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 systems and methods for preheating a steam injection system.

Abstract: Systems and methods to control gas turbine firing temperatures during air injection. A method of achieving a desired firing temperature of a gas turbine engine during air injection comprises injecting compressed air into the gas turbine engine using an external source. The external source includes a compressor and a recuperator. The method comprises using a controller of the gas turbine engine to: (a) determine an air injection exhaust bias gain using an inlet temperature of the gas turbine engine; (b) calculate, based on the determined air injection exhaust bias gain and a flow rate of the injected compressed air, an air injection exhaust curve bias; and (c) change a fuel flow of the gas turbine engine by adding the air injection exhaust curve bias to an existing exhaust curve of the gas turbine engine to thereby achieve the desired firing temperature during air injection.

Abstract: Operating coal fired energy systems. A method of operating a coal fired energy system comprises operating a coal fired steam generator comprising a coal feed system and a main air feed system to provide a coal-air mixture as a heating source for a boiler for generating steam. The method includes operating an auxiliary air compression system comprising a fueled engine coupled to a compressor for providing an auxiliary supply of compressed air to a soot blower of the coal-fired steam generator. The method comprises injecting the auxiliary supply of compressed air along walls of the boiler to remove soot and ash buildup from the boiler.

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: The invention relates generally to gas turbine engines used for electrical power generation. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide systems and ways for improving the life and reducing start-up time necessary for bringing gas turbine engines online and up to full power.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel apparatus and methods for providing a flow of cooling air to one or more turbine nozzles or turbine blade outer air seals. The flow of cooling air is provided by an external source and regulated in order to improve turbine nozzle and air seal cooling efficiency and component life.

Abstract: The present invention discloses embodiments for a power augmentation system of a gas turbine engine resulting in performance improvements while also improving efficiency. The invention provides systems and methods for generating a heated air supply by way of mixing compressed air from an electrically-driven process with air drawn from the engine compressor discharge plenum.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to electrical power systems or steam generator systems including generating capacity of a coal plant where specific emissions and power is improved with an alternately fueled engine driving one or more air processes.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to gas turbine engines used for electrical power generation. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide systems and ways for improving gas turbine engine reliability through an electric motor backup system for cooling features of the turbine section.

Abstract: Electrical power systems, including generating capacity of a gas turbine, where additional electrical power is generated utilizing a separately fueled system during periods of peak electrical power demand.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel modular system and methods of operating an increased air supply to a gas turbine engine such that the upon supplying a source of external air to the system, a bias is added to the exhaust temperature such that a firing temperature with air injection is substantially equivalent to the firing temperature without air injection.