Abstract: A virtual image generation system comprises a planar optical waveguide having opposing first and second faces, an in-coupling (IC) element configured for optically coupling a collimated light beam from an image projection assembly into the planar optical waveguide as an in-coupled light beam, a first orthogonal pupil expansion (OPE) element associated with the first face of the planar optical waveguide for splitting the in-coupled light beam into a first set of orthogonal light beamlets, a second orthogonal pupil expansion (OPE) element associated with the second face of the planar optical waveguide for splitting the in-coupled light beam into a second set of orthogonal light beamlets, and an exit pupil expansion (EPE) element associated with the planar optical waveguide for splitting the first and second sets of orthogonal light beamlets into an array of out-coupled light beamlets that exit the planar optical waveguide.

Abstract: A steam valve includes a housing defining a steam inlet and steam outlet in fluid communication with a valve cavity, and an annular valve seat disposed within the valve cavity. A control valve is configured to selectively engage the valve seat. The steam valve further includes a stop valve configured to selectively engage the valve seat. The steam valve includes a pressure seal head configured to receive the stop valve. The pressure seal head includes an elongated body having a bore extending longitudinally through the body; and a nose piece extending from an end of the elongated body. The nose piece has at least a tapered end portion and a bore extending longitudinally therethrough. The bore of the nose piece is longitudinally with the bore of the elongated body. The nose piece is formed of a first material which has greater erosion properties than a second material forming the elongated body.

Abstract: A steam valve includes a housing defining a steam inlet and steam outlet in fluid communication with a valve cavity, and an annular valve seat disposed within the valve cavity. A control valve is configured to selectively engage the valve seat. The steam valve further includes a stop valve configured to selectively engage the valve seat. The steam valve includes a pressure seal head configured to receive the stop valve. The pressure seal head includes an elongated body having a bore extending longitudinally through the body; and a nose piece extending from an end of the elongated body. The nose piece has at least a tapered end portion and a bore extending longitudinally therethrough. The bore of the nose piece is longitudinally with the bore of the elongated body. The nose piece is formed of a first material which has greater erosion properties than a second material forming the elongated body.

Abstract: A method for monitoring non-rotating turbomachine parts includes the step of measuring displacement of at least one turbomachine part. A monitoring step monitors displacement of the turbomachine part with a non-contact type sensor. A collecting step collects data regarding the displacement of the turbomachine part. An analyzing step analyzes the data to determine if the displacement exceeds a predetermined threshold range. The non-contact type sensor may be attached to the turbomachine by a rod formed of a material having a low coefficient of thermal expansion, and a target may be attached to a stationary structure in close proximity to the non-contact type sensor.

Abstract: Heating systems for a rotor in-situ in a turbomachine are provided. In contrast to conventional systems that merely heat from an external turbine casing, embodiments of the disclosure heat the rotor. In one embodiment, a heating system includes a heating element to heat a portion of an exterior surface of the rotor. In another embodiment, the heating system may include a heating element(s) at least partially positioned within the rotor, and the rotor including the heating system. Each embodiment may include a controller to control operation of the heating element(s).

Abstract: Heating systems for a rotor in-situ in a turbomachine are provided. In contrast to conventional systems that merely heat from an external turbine casing, embodiments of the disclosure heat the rotor. In one embodiment, a heating system includes a heating element to heat a portion of an exterior surface of the rotor. In another embodiment, the heating system may include a heating element(s) at least partially positioned within the rotor, and the rotor including the heating system. Each embodiment may include a controller to control operation of the heating element(s).

Abstract: Heating systems for a rotor in-situ in a turbomachine are provided. In contrast to conventional systems that merely heat from an external turbine casing, embodiments of the disclosure heat the rotor. In one embodiment, a heating system includes a heating element to heat a portion of an exterior surface of the rotor. In another embodiment, the heating system may include a heating element(s) at least partially positioned within the rotor, and the rotor including the heating system. Each embodiment may include a controller to control operation of the heating element(s).

Abstract: Systems and devices configured for active thermal control of turbine components are disclosed. In one embodiment, a thermal control system for a turbine includes: a thermal source shaped to connect to a turbine; a set of sensors disposed about the turbine and configured to obtain operational data from the turbine; and a computing device communicatively connected to the thermal source and the set of sensors, the computing device configured to regulate a thermal input of the thermal source to the turbine based on the operational data obtained by the set of sensors.

Abstract: A valve includes a valve stem assembly including at least one wall and at least one passage at least partially defined within the valve stem assembly. The at least one passage defines a first opening. At least one portion of the at least one wall defines an erosion site that is configured to undergo contact with solid particles such that a second opening of the passage is defined. The valve also includes at least one sensing device coupled in flow communication with the at least one passage through the first opening. The at least one sensing device is configured to transmit a signal representative of an increased fluid flow through the at least one passage.

Abstract: Systems and devices configured for active thermal control of turbine components are disclosed. In one embodiment, a thermal control system for a turbine includes: a thermal source shaped to connect to a turbine; a set of sensors disposed about the turbine and configured to obtain operational data from the turbine; and a computing device communicatively connected to the thermal source and the set of sensors, the computing device configured to regulate a thermal input of the thermal source to the turbine based on the operational data obtained by the set of sensors.

Abstract: A valve includes a valve stem assembly including at least one wall and at least one passage at least partially defined within the valve stem assembly. The at least one passage defines a first opening. At least one portion of the at least one wall defines an erosion site that is configured to undergo contact with solid particles such that a second opening of the passage is defined. The valve also includes at least one sensing device coupled in flow communication with the at least one passage through the first opening. The at least one sensing device is configured to transmit a signal representative of an increased fluid flow through the at least one passage.

Abstract: A steam turbine apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the steam turbine apparatus comprises: an exhaust shell portion including: a first section having a semi-circular cross-section; an exhaust section contiguous with the first section, the exhaust section including an intermediate-pressure exhaust outlet; and a second section having an oblate spherical cross-section including a substantially flattened portion, the second section configured to fluidly connect with the first section, wherein the first section and the second section form a continuous steam flow path.

Abstract: A steam turbine valve having an integral pressure chamber is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, the valve for supplying steam includes a valve body; and a pressure chamber substantially contained within a wall of the valve body, the pressure chamber having an inlet for receiving a pressurized fluid.

Abstract: An article comprising an article having a first surface and a second surface adapted to come into contact with the first surface and a first protective coating on at least a portion of the first surface. The first protective coating comprises a first coating layer. The first coating layer comprises a first component comprising boron, titanium or chromium and a second component comprising nitrogen or carbon. At least a portion of the first protective coating comes into contact with the second surface when the second surface comes into contact with the first surface. A method for reducing the wear and galling of a first surface of an article comprising applying a coating to the first surface of the article.

Abstract: A steam turbine apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the steam turbine apparatus comprises: an exhaust shell portion including: a first section having a semi-circular cross-section; an exhaust section contiguous with the first section, the exhaust section including an intermediate-pressure exhaust outlet; and a second section having an oblate spherical cross-section including a substantially flattened portion, the second section configured to fluidly connect with the first section, wherein the first section and the second section form a continuous steam flow path.

Abstract: An article comprising an article having a first surface and a second surface adapted to come into contact with the first surface and a first protective coating on at least a portion of the first surface. The first protective coating comprises a first coating layer. The first coating layer comprises a first component comprising boron, titanium or chromium and a second component comprising nitrogen or carbon. At least a portion of the first protective coating comes into contact with the second surface when the second surface comes into contact with the first surface. A method for reducing the wear and galling of a first surface of an article comprising applying a coating to the first surface of the article.

Abstract: A method for estimating an amount of damages sustained by a component operating in an energy system by monitoring the component is provided. The method includes generating a transfer function that is dependent upon an input of at least one operating condition of the component and an output of a crack-initiation time and/or a crack propagation for at least one critical region. The method further includes receiving data from at least one sensor coupled to the component, wherein the data relates to the at least one operating condition of the component, and inputting the received data from the at least one sensor into the transfer function to calculate at least one of the crack-initiation time and the crack propagation for the at least one critical region. The method also includes recording at least one of the crack-initiation time and the crack propagation on a memory storage device.

Abstract: A steam turbine part includes a ceramic matrix composite (CMC). The part may be made wholly or partially of CMC.

Abstract: A method for estimating an amount of damage sustained by a component operating in an energy system includes generating a transfer function that is dependent upon at least one operating condition of the component, receiving data from at least one sensor coupled to the component, wherein the data relates to the at least one operating condition of the component, inputting the received data into the transfer function to calculate at least one of a crack-initiation time and a crack propagation for the at least one critical region, and recording at least one of the crack-initiation time and the crack propagation on a memory storage device.

Abstract: An apparatus disclosed herein relates to a pressure vessel cover comprising, a periphery of the cover, a first surface of the periphery for sealing on a first side of the cover and a second surface on a second side of the cover opposite from the first side, a third surface on the first side of the cover and located radially inwardly from the periphery, the third surface being displaced axially from the first surface in the direction of the second surface, a fourth surface on the second side of the cover radially inwardly positioned from the periphery, and a bore through the cover in fluidic communication with the third surface and the fourth surface.