Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to a compressor system for a turbine engine that not only provides large compressor seal clearances as the engine passes through non-standard operating conditions, but also minimizes the clearances during normal engine operation, thereby increasing the efficiency of the compressor. In one embodiment, a substantially annular seal land is secured at one end to an annular extension arm on a compressor disk. When the engine reaches steady state operation, the non-attached end of the seal land can extend radially outward to reduce the clearance between the seal land and a shroud extending over the ends of the adjacent stationary airfoils. The seal land can be designed to resist the rotational forces imparted by the turning rotor until a certain desired operating condition is reached. In one embodiment, the seal land reaches full extension when the engine is operating at about 3600 rpm.

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: 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: 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 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 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 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.

Abstract: A filter having filter elements with outwardly flanged ends sealed together. The seal may be secured by use of a rod extending in a lengthwise direction through apertures in the flanged ends. The rod has one end releasably securing the filter element and a second end secured to the housing. A frame can cover the filter elements, and a jack screw in the frame can be used to apply force to the filter elements to secure the seals. The filter may have a cleaning apparatus capable of suctioning material from the filter element.

Abstract: A turbine disposed in a water passageway 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 water passageway includes a spherically-shaped discharge ring that conforms to the outer edges of the blades to improve certain turbine parameters such as cavitation, efficiency, flow disturbance, and fish survivability. The turbine hub may also include a spherically-shaped outer surface in a region swept by the inner edges of the blades when the blades are rotated from maximum to minimum pitch, as well as seals attached to the inner edges of the blades. The hub may also be associated with blades in which the chord is reduced in the root region of the blade.

Abstract: A turbine, adaptable to enhance the levels of dissolved gas such as oxygen in water flowing therethrough, includes a rotating shaft and a runner secured to the shaft. The runner includes a crown, a band and a plurality of runner blades. Each blade is defined by an inner edge and a distal outer edge, a leading edge and a trailing edge separated by a water directing surface. At least one blade includes an integrally formed gas passage in fluid communication with a gas admission aperture in the crown. The gas passage may extend to the trailing edge. Alternatively, the gas passage may extend to the band, and the band then includes a gas discharge means. A method for making a blade having an integral gas passage includes securing a member with a first groove to an insert with a cooperating second grove. A turbine having a hub and a plurality of rotatable blades includes a plurality of groups of gas passages extending to at least one exterior region of the hub associated with a blade.

Abstract: An electrical insulation system for the turns of multiturn stator coils, found in the windings of high voltage hydroelectric generators and other dynamoelectric machines, having only one of the outer strands of each turn insulated with mica with the remaining strands insulated with DACRON-glass. This construction, while offering adequate turn to turn dielectric strength in machines where the turn to turn voltages are moderate, allows the coils to be manufactured at a lower cost and permits the use of strands of significantly larger copper cross-section area.