Abstract: A variable geometry assembly for modulating a fluid flow in a turbomachine is disclosed. The assembly comprises a first ring having a plurality of first wedge-shaped elements and having an axis, and a second ring having a plurality of second wedge-shaped elements and having an axis. The second ring is substantially coaxial to the first ring. The second wedge-shaped elements co-act with the first wedge-shaped elements. Flow passages are defined between pairs of sequentially arranged first wedge-shaped elements and second wedge-shaped elements. The first ring and the second ring are angularly displaceable one with respect to the other. Moreover, the first ring and the second ring are configured to move axially with respect to one another when the first ring and the second ring are angularly displaced one with respect to the other.

Abstract: A turboexpander-generator unit including a casing with a gas inlet and a gas outlet. The unit further comprises a turboexpander having a turboexpander rotor mounted on a shaft supported for rotation in the casing, and an electric generator arranged in the casing and comprised of a generator stator and a generator rotor mounted on the shaft, for co-rotation with the turboexpander rotor. The unit also comprises a plurality of bearings configured and arranged for rotatingly supporting the shaft in the casing. A gas flow path from the gas inlet to the gas outlet, which extends through the turboexpander and the electric generator. Compressed working gas expands in the turboexpander and generates mechanical power for rotating the generator rotor. The expanded working gas from the turboexpander flow through the electric generator and removes heat therefrom. The bearings comprise gas-lubricated bearings, lubricated with the working gas.

Abstract: A turboexpander-generator unit including a casing with a gas inlet and a gas outlet. The unit further comprises a turboexpander having a turboexpander rotor mounted on a shaft supported for rotation in the casing, and an electric generator arranged in the casing and comprised of a generator stator and a generator rotor mounted on the shaft, for co-rotation with the turboexpander rotor. The unit also comprises a plurality of bearings configured and arranged for rotatingly supporting the shaft in the casing. A gas flow path from the gas inlet to the gas outlet, which extends through the turboexpander and the electric generator. Compressed working gas expands in the turboexpander and generates mechanical power for rotating the generator rotor. The expanded working gas from the turboexpander flow through the electric generator and removes heat therefrom. The bearings comprise gas-lubricated bearings, lubricated with the working gas.

Abstract: A variable geometry assembly for modulating a fluid flow in a turbomachine is disclosed. The assembly comprises: a first ring having a plurality of first wedge-shaped elements and having an axis; a second ring having a plurality of second wedge-shaped elements and having an axis. The second ring is substantially coaxial to the first ring. The second wedge-shaped elements co-act with the first wedge-shaped elements Flow passages are defined between pairs of sequentially arranged first wedge-shaped elements and second wedge-shaped elements. The first ring and the second ring are angularly displaceable one with respect to the other. Moreover, the first ring and the second ring are configured to move axially with respect to one another when the first ring and the second ring are angularly displaced one with respect to the other.