Abstract: A combined cycle power generation plant has parallel normally-independent power generation trains, each having a gas turbine in line with a heat recovery steam generator. In a “parked” or spinning reserve operational state, combustion is discontinued at the gas turbine of one power generation train, placed on turning fear. Combustion at the other power train is reduced, preferably to a minimum emissions-compliant level (NOx, CO) of the gas turbine operated at low level combustion. A bypass duct with controllable dampers apportions exhaust from the operating gas turbine to the heat recovery steam generators of both power trains. This maintains an elevated temperature in both heat recovery steam generators and enables fast restart.

Abstract: A combined cycle power generation plant has parallel normally-independent power generation trains, each having a gas turbine in line with a heat recovery steam generator. In a “parked” or spinning reserve operational state, combustion is discontinued at the gas turbine of one power generation train, placed on turning fear. Combustion at the other power train is reduced, preferably to a minimum emissions-compliant level (NOx, CO) of the gas turbine operated at low level combustion. A bypass duct with controllable dampers apportions exhaust from the operating gas turbine to the heat recovery steam generators of both power trains. This maintains an elevated temperature in both heat recovery steam generators and enables fast restart.

Abstract: A power generation plant has two internal combustion engines (ICE) coupled in a compound configuration to operate electrical generators. A first ICE is a piston/cylinder engine producing high temperature and high pressure exhaust. The exhaust is coupled to the combustion air inlet of the second ICE, which is a gas turbine engine. A heat exchanger transfers heat from the exhaust of the first ICE to a bottoming cycle for additional power generation, also reducing the temperature at the turbine engine combustor. The second ICE (the gas turbine) is operated without an intake compressor, relying instead on the high pressure of the first ICE exhaust. The drive shaft of the gas turbine (or an associated generator/motor or a common shaft) operates a multi-stage turbo-compressor at the combustion air intake of the first ICE for improving engine power output without sapping exhaust energy as with a turbocharger.

Abstract: A power generation plant has two internal combustion engines (ICE) coupled in a compound configuration to operate electrical generators. A first ICE is a piston/cylinder engine producing high temperature and high pressure exhaust. The exhaust is coupled to the combustion air inlet of the second ICE, which is a gas turbine engine. A heat exchanger transfers heat from the exhaust of the first ICE to a bottoming cycle for additional power generation, also reducing the temperature at the turbine engine combustor. The second ICE (the gas turbine) is operated without an intake compressor, relying instead on the high pressure of the first ICE exhaust. The drive shaft of the gas turbine (or an associated generator/motor or a common shaft) operates a multi-stage turbo-compressor at the combustion air intake of the first ICE for improving engine power output without sapping exhaust energy as with a turbocharger.

Abstract: A hybrid solar energy power plant combines solar collector technologies with different cost and performance characteristics, to exploit the advantages and mitigate the disadvantages of each technology. The synergies allow significant improvement in plant economics. Embodiments include a high concentrating solar tower plus lower concentrating linear Fresnel or parabolic trough solar energy collectors. During sunlight, the lower concentrating collector generates steam for a turbine producing electric power. The higher concentrating (hotter) collector increases the temperature of this steam and also stores thermal energy by accumulating hot molten salt. Absent sunlight, the stored energy generates steam for power and also optimizes system temperatures, such as for quick startup from a cold state. In a hybrid plant, energy storage also improves utilization of collector capacity.

Abstract: Mechanical work for electric power generation is obtained from thermal energy in a plant arranged for introduction of solar energy, available intermittently, by reflecting and concentrating solar radiation to directly heat a flow medium such as the exhaust gas from a combustion turbine directed into a steam generating boiler/evaporator. Steam generators and staged turbines recover and extract energy optimally at particular temperature, pressure and flow parameters in a closed thermodynamic cycle. Solar energy that is available intermittently is injected into the cycle to elevate the energy of the flow medium, in particular to produce supercritical steam. A steam turbine optimized for expanding supercritical steam is deployed during periods of available solar radiation by a controllable clutch and other switching and valve arrangements. The exhaust from the supercritical steam turbine can be coupled to downstream staged turbines optimized for successively lower pressures and higher flow rates.

Abstract: An electric power generation plant has at least two synchronous machines and a source of mechanical power (torque), coupleable such that one or more of the synchronous machines can be operated as a generator while one or more is operated as a synchronous condenser. Field exciters, controlled shaft couplings, starters and switching sequences control starting, restarting and switching into simultaneous operation as generators, as condensers, or as one or more generators and condensers synchronously coupled to one another along a drive train. The disclosed configurations include modifications of existing generator installations such as decommissioned plants, such as by controllably coupling a second synchronous machine to a drive train, for use as a condenser for power factor control when needed or as an added source of generator capacity during times of high demand.

Abstract: A steam turbine driven electric power plant with an electric generator is switchable into an islanding mode wherein a main steam turbine is shut down and a lower capacity industrial steam turbine runs the electric generator instead, to supply house power to the plant while decoupled from the power grid. This avoids operating the main steam turbine and/or its steam source at reduced ratings for which they are not optimized and keeps the plant ready for restarting. The main steam turbine, the electric machine and the industrial steam turbine are mechanically engaged or disengaged through an SSS clutch, torque converter and transmission. In another mode, the electric generator is decoupled mechanically and operated as a mechanically unloaded synchronous motor coupled to the power grid, namely as a synchronous condenser wherein phased over- or under-excitation of the motor field windings supplies reactive power to the grid.

Abstract: In a combined cycle gas turbine configuration having at least two power blocks, stack emissions (particularly nitrous oxides or NOx but also carbon monoxide CO and unburned hydrocarbons, UHC) are controlled concurrently with part load power output. In one power block a combined cycle power plant has a relatively large heavy-duty industrial gas turbine fired to about 1,700° C. at the turbine inlet leading to a first heat recovery system. A second power block with a smaller gas turbine has a second heat recovery system. A controller adjusts coupling of flue gas and steam paths from the second power block to the first power block to meet load demand in compliance with applicable emissions regulations.