Abstract: A number of variations may include a combustion engine tailpipe exhaust circuit defining an exhaust stream and a waste heat recovery system constructed and arranged to recover thermal energy from at least one of a tailpipe exhaust circuit, exhaust stream, charge air cooler, exhaust gas recirculation fluid stream, or coolant stream. The waste heat recovery system may include an expander assembly that may include a first pump, an expander, an evaporator, and a condenser. A second pump driven by the waste heat recovery system may be in fluid communication with the tailpipe exhaust circuit and exhaust stream and may be constructed and arranged to reduce exhaust pressure in the tailpipe exhaust circuit and exhaust stream. A third pump may be in fluid communication with an exhaust gas recirculation fluid stream and which is constructed and arranged to pump the exhaust gas recirculation fluid stream within the exhaust gas recirculation system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the operation of a gas turbine unit with an evaporative intake air cooling system in the intake air pathway, wherein the return water flow of the evaporative intake air cooling system is used for the cooling of components of the gas turbine unit and/or of a generator coupled to the gas turbine unit and/or of another element coupled to the gas turbine unit, and a gas turbine unit adapted to be operated using this method.

Abstract: A shaft sealing system and method are disclosed for a high or intermediate pressure turbine section having a rotating member including a shaft and a stationary member surrounding the rotating member and defining a steam flow path. The shaft sealing system comprises at least one seal disposed about each of a first end and a second end of the shaft; and a connection line for conducting steam from the first turbine section to a downstream portion of the turbine. The downstream portion of the turbine is one of a low pressure section and a condenser, and has a lower pressure than both of the first turbine section and ambient pressure conditions.

Abstract: A steam turbine direct contact condenser prevents cooling water sprayed from spray nozzles from reaching turbine blades of an axial-flow turbine, while introducing turbine exhaust gases exhausted by a steam turbine in the horizontal direction to cool such gases. The condenser includes an exhaust gas inlet part that introduces the turbine exhaust gases containing steam of the steam turbine and non-condensable gases in the horizontal direction, a steam cooling chamber that sprays cooling water to the introduced turbine exhaust gases to cool them, and a water storage disposed at the bottom of the steam cooling chamber that stores condensed water cooled from the steam and the cooling water. The steam cooling chamber includes a first cooling water spraying mechanism and a second cooling water spraying mechanism.

Abstract: A method for converting heat energy into mechanical, electrical and/or thermal energy, includes two circuits which are connected one common subsection. The first circuit has an expansion apparatus, and the common subsection is connected to the first and second circuit via a jet compressor. A working medium is routed in the first circuit and a propellant is routed in the second circuit and a mixture of working medium and propellant is routed in the common subsection. The mixture is separated into a working medium stream and a propellant stream in a separation apparatus. The working medium is recirculated into the first circuit and is supplied to an evaporator unit. The evaporated working medium is supplied to the expansion apparatus and subsequently to the jet compressor. The separated propellant is recirculated into the second circuit and is supplied to a collector and is then supplied to the jet compressor.

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: A method and apparatus reliable, accurate and continuous measurement of air inleakage into the condenser of a steam-electric power plant with convenient monitoring by power plant personnel.

Abstract: A production plant comprises a primary-process system (10) and an energy-recovery system (100). The energy-recovery system (100) includes a fluid line (110) for conveying a medium and a heat exchanger (120) placing the fluid line (110) in heat-transfer relationship with an exhaust line (40) upstream of a scrubber (70). The heat exchanger (120) causes condensation of water vapor within the exhaust line (40) and transfers heat to the medium within the fluid line (110).

Abstract: A condensation method is described according to which exhaust steam from a turbine (1) of a condensation power plant is supplied to an air-cooled condenser (3) for condensation. The condensate (K) obtained in the condenser (3) is preheated in a condensate heating stage (6) prior to its supply to an evaporator upstream of the turbine (1) by means of a feed pump. The condensate (K) is heated by a partial steam flow (T) of the turbine (1). A degasifier (8) is mounted in parallel to the condensate heating stage (6) for degasifying the makeup feed water (W).

Abstract: An air-cooled condenser has a first stage comprising both a K and a D section with fin tubes fed with steam at both ends, and a second stage comprising a D section. Each core tube in the first stage has at least one extraction channel at the trailing edge of the core tube located in an unfinned section of the core tube and separated from the main section of the core tube by a rib or baffle. Extraction channels may be provided at both the leading and trailing edges or rounded ends of the core tube, or at the trailing edge only. Openings in the rib connect at least a central portion of the main section to the extraction channel. The upper end of each extraction channel of each core tube is connected via an extraction passageway and transfer duct to the lower ends of the D-section fin tubes. The D-section creates a strong suction action to draw steam and non-condensibles out of the first stage.

Abstract: A power plant apparatus comprising a condenser for condensing turbine exhaust steam having a steam dome, a steam inlet, a tube bundle, a hot well for collecting condensate, an air removal section, an internal makeup water heater bundle. An internal makeup water header which includes a pipe having spray nozzles arranged counter-current to the flow of steam introduced by the steam inlet is used to introduce heated makeup water into the exhaust stream from the turbine within the condenser.

Abstract: The invention consists a dual section vessel including a first section being a turbine exhaust steam enclosure and a second section being a condensate water vessel accumulation, both sections being connected by a system of water columns. The system of water columns comprising moderate diffusers for retaining turbine exhaust steam velocity without increasing in pressure, towards impact with cold recirculated condensate water. The recirculated warm condensate water from the condensate water vessel flows through a counter current heat exchanger, and as cold condensate water to dispersion pipes connected to the ends of the diffusers. This complete system is arranged for receiving, compressing and condensing the exhaust steam from the turbine last stage. From the collision location the exhaust steam and condensate water continue to flow as “two phase flow” downward to the “condensate water vessel.

Abstract: A condensation system for the condensation of turbine exhaust steam has a condenser installation (25) in which a surface condenser (30) and a direct-contact condenser (35) work in combination. In this case, the two condensers (30, 35) are either arranged in a single common housing or are each arranged in a separate housing. In one embodiment, the condenser installation (25) is connected in a circulation circuit for the cooling media to a wet-dry cooling tower or hybrid cooling tower (40). In this case, the cooling water of the surface condenser (30) is recooled in the wet part (42) and the cooling condensate of the direct-contact condenser (35) is recooled in the dry part (41) of the hybrid cooling tower (40).

Abstract: A method for capturing working fluid which includes a hazardous component and is discharged from a power generating system, includes directing the discharge to a container. There, the discharged working fluid is combined with a liquid in which the hazardous component is soluble to form a less hazardous mixture.

Abstract: A large electrical power plant includes two operating units, one of which is more efficient and is run as a base load unit. The less efficient operating unit is run only during periods of peak demand or when the more efficient unit is down. Hot condensate from the more efficient unit is cooled in the condenser of the less efficient unit and then sprayed into the turbine outlet of the more efficient unit. This condenses steam more efficiently, at a lower pressure, and allows the more efficient unit to produce more electricity because there is a greater pressure differential across the turbine. In addition, cool condensate is sprayed into the duct connecting the turbine and the condenser to reduce choking flow, when it is prone to occur. In addition, cool make up water is sprayed into the condenser of the operating unit.

Abstract: A system and method for direct-contact condensation with condensate, cold, and heat supplies in steam-turbine power plants, evaporators, and other heat-and-mass transfer equipment having a condenser. Outside snow/ice collectors accumulate and store snow, atmospheric ice, and condensate for transporting the snow/ice coolant to an inside storage area when needed. The snow/ice from outside delivery and from the inside storage area is transported into a hard foreign matter separator. A grinder prepares an atmospheric ice powder to spray into a condenser. A vacuum exhaust pump/air ejector evacuates cold air from a condenser well for a vacuum support and for cooling uses. A condensate pump transports icy condensate from the condenser well to the inside storage area. Filters catch a mud from condensate for feed-water protection from impurities.

Abstract: In a method for degassing make-up water for a water-steam-circuit of a steam turbine process make-up water is introduced at a location of introduction into an exhaust steam pipe of the steam turbine so as to form a water film. A connector of the exhaust steam pipe is positioned in the vicinity of the location of introduction and connected to an evacuating device. The gases released from the make-up water are removed via the connector and the evacuating device. The device for performing the method has an exhaust steam pipe with an inner wall and free ends. At least one overflow trough including a deflecting shield is connected to the inner wall of the exhaust steam pipe. Closure plates are connected to the free ends of the exhaust steam pipe. The deflecting shield, the closure plates, the inner wall, and the overflow trough delimit a chamber having an opening toward the interior of the exhaust steam pipe only at the lower free edge of the deflecting shield.

Abstract: A unique arrangement of components comprising an open Rankine cycle power system for under water application is provided. The arrangement features a high energy density steam generator, a turbine, pumps and other apparatus to provide and control the flow of a seawater working fluid and the use of a mixing condenser to condense the spent steam. The mixing condenser uses droplets of seawater to condense the steam exhausted from the turbine. Alternatively, the steam may be introduced into a pool of water in the mixing condenser by means of a bubble device. The mixing condenser also provides a preheated feedwater supply for the boiler. This system facilitates the packaging of power sources an order of magnitude more powerful than current sources. Moreover, this system can be installed in current vehicles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for diffusing a liquid condensate return stream in an industrial steam condenser to reduce erosion and corrosion on the condenser structure. One or more diffuser screens are located intermediate a sparger nozzle and a condenser structure to diffuse the condensate screen prior to impact on the condenser structure.

Abstract: Power is produced by a power plant using a salt-water solar pond comprising an upper wind-mixed layer, a halocline and a lower convective heat storage layer. The power plant includes a heat engine for utilizing heat present in the heat storage layer of the solar pond and a condenser, which preferably is cooled by liquid droplets. In accordance with a specific embodiment of the invention the power plant is positioned within the solar pond and a flash evaporator is used in the heat engine to produce steam which is supplied to a turbine connected to a generator, the heat depleted steam exiting from the turbine and being cooled by liquid droplets in a direct-contact condenser. The size of the droplets is selected such that the heat extracted in the condenser penetrates the majority of the liquid content of most of the droplets.

Abstract: A system for converting thermal energy into electrical energy includes a fluid reservoir, a relatively high boiling point fluid such as lead or a lead alloy within the reservoir, a downcomer defining a vertical fluid flow path communicating at its upper end with the reservoir and an upcomer defining a further vertical fluid flow path communicating at its upper end with the reservoir. A variable area nozzle of rectangular section may terminate the upper end of the upcomer and the lower end of the of the downcomer communicates with the lower end of the upcomer. A mixing chamber is located at the lower end portion of the upcomer and receives a second relatively low boiling point fluid such as air, the mixing chamber serving to introduce the low boiling point fluid into the upcomer so as to produce bubbles causing the resultant two-phase fluid to move at high velocity up the upcomer.

Abstract: Component size difficulties in a closed-cycle steam turbine system are eliminated by disposing an annular regenerator about a turbine wheel and providing spray nozzles at the outlet of the regenerator for eliminating superheat in the exhaust steam passing through the regenerator prior to its condensation in a condenser.

Abstract: An apparatus for deaerating condensate in a condenser employed in a steam turbine plant, an open conduit to permit the condensate to flow to a covered conduit covered so that the condensate cannot flow therein without passing the open conduit. The condensate is heated in the open conduit, resulting in more effective and quicker deaeration of the condensate and as well as a shortened start up of the plant.

Abstract: A heat exchanger comprises a housing containing upper and lower layers of fluid, the upper layer being less dense than the lower layer. The large and sharp density gradient at the interface between the upper and lower layer acts to prevent mixing of the two layers. A plurality of vertically oriented tubular sleeves that are closed at each end and filled with fresh water are located in the housing such that the axial ends of each tubular sleeve are in different ones of the layers. Heat added to the liquid in the lower layer is transferred to the liquid in the upper layer through the medium of the water container in the tubular sleeves.

Abstract: An air cooled vacuum producing condenser is disclosed for condensing vapors containing non-condensible gases, i.e. air. The condenser includes a condenser chamber with a bundle of condenser tubes across the chamber. Inlet and outlet headers are disposed at opposite ends of the chamber. Water is directed downwardly onto the bundle of condenser tubes, and air is discharged from the interior of the chamber to create a downward flow of air through the chamber across the bundle of condenser tubes.

Abstract: Condensing exhaust steam by conveying a stream of the exhaust steam under vacuum to a base cooling tower to condense the steam so long as the heat rejection capacity of the base cooling tower is adequate to condense the steam; supplementing the base cooling tower, when it provides inadequate cooling, by contemporaneously also withdrawing cold cooling water from a cold water reservoir and injecting the cooling water into the stream of exhaust steam under vacuum to condense a portion of the steam to water such that the remaining portion of the steam is condensed to water in the base cooling tower; withdrawing hot condensed water from the exhaust steam stream and feeding a portion thereof to a hot reservoir; withdrawing hot cooling water from the hot reservoir, when the cooling tower capacity is adequate to decrease the temperature of the exhaust steam to below the temperature of the hot cooling water in the hot reservoir, and subjecting the withdrawn hot cooling water to the exhaust steam vacuum to cool the hot

Abstract: Liquid working fluid is drained from the sump of the cannister of a power plant of the type described by transferring the working fluid to the condenser rather than to the boiler. In one embodiment of the invention, liquid in the sump is drained by gravity into an auxiliary boiler which heats the drained liquid producing vapor at substantially the pressure of the condenser; and the resultant vapor is piped directly into the condenser where it condenses and joins the main condensate produced from vapor that has been exhausted from the turbine. In a second embodiment of the invention, the exhaust conduit carrying exhaust vapor from the cannister to the condenser is provided with a loop or elbow that extends below the level of the cannister, and a conduit connects the sump in the cannister to the loop.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of cooling and condensing exhaust steam from a power plant which rejects heat to air and uses a peak shaving water based cooling system to supplement a primary cooling system. During regeneration of the cooling water, which is heated during peak shaving, the hot water is fed directly to the boiler.

Abstract: A working fluid in the gaseous state at some initial temperature and pressure is expanded polytropically to a resulting exhaust fluid (vapor and liquid) having some lower pressure at some lower temperature in order to produce useful work. The exhaust fluid is then, in a manner approaching constant enthalpy, compressed to the working fluid's nominal original high pressure. Thereafter, the fluid undergoes constant pressure heating to restore its initial state. Of the several methods described for achieving isenthalpic compression, the preferred method uses an isenthalpic compression apparatus which educts the exhaust fluid vapors into a throat located between a motive fluid inlet nozzle and a wider recompression outlet. After eduction, and entrainment into the motive fluid, the exhaust vapors are recompressed by the deceleration produced at the recompression outlet. Thereafter the working fluid and motive fluid are separated.

Abstract: Steam generation means in a closed system having a pressured steam boiler positioned within a closed heated feed water chamber. The steam generated in the boiler is used to drive a turbine and an associated electrical generator whose output augments the outside primary source of electrical power which is fed to one or more electrical resistance units located in the boiler. The exhaust steam from the turbine at reduced pressure is used to supply heat in any closed steam consuming device such as a space heating system. The condensate is returned to the feed water chamber where it is held in preheated condition ready to be pumped into the boiler to maintain the boiler water level. The efficiency of the system is substantially increased by having means for raising the temperature of the turbine and turbine housing thereby to lessen the temperature drop of the steam entering and leaving the turbine.

Abstract: A geothermal deep well energy extraction system is provided of the general type in which solute-bearing hot water is pumped to the earth's surface from a relatively low temperature geothermal source by transferring thermal energy from the hot water to a working fluid for driving a primary turbine-motor and a primary electrical generator at the earth's surface. The superheated expanded exhaust from the primary turbine motor is conducted to a bubble tank where it bubbles through a layer of sub-cooled working fluid that has been condensed. The superheat and latent heat from the expanded exhaust of the turbine transfers thermal energy to the sub-cooled condensate. The desuperheated exhaust is then conducted to the condenser where it is condensed and sub-cooled, whereupon it is conducted back to the bubble tank via a barometric storage tank. The novel condensing process of this invention makes it possible to exploit geothermal sources which might otherwise be non-exploitable.

Abstract: There are disclosed four embodiments of apparatus for use in condensing steam from the turbine exhaust of a power plant or the like, each comprising a steam condenser having means for circulating cooling medium therethrough in heat exchange relation with steam from the turbine exhaust, and wet and dry cooling towers in which the cooling medium is cooled by means of ambient air.

Abstract: A method of operation of a vapor cycle heat engine which includes the steps of regeneration, recompression, reheating and isothermal recompression with feedwater spray injection for improved cycle efficiency.

Abstract: Power is generated using the temperature difference between the water at the surface of a large body of water whose temperature might be in the vicinity of 25.degree. C. or 77.degree. F., and water at considerable depth in the body of water whose temperature might be in the order of about 5.degree. C. or 41.degree. F. A floating structure is provided which extends in the order of 50 meters below the surface of the water, and input water is initially filtered and deaerated, and then drops for most of the height of the submerged structure before driving a conventional hydraulic turbine. The warm water at the output of the turbine is returned to the level of the surface of the body of water by a mist flow pump arrangement using a large tapered duct that is operated at reduced pressure, with droplets of the warm water from the output of the turbine being sprayed into the bottom of the duct.

Abstract: A thermodynamic system heats a portion of a liquid from a reservoir to vaporize some of the liquid and use the vapor to power an injector. The injector pumps unvaporized liquid through a path leading from the reservoir and through a rotatably driven transducer that outputs energy from the system. Two immiscible liquids can be used so that a portion of one of the liquids is vaporized to power the injector, and the other liquid is pumped through the transducer. Also, a vortex tube is preferably arranged between the vaporizer and the injector for dividing the vaporized liquid into relatively hot and cold portions and feeding the hot portion to the injector to power the injector.

Abstract: A modular integrated cooling and heating system for effluents and other uses involving mixing tanks connected in series, hot water supply pipes connected to each of the mixing tanks in order to convey to each mixing tank a portion of the hot water effluent from a power plant. Cooling water pipes are connected to each of said mixing tanks in order to deliver cooling water from a river or other source to said mixing tanks whereby hot and cooling water mixes in said first tank with the water mixture being continuously passed into said second tank for mixing with additional cooling water from a cooling water pipe. The number of stages or mixing tanks will vary depending upon the cooling capacity desired.

Abstract: In conjunction with a heat engine such as a turbine in which the medium expands and is cooled while giving up energy, which uses a closed system in which the medium is cooled so that the vaporized medium condenses to fluid, a heat pump is used in which the medium is transported by a compressor utilizing an ejector, particularly an ejector having at least two nozzles for injection of liquid working medium, with the temperature of the working medium fed to the two nozzles being different from each other.

Abstract: A power producing system includes a source of geothermally heated fluid having inorganic salts dissolved therein. The fluid is directed through a first direct contact heat exchanger in heat transfer relation with a working fluid of a type insoluble in a liquid including inorganic salts. The vaporous working fluid thus produced is expanded through a prime mover and then directed through a second direct contact heat exchanger. The vaporous fluid is condensed in said second direct contact heat exchanger by passing in heat transfer relation with a relatively cold heat exchange medium comprising a liquid brine solution. The condensed working fluid is thereafter returned to the first direct contact heat exchanger for repeated reuse in the cycle. Inorganic salts are mixed with either the geothermal heated fluid or the relatively cold heat exchange medium to maintain the percentage by weight of inorganic salt in each of the fluids above a predetermined value to prevent the working fluid from being absorbed therein.

Abstract: Steam resources, which may in some cases be of forms heretofore considered unusable because of low energy content or corrosive contamination, are used for electrical power and water treatment operations in installations where these formerly separate activities may be combined, with the waste products of one being a valuable input to the other. In one embodiment, discharge heat from a steam driven generating station and contaminated sewage water, each of which formerly presented costly or environmentally hazardous disposal problems, are combined to produce sterilized water reusable for crop irrigation. In another embodiment, fresh water enroute to a municipal utility system is used to condense discharge steam from generating station turbines for return to the boilers while sterilizing the water to reduce or eliminate cholorination requirements.

Abstract: A heat exchanger in a close cycle gas turbine power plant has, on its heat abduction side, a system of cooling units connected to it by means of which the efficiency of the plant is considerably increased. Such units consist of evaporators and vapor turbines with condensers and air coolers, the vapor turbines being driven by vapors generated in the evaporators. The latter, in turn, are heated by the heat abduction side of the heat exchanger in the main cycle. The exhaust vapors are precipitated in condensers and cooled down by air coolers and recoolers and partly circulated back to the heat abduction side of the heat exchanger in the main cycle.

Abstract: The invention described herein pertains to a combination hydraulic thermodynamic prime mover, for the conversion of thermal energy from low-temperature heat sources, such as solar heat, geothermal steam of poor quality and waste heat of all kinds, into useful mechanical or electrical power, employing a new and novel technique of low temperature-pressure energy conversion.

Abstract: In a steam engine, an intermediate phase is provided for preheating the feedwater before it enters the boiler. The preheating is achieved by means of the reapplication of the otherwise dispensable exhaust steam in a simple feedback operation in which the exhaust steam is introduced directly into the feedwater. By means of electronic controls the operation of the system at the highest possible point of preheat (up to 210.degree. F.) is achieved thus assuring both high efficiency of the machine and cumulative economy in fuel consumption as well. The latter is further augmented by generous application of insulation to prevent wasteful dissipation of thermal energy as well as to effect protection of the system against the elements.

Abstract: This is a method and apparatus for practicing the method, for the utilization of geothermal energy for the production of power, wherein a fluid (stream and/or hot liquid, or the like) from a geothermal aquifer is brought up the surface of the Earth through several wells of a group, and returned as condensate after passing through an energy extractor through another well, or wells of the group, and wherein a reversible flow arangement is provided whereby the fluid may be taken from different wells and utilized with the condensate going back through different wells successively and in turn by means of which salt deposits are eliminated, the heat of the aquifer is maintained, and maximum energy exraction is achieved.

Abstract: A turboexpander preferably for cooling natural gas, comprising a casing whose shaft carries operating stages with blades. Provided in the casing in the direction of the gas-liquid flow is at least one separating stage wherein set in succession are a guiding device with a blade pitch smaller than that of corresponding blades of the operating stage, and a runner. The profile of the runner blades has an extended inlet portion with spouts provided on its back. Besides, there is a ring chamber provided in the casing along the periphery of the runner, said ring chamber having a slit for collection of the separated liquid and a branch pipe located in the lower part of the casing.

Abstract: An improved Stirling cycle type engine is provided wherein the working fluid is a condensible fluid such as steam and a portion of the steam is condensed prior to the introduction of the steam into the cold cylinder zone. Before and/or during compression of the steam in the cold cylinder zone, water is injected in an amount equal to, greater than or less than the amount condensed.

Abstract: Steam or other condensable vapor heated to a maximum temperature at a maximum pressure permitted by the system is expanded to a lower pressure in a positive displacement expander; the partially expanded fluid is then further expanded in a turbine, a portion of the fluid in the turbine is withdrawn and directed to a positive displacement compressor and compressed to the maximum operating pressure while introducing the condensate of the remaining portion of the fluid into the compressor. The compressed fluid is then reheated to maximum temperature and the cycle repeats.

Abstract: A closed cycle steam generating system comprising a steam boiler and a steam turbine includes a vacuum pump of the liquid vortex type for condensing the exhaust steam from the turbine, a feedwater pump being employed for returning the condensate to the boiler. The tank of the vortex pump is maintained filled with water and the pressure in the tank is regulated automatically to maintain a predetermined value thereof.

Abstract: Steam turbine power plants employ condensers for condensing the dead steam of the turbine. The required cooling in the condenser is obtained by cooling water which is, in case of dry cooling towers, injected into a mixing condenser. Recooling of the cooling water is obtained in surface heat exchangers of the dry cooling tower which carry off the heat by means of air.Where the employment of such system is jeopardised by the hazards of climatic conditions, it is suggested to associate water cooled heat exchangers with the surface heat exchangers and the dry cooling tower of the system. Such water cooled heat exchangers serve as auxiliary means where the cooling effect of the surface heat exchangers of the dry cooling tower fails to ensure a desired low condensation temperature in the mixing condenser.