Abstract: A system configured to decrease the emissions of a power plant system during transient state operation is disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes: at least one computing device adapted to adjust a temperature of an operational steam in a power generation system by performing actions comprising: obtaining operational data about components of a steam turbine in the power generation system, the operational data including at least one of: a temperature of the components and a set of current ambient conditions at the power generation system; determining an allowable operational steam temperature range for the steam turbine based upon the operational data; generating emissions predictions for a set of temperatures within the allowable steam temperature range; and adjusting the temperature of the operational steam based upon the emissions predictions.

Abstract: A method and system using at least two different working fluids to be supplied to an expander to cause it to do mechanical work. The expander is started by providing a compressed gaseous working fluid at a sufficient pressure to the expander. At the same time the compressed gaseous working fluid is provided to the expander, a second working fluid that is liquid at ambient temperatures is provided to a heater to be heated. The second working fluid is heated to its boiling point and converted to pressurized gas Once the pressure is increased to a sufficient level, the second working fluid is injected into the expander to generate power, and the supply of the first working fluid may be stopped. After expansion in the expander, the working fluids are is exhausted from the expander, and the second working fluid may be condensed for separation from the first working fluid. Control circuitry controls the admission of the first and second working fluids responsive to monitoring the load on the expander.

Abstract: A power plant is provided which includes a gas turbine having a compressor for producing compressed air and a combustor for combusting the compressed air with a combustible fuel to produce a heated combustion gas. The power plant also includes a heat recovery steam generator for generating a flow of steam from an exhaust of the gas turbine and a steam turbine for expanding the flow of steam from the heat recovery steam generator. The steam turbine has a rotor having a rotor bore disposed axially therein. The power plant also includes a conduit for directing at least a portion of the compressed air or at least a portion of the heated combustion gas from the gas turbine to the rotor bore of the steam turbine, wherein the compressed air or the heated combustion gas may warm the rotor bore of the steam turbine.

Abstract: A Rankine cycle device includes a heat exchanger for supplying heat to a working fluid and an expansion device for expanding the working fluid. A valve is disposed between the heat exchanger and the expansion device and a cooling device is reduces a temperature of the working fluid. A pump moves the working fluid through the Rankine cycle device and a sensor is used to sense a pressure of the working fluid. A controller is operable to open the valve based upon the sensed pressure of the working fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a working fluid for a steam circuit process carried out in a device comprising a steam generator, an expander, a condenser, and a reservoir for the working fluid, comprising a working medium that evaporates by the addition of heat in a steam generator, performs mechanical work by expanding in the expander during the steam phase, and condenses in the condenser; an ionic fluid serving as an antifreeze component and having a melting point in the reservoir below the freezing point of the working medium, wherein the decomposition temperature of the ionic fluid is above the evaporating temperature of the working medium in the steam generator.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an output of a pressure setting signal to automatically control a steam bypass control system includes a pressure setting signal output unit for outputting a pressure setting signal according to a cold leg temperature of a reactor coolant; a first logic value output unit for outputting a first logic value that is changed according to reactor power; a second logic value output unit for outputting a second logic value that is changed according to a temperature difference between an average temperature of the reactor coolant and a reference temperature; a NAND gate circuit unit for outputting an inverse logic value according to the first and second logic values; and a first output control unit for controlling whether to output the pressure setting signal according to the inverse logic value of the NAND gate circuit unit.

Abstract: A method for improvement of a fossil fuel energy conversion into electrical energy for the simple sub- and supercritical steam cycle is proposed through introduction of additional regenerative cycle duties to improve the evaporation rate per unit of fuel burned, thus minimizing condenser heat loss of the working media. The additional duties provide a supplemental energy credit in the form of heat input to a steam generator where a modified combustion process is realized to convert fossil fuel into carbon monoxide and hydrogen at atmospheric pressure and thus achieving an essential reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) formation. The additional duties also involve a direct contact heat transfer to recover latent and thermal energy, contained in the discharged combustion products to provide yet another energy credit that satisfies both conventional and/or added regenerative cycle duties.

Abstract: A method of cooling a turbine having internal moving components to a predetermined temperature is disclosed. The method comprises taking the turbine offline. While the turbine is offline, nitrogen is flowed through the turbine until the turbine reaches the predetermined temperature while controlling the flow of nitrogen from at least one injection point to prevent damage to the moving components of the turbine by achieving uniform cooling of the internal moving components. Then the flow of nitrogen is stopped. A method and assembly for cleaning a turbine having a deposit formed on an internal surface of the turbine is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for increasing the steam mass flow of a high-pressure steam turbine of a steam power plant, particularly a steam power plant including reheating, during a start-up phase of the steam power plant, particularly also during an idle period of the steam power plant, wherein at least one electric consumer is connected upstream of a generator of the steam power plant before synchronization with a power supply grid. The invention further relates to a steam power plant, comprising a generator, a high-pressure steam turbine, and at least one electric consumer, which can also be connected during a start-up phase of the steam power plant, particularly also during an idle period of the steam power plant, in order to increase a steam mass flow of the high-pressure steam turbine before a synchronization process of the generator with a power supply grid.

Abstract: An ECU is used for a Stirling engine that is provided with a starter that drives an output shaft of the Stirling engine. The ECU includes a control portion that commences an engine-starting drive of the starter within a phase interval, during which the torque of the Stirling engine that varies according to phase of the output shaft is relatively small. The phase interval is an interval during which the torque of the Stirling engine is less than or equal to the torque obtained when the compression begins. The phase at which the driving of the starter is commenced is set to the phase at which the torque of the Stirling engine becomes smaller than the torque obtained when the compression begins.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a turbine seal system. The turbine seal system captures working fluid which is escaping from a closed loop thermodynamic cycle system, condenses the captured working fluid, and returns the condensate back to the thermodynamic cycle system. The turbine seal system is configured to apply nitrogen, or other non-condensable, or other material, to capture or mix with the escaping working fluid. The combined mixture of working fluid which escapes the turbine and the nitrogen utilized to capture the working fluid is evacuated by an exhaust compressor which maintains a desired vacuum in a gland seal compartment of the turbine seal. The combined mixture can then be sent to a condenser to condense the working fluid vapor and evacuate the non-condensables, forming a working stream. Once the non-condensables have been evacuated, the working stream is pumped to a higher pressure, and prepared to be re-introduced into the thermodynamic cycle system.

Abstract: A method for removing hot gas deposits from a system via pressure pulses is provided. The method includes regulating a flow of a mixture of detonation fluid and oxidizer into an expansion chamber; and generating a detonation within the expansion chamber by igniting the mixture of detonation fluid and oxidizer in the expansion chamber producing a high-pressure wave, the high-pressure wave propagating along a fluid path of the system in a supersonic rate removing hot gas deposits in the fluid path while the system is in fired operation, the expansion chamber directing the high-pressure wave towards the fluid path of the system.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a Stirling engine that uses exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine as a high-temperature heat source and is provided with a starter that drives an output shaft, includes a control unit that drives the starter in starting up the Stirling engine, stops driving the starter when a rotational speed of the Stirling engine reaches a target rotational speed, and then drives the starter again when the rotational speed of the Stirling engine becomes lower than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method for the application and/or renewal of a protection for a thermal barrier coating system of a heat engine involves a thermal barrier coating system that includes a bond coat layer (2) and a thermal barrier coating layer (3) of porous structure (4), wherein the bond coat layer (2) is located between and in contact with a base metal (1) of a heat engine component and with the thermal barrier coating layer (3) and bonds the thermal barrier coating layer (3) to the base metal (1).

Abstract: A method of starting a gas turbine cycle including a gas turbine and a heat recovery steam generator, the method including: heating water in a steam cycle with a base load heat source; powering one or more steam turbines with steam from said steam cycle; and diverting a portion of the steam from the steam cycle to the gas turbine cycle. Also disclosed is a power generation assembly connectable to a base load heat source arranged to heat water in a steam cycle and power a steam turbine, the power generation assembly including: a gas turbine cycle including a gas turbine and a heat recovery steam generator; and diverting apparatus configured to selectively divert a portion of steam from the steam cycle to the gas turbine cycle on start up of the gas turbine.

Abstract: A control system for a combined cycle power generation system including a gas turbine engine (GT), a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG), and a steam turbine (ST) includes a display wherein an operator may observe information about predicted operating parameters; a user interface wherein an operator may provide additional operating constraints; and a controller configured to generate input profiles of the GT, the HRSG, and the ST that satisfy the nominal constraints and any additional constraints and to generate the information about the predicted operating parameters. The controller may be configured to detect a stage transition of power generation system operation and update the input profiles. The controller may be configured to generate alternative operating scenarios by mapping alternative control actions to an operating constraint of at least one of the system components.

Abstract: A carbon-dioxide-capture-type steam power generation system 1 according to the present invention comprises a boiler 6 producing an exhaust gas 5 by combusting a fuel 2 and having a flue 8; an absorbing unit 40 being configured to absorb the carbon-dioxide contained in the exhaust gas 5 into an absorbing solution; and a regenerating unit 44 being configured to release the carbon dioxide gas from the absorbing solution absorbing the carbon dioxide and discharge the released carbon dioxide gas. Further, in this system, a reboiler 49 is provided for receiving a heating-medium as heat source, producing a steam 43 and supplying the produced steam 43 to the regenerating unit 44. Additionally, in the flue 8 of the boiler 6, a boiler-side heat exchanger 61 is provided for heating the heating-medium by the exhaust gas 5 passing therethrough.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention can provide systems and methods for pre-warming a heat recovery steam generator and associated steam lines. According to one embodiment, a method for pre-warming a heat recovery steam generator can be provided. The method can include providing heating steam from a steam source. The heating steam is directed from the steam source to a superheater so that at least a portion of the superheater can be warmed. Once exiting the superheater, the heating steam can be further directed from the superheater to at least one bypass line and maintained in the bypass line until the bypass line attains a predefined temperature or pressure. Furthermore, the method can include directing, after the bypass line attains a predefined temperature or pressure, at least a portion of the heating steam from the bypass line to a reheater so that the reheater can be warmed.

Abstract: A power plant including a steam turbine, and a steam turbine exhaust duct configured to deliver uncontaminated fluid from the steam turbine to downstream components of the power plant. The steam turbine exhaust duct includes a steam turbine exhaust duct isolation valve selectively configured to prevent fluid communication between the steam turbine exhaust duct and the downstream components of the power plant, and a steam turbine exhaust duct vent with a steam turbine exhaust duct vent valve. The steam turbine exhaust duct vent is configured to deliver contaminated fluid from the steam turbine exhaust duct to a fluid sink upon opening of the exhaust duct vent valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a turbine system which can start a turbine, while controlling thermal stress generated in a turbine rotor and an expansion difference, due to thermal expansion, between a casing and the turbine rotor, to be lower than defined values, respectively. The turbine system (1) according to the present invention includes the turbine (4) having a casing (2) and the turbine rotor (3) rotatably attached to the casing (2), and a main steam pipe (5) connected to an upstream portion of the casing (2). A control valve (6) adapted for controlling a flow rate of steam discharging into the casing (2) is provided with the main steam pipe (5), and a power generator (7) is coupled with the turbine rotor (3). Additionally, a starting control system (10) is adapted for controlling the control valve (6), while obtaining an operational amount of the control valve (6).

Abstract: A start-up system mixing element including; a body defining a cavity, a first inlet port disposed in the body and configured to provide a first fluid to the cavity, a second inlet port disposed in the body and configured to provide a second fluid to the cavity, an outlet port disposed in the body and configured to remove the first and second fluids from the cavity and an internal distribution pipe disposed in the first inlet port, wherein the internal distribution pipe is configured to provide the first fluid to the cavity via a plurality of holes directed toward a center of the cavity.

Abstract: A condenser is provided and includes a body into and through which steam turbine discharge is able to flow, and first and second cooling members disposed in the body, wherein the first and second cooling members are each independently receptive of first and second coolant, respectively, the first cooling member, being receptive of the first coolant, is configured to cool the discharge during at least a first cooling operation, and the second cooling member, being receptive of the second coolant, is configured to cool the discharge during a second cooling operation.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for generating a steam turbine overspeed control system fault alert. The method can include providing an overspeed control system with a control valve configured and located to adjust a speed of the steam turbine, the control valve having a control position. The method can also include monitoring the control position of the control valve and detecting a deloading event. Upon detection of a deloading event, a control system fault alert is generated when the control valve does not achieve a predefined control position within a predefined time from the deloading event.

Abstract: A method for increasing the operational flexibility of a turbomachine during a startup phase is provided. The turbomachine may include a first section, a second section, and a rotor disposed within the first section and the second section. The method may determine an allowable range of a physical parameter associated with the first section and/or the second section. The method may modulate a first valve and/or a second valve to allow steam flow into the first section and the second section respectively, wherein the modulation is based on the allowable range of the physical parameter. In addition, the physical parameter allows the method to independently apportion steam flow between the first section and the second section of the turbomachine, during the startup phase.

Abstract: A run-up method for a solar steam power plant is proposed. In the run-up method an auxiliary steam is used to generate seal steam for a steam-turbine of the power plant. The auxiliary steam is produced by a heat-exchanger-system that is to provide, during a subsequent power-mode, overheated steam for driving the steam-turbine.

Abstract: A method for forecasting a start period for a combined cycle power generation system including a gas turbine engine, a steam turbine and a computer control system, the method including: inputting a desired time at which the power generation system is to reach a dispatchable load; inputting a current value of a predetermined operational condition of the power generation system; the computer control system retrieving historical data relating the predetermined operational condition to prior start periods of the power generation system or a similar power generation system; the computer control system executing an algorithm which generates a forecasted start time based on the desired time, current value and the retrieve data, wherein the power generation system is predicted to reach the dispatchable load at the desired time when started at the forecasted start time, and the computer system outputting the forecasted start time to the output device.

Abstract: Various thermodynamic power-generating cycles are disclosed. A turbopump arranged in the cycles is started and ramped-up using a starter pump arranged in parallel with the main pump of the turbopump. Once the turbopump is able to self-sustain, a series of valves may be manipulated to deactivate the starter pump and direct additional working fluid to a power turbine for generating electrical power.

Abstract: A thermal engine includes a cylinder and piston and an insulated thermal battery including at least a thermal mass such as the engine block itself for storing and retaining heat to enhance or cause fluid expansion within the cylinder and drive the piston, the thermal battery optionally including an electrolyte chamber containing a thermal electrolyte for functioning as an electric thermal battery. Heat is stored in the thermal battery such as by activating electric resistance heating elements in the thermal mass. The stored heat either causes expansion of a non-combustible expansion fluid such as water or enhances the expansion of a combustible expansion fluid such as gasoline. Where the thermal battery is an electric thermal battery containing an electrolyte, the storage of heat also stores electricity which can be used to power an electric motor.

Abstract: In a steam turbine 40 of opposed-current single-casing type in which a high pressure turbine part 31a and an intermediate-pressure turbine part 32a are housed in a single casing, a dummy ring 10 partitions the high-pressure turbine part 31a and the intermediate-pressure part 32a and a cooling steam supply path 101 and a cooling steam discharge path 103 are formed in the dummy ring 10 in the radial direction. Extraction steam or discharge steam s1 of the high-pressure turbine part 31a whose temperature is not less than that of the steam having passed through a first-stage stator blade 8a1, is supplied to the cooling steam supply path 101. The cooling steam s1 is fed throughout the clearance 721 and 723 to improve the cooling effect of the dummy ring 10 and a turbine rotor 7. The cooling steam s1 is then discharged through the cooling steam discharge path 103 to a discharge steam pipe 44 which supplies the steam to a subsequent steam turbine.

Abstract: An oxygen fueled integrated pollutant removal and combustion system includes a combustion system and an integrated pollutant removal system. The combustion system includes a furnace having at least one burner that is configured to substantially prevent the introduction of air. An oxygen supply supplies oxygen at a predetermine purity greater than 21 percent and a carbon based fuel supply supplies a carbon based fuel. Oxygen and fuel are fed into the furnace in controlled proportion to each other and combustion is controlled to produce a flame temperature in excess of 3000 degrees F. and a flue gas stream containing CO2 and other gases. The flue gas stream is substantially void of non-fuel borne nitrogen containing combustion produced gaseous compounds.

Abstract: A method for heating a turbine shaft is provided. The turbine shaft is heated by spraying warm water from a supply pump or from a pre-heating section. A steam turbine is also provided. The steam turbine includes a housing, wherein injection nozzles for injecting the water are arranged within the housing.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for cold starting a steam turbine by preheating a steam turbine component using eddy currents. The process includes providing an electrically conducting steam turbine component, an electro-magnetic coil, and a supply of AC to the coil. The coil is located relative to the component so that the coil is capable of forming eddy currents in the component. In this location, an AC current is passed through the coil thus heating the component.

Abstract: In a dual-source organic Rankine cycle (DORC), the condensed and slightly sub-cooled working fluid at near ambient temperature (˜300 K) and at low-side pressure (0.1 to 0.7 MPa) is (1) pumped to high-side pressure (0.5-5 MPa), (2) pre-heated in a low-temperature (LT) recuperator, (3) boiled using a low-grade heat source, (4) super-heated in a high-temperature (HT) recuperator to a temperature close to the expander turbine exhaust temperature using this exhaust vapor enthalpy, (5) further super-heated to the turbine inlet temperature (TIT) using a mid-grade heat source, (6) expanded through a turbine expander to the low-side pressure, (7) cooled through the HT recuperator, (8) cooled through the LT recuperator, (9) mostly liquefied and slightly subcooled in a condenser, and (10) the condensed portion is returned to the pump to repeat this cycle.

Abstract: A geared fluid drive arrangement in which a constant speed motor is used to start a “full-size” boiler feed pump, and is able to operate the pump at a limited speed and correspondingly limited power adequate to fill, pressurize and feed water to a boiler such as would be used for an electrical generating plant to start-up and to operate stably at part load, but not necessarily full load. After the boiler is operating stably, steam from the boiler or from an extraction point of the main turbine is admitted to a mechanical drive steam turbine in order to drive the same “full-size” pump to the normal operating range.

Abstract: Power plant systems and processes are described that enable recovery of at least a portion of the fuel storage energy associated with a storage system for supplying fuel to the power plant systems. A first embodiment of an energy-recovery power plant system includes at least one fuel storage container and at least one expander that can receive fuel from the fuel storage container at a first pressure and provide the fuel to the power plant at a second pressure that is lower than the first pressure. A second embodiment of an energy-recovery power plant system includes a first conduit fluidly coupling the fuel storage container and the power plant for delivering fuel from the fuel storage container to the power plant and at least one regenerative thermodynamic cycle engine thermally coupled to the first conduit such that heat may be exchanged between the fuel and a working fluid for the regenerative thermodynamic cycle engine.

Abstract: An apparatus to facilitate a start-up operation of a combined cycle or rankine cycle power plant is provided and includes a plurality of heat pipes, each of which respectively includes a first portion in thermal communication with exhaust emitted from a heat source and a second portion in thermal communication with the first portion, a cooling unit to cool the second portions of the heat pipes, and a controller which is configured to control the cooling unit to cool the second portions of the heat pipes and to thereby remove heat from exhaust via the first portions of the heat pipes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for alleviating the problem of windage heating when flow, in a turbine running at full speed, no load, decreases greatly at the exhaust of the high pressure sections of the turbine. Valves connecting the different pressure levels of a heat recovery steam generator to the input of the turbine are adjusted to mix steam coming from the different pressure levels to create desired steam conditions at the inlet and the exhaust output of the turbine that allow the use of existing steam path hardware and thereby reduce the cost of such piping. In an alternative embodiment for a single pressure HRSG, high pressure saturated steam is extracted from the HSRG evaporator and then flashed into superheated steam when passing thru a control valve, that is then used to create the desired steam conditions at the inlet and the exhaust output of the turbine.

Abstract: The present application describes a heat recovery steam generator. The heat recovery steam generator may include a superheater, a first turbine section, a first main steam line in communication with the superheater and the first turbine section, and a first prewarming line positioned downstream of the first main steam line such that a flow of steam from the superheater preheats the first main steam line without entry into the first turbine section.

Abstract: A steam power plant, in which steam from a steam generator is received by a steam turbine, is provided and includes a conduit, a main steam control valve (MSCV) disposed along the conduit to admit the steam to the steam turbine when a characteristic thereof satisfies a threshold, a bypass line, coupled to the conduit between a super-heater and a valve, including a bypass line valve which is opened until the threshold is satisfied such that the bypass line removes a portion of the steam, an evacuator line, coupled to the conduit between the MSCV and the steam turbine, including an evacuator valve which is opened to regulate a thermal environment within the steam turbine during a start up thereof, and a warming line originating between the valve and the MSCV on the conduit and terminating downstream of the evacuator valve disposed along the evacuator line.

Abstract: A turbine starting controller includes: an optimum starting control unit for predicting, while taking as a variable a turbine acceleration rate/load increase rate as a directly manipulated variable, thermal stress generated in a turbine rotor over a prediction period from a current time to the future, calculating for each control cycle a manipulated variable optimum transition pattern in the prediction period which makes a turbine starting time shortest while keeping the predicted thermal stress equal to or lower than a prescribed value, and determining as an actual optimum manipulated value a value at the current time in the manipulated variable optimum transition pattern; and an rpm/load control unit to which the optimum manipulated variable from the optimum starting control unit is input, for controlling the drive of control valves.

Abstract: A turbine for converting thermal energy into mechanical work. The turbine includes a heating system, wherein the heating system is adapted for heating the turbine in a power off state and/or a start-up phase of the turbine. The heating system may include an electrical heating device and/or a steam heating device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steam cycle apparatus, comprising a reservoir for a liquid operating medium; an evaporator in which the operating medium is evaporator by supply of heat, with the vaporous operating medium being supplied to an expander for expansion and for performing mechanical work and subsequently being liquefied in a condenser which is in connection with a reservoir; an operating medium pump for supplying operating medium from the reservoir to a feed line to the evaporator; a feedback control unit (7) for the operating medium flow; characterized in that the operating medium pump comprises a bypass line which produces a connection between the input side of the operating medium pump and the output side of the operating medium pump, with a controlled overflow valve being arranged in the bypass line whose control element is triggered by the feedback control unit for the operating medium flow for regulating the pressure and/or volume flow of the operating medium in the feed line to the evaporator.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a method of starting a powerplant machine, such as, but not limiting of, a turbomachine set to operate in a Fast Start mode. The turbomachine may include, but is not limited to, a steam turbine, a heavy-duty gas turbine, an aero-derivative gas turbine, and the like. An embodiment of the method of the present invention provides a new philosophy for controlling a starting system associated with the turbomachine. An embodiment of the present invention may be applied to a powerplant having multiple turbomachines and a starting system having multiple starting means, which may include at least one LCI system. Here, an embodiment of the present invention may eliminate the manual process of preparing and integrating a desired turbomachine with a desired starting means.

Abstract: The present invention has the technical effect of reducing the start-up time associated with starting a steam turbine. Embodiments of the present invention provide a new methodology for reducing the steam-to-metal temperature mismatch present during the start-up of a steam turbine. Essentially, embodiments of the invention may raise the pressure of the steam upstream of an admission valve associated with a High Pressure (HP) section of a steam turbine. The initial high pressure of the steam may reduce the enthalpy of steam, reducing temperature of the steam admitted to the HP section.

Abstract: An interface for a pressurized fluidized bed combustion facility is disclosed that enables future addition of carbon dioxide capture technology to capture facility flue gas emissions. The interface includes a gas to water pressurized heat recovery steam generator to cool facility flue gas and provide steam to the facility steam turbine generator. A VFD motor and flue gas expander are coupled to a combustion air compressor to energize the facility. The expander is synchronized over a SSS-clutch to drive the compressor. The interface in combination with carbon capture technology and methods for conditioning flue gas are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling humidity of a working fluid used to provided climate control of a mission critical application are provided. Such control may be accomplished by using a humidification system in connection with a CAS or TACAS system. The humidification system may introduce a liquid (e.g., water) into one or more, predetermined points within the CAS or TACAS system to adjust the moisture content of a working fluid used to influence the environment of a mission critical application or enclosure.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a turbine protection device which can interrupt backflow from a deaerator to a turbine completely even if a check valve provided between the deaerator and the turbine can not interrupt the steam flow between the deaerator and the turbine completely. In order to achieve the above object, a control unit sends commands to a shutdown valve device so as to close the shutdown valve device when a differential pressure resulted from subtracting a pressure of a extraction steam from a pressure within the deaerator becomes greater than or equal to a first predetermined value. As a result, the backflow from the deaerator to the turbine is interrupted by a stop valve of the shutdown valve device.

Abstract: A method and system for an external combustion engine operable using at least two different working fluids to be supplied to an engine to cause it to do mechanical work. The engine is started by providing a compressed gaseous working fluid at a sufficient pressure to the engine. At the same time the compressed gaseous working fluid is provided to the engine, a second working fluid that is liquid at ambient temperatures is provided to a heater to be heated. The second working fluid is heated to its boiling point and converted to pressurized gas form. Once the pressure is increased to a sufficient level, the second working fluid is injected into the engine to generate power, and the supply of the first working fluid may be stopped. After expansion in the engine, the working fluids are is exhausted from the engine, and the second working fluid may be condensed for separation from the first working fluid. The initial compressed fluid is recompressed for later use.

Abstract: A steam turbine 10 is provided with a double-structure comprising an inner casing 20 and an outer casing 21. A turbine rotor 22, in which plural stages of moving blades 24 are circumferentially implanted, is operatively disposed in inner casing 20. A diaphragm outer ring 25 and a diaphragm inner ring are disposed along the circumferential direction in inner casing 20. Stationary blades 27 are circumferentially provided between diaphragm outer ring 25 and the diaphragm inner ring, so that diaphragm outer ring 25, the diaphragm inner ring and stationary blades 27 form a stage of stationary blades. The stages of the stationary blades are arranged alternately with the stages of moving blades 24 in the axial direction of turbine rotor 22. A cooling medium passage 40 for passing a cooling medium CM which is supplied through a supply pipe 45 is formed between inner casing 20 and diaphragm outer ring 25.

Abstract: A method for starting a continuous steam generator is provided. The steam generator includes a combustion chamber provided with a plurality of burners, a water-steam separation device that is mounted downstream of evaporator tubes of the water-steam separation device on a flow-medium side. The amount of water flowing into the water-steam separation device during a starting process is kept to a minimum. The firing power of at least one of the burners is adjusted in accordance with a filling level characteristic value of the water-steam separation device.