With Combustible Gas Generator Patents (Class 60/39.12)
  • Publication number: 20130047574
    Abstract: A heat recovery system for use with a gasification system is provided. One system includes a gasification system and an organic Rankine cycle system coupled to the gasification system. The organic Rankine cycle system is configured to receive heated fluid from the gasification system and to deliver cooled fluid to the gasification system. The organic Rankine cycle system is configured to produce power by converting heat energy in the heated fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ganesh Prasadh Kidambi, Atul Kumar Vij, Priyanandini Balasubramanian, Ronald Frederick Tyree
  • Patent number: 8381525
    Abstract: A system and method of reducing gas turbine nitric oxide emissions includes a first combustion stage configured to burn air vitiated with diluents to generate first combustion stage products. A second combustion stage is configured to burn the first combustion stage products in combination with enriched oxygen to generate second combustion stage products having a lower level of nitric oxide emissions than that achievable through combustion with vitiated air alone or through combustion staging alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ahmed Mostafa ELKady, Narendra Digamber Joshi, Parag Prakash Kulkarni, Christian Lee Vandervort, Krishnakumar Venkatesan
  • Publication number: 20130042626
    Abstract: A method for operating an electrical energy storage system is described. Electrical energy is supplied to electrolyze first water to produce hydrogen and oxygen. A turbine is operated from the hydrogen and the oxygen to combine the hydrogen and the oxygen to deliver energy to the turbine by forming second water in a vapor phase in order for the turbine to operate an electric generator to generate electrical energy. The second water is condensed from the vapor phase into a liquid phase as liquid second water. The liquid second water is delivered to be electrolyzed into new hydrogen and new oxygen in order to recirculate the second water for electrolysis into new hydrogen and new oxygen. The electrical energy generated by the electric generator is distributed to customers by means of grid transmission lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: A. Sidney Johnston
  • Patent number: 8375725
    Abstract: A process for the co-production of hydrogen and power through the integration of a hydrogen production unit and a power generation unit is provided. The hydrogen production unit comprises a gas heated reformer, a water gas shift reactor, and a hydrogen separator which produces a low-BTU hydrocarbon fuel stream and a purified hydrogen stream. The low-BTU hydrocarbon fuel stream, along with a compressed oxygen-containing stream extracted from the power generation unit, is combusted to provide heat to the reformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Phillips 66 Company
    Inventors: Arnold P. Keller, Subbaraman Viswanathan
  • Patent number: 8377599
    Abstract: A system that stabilizes or supplements the variable power output from an external energy source by producing power from aluminum alloys. The aluminum alloy produces hydrogen from water, and also releases heat. During this process, the aluminum alloy is oxidized to alumina mixture, which can be recycled in a smelting unit to regenerate the aluminum alloy. The aluminum alloy can be easily transported in existing transportation system to different locations. The system produces electricity on-demand using portions of the existing power generation and transportation systems with minimal carbon footprint/emission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Arthur Davidson
  • Publication number: 20130036749
    Abstract: A fuel cell system includes at least one fuel cell with an anode region and a cathode region, a burner for burning exhaust gases from the fuel cell and also additional fuel that may optionally be supplied, and a storage volume for intermediate storage of exhaust gases that flow away continuously or discontinuously via a valve from the anode region of the fuel cell, the storage volume being arranged between the anode region and the burner. The hot exhaust gases of the burner are expanded in an expansion device. A method of the operation of a fuel cell system involves controlling an additional valve after the storage volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: DAIMLER AG
    Inventors: Meenakshi Sundaresan, Steffen Dehn
  • Publication number: 20130036720
    Abstract: A gasifier (101) that has a fluid communication channel (131) that communicates a fluid, which undergoes heat exchange in the furnace, and that generates syngas by gasifying fuel; gas purifying equipment that removes impurities contained in the syngas generated by the gasifier (101); a gas turbine that is driven by the gas purified by the gas purifying equipment; and a heat exchanger that heats a fluid with exhaust expelled from the gas turbine are provided, and the fluid heated by the heat exchanger is supplied to the fluid communication channel (131) by being pressurized by pressurizing gas when performing warm-up of the gasifier (101).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: Kenta Haari, Yasunari Shibata, Yuichiro Kitagawa, Osamu Shinada
  • Publication number: 20130036723
    Abstract: An integrated oxy-combustion power generation process is provided. This process includes providing an air separation unit for producing at least an oxygen-enriched stream, providing a carbon dioxide recycle stream, which is combined with the oxygen-enriched stream thereby producing a synthetic air stream, providing a gas turbine comprising a gas inlet , a combustor, and a gas outlet, wherein the synthetic air stream is introduced into the gas inlet, providing a fuel stream to the combustor, thereby producing a power output, and a hot exhaust gas stream, which exits the gas outlet, introducing the exhaust gas stream, along with a boiler feed water stream, into a heat recovery steam generator, thereby producing a steam stream and a cooled exhaust gas stream, and separating the cooled exhaust gas stream into an enriched carbon dioxide product stream and the carbon dioxide recycle stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: Air Liquide Process and Construction Inc.
    Inventor: Craig LA FORCE
  • Publication number: 20130036746
    Abstract: High temperature intermittently sealable refractory tile and controlled air continuous gasifiers (rotary kilns) that are manufactured using such refractory tile, waste to energy systems that have such gasifiers as part of the system, and processes in which such waste to energy systems are used, for example, co-generation steam and power plants using biomass as the fuel for the process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Robert G. Graham
  • Patent number: 8371521
    Abstract: An exhaust duct system for a gas turbine engine that mounts within a tail cone of an aircraft, comprises an exhaust exit that exits one side of the tail cone offset from the axial centerline of the tail cone and an exhaust duct that couples the engine to the offset exhaust exit, with a straight section of the exhaust duct extending from the exhaust exit for a length that corresponds to at least one diameter of the exhaust duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney
    Inventors: James C. Napier, Jay M. Francisco
  • Patent number: 8356485
    Abstract: An integrated gasification combined cycle power generation system (100). In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 1, a gasifier (108) is configured to generate synthetic gas (117) from a carbonaceous material (106) and an oxygen supply (109) with a cleaning stage (120) positioned to receive synthetic gas (117) from the gasifier (108) and remove impurities therefrom. A gas turbine combustion system (2) including a turbine (123) is configured to receive fuel (128) from the gasifier (108) and a first air supply (131) from a first air compressor (130). A steam turbine system (4) is configured to generate power with heat recovered from exhaust (140) generated by the gas turbine system (2) and an ion transport membrane air separation unit (110) includes a second air compressor (114) for generating a second air supply (113).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence B. Sullivan, David J. Huber
  • Patent number: 8347525
    Abstract: The invention relates to a spray drying system and a method for its operation that provides a composition of dry. or essentially solvent free, particles from a solution of an agent. The system comprises a generally vertical tube reactor arranged for counter-current removal of solvent from a process flow fed with aerosol droplets of solution descending from the top said reactor with an ascending gas flow. The reactor includes a perforated process tube for transportation of the process flow from the outlet of an aerosol generating device to a dry particle collecting device. A membrane sleeve essentially surrounds the peripheral area of said process tube and separates the descending process stream from the ascending gas stream. Vaporized solvent is transported from the process stream to the ascending gas stream. A reactor housing is sealingly covering said process tube and membrane sleeve and is provided with means for introducing and/or removing the process fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Inhalation Sciences Sweden AB
    Inventor: Per Gerde
  • Publication number: 20130000270
    Abstract: An exemplary gasification reactor is disclosed including a vessel defined with a reaction chamber for receiving a carbon-containing fuel and an oxygen-containing gas under a partial combustion and producing a synthesis gas. A first cooling device and a second cooling device are provided to cool the vessel. The first cooling device is attached to a first upper region of the vessel. The second cooling device is attached to the second middle region of the vessel. A method and IGCC power generation system is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Inventors: Lishun Hu, Wei Chen, Zhaohui Yang, Minggang She, Xianglong Zhao, Richard Anthony DePuy, Judeth Brannon Corry
  • Publication number: 20130004800
    Abstract: A hydrogen generation system includes a hydrogen generation reaction section for containing a liquid mixture of formic acid and an ionic liquid, and decomposing the formic acid into hydrogen and carbon dioxide by heating; and a separation section for separating a mixture of hydrogen and carbon dioxide supplied from the hydrogen generation reaction section into hydrogen and carbon dioxide, wherein after the separation, the hydrogen is sent out of the separation section to an external hydrogen destination, and the carbon dioxide is sent out of the separation section to an external carbon dioxide destination or emitted into the atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: FORMIC ACID-HYDROGEN ENERGY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
    Inventor: Masaru NAKAHARA
  • Publication number: 20120311991
    Abstract: Biomass gasification systems including a biofilter assembly adapted to be disposed within a filter unit of a biomass gasification system are provided. The biofilter assemblies may be adapted to filter particulate matter from a producer gas flowing through the filter unit while allowing a remainder of the producer gas to pass through the biofilter assembly. The biofilter assembly may include a support structure and a biofilter disposed on the support structure and including a biomaterial adapted to be gasified in a biomass gasification reactor of the biomass gasification system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Omprakash Mall, Amol Mahulkar
  • Patent number: 8316648
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to determine a first heating value of a low BTU fuel, determine a target fuel quality level based on a state of a turbine system, control a second heating value of a high BTU fuel, and inject the high BTU fuel into the low BTU fuel to achieve the target fuel quality level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Constantin Dinu, Gilbert Kraemer, Geoffrey D Myers
  • Publication number: 20120280517
    Abstract: Hydrogen-containing fuel/oxidizer combinations, such as aqueous ammonia and aqueous hydrogen peroxide, are disclosed. Systems and methods using such fuel for generation of energy are also disclosed. The reaction products of the fuels are environmentally benign chemicals such as nitrogen gas and water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: eRevolution Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: James M. HAIR, III, Daniel L. GREENE
  • Publication number: 20120272655
    Abstract: A system and a method of generating energy in a power plant using a turbine are provided. The system includes an air separation unit providing an oxygen output; a plasma generator that is capable of generating plasma; and a combustor configured to receive oxygen and to combust a fuel stream in the presence of the plasma, so as to maintain a stable flame, generating an exhaust gas. The system can further include a water condensation system, fluidly-coupled to the combustor, that is capable of producing a high-content carbon dioxide stream that is substantially free of oxygen. The method of generating energy in a power plant includes the steps of operating an air separation unit to separate oxygen from air, combusting a fuel stream in a combustor in the presence of oxygen, and generating an exhaust gas from the combustion. The exhaust gas can be used in a turbine to generate electricity. A plasma is generated inside the combustor, and a stable flame is maintained in the combustor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Ahmed Mostafa ELKady, Uyigue Omoma Idahosa, Matthew Patrick Boespflug, Grover Andrew Bennett, John Thomas Herbon, Hasan Karim, Geoffrey David Myers, Seyed Gholamali Saddoughi
  • Patent number: 8287815
    Abstract: A method and system for preheating a vessel that includes an area of excess heat and a flow of purge fluid that is channeled to an area to be purged wherein the purge fluid is deficient of heat are provided. The system includes a cooling tube assembly positioned between the area of excess heat and the area to be purged and a first heat exchanger coupled in flow communication to the cooling tube assembly, the first heat exchanger configured to transfer heat between a flow of cooling fluid through the cooling tube assembly and the flow of purge fluid wherein the flow of cooling fluid through the cooling tube assembly is maintained sub-cooled and the flow of purge fluid is heated to facilitate reducing a thermal stress in the area purged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Steven Craig Russell, James Michael Storey, Robert Henri Gauthier
  • Publication number: 20120247080
    Abstract: Synthesis gas (syngas) gasified in a gasification furnace to which coal is introduced burns in a combustor. An exhaust-heat recovery boiler generates steam by using exhaust gas let out from a gas turbine equipped with the combustor. The steam generated in the exhaust-heat recovery boiler is introduced to a steam turbine. A generator is driven by the steam turbine and the gas turbine to generate electrical power. Part of the exhaust gas let out from the gas turbine is introduced to a carbon-dioxide recovery unit, where carbon dioxide is recovered therefrom. Coal is carried to the gasification furnace by the carbon dioxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Hiromi Ishii, Yuichiro Kitagawa, Yasunari Shibata, Yuichiro Urakata
  • Publication number: 20120238645
    Abstract: A process for the generation of energy and/or hydrocarbons and other products utilizing carbonaceous materials. In a first process stage (P1) the carbonaceous materials are supplied and are pyrolysed, wherein pyrolysis coke (M21) and pyrolysis gas (M22) are formed. In a second process stage (P2), the pyrolysis coke (M21) from the first process stage (P1) is gasified, wherein synthesis gas (M24) is formed, and slag and other residues (M91, M92, M93, M94) are removed. In a third process stage (P3), the synthesis gas (M24) from the second process stage (P2) is converted into hydrocarbons and/or other solid, liquid, and/or gaseous products (M60), which are discharged. The three process stages (P1, P2, P3) form a closed cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Mikael Rüdlinger
  • Patent number: 8268896
    Abstract: A method and system for co-production of electric power, fuel, and chemicals in which a synthesis gas at a first pressure is expanded using a stand-alone mechanical expander or a partial oxidation gas turbine, simultaneously producing electric power and an expanded synthesis gas at a second pressure after which the expanded synthesis gas is converted to a fuel and/or a chemical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Gas Technology Institute
    Inventors: Arunabha Basu, Iosif K Rabovitser, John J Lewnard, John M Pratapas, Howard S Meyer, Dennis Leppin, Dmitri Boulanov
  • Publication number: 20120225476
    Abstract: A process for the utilization of the methane produced by enteric fermentation, specifically to a process that utilizes methane produced by ruminant animals through enteric fermentation as a source of carbon and/or energy for the directed production of methane-based goods or processes is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: Newlight Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Markus Herrema, Kenton Kimmel
  • Publication number: 20120216501
    Abstract: A chemical reactor of a technical plant, in particular a power plant system is provided. The chemical reactor includes a gas-tight wall forming a gas channel, wherein heat exchanger surfaces that are permeable with a first fluid and at least partially include a catalytically active surface are located in the gas channel. A method for converting CO using such a reactor is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: Siemens Aktiengellsschaft
    Inventors: Roland Birley, Frank Hannemann, Daniel Hofmann, Nicolas Vortmeyer
  • Publication number: 20120204573
    Abstract: A system for producing a hydrogen enriched fuel includes a gas turbine comprising a compressor, a combustor, and a turbine. A fuel reformer is connected between the compressor and the combustor. The fuel reformer comprises an inlet connected to the compressor and an outlet connected to the combustor, and the fuel reformer produces the hydrogen enriched fuel. A method for producing a hydrogen enriched fuel includes compressing a working fluid with a compressor to produce a compressed working fluid and diverting a first portion of the compressed working fluid to a fuel reformer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2011
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Samuel David Draper, Raub Warfield Smith, Stanley Frank Simpson, Mark Allan Hadley, Amit Surendra Toprani
  • Publication number: 20120204531
    Abstract: A combustion system for performing stable combustion and flame stabilization at high altitudes is described. A primary liquid hydrocarbon fuel is atomized and vaporized within the main combustor chamber to produce a primary fuel vapor. When the combustion system operates at a high altitude, a secondary gaseous fuel is fed into the inlet air port such that the secondary fuel mixes with air, thereby enabling the mixture of the air and the secondary fuel to combust in a catalytic reactor to produce high temperature, oxygen-rich gases that flow into the main combustor chamber. Proper proportional amounts of the two fuels are determined as a function of altitude.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: Aurora Flight Sciences Corporation
    Inventors: James Charles Sisco, Jack Kerrebrock, Jeremy Scott Hollman
  • Publication number: 20120196240
    Abstract: A method and system for treating sewage sludge are described herein. A carbonaceous fuel is mixed with sewage sludge, the mixture is then gasified, and the obtained gas is combusted. The method and system may utilize wet sewage sludge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2010
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Applicant: Technion Research & Development Foundation Ltd.
    Inventors: Genady Borodyanski, Felix Kirzhner, Yoram Zimmels, Tomer Zimmels
  • Publication number: 20120186266
    Abstract: A reformer for use in a gas turbine engine specially configured to treat a supplemental fuel feed to the combustor that includes a reformer core containing a catalyst composition and an inlet flow channel for transporting the reformer fuel mixture, air and steam (either saturated or superheated) into a reformer core. An outlet flow channel transports the resulting reformate stream containing reformed and thermally cracked hydrocarbons and substantial amounts of hydrogen out of the reformer core for later combination with the main combustor feed. Because the catalytic partial oxidation reaction in the reformer is highly exothermic, the additional heat is transferred (and thermally integrated) using one or more heat exchange units for a first and/or second auxiliary gas turbine fuel stream that undergo thermal cracking and vaporization before combining with the reformate. The combined, hydrogen-enriched feed significantly improves combustor performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Abdul Rafey Khan, Hasan Karim, Jonathan Dwight Berry
  • Publication number: 20120180497
    Abstract: A turbomachine system includes a compressor portion having a compressor inlet and a compressor outlet, a turbine portion operatively connected to the compressor portion, a combustor having a combustor inlet fluidly connected to the compressor outlet and a combustor outlet fluidly connected to the turbine portion; and a reformer having a reformer inlet fluidly connected to the compressor outlet and a reformer outlet fluidly connected to the combustor inlet. The reformer partially combusts air from the compressor portion and a fuel to form a hydrogen-rich syngas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Kihyung Kim, Hasan Karim, Abdul Rafey Khan
  • Publication number: 20120174596
    Abstract: Systems and methods for improving the operation of a combustion device using a low heating value fuel that includes providing a supply of a low heating value fuel, introducing an oxidizing agent that includes an enriched oxygen source into the low heating value fuel, and directing the low heating value fuel and the oxidizing agent to the combustion device, whereby the operation of the combustion device is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventor: Richard HUNTINGTON
  • Publication number: 20120167585
    Abstract: Provided herein are systems, methods and equipment that include Integrated Gasification Combined-Cycle technology to retrofit existing plants, that include, e.g., subsystems for separating char fines from syngas after it emerges from an internally-circulating fluidized bed carbonizer and injecting the char into the carbonizer draft tube as a fuel source. Efficiency and power generation are thus increased to the extent that inclusion of carbon capture systems are now possible for existing coal plants in order to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: WORMSER ENERGY SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventor: Alex Wormser
  • Publication number: 20120167543
    Abstract: A slag monitoring device 100 for a coal gasifier includes a slag hole camera 11 that observes a slag hole 3 from which molten slag flows out, a water surface camera 12 that observes a situation in which the slag flowing out from the slag hole 3 falls onto a water surface 5H of cooling water 5, a falling sound sensor 13 that observes a sound of the slag falling onto the water surface 5H, and a processing device 20 that determines a solidification and adhesion position of the slag based on an opening area of the slag hole 3 observed by the slag hole camera 11 and falling lines and falling positions of the slag observed by the water surface camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2010
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Masami Iida, Yoshinori Koyama, Katsuhiko Yokohama, Naoki Suganuma, Mutsuaki Taguchi
  • Publication number: 20120153639
    Abstract: A method for meeting both base-load and peak-load demand in a power production facility. By integrating a Fischer-Tropsch (FT) hydrocarbon production facility with an electrical power generating facility, peak-load power demand can be met by reducing the temperature of the FT reactor thereby increasing the quantity of tail gases and using FT tail gases to fuel a gas turbine generator set. The method enables rapid power response and allows the synthesis gas generating units and the FT units to operate with constant flow rates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: RENTECH, INC.
    Inventors: Dennis L. YAKOBSON, Claude C. Corkadel, III, Charles B. Benham, Belma Demirel, Peter S. Pedersen
  • Publication number: 20120144840
    Abstract: Methods and systems for gasifier fines recycling system are provided. The system includes a gasifier slag removal system configured to separate first fines from a particulate slag removed from a gasifier by at least one of settling and filtering, a second fines handling system configured to receive second fines from a source other than the gasifier, and an injection system configured to mix the first fines and the second fines and a fuel for injection into the gasifier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventor: Paul Steven Wallace
  • Publication number: 20120137702
    Abstract: The invention relates in particular to a method for converting thermal energy from carbonaceous raw materials into mechanical work, having at least one first (4) and one second (6) device for storing and releasing thermal energy connected at least intermittently alternatingly in a turbine branch (T) having a gas turbine (8) connected downstream thereof, comprising the following steps: a) combusting a gas in a gas burner (2); b) passing the smoke gases (3) arising in the gas burner (2) through a device (4, 6) for storing thermal energy; and c) feeding the hot air (7) released by at least one device (4, 6) into the gas turbine (8), wherein the gasification of the carbonaceous raw materials takes place in a gasifier (1) in a first step and the product gas is fed into the gas burner (2) connected downstream of the gasifier (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Dragan Stevanovic, Sven Johannssen, Reinhard Pritscher
  • Publication number: 20120137700
    Abstract: A system for power generation using low pressure gasification of a stock fuel, such as coal or biomass. The system can include a gasifier, a gas clean up unit connected to a gas compressor, a gas turbine combustion system, a heat recovery steam generator, and a steam turbine. The gasifier can provide low pressure synthetic methane gas to the gas clean up unit, which can remove tars and sulfur from the synthetic methane gas, and can cool the synthetic methane gas. The gas compressor can receive the cooled synthetic methane gas and can compress the cooled synthetic methane gas. The gas turbine combustion system can receive the compressed synthetic methane gas and produce power and an exhaust gas. The heat recovery steam generator can receive the exhaust gas and generate steam. The steam turbine can receive the steam from the heat recovery steam generator and generate power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventors: Dennis John Werner, Thomas Edwin Hogan
  • Publication number: 20120137701
    Abstract: The invention relates in particular to a method for converting thermal energy from carbonaceous raw materials into mechanical work, having at least one first (4) and one second (6) device for storing and releasing thermal energy connected to least intermittently alternatingly in a turbine branch (T) having a gas turbine (8) connected downstream thereof, comprising the steps of: a) combusting a gas in a gas combustor (2); b) passing the smoke gases (3) arising in the gas combustor (2) through a device (4, 6) for storing thermal energy; and c) feeding the hot air released by at least one device (4, 6) into the gas turbine (8), wherein the hot air (7) released by the gas turbine (8) is fed to at least one heat exchanger ( ) connected downstream of the gas turbine (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventor: Dragan Stevanovic
  • Publication number: 20120131898
    Abstract: The integrated solar-gas turbine cogeneration plant includes a fuel reformer, a plurality of solar collectors, and a gas turbine. The fuel reformer produces syngas to be used as fuel for the gas turbine. One solar collector is operatively connected to both the fuel reformer and the turbine to provide heat for the reforming reaction and to preheat air for a combustion chamber. Exhaust gas from the turbine is directed to the fuel reformer and to a heat recovery steam generator, the former as an additional heat source and the latter to heat the generator. Another solar collector is connected to the generator and heats a portion of the water being fed into the generator in order to help produce steam. The syngas is stored in a to fuel storage unit to provide fuel to the gas turbine continuously and to a supplemental heater on the steam generator during low insolation periods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS
    Inventors: ESMAIL M. A. MOKHEIMER, MOHAMED ABDEL-AZIZ HABIB
  • Patent number: 8186169
    Abstract: A nitrogen source supplies a flow of nitrogen to a cooling circuit in the turbine section of a gas turbine. The nitrogen in the cooling circuit absorbs heat from the turbine section and flows to a flow divider where the heated nitrogen is split into a combustor flow and a return flow. The combustor nitrogen flow is injected into the gas turbine combustor. The return nitrogen flow is returned to the flow of nitrogen supplied to the gas turbine cooling circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Barrett David Gardiner
  • Publication number: 20120124960
    Abstract: A process for the treatment of waste, the process comprising either a gasification step or a pyrolysis step to produce an offgas and a non-airborne, solid char material; followed by a a plasma treatment step. An associated apparatus having a plasma treatment unit which is separate from the gasification unit or pyrolysis unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Tetronics Limited
    Inventors: Chris Chapman, David Ovens, David Deegan, Saeed Ismail
  • Publication number: 20120102911
    Abstract: A method is disclosed for connecting gas turbine engine gasifier components to a transmission, generator or other load. The interface of an engine gasifier module and a load module is made between one of the gasifier turbo-compressor spools and the free power turbine. This connection is between ducting components. This reduces the precision required to mate an engine module with a load module. In the case of a large vehicle, it is possible to mount an engine skid between the structural frame members of the truck cab, in the traditional engine compartment of the cab or vertically behind the cab of the truck since the engine module can be connected to the truck's transmission module via ducting between a gasifier module components and the free power turbine and ducting between the free power turbine and exhaust or recuperator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: ICR TURBINE ENGINE CORPORATION
    Inventors: David W. Dewis, John D. Watson
  • Publication number: 20120085079
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present technology provide systems and methods for producing power from coalbed methane (CBM) with decreased CO2 emissions. For example, a method of producing power according to an exemplary embodiment includes converting a feedstock from a hydrocarbon source into a gas mixture comprising CO2 and H2. The gas mixture is injected into a coalbed to cause CBM to desorb from the coal and CO2 to adsorb onto the coal. The hydrocarbon source is separate from the coalbed, i.e., does not exchange hydrocarbons with the hydrocarbon source. A gas mixture is produced from the coalbed, wherein the produced gas mixture includes H2 and CH4. The gas mixture may be combusted to generate power, while releasing lower amounts of CO2 than would be released from the combustion of pure CH4.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Inventor: Robert D. Kaminsky
  • Patent number: 8151574
    Abstract: A system and method for removing at least carbon from a fuel/air mixture prior to injection of the fuel/air mixture into a combustion system is disclosed. The system fully integrates the combined cycle power plant with carbon scrubbing of the fuel/air mixture to increase overall cycle efficiency while capturing carbon from the cycle. A portion of the compressed air source generated by the gas turbine compressor is provided to a premixer where it is mixed with a natural gas to form a fuel/air mixture. The fuel/air mixture passes through a catalytic partial oxidation (CPOX) reactor, which utilizes a precious metal to partially oxidize the hydrocarbons into carbon monoxide. The mixture passes through a shift reactor to complete generation of carbon dioxide and raise hydrogen yield of the fuel/air mixture. Carbon constituents are then removed from the mixture by a separator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Alstom Technololgy Ltd
    Inventor: Peter John Stuttaford
  • Publication number: 20120067021
    Abstract: A system employs a closed electrolyzer vessel into which water is circulated, and an electrode plate assembly immersed in the vessel to dissociate water into hydrogen and oxygen gases. Only water is used as the electrolyte fluid without any additives. An air injector in the water return line injects air bubbling for enhanced dissociation of water. The electrode plate assembly is formed by one or more unit stacks of 7-plates each, including two outer cathode plates, a middle anode plate, and spaced inner plates. The generated gases are maintained in a stable condition by an electromagnetic coil assembly that separates the hydrogen gas from oxygen gas. The system can obtain 180% reduction in fuel usage in a vehicle engine, and 20 times reduction in carbon exhaust. It can obtain a 500% increase in fuel efficiency in an electrical power generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventor: Tasos Aggelopoulos
  • Publication number: 20120067058
    Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for co-production of olefins and electric power. The method includes determining a separation level, separating a hydrocarbon feed into a light fraction stream and a heavy fraction stream based on the determined separation level; generating electric power from the heavy fraction stream; and cracking the light fraction stream in a pyrolysis unit to produce an effluent comprising olefins. The separation level may be based on olefin production requirements and electric power requirements or specific split of the hydrocarbon feed to be utilized for power generation and olefin production.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Robert D. Strack, Jennifer L. Bancroft, Paul Michael Edwards, Gregory E. Yeo
  • Publication number: 20120055168
    Abstract: A system for providing hydrogen enriched fuel includes first and second gas turbines. The second gas turbine receives a portion of compressed working fluid from the first gas turbine and produces a reformed fuel, and a fuel skid provides fluid communication between a turbine in the second gas turbine and a combustor in the first gas turbine. A method for providing hydrogen enriched fuel includes diverting a portion of a first compressed working fluid from a first compressor to a second compressor and providing a second compressed working fluid from the second compressor. The method further includes mixing a fuel with the second compressed working fluid in a reformer to produce a reformed fuel, flowing the reformed fuel through a second turbine to cool the reformed fuel, and connecting the second turbine to the second compressor so that the second turbine drives the second compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Jonathan Dwight Berry, Michael John Hughes
  • Patent number: 8127556
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of controlling a turbomachine having at least one fuel supply system that uses an unchoked valve. Here, the method may determine the flow characteristics of a fuel in a fuel supply system without using a flow meter. The present invention also provides a fuel supply system with a configuration comprising at least one unchoked valve. The fuel system may not require the use of a flow meter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: John Reuben Aiton, Joseph Robert Law
  • Patent number: 8128024
    Abstract: A structure of a pneumatic installation in a tail zone of an aircraft includes an auxiliary power unit (1) for supply of pneumatic and electrical power, whose pneumatic power outlet is linked to a duct (2) which conventionally incorporates bends (7) and compensation elements (6) for thermal expansion and for compensation of the vibrations produced by the APU (1) in its functioning. The power outlet of the APU (1) is arranged in its front part in which is connected the duct consisting of a straight pipe (2a) inclined downwards toward the lower part of the aircraft in which compensation elements (6) for thermal expansion and for compensation of vibrations are inserted in order to reduce the length of the duct (2) and eliminate the bends, so that the pressure losses are considerably reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Airbus Operations, S.L.
    Inventors: David Rojas Sanchez, José Carvajal Cornejo
  • Patent number: 8127558
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine is provided comprising an outer shell, a compressor assembly, at least one combustor assembly, a turbine assembly and duct structure. The outer shell includes a compressor section, a combustor section, an intermediate section and a turbine section. The intermediate section includes at least one first opening and at least one second opening. The compressor assembly is located in the compressor section to define with the compressor section a compressor apparatus to compress air. The at least one combustor assembly is coupled to the combustor section to define with the combustor section a combustor apparatus. The turbine assembly is located in the turbine section to define with the turbine section a turbine apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert J. Bland, Dennis A. Horazak
  • Patent number: 8117821
    Abstract: Disclosed is an optimized approach of using bleed-off of compressed air flow from a gas turbine compressor in a combined-cycle power plant and performance heating to augment plant performance. In one embodiment, a diverted portion of a by-product off gas and the bleed-off of compressed air flow are fired heated to produce a high temperature flue gas that is used to performance heat a pressurized mixture of fuel prior to being supplied to the gas turbine combustor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Indrajit Mazumder, Rajarshi Saha, Shivaprasad Lokanath, Vinod Kumar Baikampady Gopalkrishna