Abstract:
A vortex generator for accepting high-pressure condensible vapor and separating the condensible vapor into a relatively hot stream of vapor and a relatively cool liquid. The vortex generator includes an inlet at the first end for allowing high pressure vapor to enter, and an outlet at the second end for allowing condensed liquid to exit wherein the outlet communicates with the inlet via a longitudinal chamber. A nozzle located near the inlet having a plurality of equally-spaced tangential inlets along its perimeter for injecting the vapor that is inlet to the vortex generator into the longitudinal chamber as a high-speed vortex vapor stream proximate the longitudinal axis.
Abstract:
An energy efficient heat pump system capable of operating in extreme low and high temperature environments. The heat pump system includes an evaporator, a heater operatively associated with the evaporator, compressor and condenser. In an exemplary embodiment, the heat pump system may further include a plasma pulse-spark system to facilitate removal of scale deposits. The heater heats an environmental medium prior to the environmental medium exchanging energy with a refrigerant located in an evaporator coil of the evaporator in order to maintain a predetermined minimum temperature differential between the environmental medium when it contacts the evaporator coil and the refrigerant when located in the evaporator coil. The system allows efficient operation at low temperatures.
Abstract:
Cooling systems and methods for cooling in a power plant using a phase change material. In one embodiment, a phase change material container includes at least one phase change material which may be in the form of a slurry; and at least one conduit for transporting the fluid through the phase change material when located in the phase change material container. The system may also comprise an air flow chamber; and a phase change material flow system including a pump for pumping phase change material from an outlet of phase change material container, to at least one phase change material spray nozzle. The phase change material flow system is configured to ensure that solidified phase change material is returned to the phase change material container.
Abstract:
The present invention pertains to an effective system and method for reducing or eliminating the formation of scale in desalination systems. The system utilizes at least one pair of electrodes in direct contact with a liquid to induce an oscillating electric field directly in a portion of the liquid or a liquid stream of the desalination system. The electric field is capable of inducing bulk precipitation of ions, minerals, salts, particulates, contaminants or a combination thereof from the liquid stream.
Abstract:
An energy efficient heat pump system capable of operating in extreme low and high temperature environments. The heat pump system includes an evaporator, a heater operatively associated with the evaporator, compressor and condenser. In an exemplary embodiment, the heat pump system may further include a plasma pulse-spark system to facilitate removal of scale deposits. The heater heats an environmental medium prior to the environmental medium exchanging energy with a refrigerant located in an evaporator coil of the evaporator in order to maintain a predetermined minimum temperature differential between the environmental medium when it contacts the evaporator coil and the refrigerant when located in the evaporator coil. The system allows efficient operation at low temperatures.
Abstract:
Cooling systems and methods for cooling in a power plant using a phase change material. In one embodiment, a phase change material container includes at least one phase change material which may be in the form of a slurry; and at least one conduit for transporting the fluid through the phase change material when located in the phase change material container. The system may also comprise an air flow chamber; and a phase change material flow system including a pump for pumping phase change material from an outlet of phase change material container, to at least one phase change material spray nozzle. The phase change material flow system is configured to ensure that solidified phase change material is returned to the phase change material container.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein are atmospheric pressure pin-to-hole pulsed spark discharge devices and methods for creating plasma. The devices include a conduit for fluidically communicating a gas, a plasma, or both, therethrough, portion of the conduit capable of being connected to a gas supply, and a second portion of the conduit capable of emitting a plasma; a positive electrode comprising a sharp tip; and a ground plate electrode. Disclosed are methods for treating a skin ulcer using non-thermal plasma include flowing a gas through a cold spark discharge zone simultaneously with the creation of a pulsed spark discharge to give rise to a non-thermal plasma emitted from a conduit, the non-thermal plasma comprising NO; and contacting a skin ulcer with said non-thermal plasma for sufficient time and intensity to give rise to treatment of the skin ulcer.
Abstract:
A vortex reactor is provided. The vortex reactor includes a reaction chamber formed by a frustum-shaped portion, the narrower part of which is downwardly oriented. Proximate to the narrower part of the frustum-shaped portion, the vortex reactor includes apparatus for creating an axial gas flow and apparatus for creating a circumferential gas flow. The vortex reactor also includes a particulate solid inlet for feeding particulate solids to the reaction chamber. The vortex reactor may optionally include apparatus for generating plasma in the reaction chamber by providing a gliding arc electrical discharge in the reaction chamber. Also provided is a method of processing particulate solids using the vortex reactor of the invention. A reverse vortex plasma reactor (TSAPG) is also provided.
Abstract:
A plasma reactor (10) is provided. The plasma reactor (10) includes a reaction chamber (12) formed by a wall (13). Proximate to the first end of the reaction chamber, the plasma reactor includes a feed gas inlet (14) for creating a reverse vortex gas flow (16) in the reaction chamber. The plasma reactor (10) also includes an anode and a cathode connected to a power source for generation of an electric arc for plasma generation in said reaction chamber. The plasma reactor (10) may optionally include a movable electrode adapted for movement from a first, ignition position to a second, operational position in the reaction chamber. Also provided is a method of converting light hydrocarbons to hydrogen-rich gas, using the plasma reactor of the invention.
Abstract:
An energy-saving refrigeration system circulates a mixture of R-134a, R-32 and R-125 whose composition is controlled using a vapor separator. A vortex generator is a preferred means to separate the mixture. For high thermal load operation, R-32 stays in the circulating line with increased cooling capacity, and R-134a and R-125 are stored in a storage tank. Conversely, for low thermal load operation, R-134a and R-125 stay in the circulating line with increased EER, and R-32 is stored in a storage tank. Multiple storage tanks can be used to control the composition of each refrigerant independently.