Abstract: A turbomachinery apparatus. A turbine is provided with a retainer having a bore step element for turbine wheel retention, and with an aperture manifesting a tailored diameter less than the trim diameter of the turbine, thereby to permit customization of the turbine efficiency characteristic. Various configurations of turbine retainers, with tailored diameter apertures, are disclosed.

Abstract: A microturbine power generation system includes an electrical generator, a turbine, a compressor and a combustor. Hot expanding gases leaving the combustor are expanded by the turbine. The resulting turbine power is used for driving the compressor and the electrical generator. A recuperator recovers heat from a turbine exhaust stream and raises the temperature of compressed air prior to combustion. Fluid injection is accomplished in the system by using one or more nozzles to spray small fluid droplets, on the order of hundreds of microns or less in diameter, into the combustion air either upstream or downstream of the compressor, or both. The evaporative effect of the injected fluid is used to cool the generator components and to increase the effectiveness of the recuperator. The injected fluid also adds mass to the hot, expanding gases entering the turbine.

Abstract: A microturbine engine core with gas bearings used to support a rotating group is provided, including air flow control devices downstream of the gas bearings to maintain high pressures. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to ascertain quickly the subject matter of the technical disclosure. The abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).