Abstract: A system and method to diagnose the operational health of a hydraulic accumulator are provided. The system can include a hydraulic accumulator selectively coupled to a hydraulic actuator, such as a swing motor. The accumulator can be charged by movement of the actuator. A pressure sensor can be associated with the accumulator to determine an accumulator pressure. A controller can be connected to the pressure sensor. The controller can determine a charge curve based on a relationship between an actuator operational parameter associated with the actuator movement and the accumulator pressure. The controller can compare the charge curve to a previously defined charge curve or range to determine an error between the charge curve and the previously defined charge curve or range. The degree of the error can be associated with the operational health of the accumulator, and if too large, the operator may be notified of the status.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a machine is disclosed. The hydraulic control system may have a tank, a pump, and a fluid actuator. The hydraulic control system may further have an accumulator configured to selectively receive pressurized fluid discharged from the fluid actuator and selectively supply pressurized fluid to the fluid actuator. The hydraulic control system may also have a pressure sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of a pressure of the accumulator, a charge valve, a discharge valve, and a controller in communication with the control valve, the charge valve, and the discharge valve. The controller may be configured to detect stall of the fluid actuator, to make a comparison of the pressure of the accumulator with a threshold pressure, and to selectively move the charge valve to charge the accumulator or move the discharge valve to discharge the accumulator during the stall based on the comparison.

Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a first pump and a plurality of valves that control fluid flow from the first pump to several actuators. Variable source orifices in the control valves are connected in parallel between the first pump and a node, and variable bypass orifices in the control valves are connected in series between the node and a tank. Pressure at the node controls displacement of the first pump. Each control valve also has a metering orifice for varying fluid flow between the node and one of the actuators. A hydrostatic pump-motor, coupled between two ports of a given actuator, is driven in a motoring mode by fluid exiting one of those ports. In a pumping mode, the hydrostatic pump-motor forces lower pressure fluid exhausting from one port into the other port of the given actuator.

Abstract: In a pump housing of a motor-vehicle hydraulic assembly, on which at least two inlet-valve openings, at least two outlet-valve openings, at least one high-pressure control valve opening and at least one switchover-valve opening and a pressure-sensor connection are formed. The at least two inlet-valve openings are arranged in a first row, the at least two outlet-valve openings are arranged in a following second row, the pressure sensor connection is arranged in a further following third row, and the at least one high-pressure control valve opening and the at least one switchover valve opening are arranged in a further following fourth row. There are also five embodiments of arrangements of connecting lines and holes in a pump housing for the short connection of the valve openings and connections, and one embodiment with respect to the use of the pump housing according to one of the six embodiments.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic control system manages speed of a hydraulic fan by using a solenoid to bias a three position pool of a control valve coupled to a hydraulic pump driving the fan. In a first position, the spool releases pressure on a de-stroke actuator of the pump and allows an on-stroke actuator to increase output pressure corresponding to a speed of an engine driving the pump. In a second position, the spool isolates the de-stroke actuator and fixes the pressure output of the pump. In a third position, the spool couples the de-stroke actuator to the pump output and causes a reduction in the pressure output of the pump. The solenoid coupled to the spool sets the output pressure at which the spool is in the second position.

Abstract: A folding implement frame having seven sections in a use position and nine sections when folded. The frame design allows a frame having a width of greater than 27 meters to be folded into a transport position having a width of less than eight meters and a height of less than six meters. The hydraulic system transfers weight to the center frame section during folding and unfolding to enhance stability. The hydraulic system uses accumulators to minimize the amount of oil reduction in the tractor reservoir resulting from extension of the hydraulic cylinders of the implement. Implement raise and lower cycle times are minimized by a helper cylinder to lift the frame main section when the entire implement weight is on the main section and allowing a smaller cylinder to lift the frame main section in the use position for shorter cycle times to raise and lower the implement.

Abstract: Shape memory alloy (SMA) actuating elements are commonly simpler and of lower mass than alternative actuator designs and may find particular application in the transportation industry. Such SMA-powered devices are usually reliable and long-lived but the phase transformations which occur in the SMA alloy and are responsible for its utility are not totally reversible. This irreversibility, a consequence of irrecoverable strain, may progressively degrade the long-term actuator performance as the irrecoverable strain accumulates over many operating cycles. Methods and devices for compensating for these effects and extending the useful cycle life of SMA actuators are described.

Abstract: Master-cylinder seal housed in a groove around a piston has a core connected to three annular and concentric lips. The core rests against a side of the groove and has: a surface provided with an interior edge followed by a peripheral platter cut by at least one channel, and an exterior crown provided with a connection zone formed by an interruption in the crown and deformable due to pressure within the seal to recreate the crown's continuity and impermeability while facilitating purging the brake system when there is no pressure in the channel and the connection zone.

Abstract: A motor control device (a motor driver) for controlling, by a duty control, a current supplied to a motor includes a driving controller, an off controller, and a voltage acquiring section (an A/D conversion processor, a sampling section). The driving controller performs on/off control of the current supplied to the motor with a first period. The off controller performs off control for the motor with a second period separately from the on/off control performed by the driving controller. The second period is longer than the first period. The voltage acquiring section acquires a voltage between terminals of the motor during a time period in which the off control is performed by the off controller.

Abstract: A compressor adapted to compress a working fluid includes a housing surrounding a compressor wheel and a backplate connected to the housing and enclosing the compressor wheel within an interior space of the housing. A cooling fluid conduit is fluidly connected between a cooled and compressed source of working fluid downstream of the compressor and the interior space of the housing of the compressor at a location between the compressor wheel and the back plate. A pressure differential created when the compressor is operating draws a flow of cooled, compressed charge into the interior space of the housing, which flow passes over and convectively cools said compressor wheel before mixing with a main compressor flow and being provided back through the compressor outlet.

Abstract: Embodiments for heating an emission control device are provided. In one example, a method for a turbocharged engine comprises during an engine cold-start, delivering boosted air from downstream of a compressor into a wastegate duct coupled across a turbine and exothermically reacting a reductant with the boosted air upstream of an exhaust emission control device. In this way, boosted air may be used to initiate an exothermic reaction to heat the device.

Abstract: A desired wastegate valve opening degree is set in accordance with a driving condition of an internal combustion engine; based on a detected rotation speed of the internal combustion engine and a set desired wastegate valve opening degree, it is determined whether or not supercharging for the internal combustion engine is required; and in the case where it is determined that the supercharging is not required, a driving current for a wastegate valve driving unit is stopped when the opening degree of the wastegate valve becomes a desired value.

Abstract: An internal-combustion engine has a turbo supercharger. A control apparatus calculates a fuel flow rate based on an injection quantity of fuel in the engine and a number of revolutions of the engine. The control apparatus calculates an upstream side pressure and temperature on an upstream side of a turbine impeller and a turbine flow rate. The control apparatus calculates an upper limit threshold value of an opening degree level of a variable nozzle of the turbo supercharger such that a turbine pressure ratio is equal to or less than a predetermined ratio on a basis of the turbine flow rate and a pressure ratio•turbine flow rate characteristic. The pressure ratio•turbine flow rate characteristic is pre-stored information indicating a relationship between the turbine pressure ratio, the turbine flow rate, and the opening degree level of the variable nozzle.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide an internal combustion engine control apparatus that can restrain an EGR amount from becoming excessive, and restrain destabilization of combustion . . . . First, in response to a change of an operation condition, operation amounts of a plurality of actuators that influence the EGR amount are set. When the operation amounts of the plurality of actuators are set, operation of an actuator that decreases the EGR amount (referring to an external EGR amount, an internal EGR amount or both, the same applying to the following) is started (S140), and thereafter, operation of another actuator that increases the EGR amount is started (S150).

Abstract: A system includes a heat exchanger and a fluid flow control module. The heat exchanger includes a substrate, a catalyst applied to the substrate, and fluid passages. Exhaust gas from an engine flows through the heat exchanger and a working fluid in the fluid passages absorbs heat from the exhaust gas. The fluid flow control module controls fluid flow from the heat exchanger based on a temperature of the catalyst.

Abstract: A turbo compounding internal combustion engine system includes an internal combustion engine and one or more valves for controlling a flow of an exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine. The system also includes a controller configured to monitor an operation mode of the internal combustion engine and responsively control the one or more valves and a turbine configured to selectively receive the exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine and to convert exhaust energy into a mechanical power. The system further includes a clutched gear drive selectively coupled to the turbine and the internal combustion engine, wherein the clutched gear drive is configured to provide the mechanical power generated by the turbine to the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A thermal storage system 1 includes: heat transfer medium that absorbs the solar thermal energy; phase-change material 10a6 that is heat exchanged with the heat transfer medium; and first thermal storage tanks (stratified tanks 10a-10c) in which the phase-change material 10a6 is supported and through which the heat transfer medium flows, wherein a plurality of the first thermal storage tanks (stratified tanks 10a-10c) are present, and the first thermal storage tanks (stratified tanks 10a-10c) are connected in parallel for the heat transfer medium flowing through, when storing the solar thermal energy, while the first thermal storage tanks (stratified tanks 10a-10c) are connected in series for the heat transfer medium flowing through, when exploiting the stored solar thermal energy. The thermal storage system is capable of exploiting the solar thermal energy more efficiently than conventional ones, while considering a variation in the amount of solar thermal energy.

Abstract: The present application provides a steam cycle system. The steam cycle system may include a source of steam, a steam turbine, a condenser, a steam turbine bypass system such that steam from the source of steam may bypass the steam turbine and be routed to the condenser, and one or more thermoelectric generators positioned about the steam turbine bypass system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus (10) for generating work, the apparatus (10) comprising at least one circuit for processing a working fluid in a thermodynamic cycle and mounted in a frame (11A) rotatable about an axis of rotation (12), the at least one circuit comprising, a compressor (13) for increasing the pressure in the working fluid, one or more expanders (17) in, on or downstream from the compressor (13) and extending in a direction having a tangential component, at least one channel (22) for the working fluid, a heat exchanger (18) for heating the accelerating working fluid in the channel (22), and a turbine (16) for generating work.

Abstract: A heat engine including a novel method for transferring working fluid from the low pressure side of the cycle back to the high pressure side. The invention includes one or more transfer tanks connecting the condenser to the boiler. Each transfer tank is connected to the condenser by a fill line and connected to the boiler by a dump line. Gravity and/or small transfer pumps are used to transfer the working fluid horn the low pressure side, through the transfer tank or tanks, and then to the high pressure side.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transforming solar energy into mechanical and/or electrical energy by using an ORC fluid in an ORC cycle configuration. The ORC cycle configuration includes a heat source that vaporizes the ORC fluid and an expander that expands the vaporized ORC fluid to produce the energy.

Abstract: A thermoelectric energy storage system and method are provided for storing electrical energy by transferring thermal energy to a thermal storage in a charging cycle, and for generating electricity by retrieving the thermal energy from the thermal storage in a discharging cycle. The thermoelectric energy storage includes a working fluid circuit configured to circulate a working fluid through a heat exchanger, and a thermal storage conduit configured to transfer a thermal storage medium from a thermal storage tank through the heat exchanger. The working fluid includes a zeotropic mixture. The working fluid is in a mixed vapor and liquid phase and has continuously rising or continuously falling temperature during heat transfer due to the working fluid including the zeotropic mixture.

Abstract: One embodiment of a moisture separator reheater includes: heater headers that supply the heating fluid to heat transfer tube groups for heat exchange with the steam; partition plates that guide the steam from a moisture removal section to the heat transfer tube group and then to the heat transfer tube group. The heat transfer tube groups each includes a plurality of heat transfer tubes each having a forward passage part, a backward passage part, and a bent tube part. The forward and the backward passage parts extend in a longitudinal direction of a body drum and the bent tube part connects the forward and the backward passage parts. The bent tube pipe is provided outside end plates.

Abstract: A steam power plant with a steam turbine with a high pressure stage and a low pressure stage is provided. A first steam source provides a motive steam, and a second steam source provides a heating steam, wherein the motive steam and the heating steam have different qualities. A reheater is arranged between the high pressure stage and the low pressure stage. The motive steam is supplied to the high pressure stage and is reheated by the reheater after leaving the high pressure stage, wherein the reheater is operated with the heating steam. Further, a method of operating a steam power plant is provided.

Abstract: Heat flow from a steam seal header could be used in a stage, such as a low pressure stage, of a steam turbine. However, the dump steam temperature from the steam seal header can be too high requiring removal of excess heat, typically through attemperation, before the dump steam is provided to the low pressure stage. Attemperation poses reliability and life issues and lowers efficiency. To address such short comings, one or more heat pumps are used to transfer heat from the dump steam to the fluid entering a boiler. This allows the dump steam temperature to be within acceptable limits, and at the same time, increase the temperature of the fluid so that the steam cycle performance is enhanced. Preferably, solid-state heat pumps are used as they are reliable, silent and can be precisely controlled.

Abstract: A metallurgical plant gas cleaning system (5) comprises at least one gas cleaning unit (28), and a gas flow generating device (22) for generating a flow of effluent gas to be cleaned through the gas cleaning unit (28). The gas cleaning system (5) further comprises a heat exchanger (26) for cooling said effluent gas and for generating a heated fluid, and a heated fluid-propelled drive unit (46) for receiving the heated fluid generated by said heat exchanger (26) to power said gas flow generating device (22).

Abstract: The rotational engine assembly includes a housing defining a rotor interior. The housing defining an inlet and an outlet extending into the rotor interior. The housing further defining a vane cavity between the inlet and the outlet. A vane movably mounted to the housing to move into and out of the vane cavity. A crankshaft extending through the rotor interior. A rotor radially fixed to the crankshaft in the rotor interior. The rotor defining a working chamber in the rotor interior between the rotor and the housing. The rotor includes at least one thruster extending from the rotor surface transverse to the crankshaft and dividing the working chamber. A compressor in fluid communication with the inlet for supplying compressed air to be mixed with the fuel. An ignition source mounted to the housing and having access to the working chamber for igniting the compressed air fuel charge.

Abstract: A method of heating liquid fuel upstream of a combustor in a system where compressor discharge air is cooled before being supplied to fuel nozzles in the combustor includes the steps of passing the compressor discharge air through a heat exchanger in heat exchange relationship with the liquid fuel to heat the liquid fuel and cool the compressor discharge air; supplying the heated liquid fuel and the cooled compressor discharge air to the combustor.

Abstract: A gas turbine system includes a compressor; a combustion chamber; a gas turbine; and an evaporative cooler. The evaporative cooler includes a plurality of cooling elements, a flow channel, and a feed device. The plurality of cooling elements are arranged in the flow channel. The feed device supplies a liquid to the plurality of cooling elements. The liquid is evaporated or vaporized. Each of the plurality of cooling elements is a flat cooling sheet, a surface of the cooling sheet having hydrophilic properties at least in a subregion which is specified for forming a liquid film. The evaporative cooler is connected ahead of the compressor on an intake side.

Abstract: A fuel injection system for a gas turbine engine includes a fuel delivery conduit, a nozzle block with a nozzle aperture, and a cavity block with a cavity. The nozzle aperture has a first cross sectional area, and injects fuel received from the fuel delivery conduit into the cavity. The cavity has a second cross sectional area that is greater than the first cross sectional area.

Abstract: The invention refers to burner arrangement for producing hot gases to be expanded in a gas turbine, including a burner inside a plenum, where the burner has means for fuel injection, means for air supply and means for generating an ignitable fuel/air mixture inside the burner, and a combustion chamber following downstream said burner having an outlet being fluidly connected to the gas turbine. The invention is characterized in that the means for air supply includes at least two separate flow passages, and that the one of the two flow passages is fed by a first supply pressure and the other flow passage is fed by a second supply pressure.

Abstract: The present application provides a fuel delivery system for use with a flow of heavy fuel oil for a gas turbine engine. The fuel delivery system may include one or more fuel lines in communication with the gas turbine engine and a magnesium mixing system positioned upstream of the one or more fuel lines. The magnesium mixing system may include a flow of magnesium and a flow of a carrier fluid, a carrier mixing chamber to mix the flow of magnesium and the flow of the carrier fluid to form a mixed carrier flow, and a heavy fuel oil mixing chamber to mix the flow of heavy fuel oil and the mixed carrier flow.

Abstract: Change in swirl of gas turbine exhaust gases at off-design conditions is a key driver of exhaust diffuser inefficiency that adversely impact the gas turbine performance. Conventional ways to control swirl such as blowing, suction, and vortex generation are undesirable since they require parasitic power, are complex to design, and dilute the exhaust gas energy. To address such short comings, shape memory devices are incorporated into struts of an exhaust diffuser of a gas turbine. The shape memory devices change shape in accordance with heat, which can be applied through memory device heaters. By controlling the memory device heaters, the heat applied to the shape memory devices can be controlled. The shapes of the struts can be altered through altering the shapes of the memory device in consideration of load conditions to increase the efficiency.

Abstract: A combustor having a combustion chamber is provided with an external flow sleeve and a combustor liner surrounding the combustion chamber. A plurality of flow channels are provided on the combustor liner and a plurality of nozzles are disposed at predetermined locations on the flow channels. The locations of the nozzles are selected to provide different mixing times for fuel injected through the nozzles.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of operating a combined cycle power generating system. The method includes combusting a fuel in a gas turbine, generating electricity and a steam of flue gas, producing a stream of steam in a heat recovery steam generator, producing a stream of concentrated carbon dioxide using an absorption unit and a solvent regeneration unit, forwarding the steam stream to a steam turbine and transferring the heat energy in the stream exiting the steam turbine to the solvent regeneration unit, and a thermal storage unit for storing heat energy.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accelerating droop response in a combined cycle power plant are provided. According to one embodiment if the disclosure, a system may include a controller and a processor communicatively coupled to the controller. The processor may be configured to receive frequency variation data associated with a frequency variation of an electrical grid, determine, based at least in part on the frequency variation data, a target operational level of the combined cycle power plant and the droop response associated with the target operational level, calculate a variable compensation value, and apply the variable compensation value to the droop response until the target operational level is reached.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a gas turbine in the event of load shedding and/or rapid shutdown. The method includes operating the gas turbine by the combustion of fuel in a combustion chamber of the gas turbine with the addition of combustion air via an air passage, and driving a load. Upon or directly after the load shedding or rapid shutdown, an additional gas volume is supplied to the combustion chamber via the air passage in order to slow the drop in pressure level in the combustion chamber.

Abstract: The present application provides a combined cycle system. The combined cycle system may include a compressor water wash system in communication with a compressor and a water wash flow, a combustor water injection system in communication with a combustor and an injection flow, and a transient power augmentation system in communication with the compressor, the combustor, and a flow of supplemental water.

Abstract: During full load operation of gas turbine engine operation, a valve system is maintained in a closed position to substantially prevent air from passing through a piping system of a shell air recirculation system. Upon initiation of a turn down operation, which is implemented to transition the engine to a turning gear state or a shut down state, the valve system is opened to allow air to pass through the piping system. A blower is operated to extract air through at least one outlet port of the shell air recirculation system from an interior volume of an engine casing portion associated with the combustion section, to convey the extracted air through the piping system, and to inject the air into the interior volume of the engine casing portion through at least one inlet port of the shell air recirculation system to circulate air within the engine casing portion.

Abstract: A combustor including a combustion nozzle. The combustion nozzle includes a mixing section and an exit section. The mixing section includes an air inlet, and a fuel inlet. The exit section includes a plurality of jets on an exit surface. The combustor further includes a combustion zone, including a combustion liner, disposed downstream and in fluidic communication with the combustion nozzle. The combustor is configured wherein a, NOx emission of the combustor is related to 1/R, where R is a Reynolds number ratio of a jet of the plurality of jets to the combustion liner. A method for achieving NOx reduction in a combustion nozzle.

Abstract: A portable on-demand hydrogen supplemental system producing hydrogen gas and mixing the hydrogen gas with the air used for combustion of the jet fuel to increase the combustion efficiency of said jet fuel. Hydrogen increases the laminar flame speed of the jet fuel during combustion thus causing more fuel to be burned and lowering particulate matter emissions. Hydrogen is supplied to the jet engine at levels well below it lower flammability limit in air of 4%. Hydrogen and oxygen is produced by an electrolyzer from nonelectrolyte water in a nonelectrolyte water tank. The system utilizes an onboard diagnostic (OBD) interface in communication with the jet's control systems, to regulate power to the system so that hydrogen production for the jet engine only occurs when the jet engine is running. The hydrogen gas produced is immediately consumed by the jet engine. No hydrogen is stored on, in or around the jet.

Abstract: A device for injecting fuel into a combustion chamber of a gas turbine is provided, having a distribution section to which a first fuel channel, a second fuel channel and an injection channel are coupled. The first fuel channel and the second fuel channel are arranged such that a) fuel is transportable by one of the first fuel channel and the second fuel channel to the distribution section, and b) a first quantity of fuel is transportable by the other one of the first fuel channel and the second fuel channel out of the distribution section. The injection channel is arranged such that a second quantity of fuel is injectable from the distribution section into the combustion chamber. The device further comprises an end cap with a protrusion having the injection channel inside, and extending inside the inner tube.

Abstract: A method of starting a gas turbine system is provided. The method includes approximating a temperature of at least one turbine system component. Also included is selectively determining a flow rate for a fuel to be delivered to a combustor for combustion therein, wherein the flow rate is dependent upon the temperature of the at least one turbine system component. Further included is delivering the fuel to the combustor at the flow rate selectively determined.

Abstract: The disclosed overboard extractor provides overboard extraction of compressor fluid at multiple extraction points. The overboard extractor includes multiple extraction manifolds and a delivery manifold for extracting the compressor fluid from the multiple extraction points. The overboard extractor also includes extraction valves and a delivery valve to control the extraction flow through each extraction manifold. The overboard extractor can operate in a delivery mode, a closed loop mode, or a mixed mode.

Abstract: Systems and methods for driving an oil cooling fan (36) of a gas turbine engine (10) during different modes of operation of the gas turbine engine (10) are described. A system may include a coupling device (40) configured to: transmit motive power from a power turbine shaft (22) of the gas turbine engine (10) to the oil cooling fan (36) during a first mode of operation where the power turbine shaft (22) is turning, and to decouple the oil cooling fan (36) from the power turbine shaft (22) during a second mode of operation where the power turbine shaft (22) is prevented from turning. An alternate source (42) of motive power may be configured to drive the oil cooling fan (36) during the second mode of operation.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a compressor section, a combustor in fluid communication with the compressor section, a turbine section in fluid communication with the combustor, and a buffer system. The buffer system can include a first circuit that supplies a first buffer supply air and a second circuit that supplies a second buffer supply air. The first circuit can include a first bleed air supply a second bleed air supply and at least one of an ejector and a valve. The second circuit can include a third bleed air supply, a fourth bleed air supply and at least one of an ejector and a valve.

Abstract: A valve skirt is connected to a shaft. The shaft extends in a rearward direction away from the skirt and has rack teeth at a location spaced away from the skirt. A tab is positioned between the skirt and the rack teeth, and has at least one flat surface. A rack support supports the rack for axial movement, and the rack support has a support ear that has a flat surface engaging the flat surface on the rack to prevent relative rotation of the rack when driven by a pinion gear. An air starter valve, a gas turbine engine and a method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A combustor includes a breech end, a fuel nozzle connected to the breech end and extending downstream from the breech end, and a shroud that circumferentially surrounds the fuel nozzle inside the combustor. A support extends radially inside at least a portion of the shroud, and a flexible coupling is between the support and the fuel nozzle. An adjustable tensioner is configured to engage with the flexible coupling and constrain longitudinal extension of the flexible coupling.

Abstract: A combustor includes a breech end, a plurality of fuel nozzles connected to the breech end and extending downstream from the breech end, and a shroud that circumferentially surrounds the plurality of fuel nozzles inside the combustor. A support extends radially inside at least a portion of the shroud. A leaf spring is between the support and one or more of the plurality of fuel nozzles, wherein each leaf spring includes at least three leaves.

Abstract: A core engine for a gas turbine engine, the core engine having a rotational axis, a casing and further comprises a gearbox assembly, a radial drive arrangement, pipes and connections and a connection structure; the radial drive arrangement drivingly connects the core engine to the gearbox assembly; the pipes and connections extend from the gearbox assembly to the core engine and the gearbox assembly is radially spaced from the casing by connection structure. A method of assembling the gas turbine engine includes the steps of axially translating the core engine and the fan casing so that the gearbox is adjacent the fan casing and attaching the gearbox assembly to the fan casing.