Abstract: A system includes a gas turbine operational at a constant rated rotational speed, a speed sensor to measure an actual speed of the gas turbine, a turbine controller to control the gas turbine to the constant rated rotational speed, and a generator coupled with the gas turbine and rotatable to output electric power. The system also includes a DC to DC converter to output a load current on a load bus to supply a load. The DC to DC converter is supplied input electric power from the generator. The system also includes an energy storage device cooperative operable with the DC to DC converter to supply power on the load bus, and a controller to receive the actual speed and adjust an output electrical current set point of the DC to DC converter to compensate for deviation of the actual speed from the constant rated speed of the gas turbine.

Abstract: An energy-saving hydraulic system includes an exerting hydraulic device, a buffering receptacle arranged at one side of the exerting hydraulic device, an impetus hydraulic device connecting to the exerting hydraulic device, and a recovering hydraulic device. The exerting hydraulic device has a loading receptacle selectively disposed at a first high position and a first low position. The impetus hydraulic device has a transferring receptacle selectively disposed at a second high position, a recovering position, and a second low position. The second low position is lower than the buffering receptacle. The recovering hydraulic device connects the exerting hydraulic device and the impetus hydraulic device, and includes a sustaining portion. When the impetus hydraulic device is lowering to the second low position, it contacts the sustaining portion of the recovering hydraulic device to push working liquid to flow back the exerting hydraulic device from the recovering hydraulic device.

Abstract: In a method for the control and protection of a gas turbine a gas turbine performance and lifetime indicative process quantity is estimated from a set of available process signals. The gas turbine performance and lifetime indicative process quantity is simultaneously evaluated by two different estimation methods, whereby a first estimation method has a high prediction accuracy, and a second estimation method has a high availability, a continuous adaptation of the second estimation method is conducted in order to align the output signals of the two estimation methods, and in case of a failure detected in the supervision of the first estimation method the adaptation of the second estimation method is stopped, and the output of the first estimation method is switched to the output of the second estimation method.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a pumped-storage power generation control device includes a control section that controls at least one of the pumping input of the pumped-storage power generation facility in the pumping operation and the power output of the pumped-storage power generation facility in the power generating operation such that a value, which is obtained by a predetermined calculation using the measurement value relating to the pumping input of the pumped-storage power generation facility in the pumping operation and the measurement value relating to the power output of the pumped-storage power generation facility in the power generating operation, becomes a set target value.

Abstract: A system platform includes a gas turbine engine coupled to a high power generator. The high power generator, driven by the gas turbine engine, supplies power to high power subsystems of the platform.

Abstract: A turbine for use in extracting energy from fluid flowing along a fluid channel defines a portion of the fluid channel and includes a flow pathway in communication with the fluid channel. A moveable element, such as a rotor, is disposed around the fluid channel and is moveable under the action of fluid flowing along the flow pathway so as to extract energy therefrom. The turbine may be associated with other apparatus in the fluid system, and may be capable of storing extracted energy for later use.

Abstract: Provided is a thermal energy recovery device in which poor lubrication of a bearing can be inhibited when an expander is driven. The thermal energy recovery device includes an evaporator (10), an expander (20), a power recovery machine (30), a condenser (40), a pump (50), a circulation flow path (60), a cooling flow path (70) for supplying working fluid from the pump (50) partially to the power recovery machine (30), an on-off valve (V1) provided in the cooling flow path (70), and a control unit (80), in which the expander (20) has a rotor (21), a bearing (22), and a primary casing (23), and in which the power recovery machine (30) has a power recovery unit (31) and a secondary casing (35), and in which upon reception of a stop signal for stopping power recovery by the power recovery machine (30), the control unit (80) closes the on-off valve (V1).

Abstract: A power control system for providing power sharing is provided. An energy storage device is configured to supply a first portion of power of an electrical power as a total load power and an engine-driven electrical machine is configured to supply a second portion of power of the total load power. A power converter is electrically coupled to the energy storage device and the engine-driven electrical machine such that the power converter is configured to supply the total load power to an electrical load device. A controller is coupled to the power converter and the controller receives characteristic data from at least one of the energy storage device, the engine-driven electrical machine, and the electrical load device. Based on the received characteristic data, the controller determines a power sharing proportion of a power sharing amount of each of the first portion of power and the second portion of power of the total load power to be supplied via the power converter to the electrical load device.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method and a system for implementing the method so as to alleviate the disadvantages of a reciprocating combustion engine and gas turbine in electric energy production. The invention is based on the idea of arranging a combustion chamber (10) outside a turbine (22) and providing compressed air from serially connected compressors to the combustion chamber in order to carry out a combustion process supplemented with high pressure steam pulses. The combustion chamber (10) is arranged to receive compressed air from each compressing stage of the serially connected compressors (24) for gradually increasing the amount of compressed air in the combustion chamber (10).

Abstract: Electrical power systems, including generating capacity of a gas turbine, where additional power is generated from an air expander and gas turbine simultaneously from a stored compressed air and thermal system.

Abstract: Methods of powering a heat engine with a remote lasers are disclosed, where the ambient air surrounding the engine is used as the working fluid. All methods include inputting the ambient air into the engine, absorbing laser optical radiation, turning it into heat, supplying the heat to the air, harvesting mechanical work from expanding air and releasing the air back into surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for generating exhaust energy and converting exhaust energy to electrical energy while an engine is not running. In one example, a system for an engine comprises: a first turbocharger including a first compressor driven by a first turbine, the first turbine disposed in an exhaust of the engine; a fuel burner fluidly coupled to the exhaust upstream of the first turbine; a generator coupled to one of the first turbine or an auxiliary, second turbine fluidly coupled to the exhaust downstream of the fuel burner; and one or more bypass valves configured to adjust a flow of air that bypasses the engine and is delivered to the fuel burner.

Abstract: Provided is an air charging apparatus driven by a rotating magnetic field and compressing or pressurizing and transferring air. The air charging apparatus includes at least one impeller sucking air and giving kinetic energy to intake air; an impeller case leading external air inhaled by the impeller into the impeller and converting velocity energy of air out of the impeller into air having pressure energy to discharge air; and a rotating body accelerator equipped with the impeller and the impeller case and driving the impeller. Here, the rotating body accelerator drives the impeller by generating a torque by interaction with an intake negative pressure, by generating a torque by interaction with the intake negative pressure and using supplied power, or by generating a torque using supplied power.

Abstract: For reducing vibrations and noise in electrical machines a rotor is mounted in a magnetic alignment device while a bearing shield is loosely held relative to a stator. The rotor is driven by the stator and vibrations of the rotor are detected. A magnetic alignment device is controlled so as to reduce the vibrations. Finally the bearing shield is fixed to the stator in a position determined by the controlling of the magnetic alignment device. Thus electromagnetic forces are taken into consideration during vibration and noise reduction.

Abstract: By relieving the shaft of an electronically-controlled turbocharger (ECT) in a central region of where a rotor of an electric machine couples with the shaft eases assembly of the electric machine onto the shaft. On either side of the relieved section, the fit between the shaft and the rotor may be a slip fit or an interference fit. Alternatively, the rotor is relieved in a central section. In some embodiments, the shaft is welded to the rotor. In yet other embodiments, the outside of the shaft and the inside of the rotor are threaded with a nut or a pin to secure the shaft to the rotor or the rotor itself has threads to engage with threads on the shaft. Such arrangements ease assembly and allow adjustment of dynamic characteristics of the rotor system.

Abstract: An activation control apparatus permits activating a steam turbine safely at high speed in response to a power generation plant state. A heat source apparatus heats low-temperature fluid to generate high-temperature fluid, and steam generation equipment generates steam by thermal exchange with the high-temperature fluid. A steam turbine is driven by the steam, and an adjustment apparatus adjusts a plant operation amount. A thermal effect amount prediction calculation device calculates a prediction value for a thermal effect amount for use for activation control of the steam turbine, and a changeover device decides, based on a state value of the power generation plant, the sensitivity of the thermal effect amount to a variation of the plant operation amount and outputs a changeover signal in accordance with the sensitivity. Based on the changeover signal, an adjustment device calculates the plant operation amount so as not to exceed a predetermined limit value.

Abstract: A method for coupling a gas turbine connected to a generator and a steam turbine, wherein the generator has an excitation winding, the excitation of which can be changed by changing an excitation current flowing through the excitation winding, the method having the following steps: a) accelerating and/or decelerating the steam turbine in such a way that the coupling takes place with a target coupling angle; b) if necessary, changing the excitation current such that the excitation of the excitation winding changed in this way leads to a changed polar wheel angle, wherein the polar wheel angle is changed in such a way that the achieving of the target coupling angle is supported. In an analogous method, the polar wheel angle is changed for the purposes of improved decoupling. A corresponding control device is for coupling a gas turbine connected to a generator.

Abstract: An electrical generator positionable downhole in a well bore includes a tubular housing having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, the housing having an internal passageway with a plurality of layers. The layers comprise at least a first protective layer, a second protective layer, and an electrically conductive layer positioned between the first and second protective layers. The layers define an internal cavity. A shaft with magnetic inserts is movably positioned in the internal cavity. Electrical current is generated when the shaft is moved. Alternatively, the device may be supplied with electrical power and used as a downhole motor.

Abstract: A power generation platform for delivering power to an external load includes an electrical system mounted to an autonomously-controlled chassis. The chassis has a powertrain that is responsive to control signals from a controller. The electrical system includes a fuel cell or other clean power supply for propelling the chassis, a direct current (DC) charging unit, a turbojet, a battery pack, and one or more electric machines. The DC charging unit and the battery pack are selectively connectable to the external load to deliver power to the external load, e.g., a propulsion battery pack of a vehicle or other system. The turbojet has a compressor, combustion chamber, and turbine, and injects low-emissions fuel into and combusts the fuel in the combustion chamber. The electric machine(s) are rotatably coupled to the compressor and/or the turbine to generate and transmit electricity to the battery pack.

Abstract: Torque absorber for wind turbine gearboxes, comprising a pair of torque arms configured to be coupled on one side to a pair of corresponding protrusions of a gearbox and on the other side to a fixed frame. Each torque absorber comprises at least one pair of ridges that externally embrace the corresponding protrusion; wherein a first absorbing element is located between the ridges and in contact with both the torque absorber and the protrusion of the gearbox; and wherein a second absorbing element is located between the ridges in contact with both the torque absorber and the fixed frame, defining a cushioned union between both components.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating auxiliary torque are provided. In one example, a method for controlling a supercharger comprises, responsive to requested torque exceeding spark authority of an engine, varying a current applied to a motor of the supercharger to provide an amount of torque to a crankshaft of the engine. In this way, a supercharger can be controlled to compensate for an engine torque shortfall.

Abstract: A system for generating hydrokinetic power from a subcritical channel is disclosed. The system comprises a power channel diverted from the subcritical channel for generating hydrokinetic power by changing one more flow parameters of water, wherein the power channel includes an intake section, one or more slope section, one or more power section and a recovery section, an intake spillway at the intake section of power channel, connecting the subcritical channel with the power channel for enhancing the velocity of water, wherein the intake spillway is designed based on rate of discharge of water to be drawn from the subcritical channel and an array of turbines located in the power channel for generating power using the diverted water from the subcritical channel, wherein the number of turbines are based on the length of the power channel.

Abstract: A system for controlling the flow of turbined water from a plurality of hydroelectric plants arranged in series along a watercourse with an open channel flow, defining upstream of each plant, a plurality of head races subject respectively to hydraulic flow and level constraints. The flow of water turbined by each of the plants is controlled by a flow setpoint. The system includes regulation of a global electrical production power set-point for the plurality of hydroelectric plants by a flow regulation setpoint taking into account the flow setpoint of each of the plants. The flow regulation setpoint determined by the regulation is weighted for each of the plants by weighting coefficients as a function of the respective hydraulic characteristics of the head plurality of races.

Abstract: Exhaust gases (28) from an engine (16, 16?), input to turbo-compounder (20), drive a bladed turbine rotor (48) therein, which drives a generator (56, 56.1, 56.1?, 126, 126?, 126?), the output of which is used to electrically drive an induction motor (104, 104?), the rotor (106) of which is mechanically coupled to the engine (16, 16?) so as to provide for recovering power to the engine (16, 16?). The turbo-compounder (20) also incorporates a wastegate valve (36, 36?) to provide for the exhaust gases (28) to bypass the bladed turbine rotor (48). Upon startup the wastegate valve (36, 36?) is opened, and the generator may be decoupled from the engine (16, 16?). The generator (56, 56.1, 56.1?, 126, 126?, 126?) may be coupled to the engine (16, 16?) either by closure of a contactor (110, 110?), engagement of an electrically-controlled clutch (124), or by control of either a solid-state switching (125) or control system or an AC excitation signal (130), when the frequency (fGENERATOR) of the generator (56, 56.1, 56.

Abstract: An impeller assembly includes: a compressor impeller; a flange member in which a shaft is inserted, the flange member having an abutting portion to abut on an upstream-side end surface, in an axis line direction, of the hub, and an impeller-side flange portion provided on an upstream side, in the axis line direction, of the abutting portion and protruding outward in a radial direction; a nut screwed on a tip portion of the shaft so as to hold the flange member between the nut and the end surface of the hub; a rotor of an electric generator or an electric motor, the rotor having a rotor-side flange portion disposed on an opposite to the hub across the impeller-side flange portion; and a fastening member fastening the impeller-side flange portion and the rotor-side flange portion to each other.

Abstract: A multi-body gas turbine engine, especially an aircraft engine, comprising at least one low-pressure rotating body, a high-pressure rotating body, and a starter designed to rotate the high-pressure body in order to start the engine, wherein the starter is coupled to the low-pressure body and the engine comprises a first disengageable coupling device disposed between the low-pressure body and the high-pressure body, for rotatably connecting the high-pressure body to the low-pressure body so as to allow the starting of the engine by means of the starter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a turbine which can generate an electric current, comprising a motor and a stator. The rotor is formed by a blade having a permanent magnet mounted thereon. The stator includes first and second coils which are positioned close to one another and have substantially orthogonal winding axes, said coils co-operating with the permanent magnet in order to generate the electric current.

Abstract: A distributed control node enables local control of reactive power. A metering device of the control node measures energy delivered by a grid network at a point of common coupling (PCC) to which a load is coupled. The metering device determines that the load draws reactive power from the grid network. The control node draws real power from the grid and converts the real power from the grid into reactive power. The conversion of real to reactive power occurs on the consumer side of the PCC. The conversion of real to reactive power enables delivery of reactive power to a local load from real power drawn from the grid.

Abstract: A fluid electricity generation device with dual-case includes a stator assembly and a rotor assembly arranged in the stator assembly. The stator assembly includes an outer case and at least one magnetically permeable unit disposed on the outer case. The rotor assembly includes a rotating member and at least one magnetic module. The rotating member has an inner case, a column arranged in the inner case, and a spiral blade connected to the column. The rotating member is rotatable with respect to the outer case. The first magnetic module is disposed on the inner case and has a magnetic area. The spiral blade is configured to be driven to rotate the rotor assembly by utilizing fluid, such that the magnetic area can pass through the magnetically permeable unit for generating induced current.

Abstract: A DC electrical generation system for an aircraft propelled by a turbine engine, such as a turbojet, includes at least one electrical energy storage capacity, at least one generator driven mechanically by a rotation shaft of the turbine engine and electrical connections between the electrical energy storage capacity, the generator and the aircraft equipment for powering the above-mentioned equipment with DC current, also including at least one alternative for supplying DC current to the equipment, which are autonomous in relation to any mechanical driving by a rotation shaft of the turbine engine, and a device that can cut-off power to the generator(s) and simultaneously activate the alternative current supply. The power cut-off device for triggering power cut-off and activating the alternative current supply is controlled by a control or operating parameter of the turbine engine. The alternative current supply is preferably formed by one or more supercapacitors.

Abstract: Downhole drilling often requires passing drilling fluid containing water mixed with mud through a downhole drill pipe. Such drill pipe may comprise cavities therein for working units such as motors, generators, solenoids and the like. It may be desirable to lubricate and cool such working units with water from the drilling fluid, however, mud particulate may damage such devices. The present invention comprises various embodiments of a dynamic seal assembly designed to allow fluid communication between a cavity and a fluid flow while blocking certain particulate matter within the fluid flow from entering the cavity. The fluid communication may occur through and the particulate matter may be blocked by a defined clearance between two complementary surfaces that are movable relative to each other.

Abstract: A combined heat and power system according the present disclosure includes a Rankine cycle apparatus including an evaporator that heats a working fluid by heat exchange between the working fluid and a heat source medium, an expansion machine that converts expansion power of the working fluid into rotational power, and a condenser that cools the working fluid by heat exchange between the working fluid and a heat medium, and a thermal circuit for using the heat medium heated by the condenser. An expansion volume ratio of the expansion machine is equal to or less than an expansion ratio in a theoretical Rankine cycle determined based on a state of a temperature and a pressure of the working fluid at a discharge port of the expansion machine and a state of a temperature and a pressure of the working fluid at a suction port of the expansion machine.

Abstract: An electrical power system for an aircraft having electrical loads and at least one jet engine with a high pressure spool and a low pressure spool, the electrical power system includes a first electrical machine driven by a first pressure spool and outputting a first voltage, a second electrical machine driven by a second pressure spool and outputting a second voltage, and an electrical distribution bus receiving the first and second voltages and supplying the voltages to the loads.

Abstract: A potential energy-based power generation system comprises a first reservoir disposed on an upper part of a building and configured to reserve water, a second reservoir located underground of the building and configured to reserve the water, a small hydro power generation unit including a small hydro power generation turbine to generate the power, a fuel cell power generation unit disposed at one side of the first reservoir and configured to generate the power using the hydrogen gas, an electrolysis device disposed in the second reservoir and configured to perform electrolysis for decomposition of the water into the oxygen and hydrogen gas by using the external power or the power generated by the small hydro power generation unit.

Abstract: A compressed air system energy storage and recovery system has a compressed air tank structured to store compressed air above 200 bars, a heat storage unit containing a heat transfer fluid and having a latent heat storage material, and a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger extracts heat from compressed ambient air above 200 bars for storage and to heat compressed air from the tank above 200 bars prior to expansion and use to recover energy in the air motor. Efficiency of energy storage and heat exchange is improved using pressures above 200 bars.

Abstract: A device for generating electrical energy from mechanical motion includes a buoy housing and at least one force modifier disposed at least partially within the interior of the buoy housing. The force modifier receives an input force and applies a modified force to another component. The force modifier includes a hydraulic system and the hydraulic system includes a first hydraulic piston having a first area and a second hydraulic piston having a second area, where the first area and the second area are not equal.

Abstract: A component designed to form a rotor for an electric machine includes a shaft, and an active part which is disposed in concentric circumferentially surrounding relation to the shaft. The active part has a radially inwardly open slot. A leg is connected to the shaft and has a tip which points radially outward from the shaft and is received in the slot of the active part. Further received in the slot of the active part is a first end of a connecting element. A fastening element secures the connecting element in a region of a second end to the leg to thereby establish a form-fit connection of the leg and the connecting element to the active part.

Abstract: Method for avoiding voltage instability in an electrical grid of an offshore wind park, the offshore wind park electrical grid being connected at a first end of a high voltage alternating current (HVAC) transmission and the main land electrical grid being connected at a second end of the HVAC transmission, each of the wind turbines being connected to the wind park electrical grid, the method comprises determining a main land phase angle at or near the second end of the HVAC transmission; measuring an individual wind turbine phase angle at one or more wind turbines; determining the difference between each of the measured individual wind turbine phase angles and the main land phase angle; and determining whether the difference between one of the measured individual wind turbine phase angle and the main land phase angle exceeds a threshold phase angle difference.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an underwater power generation apparatus are provided. In one embodiment, an underwater power generation apparatus is provided, comprising: a conduit having a bore defined by an interior surface of the conduit, the bore comprising a void extending about a length of the conduit; an exterior cylinder, the conduit oriented within the exterior cylinder, and the conduit rotatable relative to the exterior cylinder; at least three bearings oriented between the conduit and the exterior cylinder; at least one blade having a first blade direction, the at least one blade having a first blade direction oriented on the interior surface of the conduit at a first end of the conduit; and at least one blade having a second blade direction, the at least one blade having a second blade direction oriented on the interior surface of the conduit at a second end of the conduit.

Abstract: A machine includes a machine substrate and a dielectric layer formed over at least a portion of the machine substrate. A monitoring system for the machine includes a sensor subsystem that includes a first portion of the machine substrate and a portion of the machine dielectric layer formed over the first portion of the machine substrate. The monitoring system also includes a sensor electromagnetic structure disposed on the portion of the machine dielectric layer. The sensor electromagnetic structure includes at least one sensor conducting subcomponent. The sensor electromagnetic structure is configured to regulate electromagnetic fields incident thereto in response to at least one measurement characteristic of a machine measurand. The sensor subsystem is configured to obtain at least one measurement characteristic of the machine measurand proximate a machine sensing position.

Abstract: A turbocharger is provided that includes a turbine, a compressor and a bearing housing disposed and connected between the turbine and the compressor. A shaft rotatably disposed within the bearing housing and extending into the turbine and the compressor. A bearing arrangement is disposed between the shaft and the bearing housing. The bearing arrangement including first and second bearings, each of the first and second bearings formed by a respective first and second plurality of roller elements engaged between a respective first and second inner race and a respective first and second outer race. The shaft is made of a steel alloy with a carbon content of less than 0.40% by weight.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes operation of a valve actuator to generate electrical power. A portion of the mechanical energy generated by operation of a valve actuator is converted to electrical energy. The mechanical energy may be converted to electrical energy at the same time as the valve actuator is operating or the mechanical energy may be stored for later conversion. A valve actuator may be operated manually, electrically, pneumatically, or hydraulically. Generated electrical energy may also be stored.

Abstract: The invention concerns a rear box section for a rotor blade, in particular of a wind power installation, comprising a pressure-side surface, a suction-side surface, a trailing edge separating the pressure-side and suction-side surfaces, and a connecting side which is opposite to the trailing edge and which is adapted for mounting to a corresponding connecting surface of the rotor blade. The invention concerns in particular a rear box section which is sub-divided into a foot segment having the connecting side and one or more head segments which have the trailing edge and which can be coupled to the foot segment. The invention also concerns a rotor blade for a wind power installation, and a wind power installation.

Abstract: A system for generating energy from a confined space that includes heated air therein. The system includes a turbine operatively associated with at least one generator of electricity; and a funnel having an inner channel that is open and unobstructed from a larger bottom opening to a smaller top opening which is in air flow communication with the turbine. The inner channel is configured for accelerating heated air rising through the channel prior to exiting the top opening and entering the turbine. No additional energy is needed, such as the use of a fan or propeller, for this acceleration. The accelerated heated air more effectively drives the turbine without requiring additional energy to provide increased amounts of generated electricity and to do so more efficiently compared to turbine systems that do not contain a funnel and fan or propeller.

Abstract: An example well system includes a base pipe having an interior and defining one or more flow ports, the base pipe being positionable within a wellbore adjacent a subterranean formation. A flow path for a fluid extends between the interior of the base pipe, through the one or more flow ports, and to an exterior of the base pipe. A transverse turbine is positioned in the flow path, the transverse turbine including a rotor and a plurality of blades positioned to receive a flow of the fluid perpendicular to a rotational axis of the rotor. A generator includes one or more magnets rotatable with rotation of the transverse turbine and one or more coil windings mounted on a stator. The flow of the fluid rotates the transverse turbine and rotation of the transverse turbine generates electrical power in the generator.

Abstract: A drive system for driving a load, comprising a gas turbine configured and arranged for driving the load, an electric motor/generator electrically connected to an electric power grid, a first load coupling connecting the gas turbine to the load, a second load coupling, connecting the load to the electric motor/generator. The electric motor/generator is adapted to function as a generator for converting excess mechanical power from the gas turbine into electrical power and delivering the electrical power to the electric power grid, and as a motor for supplementing driving power to the load. The drive system comprises furthermore a disconnecting device to reversibly disconnect the load from the gas turbine, so that the load can be driven only by the motor.

Abstract: A propulsion unit is disclosed, which can include a casing, a shaft, a propeller, an annular housing and a rim drive electric motor. The casing can be rotatably supported at a hull of a vessel. The shaft can be rotatably supported with bearings within a lower portion of the casing. A propeller can be attached to an outer end of the shaft protruding from the lower portion of the casing. The annular housing can surround an outer perimeter of the propeller and can form a duct for water flowing through the interior of the annular housing. The rim drive electric motor can include a rotor rim provided on an outer perimeter of the propeller and a stator provided within the annular housing. Oil lubricated roller bearings can be used on the shaft within the casing. The axial length of the propulsion unit can be short.

Abstract: Some embodiments include a system. The system includes a conduit system having a conduit system volume. The conduit system can convey a fluid through the conduit system volume of the conduit system. The system also includes at least one pumping mechanism operable to drive the fluid through the conduit system volume, at least one turbine operable to extract energy from the fluid conveyed by the conduit system and driven by the pumping mechanism(s), and at least one generator coupled to the turbine(s) and operable to generate electricity from the energy extracted by the turbine(s). The pumping mechanism(s) are configured to be powered by a first portion of the electricity and the system makes a second portion of the electricity available to one or more electrical loads. Other embodiments of related systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electrically assisted turbocharger (10) includes an air cooling system for cooling an electric motor (52) housed within a motor chamber (54) in a bearing housing (12). An inlet volute (76) is formed in the bearing housing (12) on a first side of the electric motor (52) and an outlet volute (78) is formed in the bearing housing (12) on a second side of the electric motor (52) opposite from the inlet volute (76). The inlet volute (76) accelerates cooling air that is fed into the inlet volute (76) and directs the cooling air into the motor chamber (54). The cooling air travels in an axial direction through the motor chamber (54) from the inlet volute (76) to the outlet volute (78), thereby cooling the electric motor (52). The outlet volute (78) decelerates the cooling air and directs the cooling air out of the motor chamber (54).

Abstract: Apparatuses including utility meter, power electronics, and communications circuitry are provided. The utility meter circuitry is configured to measure usage of electricity supplied by an electric utility to a premise of a customer of the electric utility. The power electronics circuitry is configured to regulate a voltage level supplied to the premise of the customer. Moreover, the communications circuitry is configured to provide communications with a first electronic device of the customer at the premise of the customer and to provide communications with a second electronic device that is upstream from the apparatus. Related methods of operating an apparatus including utility meter, power electronics, and communications circuitry are also provided.