Turbogenerators Patents (Class 290/52)
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Patent number: 9822699Abstract: A hybrid turbocharger includes a first power conversion unit to convert a direct-current power into alternating-current power to be output to a generator motor, a smoothing capacitor between direct-current buses, and a control unit that controls the first power conversion unit so as to cause actual generator motor speed to comply with an engine speed command of the generator motor input from an upstream controller during a motoring operation of the generator motor. The control unit changes the engine speed command to a value which is equal to or greater than the actual generator motor speed if the engine speed command of the generator motor is less than the actual generator motor speed and a direct-current bus voltage is equal to or greater than a predetermined first threshold value during the motoring operation. Accordingly, the direct-current bus voltage can be prevented from increasing during the motoring operation.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2015Date of Patent: November 21, 2017Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Yukio Yamashita, Musashi Sakamoto, Yoshihisa Ono, Keiichi Shiraishi
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Patent number: 9810102Abstract: 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 outside a gas turbine and providing compressed air to the combustion chamber in order to carry out a combustion process supplemented with high pressure steam pulses.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2015Date of Patent: November 7, 2017Assignee: Finno Energy OyInventors: Timo Erämaa, Heikki J. Salminen
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Patent number: 9797366Abstract: An underwater pumped storage power plant that includes: an accumulator system with pressure vessels fillable with water and; a water outlet for water flow out of the system into a surrounding ocean against hydrostatic water pressure (PT) corresponding to water depth (T); a pump at the water outlet to pump water out of the system by converting electrical energy into potential energy corresponding to a displaced water column PT; a water inlet to allow water flow into the system from the surrounding ocean; a common generator at the water inlet, to convert the potential energy back into electrical energy when water flows in; electric lines to transport the electrical energy from the ocean surface to the power plant and back, wherein the pressure vessels are pressure-resistant and resistant to deformation from the PT at the ocean floor.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2012Date of Patent: October 24, 2017Assignee: Roentdek-HandelsInventors: Horst Schmidt-Boecking, Gerhard Luther
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Patent number: 9777620Abstract: An improved turbocompound system, in particular in the field of industrial vehicles. A first turbine drives a fresh air compressor. A power turbine is arranged downstream of the first turbine and operatively coupled with the crankshaft of the engine through a clutch. A first electric motor/generator is operatively coupled with the turbocharger system. A second electric motor/generator is operatively coupled with the power turbine. The first and second electric motor/generators are electrically interconnected, and controlled as a motor or a generator in an opposite way with respect to each other, so that the electric energy produced by one is consumed by the other and vice versa.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2014Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: FPT Motorenforschung AGInventor: Laurentius Jaeger
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Patent number: 9765755Abstract: Described herein is essentially a high-efficiency, hybrid fluid-aeolipile. In operation, this hybrid device is placed in the stream of a moving fluid, preferably air. Energy is extracted from the fluid stream by directing a portion of the stream through and, optionally, around the device. As the fluid-flow moves through the device, it is directed into nozzles. These nozzles, which are free to pivot in a cyclical manner, employ the established phenomenon of “nozzle-effect” to accelerate the velocity of the air-flow passing through them, which is ultimately ejected from each nozzle tip, producing thrust. This thrust, amplified by nozzle-effect, drives the nozzles to pivot around a shared axis. The wind energy, thereby converted into cyclical motion, that may be used to perform useful work, is converted with greater efficiency, than is possible in conventional blade-type wind turbines.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2013Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Inventors: David Wenzhong Gao, Charles William Van Neste
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Patent number: 9765691Abstract: A turbine engine assembly including a turbine core and a cryogenic fuel system. The turbine core includes: a compressor section; a combustion section; and a turbine section, which are axially aligned. The a cryogenic fuel system includes: a cryogenic fuel reservoir; a vaporizer heat exchanger; a liquid supply line operably coupling the fuel reservoir to an input of the vaporizer heat exchanger; a gas supply line operably coupling an output of the vaporizer heat exchanger to the combustion section; and a second heat exchanger thermally connecting the liquid supply line and the gas supply line to transfer heat from the gas supply line to the liquid supply line.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2013Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Adon Delgado, Todd James Buchholz, Christopher Dale Mathias
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Patent number: 9765695Abstract: A gas turbine arrangement, including a gas generator section (A), a power turbine section (B), and a generator section (C) coupled on a common shaft (10). The power turbine has its bearing block (12) provided with a copper cooling cup (9), which possesses a high thermal conductivity and conveys heat flux away from the side and block of the bearing and which has a design that enables the effect of a penetrating airflow.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2013Date of Patent: September 19, 2017Assignee: LAPPEENRANNAN TEKNILLINEN YLIOPISTOInventors: Esa Saari, Jaakko Larjola, Juha Honkatukia
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Patent number: 9752552Abstract: A position-controlled wave power generating apparatus. A position-controlled wave power generating apparatus is included a floating part floatable on a body of water, a motion conversion unit coupled to a floating part, a power generating unit generating electricity using a generator connected to a motion conversion unit, and a position control unit positioned below a water surface to generate a thrust from the energy of waves.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2015Date of Patent: September 5, 2017Assignee: Postech Academy-Industry FoundationInventors: Son-Cheol Yu, Han Gil Joe, Seok Min Wi, Hyeon Woo Cho, Jeong Hwe Gu, Min Sung Kim, Hee seung Kwon, Jason Seungjoo Lee, Ju Hyun Pyo
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Patent number: 9722426Abstract: A hybrid energy system includes a (GTG) configured to provide a full-load power output and a storage device configured to store energy. The hybrid energy system includes a generator step-up transformer, wherein the GTG and the storage device are electrically co-located on a low side of the generator step-up transformer.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2014Date of Patent: August 1, 2017Assignee: Wellhead Electric Company, Inc.Inventors: John Grant McDaniel, Harold Edwin Dittmer
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Patent number: 9714639Abstract: Some embodiments provide a pool cleaner generator module with magnetic coupling. The generator module can include a housing, a paddle wheel, a magnetic follower, and a generator. The generator can power components of the pool cleaner, such as light emitting diode (LEDs). The housing can be removably coupled to the pool cleaner and can include a flow directing portion positioned in a fluid path of the pool cleaner. The paddle wheel can be located adjacent to the flow directing portion and can rotate in response to fluid flow through the fluid path. The generator can be magnetically coupled to the paddle wheel and can generate power through rotation of the paddle wheel. The LED can be coupled to the generator and can receive the generated power from the generator to illuminate an area adjacent to the pool cleaner.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2013Date of Patent: July 25, 2017Assignee: Pentair Water Pool and Spa, Inc.Inventors: Brian Deery, Suresh C. Gopalan
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Patent number: 9687798Abstract: The invention relates to a horizontal agitator for producing a flow in a clarifier, a propeller being connected to a submersible motor which is axially offset in relation thereto, wherein the propeller and the submersible motor are designed such that a flow in a direction from the propeller towards the submersible motor is produced when the submersible motor is operated, and wherein plate-shaped flow guide elements are provided downstream of the propeller and extend in at least an axial plane that runs substantially parallel to the propeller axis. In order to improve the efficiency of the horizontal agitator, it is proposed in accordance with the invention to support the submersible motor on a bottom of the clarifier via at least two first flow guide elements.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2013Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: INVENT UMWELT-UND VERFAHRENSTECHNIK AGInventor: Marcus Hoefken
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Patent number: 9605878Abstract: The present disclosure includes a mining system which comprises ore, waste, and a reservoir which comprises a portion of said waste through which air can flow with low resistance for storing thermal energy from a tempered air source and supplying it to a tempered air consumer, and connections for tempered air flow between said tempered air source and said reservoir and between said tempered air consumer and said reservoir. Note: As used herein, “tempered air” means air of a temperature sufficiently high to heat, or low to cool, an object to a desired temperature. For example, in a house, the furnace is a source of tempered air for heating in winter, the air conditioner a source of tempered air for cooling in summer, and the house is a consumer of tempered air.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2012Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Inventor: George E. Gerpheide
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Patent number: 9599090Abstract: A rotor apparatus for extracting energy from bidirectional fluid flows comprises a first rotor (7) mounted for rotation about an axis of rotation (4) in a first direction of rotation, the first rotor (7) having at least one helical blade (2) with a pitch that decreases in a direction along the axis of rotation (4); and a second rotor (8) mounted for rotation about the same axis of rotation (4) in an opposite direction of rotation and having at least one helical blade (2) with a pitch that increases in the same direction along the axis of rotation (4), wherein fluid exiting the first rotor (7) is passed to the second rotor (8).Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2012Date of Patent: March 21, 2017Assignee: SEA-LIX ASInventors: Jason Dale, Aage Bjørn Andersen
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Patent number: 9593623Abstract: The method involves receiving a plurality of current operating parameters of an engine during operation of engine and determining at least one of a current substitution ratio and a current peak cylinder pressure based on the plurality of current operating parameters. The method also involves determining at least one of a target substitution ratio and a predefined peak cylinder pressure based on the plurality of current operating parameters and comparing at least one of the current substitution ratio with the target substitution ratio and the current peak cylinder pressure with the predefined peak cylinder pressure. The method also involves controlling a first power output from a plurality of engine cylinders and a second power output from an electric turbo-compounding system, based on the comparison of at least one of the current substitution ratio with the target substitution ratio and the current peak cylinder pressure with the predefined peak cylinder pressure.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2014Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Thomas Michael Lavertu, Anthony Holmes Furman
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Patent number: 9583993Abstract: A generator system with a generator connected between a first preexisting pipe and a second preexisting pipe. The generating system can have a non-magnetic section of pipe, a flux guide, a plurality of coils, a non-rotating stator a rotating device, a plurality of rare earth, and a controller. Fluid flows through the first preexisting pipe flange towards the second preexisting pipe flange, which causes the rotating device to turn the rotating shaft that rotates the plurality of rare earth magnets to provide a magnetic flux energizing the plurality of coils generating a current of sufficient energy to produce at least six watts continuously.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2016Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: TAZMAN TURBINZ, INC.Inventors: Bruce A. Kaiser, Bryon D. Hodges, James R. Oldham
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Patent number: 9579980Abstract: A hydraulic pump powering system includes a mobile vehicle, a first electric current generator device, and one or more electric pump motors. The mobile vehicle has first and second prime movers. The first electric current generator device is disposed onboard the mobile vehicle and is configured to be mechanically coupled with the first prime mover to convert movement created by the first prime mover into first electric current. The one or more electric pump motors are configured to receive the first electric current to power a hydraulic pump. The second prime mover is configured to generate movement that is converted into a propulsive force that propels the mobile vehicle. The one or more electric pump motors are configured to receive the first electric current in order to power the hydraulic pump to pump a fluid into a pumping location located off-board the mobile vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2015Date of Patent: February 28, 2017Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Robert Douglas Cryer, George Wnukoski, David Kamensky, Ramesh Krishnan, William Halli, Alexey Gaev, Ryan Martorella, Tarun Shivlani
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Patent number: 9567911Abstract: The present invention relates to a power plant for generating electrical power having a burner unit, wherein thermal energy can be produced by burning a fuel, a turbine unit, wherein a rotational movement can be produced with the thermal energy, and a generator unit which is driven by the rotational movement to generate electrical power. The power plant is characterized according to the invention in that in order to produce the thermal energy, in addition to the burner unit, an electric heating unit is provided, through which electrical energy can be converted into thermal energy to drive the turbine unit. In addition the invention relates to a method for generating electrical power.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2013Date of Patent: February 14, 2017Assignee: Lumenion AGInventor: Andrew Zwinkels
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Patent number: 9525375Abstract: Provided is a system for transporting an oil sand slurry, comprising a pump, upstream and downstream lines, a shaft connectable to the pump, a driving mechanism driving the pump and a regulator for regulating the torque applied to the shaft between positive and negative torque modes, to pump the slurry at higher or lower flow rates. Also provided is a method comprising pumping the slurry through a pipeline using a pump driven by a motorized shaft and adjusting the flow rate of the slurry by varying the torque applied to the motorized shaft between positive and negative torque modes. The oil sand slurry transportation system and method enable positive head (regular pump action) for normal and high flow rates and negative head (pump brake action) for low flow rates, which reduces system energy loss, pipeline wear, vapor breakout and sanding off.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2014Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: SUNCOR ENERGY INC.Inventor: Mark L. Odegard
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Patent number: 9494127Abstract: A pumped storage power plant performs a pumping operation by using a pump turbine, upper and lower regulating reservoirs. An upper space of one of the reservoirs is sealable. The pumped storage power plant detects an air pressure in the upper space, first and second water levels of the one and the other reservoirs. A controller of the pumped storage power plant obtains information of the detected air pressure, first and second water levels, and an electrical energy input from an external grid and used during the pumping operation. A calculation water level of the one reservoir is calculated by using the first water level and the air pressure. The controller adjusts the air pressure such that a difference between the second water level and the calculation water level becomes a desired difference that is determined by a characteristic of the pump turbine depending on the input electrical energy.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2014Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: HITACHI MITSUBISHI HYDRO CORPORATIONInventor: Yukio Hongawa
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Patent number: 9464619Abstract: The invention is a new turbine structure having a housing that rotates. The housing has a sidewall, and turbine blades are attached to a sidewall portion. The turbine may be completely open in the center, allowing space for solids and debris to be directed out of the turbine without jamming the spinning blades/sidewall. The turbine may be placed in a generator for generation of electrical current.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2013Date of Patent: October 11, 2016Assignee: Louisiana Tech Research CorporationInventors: Erez Allouche, Arun P. Jaganathan
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Patent number: 9461520Abstract: An improvement for a turbine generator or pump having main bearings separated by a span of shaft and a thrust equalizing mechanism adjacent one of said main bearings, the improvement comprising a stationary length compensator interposed between the thrust equalizing mechanism and its adjacent main bearing to reduce the span between said main bearings. Preferably the length compensator is composed of material that shrinks less than the shaft of the generator, and the height of the length compensator, i.e., the compensating dimension, is selected according to desired thrust equalizing mechanism operating parameters over a temperature range.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2013Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Inventor: Joel V. Madison
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Patent number: 9461519Abstract: An improvement for a turbine generator or pump having main bearings separated by a span of shaft and a thrust equalizing mechanism adjacent one of said main bearings, the improvement comprising a stationary length compensator interposed between the thrust equalizing mechanism and its adjacent main bearing to reduce the span between said main bearings. Preferably the length compensator is composed of material that shrinks less than the shaft of the generator, and the height of the length compensator, i.e., the compensating dimension, is selected according to desired thrust equalizing mechanism operating parameters over a temperature range.Type: GrantFiled: August 1, 2013Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: EBARA International CorporationInventor: Joel V. Madison
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Patent number: 9438138Abstract: The device generates electrical energy from mechanical motion. The device includes at least one magnetostrictive element and at least one force modifier. The force modifier is coupled to the magnetostrictive element. The force modifier receives an input force and applies a modified force to the magnetostrictive element.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2014Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: Oscilla Power Inc.Inventors: Balakrishnan Nair, Jesse Alan Nachlas, Zachary Murphree
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Patent number: 9438087Abstract: A data center includes a computing room, computing devices in the computing room, an air handling system, and a turbine system. Air moved by the air handling system flows across heat producing components in the computing devices in the computing room. A rotor of the turbine system rotates in response to at least a portion of the air moved by the air handling system. The turbine system generates electricity from rotation of the rotor.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2015Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael Phillip Czamara, Brock Robert Gardner, Osvaldo P. Morales
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Patent number: 9435264Abstract: A thermal stress reduction method includes ramping an electric power generator to start an aircraft engine, for a time period associated with the aircraft engine start sequence toggling a three-level inverter switch array to a three-level pulse width modulation mode, determining if a first time interval in the three-level pulse width modulation mode exceeded a predetermined three-level pulse width modulation mode interval, in response to the first time interval exceeding the three-level pulse width modulation mode interval, toggling the three-level inverter switch array to a two-level pulse width modulation mode, determining if a second time interval in the two-level pulse width modulation mode exceeded a predetermined two-level pulse width modulation mode interval and in response to the second time interval exceeding the two-level pulse width modulation mode interval, toggling the three-level inverter switch array to the three-level pulse width modulation mode.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2014Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORPORATIONInventors: Huazhen Chai, Adam M. White, Mustansir Kheraluwala
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Patent number: 9422921Abstract: Converting an air flow into a source of electricity by an airflow generator includes disposing the airflow generator in an air flow path of a machine for receiving the air flow to rotate a turbine bladed portion of the airflow generator that causes a plurality of permanent magnets disposed along the circumference of the bladed portion to cyclically move in close proximity to a plurality of fixed position stator coils thereby generating electrical currents in the coils that can be harvested.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2014Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: US Green Energy Solutions, LLCInventors: Patrick S. Smith, Edgar A. Smith, Jr.
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Patent number: 9425727Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a power management system. The power management system includes a variable speed generator that provides a voltage output to a bus that is adapted to be connected to a load and an energy storage device. The power management system further includes a generator controller that controls the speed of the variable speed generator and monitors a charge level of the energy storage device. The generator controller also remotely displays information relating to the charge level of the energy storage device by supplying information relating to operation of the power management system over a network. The generator controller may remotely display information relating to the charge level of the energy storage device by supplying information relating to operation of the power management system over the Internet. The generator controller may also start/stop the variable speed generator based on the charge level of the energy storage device.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2012Date of Patent: August 23, 2016Assignee: Kohler Co.Inventors: Eric D. Albsmeier, Richard A. Mauk, Isaac S. Frampton, Harrison C. Chiu
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Patent number: 9416764Abstract: A system is provided for converting flow through a pipe to electric power and then using this electric power productively, through lighting, or the powering of other electronic devices.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2015Date of Patent: August 16, 2016Inventor: Nikhil Dubbaka
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Patent number: 9404784Abstract: A surveillance system with electricity converting module and sensors and method thereof are described. The surveillance system with electricity converting module and sensors and method thereof for converting dynamic energy into electrical energy by the electricity converting module, for sensing at least one status of fluid by the sensors, and for determining whether to issue the at least one status, a charging status and a power status to a remote server wherein the surveillance system and method thereof are used in a fluid transferring apparatus, such as water, oil and/or liquid related devices, to implement the interconnections based on the Internet of Things (IOT). Further, the power supply of the surveillance system becomes self-sufficient advantageously and it is not required to exchange the dry battery in the surveillance system.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2015Date of Patent: August 2, 2016Assignee: GEMTEK TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventor: Yun-Cheng Hsieh
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Patent number: 9382843Abstract: A flow balancing ventilation system includes a ventilation inlet for receiving an airflow, the ventilation inlet having a cavity defined by an outer wall. Also included is a plurality of ventilation ducts each having a first end and a second end, the first end of each of the plurality of ventilation ducts disposed in operable communication with the ventilation inlet for receiving the airflow, the second end of each of the plurality of ventilation ducts disposed at least partially within an enclosure. Further included is at least one vane disposed within the cavity of the ventilation inlet for manipulating the airflow proximate the first end of each of the plurality of ventilation ducts.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2012Date of Patent: July 5, 2016Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Rajesh Prabhakaran Saraswathi, Venkateswara Rao Akana, Len Alan Wolf
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Patent number: 9376929Abstract: A turbine generator includes a bearing device configured to rotatably support a rotor inside a housing. The bearing device separates an internal space of the housing from its outside. Communicating portions are formed in the bearing device. The communicating portions are formed in regions which are out of contact with lubricant. Each communicating portion establishes communication between the internal space of the housing and its outside.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2014Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: IHI CorporationInventors: Tatsumi Inomata, Kaoru Kaneko
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Patent number: 9376938Abstract: The waste heat power generator (G) includes: an evaporator (1) configured to produce steam of a working medium; a power-generating device (2, 2a, 2b) configured to generate electric power while expanding the steam; a condenser (3) configured to condense the steam which has passed through the power-generating device (2, 2a, 2b); and a pump (5) configured to send the condensed working medium to the evaporator (1). A bottom portion (BT) of the power-generating device (2, 2a, 2b) is provided with a discharge port (8) configured to discharge the working medium liquefied inside the power-generating device (2, 2a, 2b), to the outside thereof. A discharge pipe (6) is provided in which one end thereof is connected to the discharge port (8) and the other end thereof is disposed in a channel for the working medium between the condenser (3) and the pump (5).Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2012Date of Patent: June 28, 2016Assignee: IHI CORPORATIONInventors: Toshio Takahashi, Hirohisa Wakisaka, Kouichi Machida
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Patent number: 9353683Abstract: A methodology for storing compressed air in porous subterranean formations for subsequent production and use in generating electricity.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2012Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: ConocoPhillips CompanyInventors: Joseph G. Bernica, James E. Sylte
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Patent number: 9341085Abstract: A power recovery system using the Rankine power cycle incorporating a two-phase liquid-vapor expander with an electric generator which further consists of a heat sink, a heat source, a working fluid to transport heat and pressure energy, a feed pump and a two-phase liquid-vapor expander for the working fluid mounted together with an electric generator on one rotating shaft, a first heat exchanger to transport heat from the working fluid to the heat sink, a second heat exchanger to transport heat from the heat source to the working fluid.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2015Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: EBARA International CorporationInventor: Joel V. Madison
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Patent number: 9334749Abstract: A turbine-based energy generation system includes an electric generator and auxiliary load. A power system for the turbine-based energy generation system includes a main converter and an auxiliary converter. The main converter is operable to deliver power generated by the electric generator to a power collection system external to the turbine-based energy generation system when the main converter is coupled to the generator. The main converter is also operable to deliver power provided from the power collection system to the auxiliary converter when the main converter is decoupled from the generator. The auxiliary converter is operable to deliver power generated by the electric generator to the auxiliary load when the auxiliary converter is coupled to the generator. The auxiliary converter is also operable to deliver the power provided by the main converter from the power collection system to the auxiliary load when the auxiliary converter is decoupled from the generator.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2013Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: ABB Technology AGInventors: Debrup Das, Sandeep Bala
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Patent number: 9334757Abstract: A single-casing steam turbine has high-pressure blade rows and low-pressure blade rows and includes a high/intermediate-pressure chamber housing the high-pressure blade rows, a low-pressure chamber housing the low-pressure blade rows, and an expansion joint for connecting the high/intermediate-pressure chamber and the low-pressure chamber and for sealing an interior space of the high/intermediate-pressure chamber and the low-pressure chamber.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2012Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: MITSUBISHI HITACHI POWER SYSTEMS, LTD.Inventors: Takashi Maruyama, Asaharu Matsuo
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Patent number: 9309785Abstract: A method and system using at least two different working fluids to be supplied to an expander to cause it to do mechanical work. The expander is started by providing a compressed gaseous working fluid at a sufficient pressure to the expander. At the same time the compressed gaseous working fluid is provided to the expander, a second working fluid that is liquid at ambient temperatures is provided to a heater to be heated. The second working fluid is heated to its boiling point and converted to pressurized gas Once the pressure is increased to a sufficient level, the second working fluid is injected into the expander to generate power, and the supply of the first working fluid may be stopped. After expansion in the expander, the working fluids are is exhausted from the expander, and the second working fluid may be condensed for separation from the first working fluid. Control circuitry controls the admission of the first and second working fluids responsive to monitoring the load on the expander.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2013Date of Patent: April 12, 2016Assignee: Averill Partners LLCInventors: Michael Jeffrey Brookman, Michael Anthony Cocuzza
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Patent number: 9273883Abstract: Systems and methods for concentrating and storing solar energy are provided. A solar energy receiver for use with the systems and methods may include a container for holding a solar absorption material, such as a phase change material, and a cooled cover disposed above the container for condensing and collecting vaporized phase change material collected along an underside of the cover.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2010Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Alexander H. Slocum, Jacopo Buongiorno, Charles Winfield Forsberg, Daniel S. Codd
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Patent number: 9255869Abstract: The invention relates to the method of feeding the air, or fluid of lower density, into the duct (2) by means of tubes separated one from another in such a way that there should be water, or liquid fluid, between them, so that this bathes at least part of its walls. In other words, similar to the stalks of a bouquet submerged in water, and at whose ends, instead of flowers, air bubbles exit, these being produced at the air inlet at the extremity of the stalk or tube. It relates more specifically to the method of feeding the lower-density fluid by means of tubes which at their base are grouped, close to each other or touching, and at their outlet extremities are separated, as if forming a bouquet, in such a way that the separation distance of the extremities of the tubes, between axes of symmetry, is approximately the diameter of the bubble.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2015Date of Patent: February 9, 2016Inventor: Francisco Javier Rosende Barturen
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Patent number: 9228764Abstract: A cooling head for a temperature-controlled phase change cooler has a main body, an evaporating chamber within the main body, at least two cap tubes and at least a heat source mounted onto the periphery of the evaporating chamber. With one of the cap tubes, the coolant is guided into the evaporating chamber, then the cooling head of the phase change cooler could be quickly cooled down due to rapid heat absorption characteristic of the evaporated coolant. In such a case, a heat source is used for heating by a control mechanism, and the temperature could be adjusted to a desired temperature point within the limited range of low temperature according to the user demands. When the preset temperature point is higher than normal temperature, the control mechanism could change properly the flux via one of two cap tubes, and provide proper amount of coolant for evaporative cooling.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2013Date of Patent: January 5, 2016Inventors: De-Yin Hsieh, De-Fong Hsieh
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Patent number: 9217422Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for subjecting high-pressure fluids to a fluid flow assembly that generates or extracts work/energy using a work producing machine. Kinetic energy from the work producing machine is converted to electricity using a generator or similar apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2013Date of Patent: December 22, 2015Inventor: Lud Davis
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Patent number: 9209732Abstract: A power supply system configured to couple to a power distribution bus of a marine vessel and to power a plurality of electric motors coupled to the power distribution bus. The power supply system includes a generator configured to generate electric power and a control system coupled to the generator and configured to control the output voltage of the generator based on a voltage setpoint. The control system includes a measuring unit configured to measure a parameter of the electric power generated by the generator and a control unit configured to control the voltage setpoint for the output voltage of the generator based on the measured parameter.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2012Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Damir Radan
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Patent number: 9193918Abstract: A method for generating electric power and for producing gasoline from methanol, includes the steps of: synthesizing gasoline by reacting methanol under a catalyst; recovering heat generated from the gasoline synthetic reaction of methanol by cooling the reaction with coolant to vaporize the coolant; and generating electric power by using the coolant vapor produced in the heat recovery. The power generation step may include generating electric power with a plurality of steam turbines in series, e.g., a high-pressure turbine, a medium-pressure turbine, and a low-pressure turbine.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2012Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventor: Masaki Iijima
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Patent number: 9181871Abstract: The present invention relates to an indirectly heated gas turbine system comprising a combustion chamber (3) that extends along a central axis of the gas turbine system for the combustion of compressed air and supplied fuel whereby flue gas is formed, a turbine (2) driven by a working medium, a compressor (1) rotatably connected to the turbine for compressing the working medium and/or air to the combustion chamber, and a first heat exchanger device (8) for the transfer of heat between the flue gas and the working medium. The first heat exchanger device and the combustion chamber are integrally formed as a monolithic unit, the first heat exchanger device being substantially arranged within the axial extension of the combustion chamber along the central axis. By the integrated design of the combustion chamber and the first heat exchanger device, a compact, indirectly heated gas turbine system having high efficiency is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2011Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: Maston ABInventors: Stefan Larsson, Anders Lindström, Hansi Kobes
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Patent number: 9175663Abstract: A linear generator for submerged use in generating electricity has a linearly reciprocating translator which is attached to a wire and a rod arranged to connect the translator to a floating body on the sea surface. The generator has a sealed housing forming a watertight chamber in which the translator is located. The rod is arranged to pass through a sealed opening in a wall portion of the housing. When operated, the wall portion with the sealed opening is located at a level that is below the level of the upper end of the translator at least during a part of the movement of the translator.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2010Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: Seabased ABInventors: Erik Doré, Rafael Waters, Fredrik Axelsson
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Patent number: 9166458Abstract: The pump/generator apparatus and method provides a series of pump/generator devices, having magnets in place of conventional bearings, to generate electrical energy, creating a pump/generator for flowing liquids or gases. Stator coils on the outside of the housing gather electric current. The apparatus requires initial input power from an external power source to start the pumping and provides an initial external reservoir of liquid or gas flowing into the apparatus. A hollow turbine housing receiving flowing gas or liquid, encloses a freely spinning hollow drive cylinder. A helicoidal impeller gives the drive cylinder thrust to spin. Ring magnets vertically support the helicoidal impeller allowing the drive cylinder to float freely in the pipeline. Stator coils wind around and ring the exterior side of the housing to generate electric current.Type: GrantFiled: March 9, 2015Date of Patent: October 20, 2015Inventors: Gordon Charles Burns, III, David Alan Parfitt, Jason Charles Foley
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Patent number: 9143076Abstract: A system and process includes continuously determining an applied armature voltage supplied to a polyphase synchronous machine for which a maximum mechanical load is characterized by a pull-out torque. The armature voltage is supplied from a power source via one of many taps of a regulating transformer. The armature voltage being supplied from the power source to the machine is changed by selecting one of the voltage levels from the taps of the regulating transformer. The tap voltage levels are selected based on the determined applied armature voltage to minimize power consumption of the machine while ensuring based on a predetermined confidence level that the pullout torque of the machine will not be exceeded.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2013Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: UTILIDATA, INC.Inventor: David Gordon Bell
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Patent number: 9124143Abstract: Systems for providing electrical power to one or more wind turbine electrical components is provided comprising an electrical grid and an auxiliary power source for providing electrical power, and one or more wind turbines. Each of the wind turbines includes a wind turbine generator, one or more electrical components, a main voltage transformer for connecting the wind turbine generator to the grid and a switchgear arranged between the main voltage transformer and a point of connection to the grid. One or more switches for alternately connecting either said electrical grid or said auxiliary power source to the switchgears of the wind turbines are provided. The switchgears comprise a switchgear voltage transformer, the switchgear voltage transformer includes primary and secondary windings, the primary windings receiving power from the electrical grid or auxiliary power source, and the secondary windings delivering electrical power to the wind turbine electrical components.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2014Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: ALSTOM RENEWABLE TECHNOLOGIESInventors: Marc Sala Llumà, Ramon Piñana Àvila
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Patent number: 9115695Abstract: It is described a method and an arrangement for controlling a wind turbine (811) having a rotor (813) and being connected to a utility grid (831), the method comprising: increasing a rotational speed (205) of the rotor from a typical rotational speed (209, 505) to an increased rotational speed (211, 507).Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2013Date of Patent: August 25, 2015Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: John Bech
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Patent number: 9109503Abstract: There is disclosed a waste heat recovery device including a turbine 1 driven by an exhaust gas and a compressor 8 which compresses a gas, comprising: a generator 2 which generates electric power by rotation of the turbine 1; an electric motor 7 which rotationally drives the compressor 8; and a control device 17 which drives the electric motor 7 by using the electric power generated by the generator 2 as a power source.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2011Date of Patent: August 18, 2015Assignee: IHI CorporationInventor: Motonao Niizuma