Abstract: A gas cleaning system for removing at least a portion of contaminants, such as halides, sulfur, particulates, mercury, and others, from a synthesis gas (syngas). The gas cleaning system may include one or more filter vessels coupled in series for removing halides, particulates, and sulfur from the syngas. The gas cleaning system may be operated by receiving gas at a first temperature and pressure and dropping the temperature of the syngas as the gas flows through the system. The gas cleaning system may be used for an application requiring clean syngas, such as, but not limited to, fuel cell power generation, IGCC power generation, and chemical synthesis.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for improved control of the operating temperature of a fuel cell (32) utilizing an improved temperature control system (30) that varies the flow rate of inlet air entering the fuel cell (32) in response to changes in the operating temperature of the fuel cell (32). Consistent with the invention an improved temperature control system (30) is provided that includes a controller (37) that receives an indication of the temperature of the inlet air from a temperature sensor (39) and varies the heat output by at least one heat source (34, 36) to maintain the temperature of the inlet air at a set-point Tinset. The controller (37) also receives an indication of the operating temperature of the fuel cell (32) and varies the flow output by an adjustable air mover (33), within a predetermined range around a set-point Fset, in order to maintain the operating temperature of the fuel cell (32) at a set-point Topset.

Abstract: A defect detection system for thermally imaging a structure that has been energized by a sound energy. The system includes a transducer that couples a sound signal into the structure, where the sound signal causes defects in the structure to heat up. In one embodiment, the sound signal has one or more frequencies that are at or near an eigen-mode of the structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for applying a uniformly-distributed pattern of stripes (8) on a component (6) of a large rotary machinery, such as an industrial generator. A method is provided that comprises measuring the circumferential area of the component (6) with a measuring element (14). The precise circumference is indicated and a desired number of pattern segments is determined. The circumference is divided by this number to produce equally spaced segments. This is then transferred to the rotor shaft (6) by marking on the measuring element (12) the number of segments and making a copy of the markings onto a second strip (14). These strips are then aligned on the circumferential area and cross strips (22) are placed at each of the segment marks (16). The segment areas not covered by the cross strips (24) are then painted in a color that is optically distinguishable from the non-painted regions.

Abstract: A virtual-tight-wire system is provided for determining a centerline in a large rotary machine (10). The virtual-tight-wire system includes a columnar light source (30) that is positioned at one end of the rotary machine (10). A columnar beam of light (32) is emitted from the light source (30) toward light receivers (26) in a first and second centering tool (24). The beam of light (32) is adjusted to impact the center of the light receivers (26). Once the beam (32) has been aligned, the beam acts as a virtual tight-wire for identifying a centerline of the rotary machine (10).

Abstract: The present invention relates to homogenous LCT-epoxy polymers with oligomers containing grafted nano-sized HTC-materials and methods for making the same. The homogenous LCT-epoxy polymers with oligomers containing grafted nano-sized HTC-materials comprise HTC-oligomer sub-structures evenly dispersed and essentially completely co-reacted with the LCT-epoxy sub-structures, where the HTC-oligomer sub-structures are organically bonded to the LCT-epoxy sub-structures. This produces homogenous LCT-epoxy polymers with oligomers containing grafted nano-sized HTC-materials that are substantially free of particle wetting and micro-void formation, with improved thermal conductivity properties without compromising on other desired structural integrities.

Abstract: Method for welding objects having limited backside access to a cavity behind a region to be welded. The method includes inserting a fugitive backing material in an installation state into a first portion of the cavity proximate the region to be welded and then transforming the fugitive backing material to a rigid state. The method further includes forming a weld in the region and then transforming the fugitive backing material to a removable state and removing the fugitive backing material from the cavity. The method may also include placing a pre-formed weld backing in the cavity and filling the cavity with a fugitive backing material. The method further includes transforming the fugitive backing material to a rigid state, forming a weld, and transforming the fugitive backing material to a removable state. The method may further include removing the fugitive backing material and removing the pre-formed weld backing from the cavity.

Abstract: A jig is structured to guide a grinder along the inner surface of the base or cover of a combustion turbine. The jig includes a base having a bottom surface with a plurality of rollers arranged in substantially the same radius as the portion of the casing being repaired. Side rollers locate the base horizontally during movement. A top platform may restrain the base vertically by supporting a pivot block that bears against the rotor of the turbine. The grinder may be moved vertically or horizontally with respect to the base upon which it is secured.

Abstract: An airfoil, a method of manufacturing an airfoil, and a system for cooling an airfoil is provided. The cooling system can be used with an airfoil located in the first stages of a combustion turbine within a combined cycle power generation plant and involves flowing closed loop steam through a pin array set within an airfoil. The airfoil can comprise a cavity having a cooling chamber bounded by an interior wall and an exterior wall so that steam can enter the cavity, pass through the pin array, and then return to the cavity to thereby cool the airfoil. The method of manufacturing an airfoil can include a type of lost wax investment casting process in which a pin array is cast into an airfoil to form a cooling chamber.

Abstract: An elongated string support for a stringed musical instrument includes a neck having a heel portion, a head portion, and a finger-board portion extending axially between the heel portion and the head portion. The finger-board portion has a spiral profile from the heel portion to the head portion. The elongated string support also includes a finger-board attached to the neck and having a heel end and a nut end. The finger-board has a spiral profile from the heel end to the nut end. The neck and the finger-board are zero degrees from a heel thereof and to a predetermined angle greater than zero degrees at a nut thereof.

Abstract: A turbine installation configured for large scale hydrogen production includes a foundation structure separating an upper elevation headwater from a lower elevation tailwater. The foundation structure defines a water passageway extending therethrough between an inlet adjacent the headwater and an outlet adjacent the tailwater. A runner is supported for rotation by the foundation and disposed in the water passageway intermediate the inlet and the outlet so that water flowing through the passageway as a result of head differential causes rotation of the runner. A generator is supported by the foundation and connected to the runner by a rotary shaft for generating electrical power as the runner rotates. An electrolyzer is electrically coupled to the generator for receiving the electrical power and producing hydrogen.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a hydroelectric power generating facility configured for operating in first and second operating modes. The facility includes a turbine driven power generating unit receiving a flow of water through an upstream conduit to generate electrical power. The method comprises computing a first economic value for the generated electrical power when operating in the first operating mode, and computing a second economic value for the generated electrical power when operating in the second operating mode. The method further comprises comparing the first economic value with the second economic value to identify the operating mode that provides the higher economic value, and operating the turbine facility in the identified operating mode.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a hydroelectric power generating facility configured for operating in first and second operating modes. The facility includes a turbine driven power generating unit receiving a flow of water through an upstream conduit to generate electrical power. The method comprises computing a first economic value for the generated electrical power when operating in the first operating mode, and computing a second economic value for the generated electrical power when operating in the second operating mode. The method further comprises comparing the first economic value with the second economic value to identify the operating mode that provides the higher economic value, and operating the turbine facility in the identified operating mode.

Abstract: A hydroelectric power plant uses a plurality of windmills connected to compressed air generators to produce pressurized air. Pressurized air is used to drive water through a turbine to produce electrical power. The water is recycled and the power plant includes reserve pressurized air tanks to allow the plant to continue to operate when the wind levels are not sufficient to produce high pressure air. The power plant is designed to be operated on a continuous basis based on wind power. When the wind subsides and the reserve capacity has been exhausted, electricity can be drawn from the local utility supplier. When excess power is generated by the power plant, electricity from the power plant can be added to the grid of the local electricity supplier.

Abstract: A turbine installation configured for large scale hydrogen production includes a foundation structure separating an upper elevation headwater from a lower elevation tailwater. The foundation structure defines a water passageway extending therethrough between an inlet adjacent the headwater and an outlet adjacent the tailwater. A runner is supported for rotation by the foundation and disposed in the water passageway intermediate the inlet and the outlet so that water flowing through the passageway as a result of head differential causes rotation of the runner. A generator is supported by the foundation and connected to the runner by a rotary shaft for generating electrical power as the runner rotates. An electrolyzer is electrically coupled to the generator for receiving the electrical power and producing hydrogen.

Abstract: A hydroelectric power plant uses a plurality of windmills connected to compressed air generators to produce pressurized air. Pressurized air is used to drive water through a turbine to produce electrical power. The water is recycled and the power plant includes reserve pressurized air tanks to allow the plant to continue to operate when the wind levels are not sufficient to produce high pressure air. The power plant is designed to be operated on a continuous basis based on wind power. When the wind subsides and the reserve capacity has been exhausted, electricity can be drawn from the local utility supplier. When excess power is generated by the power plant, electricity from the power plant can be added to the grid of the local electricity supplier.

Abstract: A hydroelectric power plant uses a plurality of windmills connected to compressed air generators to produce pressurized air. Pressurized air is used to drive water through a turbine to produce electrical power. The water is recycled and the power plant includes reserve pressurized air tanks to allow the plant to continue to operate when the wind levels are not sufficient to produce high pressure air. The power plant is designed to be operated on a continuous basis based on wind power. When the wind subsides and the reserve capacity has been exhausted, electricity can be drawn from the local utility supplier. When excess power is generated by the power plant, electricity from the power plant can be added to the grid of the local electricity supplier.

Abstract: A runner for a hydraulic turbine or pump includes a hub and a plurality of blades extending from the hub at spaced intervals therearound. Each blade includes an inner edge secured to the hub and a distal outer edge, a leading edge and an opposed trailing edge, and a curved suction surface and an opposed curved pressure surface. At least one of the blades is fabricated from a curved pressure-side member and a curved suction-side member secured together. The pressure-side member includes at least a substantial portion of the curved pressure surface and an opposed first inner surface. The suction-side member includes at least a substantial portion of the curved suction surface and an opposed second inner surface. The first and second inner surfaces face each other, and at least a portion of the first inner surface is spaced from at least a portion of the second inner surface to form a cavity within the blade. A method of making the hollow blade is also disclosed.

Abstract: A turbine, adaptable to improve the survivability of fish present in water flowing therethrough, includes a hub and associated runner blades. Each blade comprises an inner edge and a distal outer edge, a leading edge and a trailing edge separated by a water directing surface. Each blade is rotatable relative to the hub about a blade rotational axis. The turbine is provided with a gap shielding device designed to shield a gap formed between the hub and the blade inner edge as the blade is rotated about its axis. The gap shielding device may comprise a plurality of independently biased pins, a plurality of fluid jets, a plurality of flexible members, a fluid-filled boot, and combinations thereof.