SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRANSFERRING HEAT USING AN EXPANDED GAS

Abstract

A system includes a fuel source for providing a fuel, a first expansion valve formed in a first fuel line connected to the fuel source, for expanding the fuel, and a heat transfer device for delivering a heat transfer medium to the first expansion valve such that the heat transfer medium is cooled by contacting the first expansion valve. Another system includes a fuel source for providing a fuel, a first expansion valve formed in a first fuel line connected to the fuel source, for expanding the fuel, a heat exchanger connected via the first fuel line to the expansion valve, the heat exchanger being cooled by the expanded fuel, and a fan for blowing air over the heat exchanger such that the air is cooled by contacting the heat exchanger. Another system includes pneumatic or hydraulic operated system devices.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a system for transferring heat and, more particularly, a system and method for transferring heat using an expanded gas.

2. Description of the Related Art

Conventional transportation vehicles are powered by propulsion systems or engines that, as a by-product of generating power or propulsion, also generate heat. Thus, those engines must be cooled by some means. Conventional methods have included air, liquid or gas. The engine and engine components and systems, other drive train components and systems, other mechanical and/or electrical components and systems, passenger or other compartments or any system or environment that requires or could benefit from temperature compensation that is typically cooled by the engine or an engine accessory system.

Fossil fuel based and powered combustion engines most typically, power conventional transportation vehicles. The world has been seeking alternatives to the internal combustion engine and other fossil fuel based engines for many decades. Compressed natural gas (CNG) has become a viable intermediate alternative to crude oil based fuels, such as gasoline and diesel fuel and crop or plant based fuels, such as ethanol and methanol or hybrid fuels using mixtures of both crude oil and crop or plant based fuels. CNG or liquified petroleum (LP), in a liquid state, is stored at a very high pressure. This pressure can be used in transportation applications for mechanical systems.

The term LG (e.g., liquified gas) will be used herein to represent CNG or LP, but should not limited to CNG or LP. Vehicles fueled by LG only, dual fuel LG and gasoline or LG and electrical hybrid vehicles offer significant advantages over the conventional fuel alternatives. These advantages include: superior efficiency to power to exhaust pollution ratio, abundance (global supply and reserves, environmental (lower green house gases for example).

Given the problems and effects of conventional transportation propulsion or engine systems that use crude oil, plant based fuels, gasoline or diesel and electrical hybrids or even power plant generated electrical or electrical hybrid vehicles, LG based propulsion systems may be the best intermediate propulsion fuel available in 2012 and the foreseeable future.

In addition, many structures (e.g., structures affixed to real estate such as residential buildings, commercial buildings, etc.) may use natural gas or LG an energy source for heating (heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), cooking, water heating and other applications).

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing and other problems, disadvantages, and drawbacks of the aforementioned conventional systems and methods, an exemplary aspect of the present invention is directed to a system and method for transferring heat which uses an expanded gas.

An exemplary aspect of the present invention is directed to a system including a fuel source for providing a fuel, a first expansion valve formed in a first fuel line connected to the fuel source, for expanding the fuel, and a heat transfer device for delivering a heat transfer medium to the first expansion valve such that the heat transfer medium is cooled by contacting the first expansion valve.

Another exemplary aspect of the present invention is directed to a system including a fuel source for providing a fuel, a first expansion valve formed in a first fuel line connected to the fuel source, for expanding the fuel, a heat exchanger connected via the first fuel line to the expansion valve, the heat exchanger being cooled by the expanded fuel, and a fan for blowing air over the heat exchanger such that the air is cooled by contacting the heat exchanger.

Another exemplary aspect of the present invention is directed to a method including providing a fuel via a fuel source, expanding the fuel using a first expansion valve formed in a first fuel line connected to the fuel source, and delivering a heat transfer medium to the first expansion valve such that the heat transfer medium is cooled by contacting the first expansion valve.

Another exemplary aspect of the present invention is directed to a method including providing a fuel via a fuel source, expanding the fuel using a first expansion valve formed in a first fuel line connected to the fuel source, using the expanded fuel to cool a heat exchanger connected via the first fuel line to the expansion valve, and blowing air over the heat exchanger such that the air is cooled by contacting the heat exchanger.

With its unique and novel features, the present invention provides a system and method of transferring heat which is more efficient than conventional systems and methods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, aspects and advantages will be better understood from the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100, in accordance with an exemplary aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a system 200, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a system 300, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a system 400, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a system 500, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a system 600, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a system 700, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a system 800, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a system 900, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a system 1000, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a system 1100, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates a system 1200, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 13 illustrates a system 1300, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates a system 1400, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates a system 1500, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 16 illustrates a system 1600, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 17 illustrates a system 1700, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 18 illustrates a system 1800, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 19 illustrates a system 1900, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 20 illustrates a system 2000, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 21 illustrates a system 2100, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 22 illustrates a system 2200, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 23 illustrates a system 2300, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 24 illustrates a system 2400, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 25 illustrates a system 2500, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 26A illustrates a system 2600, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 26B illustrates a system 2650, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention; and

FIG. 27 illustrates a system 2700, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 28 illustrates a method 2800, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 29 illustrates a method 2900, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-29 illustrate the exemplary aspects of the present invention.

In the exemplary aspects of the present invention, the pressure and thermal (cold or hot temperature/energy) properties produced during the compression or expansion of natural gas, compressed natural gas or liquid propane or other gases (LG collectively) may be used as a source of electrical energy, pressure driven mechanical systems, and/or thermal energy (e.g., source of hot or cold temperature for heat exchanger). The exemplary aspects of the present invention may replace a traditional evaporator or other devices used in conventional heating and cooling methodologies and systems, such as in vehicles (e.g., transportation) and structures (e.g., real estate applications).

Overview

An exemplary aspect of the present invention is directed to the use of alternative fuels and energy sources in global transportation thermal applications, and particularly in the present invention, the use of LG (e.g., natural gas also called NG and one of its states, a liquid, in the form of liquid propane also called LP or compressed natural gas also called CNG) in transportation applications.

Another exemplary aspect of the present invention is directed to the use of LG (e.g., NG and the compression and expansion of NG or LP) for cooling and heating requirements in a structure (e.g., real estate applications).

Another exemplary aspect of the present invention is directed to the technical field of pressure-based (such as hydraulic or pneumatic) mechanical systems and device application alternatives, such as in transportation and real estate applications.

Although the invention is described herein with respect to vehicle and structural (e.g., residential buildings, commercial buildings, etc.), the description herein is meant to be exemplary, and the present invention should not be limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein.

The exemplary aspects of the present invention may utilize traditional energy sources which are conventionally used to fuel vehicles and heat structures (e.g., buildings) (e.g., NG and LP), to include cooling applications. In particular, the present invention may include a system that allows a specific temperature approach to HVAC systems rather than the heat and cooling approach of traditional HVAC systems.

In exemplary embodiments, the present invention may utilize the significant cooling properties (e.g., absence of thermal energy) created by the process of expanding LG gas for use as a fuel in transportation propulsion systems or engines or as a “closed-loop” LG expansion system in LG propulsion systems or engines to cool the various systems and compartments associated with transportation vehicles. The high-pressure storage and delivery of LG in transportation systems allows for pressure operated mechanical system such as, but not limited to, pumps, hydraulic motors and otherwise belt driven, engine driven, or electrical accessories.

In another exemplary embodiment, the compression and expansion of natural gas and the heating and cooling effect of the process can be used as a thermal energy and pressure drive mechanical systems replacement in residential and commercial applications for HVAC.

Detailed Discussion

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary schematic block diagram of a LG powered engine vehicle, utilizing the “cold temperature” (e.g., absence of thermal energy) created by the expansion of LG liquid to a gas for use as a fuel and by utilizing an exemplary “expansion valve” and an exemplary “air to liquid thermal exchanger” to cool a vehicle compartment. FIG. 1 also illustrates an exemplary engine start and secondary injection system utilizing the properties of LG.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the LG is taken from a pressurized LG tank 101, to the exemplary expansion valve 102 via a first fuel line 160a. The gas flows from the expansion valve 102 to the fuel intake system 105 where it is in a useable state to fuel (power) an internal combustion engine.

The expansion of the LG by the expansion valve 102 from a liquid state to a gaseous state (e.g., Joule-Thomson expansion) significantly reduces the temperature of the gas. The cold temperature (e.g., absence of thermal energy) created in the expansion process is transferred from the body or air surrounding the body of the expansion valve 102 to the liquid contained within circulation system and lines 170 (e.g., piping or hoses) between the coolant jacket 102-a (e.g., Liquid Temperature Transfer Section) containing a coolant liquid (e.g., polyethylene glycol) and the exemplary air to liquid thermal exchanger 104.

The pump 103 circulates the coolant liquid contained in the coolant jacket 102-a and between the expansion valve 102 and the thermal exchanger 104. The heat exchanger 104 (e.g., thermal exchanger) in FIG. 1 is located in or near one or more compartments 180 that are to be cooled. The compartment 180 may include, for example, the passenger compartment of the vehicle, the glove compartment of the vehicle, or a refrigerated compartment (e.g., for storing drinking water, etc.). The blower 106 (e.g., fan) passes or blows air across or through the thermal exchanger 104, which warms the liquid coolant and reduces the temperature (cools) in or near the compartment 180.

The warmed liquid coolant is circulated by the pump 103 back to the coolant jacket 102-a (e.g., liquid temperature transfer section) via the liquid coolant line(s) 170, as illustrated by the directional arrows in FIG. 1. The warmed liquid is re-cooled by the expansion valve 102 and circulated continuously through the system 100, as desired.

The LG can also be used as an exemplary start/restart and as a performance boost in the system 100. For example, the LG may be taken from LG Tank 101 to an exemplary Start Up Expansion Valve 107 via a second fuel line 160b. The specifically expanded Start Up Gas (SUG) may be stored in the exemplary SUG Tank 108.

The pressurized SUG flows to the exemplary SUG Direct Injector 109, which is directly connected to each Engine Cylinder 110. When the user starts or restarts the vehicle engine the SUG gas is injected into cylinder 110, a Spark Device 111, utilizing a combination of electrical or heat source and air, is fired to the proper engine cylinder(s) until the engines is running in normal operation mode.

The SUG can also be injected into cylinder 110 in normal operating mode in order to boost (e.g., enhance) engine performance (e.g., power) if so programmed and desired.

In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the system 100 may include a controller 190 (e.g., microcontroller) which may control the various elements of the system 100. For example, the controller 190 may control an opening and closing of valves in the lines 170, an operation of the pump 103 (e.g., on/off, speed, etc.) to control the flow rate of the coolant in the lines 170, and an operation of the blower 106 (e.g., on/off, speed, etc.) in order to optimize the heat transfer in the system 100.

For example, the controller 190 may be a feedback controller. That is, data such a temperature of the compartment 180 to be cooled may be fed back into the controller 190, and based on the data fed back into the controller 190, the controller may adjust the parameters of the system 100 (e.g., pump speed, valve opening, fan speed, etc.) in order to optimize the temperature of the compartment 180 (e.g., to make the compartment 180 attain and hold a temperature which is set with a thermostat control by the user).

The controller 190 may be included, for example, as part of the electronic control unit (ECU) which controls other operations in the vehicle (e.g., engine, brakes, power steering, etc.).

FIG. 2 illustrates a system 200, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary schematic block diagram of a LG powered engine vehicle, utilizing the “cold temperature” created by the expansion of LG liquid to a gas for use as a fuel by utilizing an exemplary “expansion valve” and an exemplary “air to air thermal exchanger” to cool vehicle compartments.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the LG is taken from the pressurized LG tank 101, to the expansion valve 102. The cold temperature is created as a by-product of the expansion of the LG that is required to change the LG from a liquid state to a gaseous state. The gas flows from the expansion valve 102 to the fuel intake system 105 where it is in a useable gas state to fuel (power) an internal combustion engine. The cold temperature created in the expansion process is transferred, from the body or air surrounding the body of 102, with the gas and the fuel lines contained within the fuel circulation system between the expansion valve 102 and the exemplary heat exchanger (e.g., air to air thermal exchanger) 201.

That is, referring to FIG. 2 (and in similarly configured embodiments described herein), the “coolness” of the expanded gas may be transmitted to the heat exchanger 201 by the expanded gas itself transmitting the “coolness”. That is, the heat exchanger 201 may be formed of the fuel line 160a (which is cold because it contains the cold expanded gas) (e.g., a cold fuel line), and the air from the blower 106 is blown over the cold fuel line to cool the compartment.

The thermal exchanger 201 in FIG. 2 is located in or near the compartment(s) that are to be cooled. The blower 106 passes or blows air across or through the thermal exchanger 201 to cool the compartment(s). The gas continues to the fuel intake system 105. The system 200 includes two or more exemplary pressure sensor valves 202 which will detect any pressure loss between the two pressure valves.

The system 200 may also include a controller (e.g., a controller having the same features and functions of controller 190 in FIG. 1) which is connected to the valves 202 to control the values. If a pressure loss is detected the controller will control the pressure valves 202 to close so that the fuel is cut off from the heat exchanger 201 and the fuel (e.g., gaseous fuel) from the expansion valve 102 will flow directly to the fuel intake system 105, so the vehicle can continue to operate without the thermal exchanger 201 being operable.

FIG. 3 illustrates a system 300, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary schematic block diagram of a LG powered engine vehicle, utilizing the “cold temperature” created by the expansion of LG liquid to a gas for use as a “closed-loop” cooling system utilizing an exemplary “expansion valve” and an exemplary “air to liquid thermal exchanger” to cool vehicle compartments.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the expansion of the LG may be divided into two processes, one for the expansion of the LG for strictly a fuel and the second for the expansion of the LG to create the optimal cold temperature process and secondarily gas for fuel.

In the first process, the LG is taken from the pressurized LG tank 101, to the expansion valve 102. The expanded gas flows from the expansion valve 102 to the fuel intake system 105 where it is in a useable gaseous state to fuel (power) an internal combustion engine.

In the second process, the LG is taken from the pressurized LG tank Liquid Temperature Transfer Section, to the exemplary thermal expansion valve 301. The cold temperature created in the expansion process is transferred from the body or air surrounding the body of the thermal expansion valve 301 to the liquid contained within circulation system and piping or hoses between the thermal expansion valve 301 and the thermal exchanger 104.

The pump 103 circulates the liquid contained within and between the thermal expansion valve 301 and the thermal exchanger 104. The thermal exchanger 104 in FIG. 3 is located in or near the compartment(s) that is to be cooled. The blower 106 passes or blows air across or through the thermal exchanger 104 to cool the compartment(s).

The system 300 may include a pressure sensor valve for detecting a pressure in the fuel line. For example, the system 300 may include two or more exemplary pressure sensor valves 202 that will detect any pressure loss between the two or more pressure valves 202.

The system 300 may also include a controller (e.g., a controller having the same features and functions of controller 190 in FIG. 1) for controlling the valves 202. If a pressure loss is detected, the controller may cause the pressure sensor valves 202 to close. The LG before and the gas after the thermal expansion valve 301 will be “cut-off” and the LG from the LG tank 101 will flow only to the expansion valve 102, so the vehicle can continue to operate without the thermal exchanger 301 and systems downstream being operable.

It should also be noted that that heat exchanger 201 and expansion valve 102 may be combined into a single unit (e.g., integrally formed) and located near the compartment (e.g., compartment 180) to be cooled. In this case, the blower 106 would blow air over the heat exchanger/expansion valve combination unit, in order to cool the compartment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a system 400, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary schematic block diagram of a dual fuel gasoline and LG powered engine vehicle, utilizing the “cold temperature” created by the expansion of LG liquid to a gas for use as a fuel by utilizing an exemplary “expansion valve” or in an exemplary “closed-loop” cooling system when gasoline is used as the fuel to run the engine and an exemplary “air to liquid thermal exchanger” to cool vehicle compartments and an exemplary “expanded gas compressor(s)” to return the LG in a compressed state to LG tank.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the LG component of the dual fuel vehicle can be used as a fuel and cooling system or as a “closed-loop” cooling system when the vehicle is being powered by a secondary fuel such as gasoline, ethanol or other useable fuel. When powered by the LG fuel, the LG is taken from a pressurized LG tank 101, to the exemplary expansion valve 102.

The cold temperature is created as a by-product of the expansion of the LG to change the LG from a liquid state to a gaseous state. The gas flows from the expansion valve 102 to the fuel intake system 105 where it is in a useable state to fuel (power) an internal combustion engine. The cold temperature created in the expansion process is transferred from the body or air surrounding the body of the expansion valve 102 to the liquid contained within circulation system and piping or hoses between the expansion valve 102 and the exemplary air to liquid thermal exchanger 104.

The pump 103 circulates the liquid contained within between the expansion valve 102 and the thermal exchanger 104. The thermal exchanger 104 in FIG. 4 is located in or near the compartment(s) that are to be cooled. The blower 106 passes or blows air across or through the thermal exchanger 104 to cool the compartment(s). When the vehicle is using the non-LG fuel, the fuel tank 401 sends fuel to the fuel intake system 105, consistent with conventional gasoline or gasoline alternative fuel powered vehicles.

The LG system switches to a “closed-loop” cooling system. The expanded LG gas is diverted from the expansion valve 102 to the exemplary gas-diverting valve 402 that bypasses the fuel intake system 105. The diverted gas flows to the exemplary gas to liquid gas compressor 403, and is returned to the LG tank 101 as the properly compressed LG.

The system 400 may also include a controller (e.g., a controller having the same features and functions of controller 190 in FIG. 1) for controlling the gas-diverting valve 402 and/or the liquid gas compressor 403.

FIG. 5 illustrates a system 500, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary schematic block diagram of a dual fuel gasoline and LG powered engine vehicle, utilizing the “cold temperature” created by the expansion of LG liquid to a gas by utilizing an exemplary “thermal expansion valve” for use as a “closed-loop” cooling system utilizing an exemplary “thermal expansion valve” and an exemplary “air to liquid thermal exchanger” to cool vehicle compartments.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the LG component of the dual fuel vehicle is used as a fuel system and/or as a “closed-loop” cooling system when the vehicle is being powered by a secondary fuel such as gasoline, ethanol or other useable fuel. When powered by the LG fuel, the LG is taken from a pressurized LG tank 101, to the exemplary expansion valve 102.

The cold temperature is created as a by-product of the expansion of the LG to change the LG from a liquid state to a gaseous state. The gas flows from the expansion valve 102 to the fuel intake system 105 where it is in a useable state to fuel (power) an internal combustion engine. The desired cold temperature in this embodiment is created in a separate “closed-loop” process.

The LG flows from the LG tank 101 to the thermal expansion valve 301 the cold temperature in the expansion process is transferred from the body or air surrounding the body of the thermal expansion valve 301 to the liquid contained within circulation system and piping or hoses between the expansion valve 301 and the exemplary air to liquid thermal exchanger 104. The pump 103 circulates the liquid contained within between the thermal expansion valve 301 and the thermal exchanger 104.

The thermal exchanger 104 in FIG. 5 is located in or near the compartment(s) that are to be cooled. The blower 106 passes or blows air across or through the thermal exchanger 104 to cool the compartment(s). The expanded LG gas flows from the thermal expansion valve 301 to the gas to liquid gas compressor 403, and is returned to the LG tank 101 as the properly compressed LG. When the vehicle is using the non-LG fuel the fuel tank 401 sends fuel from the fuel tank 401 to the fuel intake system 105, consistent with conventional gasoline or gasoline alternative fuel powered vehicles.

The system 500 includes the pressure sensor valve 202 that will detect any pressure loss after the pressure valves 202.

The system 500 may also include a controller (e.g., a controller having the same features and functions of controller 190 in FIG. 1) for controlling an opening and closing of the valves 202. If a pressure loss is detected the controller may control the pressure valves 202 to close. The LG before and the gas after the thermal expansion valve 301 will be “cut-off” and the LG from the LG tank 101 will flow only to the expansion valve 102, so the vehicle can continue to operate without the thermal exchanger 301 and systems downstream being operable.

FIG. 6 illustrates a system 600, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 6 illustrates an illustration of an exemplary schematic block diagram of a dual fuel gasoline and LG powered engine vehicle, utilizing the “cold temperature” created by the expansion of LG liquid to a gas for use as a fuel by utilizing an exemplary “expansion valve” or in an exemplary “closed-loop” cooling system when gasoline is used as the fuel to run the engine and an exemplary “air to air thermal exchanger” to cool vehicle compartments and an exemplary “EG (expanded gas) compressor(s)” to return the EG in a compressed liquid state to LG tank.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the LG component of the dual fuel vehicle is used as a fuel system and/or as a “closed-loop” cooling system when the vehicle is being powered by a secondary fuel such as gasoline, ethanol or other useable fuel. When the vehicle is fueled by the LG, the LG is taken from the pressurized LG tank 101, to the expansion valve 102.

The cold temperature is created as a by-product of the expansion of the LG that is required to change the LG from a liquid state to a gaseous state. The gas flows from the expansion valve 102 to the fuel intake system 105 where it is in a useable gas state to fuel (power) an internal combustion engine. The cold temperature created in the expansion process is transferred, from the body or air surrounding the body of 102, with the gas and the fuel lines contained within the fuel circulation system between the expansion valve 102 and the exemplary air to air thermal exchanger 201.

The thermal exchanger 201 in FIG. 6 is located in or near the compartment(s) that are to be cooled. The blower 106 passes or blows air across or through the thermal exchanger 201 to cool the compartment(s). The gas continues to the fuel intake system 105. When the vehicle is using the non-LG fuel the fuel tank 401 sends fuel from the fuel tank 401 to the fuel intake system 105, consistent with conventional gasoline or gasoline alternative fuel powered vehicles. The LG cooling system in this fuel mode switches to a “closed-loop” cooling system.

The expanded LG gas is diverted from the expansion valve 102 to the exemplary gas-diverting valve 402 that bypasses the fuel intake system 105. The diverted gas flows to the exemplary gas to liquid gas compressor 403, and is returned to the LG tank 101 as the properly compressed LG. The system includes two or more exemplary pressure sensor valves 202 which will detect any pressure loss between the two pressure valves. If a pressure loss is detected the pressure valves 202 will close and the gas from the expansion valve 102 will flow directly to the fuel intake system 105, so the vehicle can continue to operate on LG without the thermal exchanger 201 being operable.

The system 600 may also include a controller (e.g., a controller having the same features and functions of controller 190 in FIG. 1) for controlling the features of the system 600 (e.g., gas-diverting valve 402, compressor 403, etc.).

FIG. 7 illustrates a system 700, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary schematic block diagram of a dual fuel gasoline and LG powered engine vehicle, utilizing the “cold temperature” created by the expansion of LG liquid to a gas for use as a fuel by utilizing an exemplary “thermal expansion valve” or in an exemplary “closed-loop” cooling system when gasoline is used as the fuel to run the engine and an exemplary “air to air thermal exchanger” to cool vehicle compartments and an exemplary “EG compressor(s)” and, if desired, an exemplary “LG condenser” to return the LG in a compressed liquid state to LG tank.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the LG component of the dual fuel vehicle is used as a fuel system and/or as a “closed-loop” cooling system when the vehicle is being powered by a secondary fuel such as gasoline, ethanol or other useable fuel. When the vehicle is fueled by the LG, the LG is taken from the pressurized LG tank 101, to the expansion valve 102. The cold temperature is created as a by-product of the expansion of the LG that is required to change the LG from a liquid state to a gaseous state.

The gas flows from the expansion valve 102 to the fuel intake system 105 where it is in a useable gas state to fuel (power) an internal combustion engine. The cold temperature created in the expansion process is transferred, from the body or air surrounding the body of 102, with the gas and the fuel lines contained within the fuel circulation system between the expansion valve 102 and the exemplary air to air thermal exchanger 201. The thermal exchanger 201 in FIG. 7 is located in or near the compartment(s) that are to be cooled. The blower 106 passes or blows air across or through the thermal exchanger 201 to cool the compartment(s).

The gas continues to the fuel intake system 105. When the vehicle is using the non-LG fuel the fuel tank 401 sends fuel from the fuel tank 401 to the fuel intake system 105, consistent with conventional gasoline or gasoline alternative fuel powered vehicles. The LG cooling system in this fuel mode switches to a “closed-loop” cooling system. The expanded LG gas is diverted from the expansion valve 102 to the exemplary gas-diverting valve 402 that bypasses the fuel intake system 105. The diverted gas flows to the exemplary gas to liquid gas compressor 403, the compressed gas flows to an exemplary compressed gas condenser 701 as the final step prior to being returned to the LG tank 101 as the properly compressed LG.

The system includes two or more pressure sensor valve 202 that will detect any pressure loss between two or more pressure valves 202. If a pressure loss is detected the pressure valves will close. The expanded LG gas after the expansion valve 102 will be “cut-off” from the thermal exchanger 201 and the compressor 403 and condenser 701 return to LG tank 101 an additional pressure sensor valve 202 at LG tank 101 will keep LG gas from flowing from tank to condenser 701. The expanded gas from expansion valve 102 will flow only to the fuel intake system 105, so the vehicle can continue to operate in LG fuel mode but without the “closed-loop” cooling systems being operable.

The system 700 may also include a controller (e.g., a controller having the same features and functions of controller 190 in FIG. 1) for controlling the features of the system 700 (e.g., pressure sensor valve 202, gas-diverting valve 402, compressor 403, etc.).

FIG. 8 illustrates a system 800, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary schematic block diagram of a LG powered engine vehicle, utilizing an “exemplary expansion valve” for the expansion of LG liquid to a gas for use as a fuel and a secondary system utilizing an exemplary “thermal expansion valve” and an exemplary “air to air thermal exchanger” to cool vehicle compartments.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the expansion of the LG is divided into two processes, one for the expansion of the LG for strictly a fuel and the second for the expansion of the LG to create the optimal cold temperature process and secondarily gas for fuel. In the first process, the LG is taken from the pressurized LG tank 101, to the expansion valve 102. The expanded gas flows from the expansion valve 102 to the fuel intake system 105 where it is in a useable gaseous state to fuel (power) an internal combustion engine.

In the second process, the LG is taken from the pressurized LG tank 101, to the exemplary thermal expansion valve 301. The cold temperature created in the expansion process is transferred from the body or air surrounding the body of the thermal expansion valve 301, with the gas and the fuel lines contained within the fuel circulation system between the expansion valve 301 and the air to air thermal exchanger 201. The thermal exchanger 201 in FIG. 8 is located in or near the compartment(s) that are to be cooled.

The blower 106 passes or blows air across or through the thermal exchanger 201 to cool the compartment(s). The gas continues via fuel line 160a to the fuel intake system 105. The system includes two or more exemplary pressure sensor valve 202 that will detect any pressure loss between two or more pressure valves 202. If a pressure loss is detected the pressure valves will close. The LG before and the gas after the thermal expansion valve 301 will be “cut-off” and the LG from the LG tank 101 will flow only to the expansion valve 102, so the vehicle can continue to operate without the thermal exchanger 301 and systems downstream being operable.

The system 800 may also include a controller (e.g., a controller having the same features and functions of controller 190 in FIG. 1) for controlling the features of the system 800 (e.g., pressure sensor valve 202, blower 106, etc.).

FIG. 9 illustrates a system 900, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary schematic block diagram of a LG powered engine vehicle, utilizing the “cold temperature” created by the expansion of LG liquid to a gas for use as a fuel and a cooling system by utilizing multiple exemplary “staged thermal expansion valves” and an exemplary “air to air thermal exchanger” to cool vehicle compartments.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the expansion of the LG is divided into two or more targeted parameters (expansion rate, temperature, pressure, etc.) LG expansion processes utilizing the exemplary first stage expansion valve 901 followed by the exemplary second stage expansion valve 902. The two or more LG expansions are finely tuned to create the optimal staged LG expansion to facilitate both the expansion of LG for fuel applications and the expansion of LG for cold temperature applications.

In the first application, the LG is taken from the pressurized LG tank 101, to the first stage expansion valve 901 followed by the second stage expansion valve 902. The cold temperature created in the expansion process is transferred from the body or air surrounding the body of the first stage expansion valve 901 and the second stage expansion valve 902, and with the gas and the fuel lines contained within the fuel circulation system between the first stage expansion valve 901 and the second stage expansion valve 902 to the air to air thermal exchanger 201.

The thermal exchanger 201 in FIG. 9 is located in or near the compartment(s) that are to be cooled. The blower 106 passes or blows air across or through the thermal exchanger 201 to cool the compartment(s). The gas continues to the fuel intake system 105. The system includes two or more exemplary pressure sensor valves 202 which will detect any pressure loss between the two pressure valves. If a pressure loss is detected the pressure valves 202 will close and the gas from the second stage expansion valve 902 will flow directly to the fuel intake system 105, so the vehicle can continue to operate on LG without the thermal exchanger 201 being operable.

The system 900 may also include a controller (e.g., a controller having the same features and functions of controller 190 in FIG. 1) for controlling the features of the system 900 (e.g., pressure sensor valve 202, blower 106, etc.).

FIG. 10 illustrates a system 1000, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary schematic block diagram of a dual fuel gasoline and LG powered engine vehicle, utilizing the “cold temperature” created by the expansion of LG liquid to a gas for use as a fuel by utilizing multiple exemplary “staged thermal expansion valves” or in an exemplary “closed-loop” cooling system when gasoline is used as the fuel to run the engine and an exemplary “air to air thermal exchanger” to cool vehicle compartments and an exemplary “EG (expanded gas) compressor(s)” to return the EG in a compressed liquid state to LG tank.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, the LG component of the dual fuel vehicle may be used as a fuel system and/or as a “closed-loop” cooling system when the vehicle is being powered by a secondary fuel such as gasoline, ethanol or other useable fuel. In an exemplary embodiment, the expansion of the LG is divided into two or more targeted parameters (expansion rate, temperature, pressure, etc.) LG expansions processes utilizing the first stage expansion valve 901 followed by the second stage expansion valve 902.

The two or more LG expansions are finely tuned to create the optimal staged LG expansion to facilitate both the expansion for fuel applications and the expansion for cold temperature applications, one for the expansion of the LG for strictly a fuel and the second for the expansion of the LG to create the optimal cold temperature process and secondarily gas for fuel. In the first application, the LG is taken from the pressurized LG tank 101, to the first stage expansion valve 901 followed by the second stage expansion valve 902.

The cold temperature created in the expansion process is transferred from the body or air surrounding the body of the first stage expansion valve 901 and the second stage expansion valve 902, and with the gas and the fuel lines contained within the fuel circulation system between the first stage expansion valve 901 and the second stage expansion valve 902 to the air to air thermal exchanger 201. The thermal exchanger 201 in FIG. 10 is located in or near the compartment(s) that are to be cooled. The blower 106 passes or blows air across or through the thermal exchanger 201 to cool the compartment(s).

The gas continues to the fuel intake system 105. When the vehicle is using the non-LG fuel the fuel tank 401 sends fuel from the fuel tank 401 to the fuel intake system 105, consistent with conventional gasoline or gasoline alternative fuel powered vehicles. The LG cooling system in this fuel mode switches to a “closed-loop” cooling system. The expanded LG gas is diverted from the second stage expansion valve 902 to the gas-diverting valve 402 that bypasses the fuel intake system 105. The diverted gas flows to the exemplary gas to liquid gas compressor 403, and is returned to the LG tank 101 as the properly compressed LG.

The system includes two or more exemplary pressure sensor valves 202 which will detect any pressure loss between the two pressure valves. If a pressure loss is detected the pressure valves 202 will close and the gas from the second stage expansion valve 902 will flow directly to the fuel intake system 105, so the vehicle can continue to operate on LG without the thermal exchanger 201 being operable.

The system 1000 may also include a controller (e.g., a controller having the same features and functions of controller 190 in FIG. 1) for controlling the features of the system 1000 (e.g., pressure sensor valve 202, gas-diverting valve 402, etc.).

FIG. 11 illustrates a system 1100, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary schematic block diagram of a dual fuel gasoline and LG powered engine vehicle, utilizing the “cold temperature” created by the expansion of LG liquid to a gas for use as a fuel by utilizing an exemplary “thermal expansion valve” or in an exemplary “closed-loop” cooling system when gasoline is used as the fuel to run the engine and an exemplary “air to liquid thermal exchanger” to cool vehicle compartments and an exemplary “EG compressor(s)” and, if desired, an exemplary “EG condenser” to return the EG in a compressed liquid state to LG tank.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, the LG component of the dual fuel vehicle can be used as a fuel and cooling system or as a “closed-loop” cooling system when the vehicle is being powered by a secondary fuel such as gasoline, ethanol or other use fuel. When powered by the LG fuel, the LG is taken from a pressurized LG tank 101, to the exemplary expansion valve 102. The cold temperature is created as a by-product of the expansion of the LG to change the LG from a liquid state to a gaseous state.

The gas flows from the expansion valve 102 to the fuel intake system 105 where it is in a useable state to fuel (power) an internal combustion engine. The cold temperature created in the expansion process is transferred from the body or air surrounding the body of the expansion valve 102 to the liquid contained within circulation system and piping or hoses between the expansion valve 102 and the exemplary air to liquid thermal exchanger 104.

The pump 103 circulates the liquid contained within between the expansion valve 102 and the thermal exchanger 104. The thermal exchanger 104 in FIG. 11 is located in or near the compartment(s) that are to be cooled. The blower 106 passes or blows air across or through the thermal exchanger 104 to cool the compartment(s). When the vehicle is using the non-LG fuel the fuel tank 401 sends fuel from the fuel tank 401 to the fuel intake system 105, consistent with conventional gasoline or gasoline alternative fuel powered vehicles.

The LG system switches to a “closed-loop” cooling system. The expanded LG gas is diverted from the expansion valve 102 to the exemplary gas-diverting valve 402 that bypasses the fuel intake system 105. The diverted gas flows to the gas to liquid gas compressor 403, the compressed gas flows to the compressed gas condenser 701 as the final step prior to being returned to the LG tank 101 as the properly compressed LG.

The system includes two or more pressure sensor valve 202 that will detect any pressure loss between two or more pressure valves 202. If a pressure loss is detected the pressure valves will close. The LG gas after the expansion valve 102 will be “cut-off” from the compressor 403 and return to LG tank 101 will flow only to the fuel intake system 105, so the vehicle can continue to operate in LG fuel mode but without the “closed-loop” cooling systems being operable.

The system 1100 may also include a controller (e.g., a controller having the same features and functions of controller 190 in FIG. 1) for controlling the features of the system 1100 (e.g., pressure sensor valve 202, gas-diverting valve 402, blower 106, etc.).

FIG. 12 illustrates a system 1200, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary schematic block diagram of a dual fuel gasoline and LG powered engine vehicle, utilizing the “cold temperature” created by the expansion of LG liquid to a gas for use in an exemplary “closed-loop” cooling system and an exemplary “air to liquid thermal exchanger” to cool vehicle compartments and an exemplary “EG compressor(s)” and, if desired, an exemplary “EG condenser” to return the EG in a compressed liquid state to LG tank system when gasoline or LG is used as the fuel to run the engine.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, the LG component of the dual fuel vehicle is used as a fuel system and/or as a “closed-loop” cooling system when the vehicle is being powered by a secondary fuel such as gasoline, ethanol or other useable fuel. When powered by the LG fuel, the LG is taken from a pressurized LG tank 101, to the exemplary expansion valve 102. The cold temperature is created as a by-product of the expansion of the LG to change the LG from a liquid state to a gaseous state.

The gas flows from the expansion valve 102 to the fuel intake system 105 where it is in a useable state to fuel (power) an internal combustion engine. The desired cold temperature in this embodiment is created in a separate “closed-loop” process. The LG flows from the LG tank 101 to the thermal expansion valve 301 the cold temperature in the expansion process is transferred from the body or air surrounding the body of the thermal expansion valve 301 to the liquid contained within circulation system and piping or hoses between the expansion valve 301 and the exemplary air to liquid thermal exchanger 104.

The pump 103 circulates the liquid contained within between the thermal expansion valve 301 and the thermal exchanger 104. The thermal exchanger 104 in FIG. 12 is located in or near the compartment(s) that are to be cooled. The blower 106 passes or blows air across or through the thermal exchanger 104 to cool the compartment(s). The expanded LG gas flows from the thermal expansion valve 301 to the gas to liquid gas compressor 403, and condenser 701 and is returned to the LG tank 101 as the properly compressed LG.

When the vehicle is using the non-LG fuel the fuel tank 401 sends fuel from the fuel tank 401 to the fuel intake system 105, consistent with conventional gasoline or gasoline alternative fuel powered vehicles. The system includes the pressure sensor valve 202 that will detect any pressure loss after the pressure valves 202. If a pressure loss is detected the pressure valve will close. The LG before and the gas after the thermal expansion valve 301 will be “cut-off” to and from the LG tank 101.

The LG may flow only to the expansion valve 102 so the vehicle can continue to operate in LG fuel mode without the thermal exchanger 301 and systems downstream being operable, or the LG systems can be completely offline if vehicle is operated in conventional fuel mode of the dual fuel system.

The system 1200 may also include a controller (e.g., a controller having the same features and functions of controller 190 in FIG. 1) for controlling the features of the system 1200 (e.g., pressure sensor valve 202, blower 106, compressor 403, condenser 701, etc.).

FIG. 13 illustrates a system 1300, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary schematic block diagram of a dual fuel gasoline and LG powered engine vehicle, utilizing the “cold temperature” created by the expansion of LG liquid to a gas for use in an exemplary “closed-loop” cooling system and an exemplary “air to air thermal exchanger” to cool vehicle compartments and an exemplary “EG compressor(s)” and, if desired, an exemplary “EG condenser” to return the EG in a compressed liquid state to LG tank system when gasoline or LG is used as the fuel to run the engine.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the LG component of the dual fuel vehicle is used as a fuel system and/or as a “closed-loop” cooling system when the vehicle is being powered by a secondary fuel such as gasoline, ethanol or other useable fuel. When powered by the LG fuel, the LG is taken from a pressurized LG tank 101, to the exemplary expansion valve 102. The cold temperature is created as a by-product of the expansion of the LG to change the LG from a liquid state to a gaseous state.

The gas flows from the expansion valve 102 to the fuel intake system 105 where it is in a useable state to fuel (power) an internal combustion engine. When the vehicle is using the non-LG fuel the fuel tank 401 sends fuel from the fuel tank 401 to the fuel intake system 105, consistent with conventional gasoline or gasoline alternative fuel powered vehicles. The second LG process is a “closed-loop” cooling system only. The LG is taken from the pressurized LG tank 101, to the exemplary thermal expansion valve 301.

The cold temperature created in the expansion process is transferred from the body or air surrounding the body of the thermal expansion valve 301, with the gas and the fuel lines contained within the fuel circulation system between the expansion valve 301 and the air to air thermal exchanger 201. The thermal exchanger 201 in FIG. 13 is located in or near the compartment(s) that are to be cooled. The blower 106 passes or blows air across or through the thermal exchanger 201 to cool the compartment(s).

The expanded LG flows to liquid gas compressor 403, the compressed gas flows to the compressed gas condenser 701 as the final step prior to being returned to the LG tank 101 as the properly compressed LG. The system includes two or more exemplary pressure sensor valve 202 that will detect any pressure loss between two or more pressure valves 202. If a pressure loss is detected the pressure valves will close. The LG before and the gas after the thermal expansion valve 301 will be “cut-off” to and from the LG tank 101 an additional pressure sensor valve 202 at LG tank 101 will keep LG gas from flowing from tank to condenser 701.

The LG may flow only to the expansion valve 102 so the vehicle can continue to operate in LG fuel mode without the thermal exchanger 301 and systems downstream being operable, or the LG systems can be completely offline if vehicle is operated in conventional fuel mode of the dual fuel system.

The system 1300 may also include a controller (e.g., a controller having the same features and functions of controller 190 in FIG. 1) for controlling the features of the system 1300 (e.g., pressure sensor valve 202, gas-diverting valve 402, blower 106, etc.).

FIG. 14 illustrates a system 1400, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary schematic block diagram of a LG powered engine vehicle, utilizing the “cold temperature” created by the expansion of LG liquid to a gas for use as a fuel in an exemplary “closed-loop” cooling system utilizing an exemplary “expansion valves” and an exemplary “thermal optimized expansion valve” and an exemplary “air to liquid thermal exchanger” to cool vehicle compartments.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, the expansion of the LG is divided into two simultaneous processes, first for the expansion of the LG for primarily a fuel and secondarily for cold temperature, expansion valve 102, and second for the expansion of the LG primarily for the optimal cold temperature process and secondarily for fuel, exemplary thermal optimized expansion valve 1401. In the first process, the LG is taken from the pressurized LG tank 101, to the expansion valve 102.

The expanded gas flows from the expansion valve 102 to the fuel intake system 105 where it is in a useable gaseous state to fuel (power) an internal combustion engine. In the second simultaneous process, the LG is taken from the pressurized LG tank 101, to the thermal optimized expansion valve 1401. The cold temperature created in the both expansion processes is transferred from the body or air surrounding the body of the expansion valve 102 and the thermal optimized expansion valve 1401 to the liquid contained within circulation system and piping or hoses between the expansion valve 102 and the thermal optimized expansion valve 1401 and the thermal exchanger 104.

The pump 103 circulates the liquid contained within and between the expansion valve 102 and the thermal optimized expansion valve 1401 and the thermal exchanger 104. The thermal exchanger 104 in FIG. 14 is located in or near the compartment(s) that is to be cooled. The blower 106 passes or blows air across or through the thermal exchanger 104 to cool the compartment(s).

The system 1400 may also include a controller (e.g., a controller having the same features and functions of controller 190 in FIG. 1) for controlling the features of the system 1400 (e.g., pump 103, blower 106, etc.).

FIG. 15 illustrates a system 1500, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary schematic block diagram of a dual fuel gasoline and LG powered engine vehicle, utilizing the “cold temperature” created by the expansion of LG liquid to a gas for use as a fuel by utilizing an exemplary “expansion valves” and an exemplary “thermal optimized expansion valve” or in an exemplary “closed-loop” cooling system when gasoline is used as the fuel to run the engine and an exemplary “air to liquid thermal exchanger” to cool vehicle compartments and an exemplary “EG compressor(s)” and, if desired, an exemplary “EG condenser” to return the EG in a compressed liquid state to LG tank.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, the LG component of the dual fuel vehicle is used as a fuel system and/or as a “closed-loop” cooling system when the vehicle is being powered by a secondary fuel such as gasoline, ethanol or other useable fuel. When powered by the LG fuel, the expansion of the LG is divided into two simultaneous processes, first for the expansion of the LG for primarily a fuel and secondarily for cold temperature, expansion valve 102, and second for the expansion of the LG primarily for the optimal cold temperature process and secondarily for fuel, thermal optimized expansion valve 1401.

In the first process, the LG is taken from the pressurized LG tank 101, to the expansion valve 102. The expanded gas flows from the expansion valve 102 to the fuel intake system 105 where it is in a useable gaseous state to fuel (power) an internal combustion engine. In the second simultaneous process, the LG is taken from the pressurized LG tank 101, to the thermal optimized expansion valve 1401.

The cold temperature created in the both expansion processes is transferred from the body or air surrounding the body of the expansion valve 102 and the thermal optimized expansion valve 1401 to the liquid contained within circulation system and piping or hoses between the expansion valve 102 and the thermal optimized expansion valve 1401 and the thermal exchanger 104. The pump 103 circulates the liquid contained within and between the expansion valve 102 and the thermal optimized expansion valve 1401 and the thermal exchanger 104.

The thermal exchanger 104 in FIG. 15 is located in or near the compartment(s) that is to be cooled. The blower 106 passes or blows air across or through the thermal exchanger 104 to cool the compartment(s). When the vehicle is using the non-LG fuel the fuel tank 401 sends fuel from the fuel tank 401 to the fuel intake system 105, consistent with conventional gasoline or gasoline alternative fuel powered vehicles. The LG system switches to a “closed-loop” cooling system.

The expanded LG gas is diverted from the expansion valve 102 and thermal optimized expansion valve 1401 to the gas-diverting valve 402 that bypasses the fuel intake system 105. The diverted gas flows to the compressor 403 and condenser 701, and is returned to the LG tank 101 as the properly compressed LG. The system includes one or more exemplary pressure sensor valve 202 that will detect any pressure loss between two or more pressure valves 202. If a pressure loss is detected the pressure valve(s) will close.

The system 1500 may also include a controller (e.g., a controller having the same features and functions of controller 190 in FIG. 1) for controlling the features of the system 1500 (e.g., gas-diverting valve 402, compressor 402, condenser 701, blower 106, etc.).

FIG. 16 illustrates a system 1600, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 16 illustrates an exemplary schematic block diagram of a dual fuel gasoline and LG powered engine vehicle, utilizing the “cold temperature” created by the expansion of LG liquid to a gas by utilizing multiple exemplary “thermal expansion valves” for use in an exemplary “closed-loop” cooling system and an exemplary “air to liquid thermal exchanger” to cool vehicle compartments and an exemplary “EG compressor(s)” and, if desired, an exemplary “EG condenser” to return the EG in a compressed liquid state to LG tank system when gasoline or LG is used as the fuel to run the engine.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, the LG component of the dual fuel vehicle is used as a fuel system and/or as a “closed-loop” cooling system when the vehicle is being powered by a secondary fuel such as gasoline, ethanol or other useable fuel. When powered by the LG fuel, the LG is taken from a pressurized LG tank 101, to the expansion valve 102. The cold temperature is created as a by-product of the expansion of the LG to change the LG from a liquid state to a gaseous state. The gas flows from the expansion valve 102 to the fuel intake system 105 where it is in a useable state to fuel (power) an internal combustion engine. The desired cold temperature in this embodiment is created in a separate “closed-loop” process. The LG flows from the LG tank 101 to two or more thermal expansion valve(s) 301 the cold temperature in the expansion process is transferred from the body or air surrounding the body of the thermal expansion valve 301 to the liquid contained within circulation system and piping or hoses between the expansion valve 301 and the exemplary air to liquid thermal exchanger 104.

The pump 103 circulates the liquid contained within between the thermal expansion valve 301 and the thermal exchanger 104. The thermal exchanger 104 in FIG. 16 is located in or near the compartment(s) that are to be cooled. The blower 106 passes or blows air across or through the thermal exchanger 104 to cool the compartment(s). The expanded LG gas flows from the thermal expansion valve 301 to the compressor 403 and optionally a condenser 701, and is returned to the LG tank 101 as the properly compressed LG.

When the vehicle is using the non-LG fuel the fuel tank 401 sends fuel from the fuel tank 401 to the fuel intake system 105, consistent with conventional gasoline or gasoline alternative fuel powered vehicles. The system includes the pressure sensor valve(s) 202 that will detect any pressure loss between the pressure valve(s) 202. If a pressure loss is detected the pressure valve(s) will close.

If one or more of the thermal expansion valves are operable the system will operate with one or more thermal expansion valves. If all of the thermal expansion valves become defective the LG before and the gas after the thermal expansion valve 301 will be “cut-off” and the LG from the LG tank 101 will flow only to the expansion valve 102, so the vehicle can continue to operate without the thermal expansion valve 301 and systems downstream being operable.

The system 1600 may also include a controller (e.g., a controller having the same features and functions of controller 190 in FIG. 1) for controlling the features of the system 1600 (e.g., pressure sensor valve 202, gas-diverting valve 402, blower 106, compressor 403, condenser 701, etc.).

FIG. 17 illustrates a system 1700, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary schematic block diagram of a LG powered or dual fuel gasoline and LG powered engine vehicle, utilizing the “high-pressure” associated with LG or the pressure release created by the expansion of LG liquid to a gas for use as a fuel or in an exemplary “closed-loop” cooling system to power various hydraulic or pneumatic applications or devices.

As illustrated in FIG. 17, the high-pressure under which LG is stored in vehicle applications may allow for the integration of pressure driven devices. The LG in LG tank 101 pressurizes the exemplary pressure control valve 1701. The pressure control valve 1701 distributes the pressure to an exemplary hydraulic ram controller 1702 device or an exemplary pneumatic actuator controller 1703 device by first expanding the LG through an exemplary pneumatic applications expansion valve 1704.

The EG flows from pneumatic controller 1703 to compressor 403 and is returned to LG tank 101. The vehicle can then utilize hydraulic or pneumatic driven devices or accessories as part of the vehicles systems, thus bypassing the parasitic effect on the vehicle drive train driven or powered devices or accessories (such as; power steering pump, alternator, super-charger, etc.).

The system 1700 may also include a controller (e.g., a controller having the same features and functions of controller 190 in FIG. 1) for controlling the features of the system 1700 (e.g., pressure control valve 1701, compressor 403, etc.).

That is, another exemplary system and method of the present invention includes providing a pneumatic or hydraulic force for the operation of devices in a compressed or liquefied gas system, and using an inherent pressure associated with compression of a gas to a liquid or expansion of a liquefied gas to a gaseous state as an energy source to operate peripheral devices.

FIG. 18 illustrates a system 1800, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 18 illustrates an exemplary schematic block diagram of a dual fuel gasoline and LG powered engine vehicle, utilizing the “cold temperature” created by the expansion of LG liquid to a gas by utilizing multiple exemplary “high capacity thermal expansion valve(s)” for use in an exemplary “closed-loop” cooling system and an exemplary “high capacity air to liquid thermal exchanger” to cool vehicle drive train systems and an exemplary “EG compressor(s)” and, if desired, an exemplary “EG condenser” to return the EG in a compressed liquid state to LG tank.

As illustrated in FIG. 18, the LG component of the dual fuel vehicle is used as a fuel system and/or as a “closed-loop” cooling system when the vehicle is being powered by a secondary fuel such as gasoline, ethanol or other useable fuel. When powered by the LG fuel, the LG is taken from a pressurized LG tank 101, to the expansion valve 102.

The cold temperature is created as a by-product of the expansion of the LG to change the LG from a liquid state to a gaseous state. The gas flows from the expansion valve 102 to the fuel intake system 105 where it is in a useable state to fuel (power) an internal combustion engine. The desired cold temperature in this embodiment is created in a separate “closed-loop” process. The LG flows from the LG tank 101 to one or more exemplary high capacity thermal expansion valve(s) 1801 the cold temperature in the expansion process is transferred from the body or air surrounding the body of the thermal expansion valve 1801 to the liquid contained within circulation system and piping or hoses between the expansion valve 1801 and the exemplary high capacity air to liquid thermal exchanger 1802.

The high capacity pump 1803 circulates the liquid contained within between the thermal expansion valve 1801 and the thermal exchanger 1802 and through the various vehicle drive train systems 1804 that require cooling. The thermal exchanger 1802 in FIG. 18 can located in the most optimal location to cool drive train systems (under hood, under unibody or chassis, etc.). The expanded LG flows from thermal expansion valve 1801 to exemplary high capacity EG compressor 1805 and continues, if required, to exemplary high capacity LG condenser 1806, as the final step prior to being returned to the LG tank 101 as a properly compressed LG.

The system 1800 may also include a controller (e.g., a controller having the same features and functions of controller 190 in FIG. 1) for controlling the features of the system 1800 (e.g., gas-diverting valve 402, compressor 403, condenser 701, pump 1803, etc.).

FIG. 19 illustrates a system 1900, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary schematic block diagram of a LG powered or dual fuel gasoline and LG powered engine vehicle, utilizing the “cold temperature” and “injected gas” effect to cause a large drop in the intake charge temperature and other “performance” aspects of an LG or dual fuel engine. The illustration also shows an exemplary LG generator system.

As illustrated in FIG. 19, the secondary injection of expanded LG gas results in a denser charge, further allowing more air/fuel mixture to enter the cylinder. The LG flows from LG tank 101 to the exemplary metered expansion valve 1901. The metered gas flows to exemplary metered gas injector 1902 and is injected into the fuel system intake 105 or alternatively directly injected right before or directly into the cylinder or combustion chamber 1903 (direct port injection) to increase power and a more complete and cleaner combustion.

FIG. 19 also illustrates an exemplary LG generator which may potentially replace conventional alternators and/or batteries or as a secondary electrical energy source. In this exemplary embodiment the LG flows from tank 101 to the exemplary Generator Expansion Valve 1904. The specifically expanded gas flows to the exemplary LG Generator 1905. The LG generator 1905 can be specified for various currents (AC or DC), voltages (greater than 1 to 230 volts) and current (greater than 1 amp). The specification selected LG generator 1905 may be connected to the Vehicle Electrical Distribution System 1906 for use by the vehicle electrical systems.

The system 1900 may also include a controller (e.g., a controller having the same features and functions of controller 190 in FIG. 1) for controlling the features of the system 1900 (e.g., metered expansion valve 1901, generator expansion valve 1904, etc.).

FIG. 20 illustrates a system 2000, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 20 illustrates an exemplary schematic block diagram of a real estate (RE) application (such as residential or commercial) where the “cooling” component of an HVAC system can be achieved where the real estate has access to NG (natural gas) or LG (typically only used for “heating applications”). The “cold temperature” or cooling component is achieved by use of single or multiple exemplary “NG or EG RE compressor(s),” and single or multiple exemplary “RE thermal expansion valve(s)” and single or multiple exemplary “RE air to air thermal exchanger.”

As illustrated in FIG. 20, the source gas, SG (e.g., either NG or LG), flows from source gas input 2001 via fuel line 2070. The SG is compressed to the optimal LG pressure by the exemplary RE compressor 2002. The LG flows to the exemplary RE thermal expansion valve 2003. The cold temperature is created as a by-product of the expansion of the LG to change the LG from a liquid state to a gaseous state for use in an exemplary as a “closed-loop” cooling system.

The cold temperature created in the expansion process is transferred from the body or air surrounding the body of the RE thermal expansion valve 2003, with the gas and the fuel lines contained within the fuel circulation system between the RE thermal expansion valve 2003 and the exemplary RE air to air thermal exchanger 2004.

The RE thermal exchanger 2004 in FIG. 20 may be included as part of (e.g., located within) a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The cold temperature from thermal exchanger 2004 is transferred through a central or localized HVAC system by the RE blower 2005, which passes or blows air across or through the RE thermal exchanger 2004 to cool a space 2080 (e.g., room) in a structure (e.g., residential building, commercial building, etc.). The EG flows from RE thermal exchanger 2004 via the return line 2075 in a “closed-loop” back to RE compressor 2002 in a continuous process to generate the cold temperature as required.

In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 20, the system 2000 may include a controller 2090 (e.g., microcontroller) which may control the various elements of the system 2000. For example, the controller 2090 may control an opening and closing of valves in the fuel lines 2070, 2075, an operation of the compressor 2002 (e.g., on/off, speed, etc.) to control a compression of the fuel in the lines 2070, and an operation of the blower 2005 (e.g., on/off, speed, etc.) in order to optimize the heat transfer in the system 2000.

For example, the controller 2090 may be a feedback controller. That is, data such a temperature of the space 2080 to be cooled may be fed back into the controller 2090, and based on the data fed back into the controller 2090, the controller 2090 may adjust the parameters of the system 2000 (e.g., pump speed, valve opening, fan speed, etc.) in order to optimize the temperature of the space 2080 (e.g., to make the compartment 2080 attain and hold a temperature which is set with a thermostat control by the user).

The controller 2090 may be included, for example, as part of the main control unit which controls other operations in the HVAC system.

FIG. 21 illustrates a system 2100, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 21 illustrates an exemplary schematic block diagram of a real estate (RE) application (such as residential or commercial) where the “cooling” component of an HVAC system can be achieved where the real estate has access to NG (natural gas) or LG, (typically only used for “heating applications”). The “cold temperature” or cooling component is achieved by use of single or multiple exemplary “NG or EG RE compressor(s),” single or multiple exemplary “RE thermal expansion valve(s)” and single or multiple exemplary “RE air to liquid thermal exchanger.”

As illustrated in FIG. 21, the source gas, SG (either NG or LG), flows from gas input 2001. The SG is compressed to the optimal LG pressure by the RE compressor 2002. The LG flows to the RE thermal expansion valve 2003. The cold temperature is created as a by-product of the expansion of the LG to change the LG from a liquid state to a gaseous state for use in a “closed-loop” cooling system.

The cold temperature created in the expansion process is transferred from the body or air surrounding the body of the RE thermal expansion valve 2203, to the liquid contained within circulation system and piping or hoses between the RE thermal expansion valve 2003 and the exemplary RE air to liquid thermal exchanger 2102, the liquid is circulated by an exemplary liquid thermal exchanger pump 2101. The RE thermal exchanger 2102 in FIG. 21 is located within a HVAC system.

The cold temperature from RE thermal exchanger 2101 is transferred through a central or localized HVAC system by the exemplary RE blower 2005, which passes or blows air across or through the RE thermal exchanger 2004. The EG flows from RE thermal expansion valve 2003 in a “closed-loop” back to RE compressor 2002 in a continuous process to generate the cold temperature as required.

The system 2100 may also include a controller (e.g., a controller having the same features and functions of controller 2090 in FIG. 20) for controlling the features of the system 2100 (e.g., compressor 2002, blower 2005, pump 2101, etc.).

FIG. 22 illustrates a system 2200, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 22 illustrates an exemplary schematic block diagram of a real estate application (such as residential or commercial) where the “cooling” component of an HVAC system can be achieved where the real estate has access to NG (natural gas) or LG, (typically only used for “heating applications”). The “cold temperature” or cooling component is achieved by use of single or multiple exemplary “NG or EG compressor(s),” and single or multiple exemplary “thermal expansion valve(s)” and single or multiple exemplary “air to air thermal exchanger.” In addition, the heating component for HVAC systems is done as part of a completely “closed-loop” system where the “hot energy” or heating is generated by single or multiple exemplary “NG or EG compressor(s),” and single or multiple exemplary “air to air thermal exchanger.”

As illustrated in FIG. 22, the source gas, SG (either NG or LG), flows from gas input 2001. The SG is compressed to the optimal LG pressure by the RE compressor 2002. The compression of SG creates a significant amount of hot energy. The hot energy created in the compression process is transferred from the body or air surrounding the body of the RE compressor 2002 with the gas and the fuel lines contained within the fuel circulation system between the RE compressor 2002 and the exemplary RE air to air thermal exchanger 2201. The RE thermal exchanger 2201 in FIG. 22 is located within a HVAC system.

The hot energy from thermal exchanger 2201 is transferred through a central or localized HVAC system by the RE blower 2005, which passes or blows air across or through the RE thermal exchanger 2201. The LG flows from the RE thermal exchanger 2201 to the RE thermal expansion valve 2003. The LG is expanded and flows back in a closed loop to RE compressor 2002. The cold temperature for cooling component of process is created as a by-product of the expansion of the LG to change the LG from a liquid state to a gaseous state for use in an exemplary as a “closed-loop” cooling system.

The cold temperature created in the expansion process is transferred from the body or air surrounding the body of the RE thermal expansion valve 2003 (directly preceding block 2002 in FIG. 20) with the gas and the fuel lines contained within the fuel circulation system between the RE thermal expansion valve 2003 and the RE air to air thermal exchanger 2004. The RE thermal exchanger 2004 in FIG. 22 is located within a HVAC system.

The cold temperature from thermal exchanger 2004 is transferred through a central or localized HVAC system by the RE blower 2005 which passes or blows air across or through the RE thermal exchanger 2004. The EG flows from RE thermal exchanger 2004 in a “closed-loop” back to RE compressor 2002 in a continuous process to generate the cold temperature as required.

The system 2200 may also include a controller (e.g., a controller having the same features and functions of controller 2090 in FIG. 20) for controlling the features of the system 2200 (e.g., compressor 2002, blower 2005, etc.).

FIG. 23 illustrates a system 2300, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 23 illustrates an exemplary schematic block diagram of a real estate application (such as residential or commercial) where the “cooling” component of an HVAC system can be achieved where the real estate has access to NG (natural gas) or LG, (typically only used for “heating applications”).

The cooling component may be achieved by use of single or multiple exemplary “NG or EG compressor(s),” and single or multiple exemplary “thermal expansion valve(s)” and an exemplary “air to liquid thermal exchanger.” In addition the “heating” component is done as part of a completely “closed-loop” system where the “heat” for HVAC systems is generated by single or multiple exemplary “NG or EG compressor(s),” and single or multiple exemplary “air to liquid thermal exchanger.”

As illustrated in FIG. 23, the source gas, SG (either NG or LG), flows from gas input 2001. The SG is compressed to the optimal LG pressure by the exemplary RE stage 1 hybrid compressor 2301. The compression of SG creates a significant amount of hot energy.

The hot energy created in the compression process is transferred with the LG to an exemplary stage 2 hybrid LG compressor and thermal heat exchanger 2302 the body or air surrounding the body of the RE hybrid compressor exchanger 2302, to the liquid contained within circulation system and piping or hoses between the RE hybrid compressor exchanger 2302 and the exemplary RE air to liquid thermal exchanger 2303, the liquid is circulated by an pump 2101.

The RE thermal exchanger 2303 in FIG. 23 may be located within a HVAC system. The cold temperature is created as a by-product of the expansion of the LG to change the LG from a liquid state to a gaseous state for use in a “closed-loop” cooling system.

The cold temperature created in the expansion process is transferred from the body or air surrounding the body of the RE thermal expansion valve 2003, to the liquid contained within circulation system and piping or hoses between the RE thermal expansion valve 2003 and the RE air to liquid thermal exchanger 2102, the liquid is circulated by an liquid thermal exchanger pump 2101. The RE thermal exchanger 2102 in FIG. 23 is located within a HVAC system.

The cold temperature from RE thermal exchanger 2101 is transferred through a central or localized HVAC system by the RE blower 2005, which passes or blows air across or through the RE thermal exchanger 2101. The EG flows from RE thermal expansion valve 2003 in a “closed-loop” back to RE compressor 2002 in a continuous process to generate hot and or cold temperature as required.

The system 2300 may also include a controller (e.g., a controller having the same features and functions of controller 2090 in FIG. 20) for controlling the features of the system 2300 (e.g., compressor 2301, blower 2005, pump 2101, etc.).

FIG. 24 illustrates a system 2400, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 24 illustrates an exemplary schematic block diagram of a real estate application (such as residential or commercial) where the “cooling” component of an HVAC system can be achieved where the real estate has access to NG (natural gas) or LG, (typically only used for “heating applications”). The cooling component is achieved by use of single or multiple exemplary “NG or EG compressor(s),” and single or multiple exemplary “thermal expansion valve(s)” and an exemplary “air to liquid thermal exchanger.” In addition the “heating” component is done as part of a completely “closed-loop” system where the “heat” for HVAC systems is generated by single or multiple exemplary “NG or EG compressor(s),” and single or multiple exemplary “air to liquid thermal exchanger.” The heating and cooling systems come together in a mixing chamber for specific temperature circulated air in HVAC systems.

As illustrated in FIG. 24, the source gas, SG (either NG or LG), flows from gas input 2001. The SG is compressed to the optimal LG pressure by the RE hybrid compressor and thermal exchanger 2301. The compression of SG creates a significant amount of hot energy.

The hot energy created in the compression process is transferred with the LG to an hybrid LG compressor and thermal heat exchanger 2302 the body or air surrounding the body of the RE hybrid compressor exchanger 2302, to the liquid contained within circulation system and piping or hoses between the RE hybrid compressor exchanger 2302 and the RE exchanger 2303, the liquid is circulated by an pump 2101. The cold temperature is created as a by-product of the expansion of the LG to change the LG from a liquid state to a gaseous state for use in a “closed-loop” cooling system.

The cold temperature created in the expansion process is transferred from the body or air surrounding the body of the RE thermal expansion valve 2003, to the liquid contained within circulation system and piping or hoses between the RE thermal expansion valve 2003 and the RE air to liquid thermal exchanger 2102, the liquid is circulated by an liquid thermal exchanger pump 2101. The RE thermal exchanger 2303 and the RE thermal exchanger 2102 in FIG. 24 are located within the same exemplary HVAC temperature mixing chamber 2401 and blower(s) 2005 where the hot and cold systems are mixed to create a constant settable temperature for transfer throughout HVAC system(s) as the desired final temperature in a RE application.

This means that HVAC temperatures are no longer divided into heating or cooling differentials, but rather a constant circulated temperature. The EG flows from RE thermal expansion valve 2003 in a “closed-loop” back to RE compressor 2002 in a continuous process to generate hot and/or cold temperature as required.

The system 2400 may also include a controller (e.g., a controller having the same features and functions of controller 2090 in FIG. 20) for controlling the features of the system 2400 (e.g., compressor 2301, blower 2005, pump 2101, etc.).

FIG. 25 illustrates a system 2500, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 25 illustrates an exemplary schematic block diagram of a real estate application (such as residential or commercial) where the “cooling” component of an HVAC system can be achieved where the real estate has access to NG (natural gas) or LG, (typically only used for “heating applications”). The “cold temperature” or cooling component is achieved by use of single or multiple exemplary “NG or EG compressor(s),” and single or multiple exemplary “thermal expansion valve(s)” and single or multiple exemplary “air to air thermal exchanger.” In addition, the heating component for HVAC systems is done as part of a completely “closed-loop” system where the “hot energy” or heating is generated by single or multiple exemplary “NG or EG compressor(s),” and single or multiple exemplary “air to air thermal exchanger.” The heating and cooling systems come together in a mixing chamber for specific temperature circulated air in HVAC systems.

As illustrated in FIG. 25, the source gas, SG (either NG or LG), flows from gas input 2001. The SG is compressed to the optimal LG pressure by the RE hybrid compressor 2301. The compression of SG creates a significant amount of hot energy.

The hot energy created in the compression process is transferred with the LG to a RE hybrid LG gas compressor and thermal heat exchanger 2302 which is further transferred from the LG, body or air surrounding the body of the RE hybrid compressor exchanger 2302, to the RE air to air thermal exchanger 2201, further the hot energy can be transferred from any RE stage 1 hybrid compressor exchanger 2301 or RE stage 2 LG compressor exchanger 2302 to other exemplary LG heated devices 2501 (such as water heating, liquid or air circulated air or liquid floor, ceiling or wall heating, etc.).

The LG flows from the RE thermal exchanger 2201 to the RE thermal expansion valve 2003. The LG is expanded and the cold temperature for cooling component of process is created as a by-product of the expansion of the LG to change the LG from a liquid state to a gaseous state for use in an exemplary as a “closed-loop” cooling process. The cold temperature created in the expansion process is transferred from the gas, body or air surrounding the body of the RE thermal expansion valve 2003 with the gas and the fuel lines contained within the fuel circulation system between the RE thermal expansion valve 2003 and the RE air to air thermal exchanger 2004, further the cold temperature can be transferred from RE thermal expansion valve 2003 to other exemplary EG cooled devices 2502 (such as refrigeration, variable cooled spaces or rooms, drinking water, wine cellars, etc.).

The RE thermal exchanger 2201 and RE thermal exchanger 2001 in FIG. 25 are located within the same HVAC temperature mixing chamber 2401 and blower(s) 2005 where the hot and cold systems are mixed to create a constant settable temperature for transfer throughout HVAC system(s) as the desired final temperature in a RE application. This means that HVAC temperatures are no longer divided into heating or cooling differentials, but rather a constant circulated temperature. The EG flows from RE thermal expansion valve 2003 in a “closed-loop” back to RE compressor 2301 in a continuous process to generate hot and/or cold temperature as required.

The system 2500 may also include a controller (e.g., a controller having the same features and functions of controller 2090 in FIG. 20) for controlling the features of the system 2500 (e.g., compressor 2301, blower 2005, valve 2003, etc.).

FIGS. 26A and 26B illustrate a system 2600 and a system 2650, respectively, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention. In particular, FIGS. 26A and 26B illustrate an exemplary schematic block diagram of a real estate application (such as residential or commercial) where a LG generator is embodied and/or a LG storage and delivery system for vehicles and other LG powered devices is embodied in other disclosed systems.

As illustrated in FIG. 26A, in the system 2600, the SG flows from gas input 2001 to the SG generator 2601. The SG generator 2601 is electrically connected directly to the RE electrical system or HVAC system directly or both RE Electrical system 2602.

As illustrated in FIG. 26B, the system 2650 may include a secondary application of all SG compressors including, but not limited to, compressors 2002 and 2301. The SG flows to RE compressor 2002 or RE hybrid compressor 2301. The LG (CNG in this embodiment) flows to exemplary CNG storage tank 2603. The store CNG is transferred as needed to CNG powered vehicles or devices by utilizing exemplary CNG filling system 2604. The system 2600 and/or system 2650 could be used in conjunction with, but not limited to, systems described in FIGS. 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24, 25 and 27.

The system 2600 and 2650 may also include a controller (e.g., a controller having the same features and functions of controller 2090 in FIG. 20) for controlling the features of the systems 2600, 2650 (e.g., generator 2601, compressor 2301, compressor 2002, etc.).

FIG. 27 illustrates a system 2700, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 27 illustrates an exemplary schematic block diagram of a real estate application (such as residential or commercial) where pressure for hydraulic or pneumatic applications or devices is generated by an exemplary “NG or EG compressor(s)”.

As illustrated in FIG. 27, the system 2700 may include a NG or LG enabled “closed-loop” system for pressure based hydraulic and/or pneumatic based devices for real estate (residential, commercial, institutional, etc.) applications. The compression of SG creates “high-pressure” LG. This “high-pressure” LG creates the potential to drive hydraulic and/or pneumatic devices in RE applications. The source gas, SG (either NG or LG), flows from gas input 2001. The SG is compressed to the optimal LG pressure by the RE compressor 2002.

The LG flows to exemplary RE pressure control valve 2701. The RE pressure control valve 2401, transfers hydraulic pressure to the exemplary RE hydraulic ram controller 2702. The LG flows from the RE pressure control valve 2401 to the exemplary RE pneumatic expansion valve 2703 where the EG flows to the exemplary RE pneumatic actuator controller 2704. The EG flows from RE pneumatic expansion valve 2703 to RE compressor 2002 in a “closed-loop” for continuous RE pressure driven device applications.

While the foregoing written description of the invention enables one of ordinary skill to make and use what is considered presently to be the best mode thereof, those of ordinary skill will understand and appreciate the existence of variations, combinations, and equivalents of the specific embodiment, method, and examples herein. The invention should therefore not be limited by the above described exemplary embodiment, method, and examples, but by all embodiments and methods within the scope and spirit of the invention.

The system 2700 may also include a controller (e.g., a controller having the same features and functions of controller 2090 in FIG. 20) for controlling the features of the system 2700 (e.g., compressor 2002, control valve 2701, expansion valve 2703, etc.).

That is, an exemplary system and method of the present invention includes providing a pneumatic or hydraulic force for the operation of devices in a compressed or liquefied gas system, and using an inherent pressure associated with compression of a gas to a liquid or expansion of a liquefied gas to a gaseous state as an energy source to operate peripheral devices.

FIG. 28 illustrates a method 2800, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 28, the method 2800 includes providing (2810) a fuel via a fuel source, expanding (2820) the fuel using a first expansion valve formed in a first fuel line connected to the fuel source, and delivering (2830) a heat transfer medium to the first expansion valve such that the heat transfer medium is cooled by contacting the first expansion valve.

FIG. 29 illustrates a method 2900, according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 29, the method 2900 includes providing (2910) a fuel via a fuel source, expanding (2920) the fuel using a first expansion valve formed in a first fuel line connected to the fuel source, using (2930) the expanded fuel to cool a heat exchanger connected via the first fuel line to the expansion valve, and blowing (2940) air over the heat exchanger such that the air is cooled by contacting the heat exchanger.

In short, an exemplary aspect of the present invention is directed to a system including a fuel source for providing a fuel, a first expansion valve formed in a first fuel line connected to the fuel source, for expanding the fuel, and a heat transfer device for delivering a heat transfer medium to the first expansion valve such that the heat transfer medium is cooled by contacting the first expansion valve.

It should be noted herein that the term “a” herein should be construed to mean “one or more”. Thus, for example, the term “a first expansion valve” should be construed to mean “one or more first expansion valves”, and so on.

The heat transfer device may include a jacket formed on the first expansion valve, a circulation line for circulating the heat transfer medium. The circulation line may include an inlet line supplying the heat transfer medium to the jacket, and an outlet line delivering the heat transfer medium from the jacket. The heat transfer device may also include a pump formed in the circulation line for pumping the heat transfer medium through the circulation line, a heat exchanger formed in the circulation line, and a fan for blowing air over the heat exchanger such that the air is cooled by contacting the heat exchanger.

The fuel source may include a pressurized fuel tank which stores the fuel as a liquid fuel including at least one of compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquid petroleum (LP) gas.

The cooled heat transfer medium may be used to cool at least one of a compartment of a vehicle and a drive train of a vehicle which may include a fuel intake system formed in the first fuel line for delivering the expanded fuel to an internal combustion engine of the vehicle.

The system may further include a second fuel line connected to the fuel tank, and a second expansion valve formed in the second fuel line, for expanding the fuel, the expanded fuel being delivered via the second fuel line to a fuel injector which injects the expanded fuel into a cylinder of the internal combustion engine.

The vehicle may include, for example, a dual-fuel vehicle. The system may further a gas-diverting valve formed in the first fuel line between the first expansion valve and the fuel intake system, for diverting the fuel away from the fuel intake system under a predetermined condition, a return line for delivering the fuel from the gas-diverting valve to the fuel tank, and a compressor formed in the return line for compressing the fuel into a liquid state.

The system may also include a second expansion valve formed in a second fuel line connected to the fuel tank, for expanding the fuel, and a pressure sensor valve formed in the first fuel line for detecting a decrease in pressure in the first fuel line, and the vehicle may include a fuel intake system for delivering the expanded fuel from the second expansion valve to an internal combustion engine of the vehicle.

The system may also include a controller connected to the pressure sensor valve for closing the valve if a decrease in pressure is detected.

The system may also include a return line for delivering the fuel from the first expansion to the fuel tank, and a compressor formed in the return line for compressing the fuel into a liquid state.

In another exemplary aspect, the fuel source may include a source fuel line which provides the fuel as a gaseous fuel including at least one of natural gas (NG) and propane gas. In this case, the system may further include a first compressor formed in the first fuel line between the fuel source and the first expansion valve. Further, the cooled heat transfer medium may be used to cool a space in a structure.

The system may also include a second compressor which receives the fuel which has been compressed by the first compressor, and an other heat transfer device for delivering a heat transfer medium to the second compressor such that the heat transfer medium is warmed by contacting the second compressor.

Another exemplary aspect of the present invention is directed to a system including a fuel source for providing a fuel, a first expansion valve formed in a first fuel line connected to the fuel source, for expanding the fuel, a heat exchanger connected via the first fuel line to the expansion valve, the heat exchanger being cooled by the expanded fuel, and a fan for blowing air over the heat exchanger such that the air is cooled by contacting the heat exchanger.

The fuel source may include a pressurized fuel tank which stores the fuel as a liquid fuel including at least one of compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquid petroleum (LP) gas. In this case, the cooled air may be used to cool a compartment of a vehicle.

The vehicle may include a fuel intake system connected to the first fuel line and receiving the expanded fuel from the heat transfer device, the fuel intake system delivering the expanded fuel to an internal combustion engine of the vehicle.

The system may also include a pressure sensor valve formed in the first fuel line for detecting a decrease in pressure in the first fuel line, and a controller connected to the pressure sensor valve for closing the valve if a decrease in pressure is detected.

The system may also include a gas-diverting valve formed in the first fuel line between the pressure sensor valve and the fuel intake system, for diverting the fuel away from the fuel intake system under a predetermined condition, a return line for delivering the fuel from the gas-diverting valve to the fuel tank, and a compressor formed in the return line for compressing the fuel into a liquid state.

The system may also include a compressed gas condenser formed in the return line between the compressor and the fuel tank.

Further, the first expansion valve may include a plurality of first expansion valves formed in the first fuel line, such that the fuel is expanded via a staged expansion.

Further, the fuel source may include a source fuel line which provides the fuel as a gaseous fuel including at least one of natural gas (NG) and propane gas, and the system may further include a first compressor formed in the first fuel line between the fuel source and the first expansion valve, and the cooled air may be used to cool a space in a structure.

Another exemplary aspect of the invention is directed to a method including providing a pneumatic or hydraulic force for the operation of devices in a compressed or liquefied gas system, and using an inherent pressure associated with compression of a gas to a liquid or expansion of a liquefied gas to a gaseous state as an energy source to operate peripheral devices.

With its unique and novel features, the present invention provides a system and method of transferring heat which is more efficient than conventional systems and methods.

While the invention has been described in terms of one or more embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Specifically, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the drawings herein are meant to be illustrative, and the design of the inventive device is not limited to that disclosed herein but may be modified within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Further, Applicant's intent is to encompass the equivalents of all claim elements, and no amendment to any claim the present application should be construed as a disclaimer of any interest in or right to an equivalent of any element or feature of the amended claim.

Claims

1. A system, comprising: a fuel source for providing a fuel;a first expansion valve formed in a first fuel line connected to the fuel source, for expanding the fuel; anda heat transfer device for delivering a heat transfer medium to the first expansion valve such that the heat transfer medium is cooled by contacting the first expansion valve.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the heat transfer device comprises: a jacket formed on the first expansion valve;a circulation line for circulating the heat transfer medium, the circulation line comprising: an inlet line supplying the heat transfer medium to the jacket; andan outlet line delivering the heat transfer medium from the jacket;a pump formed in the circulation line for pumping the heat transfer medium through the circulation line;a heat exchanger formed in the circulation line; anda fan for blowing air over the heat exchanger such that the air is cooled by contacting the heat exchanger.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the fuel source comprises a pressurized fuel tank which stores the fuel as a liquid fuel including at least one of Liquid Gas (LG), compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquid petroleum (LP) gas.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the cooled heat transfer medium is used to cool at least one of a compartment of a vehicle and a drive train of a vehicle.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the vehicle includes a fuel intake system formed in the first fuel line for delivering the expanded fuel to an internal combustion engine of the vehicle.

6. The system of claim 5, further comprising: a second fuel line connected to the fuel tank; anda second expansion valve formed in the second fuel line, for expanding the fuel, the expanded fuel being delivered via the second fuel line to a fuel injector which injects the expanded fuel into a cylinder of the internal combustion engine.a primary internal combustion engine starting system utilizing a pre-compressed mixture of LG and air and an ignition device.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein the vehicle comprises a dual-fuel vehicle, and wherein the system further comprises: a gas-diverting valve formed in the first fuel line between the first expansion valve and the fuel intake system, for diverting the fuel away from the fuel intake system under a predetermined condition;a return line for delivering the fuel from the gas-diverting valve to the fuel tank; anda compressor formed in the return line for compressing the fuel into a liquid state.

8. The system of claim 4, further comprising: a second expansion valve formed in a second fuel line connected to the fuel tank, for expanding the fuel; anda pressure sensor valve formed in the first fuel line for detecting a decrease in pressure in the first fuel line,wherein the vehicle includes a fuel intake system for delivering the expanded fuel from the second expansion valve to an internal combustion engine of the vehicle.

9. The system of claim 8, further comprising: a controller connected to the pressure sensor valve for closing the valve if a decrease in pressure is detected.

10. The system of claim 8, further comprising: a return line for delivering the fuel from the first expansion to the fuel tank; anda compressor formed in the return line for compressing the fuel into a liquid state.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the fuel source comprises a source fuel line which provides the fuel as a gaseous fuel including at least one of natural gas (NG) and propane gas, and wherein the system further comprises a first compressor formed in the first fuel line between the fuel source and the first expansion valve.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the cooled heat transfer medium is used to cool a space in a structure.

13. The system of claim 12, further comprising: a second compressor which receives the fuel which has been compressed by the first compressor; andan other heat transfer device for delivering a heat transfer medium to the second compressor such that the heat transfer medium is warmed by contacting the second compressor.

14. A system, comprising: a fuel source for providing a fuel;a first expansion valve formed in a first fuel line connected to the fuel source, for expanding the fuel;a heat exchanger connected via the first fuel line to the expansion valve, the heat exchanger being cooled by the expanded fuel; anda fan for blowing air over the heat exchanger such that the air is cooled by contacting the heat exchanger.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the fuel source comprises a pressurized fuel tank which stores the fuel as a liquid fuel including at least one of Liquid Gas (LG) such as compressed natural gas (CNG) or liquid petroleum (LP) gas, and wherein the cooled air is used to cool a compartment of a vehicle.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the vehicle includes a fuel intake system connected to the first fuel line and receiving the expanded fuel from the heat transfer device, the fuel intake system delivering the expanded fuel to an internal combustion engine of the vehicle.

17. The system of claim 16, further comprising: a pressure sensor valve formed in the first fuel line for detecting a decrease in pressure in the first fuel line; anda controller connected to the pressure sensor valve for closing the valve if a decrease in pressure is detected.

18. The system of claim 17, further comprising: a gas-diverting valve formed in the first fuel line between the pressure sensor valve and the fuel intake system, for diverting the fuel away from the fuel intake system under a predetermined condition;a return line for delivering the fuel from the gas-diverting valve to the fuel tank; anda compressor formed in the return line for compressing the fuel into a liquid state.

19. The system of claim 18, further comprising: a compressed gas condenser formed in the return line between the compressor and the fuel tank.

20. The system of claim 14, wherein the first expansion valve comprises a plurality of first expansion valves formed in the first fuel line, such that the fuel is expanded via a staged expansion.

21. The system of claim 14, wherein the fuel source comprises a source fuel line which provides the fuel as a gaseous fuel including at least one of natural gas (NG) and propane gas, wherein the system further comprises a first compressor formed in the first fuel line between the fuel source and the first expansion valve, andwherein the cooled air is used to cool a space in a structure.

22. A method, comprising: providing a fuel via a fuel source;expanding the fuel using a first expansion valve formed in a first fuel line connected to the fuel source; anddelivering a heat transfer medium to the first expansion valve such that the heat transfer medium is cooled by contacting the first expansion valve.

23. A method, comprising: providing a fuel via a fuel source;expanding the fuel using a first expansion valve formed in a first fuel line connected to the fuel source;using the expanded fuel to cool a heat exchanger connected via the first fuel line to the expansion valve; andblowing air over the heat exchanger such that the air is cooled by contacting the heat exchanger.

24. A method, comprising: providing a pneumatic or hydraulic force for the operation of devices in a compressed or liquefied gas system; andusing the inherent pressures associated with the compression of gases to a liquid or the expansion of liquefied gases to a gaseous state as an energy source to operate peripheral devices.