A robotic fish comprises one or more torque reaction engines and a fish body, wherein the torque reaction engine cyclically oscillates and causes a wave to propagate across the fish body, including through a flexible wing, accelerating thrust fluid and propelling the robotic fish.

A thermal energy storage system with fluid flow insulation, the system including heated thermal storage blocks positioned within a housing, and a method for operating the thermal energy storage system, including providing a flow of fluid into the housing, the fluid convectively extracting heat from a top region, a side region and a bottom region of the thermal energy storage system, to generate heated fluid that insulates the thermal storage blocks from the housing and a foundation of the thermal energy storage system.

Provided is a deformable variable helical cylinder fundamentally based on a helix in a space. The helix starts at a point in a space and rotates around a central axis to draw a trajectory, and has a similar shape to a common spring. The factors defining the helix are the radius, pitch, and height of the helix. A variable helix is a helix of which the radius and period are modified, and the variable helix is characterized by a form in which the radius at the lower end thereof decreases toward the top. A deformable variable helix (mVHC) is a variable helix that is deformed once further, and the biggest feature thereof is that the exit section of the variable helix is deformed to be almost parallel to the central axis of rotation.

Provided is a deformable variable helical cylinder fundamentally based on a helix in a space. The helix starts at a point in a space and rotates around a central axis to draw a trajectory, and has a similar shape to a common spring. The factors defining the helix are the radius, pitch, and height of the helix. A variable helix is a helix of which the radius and period are modified, and the variable helix is characterized by a form in which the radius at the lower end thereof decreases toward the top. A deformable variable helix (mVHC) is a variable helix that is deformed once further, and the biggest feature thereof is that the exit section of the variable helix is deformed to be almost parallel to the central axis of rotation.

A system where a shaft runs through a center of a hydro screw helical gear main bearing. The helical gear positioned at approximately the end of the horizontal shaft and connects to the vertical power shaft and mating helical gear. Two main and two truss (shoe type) bearings position the screw/auger. There is on the hydro shaft a pressure seal in the Power Keel. The pitch angle is one turn (RPM) to 7.5 feet of travel with a four feet wide screw built into the blades-flukes off the screw/auger. The bearings are 12,000 RPM capable.

An apparatus includes one or more thermal storage blocks that define a radiation chamber and a fluid flow slot positioned above the radiation chamber to define a fluid pathway in a first direction. The apparatus includes a heater element positioned adjacent to the radiation chamber in a second, different direction, wherein the radiation chamber is open on at least one side to the heater element. The apparatus includes a fluid movement system configured to direct a stream of fluid through the fluid pathway in the first direction.

An energy storage system converts variable renewable electricity (VRE) to continuous heat at over 1000 C. Intermittent electrical energy heats a solid medium. Heat from the solid medium is delivered continuously on demand. An array of bricks incorporating internal radiation cavities is directly heated by thermal radiation. The cavities facilitate rapid, uniform heating via reradiation. Heat delivery via flowing gas establishes a thermocline which maintains high outlet temperature throughout discharge. Gas flows through structured pathways within the array, delivering heat which may be used for processes including calcination, hydrogen electrolysis, steam generation, and thermal power generation and cogeneration. Groups of thermal storage arrays may be controlled and operated at high temperatures without thermal runaway via deep-discharge sequencing. Forecast-based control enables continuous, year-round heat supply using current and advance information of weather and VRE availability. High-voltage DC power conversion and distribution circuitry improves the efficiency of VRE power transfer into the system.

A propulsor is described in which rotation of the frustum of a right circular cylinder generates thrust. Variants of this basic geometrical shape are also described that enable multiple means for propelling fluid past the propulsor.

A propulsor is described in which rotation of the frustum of a right circular cylinder generates thrust. Variants of this basic geometrical shape are also described that enable multiple means for propelling fluid past the propulsor.

Various aspects include a robot and method of using the robot, which includes a chassis and a forward propulsion auger. The chassis may include a forward section a rear section; and a maneuvering gimbal. The forward propulsion auger may be positioned on a leading end of the forward section and coupled to a first drive motor. The forward propulsion auger may include at least one fluid nozzle configured to eject a fluid therefrom.