Abstract:
A novel electrostatic precipitator (10) includes an electrostatic collector section with discharge electrodes (48) positioned between pairs of grounded collector electrodes (24), a gas entry port (14) located upstream of the electrostatic collector section, and a transition section (32) between the gas entry port (14) and the electrostatic collector section into which an aqueous acid gas neutralizing agent is sprayed into a gas stream. An additional collector section may be interposed between the gas entry port and the point where the acid gas neutralizing agent is injected into the gas stream. The collector section may comprise alternating charging and short collection sections in which the grounded electrodes of adjoining charger and collector sections are connected. A liquid spray removes particulates collected on the grounded electrodes of the collector sections.
Abstract:
Engine (1) output speed is controlled for optimum efficiency by adjustment of input speed of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) (3). Where power in excess of that provided by the engine (1) is required, additional power is input to the drive train from a fluidic motor (7) driven by fluid pressure stored in an accumulator (6). In driving conditions where the engine (1), operating at optimum efficiency, produces power in excess of that demanded by the vehicle, the fluidic motor (7) is reversed for operation as a pump and excess engine power is utilized to drive the pump (7) and store energy in the accumulator (6) in the form of fluid pressure. A CPU (18) determines power output required of the engine (1) as a sum of that indicated by a sensor (14) which senses power demanded of the vehicle by a driver and an increment of power required to maintain the pressure of the accumulator (6) above a threshold amount.
Abstract:
An electrostatic precipitator (10) includes a plurality of collector sections (12, 14) having parallel collection plates (28, 30), defining gas flow lanes therebetween, and a bag filter section (16) containing a plurality of parallel, elongated filter fabric bag elements (38). A plurality of corona discharge wires (40) for charging solid particulates entrained in the gas flow entering the bag filter section (16) are disposed parallel to and interspersed among the bag elements (38). Both the bag elements (38) and the corona discharge wires (40) within the bag filter section (16) depend from a common plate member (48). Gas flow is from the outside of the bag elements (38) to the inside and out through apertures in the common plate member (48).
Abstract:
An integrated drive module for a hydraulic hybrid vehicle includes two variable displacement over-center bent-axis hydraulic pump/motors having respective yokes that reside and pivot within a common fluid-filled case. The cylinder barrel of each respective pump/motor is connected to high pressure by means of a respective fluid-conducting yoke leg, and is connected to low pressure by means of the fluid-filled case. A single primary high-pressure port connects the module to a high pressure source, and a single primary low-pressure port connects the fluid-filled case to a low pressure source. Preferably, one pump/motor acts primarily as a pump to receive mechanical input power from an engine and the other pump/motor acts primarily as a motor to propel a vehicle. When one of the pump/motors is acting as a pump and the other is acting as a motor, fluid drawn from the fluid-filled case by the pump is replaced by discharge from the motor. The module is preferably packaged on a removable support structure that facilitates installation to a variety of vehicle chassis. Optionally the case may be a dry case rather than a fluid-filled case, in which the benefits of modularization are retained.
Abstract:
A turbocharged engine system (500) is configured to vaporize methanolin a heat exchanger (350) using heat from exhaust gases, and uses the vaporized methanol to drive a turbine (361) of the engine's turbocharger (316, 519,124, 126). The methanol may also be dissociated into hydrogen and carbon monoxide. After passing through turbine (316), the vapor is injected into the engine (102) by port injection. By selective timing of exhaust valves (472, 474), the exhaust gases are separated into two streams (409, 410), a first stream comprising gases ejected during exhaust blowdown, and a second stream of gases ejected during the remainder of the engine's exhaust stroke. The blowdown gases are employed to drive a separate turbine (519) of the turbocharger (316, 519, 124, 126).
Abstract:
Processes for removing water from organic solvents, such as ethanol. The processes include distillation to form a rectified overhead vapor, compression of the rectified vapor, and treatment of the compressed vapor by two sequential membrane separation steps.
Abstract:
A hydraulic hybrid vehicle includes elements such as a hydraulic pump driven by an internal combustion engine and arranged to draw in low pressure fluid and pump the fluid at high pressure to an accumulator. A hydraulic motor is powered by the pressurized fluid. Safety processes are provided for detecting and addressing a number of conditions that may arise in the operation of the hydraulic hybrid vehicle, including an initialization procedure for start-up of the vehicle, a shut-down procedure, and procedures for detecting and responding to failure of the pump or motor, internal and external fluid leaks, and non-responsive actuation and mode control systems.
Abstract:
A fail-safe system for a hybrid vehicle employing an over-center variable-displacement hydraulic motor includes an actuator configured to stroke the motor to a zero angle if each of two control ports is supplied with fluid at an equal pressure. A control valve is configured, in the event of loss of power to the valve, to default to a position in which high-pressure fluid is supplied to both control ports. A pilot-controlled check valve is coupled between high- and low-pressure ports of the motor such that, during normal operation, passage of fluid through the check valve from the high-pressure port to the low-pressure port is checked, while passage of fluid through the check valve from the second port to the first port is enabled. When the pilot control is activated, passage of fluid in the opposite direction is also enabled.
Abstract:
A fluid power system includes a hydraulic machine. A pilot-controlled supply valve controls high-pressure fluid to the machine. The valve is coupled between the hydraulic machine and a high-pressure fluid source, and includes a control port for an actuation signal. The supply valve allows passage of fluid from the machine to the fluid source, but blocks passage of fluid from the fluid source to the machine while closed, or permits passage of fluid from the fluid source to the machine while open. The supply valve biases toward closed or open according to an actuation signal at the control port. A pressurization valve is also coupled between the hydraulic machine and the high-pressure fluid source. The pressurization valve blocks passage of fluid from the fluid source to the machine while in a first position, and allows a restricted passage of fluid between its input and output ports while in a second position, to allow pressure to equalize on either side of the supply valve before the supply valve opens.
Abstract:
A fluid bearing includes hydrostatic pads formed in a surface and positioned to exert a separating force, and a land formed on the surface of the insert and configured to act as a bushing to allow rotation while the first and second pads are pressurized at less than a hydrostatic balance force. Pressurized fluid to the pads of the insert is controlled to prevent operation in full hydrostatic mode. More particularly, a separating force generated by surface force of the pads is controlled such that the separating force does not exceed a force exerted on the bearing. The fluid pressure is also controlled to keep the separating force within a selected margin of the force exerted on the bearing, to control wear of the bearing. Control of the separating force is achieved by selectively pressurizing individual hydrostatic pads, thereby effectively varying the active hydrostatic area of the bearing.