Abstract:
Reactor vessels with pressure and heat transfer features for producing hydrogen-based fuels and structural elements, and associated systems and methods. A representative reactor system in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a first reaction zone and a heat path positioned to direct heat into the first reaction zone, a reactant source coupled to the first reaction zone, and a first actuator coupled to cyclically pressurize the first reaction zone. The system can further include a second reaction zone in fluid communication with the first, a valve coupled between the first and second reaction zones to control a flow rate therebetween, and a second actuator coupled in fluid communication with the second reaction zone to cyclically pressurize the second reaction zone. A first heat exchanger is positioned to direct heat from a first product leaving the first reaction zone to a reactant entering the first reaction zone, and a second heat exchanger is positioned to direct heat from a second product leaving the second reaction zone to the reactant entering the first reaction zone. A controller is coupled to the first and second actuators and is programmed with instructions that, when executed, control the first and second actuators in a coordinated manner based at least in part on a flow rate of the second product from the second reaction zone.
Abstract:
Techniques, systems, apparatus and material are disclosed for generating renewable energy from biomass waste while sequestering carbon. In one aspect, a method performed by a reactor to dissociate raw biomass waste into a renewable source energy or a carbon byproduct or both includes receiving the raw biomass waste that includes carbon, hydrogen and oxygen to be dissociated under an anaerobic reaction. Waste heat is recovered from an external heat source to heat the received raw biomass waste. The heated raw biomass waste is dissociated to produce the renewable fuel, carbon byproduct or both. The dissociating includes compacting the heated raw biomass waste, generating heat from an internal heat source, and applying the generated heat to the compacted biomass waste under pressure.
Abstract:
An architectural construct is a synthetic material that includes a matrix characterization of different crystals. An architectural construct can be configured as a solid mass or as parallel layers that can be on a nano-, micro-, and macro-scale. Its configuration can determine its behavior and functionality under a variety of conditions. Implementations of an architectural construct can include its use as a substrate, sacrificial construct, carrier, filter, sensor, additive, and catalyst for other molecules, compounds, and substances, or may also include a means to store energy and generate power.
Abstract:
Embodiments of engine systems for improved engine cooling and work production are disclosed herein. A working fluid can be injected into a combustion chamber or an engine during any portion of an energy cycle to cool the engine and/or to produce useful work in addition to work generated by combustion events in the chamber. The system can include a monitoring system configured to measure conditions within individual combustion chambers. Based on the interior conditions of the chamber, the system can adaptively inject working fluid mixtures into the engine. The engine can be part of a cascading series of engines including a primary engine and a secondary engine that receives fluids from the primary engine and generates energy from the fluids.
Abstract:
Techniques, systems, apparatus and material are disclosed for generating oxygenated fuel. In one aspect, a method of producing an oxygenated fuel from biomass waste for use in a combustion system includes dissociating the biomass waste to produce one or more carbon donors. The biomass waste produced carbon donors are reacted with an oxygen donor to produce the oxygenated fuel comprising oxygenated carbon. Reacting the carbon donors with the oxygen donors includes applying waste heat recovered from an external heat source to the reaction of carbon donors and oxygen donor. The oxygenated fuel is combusted in the combustion system.
Abstract:
Reactor vessels with transmissive surfaces for producing hydrogen-based fuels and structural elements, and associated systems and methods. A chemical reactor in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a reactor vessel having a reaction zone, a hydrogen donor source coupled in fluid communication with the reaction zone, and a steam source coupled in fluid communication with the reaction zone. The reactor further includes a transmissive surface at the reaction zone, with the transmissive surface being transmissive to a reactant entering the reaction zone and/or radiant energy entering the reaction zone.
Abstract:
Chemical reactors with annularly positioned delivery and removal devices, and associated systems and methods. A reactor in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a reactor vessel having a light-transmissible surface proximate to a reaction zone, and a movable reactant delivery system positioned within the reactor vessel. The reactor can further include a product removal system positioned within the reactor vessel and positioned annularly inwardly or outwardly from the delivery system. A solar concentrator is positioned to direct solar radiation through the light-transmissible surface to the reaction zone.
Abstract:
Embodiments of thermal transfer devices and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a thermal transfer system can include a conduit that has an input portion, an output portion, and a sidewall between the input and output portions. Heat can enter the conduit at the input portion and exit the conduit at the output portion. The thermal transfer system can further include an end cap proximate to a terminus of the conduit. A working fluid can circulate through the conduit utilizing a vaporization-condensation cycle. The thermal transfer device can also include an architectural construct having a plurality of parallel layers of a synthetic matrix characterization of a crystal.
Abstract:
Chemical reactors with re-radiating surfaces and associated systems and methods. A reactor in accordance with a particular embodiment includes a reactor vessel having a reaction zone, and a reactant supply coupled to the reactor vessel to direct a reactant (e.g., a hydrogen donor) into the reaction zone. The reactant has a peak absorption wavelength range over which it absorbs more energy than at non-peak wavelengths. The reactor further includes a re-radiation component positioned at the reaction zone to receive radiation over a first spectrum having a first peak wavelength range, and re-radiate the radiation into the reaction zone over a second spectrum having a second peak wavelength range different than the first, and closer than the first to the peak absorption range of the reactant.
Abstract:
System and method of renewable and carbon neutral hydrogen production by microbial electrolysis, fermentation and photosynthesis with, for example, an electrode constructed from an architectural construct having graphene layers configured to isolate the produced hydrogen. The electrode constructed from the architectural construct facilitates transfer of hydrogenase and provides isolation of hydrogen to enable improved electrode efficiency, separation efficiency, and rate of hydrogen production. The architectural construct may also serve as a superior electron conductor and provide catalytic functions along with presenting various types of hydrogenase and/or other enzymes.