Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a small-sized, lightweight, effective and active micro channel heat exchanger used for a chemical process. SOLUTION: An active micro channel heat exchanger constituted by a plurality of assemblies each containing an exothermic reactor 100, an exhaust hood 108, and a heat exchange chamber 114 and having a micro channel, comprises a plurality of valves 508 which enables at least one assembly out of a plurality of the assemblies to be removed from a line for purification or regeneration while keeping the remaining assemblies operational. COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide compact adsorption systems that are capable of rapid temperature swings and rapid cycling, and novel methods of thermal swing adsorption and thermally-enhanced pressure swing adsorption.SOLUTION: In some aspects of the invention, a gas is passed through the adsorbent thus allowing heat exchangers to be very close to all portions of the adsorbent and utilize less space. In another aspect, the adsorption media is selectively heated, thus reducing energy costs. Methods and systems for gas adsorption/desorption having improved energy efficiency with capability of short cycle times are also described. In another aspect, the apparatus or methods utilize heat exchange channels of varying lengths that have volumes controlled to provide equal heat fluxes. Methods of fuel cell startup are also described. Advantages of the invention include the ability to use (typically) 30-100 times less adsorbent compared to conventional systems.
Abstract:
A solar thermochemical processing system is disclosed. The system includes a first unit operation for receiving concentrated solar energy. Heat from the solar energy is used to drive the first unit operation. The first unit operation also receives a first set of reactants and produces a first set of products. A second unit operation receives the first set of products from the first unit operation and produces a second set of products. A third unit operation receives heat from the second unit operation to produce a portion of the first set of reactants.
Abstract:
The present invention provides compact adsorption systems that are capable of rapid temperature swings and rapid cycling. Novel methods of thermal swing adsorption and thermally-enhanced pressure swing adsorption are also described. In some aspects of the invention, a gas is passed through the adsorbent thus allowing heat exchangers to be very close to all portions of the adsorbent and utilize less space. In another aspect, the adsorption media is selectively heated, thus reducing energy costs. Methods and systems for gas adsorption/desorption having improved energy efficiency with capability of short cycle times are also described. In another aspect, the apparatus or methods utilize heat exchange channels of varying lengths that have volumes controlled to provide equal heat fluxes. Methods of fuel cell startup are also described. Advantages of the invention include the ability to use (typically) 30-100 times less adsorbent compared to conventional systems.
Abstract:
The present invention is a fundamental method and apparatus of a microcomponent assembly that overcomes the inherent limitations of state of the art chemical separations. The fundamental element enabling miniaturization is the porous contactor (200) contained within a microcomponent assembly for mass transfer of a working compound from a first medium to a second medium. The porous contactor (200) has a thickness, and a plurality of pores extending through the thickness. The pores are of a geometry cooperating with a boundary tension of one or the other or both of the media thereby preventing migration of one, other or both through the microporous contactor while permitting passage of the working compound. In the microcomponent assembly, the porous contactor (200) is placed between a first laminate (208) such that a first space or first microplenum is formed between the microporous contactor (200) and the first laminate (208). Additionally, a cover sheet (206) provides a second space or second plenum between the porous contactor and the cover sheet.
Abstract:
Reactors are provided that can include a first set of fluid channels and a second set of fluid channels oriented in thermal contact with the first set of fluid channels, either one or both of the first of the set of fluid channels are non-linear. Reactor assemblies can include a first set of fluid channels defining at least one non-linear channel having a positive function, and a second set of fluid channels defining at least another non-linear channel having a negative function in relation to the positive function of the one non-linear channel of the first set of fluid channels. Processes for distributing energy across a reactor are provided. Transporting reactants via a first set of fluid channels to a second set of fluid channels, and thermally engaging at least one of the first set of fluid channels with at least two of the second set of fluid channels.
Abstract:
A solar thermochemical processing system is disclosed. The system includes a first unit operation for receiving concentrated solar energy. Heat from the solar energy is used to drive the first unit operation. The first unit operation also receives a first set of reactants and produces a first set of products. A second unit operation receives the first set of products from the first unit operation and produces a second set of products. A third unit operation receives heat from the second unit operation to produce a portion of the first set of reactants. 900 /go 930 960 970 920 910 980 990 950 940 930 920 Figure 9 Sheet 9/14
Abstract:
A solar thermochemical processing system is disclosed. The system includes a first unit operation for receiving concentrated solar energy. Heat from the solar energy is used to drive the first unit operation. The first unit operation also receives a first set of reactants and produces a first set of products. A second unit operation receives the first set of products from the first unit operation and produces a second set of products. A third unit operation receives heat from the second unit operation to produce a portion of the first set of reactants.
Abstract:
A solar thermochemical processing system comprising an endothermic reactor receiving concentrated solar energy, using heat from the solar energy to drive the endothermic reactor wherein the endothermic reactor also receives a first set of reactants and produces a first set of products; an exothermic reactor for receiving the first set of products from the endothermic reactor and for producing a second set of products; and a vaporizer for receiving heat from the exothermic to produce a portion of the first set of reactants, wherein the exothermic reactor provides heat to the vaporizer and produces syngas and a liquid hydrocarbon product; wherein the syngas and the liquid hydrocarbon product are passed to a separator where the liquid hydrocarbon product is recovered, and components of the syngas are used to for at least one of the following purposes: to power a fuel cell and to provide heat for a heat engine through a combustion process.
Abstract:
A microcomponent apparatus for conducting unit operations comprising: a microcomponent device wherein, during operation, a stream enters the microcomponent device and a first unit operation is performed on said stream, said stream and exiting the microcomponent device; a processing device connected to the microcomponent device; said processing device being capable of modifying said stream by a second unit operation wherein, during operation, said stream re- enters said microcomponent device where said first unit operation can again be performed on the stream, and said stream exits the microcomponent device.