an opposed piston internal combustion engine or an external combustion engine such as a Stirling, Schmidt, or Ericsson cycle engine.
• Figure 10 illustrates one embodiment of a generator assembly 300 for receiving hydrogen and/or methane that has been distributed through a conduit such as a natural gas line or delivered by the storage system disclosed in my co-pending patent application concerning densified storage of fluids which is incorporated herein as part and parcel of this disclosure.
• the embodiment illustrated in Figure 10 efficiently converts the fuel potential energy into electricity and heat for on-site uses at outlets 312 and 318.
• a particularly efficient system for storage and pressurization results from the combination of SIFT (e.g., filter 250 described in detail below) generator assembly 300 and heat recovery unit 310.
• SIFT e.g., filter 250 described in detail below
• a fuel or substance such as hydrogen is purified and pressurized by SIFT unit 250.
• Further storage for mobile or compact storage applications along with pressure increase is provided as needed, in addition to heat addition, voltage application, or vibration absorption by assembly 310.
• One or more suitable heat engines 302 such as an opposed piston type with pistons and cylinders with appropriate intake valves or ports, drives a linear generator 304 preferably having several of the features of the generators described above with reference to Figure 1-9.
• an integrated injector/igniter can be used for a combination of instrumentation, fuel injector, and ignition system 306 disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. 08/785,376 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and which provides a particularly efficient method for burning hydrogen and/or hydrogen-characterized fuels in internal combustion engines.
• the SmartPlug devices 306 can sense the position and acceleration of the pistons to provide adaptively controlled proportioning and timing of fuel injection and ignition events.
• Engine fuel which can be hydrogen or hydrogen-characterized fuel constituents, is prepared in thermochemical regenerator 308 which has inputs of the engine exhaust and/or engine coolant and can have input of fuel from any suitable source including preferred storage in adsorptive storage 310 and outputs of heated water for domestic purposes such as bathing, clothes washing and space heating.
• thermochemical regeneration system 308 69545-8048.US00/LEGAL18953141.1 -26- The construction, internal circuits, and operation of the preferred thermochemical regeneration system 308 is found in copending U.S. Patent Application No. 08/785,376, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
• Piston, cylinder, and valve or port assemblies 302 may be of two or four stroke designs and operation. Air is taken in, compressed and heated by fuel that is injected and ignited by injectors 306. Work is done by expanding the heated gases of combustion along with preferred excess air that insulates stratified charge fuel combustion during the power cycle of the engine. The work product of the engine is converted into electricity by linear generator 304 and into potential energy as air is compressed in the opposing piston and cylinder 302. After the opposing piston in its cylinder reaches the degree of compression adaptively controlled for optimization, fuel is injected and ignited by 306 to continue the power cycle of the opposed piston operation.
• Linear generator 304 provides the desired frequency, voltage, and current by the principles disclosed with respect to Figures 1-9 and/or other embodiments disclosed herein.
• engine 302 and integral linear generator 304 within a water heater canister 322 for purposes of noise attenuation and regenerative heat recovery for an extremely efficient domestic hot water supply.
• City or pressurized well water 314 enters the thermochemical regenerator 308 as shown and after receiving heat not converted into electricity by engine-generator assembly 302/304, is delivered across combination pressure regulator and check-valve 324 to hot water distributor 320.
• the hottest water from cooler can be segregated from more slowly heated water for purposes of fast response to hot water demands.
• Pressure relief valve 316 protects against dangerous over pressurization. Hot water delivered to distributor 320 is added to tank 322 at low velocity by outlets in 320 that cancel net circulatory momentum of the entering water. Further segregation of hottest water from more slowly heated water can be performed by a very low cost bundle of parallel vertical tubes 326 that prevent convection cells from forming. A polymer honeycomb structure of thin-walled cross-linked polyethylene or polypropylene can be used for ease of manufacture of 326.
• one embodiment of the present disclosure includes providing the electricity delivery through existing electric grids and hydrogen delivery along with natural gas in existing natural gas lines.
• substantially pure hydrogen is needed to maximize water production or to minimize emissions of carbon compounds such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, or carbon dioxide
• transporting hydrogen can be intermingled with natural gas constituents for delivery through existing natural gas lines and to separate the hydrogen at or near the site of application.
• separation of relatively small amounts as might be needed for producing the electrical and heat energy for a home or small business is performed by a membrane filter that selectively passes hydrogen.
• Various embodiments of the disclosure combine to provide an energy conversion regime in which the most plentiful available sources such as wave energy, wind energy, falling water, tidal energy, and biomass energy are converted into electricity for meeting instantaneous load requirements and to power electrolyzers and thermoelectrochemical devices for conversion of surplus electricity into chemical fuel potential energy including pressure potential energy and chemical reaction potential energy.
• inventions further provide for storage of such fuel potential energy including use of conduits for substantially underground transport of pressurized supplies of fuels such as natural gas, subsurface geological strata that is sufficiently porous to receive substantial supplies of said electrolysis sourced fuel potential energy, subsurface geological caverns, and above surface pressure tanks for storing fuel potential energy as pressurized inventories.
• fuels such as natural gas
• subsurface geological strata that is sufficiently porous to receive substantial supplies of said electrolysis sourced fuel potential energy
• subsurface geological caverns subsurface geological caverns
• above surface pressure tanks for storing fuel potential energy as pressurized inventories.
• Embodiments include improved heat exchangers that facilitate heating water or air by heat exchange from the exhausts and surfaces of engines and generators used for on-site production of heat, electricity, or shaft power.
• Rectilinear generator embodiments for improving the material performances and reducing the complexity, wear characteristics, and life cycle cost of operation are provided for primary and secondary energy conversion purposes in the present sustainable energy conversion regime.
• the resulting energy conversion regime provides transport of renewable electricity and pressurized supplies of fuel potential energy by existing networks of electricity grids and or natural gas distribution conduits which are improved by incorporation of occasional placement of systems for selective separation of hydrogen from other ingredients conveyed as mixtures by such conduits. This facilitates commodity transport followed by filter-separated deliveries of hydrogen and hydrocarbons for respective productions of clean energy along with chemicals, fertilizers, polymers, fibers, pigments, pharmaceuticals, foods, and electronics.
• Figure 1 1 is a cross-sectional side partial view of a filter assembly 250 including an outcome selective apparatus or filter 254 for selective separation of chemical species.
• Figure 12 is an enlarged view of a portion of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 1. Referring the Figures 1 1 and 12 together, the illustrated embodiment includes a filtration process in which a suitable filter such as a
• the filter 254 is concentrically positioned in a conduit 262 that is configured to receive a producer gas, synthesized gas or pipeline mixtures of hydrocarbons such as natural gas and hydrogen 262. As described in detail below, the filter 254 is configured to selectively allow hydrogen to pass through the filter 254 from a first or interior surface 252 to a second or exterior surface 256.
• the filter 254 can be an electrolyzer or filter that is positioned inline with the conduit 262 and that includes corresponding electrodes at the first and second surfaces 252 and 256.
• Filters or membranes suitable for such filtering include molecular sieves, semipermeable polymer membranes and palladium and alloys of palladium such as silver- palladium that greatly increase the rate of hydrogen filtration as temperature is elevated.
• Semi-permeable membranes 254 suitable for application in filter assembly 250 include popular proton exchange membranes (PEMs) of the types used for electrodialysis and fuel cell applications.
• Insulator seals 274 support and isolate membrane 254 including conductive reinforcement materials 256 on the outside diameter as shown in Figure 12 as a magnified section.
• the filter 254 can include features that are generally similar in structure and function to the corresponding features of electrolyzer assemblies disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No.
• this hydrogen filtration assembly 250 a process called “Selective Ion Filtration Technology” (or SIFT) can be used. Hydrogen is ionized on inside surface 252 for rapid entry and transport in PEM filter 254 as an ion by application of a bias voltage to the PEM filter 254, to which a catalyst may be coated for purposes of increasing the process rates involved.
• Suitable catalysts include platinum or alloys such as platinum-iridium, platinum palladium, platinum-tin-rhodium alloys and catalysts developed for fuel cell applications in which hydrocarbon fuels are used.
• Facilitation of electron removal as ionized hydrogen may be with conductive tin oxide or with a fine screen of stainless steel which is attached to the bare end of an insulated lead from controller 270 as shown. Electrons circuited by another insulated lead as shown to the outside surface of membrane 254 by controller 270 can be returned to hydrogen ions reaching the outside of membrane 254 by a fine stainless steel screen 256 that serves as a pressure arrestment reinforcement and electron distributor.
• Electrons taken from the hydrogen as it is ionized are circuited to the outside surface 256 of PEM filter 254. On the "filtered hydrogen" side 256 of the membrane, electrons rejoin hydrogen ions and form hydrogen atoms which in turn forms diatomic hydrogen, which pressurizes annular region 264.
• Controller 270 maintains the bias voltage as needed to provide hydrogen delivery at the desired pressure at port 266 by SIFT processes from mixture 262. Bias voltage generally in the range of 1.5 to 6 volts is needed depending upon the polarization and ohmic losses in developing and transporting hydrogen ions along with pressurization of the hydrogen delivered to 264 by the SIFT assembly.
• FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a selective outcome filter assembly 1350 configured in accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure.
• the filter assembly 1350 includes multiple electrolyzers or filters 1354 (shown schematically and identified individually as first through further filters 1354a-1354d) positioned inline with a conduit 1362.
• the conduit 1362 can be a natural gas conduit, such as natural gas conduit in a preexisting network of natural gas conduits.
• the filters 1354 can be configured to remove hydrogen that has been added to the natural gas in the conduit 1362 for different purposes or end results.
• each of the filters 1354 can include any of the features described above with reference to the filter 254 of Figures 11 and 12, including, for example, corresponding electrolyzer electrodes.
• filters 1354 are shown in Figure 13, the separation of these filters 1354 as individual spaced-apart filters is for purposes of illustration.
• the filters 1354 may provide different outcomes or functions as described in detail
• the filters 1354 can be combined into a single filter assembly.
• the filters 1354 are schematically illustrated as separate filters for selectively filtering hydrogen for one or more purposes.
• the first filter 1354a can be a hydrogen filter that removes hydrogen from a gaseous fuel mixture in the conduit 1362 including hydrogen and at least one other gas, such as natural gas.
• the first filter 1354a can accordingly remove a portion of the hydrogen (e.g., by ion exchange and/or sorption including adsorption and absorption) from the fuel mixture for the purpose of providing the hydrogen as a fuel to one or more fuel consuming devices.
• the second filter 1354b can be configured to produce electricity when removing the hydrogen from the gaseous fuel mixture.
• the second filter 1354b For example, as the hydrogen ions pass through the second filter 1354b, electrons pass to the electron deficient side of the second filter 1354b (e.g., a side of the second filter 1354b exposed to Oxygen or other oxidant and opposite the side of the gaseous fuel mixture).
• the third filter 1354c can be used to provide water as an outcome of filtering the hydrogen from the gaseous fuel mixture.
• the fourth filter 1354d can be used to filter hydrogen from the gaseous fuel mixture and to combine the filtered hydrogen with one or more other stored fuels to create an enriched or Hyboost fuel source.
• the filtered hydrogen can be added to a reservoir of existing gas fuels.
• any of the functions of the first through fourth filters 1354a-1354d can be accomplished by a single filter assembly 1354.
• the illustrated embodiment according provides for the storage and transport of hydrogen mixed with at least natural gas using existing natural gas lines and networks.
• the filters 1354 as described herein accordingly provide for filtering or otherwise removing at least a portion of the hydrogen for specific purposes.
• Figure 14 is a process flow diagram of a method or process 1400 configured in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.
• the process 1400 includes storing a gaseous fuel mixture including hydrogen and at least one other gas (block 1402).
• a gaseous fuel mixture including hydrogen and at least one other gas block 1402
• block 1402 In one embodiment, for example,
• the process 1400 further includes distributing the gaseous fuel mixture through a conduit (block 1404).
• the conduit can be a natural gas conduit, such as a conventional or pre-existing natural gas conduit as used to distribute natural gas for residential, commercial, and/or other purposes. In other embodiments, however, the conduit can be other types of conduit suitable for distributing the gaseous fuel mixture.
• the process 1400 further includes removing at least a portion of the hydrogen from the gaseous fuel mixture (block 1406).
• Removing at least a portion of the hydrogen can include removing the hydrogen from the conduit through a filter positioned in-line with the conduit.
• the filter can be a filter generally similar in structure and function to any of the filters described above with reference to Figures 1 1-13.
• the process of removing the hydrogen can be used to provide the hydrogen as a fuel to a fuel consuming device, produce electricity, produce water, and or produce hydrogen for combination with one or more other fuels to produce an enriched fuel mixture.

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