Abstract: An apparatus for the generation of energy by means of a fluid-flow machine is described, for the drive of which a compressor arrangement for compressing a compressible medium, preferably air, is provided, which medium, via a feed-line system, can be fed to the fluid-flow machine directly or after the interposition of a combustion chamber, in which the compressed medium can be ignited with the addition of fuel. The invention is distinguished by the fact that the compressor arrangement provides at least one compressor stage, in which the medium can be compressed isothermally.
Abstract: The operational capacity and efficiency of a combustion turbine is increased by treating the turbine inlet air to increase its density. The inlet air treatment is achieved in a columnar tower with the inlet air being drawn in at the top of the tower. Treatment water is injected into the tower at a downward velocity greater than that of the inlet air to establish a vertically descending, two-phase co-current flow of inlet air and treatment water. The system utilizes the natural phenomenon of drag-induced pressure boost to the air achieved by the difference in the relative velocities of the inlet air and the treatment water in the co-current flow. By utilizing a cold treatment water, for example at 32.degree.-40.degree. F., the tower creates a direct contact heat transfer situation that cools the inlet air, thereby further increasing its density.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
March 7, 1995
Date of Patent:
July 23, 1996
Assignee:
Carolina Power & Light Company
Inventors:
Thomas L. Davis, John P. Shell, Todd W. Beadle, Keith S. McAllister, Alexander O. Hobbs
Abstract: Hydraulic air compressor and turbine apparatus includes a hydraulic air compressor having an air intake disposed above the water intake for entraining air in falling water, and the output of the hydraulic air compressor is used as a compressed air source for a turbine. The turbine apparatus includes a regenerator for heating the incoming compressed air output from the hydraulic air compressor. The hydraulic air compressor may include a pump for providing a flow of water for entraining and compressing air to provide a closed cycle system, and it may include an air pump or fan to increase the amount of air entrained in a given flow of water. Several different structures for negating a loss of water velocity are also disclosed, and several different turbine systems are disclosed.
Abstract: A fluid dynamic device is provided which includes a fluid holding and U-shaped conduit having a first leg and a second leg, an electrical generating device positioned between and in flow communication with the first and second legs and being motivated by passage of the fluid therethrough, and injection means for injecting a substance of substantially less density relative to the normal density of the fluid within the second leg and at a location spaced below the top end of the first leg. The second leg diverges substantially where the low density substance is injected thereinto so as to accommodate expansion of the fluid occasioned by injection of the low density substance thereinto. In one embodiment, the device utilizes a compressible gas, such as air, as the low density substance which is provided by gas compressors.
Abstract: Energy amplifier apparatus includes a pair of vertically extending concentric cylinders, with air entrained in water flowing downwardly through the inner cylinder to a separator where the air is separated from the water. The falling water compresses the entrained air and a separator in the inner cylinder is used to separate the compressed air from the water, with the water flowing upwardly between the inner and outer cylinders and the compressed air flowing upwardly in a separate conduit from the upper portion of the inner cylinder.
Abstract: A system for converting a constant pressure head of water into compressed air which may be utilized to transfer the potential energy of the pressure head to remote work sites.
Abstract: Energy amplifier apparatus includes a pair of vertically extending concentric cylinders, with air entrained in water flowing downwardly through .Iadd.a conduit within .Iaddend.the inner cylinder to a separator where the air is separated from the water. The falling water compresses the entrained air and a separator in the inner cylinder is used to separate the compressed air from the water, with the water flowing upwardly between the inner and outer cylinders and the compressed air flowing upwardly in a separate conduit from .[.the upper portion of.]. the inner cylinder.