43708 results about "Combustion" patented technology

A fuel cell includes a spark initiator configured to initiate spark events, and a fuel level monitoring system configured for monitoring the fuel level in the fuel cell and indicating the monitored fuel level to a user. Included in the fuel level monitoring system is a programmable control unit configured to control the spark initiator and to count the spark events initiated by the spark initiator, to compare a number of spark events with at least two predetermined ranges of spark events, and to determine the fuel level in the fuel cell based on the determinations. An indicator controlled by the programmable control unit is supplied for providing the user with an indication of the fuel level in the fuel cell.

A process is disclosed for the in situ conversion and recovery of heavy crude oils and natural bitumens from subsurface formations using either a continuous operation with one or more injection and production boreholes, which may include horizontal boreholes, or a cyclic operation whereby both injection and production occur in the same boreholes. A mixture of reducing gases, oxidizing gases, and steam are fed to downhole combustion devices located in the injection boreholes. Combustion of the reducing gas-oxidizing gas mixture is carried out to produce superheated steam and hot reducing gases for injection into the formation to convert and upgrade the heavy crude or bitumen into lighter hydrocarbons. Communication between the injection and production boreholes in the continuous operation and fluid mobility within the formation in the cyclic operation is induced by fracturing or related methods. In the continuous mode, the injected steam and reducing gases drive upgraded hydrocarbons and virgin hydrocarbons to the production boreholes for recovery. In the cyclic operation, wellhead pressure is reduced after a period of injection causing injected fluids, upgraded hydrocarbons, and virgin hydrocarbons in the vicinity of the boreholes to be produced. Injection and production are then repeated for additional cycles. In both operations, the hydrocarbons produced are collected at the surface for further processing.

A thermal treatment apparatus 1 includes a reaction tube 2 for containing wafers 10 contaminated with organic substances having a heater 12 capable of heating the reaction tube; a first gas supply pipe 13 for carrying oxygen gas into the reaction tube 2; and a second gas supply pipe 14 for carrying hydrogen gas into the reaction tube 2. Oxygen gas and hydrogen gas are supplied through the first gas supply pipe 13 and the second gas supply pipe 14, respectively, into the reaction tube 2, and the heater 12 heats the reaction tube 2 at a temperature capable of activating oxygen gas and hydrogen gas. A combustion reaction occurs in the reaction tube 2 and thereby the organic substances adhering to the wafers 10 are oxidized, decomposed and removed.

Process for removing mercury from flue gases of high-temperature plants, in particular power stations and waste incineration plants in which a bromine compound is fed to the multistage furnace and/or the flue gas in a plant section downstream of the furnace, the temperature during contact of the bromine compound with the flue gas being at least 500° C., preferably at least 800° C. The combustion is carried out in the presence of a sulphur compound, in particular sulphur dioxide. Subsequently to the furnace, the flue gas is subjected to an optional multistage cleanup for removing mercury from the flue gas, which cleanup comprises a wet scrubber and/or a dry cleanup.

Systems and methods for controlling a climate control system of a smart-home environment that includes a plurality of smart devices are provided. One method includes detecting, with a hazard detector of the smart devices, a level of carbon monoxide (CO) at the hazard detector that exceeds a threshold CO level at a location of the hazard detector, determining, by one of the smart devices, that the climate control system includes a combustion based heat source, and in response to the detecting and the determination, transmitting, by a system controller of the climate control system, a first signal to turn off at least one aspect of the climate control system.

Certain embodiments and aspects of the present invention relate to photobioreactor apparatus (100) designed to contain a liquid medium (108) comprising at least one species of photosynthetic organism therein, and to methods of using the photobioreactor apparatus (100) as part of a gas-treatment process and system able to at least partially remove certain undesirable pollutants from a gas stream (608). In certain embodiments, the disclosed photobioreactor apparatus (100 can be utilized as part of an integrated combustion method and system, wherein photosynthetic organisms utilized within the photobioreactor (100) at least partially remove certain pollutant compounds contained within combustion gases, e.g. CO₂ and/or NO_X, and are subsequently harvested from the photobioreactor (100), processed, and utilized as a fuel source for a combustion device (e.g. an electric power plant generator and/or incinerator).

Certain embodiments and aspects of the present invention relate to photobioreactor apparatus designed to contain a liquid medium comprising at least one species of photosynthetic organisms therein, and to methods of using the photobioreactor apparatus as part of a production process for forming an organic molecule-containing product, such as a polymeric material and/or fuel-grade oil (e.g. biodiesel), from biomass produced in the photobioreactor apparatus. In certain embodiments, the disclosed organic molecule/polymer production systems and methods, photobioreactor apparatus, methods of using such apparatus, and/or gas treatment systems and methods provided herein can be utilized as part of an integrated combustion and polymer and/or fuel-grade oil (e.g. biodiesel) production method and system, wherein photosynthetic organisms utilized within the photobioreactor are used to at least partially remove certain pollutant compounds contained within combustion gases, e.g. CO₂ and/or NO_x, and are subsequently harvested from the photobioreactor, processed, and utilized as a source for generating polymers and/or organic molecule-containing products (e.g. fuel-grade oil (e.g. biodiesel)) and/or as a fuel source for a combustion device (e.g. an electric power plant generator and/or incinerator).

A method for producing hydrogen gas is provided and comprises reducing a metal oxide in a reduction reaction between a carbon-based fuel and a metal oxide to provide a reduced metal or metal oxide having a lower oxidation state, and oxidizing the reduced metal or metal oxide to produce hydrogen and a metal oxide having a higher oxidation state. The metal or metal oxide is provided in the form of a porous composite of a ceramic material containing the metal or metal oxide. The porous composite may comprise either a monolith, pellets, or particles.

The integrated electromechanical microstructure comprises a base substrate and a cavity closed by a protective cover. Means for adjusting the pressure in the cavity after the protective cover has been sealed comprise at least one element made of pyrotechnic material combustion whereof releases gas into the cavity. The pressure in the cavity can thus be adjusted independently from the sealing process. Selective ignition of the elements made of pyrotechnic material can be achieved by heating electrical resistors or by laser beams coming from outside the microstructure and directed selectively towards the elements made of pyrotechnic material through a transparent zone of the protective cover.

A process, system and sorbent for removal of mercury from a combustion exhaust gas stream in a combustion exhaust gas purification scheme that includes a combustion exhaust scrubber system that uses an aqueous liquid to remove acid gases from the combustion exhaust gas. A powdered mercury sorbent is used. The sorbent is introduced into the aqueous scrubber liquid in the scrubber system. After introduction of the mercury sorbent into the scrubber liquid, at least some of the mercury sorbent is separated from the scrubber liquid.

A method and apparatus for synthesizing ethanol using synthetic routes via synthesis gas are disclosed. A method and apparatus for gasifying biomass, such as biomass, in a steam gasifier that employs a fluidized bed and heating using hot flue gases from the combustion of synthesis gas is described. Methods and apparatus for converting synthesis gas into ethanol are also disclosed, using stepwise catalytic reactions to convert the carbon monoxide and hydrogen into ethanol using catalysts including iridium acetate.

A new method, system, and apparatus are described for the adsorption and concentration of adsorbable pollutants. The invention allows for simultaneous pollutant adsorption and pollutant concentration. The invention is particularly useful in treating the exhaust of internal combustion engines containing adsorbable pollutants which can be concentrated and then treated to form harmless effluents.

The present invention is primarily directed to cost-effective systems for using large reflective elements that track the sun on two axes to concentrate solar energy onto a receiver that can convert the sun's optical energy to a form usable for extensive displacement of combustion of fossil fuels. The structures of the tracker frame, tracking mechanism and tracker supports are co-optimized with the optical elements and the receiver for high efficiency, low cost, and ease of assembly, making moderate and large-scale implementations cost-competitive with fossil fuels for peak power, and, with suitable storage, for base-load power and dispatchable peaking power in sunny locations. Improvement to small-tracker two-axis systems and one-axis tracking systems that focus in two dimensions are also included, as are improvements in systems for space-based solar power.

A power train for a motor vehicle includes a combustion engine, a clutch or other torque-coupling device, a transmission, and an electro-mechanical energy converter that is operable at least as a motor and as a generator. The electro-mechanical energy converter is coupled to the output shaft of the combustion engine through a torque transfer device with at least two rpm ratios that automatically set themselves according to whether the vehicle is operating in a start-up mode or in a driving mode.

An advanced internal combustion-electric hybrid airplane, having at least double the flight range and flight duration than a conventional equivalent airplane, while using the same amount of any desirable fuel. This is achieved by using 2-3× smaller and ultra-lightweight engine for cruising, and ultra-lightweight electric motor powered by lithium batteries during take-off and climbing. The electric motor becomes a generator during cruising and descent, recharging said batteries. The airplane has also temporary silent electric stealth capability and added safety by the electric back-up power. Due to its high efficiency, the operational cost is substantially reduced. Additional features include highly advanced, minimum drag and weight airframe.

The present invention provides an apparatus for the vaporization of materials that releases active constituents for inhalation without the creation of harmful byproducts such as carcinogens associated with combustion and inhalation of substances. The apparatus is designed to fit ergonomically within the user's hand. The apparatus uses the user's inhalation process for air flow.