Patents by Inventor Robert J. Kraft

Robert J. Kraft has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10107199
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to electrical power systems, including generating capacity of a gas turbine, and more specifically to pressurized air injection that is useful for providing additional electrical power during periods of peak electrical power demand from a gas turbine system power plant, as well as to inlet heating to allow increased engine turn down during periods of reduced electrical demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: POWERPHASE LLC
    Inventor: Robert J. Kraft
  • Publication number: 20180163626
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to gas turbine engines used for electrical power generation. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide systems and ways for improving the life and reducing start-up time necessary for bringing gas turbine engines online and up to full power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Publication date: June 14, 2018
    Inventor: Robert J. KRAFT
  • Publication number: 20180156111
    Abstract: Electrical power systems, including generating capacity of a gas turbine, where additional power is generated from an air expander and gas turbine simultaneously from a stored compressed air and thermal system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Publication date: June 7, 2018
    Inventors: Robert J. KRAFT, Matthew KRAFT
  • Publication number: 20180058326
    Abstract: A method of cooling a gas fueled engine driven intercooled air compressor comprises providing the intercooled air compressor, a gearbox, and the gas fueled engine. The method includes flowing a liquid coolant from a liquid coolant supply to each of the gearbox and an intercooler of the intercooled air compressor. The method comprises recombining the liquid coolant after the gearbox and the intercooler. The method includes directing the recombined liquid coolant via multiple paths to cool the gas fueled engine. The method comprises recombining the liquid coolant after the liquid coolant has passed through the multiple paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Robert J. Kraft, Scott Auerbach, Peter A. Sobieski, Sergio Arias-Quintero
  • Patent number: 9890707
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel apparatus and methods for augmenting the power of a gas turbine engine, improving gas turbine engine operation, and reducing the response time necessary to meet changing demands of a power plant. Improvements in power augmentation and engine operation include additional heated compressed air injection from a power augmentation system and a motor-generator in selective operation with the power augmentation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: POWERPHASE LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Kraft, Peter Perri
  • Publication number: 20180030902
    Abstract: Electrical power systems, including generating capacity of a gas turbine are provided, where additional electrical power is generated utilizing a separate engine and auxiliary air injection system. The gas turbine and separate engine can operate on different fuel types.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2017
    Publication date: February 1, 2018
    Inventors: Robert J. KRAFT, Joshua KRAFT
  • Publication number: 20170370289
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel apparatus and methods for controlling an air injection system for augmenting the power of a gas turbine engine, improving gas turbine engine operation, and reducing the response time necessary to meet changing demands of a power plant. Improvements in control of the air injection system include ways directed towards preheating the air injection system, including using an gas turbine components, such as an inlet bleed heat system to aid in the preheating process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Robert J. KRAFT, Scott AUERBACH
  • Publication number: 20170362021
    Abstract: A foldable shipping container adjustable between an unfolded condition in which said container is suitable for use as a cargo container, and a folded condition for when said container is not being used to store or ship cargo. The foldable shipping container having ways for controlling the rate at which the panels collapse.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: NORMAN KENDALL, ERIC RICHARD LARSON, THOMAS K. CHURBUCK, ROBERT J. KRAFT, RICHARD ROSMARIN, DAVID H. ROWE, JAMES K. WILLIAMS, JOSHUA J. KRAFT
  • Patent number: 9803548
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel apparatus and methods for augmenting the power of a gas turbine engine, improving gas turbine engine operation, and reducing the response time necessary to meet changing demands of a power plant. Improvements in power augmentation and engine operation include additional heated compressed air injection, steam injection, water recovery, exhaust tempering, fuel heating, and stored heated air injection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: POWERPHASE LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Kraft, Scott Auerbach, Peter A. Sobieski, Sergio A. Arias-Quintero
  • Patent number: 9777630
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel apparatus and methods for augmenting the power of a gas turbine engine, improving gas turbine engine operation, and reducing the response time necessary to meet changing demands of an electrical grid. Improvements in power augmentation and engine operation include systems and methods for providing rapid response given a change in electrical grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2017
    Assignee: POWERPHASE LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Kraft, Scott Auerbach, Peter Perri
  • Publication number: 20170268427
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel modular cooling system for cooling an air injection system where the cooling system is configured to conform generally to the foot print of the air injection system. The cooling system utilizes a plurality of coolers through which coolant from the air injection system passes prior to being recirculated back to the air injection system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2017
    Publication date: September 21, 2017
    Inventors: Robert J. KRAFT, Scott AUERBACH, Matthew KRAFT
  • Patent number: 9765693
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel apparatus and methods for controlling an air injection system for augmenting the power of a gas turbine engine, improving gas turbine engine operation, and reducing the response time necessary to meet changing demands of a power plant. Improvements in control of the air injection system include ways directed towards preheating the air injection system, including using an gas turbine components, such as an inlet bleed heat system to aid in the preheating process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: POWERPHASE LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Kraft, Scott Auerbach
  • Patent number: 9752501
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to electrical power systems, including generating capacity of a gas turbine, and more specifically to pressurized air injection that is useful for providing additional electrical power during periods of peak electrical power demand from a gas turbine system power plant, as well as to inlet heating to allow increased engine turn down during periods of reduced electrical demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: POWERPHASE LLC
    Inventor: Robert J. Kraft
  • Patent number: 9751688
    Abstract: A foldable shipping container adjustable between an unfolded condition in which said container is suitable for use as a cargo container, and a folded condition for when said container is not being used to store or ship cargo. The foldable shipping container comprises a roof panel, a base panel, a door panel, a front panel, a right side panel, and a left side panel where the door panel and front panel are hingedly connected to the roof panel while the right side panel and left side panel are hingedly connected to the base panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Compact Container Systems LLC
    Inventors: Thomas K. Churbuck, Robert J. Kraft, Richard Rosmarin, David H. Rowe, James K. Williams, Joshua J. Kraft
  • Publication number: 20170234223
    Abstract: The present invention discloses embodiments for a power augmentation system of a gas turbine engine resulting in performance improvements while also improving efficiency. The invention provides systems and methods for generating a heated air supply by way of mixing compressed air from an electrically-driven process with air drawn from the engine compressor discharge plenum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventor: Robert J. KRAFT
  • Publication number: 20170234227
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to gas turbine engines used for electrical power generation. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide systems and ways for improving gas turbine engine reliability through an electric motor backup system for cooling features of the turbine section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2017
    Publication date: August 17, 2017
    Inventor: Robert J. KRAFT
  • Patent number: 9695749
    Abstract: This invention relates to electrical power systems, including generating capacity of a gas turbine, and more specifically to augmentation of power output of gas turbine systems, that is useful for providing additional electrical power during periods of peak electrical power demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: POWERPHASE LLC
    Inventor: Robert J. Kraft
  • Publication number: 20170159576
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel modular system and methods of operating an increased air supply to a gas turbine engine such that the upon supplying a source of external air to the system, a bias is added to the exhaust temperature such that a firing temperature with air injection is substantially equivalent to the firing temperature without air injection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Publication date: June 8, 2017
    Inventors: Robert J. KRAFT, Scott AUERBACH, Sergio A. ARIAS QUINTERO, James H. LEAHY, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20170152796
    Abstract: Electrical power systems, including generating capacity of a gas turbine, where additional electrical power is generated utilizing a separately fueled system during periods of peak electrical power demand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2013
    Publication date: June 1, 2017
    Inventor: Robert J. Kraft
  • Publication number: 20170051668
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to gas turbine engines used for electrical power generation. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention provide ways for improving gas turbine engine performance by reducing ice build-up on the inlet filter housing through heated air injection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2016
    Publication date: February 23, 2017
    Inventors: Robert J. KRAFT, Steven QUISENBERRY, Scott AUERBACH