Abstract: Power generation systems and methods are provided with features directed to various innovations including ones relating to the conversion of concentrated solar and biomass energy to electricity, load-shifting of electrical power supply systems, gas turbine devices and cycles, and power plant control systems.

Abstract: A microturbine engine operable to combust a flow of VOCs without a combustor. The microturbine engine comprising a compressor having an inlet, the inlet receiving a mixture of air and VOCs, the compressor operable to produce a flow of compressed air and VOCs. The invention also includes a reaction chamber including a reactor bed. The flow of compressed air and VOCs is combusted within the reactor bed to produce a flow of products of combustion. The invention includes a turbine driven by the flow of products of combustion from the combustor and a generator coupled to the turbine. The generator is driven by the turbine at a speed to produce electrical power.

Abstract: A microturbine engine operable to combust a flow of VOCs without a combustor. The microturbine engine comprising a compressor having an inlet, the inlet receiving a mixture of air and VOCs, the compressor operable to produce a flow of compressed air and VOCs. The invention also includes a reaction chamber including a reactor bed. The flow of compressed air and VOCs is combusted within the reactor bed to produce a flow of products of combustion. The invention includes a turbine driven by the flow of products of combustion from the combustor and a generator coupled to the turbine. The generator is driven by the turbine at a speed to produce electrical power.

Abstract: A cogenerating recuperated microturbine includes a recuperator, an air compressor and a combustor. The combustor burns a fuel along with the compressed air received from the recuperator to create products of combustion. A turbine generator operates in response to expansion of the products of combustion to generate electricity. The products of combustion then flow through the recuperator to preheat the compressed air. The products of combustion then flow out of the recuperator as an exhaust flow. A heat exchanger is movable into and out of the exhaust flow to selectively heat a fluid in the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is actuated by a piston-cylinder type actuator that operates under the influence of compressed air selectively bled from the air compressor. The actuator may be a single-acting cylinder used in conjunction with a biasing spring, or may be a double-acting cylinder.

Abstract: A cogenerating recuperated microturbine includes a recuperator, an air compressor and a combustor. The combustor burns a fuel along with the compressed air received from the recuperator to create products of combustion. A turbine generator operates in response to expansion of the products of combustion to generate electricity. The products of combustion then flow through the recuperator to preheat the compressed air. The products of combustion then flow out of the recuperator as an exhaust flow. A heat exchanger is movable into and out of the exhaust flow to selectively heat a fluid in the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is actuated by a piston-cylinder type actuator that operates under the influence of compressed air selectively bled from the air compressor. The actuator may be a single-acting cylinder used in conjunction with a biasing spring, or may be a double-acting cylinder.

Abstract: A method of making a heat exchanger includes assembling one or more heat exchange cells. Each heat exchange cell is assembled by providing a top plate having an inlet aperture at one end thereof, an outlet aperture at the other end thereof, a first surface, a second surface and peripheral edges; and providing a bottom plate having an inlet aperture at one end thereof, an outlet aperture at the other end thereof, a first surface, a second surface and peripheral edges. The second surfaces of the top and bottom plates are juxtaposed with one another so that the inlet and outlet apertures of the plates are in substantial alignment with one another. The peripheral edges of the top and bottom plates are attached to form a high pressure chamber between the second surfaces of the plates. After being assembled, each individual heat exchange cell is tested before being attached to other heat exchange cells. The testing may include pressure testing of the heat exchange cell.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying high pressure atomizing and purging fluid to the fuel system of a gas turbine engine. The apparatus is comprised of a turbocompressor, multiple flow conduits and associated valves and controls. Alternative versions of the fundamental apparatus may include heat exchangers for heating and cooling the atomizing and purging fluid within the apparatus. The apparatus works with all types of gas turbine engine cycles well known to one skilled in the art. The apparatus includes a first conduit for extracting a small percentage of the fluid compressed by the turbine engine compressor, and the first conduit is further divided into second and third conduits for supplying portions of the small percentage of compressed fluid to the turbocompressor compressor and turbine.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for transferring heat between an external fluid and an internal fluid includes two or more heat exchange cells, each heat exchange cell having a top plate with an inlet aperture at one end thereof and an outlet aperture at the other end thereof, the top plate including a first surface, a second surface and peripheral edges. The heat exchange cell also includes a bottom plate juxtaposed with the top plate, the bottom plate having an inlet aperture at one end thereof and an outlet aperture at the other end thereof. The bottom plate includes a first surface, a second surface and peripheral edges. The peripheral edges of the top and bottom plates are attached to one another, the second surfaces of the top and bottom plates confronting one another and the inlet and outlet apertures of the top and bottom plates being in substantial alignment with one another. The attached top and bottom plates define a high pressure chamber between the second surfaces thereof.

Abstract: A fuel and air mixing apparatus for a combustor and gas turbine generator. A primary portion of the fuel is injected into the mixing air at long distances from the combustor prechamber. The primary portion of the fuel is almost completely mixed with the mixing air. A secondary portion of fuel is injected into the mixing air in the boundary layer at a short distance form the combustor prechamber. This minimally mixed second portion provides some rich portions of fuel-air in the prechamber to improve stability and reduce the chances of blowout.

Abstract: A Brayton cycle air compressor system having two turbinecompressors and a recuperated combustion chamber interconnected. A portion of the hot compressed high pressure air is used as combustion air for the combustion chamber. In addition, a portion of the combustion air is used as the heat source for regenerating the desiccant in the air dryers.

Abstract: A fuel and air mixing apparatus for a combustor and gas turbine generator. A primary portion of the fuel is injected into the mixing air at long distances from the combustor prechamber. The primary portion of the fuel is almost completely mixed with the mixing air. A secondary portion of fuel is injected into the mixing air in the boundary layer at a short distance form the combustor prechamber. This minimally mixed second portion provides some rich portions of fuel-air in the prechamber to improve stability and reduce the chances of blowout.

Abstract: A method and system for increasing the pressure of gaseous fuel delivered to a fuel system of a gas turbine engine. A portion of pressurized gas or compressed air is discharged from a high-pressure section of the gas turbine engine and is communicated to a plurality of radial inflow turbines or axial flow turbines. Energy is transferred from each turbine to a plurality of compressors driven by the turbines. Gaseous fuel is supplied to an inlet of one of the compressors. The compressed gaseous fuel is then cooled downstream of the compressors. The aftercooled and compressed gaseous fuel is delivered to the fuel system of the gas turbine engine.

Abstract: A fuel and air mixing apparatus for a combustor and gas turbine generator. A primary portion of the fuel is injected into the mixing air at long distances from the combustor prechamber. The primary portion of the fuel is almost completely mixed with the mixing air. A secondary portion of fuel is injected into the mixing air in the boundary layer at a short distance form the combustor prechamber. This minimally mixed second portion provides some rich portions of fuel-air in the prechamber to improve stability and reduce the chances of blowout.

Abstract: A method and system for increasing the pressure of gaseous fuel delivered to a fuel system of a gas turbine engine. A portion of pressurized gas or compressed air is discharged from a high-pressure section of the gas turbine engine and is communicated to a plurality of radial inflow turbines or axial flow turbines. Energy is transferred from each turbine to a plurality of compressors driven by the turbines. Gaseous fuel is supplied to an inlet of one of the compressors. The compressed gaseous fuel is then cooled downstream of the compressors. The aftercooled and compressed gaseous fuel is delivered to the fuel system of the gas turbine engine.

Abstract: A heating chamber for supplying heated air in a Brayton engine or gas turbine plant including a compressor and turbine. The heating chamber includes a solar energy receiver that receives solar energy, converts it to heat, and heats air from the compressor. To supply additional energy that may be required for the turbine, fuel is injected into the air stream and a catalyst downstream of the solar receiver reacts the fuel with the air to provide additional energy.