Abstract: A cryogenic oil-free direct drive turbogenerator for gas liquefaction plant applications is described. The pressure energy from cryogenic gas is expanded through a turbine and the power generated is converted into electricity through a directly driven generator and a power electronics arrangement. The machinery can withstand very cold temperature operation (e.g., <?425° F.) by isolating the cold turbine side from the warmer side of the machine turbine end and has a hermetically sealed design wherein the process gas is fully contained from leaking at operating pressures. A unique gas injection scheme uses seal gas segregation, thrust bearing cooling and pressure balance for thrust control which is accomplished through a pressure regulator arrangement. Also described is an algorithm for speed control and overspeed protection through the power electronics system. The rotating components of the turbogenerator are supported on foil gas bearings for oil-free operation eliminating extraneous lubrication.

Abstract: A high efficiency air conditioning and refrigeration system and cycle comprises a vapor compressor and two independent ejectors operatively connected to high and low-pressure sides of the compressor, respectively. The two ejectors reduce the overall pressure ratio of the mechanical vapor compressor resulting in dramatically increased thermodynamic cycle efficiency. As one example of its potential applications for residential, commercial or industrial uses, a 150 ton capacity of a water-cooled chiller designed in accordance with the present invention is predicted to provide the power consumption as low as 0.47 kW/ton, when operated in accordance with the cooling methods of the present invention, which corresponds to 7.47 of Coefficient of Performance (COP).

Abstract: This invention provides a blower design capable of high temperature operation due to use of a self-sustaining cooling scheme through a sealed motor housing in which a cooling circuit can be created, and the use of a thermal barrier across which a temperature gradient may be formed. The thermal barrier may be formed by a thermal choke plate assembly positioned between a hot side and a cold side of the blower to dissipate heat conducted from the hot side. Alternatively, the thermal barrier may be formed by an internal fan ring provided with the blower's rotating assembly to dissipate heat conducted from the blower's impeller. The thermal choke plate assembly and the fan ring may further be used in combination to block heat transfer by all modes between a hot side and a cold side of the blower.

Abstract: This invention provides a small, high efficiency, oil-free turbine-driven alternator (i.e. turboalternator) suitable for conversion of stored energy in a process gas to electrical power, facilitating recapture of energy during operation that would otherwise be wasted. The turboalternator includes a turbine and a generating device operatively connected together by a rotating shaft capable of rotating at high speeds. The rotating shaft is supported by foil gas bearings.

Abstract: A high efficiency R744 air conditioning and refrigeration system and cycle comprises a vapor compressor and two independent ejectors operatively connected to high and low-pressure sides of the compressor, respectively. The two ejectors reduce the overall pressure ratio of the mechanical vapor compressor resulting in dramatically increased thermodynamic cycle efficiency. As one example of its potential applications for residential, commercial or industrial uses, a 150 ton capacity of a water-cooled chiller designed in accordance with the present invention is predicted to provide the power consumption as low as 0.47 kW/ton, when operated in accordance with the cooling methods of the present invention, which corresponds to 7.47 of Coefficient of Performance (COP).

Abstract: This invention provides a blower design capable of high temperature operation due to use of a self-sustaining cooling scheme through a sealed motor housing in which a cooling circuit can be created, and the use of a thermal barrier across which a temperature gradient may be formed. The thermal barrier may be formed by a thermal choke plate assembly positioned between a hot side and a cold side of the blower to dissipate heat conducted from the hot side. Alternatively, the thermal barrier may be formed by an internal fan ring provided with the blower's rotating assembly to dissipate heat conducted from the blower's impeller. The thermal choke plate assembly and the fan ring may further be used in combination to block heat transfer by all modes between a hot side and a cold side of the blower.

Abstract: This invention provides a small, high efficiency, oil-free turbine-driven alternator (i.e. turboalternator) suitable for conversion of stored energy in a process gas to electrical power, facilitating recapture of energy during operation that would otherwise be wasted. The turboalternator includes a turbine and a generating device operatively connected together by a rotating shaft capable of rotating at high speeds. The rotating shaft is supported by foil gas bearings.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved design for turbomachinery, such as blowers and compressors, for providing pressurized process gas. The improved design comprises two housing portions that fit together to form an interior cavity in which a preassembled rotating assembly may be installed and balanced. Each housing portion includes an interior compartment designed and shaped to correspond to desired positions of components of the rotating assembly. After the preassembled rotating assembly is seated within the interior compartment of the lower housing portion and balanced, the upper housing portion can be fitted to the lower housing portion to complete the machine housing and encompass and hold the rotating assembly in place without the need to remove or disassemble the rotating assembly. A collector cover can thereafter be attached to the assembled machine housing to enclose an impeller operatively mounted on a rotating shaft of the rotating assembly.