Abstract: A system is disclosed that incorporates a regenerative Rankine cycle integrated with a conventional combined cycle. This novelty requires minimal changes to a conventionally designed Heat Recovery Steam Generator and uses an added duct firing array(s) to boost the enthalpy of combustion turbine exhaust. The higher enthalpy in said exhaust is then extracted with the co-shared heating elements of the conventionally designed combined cycle to produce high pressure main and reheat steam. In practice, the condensate stream from the condenser is bifurcated such that a separate and dedicated feedwater flow, used for regeneration, is directed to feedwater heaters and then converted to steam with the provided additional enthalpy at the same pressure and temperature as the main steam in the conventional combined cycle. The fractional amount of condensate that is not sent through the feedwater heaters is directed to the HRSG to be heated in conventional fashion.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that incorporates a regenerative Rankine cycle integrated with a conventional combined cycle. An added duct firing array, typically located after the combustion turbine exhaust and before the conventionally designed Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG), is used to boost enthalpy of said exhaust. An added heating element downstream of the firing array provides sufficient heating for sensible heating, evaporation and superheating of feedwater that has been previously heated by feedwater heaters as part of a regenerative Rankine cycle. In practice, the condensate stream from the condenser is bifurcated such that a dedicated feedwater flow is directed to feedwater heaters. After further heating in the added heating element, the superheated steam, at the same pressure and temperature as the main steam, is now mixed with the main steam prior to turbine entry. The condensate is directed to the HRSG to be heated in conventional fashion.

Abstract: A method to integrate collected solar thermal energy into the feedwater system of a Rankine cycle power plant is disclosed. This novelty uses a closed loop, single phase fluid system to collect both the solar heat and to provide the heat input into the feedwater stream of a regenerative Rankine cycle. One embodiment of this method of integrating solar energy into a regenerative Rankine power plant cycle, such as a coal power plant, allows for automatic balancing of the steam extraction flows and does not change the temperature of the feedwater to the boiler. The concept, depending on the application, allows for the spare turbine capacity normally available in a coal plant to be used to produce incremental capacity and energy that is powered by solar thermal energy. By “piggybacking” on the available components and infrastructure of the host Rankine cycle power plant, considerable cost savings are achieved resulting in lower solar produced electricity costs.

Abstract: A method to integrate collected solar thermal energy into the feedwater system of a Rankine cycle power plant is disclosed. This novelty uses a closed loop, single phase fluid system to collect both the solar heat and to provide the heat input into the feedwater stream of a regenerative Rankine cycle. One embodiment of this method of integrating solar energy into a regenerative Rankine power plant cycle, such as a coal power plant, allows for automatic balancing of the steam extraction flows and does not change the temperature of the feedwater to the boiler. The concept, depending on the application, allows for the spare turbine capacity normally available in a coal plant to be used to produce incremental capacity and energy that is powered by solar thermal energy. By “piggybacking” on the available components and infrastructure of the host Rankine cycle power plant, considerable cost savings are achieved resulting in lower solar produced electricity costs.

Abstract: A method of measurement, control, and regulation for a solar integrated Rankine cycle power generation system can include a central processing unit (CPU) which receives input from an operator and/or sensors regarding load forecast, weather forecast, system cost, and capacity or efficiency needs. The method can include activation, in various sequencing, of heat transfer fluid control valves, storage control valves, and at least one turbine control valve.