Abstract: In an embodiment, a gas turbine system is provided. The gas turbine system may include a supplementary air system and a flow diffuser configured to receive compressed air from the supplementary air system. The gas turbine system further comprises a gas turbine compressor downstream the flow diffuser, a combustor downstream the gas turbine compressor, a turbine downstream the combustor, and a turbine haft. The turbine shaft comprises a thrust bearing and a clutch. When the gas turbine system is operating, the gas turbine compressor does not consume electricity.

Abstract: A method of modifying an existing gas turbine to create a storage engine, the gas turbine having a combustor, a compressor section, and a turbine section, the method comprising modifying the compressor section of the gas turbine to form the storage engine such that air supplied to the combustor of the storage engine is heated by exhaust of the storage engine and is supplied from a remote source.

Abstract: A compressed gas energy storage system may include an accumulator for containing a layer of compressed gas atop a layer of liquid. A gas conduit may have an upper end in communication with a gas compressor/expander subsystem and a lower end in communication with accumulator interior for conveying compressed gas into the compressed gas layer of the accumulator when in use. A shaft may have an interior for containing a quantity of a liquid and may be fluidly connectable to a liquid source/sink via a liquid supply conduit. A partition may cover may separate the accumulator interior from the shaft interior. An internal accumulator force may act on the inner surface of the partition and the liquid within the shaft may exert an external counter force on the outer surface of the partition, whereby a net force acting on the partition is less than the accumulator force.

Abstract: A system for better utilization of liquefied natural gas (LNG) on gasification of the liquid includes a gas power generation subsystem, a steam power generation subsystem, an energy storage subsystem, and a cooling subsystem. A gasification device of the gas power generation subsystem renders the LNG gaseous and collects cold energy generated during the gasification. The gas is supplied to the gas power generation device for generating electrical power and the cold energy is supplied to the steam power generation subsystem and the cold storage subsystem. Electrical power generated by the gas power generation subsystem and the steam power generation subsystem is supplied to the cooling subsystem, and the energy stored in the energy storage subsystem is also supplied to the cooling subsystem.

Abstract: A system for producing and storing electrical energy includes a thermally insulated chamber containing a first circuitry in which circulates a first working fluid, a hot source, a cold source, wherein the hot source is composed of a pure water ice slurry at 0° C., the cold source is composed of an ice slurry with a temperature lower than or equal to ?40° C. and the system for producing/storing electrical energy further includes a second circuitry of working fluid for circulating a second working fluid between the hot source and a thermostat, wherein the second working fluid is circulated between said thermostat and the hot source by an auxiliary expansion valve and an auxiliary compressor.

Abstract: A fuel system for a gas turbine engine comprises an injector disposed to inject fuel and air into a combustor of the gas turbine engine. In a first embodiment, the fuel system further comprises an air separation module configured to supply oxygen-enriched air into the combustor via the injector for combustion. In a second embodiment, the fuel system further comprises a barbotage system and a heating element. The barbotage system is configured to feed hydrogen to the injector, and the heating element is configured to pre-heat the fuel.

Abstract: A compressed fluid storage power generation device including a compressor and compressor bodies for compressing a working fluid; a pressure accumulation tank for storing the working fluid compressed by the compressor bodies; a power generator having expanders which are driven by the working fluid and a power generator body which is driven by the expanders; high-temperature heat recovery units for recovering heat from the working fluid flowing from the compressor bodies into the pressure accumulation tank; high-temperature heating units for heating, with the recovered heat, the working fluid flowing from the pressure accumulation tank into the expanders; a low-temperature heat recovery unit for recovering heat generated in a low-temperature heat generation section of the compressor and/or power generator into a low-temperature heat carrier; and low-temperature heating units for heating the working fluid by means of heat exchange with the low-temperature heat carrier carrying the heat recovered by the low-tempe

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel apparatus and methods for augmenting the power of a gas turbine engine, improving gas turbine engine operation, and reducing the response time necessary to meet changing demands of a power plant. Improvements in power augmentation and engine operation include additional heated compressed air injection from a power augmentation system and a motor-generator in selective operation with the power augmentation system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for generating electrical energy in a combined system consisting of a power plant and an air handling system. The power plant comprises a first gas expansion unit connected to a generator. The air handling system comprises an air compression unit, a heat exchange system, and a fluid tank. In a first operating mode, feed air is compressed in the air compression unit and cooled in the heat exchange system. A storage fluid is generated from the compressed and cooled feed air and is stored as cryogenic fluid in fluid tank. In a second operating mode, cryogenic fluid is removed from fluid tank and is vaporized, or pseudo-vaporized, at superatmospheric pressure. The gaseous high pressure storage fluid generated is expanded in the gas expansion unit. Gaseous natural gas is introduced into the heat exchange system (21) to be liquefied.

Abstract: Provided herein is a hybrid system for generating oxygen on-board an aircraft for passengers and/or flight crew to breath. The system includes a first chemical oxygen generator component configured to promptly supply oxygen suitable for breathing upon an emergency situation arising and during an initial descent mode. Heat produced from the exothermic decomposition reactions inherent in several types of chemical oxygen generators can be harvested and feed to a second oxygen generator. The second oxygen generator is a solid electrolyte oxygen separation system that catalytically separates oxygen from air inside specialized ceramic materials at high temperatures, about 650° C. to 750° C., using electrical voltage. The ability to feed heat from the first oxygen generator to the second oxygen generator substantially reduces the lag time until the second ceramic oxygen generator is available to take over as the oxygen supply.

Abstract: An apparatus performs a power cycle involving expansion of compressed air utilizing high pressure (HP) and low pressure (LP) air turbines located upstream of a gas turbine. The power cycle involves heating of the compressed air prior to its expansion in the HP and LP air turbines. Taking into consideration fuel consumption to heat the compressed air, particular embodiments may result in a net production of electrical energy of ˜2.2-2.5× an amount of energy consumed by substantially isothermal air compression to produce the compressed air supply. Although pressure of the compressed air supply may vary over a range (e.g. as a compressed air storage unit is depleted), the gas turbine may run under almost constant conditions, facilitating its integration with the apparatus. The air turbines may operate at lower temperatures than the gas turbine, and they may include features of turbines employed to turbocharge large reciprocating engines.

Abstract: A system for augmenting gas turbine power output includes a compressed air supply, and a compressed air storage plenum in fluid communication with the compressed air supply. The compressed air storage plenum is configured to store a compressed air from the compressed air supply for later use. The system further includes an inlet plenum sealingly coupled to an inlet of the gas turbine. The inlet plenum is in fluid communication with the compressed air storage plenum so as to route the compressed air from the compressed air storage plenum into the inlet of the compressor during augmented operation of the gas turbine.

Abstract: A power plant includes a power machine and a flue gas flow path following downstream of the power machine. A flue gas flow path is scavenged with fresh air before the flue gas flow path is acted upon with flue gas. To carry out the scavenging operation, air is extracted from a pressure accumulator and the air is introduced into the flue gas flow path downstream of the power machine. The power machine can be an exhaust gas heat exchanger.

Abstract: A system for converting liquid fuel into gaseous fuel is provided. The system may have a supply of liquid fuel. The system may also have a combustor, and one or more pumps in fluid communication with the supply. The one or more pumps may be configured to pump liquid fuel from the supply into the combustor. The system may also have a compressor in fluid communication with an inlet of the combustor, and a turbine in fluid communication with an outlet of the combustor. The turbine may be connected to drive the compressor and the one or more pumps. The system may also have a heat exchanger in fluid communication with an outlet of the turbine and an outlet of the one or more pumps.

Abstract: A method of operating a compressed air energy storage (CAES) system includes operating a compressor train of the CAES system, thereby compressing air. The method further includes, while operating the compressor train: inter-cooling a first portion of the compressed air; further compressing the inter-cooled first portion; after-cooling the further compressed first portion; supplying the after-cooled first portion to a storage vessel; supplying a second portion of the compressed air to a combustor; combusting the second portion; and operating a turbine train of the CAES system using the combusted second portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is an advanced process that relates to the enhanced production of energy using the integration of multiple thermal cycles (Brayton and Rankine) that employ multiple fuels, multiple working fluids, turbines and equipment. The method includes providing a nuclear reactor, reactor working fluid, heat exchangers, compressors, and multiple turbines to drive compressors that pressurize a humidified working fluid that is combusted with fuel fired in at least one gas turbine. The turbine(s) provide for electrical energy, processes or other mechanical loads.

Abstract: A gas turbine includes a compressor with a plurality of pressure plates, a combustor downstream from the compressor, and a turbine downstream from the combustor and axially aligned with the compressor. The combustor produces combustion gases that flow to the turbine. A first manifold connected to the combustor contains a first process gas for combustion in the combustor. A second manifold connected upstream of the turbine contains a second process gas, and a portion of the second process gas flows to the plurality of pressure plates.

Abstract: A power generation system includes a first compressor, a second compressor, a combustor configured to receive compressed air from the second compressor to produce an exhaust stream, a first turbine, and a power turbine. The first turbine is configured to receive the exhaust stream, generate a rotational power from the exhaust stream, output the rotational power to a second compressor, and output the exhaust stream. The system includes a coupling device configured to couple and decouple the first compressor to/from a second turbine, an electrical generator coupled to an output of the power turbine and configured to output electrical power, and a controller configured to cause the coupling device to mechanically decouple the second turbine from the first compressor, and cause the coupling device to direct compressed air from an air storage cavern to an inlet of the second compressor.

Abstract: A compressor-less micro gas turbine has a compressed working medium container for maintaining a gas turbine under pressure. A combustion chamber is in fluid communication with the compressed gas container for receiving a gas from the gas container and heating the gas within the combustion chamber to create an expanded gas. A heater heats the combustion chamber to expand the working gas therein. A turbine in fluid communication with the combustion chamber for receiving the expanded gas. The expanded gas drives the turbine. A generator is operatively coupled to the turbine. The turbine provides a mechanical input to the generator causing the generator to produce electricity.

Abstract: A compressed air energy storage system and method of capturing CO2 during compressed air energy storage the system and method including a gas inlet pipe, at least one air compressor stage attached to the gas inlet pipe and adapted for compression of a gas, a heat transfer system to cool the gas during or after compression, the heat being recycled throughout the system, at least one absorption bed for separating CO2 from the compressed gas attached to the heat transfer system, at least one compressed gas reservoir having an inlet and an outlet, the reservoir attached at its inlet to the absorption bed, at least one preheater stage attached to the outlet of the compressed gas reservoir for heating a compressed gas after storage in the compressed gas reservoir, and at least one gas expander attached to the preheater stage and adapted for the expansion of the compressed gas.

Abstract: A Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) system includes a first combustion turbine assembly (42) having a shaft (52) coupled to a motor (54), a compressor (44) and a debladed turbine element (46). A second combustion turbine assembly (68) has a shaft (74) coupled to an electrical generator (80), a turbine (70) and a debladed compressor (72). A first interconnection (58) is from an output of the compressor (44) of the first combustion turbine assembly to an air storage (66). A second interconnection (87) is from the air storage to the turbine (70) of the second combustion turbine assembly for producing power. An expander (88) and an electrical generator (94) are provided. A third interconnection (90) is from the air storage (66) to the expander (88). A source of heat preheats compressed air in the third interconnection. A fourth interconnection (96) is from the expander to the turbine (70).

Abstract: A method for operating a power plant is disclosed. The power plant comprises a power machine and a flue gas flow path following downstream of the power machine. A flue gas flow path is scavenged with fresh air before the flue gas flow path is acted upon with flue gas. To carry out the scavenging operation, air is extracted from a pressure accumulator and the air is introduced into the flue gas flow path downstream of the power machine. The power machine can be an exhaust gas heat exchanger.

Abstract: A semiclosed power system utilizing a Brayton cycle with combustion occurring between diesel fuel and O2 in direct contact with an inert gas. The inert gas and products of combustion form a heated working fluid which is expanded in a turbine to provide power. The expanded working fluid is then used in a regenerator to heat the cooler, compressed inert gas before the inert gas is transferred to the combustor. The expanded working fluid is cooled by direct contact with seawater causing the steam within the expanded working fluid to condense to water and CO2 in the working fluid to be dissolved in the water and seawater. The inert gas is separated from the fluids and recycled within the system. The fluids are pumped overboard.

Abstract: A system includes a compression system fluidly coupled to a compartment to compress a first quantity of gas for storage in the compartment, the compression system including a compression path to convey the first quantity of gas; an expansion system fluidly coupled to the compartment to expand a second quantity of gas from the compartment, the expansion system including an expansion path to convey the second quantity of gas; a first path fluidly coupled to the compression path to convey the first quantity of gas to the compartment; a second path fluidly coupled to the expansion path to convey the second quantity of gas from the compartment to the expansion system; and a separation unit fluidly coupled to one of the first path, second path, compression path, and expansion path, wherein the separation unit removes a quantity of carbon dioxide from one of the first and second quantities of gas.

Abstract: An ACAES system operable in a compression mode and an expansion mode of operation is disclosed and includes a compressor system configured to compress air supplied thereto and a turbine system configured to expand compressed air supplied thereto, with the compressor system including a compressor conduit and the turbine system including a turbine conduit. The ACAES system also includes a plurality of thermal energy storage (TES) units positioned on the compressor and turbine conduits and configured to remove thermal energy from compressed air passing through the compressor conduit and return thermal energy to air passing through the turbine conduit. The compressor conduit and the turbine conduit are arranged such that at least a portion of the plurality of TES units operate at a first pressure state during the compression mode of operation and at a second pressure state different from the first pressure state during the expansion mode of operation.

Abstract: A system includes a drive shaft, a motor-generator coupled to the drive shaft, a compressor coupled to the drive shaft and configured to output compressed air to a cavern, and a turbine coupled to the drive shaft and configured to receive air from the cavern. The system includes a first thermal energy storage (TES) device, a combustor configured to combust a flammable substance and generate an exhaust stream to the turbine, and controller. The controller is configured to control flow of the air to heat the air as it passes through the first TES, cause the flammable substance to flow to the combustor, operate the combustor to combust the air with the flammable substance to generate an exhaust stream into the turbine, and control the motor-generator to generate electrical energy from energy imparted thereto from the turbine via the drive shaft.

Abstract: A recuperative air storage plant comprising a gas turbine set and a heat exchanger. In the heat exchanger, exhaust gas heat from the gas turbine set can be transferred to a pressurized stored fluid which flows from a storage volume to a expansion machine. A flow junction with an exhaust gas damper which can be operated in a plurality of positions is arranged in the exhaust gas path of the gas turbine set, upstream of the heat exchanger. This exhaust gas damper makes it possible to divide the exhaust gas mass flow (m0) of the gas turbine set in a variable fashion between a stack and the heat exchanger. In this way it is possible to operate the gas turbine set quickly at high power in the electric power network independently of the heat exchanger and the expansion machine, while the thermal load of the air storage part is slowly increased by incrementally increasing the exhaust gas proportion (m1) which flows to the heat exchanger.

Abstract: Power-generating units and compressor units are arranged in a compressed-air energy storage power station. According to one aspect of the invention, a common grid connection transformer is arranged, to which the power-generating units and the compressor units can selectively be connected. According to a further aspect of the invention, the power-station installation is subdivided into a power-generating area (I) in which the power-generating units are arranged, a switching and voltage-conversion area (II) in which a grid connection transformer is arranged, and a compressor area (III) in which the compressor units are arranged. The stated areas are arranged physically separately from one another. Power-station installations according to the invention can advantageously be combined to form modular power-station centers, which advantageously have common voltage rails and media rails.

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 power generation system includes a combustion turbine assembly (11) having a main compressor (12) receiving ambient inlet air, a main expansion turbine (14), a main combustor (16), and an electric generator (15) for generating electric power. An air storage (18?) has a volume for storing compressed air. A source of humidity (23, 34, 42) humidifies the compressed air that exits the air storage and thus provides humidified compressed air. A heat exchanger (24) receives a source of heat and the humidified compressed air so as to heat the humidified compressed air. A air expander (30) expands the heated, humidified compressed air to exhausted atmospheric pressure for producing additional power, and permits a portion of airflow expanded by the air expander to be injected into the combustion turbine assembly for power augmentation. An electric generator (31) is associated with the air expander for producing additional electrical power.

Abstract: During operation of a power plant, which basically comprises a gas turbogroup, a compressed air accumulator, an air turbine which is equipped with at least one generator, the compressed air which is extracted from the compressed air accumulator is directed through a heat exchanger which operates on the downstream side of the gas turbogroup, and is thermally conditioned there. This thermally conditioned compressed air then charges the air turbine for producing a quantity of electricity. Furthermore, the power plant is extended by a steam turbine, which in combined operation is operated with steam which is produced from the exhaust gases of the gas turbogroup.

Abstract: An apparatus and method converts a power generation combined cycle (CC) power plant to a load management compressed air energy storage (CAES) power plant. The CC power plant includes at least one combustion turbine, a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) to receive exhaust heat from an associated combustion turbine, a steam turbine associated with the HRSG, and an electric generator associated with the steam turbine. An air storage stores compressed air. At least one compressor supplies the air storage with compressed air so that off peak energy can be converted to compressed air energy stored in the air storage. Compressed air from the storage is received by the HRSG and the HRSG provides heat to compressed air received from the air storage. The steam turbine receives heated compressed air from the HRSG and expands the heated compressed air to produce power.

Abstract: A CAES system (10) includes an air storage (18), a compressor (20) supplying compressed air to the air storage, a power generating structure (11, 102), a heat exchanger (24), an auxiliary combustor (27), an air expander (30), and an electric generator (32). The system operates in one of modes a) a main power production mode wherein the auxiliary combustor is inoperable and the power generating structure is operable, to produce power by the air expander, fed by the heated compressed air received from the air storage, in addition to power produced by the power generating structure, or b) a synchronous reserve power mode wherein the auxiliary combustor is operable and the power generating structure is inoperable, with compressed air withdrawn from the air storage being preheated by the auxiliary combustor that feeds the air expander, with the air expander expanding the heated air and the generator providing immediate start-up power.

Abstract: A power generation system includes a combustion turbine assembly (11) having a main compressor (12) receiving ambient inlet air, a main expansion turbine (14), a main combustor (16), and an electric generator (15) for generating electric power. An air storage (18?) has a volume for storing compressed air. A source of humidity (23, 34, 42) humidifies the compressed air that exits the air storage and thus provides humidified compressed air. A heat exchanger (24) receives a source of heat and the humidified compressed air so as to heat the humidified compressed air. A air expander (30) expands the heated, humidified compressed air to exhausted atmospheric pressure for producing additional power, and permits a portion of airflow expanded by the air expander to be injected into the combustion turbine assembly for power augmentation. An electric generator (31) is associated with the air expander for producing additional electrical power.

Abstract: A power plant comprises a gas turbo group with a heat transfer apparatus, for example a recuperator for the preheating of the combustion air, arranged downstream of the turbine in the smoke gas path of the gas turbo group. A smoke gas purification catalyst is arranged downstream of at least part of the heat transfer apparatus, at a point at which the smoke gas is already cooled as a result of heat exchange to an extent such that irreversible damage to the catalyst due to overheating is avoided. On the other hand, the point is selected such that a temperature necessary for maintaining the catalytic smoke gas purification is ensured. In a preferred embodiment, a temperature measurement point is arranged, at which the temperature of the catalyst or of the smoke gas flowing into the catalyst is determined, so that this temperature can be regulated by means of suitable regulating actions.

Abstract: A high energy system comprising a high energy electrical device powered by an electrical generator both of which are cooled by a cryogenic liquid oxidant stored in a storage tank. A power turbine powered by a combustor using fuel and the oxidant drives the electrical generator. A turbopump powered by a portion of exhaust flow from the power turbine pumps the cryogenic liquid oxidant from the storage tank to the generator and the device. In an exemplary embodiment of the system, the electrical device is a directed energy weapon, uses liquid air as the liquid oxidant, and uses a variable geometry turbine nozzle in the power turbine. A reheater may be used between a high pressure turbine and a lower pressure turbine of the power turbine. Compressor bleed from a gas turbine engine may provide air augmentation to the power turbine.

Abstract: A combustion turbine power generation system (10) includes a combustion turbine assembly (11) including a main compressor (12) constructed and arranged to receive ambient inlet air, a main expansion turbine (14) operatively associated with the main compressor, combustors (16) constructed and arranged to receive compressed air from the main compressor and to feed the main expansion turbine, and an electric generator (15) associated with the main expansion turbine for generating electric power. A compressed air storage (18) stores compressed air. A heat exchanger (24) is constructed and arranged to receive a source of heat and to receive compressed air from the storage so as to heat compressed air received from the storage. An air expander (28) is associated with the heat exchanger and is constructed and arranged to expand the heated compressed air for producing additional electric power.

Abstract: A combustion turbine power generation system (10) includes a combustion turbine assembly (11) including a main compressor (12) constructed and arranged to receive ambient inlet air, a main expansion turbine (14) operatively associated with the main compressor, combustors (16) constructed and arranged to receive compressed air from the main compressor and to feed the main expansion turbine, and an electric generator (15) associated with the main expansion turbine for generating electric power. A compressed air storage (18) stores compressed air. A heat exchanger (24) is constructed and arranged to receive a source of heat and to receive compressed air from the storage so as to heat compressed air received from the storage. An air expander (28) is associated with the heat exchanger and is constructed and arranged to expand the heated compressed air for producing additional electric power.

Abstract: A combustion turbine power generation system 10 includes a combustion turbine assembly 11 including a main compressor 12 constructed and arranged to receive ambient inlet air, a main expansion turbine 14 operatively associated with the main compressor, a combustor 16 constructed and arranged to receive compressed air from the main compressor and to feed the main expansion turbine, and an electric generator 15 associated with the main expansion turbine for generating electric power. Pressure reducing structure 28 is constructed and arranged to reduce pressure of compressed air from a source of compressed air to atmospheric pressure and thus to reduce a temperature of the compressed air from the source of compressed air to a temperature below ambient temperature when exhausted from the pressure reducing structure.

Abstract: A work extraction arrangement (10) comprises a cooling assembly (12) for cooling a gas to provide a working fluid capable of doing work. The arrangement (10) further includes storage means (14) for storing the working fluid and a turbine assembly (18) for extracting work from the working fluid. A fluid delivery assembly (16) is also provided to deliver the working fluid to the turbine assembly (18).

Abstract: A compressed air energy storage power station comprises a first shafting (1) and a second shafting (2). A gas turbo group (11), an electrical machine (12) and a compressor (13) are arranged on the first shafting (1). Switchable clutch elements (14, 15) are arranged between the electrical machine and the gas turbo group or the compressor. The clutch elements allow a connection to be selectively made between the electrical machine and the gas turbo group (11) or the compressor (13). An expansion machine (21) for the power generating expansion of a pressurized storage fluid, an electrical machine (22) and a compressor (23) are arranged on the second shafting (2). Switchable clutch elements (24, 25) are arranged between the electrical machine and the expansion machine or the compressor and allow the electrical machine to be optionally connected to the expansion machine and to the compressor. The electrical machines are operable both as generators and as electric motors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas storage power station (1) having a turbine group (3) and a compressor group (4). The turbine group (3) has at least one turbine (5, 6) and a generator (10). During normal operation of the turbine group (3), the generator (10) emits power directly to a main load (11). The compressor group (4) has at least one compressor (12) and one electric motor (15). The gas storage power station (1) furthermore has a power consumption device (20), which can be activated in order to consume turbine and/or generator power.

Abstract: A plurality of vessels contains pressurized gas. Each vessel fluidly communicates with an adjacent vessel through a line. A heat exchanger is positioned in a heat conducting relationship with each line. The system includes an exhaust valve communicating with lower pressure. In one embodiment, the vessels communicate in series and only one of the vessels communicates with the exhaust valve. Alternatively, the vessels are arranged in a loop configuration with two of the vessels communicating with the exhaust valve through respective lines each containing a shutoff valve. The two shutoff valves are opened and closed in concert to cause the flow in the system to alternate directions as it is being exhausted. In a third configuration, two vessels communicate through a singular line in accordance with the most basic embodiment, but the vessel communicating with the exhaust valve encloses the other vessel. Heat transfer fins are located in the enclosed vessel, and extend into the enclosing vessel.

Abstract: A start system for an expendable gas turbine engine includes a pressurized oxygen source and a pyroflare igniter. The pressure source communicates oxygen to a compressor through a first passage to spin-up a rotor and communicates oxygen to a combustor through a second passage to provide light-off oxygen for the atomized fuel within the combustor. A pressure regulator shuts off the impingement flow at a predetermined pressure and blow down of combustor flow continues for an enhancement period to assure continued operation of the gas turbine even at high altitudes.

Abstract: An energy storage gas-turbine electric power generating system includes a liquid air storage tank for storing liquid air, a vaporizing facility for vaporizing the liquid air stored in the liquid air storage tank, a combustor for generating a combusted gas by combusting the air vaporized by the vaporizing facility and a fuel, a gas turbine driven by the combusted gas generated in the combustor, and a gas-turbine generator connected to the gas turbine for generating electric power. The system further includes a pressurizing unit for pressurizing the liquid air stored in the liquid air storage tank up to a pressure higher than a pressure of air supplied to the combustor to supply the liquid air to the vaporizing facility, an expansion turbine driven by expanding the air vaporized by the vaporizing facility and an expansion-turbine generator connected to the expansion turbine for generating electric power.

Abstract: A compressed air energy storage system comprises a cavern (1) for stored compressed air and a system for providing the compressed air to a power train (3, 5), this system including a recuperator (7) and a first valve arrangement (8) that controls the flow of the compressed air from the recuperator and to the power train (3, 5). A system for warm-keeping of the power train (3, 5) during stand-by operation of the compressed air energy storage system comprises the recuperator (2) and/or an auxiliary electrical air heater (11) and a second valve arrangement (10, 13) for controlling the airflow for warm-keeping. The system for warm-keeping of the power train allows improved temperature control and avoids disadvantages associated with a warm-keeping system having a combustor.

Abstract: A power generation plant with a compressed air energy storage system comprises a means to reduce the pressure of air extracted from a compressed air storage cavern for the use in a combustion turbine. The means to reduce the air pressure comprises at least one expansion turbine and means to control the size of pressure reduction. Furthermore, the expansion turbine is arranged on a rotor shaft that drives a generator. The means for pressure redact, according to the invention, avoid power losses and provide an increased overall efficiency of the power generation plant.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of operating a gas turbine arranged in a power generation system and comprising a source of compressed air, a combustor having a combustion chamber and multiple burners. A gas turbine controller controls the activation and deactivation of the single burners and/or burner groups according to a switching criterion that is proportional to the difference between a combustion chamber air inlet temperature and a temperature downstream of the combustion chamber. The switching criterion according to the invention fully accounts for large temperature fluctuations of the combustion chamber inlet air, which then result in only relatively small variations in burner equivalence ratio. The invention is particularly suited for application in compressed air energy power generation plants.

Abstract: A recuperator (10) in a thermal power installation such as, for example, a gas turbine installation or air storage power installation, having turbines (15a, 15b) and a generator (G), has sectors (S1-S4) with tubes for the circulation of air. Hot exhaust gases from the turbines (15a, 15b) are supplied to the recuperator (10) for the purpose of heating the air flowing through the sectors (S1-S4). According to the invention, the recuperator (10) has one or a plurality of external heat storage devices (HS1, HS2, HS3) which are connected between the (S1-S4) of the recuperator (10) and are heated during the normal operation of the power installation. During an outage period of the power installation, air is circulated through the installation components (10, 15a, 15b, 19), a temperature distribution being maintained in these components with temperature differences which are smaller than a critical magnitude with respect to transient thermal stresses in the components of the recuperator.

Abstract: A method in which an air mass flow supplied to a compressor in a power plant is divided in a flow divider into a small partial flow and into a larger partial flow. The smaller partial flow is supplied to an ejector via an air cooler and a booster. The larger partial flow is supplied to the suction line of said ejector. Both partial flows are combined in the ejector. The mass flow which is combined at the outlet of the ejector can be used as pressurized air in various components of a power plant.