Abstract: A steam turbine includes a high pressure stage, a low pressure stage, and a controller operatively connected to at least the low pressure stage. The low pressure stage includes a first low pressure section having a sensor configured for detecting operation data of the first low pressure section, and at least one second low pressure section. The controller is programmed or configured to receive the operation data from the first sensor during operation of the first low pressure section and determine at least one performance characteristic of the first low pressure section based on the operation data. The controller is further programmed or configured to turn off the first low pressure section when the at least one performance characteristic of the first low pressure section is outside a predetermined performance threshold, and turn on the second low pressure section. A method of operating the steam turbine is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of using a combustor for high temperature combustion. The combustor is equipped with a showerhead type micromix air-fuel injector. The injector faceplate has its ports concentrically arranged into “banks”, to which delivery of fuel can be controlled on a bank-by-bank basis. During combustor operation, the temperature of the air into the combustor is monitored. If the temperature is above a predetermined threshold, fuel is delivered to fewer than all banks of ports. As a result, the bank(s) of ports to which fuel is not delivered inject only air into the combustion chamber, and the other bank(s) of ports inject the air-fuel mixture as usual.

Abstract: A bearing includes a thrust gas bearing attached to a journal bearing and two or more converging-diverging orifices defined in a surface of at least one of the thrust gas bearing and the journal bearing. The converging-diverging orifices supply at least one pressurized gas to an interior of the bearing. Hydrodynamic lifting grooves are provided on the faces of the thrust gas bearing and the journal bearing and provide improved load capacity and sealing capabilities. Control over the ratios of the pressurized gases provides for additional sealing capabilities and reduced leakage. A metal mesh damper provides increased damping of the gas bearing.

Abstract: A turbomachine includes a casing having an inlet end opposite an outlet end along a longitudinal axis of the casing; a shaft assembly provided within the casing, the shaft assembly extending from the inlet end to the outlet end; a plurality of rotating impellers extending radially outward from the shaft assembly; and a communication channel defined between two adjacent impellers to permit a backflow of fluid from a diffuser channel of a downstream impeller to a return channel of an adjacent upstream impeller.

Abstract: A bearing includes a thrust gas bearing attached to a journal bearing and two or more converging-diverging orifices defined in a surface of at least one of the thrust gas bearing and the journal bearing. The converging-diverging orifices supply at least one pressurized gas to an interior of the bearing. Hydrodynamic lifting grooves are provided on the faces of the thrust gas bearing and the journal bearing and provide improved load capacity and sealing capabilities. Control over the ratios of the pressurized gases provides for additional sealing capabilities and reduced leakage. A metal mesh damper provides increased damping of the gas bearing.

Abstract: A turbomachine includes a casing having an inlet end opposite an outlet end along a longitudinal axis of the casing; a shaft assembly provided within the casing, the shaft assembly extending from the inlet end to the outlet end; a plurality of rotating impellers extending radially outward from the shaft assembly; and a communication channel defined between two adjacent impellers to permit a backflow of fluid from a diffuser channel of a downstream impeller to a return channel of an adjacent upstream impeller.

Abstract: A reciprocating compressor including a compressor frame including a drive shaft received therein, a rotary to linear motion converter coupling the drive shaft and a first end of a piston rod, a piston coupled to a second end of the piston rod, a compression cylinder in which the piston is received, an inlet valve coupled to the compression cylinder and a discharge valve coupled to the compression cylinder, a pressure casing encasing the compressor frame and the rotary to linear motion converter, a motor coupled to the drive shaft, wherein the motor is located external to the pressure casing, and a mechanical seal coupled between the drive shaft and the pressure casing.

Abstract: A method of filtering air entering the intake opening of a gas turbine engine. A straightening tube provides a straight channel for incoming air flow. A flow redirector provides a path for air flow that is at right angles to the channel provided by the straightening tube and that leads to the intake opening of the engine. A filter at the downstream end of the flow redirector has a pair of rollers for unrolling and re-rolling a roll of adhesive tape, with an exposed section of the adhesive tape blocking the downstream end of the flow redirector and capturing particles in the air flow. The rollers are activated as needed to expose fresh sections of tape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the direct measurement of specific heat at constant pressure (Cp). A control fluid of a known amount is supplied to a near adiabatic test chamber having a volume. A collapsible bladder within the test chamber is inflated with an incompressible fluid, changing the volume of the test chamber. The change in pressure and temperature of the control fluid relative to the change in volume of the test chamber is measured. The steps are repeated with a sample fluid. The isentropic enthalpy and specific heat at constant pressure of the sample fluid is determined.

Abstract: A method of filtering air entering the intake opening of a gas turbine engine. A straightening tube provides a straight channel for incoming air flow. A flow redirector provides a path for air flow that is at right angles to the channel provided by the straightening tube and that leads to the intake opening of the engine. A filter at the downstream end of the flow redirector has a pair of rollers for unrolling and re-rolling a roll of adhesive tape, with an exposed section of the adhesive tape blocking the downstream end of the flow redirector and capturing particles in the air flow. The rollers are activated as needed to expose fresh sections of tape.

Abstract: A reciprocating compressor including a compressor frame including a drive shaft received therein, a rotary to linear motion converter coupling the drive shaft and a first end of a piston rod, a piston coupled to a second end of the piston rod, a compression cylinder in which the piston is received, an inlet valve coupled to the compression cylinder and a discharge valve coupled to the compression cylinder, a pressure casing encasing the compressor frame and the rotary to linear motion converter, a motor coupled to the drive shaft, wherein the motor is located external to the pressure casing, and a mechanical seal coupled between the drive shaft and the pressure casing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the direct measurement of specific heat at constant pressure (Cp). A control fluid of a known amount is supplied to a near adiabatic test chamber having a volume. A collapsible bladder within the test chamber is inflated with an incompressible fluid, changing the volume of the test chamber. The change in pressure and temperature of the control fluid relative to the change in volume of the test chamber is measured. The steps are repeated with a sample fluid. The isentropic enthalpy and specific heat at constant pressure of the sample fluid is determined.

Abstract: An oxy-combustor is provided which comprises a combustion vessel including at least one solid fuel slurry inlet port, at least one oxygen inlet port and at least one supercritical fluid inlet port, wherein the combustion vessel is operable at an operating pressure of at least 1,100 psi; an interior of the combustion vessel comprises a combustion chamber and a supercritical fluid infusion chamber surrounding at least a part of the combustion chamber, the supercritical fluid infusion chamber and the combustion chamber are separated by a porous liner surrounding the combustion chamber, and the supercritical infusion chamber is located between the porous liner and an outer casing of the combustion vessel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for an oxy-fuel combustion power cycle are provided, including converting gaseous carbon dioxide to liquid and/or supercritical carbon dioxide which may include the use of a cryogenic pump, removing a portion of the liquid and/or supercritical carbon dioxide from the cycle, combusting oxygen and a combustion fuel with the remaining liquid and/or supercritical carbon dioxide in an oxy-fuel combustor to generate steam and additional liquid and/or supercritical carbon dioxide which replaces the portion of the liquid and/or supercritical carbon dioxide sequestered from the cycle.

Abstract: An oxy-combustor is provided which comprises a combustion vessel including at least one solid fuel slurry inlet port, at least one oxygen inlet port and at least one supercritical fluid inlet port, wherein the combustion vessel is operable at an operating pressure of at least 1,100 psi; an interior of the combustion vessel comprises a combustion chamber and a supercritical fluid infusion chamber surrounding at least a part of the combustion chamber, the supercritical fluid infusion chamber and the combustion chamber are separated by a porous liner surrounding the combustion chamber, and the supercritical infusion chamber is located between the porous liner and an outer casing of the combustion vessel.

Abstract: A method of using a combustor for high temperature combustion. The combustor is equipped with a showerhead type micromix air-fuel injector. The injector faceplate has its ports concentrically arranged into “banks”, to which delivery of fuel can be controlled on a bank-by-bank basis. During combustor operation, the temperature of the air into the combustor is monitored. If the temperature is above a predetermined threshold, fuel is delivered to fewer than all banks of ports. As a result, the bank(s) of ports to which fuel is not delivered inject only air into the combustion chamber, and the other bank(s) of ports inject the air-fuel mixture as usual.

Abstract: A method of reducing pulsations in a reciprocating compressor system, the system having nozzles between cylinders and filter bottles of the compressor system, the nozzles attaching at ports of the cylinders and filter bottles. A special insert is designed to be placed in one or more of the nozzle. The insert is generally cylindrical, but has a narrowed throat, a flared inlet end, and a flared outlet end. The insert dimensions, such as the inner diameter of the throat and the distance from the throat to the outlet end are calculated to reduce pulsations as well as provide pressure recovery.

Abstract: An electronic, programmable device for controlling the motion of compressor valve elements, wherein the device receives an incoming signal from a velocity sensor located on a compressor valve; filters, amplifies, and processes the incoming signal by a control algorithm; and responds to the incoming signal by creating an output signal that produces an actuator force that is applied directly to a moving valve element and associated methodology.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus and methods of compressed air energy storage and electrical power generation are provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided having a magnetic piston within a cylinder and an air chamber at each end of the piston; an electromagnetic coil is operable with the piston to convert an input of electrical power to a first reciprocating movement of the piston sufficient to generate compressed air in the chambers for storage in a compressed air storage reservoir; and the electromagnetic coil is operable with the piston to convert a second reciprocating movement of the piston to an output of electrical power connectable to a power grid, with the second reciprocating movement of the piston generated by bursts of the compressed air from the storage reservoir introduced into the chambers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for an oxy-fuel combustion power cycle are provided, including converting gaseous carbon dioxide to liquid and/or supercritical carbon dioxide which may include the use of a cryogenic pump, removing a portion of the liquid and/or supercritical carbon dioxide from the cycle, combusting oxygen and a combustion fuel with the remaining liquid and/or supercritical carbon dioxide in an oxy-fuel combustor to generate steam and additional liquid and/or supercritical carbon dioxide which replaces the portion of the liquid and/or supercritical carbon dioxide sequestered from the cycle.