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 bearing assembly comprising a bearing shell, thrust bearing pads, and journal bearing pads, where the thrust bearing pads and/or the journal bearing pads have through-pad lubricating gas distributors comprising at least one of a porous layer having connected-through porosity, a dense layer having a plurality of at least six orifices defined therethrough, or a porous layer having connected-through porosity having a plurality of at least six orifices defined therethrough.

Abstract: A hermetically-sealed turbomachine, such as a motor-driven blower and a turbine driven generator, capable of reliable high-temperature operation, especially for large sized turbomachine includes a hot blower, compressor or turbine end of the turbomachine that is separated from the cooler electric motor, generator or alternator end of the turbomachine by a compliant mechanical coupling and a thermal choke assembly. The turbomachine housing is also hermetically sealed, providing control over the process gas within the machine housing, and permitting an internal cooling method within the turbomachine, whereby a small amount of process gas itself is used within the turbomachine for providing cooling of the rotating shafts, the axial fan, radial fan, or turbine impeller, the bearings and the electric motor, generator or alternator disposed within the turbomachine housing. The cooling method can be aided by a heat exchanger operatively communicating with the turbomachine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hermetically sealed turbomachine, such as a motor-driven blower and a turbine driven generator, capable of reliable high-temperature operation, especially for large sized turbomachines. The hot blower, compressor or turbine end of the turbomachine is separated from the cooler electric motor, generator or alternator end of the turbomachine by a compliant mechanical coupling and a thermal choke assembly, providing reliable high-temperature operation. The turbomachine housing is also hermetically sealed, providing control over the process gas within the machine housing, and permitting an internal cooling method within the turbomachine, whereby a small amount of process gas itself is used within the turbomachine for providing cooling of the rotating shafts, the axial fan, radial fan, or turbine impeller, the bearings and the electric motor, generator or alternator disposed within the turbomachine housing.

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.