The present invention is embodied in a carbon dioxide compression and delivery device that uses a plurality of reversible thermoelectric devices and to a method to operate such carbon dioxide compression and delivery device.

A thermal management system for a natural gas tank includes a container, and a cooling mechanism operatively positioned to selectively cool the container. A method for minimizing a loss of natural gas storage during refueling is also disclosed herein. In an example of the method, a cooling mechanism, which is operatively positioned to selectively cool a container of a natural gas storage tank, is initiated prior to a refueling event. This cools the container to a predetermined temperature.

A method optimizes the cryogenic pressure tank fill level which can be achieved during a refill in a motor vehicle. A heating device for heating a gas in the pressure tank has at least two modes, namely a regular operating mode, in which the heating device heats the gas in the pressure tank such that a specified pressure of the gas in the pressure tank is reached, and a continuous operation mode in which the heating device constantly heats the gas in the pressure tank such that the pressure of the gas in the pressure tank rises above the specified pressure. The method has the following steps: detecting the density of the gas in the pressure tank; comparing the detected density of the gas in the pressure tank with a specified density value; and if during the comparison it is determined that the detected density falls below the specified density value, either operating the heating device in the regular operating mode or switching the heating device from the regular operating mode to the continuous operation mode, in particular on the basis of a specified path to the destination of the motor vehicle and the service stations provided on the specified path to the destination for refilling the pressure tank with gas.

A liquefied light hydrocarbon (LLH) fuel system for a hybrid vehicle is disclosed. The fuel system comprises an insulated fuel tank having a buffer space, a fuel control valve, wherein an outlet to the fuel tank connects to a first end of the fuel line, wherein an inlet of the fuel control valve connects to a second end of the fuel line and wherein an outlet of the fuel control valve is adapted to connect to a fuel inlet to an internal combustion engine; and a tank heating system comprising: a heating element, wherein the heating element is disposed adjacent to or within the fuel tank; a heating power control system, wherein the heating power control system controls the amount of heat produced by the heating element to vaporize the LLH fuel. Methods of using the fuel system are also disclosed.

Vessel assemblies, heat transfer units for prefabricated vessels, and methods for heat transfer prefabricated vessel are provided. A heat transfer unit includes a central rod, and a plurality of peripheral rods surrounding the central rod and connected to the central rod. The plurality of peripheral rods are movable between a first collapsed position and a second bowed position, wherein in the second bowed position a midpoint of each of the plurality of peripheral rods is spaced from the central rod relative to in the first position. The heat transfer unit further includes a heat transfer element connected to one of the plurality of peripheral rods.

A fuel storage and distribution system for a gas-fueled sea-going vessel includes a thermally insulated gas tank for storing liquefied gas fuel. A local heat transfer circuit is configured to extract heat from an external heat source circuit. As a part of said local heat transfer circuit a heating arrangement is configured to heat gas fuel for increasing pressure inside the gas tank. As a part of said local heat transfer circuit is a main gas evaporator for evaporating liquefied gas fuel drawn from the gas tank for delivery to an engine of the sea-going vessel.

A method of recovering energy produced by the change of phase of dry ice using a device having an enclosure (2) containing dry ice at an infra-atmospheric pressure and at a solidification temperature corresponding to the infra-atmospheric pressure; and a primary energy recovery circuit (3), in which a heat transfer fluid circulates, passing through the enclosure. The method involves passage of the heat transfer fluid into the primary circuit (3), this step causing the heating of the dry ice and its change of phase into CO2 and the cooling of the heat transfer fluid; extraction of the CO2 contained in the enclosure (2); and substantially continuous lowering of the pressure of the enclosure (2) to an infra-atmospheric pressure.

Systems and techniques for compressed air energy storage and regeneration thereof are described herein. A compressor for compressed air energy storage and regeneration thereof can include a housing, a actuator, and a heat exchanger. The housing can define a volume. The actuator can be operable to expand the volume and compress the volume. The heat exchanger can be located at least partially within the housing. The heat exchanger can be configured to compress when the actuator compresses the volume, expand when the actuator expands the volume, and transfer heat with a working fluid.

A cryogenic liquid storage apparatus includes a storage container configured to accommodate a cryogenic liquid, a heating element configured to be movable from a first position at which the heating element is in contact with the storage container to a second position at which the heating element is spaced from the storage container, and a drive portion configured to selectively provide driving power to the heating element to move the heating element from the second position to the first position, obtaining an advantageous effect of improving efficiency in storing hydrogen.

An operating method is provided for a cryo-compressed tank for supplying cryogenic hydrogen to a consumer of a motor vehicle under supercritical pressure at 13 bar or more. In order to compensate for pressure loss resulting from hydrogen removal, the removed hydrogen that has been heated in a heat exchanger is conveyed to a heat exchanger, provided in the cryo-compressed tank, by way of a tank pressure regulating valve and a branch line, which branches off of a supply line leading to the consumer. After flowing through the heat exchanger, it is introduced into the supply line downstream of the branching off of the branch line. Over a period of time that significantly exceeds the cycle times of a conventional frequency valve, either the removed amount of hydrogen is guided without limitation into the heat exchanger, provided in the cryo-compressed tank, the tank pressure regulating valve being completely open, or no return of the heated hydrogen into the heat exchanger occurs at all. Downstream of the branching off of the branch line, the supply line has a pressure regulating unit, which ensures that irrespective of the changes in the pressure in the supply line caused upstream of the pressure regulating unit by switching the tank pressure regulating valve, a sufficient and continuous supply of hydrogen to the consumer at the pressure required is guaranteed.