Abstract: A system and method for operating an integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) gas turbine system that utilizes the fuel stream as a means of controlling the operation of the IGCC to achieve a target output and efficiency. The methods and systems enable the IGCC to be operated at reduced output, but without a corresponding drop in efficiency as compared to prior art gas turbine systems. Conversely, the IGCC may be operated at higher outputs. The methods and systems achieve the target output and efficiency by adjusting the chemical potential energy, sensible energy, or both of a fuel stream entering the combustion turbine. The chemical potential energy and sensible energy may be manually or automatically controlled.

Abstract: A system and method for operating an integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) gas turbine system that utilizes the fuel stream as a means of controlling the operation of the IGCC to achieve a target output and efficiency. The methods and systems enable the IGCC to be operated at reduced output, but without a corresponding drop in efficiency as compared to prior art gas turbine systems. Conversely, the IGCC may be operated at higher outputs. The methods and systems achieve the target output and efficiency by adjusting the chemical potential energy, sensible energy, or both of a fuel stream entering the combustion turbine. The chemical potential energy and sensible energy may be manually or automatically controlled.

Abstract: A combustion turbine power plant (10) incorporating a water recovery apparatus (34). A sulfur stripper portion of the water recovery apparatus uses water (56) to remove suffer from the exhaust (20) of the combustion turbine (12) and to produce a reasonably high concentration of sulfuric acid for subsequent recovery of the sulfur. A water stripper portion (36) of the water recovery apparatus uses an aqueous solution of a desiccant (74) to absorb water from the exhaust gas. The wet desiccant may then be heated or exposed to a sub-atmospheric pressure in a regenerator (102) to recover the water. A sub-atmospheric regenerator may be maintained at a sufficiently high temperature by transferring waste heat from the exhaust gas. The resulting moisture content of the exhaust gas may be below that which can be achieved using traditional cooling heat exchangers.

Abstract: A combustion turbine power plant (10) incorporating a water recovery apparatus (34). A sulfur stripper portion of the water recovery apparatus uses water (56) to remove suffer from the exhaust (20) of the combustion turbine (12) and to produce a reasonably high concentration of sulfuric acid for subsequent recovery of the sulfur. A water stripper portion (36) of the water recovery apparatus uses an aqueous solution of a desiccant (74) to absorb water from the exhaust gas. The wet desiccant may then be heated or exposed to a sub-atmospheric pressure in a regenerator (102) to recover the water. A sub-atmospheric regenerator may be maintained at a sufficiently high temperature by transferring waste heat from the exhaust gas. The resulting moisture content of the exhaust gas may be below that which can be achieved using traditional cooling heat exchangers.

Abstract: Convective cooling of turbine hot parts using a closed loop system is disclosed. Preferably, the present invention is applied to cooling the hot parts of combustion turbine power plants, and the cooling provided permits an increase in the inlet temperature and the concomitant benefits of increased efficiency and output. In preferred embodiments, methods and apparatus are disclosed wherein air is removed from the combustion turbine compressor and delivered to passages internal to one or more of a combustor and turbine hot parts. The air cools the combustor and turbine hot parts via convection and heat is transferred through the surfaces of the combustor and turbine hot parts.