Patent US2417082A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6729137B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Miniaturized waste heat engine
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 2002-02-06
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Granted: 2004-05-04
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Expires: 2022-02-06
Abstract
Abstract A closed loop vapor cycle generated by a special device formed by heat transfer and a vapor expander means it is utilized to convert waste heat from conventional power systems into additional thermodynamic work, thereby improving the overall power system efficiency. Superheated vapor (i.e. steam) is instantaneously produced inside special energy transfer means where waste heat is converted into fluid energy with desired thermodynamic properties. The superheated vapor is then converted into mechanical energy through special work-producing units (expanders), thereby returning a significant fraction of the energy contained in the waste heat to the power system.
Inventors
- 👤 Claudio Filippone
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 22:11
CPC Classifications
F; F02; F02B; F02B75/00; F02B75/34; F01; F01K; F01K23/00; F01K23/02; F01K23/06; F01K23/065; F01N; F01N5/00; F01N5/02; F02G; F02G5/00; F01N2240/00; F01N2240/02; Y; Y02; Y02T; Y02T10/00; Y02T10/10; Y02T10/12
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 53
Claim 1
Independent Claim
164 words
An energy converting system used to convert heat energy from a heat source, the system comprising: a heating channel having at least one surface in thermal contact with the heat source and having at least one inlet through which a first fluid enters and at least one outlet through which the first fluid exits, wherein the heat energy is transferred to the first fluid within the heating channel to expand and accelerate the first fluid from the inlet to the outlet; a thermal insulation surrounding at least a portion of the heating channel; at least one expander disposed in an expander housing and having an inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the heating channel for converting the transferred energy of the first fluid into useable energy; and an imploding chamber disposed within the expander housing adjacent to the expander for condensing the first fluid, wherein the transferred energy of the first fluid is further extracted to enhance the efficiency of the system.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
164 words
An energy converting system used to convert heat energy from a heat source, the system comprising: a heating channel having at least one surface in thermal contact with the heat source and having at least one inlet through which a first fluid enters and at least one outlet through which the first fluid exits, wherein the heat energy is transferred to the first fluid within the heating channel to expand and accelerate the first fluid from the inlet to the outlet; a thermal insulation surrounding at least a portion of the heating channel; at least one expander disposed in an expander housing and having an inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the heating channel for converting the transferred energy of the first fluid into useable energy; and an imploding chamber disposed within the expander housing adjacent to the expander for condensing the first fluid, wherein the transferred energy of the first fluid is further extracted to enhance the efficiency of the system.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
An energy converting system as defined in claim 1 , comprising a radiator hydraulically connected to the imploding chamber for cooling the first fluid.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
An energy converting system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the heating channel is thermodynamically configured to convert the first fluid from liquid to vapor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
An energy converting system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the heating channel comprises a fluid injector for injecting the first fluid into the inlet of the heating channel.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
An energy converting system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the thermal insulation includes at least one thermally insulating jacket for insulating the heat converter from surrounding environment.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
An energy converting system as defined in claim 5 , wherein the insulating jacket is a vacuum jacket.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
51 words
An energy converting system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the expander further comprises: a plurality of blades connected to an expander wheel; a drive shaft connected to the expander wheel; and at least one nozzle for injecting the first fluid toward the plurality of blades of the expander wheel.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
An energy converting system as defined in claim 7 , wherein the nozzle is positioned substantially parallel to the drive shaft.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
30 words
An energy converting system as defined in claim 7 , wherein the drive shaft of the expander comprises a lubrication system for providing lubrication and cooling of the drive shaft.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
75 words
An energy converting system as defined in claim 9 , wherein the lubrication system comprising: an inlet and an outlet through which a lubricating fluid flows; and at least one blade formed on a surface of the drive shaft and configured to impart acceleration to the oil, thereby providing the lubricating fluid with forced convection and pumping effect, whereby the lubrication system provides forced convection and pumping effect by the movement of the drive shaft.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
An energy converting system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the expander and the imploding chamber are integrally formed in the expander housing.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
32 words
An energy converting system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the imploding chamber comprises at least one cooling surface facing the expander to condense the first fluid within the expander housing.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
27 words
An energy converting system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the imploding chamber is hydraulically connected to a tank to which the condensed first fluid flows.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
96 words
An energy converting system as defined in claim 1 , further comprising a compressor for cooling the imploding chamber, the compressor comprising: a casing having a surface in thermal contact with the imploding chamber; an intake and a diffuser through which a second fluid passes; and a compressor wheel for transferring the energy of the first fluid to a second fluid, the compressor wheel mechanically coupled to a drive shaft of the expander, wherein the compressor intakes and ejects the second fluid through the intake and the diffuser, respectively, thereby providing cooling for the imploding chamber.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
44 words
An energy converting system as defined in claim 14 , wherein the diffuser constitutes a diverging nozzle formed by an inner concentric cone positioned inside an outer cylindrical casing, the inner concentric cone connected to the outer cylindrical casing by a plurality of vanes.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
30 words
An energy converting system as defined in claim 15 , wherein the outer cylindrical casing comprises an outer concentric cone having height and diameter different from the inner concentric cone.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
36 words
An energy converting system as defined in claim 15 , wherein the plurality of vanes are curved such that the second fluid enters the compressor axially through the compressor wheel and exits the diverging nozzle axially.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
45 words
An energy converting system as defined in claim 15 , wherein the expander is positioned inside the inner concentric cone and the inner concentric cone includes hydraulic paths for inlet and outlet of the expander, so that the inner cone forms a self-contained compressor-expander-imploder unit.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
27 words
An energy converting system as defined in claim 15 , wherein at least one of the plurality of vanes extends out to a portion of the intake.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
32 words
An energy converting system as defined in claim 14 , wherein the compressor wheel is symmetric with respect to the drive shaft such that the compressor wheel is configured to flip 180°.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
45 words
An energy converting system as defined in claim 14 , comprising at least one by-pass valve positioned on a portion of the compressor and configured such that the by-pass valve opens when the pressure inside the compressor is less than the pressure outside the compressor.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
72 words
An energy converting system as defined in claim 14 , wherein the expander comprises a single-stage expander wheel having the plurality of blades, the expander further comprising at least two nozzles for injecting the first fluid toward the plurality of blades, the at least two nozzles positioned such that the forces exerted by the injected first fluid from the at least two nozzles counter balance the forces exerted by the compressor wheel.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
73 words
An energy converting system as defined in claim 14 , wherein the expander comprises a plurality of expander wheels each having the plurality of blades, the expander further comprising a plurality of nozzles for injecting the first fluid toward the plurality of blades, the nozzles spaced and positioned such that summation of all reaction forces exerted by the injected first fluid from the nozzles counter balance the forces exerted by the compressor wheel.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
32 words
An energy converting system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the expander comprises a flywheel having a coupling mechanism for utilization of the useable energy in the form of mechanical energy.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
20 words
An energy converting system as defined in claim 24 , wherein the coupling mechanism includes at least one clutch mechanism.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
36 words
An energy converting system as defined in claim 24 , wherein the flywheel is configured to be encased inside a power unit which provides the useable energy via a clutch mechanically connected with speed adjusting means.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
47 words
An energy converting system as defined in claim 1 , comprising a pressurized tank disposed between the outlet of the heating channel and the inlet of the expander for accumulating the first fluid prior to entering the expander to store the transferred energy of the first fluid.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
40 words
An energy converting system as defined in claim 1 , comprising at least one sensor for measuring an operating parameter of the system, wherein the sensor provides an input to a system controller for controlling the operation of the system.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
36 words
An energy converting system as defined in claim 1 , comprising a computer system for controlling and optimizing the operation of the system, the computer system comprising programmable microprocessor which customizes the operation of the system.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
45 words
A heat converting system as defined in claim 14 , wherein the imploding chamber is hydraulically connected to a tank in which the condensed first fluid accumulates, wherein the outer surface of the tank is in thermal contact with the passage of the second fluid.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
42 words
A heat converting system as defined in claim 14 , wherein the imploding chamber is hydraulically connected to a tank in which the condensed first fluid accumulates, wherein the outer surface of the tank is cooled by conducting heat to surrounding structures.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
98 words
A method of converting heat energy from a heat source into useable energy, the method comprising: providing the energy converting system of claim 1 , injecting a first fluid into the inlet of the heating channel to transfer the heat energy of the heat source to the first fluid; converting the transferred energy of the first fluid exiting the heating channel into useable energy by placing an expander in the hydraulic path of the first fluid exiting the heating channel; and condensing the first fluid within the expander housing immediately after the first fluid passes through the expander.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method as defined in claim 32 , wherein condensing the first fluid is performed by placing an imploder having a cooling surface disposed substantially adjacent to the expander within the expander housing.
Claim 35
Independent Claim
159 words
A method of converting heat energy from a heat source into useable energy, the method comprising: providing a heating channel having an inlet and an outlet; contacting at least one surface of the heating channel in thermal contact with the heat source; insulating at least a portion of the heating channel; injecting a first fluid into the inlet of the heating channel to transfer the heat energy of the heat source to the first fluid, causing the first fluid to expand and accelerate within the heating channel; converting the transferred energy of the first fluid exiting the heating channel into useable energy by placing an expander in the hydraulic path of the first fluid exiting the heating channel, the expander disposed in an expander housing; and condensing the first fluid within the expander housing immediately after the first fluid passed through the expander, such that the energy of the first fluid is further extracted to enhance the overall efficiency.
Claim 36
Independent Claim
159 words
A method of converting heat energy from a heat source into useable energy, the method comprising: providing a heating channel having an inlet and an outlet; contacting at least one surface of the heating channel in thermal contact with the heat source; insulating at least a portion of the heating channel; injecting a first fluid into the inlet of the heating channel to transfer the heat energy of the heat source to the first fluid, causing the first fluid to expand and accelerate within the heating channel; converting the transferred energy of the first fluid exiting the heating channel into useable energy by placing an expander in the hydraulic path of the first fluid exiting the heating channel, the expander disposed in an expander housing; and condensing the first fluid within the expander housing immediately after the first fluid passed through the expander, such that the energy of the first fluid is further extracted to enhance the overall efficiency.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method as defined in claim 34 , wherein condensing the first fluid is performed by placing an imploder having a cooling surface disposed substantially adjacent to the expander within the expander housing.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
45 words
A method as defined in claim 35 , comprising: providing a second fluid in thermal contact with the other surface of the imploding wall; and compressing the second fluid to cool the imploding wall so as to condense the first fluid on the cooling surface.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method as defined in claim 36 , wherein the compression of the second fluid is driven by a portion of the energy extracted from the first fluid.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
119 words
An energy converting system configured to recuperate heat energy from a heat source, the system comprising: at least one heat converter configured to flash a first fluid in liquid substantially instantaneously to transfer the heat energy to the first fluid; at least one thermal insulation for insulating at least a portion of the heat converter from surrounding environment; and at least one expander disposed in an expander housing for converting the transferred energy of the first fluid into useable energy; and an imploding chamber disposed adjacent the expander within the expander housing, such that the energy of the first fluid is further extracted to enhance the efficiency of the system without the first fluid mixing with any other fluid.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
119 words
An energy converting system configured to recuperate heat energy from a heat source, the system comprising: at least one heat converter configured to flash a first fluid in liquid substantially instantaneously to transfer the heat energy to the first fluid; at least one thermal insulation for insulating at least a portion of the heat converter from surrounding environment; and at least one expander disposed in an expander housing for converting the transferred energy of the first fluid into useable energy; and an imploding chamber disposed adjacent the expander within the expander housing, such that the energy of the first fluid is further extracted to enhance the efficiency of the system without the first fluid mixing with any other fluid.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
63 words
A method of converting heat energy from a heat source into useable energy, the method comprising: providing the energy converting system of claim 38 , injecting a first fluid into the at least one heat converter; and converting heat energy of the first fluid to useable energy by placing an expander in the hydraulic path of the first fluid exiting the heat converter.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
130 words
A waste heat conversion system for recuperating heat energy from an exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine, comprising: at least one superheating channel having at least one inlet through which a working fluid enters and at least one outlet through which the working fluid exits, the superheating channel having at least one surface in thermal contact with the exhaust pipe of the internal combustion engine; at least one thermally insulating jacket for insulating the superheating channel from surrounding environment; and a fluid injector for injecting the working fluid into the inlet of the superheating channel, wherein the working fluid expands and accelerates within the superheating channel between the inlet and the outlet of the superheating channel, thereby transferring the heat energy of the exhaust pipe to the working fluid.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
130 words
A waste heat conversion system for recuperating heat energy from an exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine, comprising: at least one superheating channel having at least one inlet through which a working fluid enters and at least one outlet through which the working fluid exits, the superheating channel having at least one surface in thermal contact with the exhaust pipe of the internal combustion engine; at least one thermally insulating jacket for insulating the superheating channel from surrounding environment; and a fluid injector for injecting the working fluid into the inlet of the superheating channel, wherein the working fluid expands and accelerates within the superheating channel between the inlet and the outlet of the superheating channel, thereby transferring the heat energy of the exhaust pipe to the working fluid.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
19 words
A waste heat conversion system as defined in claim 40 , wherein the insulating jacket is a vacuum jacket.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
28 words
A waste heat conversion system as defined in claim 40 , further comprising an expander having an inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of the superheating channel.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
33 words
A waste heat conversion system as defined in claim 42 , further comprising an imploding chamber disposed adjacent the expander within the same housing that houses the expander for condensing the working fluid.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
28 words
A waste heat conversion system as defined in claim 43 , further comprising a tank hydraulically connected to the imploding chamber for storing and cooling the working fluid.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
47 words
A waste heat conversion system as defined in claim 42 , wherein the expander comprises: a plurality of blades connected to an expander wheel; a drive shaft connected to the expander wheel; and at least one nozzle for injecting the working fluid toward the plurality of blades.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
32 words
A waste heat conversion system as defined in claim 42 , wherein the imploding chamber comprises at least one cooling surface facing the expander to condense the working fluid within the housing.
Claim 51
Independent Claim
125 words
A method of converting waste heat energy from an exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine into useable energy, the method comprising: providing a heating channel having an inlet and an outlet; contacting at least one surface in thermal contact with the exhaust pipe; insulating at least a portion of the heating channel; injecting a first fluid into the inlet of the heating channel; expanding and accelerating the first fluid within the heating channel between the inlet and the outlet, thereby transferring the heat energy of the exhaust pipe to the first fluid; and converting the transferred energy of the first fluid exiting the heating channel into useable energy by placing an expander in the hydraulic path of the first fluid exiting the heating channel.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
125 words
A method of converting waste heat energy from an exhaust pipe of an internal combustion engine into useable energy, the method comprising: providing a heating channel having an inlet and an outlet; contacting at least one surface in thermal contact with the exhaust pipe; insulating at least a portion of the heating channel; injecting a first fluid into the inlet of the heating channel; expanding and accelerating the first fluid within the heating channel between the inlet and the outlet, thereby transferring the heat energy of the exhaust pipe to the first fluid; and converting the transferred energy of the first fluid exiting the heating channel into useable energy by placing an expander in the hydraulic path of the first fluid exiting the heating channel.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
44 words
A method as defined in claim 47 , further comprising condensing substantially rapidly the first fluid immediately after passing the expander within a housing that houses the expander, such that the energy of the first fluid is further extracted to enhance the overall efficiency.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2007-05-04 | 2007-11-03 | 2008-05-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2011-05-04 | 2011-11-03 | 2012-05-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2015-05-04 | 2015-11-03 | 2016-05-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |