Abstract: A generating plant with improved capacity at high ambient temperatures comprises a gas turbine (32) matched to a generator (26) for summer peaking conditions. The plant includes a system for limiting turbine output at lower ambient temperatures to ensure that the generator or other components are not overloaded. It also preferably includes an evaporative cooler (70) for gas turbine inlet air.

Abstract: A highly supercharged gas-turbine generation system include a gas turbine power plant that is supercharged to a high inlet pressure, preferably over about 1.15 pressure ratio and preferably includes a transmission system with refrigerated transformers for increased output. The gas turbine power plant includes a precompressor that supercharges to a design pressure ratio of about 1.20 to 10, with a preferred pressure ratio of about 2. For high supercharging pressures, a pressure-reducer is located downstream of the gas turbine to maintain turbine outlet pressure that is close to the inlet pressure. The pressure-reducer is preferably an expander, but can alternatively be an orifice. A torque-limiting coupling on the shaft between the gas turbine and the generator prevents transient overload of the shaft. Capacity of the gas turbine plant is preferably controlled by varying supercharging pressure. The expander preferably has variable-pitch blades to allow efficient variation of turbine outlet pressure.

Abstract: A gas-turbine supercharging system with improved control. A gas-turbine supercharger that preferably comprises a variable-pitch axial flow fan and a logger supplies, cooled, pressurized air to a gas-turbine power plant. The gas-power plant is preferably a part of combined-cycle power plant that comprises a steam cycle and a duct burner. A controller modulates the output of the fogger and the supercharging fan to maximize the total plant output and provide optimum efficiency without exceeding plant operating limits. The fogger and fan are preferably selected to maximize the allowable output from gas turbine at summer peaking conditions. For the case of a combined-cycle power plant, the preferred mode of operation is to reduce fog output while maintaining a maximum fan pressure as ambient temperature drops below the maximum design value.

Abstract: A high-efficiency air handler that is suitable for moving large volumes of air. The air handler comprises a coil and a fan. The total air volume moving through the unit is preferably over about 2000 CFM, with a total fan static pressure rise of less than about 0.5 inches and preferably less than 0.2 inches of water. The fan is preferably a modified ceiling fan with a rotational speed of less than about 450 rpm. The air handler is preferably part of a system where dehumidification and sensible cooling functions are separate. The separate dehumidification allows for much higher supply air temperatures, preferably within about 10° F. of the space temperature. Low-velocity air distribution through a ceiling plenum or a vent into the space allows for very low fan static pressures, which greatly reduces fan energy use compared to conventional ducted systems. The low static pressures and high supply-air temperatures allow the use of existing drop ceiling construction with little modification.

Abstract: An air-conditioning system with thermal storage system for storing cooling capacity. The storage system comprises a quantity of fill material that preferably comprises water or similar liquid that is located in a cavity in the ground. The fill material may also include a bed of gravel with the pool of liquid filling the void spaces in the gravel. Sidewalls of the cavity are preferably supported primarily by the mechanical properties of the earth and the fill material. The lower boundary of the cavity is impermeable liner. A cover that blocks solar radiation and preferably with thermal insulation covers the top of the fill material. A chiller and a pump supply cooled liquid during night or other times of reduced electrical costs and liquid from the storage flows through a liquid-to-air heat exchanger during peak demand periods.

Abstract: A supercharging system for gas turbine power plants. The system includes a supercharging fan and means for limiting turbine power output to prevent overload of the generator at lower ambient temperatures. Possible means for limiting power output include burner control, inlet temperature control, control of supercharging fan pressure, and other options. Supercharging fan pressure can be controlled by staging fans, variable-speed drives, variable-pitch blades, and other options. The invention permits the supercharging system to be retrofit on existing turbines without replacing the generator and associated auxiliary equipment. A novel high-pressure duct design (particularly for use between the supercharging fan and the gas turbine) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gas-turbine engine with a subatmospheric operating pressure that is suitable for bottoming cycles and topping cycles with conventional power plants. A hot-gas stream expands through a turbine to a pressure below atmospheric. The resulting low-pressure gas stream is cooled to a lower temperature and then pressurized through a compressor. The cooling can be accomplished by the addition of a water fog to the air stream. The pressurized air stream exiting the compressor may be exhausted to the atmosphere. The compressor and turbine may share a common shaft a drive a generator to produce an electrical output. Another option is a pressure output; the compressor outlet pressure may be higher than the turbine inlet pressure so as to act as pump. Other embodiments drive a supercharging fan for a conventional combustion turbine. A topping cycle embodiment uses a high-temperature heat exchanger with low pressure differential and is suitable for use with coal and other solid fuels.

Abstract: This invention provides a fundamentally new approach to air conditioning. In a conventional air-conditioning system air the full volume of air is cooled below the dew point to provide both sensible and latent cooling. In the new system, dehumidification and sensible cooling functions are preferably separate. The separate dehumidification allows for much higher supply air temperatures, preferably within about 10° F. of the space temperature. Low-velocity air distribution through a ceiling plenum or a vent into the space allows for very low fan static pressures, which greatly reduces fan energy use compared to conventional ducted systems. The low static pressures and high supply-air temperatures allow the use of existing drop ceiling construction with little modification. The system can also include low-cost thermal storage. Latent thermal storage is in the form of a concentrated liquid desiccant solution. Chilled water storage is another option.

Abstract: A supercharger for improving performance of a gas-turbine power plant at high ambient temperatures. The supercharger comprises an auxiliary fan that can pressurize air before it enters the gas turbine and means for limiting turbine power output at lower ambient temperatures. The means for limiting turbine power may include control over supercharging pressure, gas-turbine inlet air temperature, or burner exit temperature. The supercharger preferably also comprises cooling means located in the air stream between the auxiliary fan and the inlet to the turbine. The air cooler is preferably a direct evaporative cooler, but could also be an indirect evaporative cooler, a cooling coil with associated mechanical or absorption refrigeration system, etc. The supercharger may also include a bypass damper that allows air to move freely around the auxiliary fan when the fan is not operating. This supercharger is especially suitable for retrofit on existing gas-turbine power plants.

Abstract: This invention provides a fundamentally new approach to air conditioning. In a conventional air-conditioning system air the full volume of air is cooled below the dew point to provide both sensible and latent cooling. In the new system, dehumidification and sensible cooling functions are preferably separate. The separate dehumidification allows for much higher supply air temperatures, preferably within about 10° F. of the space temperature. Low-velocity air distribution through a ceiling plenum or a vent into the space allows for very low fan static pressures, which greatly reduces fan energy use compared to conventional ducted systems. The low static pressures and high supply-air temperatures allow the use of existing drop ceiling construction with little modification. The system can also include low-cost thermal storage. Latent thermal storage is in the form of a concentrated liquid desiccant solution. Chilled water storage is another option.

Abstract: A system and method for providing conditioned air to the interior space of a building includes separate dehumidification and sensible cooling functions. The separate dehumidification allows for much higher supply air temperatures, preferably within about 10° F. to about 15° F. of the air temperature of the building space. Low-velocity air distribution through a ceiling plenum or a vent into the space allows for very low fan static pressures, which greatly reduces fan energy usage compared to conventional ducted systems. The low static pressures and high supply-air temperatures allow the use of existing drop ceiling construction with little modification. Optional return air channels between an inner glazing and an outer glazing of exterior windows can virtually eliminate heating loads at the building perimeter, which virtually eliminates the need for simultaneous heating and cooling. The result is a major improvement in energy efficiency and comfort while reducing installed cost of the system.

Abstract: This invention is an efficient free-piston internal-combustion engine having an expansion ratio greater than the compression ratio and preferably with gas bearings supporting the piston. The use of gas bearings in combination with high-temperature ceramic materials allows the engine to be nearly adiabatic and with exhaust temperatures in excess of 600.degree. C. These high exhaust temperatures in turn allow the engine to operate as a topping cycle for gas turbines, Stirling engines, steam engines, etc. An improved valving system for flexible control of the engine may include the use of a valve actuator in a piston. In one embodiment, a pair of oppositely disposed combustion chamber passageways extending between the combustion chamber and the earth's atmosphere, each have a combustion-chamber valve for controlling the passage of gas through the passageways.

Abstract: A tank holds a pool of liquid coolant in which spaced, rotatable disks are partially submerged. An air flow is established over exposed portions of the disks, preferably parallel thereto, whereby coolant adhering to the disks upon rotating out of the coolant pool is partially evaporated and the disks and remaining adhering coolant have their temperature lowered and serve to cool the coolant pool upon reentry into the pool from the air space above. A fluid to be cooled is passed through tubes mounted in the tank, below the surface of the liquid coolant, parallel to the surfaces of the disks. Adjacent rows of tubes define spaces therebetween, each of which receives the submerged portion of at least one disk. The evaporative cooler may be used in a refrigeration apparatus in combination with a compressor and an evaporator.

Abstract: A variable speed drive for fans and pumps. An impeller is connected to a primary motor and an auxiliary motor/generator through a transmission. The transmission includes an epicyclic gearing system. The primary motor is run at constant speed. The auxiliary motor/generator is driven at variable speeds to control the speed of the impeller. The device may be used to retrofit an existing pump or fan system.

Abstract: The disclosed refrigeration appliance includes a fresh-food compartment and a freezer compartment with a plenum or duct therebetween housing a single evaporator and at least one fan for establishing air flows through the plenum in opposite directions, an air flow pattern through the plenum and the fresh-food compartment alternating with an air flow pattern through the plenum and the freezer compartment. A condenser, a single compressor and a refrigerant circuit serve to complete the refrigeration system. One-way air valves are located at opposite ends of the plenum, on opposing sides of the fan, and provide communication between the food compartments and the plenum. Two one-way air valves are located at each end of the plenum, one in a wall of the freezer compartment and the other in a wall of the fresh-food compartment. The one-way air valves allow an air flow to be established, selectively, either through the plenum in the fresh-food compartment or through the plenum and the freezer compartment.

Abstract: A refrigeration system for providing cooling to two or more compartments utilizing respective first and second evaporators. During the initial operation of a cooling cycle, the refrigerant is utilized for cooling the compartment (such as a fresh food compartment) which is to be maintained at a higher temperature as compared with another compartment (such as a freezer compartment). Cooling can thus be achieved by operating a fan in the fresh food compartment, even where the refrigeration system has not yet reached steady state after the compressor initially begins operating. After cooling has been achieved in the fresh food compartment, the refrigerant in the system has reached a state suitable for cooling of the freezer compartment, and the fan for the freezer evaporator is turned on while the fan for the fresh food compartment is turned off.

Abstract: A method for substituting a replacement refrigerant for an existing refrigerant in a centrifugal compressor includes the steps of selecting a desired impeller Mach number for the centrifugal compressor, selecting a base refrigerant constituent, combining at least one additive refrigerant constituent with the base refrigerant constituent to form a replacement refrigerant having at least one physical or chemical property different from the existing refrigerant and substantially providing the desired impeller Mach number in the centrifugal compressor, and replacing the existing refrigerant with the replacement refrigerant. The existing refrigerant can be replaced by choosing a particular molecular weight or acoustical velocity which will provide the desired impeller Mach number.