Abstract: The systems, methods, and computer-readable media set a gas turbine firing temperature to maintain gas turbine metal surface temperatures. In certain embodiments, a method of setting a gas turbine firing temperature is disclosed that may comprise determining a critical temperature at which ash from ash bearing fuels becomes unremovable by conventional water wash procedures, determining hot gas path component metal surface temperatures, and adjusting the gas turbine firing temperature to maintain the metal surface temperatures below the critical temperature. Determining the metal surface temperatures may be based at least in part on measured gas turbine parameters, gas turbine performance models, and empirical models.

Abstract: Turbomachines, coupling devices and methods for coupling a first casing and an second casing together are provided. The first casing and second casing include mating bore holes defined in mating flanges thereof, which may be misaligned. The coupling device may include a bushing insertable and positionable within one of the mating bore holes, and a pin insertable and positionable within the bushing and the other of the mating bore holes. The bushing and pin may each include eccentric features which may facilitate insertion into the mating bore holes when the bore holes are misaligned, thus coupling the first casing and second casing together.

Abstract: Measurement devices and methods for evaluating clearances between adjacent components in turbomachines are provided. A measurement device may include a tool and a controller. The tool and controller may determine the clearance by measuring the distance between the adjacent components. The controller may compare the clearance to a predetermined engineering clearance limit and/or a previously measured clearance. A method may include measuring the clearance with a device which includes a controller. The method may further include comparing the clearance in the controller to a predetermined engineering clearance limit and/or a previously measured clearance.

Abstract: A method of cooling a gas turbine engine is provided. The method includes removing a load from the gas turbine engine. The method also includes operating the gas turbine engine at a rated speed of the gas turbine engine. The method further includes modulating an angle of at least one stage of inlet guide vanes disposed proximate an inlet of a compressor section of the gas turbine engine, wherein modulating the angle modifies a flow rate of an inlet flow for reducing a cooling time of the gas turbine engine.

Abstract: Gas turbine firing temperature optimization based on a measured sulfur content of a fuel supply of the gas turbine system is provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a diagnostic system configured to determine a maximum firing temperature for a combustor of a gas turbine system. The diagnostic system may determine the maximum firing temperature based on a predetermined sulfur content to maximum firing temperature correlation and an actual sulfur content of a fuel supplied to the combustor. The diagnostic system may also be configured to provide an indicator for a change in an actual firing temperature in the combustor of the gas turbine system. The diagnostic system may provide the indicator in response to the determined maximum firing temperature differing from the actual firing temperature of the combustor of the gas turbine system.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for detecting failure in gas turbine hardware. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method for detecting a failure in a gas turbine is provided. The method can include monitoring a parameter associated with the turbine, wherein the monitored parameter comprises at least one turbine bucket temperature, detecting an event associated with operation of the turbine, wherein the event is based at least in part on the monitored parameter, and initiating shutdown of the turbine upon detection of the event wherein the monitored parameter is above a predetermined value for at least a predetermined time duration.

Abstract: A method and system for online processing of life insurance applications includes receiving information that identifies an individual to be insured and describes the insurability of the individual. A certification may be received via an electronic data communications link confirming whether an illustration of a life insurance policy was delivered to the policy applicant. Furthermore, information may be received via an electronic data communications link from a third party confirming the identity of the individual to be insured. When a commitment to purchase the policy is received, a personalized temporary insurance certificate may be issued to the applicant, preferably accompanied by a temporary insurance agreement specifying the terms of temporary life insurance coverage extended to the individual.

Abstract: A method, system and generator for controlling a flow of fuel during a shut down of a gas turbine generator is disclosed. A first fuel flow rate to a combustion flame of the gas turbine generator is set at a beginning of a shut-down sequence. A sensor is configured to measure a rotation rate of a turbine rotor of the generator. A processor determines a deceleration of the turbine rotor from the measured rotation rates corresponding to the first fuel flow rate and compares the determined deceleration to a selected criterion. When the deceleration matches the selected criterion, the processor adjusts the fuel flow rate from the first fuel flow rate to a second fuel flow rate.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for detecting failure in gas turbine hardware. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method for detecting a failure in a gas turbine is provided. The method can include monitoring a parameter associated with the turbine, wherein the monitored parameter comprises at least one turbine bucket temperature, detecting an event associated with operation of the turbine, wherein the event is based at least in part on the monitored parameter, and initiating shutdown of the turbine upon detection of the event wherein the monitored parameter is above a predetermined value for at least a predetermined time duration.

Abstract: A method and system for online processing of life insurance applications includes receiving information that identifies an individual to be insured and describes the insurability of the individual. A certification may be received via an electronic data communications link confirming whether an illustration of a life insurance policy was delivered to the policy applicant. Furthermore, information may be received via an electronic data communications link from a third party confirming the identity of the individual to be insured. When a commitment to purchase the policy is received, a personalized temporary insurance certificate may be issued to the applicant, preferably accompanied by a temporary insurance agreement specifying the terms of temporary life insurance coverage extended to the individual.

Abstract: An interactive system for controlling the operation of an HVAC system is provide that comprises a thermostat for initiating the operation of the HVAC system in either a full capacity mode of operation or at least one reduced capacity mode of operation, and a controller for an outside condenser unit having a condenser fan motor and a compressor motor, the controller being capable of operating the compressor in a full capacity mode and at least one reduced capacity mode. The system also comprises a controller for an indoor blower unit having a blower fan motor, the controller being capable of operating the blower fan motor in a full capacity mode an at least one reduced capacity mode. The system further includes a communication means for transmitting information between the outside condenser unit controller and at least the indoor blower controller, where the information relates to the operation of the indoor blower and the outdoor condenser unit.

Abstract: An interactive system for controlling the operation of an HVAC system is provide that comprises a thermostat for initiating the operation of the HVAC system in either a full capacity mode of operation or at least one reduced capacity mode of operation, and a controller for an outside condenser unit having a condenser fan motor and a compressor motor, the controller being capable of operating the compressor in a full capacity mode and at least one reduced capacity mode. The system also comprises a controller for an indoor blower unit having a blower fan motor, the controller being capable of operating the blower fan motor in a full capacity mode an at least one reduced capacity mode. The system further includes a communication means for transmitting information between the outside condenser unit controller and at least the indoor blower controller, where the information relates to the operation of the indoor blower and the outdoor condenser unit.

Abstract: A thermostat is provided that receives one or more inputs from at least one heating system of a climate control system, and initiates an appropriate action in response to the input. The thermostat can turn off a heat pump providing substandard heat and responsively turn on a fuel-fired auxiliary furnace. The thermostat may discontinue further operation of the auxiliary furnace upon receiving an operating error signal associated with the auxiliary furnace, and responsively turn on the heat pump to provide for continued heating. The thermostat may also discontinue operation of the fuel-fired furnace and turn on a circulating fan in response to an input signal indicating a furnace high-temperature or a carbon monoxide presence.

Abstract: An interactive system for controlling the operation of an HVAC system is provide that comprises a thermostat for initiating the operation of the HVAC system in either a full capacity mode of operation or at least one reduced capacity mode of operation, and a controller for an outside condenser unit having a condenser fan motor and a compressor motor, the controller being capable of operating the compressor in a full capacity mode and at least one reduced capacity mode. The system also comprises a controller for an indoor blower unit having a blower fan motor, the controller being capable of operating the blower fan motor in a full capacity mode an at least one reduced capacity mode. The system further includes a communication means for transmitting information between the outside condenser unit controller and at least the indoor blower controller, where the information relates to the operation of the indoor blower and the outdoor condenser unit.

Abstract: A thermostat for controlling a climate control system is provided that comprises a network interface for establishing an internet connection with a website of a remote service provider, and a microprocessor for controlling the operation of a climate control system. The microprocessor is in communication with the network interface for establishing an internet connection and receiving user-specified information from a remote service provider that maintains a user-profile of information requested by the user. The thermostat further comprises a display device responsive to the microprocessor for displaying user-specified information received via the network controller from the remote service provider.

Abstract: The inventive thermostat provides for sensing the temperature and humidity within the space, and responsively controlling the operation of an air conditioning compressor and blower to maintain the desired temperature and humidity. In a first mode, the thermostat operates the compressor at maximum capacity and the blower at less than maximum capacity to provide dehumidification when the humidity level is above a set point. In a second mode, the thermostat operates the compressor and blower at maximum capacity to provide full cooling capacity when the sensed temperature is more than a predetermined amount above the desired temperature setting. The thermostat is also configured to automatically switch from the first mode of operation to the second mode of operation.

Abstract: A climate control system having two or more stages of cooling operation or heating operation is provided for supplying conditioned air to a plurality of zones within a space, where the climate control system comprises a plurality of controllable zone dampers for controlling the supply of conditioned air to each of the plurality of zones, and a plurality of zone temperature sensors for periodically sensing temperature at preset intervals and transmitting sensed temperature information when the temperature of the zone has changed by more than a predetermined amount.

Abstract: An interactive system for controlling the operation of an HVAC system is provide that comprises a thermostat for initiating the operation of the HVAC system in either a full capacity mode of operation or at least one reduced capacity mode of operation, and a controller for an outside condenser unit having a condenser fan motor and a compressor motor, the controller being capable of operating the compressor in a full capacity mode and at least one reduced capacity mode. The system also comprises a controller for an indoor blower unit having a blower fan motor, the controller being capable of operating the blower fan motor in a full capacity mode an at least one reduced capacity mode. The system further includes a communication means for transmitting information between the outside condenser unit controller and at least the indoor blower controller, where the information relates to the operation of the indoor blower and the outdoor condenser unit.