Abstract: It is an object to provide a fluid machine, which is simple in structure and in which lubricating oil containing smaller amount of the working fluid is supplied to sliding portions of an expansion device. The fluid machine has the expansion device for generating a driving force by expansion of the working fluid, which contains the lubricating oil and is heated to a gas phase condition. The fluid machine further has an electric power generating device driven by the driving force of the expansion device and generating electric power. An oil pooling portion is formed in a fluid passage, through which the working fluid discharged from the expansion device flows, such that the lubricating oil contained in the working fluid is brought into contact with at least one of sliding portions of the expansion device and the electric power generating device. And a heating unit is provided to heat the working fluid in the oil pooling portion.

Abstract: A system for generating electricity from steam power, which includes a steam source communicated with a steam load, the steam load requiring steam at a load pressure lower than the steam source; a pressure reduction valve communicated between the steam source and the steam load, and adapted to reduce steam pressure to the load pressure; and a pressure reduction valve bypass circuit including a steam turbine for converting steam to electric power, the turbine being communicated with an electric power load to provide power to the load. The turbine is advantageously positioned vertically above a motor.

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 invention relates to a method for starting a steam turbine installation which comprises at least one steam turbine and at least one steam-generating installation for generating steam for driving the steam turbines, the steam turbine installation having at least one casing component, which has an initial starting temperature of more than 250° C., the temperature of the steam and of the casing component being continually measured, and the casing component of the steam turbine installation being supplied with steam from the starting time point onwards. The starting temperature of the steam is lower than the temperature of the casing component and the temperature of the steam is increased with a start transient and the staring temperature is chosen such that the change in temperature per unit of time of the casing component lies below a predefined limit. The temperature of the casing component initially decreases, until a minimum is reached and then increases.

Abstract: A combined cycle power plant includes a gas turbine, a steam turbine, a generator coupled to the gas turbine and a generator coupled to the steam turbine, and an auxiliary boiler operatively coupled to the steam turbine. The power plant is continuously operated in a combined cycle mode during operating of the gas turbine by starting the steam turbine first.

Abstract: Attemperation systems and methods for cooling steam bypassed from a steam turbine during tripping of the steam turbine are provided in the disclosed embodiments. The systems may be configured to deliver water discharged from a fuel gas heater to a bypass attemperator, where the water discharged from the fuel gas heater may be used to cool the bypass steam. Before being used by the fuel gas heater, the water used to heat the fuel gas may be heated by an economizer. The water may be delivered to the economizer by an intermediate pressure stage of a boiler feedwater pump. In the disclosed embodiments, the intermediate pressure stage of the boiler feedwater pump may also be used to supply water to a re-heater attemperator, which may be used to further cool the steam after it has been delivered from the bypass attemperator to a re-heater. In addition, the intermediate pressure stage of the boiler feedwater pump may deliver water directly to the bypass attemperator as a supplemental water source.

Abstract: A rankine cycle system, which includes a turbine for driving a generator by way of a gearbox having an oil sump, is adapted to have the oil heated relatively quickly by causing a mixture of hot refrigerant gases from the evaporator and the oil from the low portion of the turbine to be mixed in an eductor and flow to the oil sump for heating the oil.

Abstract: A system and a method of augmenting the heat up of a unit using a compressed, heated gas that contains moisture such as steam or vaporized water such that the specific heat of the gas is increased. In a preferred embodiment, steam in compressed inert gas such as nitrogen is capable of augmenting the heat up cycle for units such as process reactor vessels, furnaces, process steam and power production boilers, turbines, and other production vessels.

Abstract: A power generation plant includes a steam turbine and an electrical generator driven thereby. A condenser is downstream from the steam turbine. Moreover, the power generation plant includes a steam source and an inert gas source. A deaerator downstream from the condenser and is operable to perform deaeration using the inert gas source and is also selectively operable to perform deaeration using the steam source.

Abstract: A power generating system comprises a condenser and a deaerator apparatus. The condenser condenses a working fluid into a condensate and operates at an internal pressure above ambient pressure during a normal operating mode. The deaerator apparatus uses steam to remove contaminants from the condensate to bring the condensate to a desirable purity. The deaerator apparatus is deactivated during a typical operating state of the power generating system such that the condensate bypasses the deaerator apparatus. The deaerator apparatus is activated during a non-typical operating state of the power generating system such that the condensate passes into the deaerator apparatus wherein contaminants can be removed from the condensate. The typical operating state of the power generating system occurs when the condensate comprises a desirable purity and the non-typical operating state of the power generating system occurs when the condensate comprises an undesirable purity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for heating a steam turbine comprising a high-pressure turbine section and a medium-pressure turbine section and/or a low-pressure turbine section. Said method is characterized by the essential aspect that the high-pressure turbine section is impinged upon by steam having relatively great conductivity while the medium-pressure turbine section or the low-pressure turbine section remains closed during said impingement following a cold start. As soon as the conductivity drops below a certain value, the medium-pressure turbine section or the low-pressure turbine section is also impinged upon by steam.

Abstract: An external steam turbine main steam startup control valve bypass loop is provided to facilitate a full pressure combined cycle rapid response/fast start powerplant. The main steam startup bypass control loop particularly includes a main steam startup bypass control valve, which allows for the implementation of high efficiency, low pressure drop main steam control valve that otherwise would not be able to handle the severe throttling duty during a full pressure steam turbine startup and enhances the controllability of the steam turbine allowing for the high fidelity controls necessary to minimize steam turbine rotor stresses.

Abstract: A thermal storage unit having at least one conduit around which a cast is made is provided. The thermal storage unit uses conventional piping or tubing to create conduits that economically maximize the surface area of flow in contact with the thermal mass by proving multiple passes for the fluid through the cast. This enables the thermal storage unit to economically provide heat storage as well as effective heat delivery and pressure containment for a fluid flowing through the conduit.

Abstract: Backup energy systems utilizing compressed air storage (CAS) systems and bridging energy systems to supply backup power to a load are provided. During a power failure, the bridging energy system provides backup power to the load at least until the CAS system begins supplying adequate power. In various embodiments, backup power capability is enhanced through the use of one or more exhaustless heaters, which are used to heat compressed air. The compressed air, in turn, drives a turbine which is used to power an electrical generator. In various embodiments, ambient air heat exchangers or other types of heat exchangers are used to heat compressed air prior to the compressed air being routed to the turbine, thereby increasing system efficiency. Backup power and backup HVAC are also provided by utilizing turbine exhaust, heat exchangers and various resistive heating elements.

Abstract: An air storage plant comprises a storage volume for a pressurized storage fluid, a storage fluid expansion machine and a generator which is arranged with the expansion machine on a common power train. During the start up of the air storage plant, the generator is operated at least temporarily electromotively in order to assist the acceleration of the rotor of the expansion machine. This allows a more rapid acceleration of the expansion machine to the rated rotational speed and, consequently, earlier synchronization and an earlier power output than acceleration caused solely by the storage fluid flowing through.

Abstract: A system for generating back-up electrical power. The system includes a vessel adapted to contain a volume of compressed gas and a valve to release gas from the vessel at a predetermined pressure. A scroll expander is adapted to receive and pass the released gas. A rotary member is rotated by the flow of the released gas passed by the expander. An electrical generator is drivingly connected to the rotatable member of the expander to generate a supply of electrical power. A power conditioning unit has at least one capacitor to store electrical energy to provide a back-up electrical supply for a brief period until the scroll expander and generator can produce the required supply of electrical power.

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: A system and method of cooling a steam turbine having internal moving components to a predetermined temperature by controlling a flow of nitrogen through the turbine, thus decreasing the downtime associated with maintaining the turbine. This provides a more efficient and cost effective method of operating a power plant.

Abstract: The system comprises a main cogeneration module which can be supplied with a flow of fuel for a combustion process and is able to generate electrical energy and thermal energy in the form of a flow of at least one first hot fluid, preferably water. The main module has an electrical output terminal or node which can be directly connected to electrical user appliances and can be connected in parallel to an external electric power generating and supply network via a controlled switching device.

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: There is described a method for heating a steam turbine comprising a medium-pressure turbine section and/or a low-pressure turbine section, the discharge end of the medium-pressure turbine section being provided with a catchment device. Steam penetrating the medium-pressure turbine section during a starting process is retained at an outlet by means of a catchment device in such a way that the pressure of the steam increases in the medium-pressure turbine section. The steam that is discharged from the medium-pressure turbine section is retained, thus increasing the pressure and the temperature of the steam. Heat transfer from the steam to the thick-walled parts located on the medium pressure turbine section and the shaft of the medium-pressure turbine section is augmented, thus reducing the starting time of the steam turbine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for heating a steam turbine comprising a high-pressure turbine section and a medium-pressure turbine section and/or a low-pressure turbine section. Said method is characterized by the essential aspect that the high-pressure turbine section is impinged upon by steam having relatively great conductivity while the medium-pressure turbine section or the low-pressure turbine section remains closed during said impingement following a cold start. As soon as the conductivity drops below a certain value, the medium-pressure turbine section or the low-pressure turbine section is also impinged upon by steam.

Abstract: A method of increasing service interval periods in a steam turbine by neutralizing sodium hydroxide in contaminated steam in a high temperature and a high pressure portion of a steam turbine by placing a protective covering over at least a portion of each of the bolts of a nozzle block assembly. The protective covering neutralizes contaminants in contaminated steam to reduce stress cracking of the bolts during steam turbine operation, and thus extend the useful life of the bolts and reduce the need for service work to repair or replace damaged bolts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for starting a gas and steam turbine system which comprises a gas turbine system which comprises at least one gas turbine, in addition to at least one steam turbine system which comprises at least one steam turbine and at least one steam system. Heat produced by the working fluid and which is released in the gas turbine is guided to the steam system in order to produce steam which drives the steam turbine. According to the invention, during starting, the gas turbine is started prior to the steam turbine and the steam turbine is started in the presence of the first steam in the system and is impinged upon by said steam.

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: Methods and apparatus for fast starting and loading a combined cycle power system are described. In one example embodiment, a method for starting a combined cycle power generation system is provided. The system includes a gas turbine and a steam turbine. The method includes loading the gas turbine at a loading rate that is facilitated to be at an increased loading rate, setting a first predetermined value for a bypass pressure set point for high-pressure steam, and increasing the first predetermined value to a second predetermined value at a predetermined rate.

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: The invention relates to a method for starting a steam turbine installation which comprises at least one steam turbine and at least one steam-generating installation for generating steam for driving the steam turbines, the steam turbine installation having at least one casing component, which has an initial starting temperature of more than 250° C., the temperature of the steam and of the casing component being continually measured, and the casing component of the steam turbine installation being supplied with steam from the starting time point onwards. The starting temperature of the steam is lower than the temperature of the casing component and the temperature of the steam is increased with a start transient and the staring temperature is chosen such that the change in temperature per unit of time of the casing component lies below a predefined limit. The temperature of the casing component initially decreases, until a minimum is reached and then increases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for removing water from a steam plant and to a steam plant with which, according to the degree of impurity of a number of partial volumes of water, a separate collection of the relevant partial water volumes is carried out.

Abstract: A steam turbine installation (1), especially for electricity generation, includes a steam path (2) in which a steam generator (4) and a steam turbine (3) are arranged. In order to reduce the risk of erosion for components which are arranged in the steam path (2), for example blades of the steam turbine (3), an inertial separator (6) is arranged in the steam path (2) between the steam generator (4) and the steam turbine (3).

Abstract: A cooling system for a turbine with a first section and a second section. The first section may include a first line for diverting a first flow with a first temperature from the first section, a second line for diverting a second flow with a second temperature less than the first temperature from the first section, and a merged line for directing a merged flow of the first flow and the second flow to the second section.

Abstract: A storage power station (S), for example an air storage plant, that includes a compressor unit (V), a turbine unit (T) and a storage volume (100) can be operated using a specific method of operation, which allows as fast a reaction as possible to changes in the load demands. Rapid changes in the load demands can be satisfied by controlling the power consumption of the compressor unit (V), which results in a variable net power output, with the power output from the turbine unit (T) remaining constant. The power of the compressor unit can be controlled approximately one order of magnitude more quickly than the power generation machine can be controlled. In the extreme, the compressor unit can simply be shut down, thus resulting in its drive power becoming available to an electricity grid within seconds. During this process, the turbine unit can continue to operate normally, and can slowly follow the power demand, thus reducing the load on the turbine.

Abstract: A method for protecting a gas turbine installation from overheating and for detecting flame extinction in the combustion chamber is described, in which air is compressed in a compressor unit and, after being admixed with fuel, is ignited in the form of a fuel/air mixture in a combustion chamber and is burnt, thus giving rise to a hot gas flow which sets a turbine stage in rotation downstream of the combustion chamber so as to perform expansion work. The pressure upstream of the turbine stage, that is to say the pressure pk of the compressed air in the plenum and/or the pressure within the combustion chamber pcom, is measured, in that a time change of the measured pressure, what is known as the pressure gradient ({dot over (p)}), is determined, in that at least one threshold value is selected, and in that the pressure gradient or a variable derived from the pressure gradient is compared with the at least one threshold value and, if the threshold value is overshot or undershot, a signal is generated.

Abstract: A control system and method are provided for the automatic startup and shutdown of a steam turbine driven chiller unit. The chiller unit includes an integrated central control panel to control operation of both the steam turbine system and the refrigerant system. The central control panel has a startup control system to automatically start the steam turbine driven chiller unit while performing necessary protective actions and a shutdown control system to automatically stop the steam turbine driven chiller unit while performing necessary protective actions.

Abstract: A control system and method for interactive startup and shutdown of a steam turbine driven chiller unit is provided. The chiller unit includes an integrated central control panel to control operation of both the steam turbine system and the refrigerant system. The central control panel has startup control system to assist an operator manually start the steam turbine system and the refrigerant system and a shutdown control system to assist an operator manually shutdown the steam system and the refrigerant system. Both the startup control system and the shutdown control system include logic for performing necessary protective actions and for notifying an operator when to perform required actions.

Abstract: The present inventive subject matter is drawn to a hybrid ultra reliable power generating system for supplying continuous reliable power at remote locations comprising: a primary power unit producing electric power that is supplied to a load. Also a secondary power unit is included in the form of a closed cycle vapor turbine (CCVT) system that is capable of producing 100% of the electric power that is produced by the primary power unit and which is heated in hot standby by rejected heat of the primary power unit, wherein the vaporizer of the CCVT is maintained during hot standby at a temperature above its nominal operating temperature and the vapor turbine of the CCVT is preferable maintained at idle during hot standby at a rotating speed.

Abstract: A method for controlling a turbine-generator including: detecting a power-load unbalance between a turbine and a generator; measuring the duration of a power-load unbalance; measuring the rate of loss of an electrical load; and regulating steam flow through the turbine responsive to the rate of loss of an electrical load and the duration of the power-load unbalance; all of which results in more accurate and robust control of turbine-generator speed.

Abstract: A self-contained, line-mounted, automatic device for reducing and preventing ice deposits on a suspended line, such as a suspended overhead power line.

Abstract: The system comprises a main combined generating module which can be supplied with a flow of a fuel and which can generate electrical energy and thermal energy in the form of a flow of at least a first hot fluid, preferably water. The main module has an electrical output terminal or node which can be connected directly to electrical user appliances and which can also be connected in parallel with an external electrical generating and distribution network by means of a controlled switching device.

Abstract: A plant-operation-schedule optimization system includes a data inputting device transmitting a future operation planned value of at least one plant to be controlled; an operation-data inputting device transmitting operation data concerning the plant; and an operation-schedule calculating unit receiving the operation planned value and the operation data concerning the plant from the data inputting device and the operation data inputting device, respectively, to calculate an optimized operation schedule of the plant. The operation-schedule calculating unit includes an optimization calculator calculating the optimized operation schedule; and a database storing the kind of an operation mode, an operation pattern, and an operation cost according to the operation mode of the plant. The data stored in the database is referred to in the calculation of the optimized operation schedule in the optimization calculator.

Abstract: A steam transformer (200) receives steam through a steam inlet (203), and the steam is mixed in a mixing zone (231) with water entering through a water inlet (205). Steam cooled by contact with the water exits the steam transformer through a cold steam outlet (216). Between the mixing zone (231) and the cold steam outlet (216) is positioned a demister (214) that restricts the passage of water droplets. The steam transformer (200) is used to condition the steam temperature in steam turbine and combined cycle turbine facilities when adjustment of steam temperature is required, such as for cold starts of turbines. The steam transformer (200) may be installed into a bypass circuit or directly inline. A number of differing configurations and designs are disclosed.

Abstract: Backup energy systems utilizing compressed air storage (CAS) systems and bridging energy systems to supply backup power to a load are provided. During a power failure, the bridging energy system provides backup power to the load at least until the CAS system begins supplying adequate power. In various embodiments, backup power capability is enhanced through the use of one or more exhaustless heaters, which are used to heat compressed air. The compressed air, in turn, drives a turbine which is used to power an electrical generator. In various embodiments, ambient air heat exchangers or other types of heat exchangers are used to heat compressed air prior to the compressed air being routed to the turbine, thereby increasing system efficiency. Backup power and backup HVAC are also provided by utilizing turbine exhaust, heat exchangers and various resistive heating elements.

Abstract: In the control of feedwater to the steam generator in a power plant comprising one steam generator and a plurality of turbine plants, the water level in the steam generator and the flow rate balance between the steam flow rate and the feedwater flow rate of each turbine plant will be stabilized. In the power plant comprising one steam generator and a plurality of turbine plants combined, the control in the feedwater controller of the first turbine plant (main turbine plant) is normal control, that is, to control the feedwater control valve through the use of detection signals from the steam generator level detecting unit, the main steam flow detecting unit and the feedwater flow detecting unit of the first turbine plant, and the control in the feedwater controller of the second turbine plant (duplicate turbine plant) is to control the feedwater control valve through the use of a detection signal from the condenser level detecting unit of the first turbine plant.

Abstract: A noise abatement device and method to direct flow in a predetermined manner to substantially reduce the aerodynamic noise and structural vibrations produced by steam entering an air-cooled condenser in a power generating system. The interactive flow between the spargers that produces the aerodynamic noise and structural vibrations is largely eliminated by prohibiting fluid flow through selected flow regions within the spargers. The spargers include a stack of disks with fluid passageways. The fluid passageways are interrupted with continuous and undivided regions of the sparger to direct radial flow away from adjacent spargers, substantially eliminating the interactive flow.

Abstract: In a waste heat recovery system having a superheat controller, a reference superheat controller operating trajectory is established and compared with operational superheat controller trajectories from time to time and measuring the deviation therebetween to determine whether a low charge condition exists. If such a condition does exist, warning steps and possibly shut down steps can be taken. As a verification of a low charge condition, the absence or presence of oscillations in the pressure and/or pump power conditions can be observed.

Abstract: The invention is a positive displacement heat engine; where the engine cycle comprises the steps of Ericsson (isothermal) compression, recuperative heat addition, Brayton (adiabatic) expansion, and recuperative heat removal; whose principle is heat addition to the cycle by an afterburner in which fuel is burned with the low pressure air working fluid exhausted by the expander. The resulting combustion gases are used in a counterflow heat exchange recuperator to continually heat the high pressure air compressed by the compressor. All moving parts are only exposed to clean air, and the expander valves can be operated at temperatures comparable to current internal combustion engines. Liquid, solid or gaseous fuels can be used and control of speed and power is simple, based on keeping engine temperatures constant. The low-pressure continuous combustion avoids fuel pressurization problems and allows high efficiency, low emission combustion processes.

Abstract: A method and a device are for operating a steam turbine in which includes several no-load or light-load phases. All phases are supplied with steam in order to ensure good preheating. The supply of a phase is selected in such a way that the phase produces the least possible output, preferably no output. The enthalpy differential between the entrance to and exit from the phase is thus preferably reduced to zero.

Abstract: A steam temperature control system for a power plant for controlling a temperature of steam flowing through steam pipes connected to a heat exchanger to a target temperature by spraying water by means of a spray valve of an attemperator, having a target temperature calculation section for calculating the target temperature of the steam for determining the target temperatures of the plural steam pipes connected to the heat exchanger in respective steam pipes connected to a common heat exchanger; and an instruction value calculation section for calculating command values to the spray valves disposed to the respective steam pipes, based on the target temperatures determined by the calculation in the target temperature calculating section.

Abstract: A steam turbine and steam turbine plant that can utilize a relatively higher reheated steam, such as about 1300 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, is provided. A steam turbine plant includes a steam generator generating high pressure steam and reheated steam, a high pressure turbine driven by the high pressure steam generated by the steam generator, and an intermediate pressure turbine driven by the reheated steam. A steam bleed line coupled with the high pressure turbine bleeds steam from the high pressure turbine as cooling steam. The intermediate pressure turbine includes a heated steam inlet for receiving the reheated steam, and a cooling steam inlet for receiving the cooling steam. The cooling steam cools components of the intermediate pressure turbine that receive the reheated steam. A low pressure turbine is driven by steam discharged from the intermediate pressure turbine, and a condenser condenses steam discharged from the low pressure turbine into water as a condensate.

Abstract: In a waste heat recovery system wherein an organic rankine cycle system uses waste heat from the fluids of a reciprocating engine, provision is made to continue operation of the engine even during periods when the organic rankine cycle system is inoperative, by providing an auxiliary pump and a bypass for the refrigerant flow around the turbine. Provision is also made to divert the engine exhaust gases from the evaporator during such periods of operation. In one embodiment, the auxiliary pump is made to operate simultaneously with the primary pump during normal operations, thereby allowing the primary pump to operate at lower speeds with less likelihood of cavitation.