Motive Fluid Energized By Externally Applied Heat Patents (Class 60/643)
  • Patent number: 11371442
    Abstract: Systems and methods for variable pressure inventory control of a closed thermodynamic cycle power generation system or energy storage system, such as a reversible Brayton cycle system, with at least a high pressure tank and an intermediate pressure tank are disclosed. Operational parameters of the system such as working fluid pressure, turbine torque, turbine RPM, generator torque, generator RPM, and current, voltage, phase, frequency, and/or quantity of electrical power generated and/or distributed by the generator may be the basis for controlling a quantity of working fluid that circulates through a closed cycle fluid path of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: MALTA INC.
    Inventors: Raj Apte, Philippe Larochelle
  • Patent number: 11060196
    Abstract: The invention concerns a system (1) for producing dihydrogen comprising: —a high-temperature electrolyser (2) suitable for implementing steam electrolysis at a temperature greater than 500° C. and producing a mixture of steam and dihydrogen; —a dihydrogen compressor (3); —a main water and dihydrogen circuit (10) on which at least an evaporator (11), the high-temperature electrolyser (2), a condenser (E3) and the compressor (3) are arranged in succession, a first heat exchanger (E1) bringing the steam from the evaporator (11) and the mixture of steam and dihydrogen from the high-temperature electrolyser (2) into heat exchange so as to superheat the steam from the evaporator (11); the system being characterised in that—the compressor (3) is a chemical compressor supplied with heat by heat exchange with the condenser (E3); —the condenser (E3) is disposed directly at the outlet of the first exchanger (E1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2021
    Inventor: David Colomar
  • Patent number: 10801404
    Abstract: Systems and methods relating to variable pressure turbines are disclosed. A power generation system may include a closed cycle system configured to generate power, a combustor, and a control system. The closed cycle system may include a working fluid circulating in a closed cycle path. The combustor may provide thermal energy to the working fluid. Further, the control system may be configured to determine to increase an amount of power generated by the closed cycle system, and in response to the determination to increase the amount of power generated by the closed cycle system, cause an increase in pressure of the working fluid in the closed cycle path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: MALTA INC.
    Inventors: Raj Apte, Richard DeVaul, Philippe Larochelle
  • Patent number: 10767515
    Abstract: A method for liquid air and gas energy storage (LAGES) which integrates the processes of liquid air energy storage (LAES) and regasification of liquefied natural gas (LNG) at the import terminal through the exchange of thermal energy between the streams of air and natural gas (NG) in their gaseous and liquid states and includes harnessing the LNG as an intermediate heat carrier between the air streams being regasified and liquefied, recovering a compression heat from air liquefier for LNG regasification and utilizing a cold thermal energy of liquid air being regasified for reliquefaction of a part of send-out NG stream with its return to LNG terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Inventor: Stanislav Sinatov
  • Patent number: 10458284
    Abstract: Systems and methods for variable pressure inventory control of a closed thermodynamic cycle power generation system or energy storage system, such as a reversible Brayton cycle system, with at least a high pressure tank and an intermediate pressure tank are disclosed. Operational parameters of the system such as working fluid pressure, turbine torque, turbine RPM, generator torque, generator RPM, and current, voltage, phase, frequency, and/or quantity of electrical power generated and/or distributed by the generator may be the basis for controlling a quantity of working fluid that circulates through a closed cycle fluid path of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Malta Inc.
    Inventors: Raj Apte, Philippe Larochelle
  • Patent number: 10400634
    Abstract: A heat recovery system arranged to be used together with a first closed loop system (S1) configured as a first closed-loop thermodynamic Rankine cycle system, to convert heat from a heat generating unit (1) into electrical energy (E). Said heat recovery system comprising a second closed loop system (S2) comprising a second system working medium (W2) configured as a second closed-loop thermodynamic Rankine cycle system arranged to convert the heat in at least one heat stream (HS1) generated by the heat generating unit (1) into a first batch (E1) of electrical energy (E) and a third closed loop system (S3) comprising a circulating third system working medium (W3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: CLIMEON AB
    Inventors: Thomas Öström, Per Askebjer, Joachim Karthäuser
  • Patent number: 9718025
    Abstract: The description relates to reducing hydrochloric acid in cement kilns. In one aspect, an aqueous copper-based chloride remediator is introduced into contact with combustion gases from a cement kiln. Injection is made into a defined introduction zone under conditions effective for HCl emissions control wherein the temperature is within the range of from 300° F. to 800° F., preferably from 550° F. to 750° F. The resulting gases are discharged from the defined zone following sufficient reaction time to reduce the HCl concentration in the gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: FUEL TECH, INC.
    Inventors: Christopher R. Smyrniotis, Kent W. Schulz, Emelito P. Rivera, Ian Saratovsky, Vasudeo S. Gavaskar
  • Patent number: 9080574
    Abstract: A system for energy storage, in particular for mechanical energy, including a system for quasi-isothermal compression of a gas via a hydraulic fluid. The mechanical energy stored is then released by quasi-isothermal expansion of the gas. The system is also configured to store electrical energy, in particular from intermittent sources such as photovoltaic or wind energy. The storage of excess electrical energy can also be considered for use during consumption peaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: COGEBIO
    Inventors: Etienne Lebas, Alexandre Rojey
  • Publication number: 20150107249
    Abstract: A system includes a gas compressor system and a thermal cycle. The gas compressor system includes a compressor housing defining an interior compressor chamber. A gas compressor is in the interior compressor chamber to compress gas received into interior compressor chamber. A heat exchange fluid passage is provided adjacent to a surface that contacts the gas being compressed by the gas compressor. The thermal cycle includes a working fluid heated using the heat exchange fluid passage of the compressor housing. The working fluid is expanded by the thermal cycle to generate electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Access Energy LLC
    Inventors: Herman Artinian, Parsa Mirmobin
  • Publication number: 20150068206
    Abstract: A power generator may include a digital programmable governor, a plurality of power modules. The power modules have working fluid including compound gas and a magneto-responsive liquid column disposed therein, a thermal generator capable of adding heat to the working fluid, one Or more cooling exchangers configured to remove heat from the working fluid, at sets of electro-hydro-dynamic actuators, and a plurality of bidirectional turbines. The sets of electro-hydro-dynamic actuators are disposed proximate to the power modules, responsive to control of the digital programmable governor and in association with a thermal cycle of adding heat to and removing heat from the working fluid, provide influence to drive reciprocal flows of the working fluid through the power modules. The bi-directional turbines are disposed to receive the reciprocal flows and perform a kinematically independent conversion of the operating medium reciprocal flows to rotary motion power output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2014
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Inventor: Anatoly Sverdlin
  • Publication number: 20140373538
    Abstract: Methods and systems relate to an oxy-boiler used to generate steam injected into a well for assisting recovery of hydrocarbons. Operating conditions of a burner for the oxy-boiler limits oxygen contamination in a resulting flue gas for carbon dioxide recovery and limits size of the oxy-boiler, which may thus be located proximate the well rather at a central processing facility. In contrast to a direct steam generation approach where resulting carbon dioxide is mixed with steam, the oxy-boiler also enables selection of a desired level of carbon dioxide injection, which may be provided with the flue gas that may be exhausted from the oxy-boiler at an injection pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Scott MACADAM, James SEABA
  • Patent number: 8904793
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for storing electric energy in the form of thermal energy. A thermoelectric energy storage system includes a working fluid circuit for circulating a working fluid through a heat exchanger, and a thermal storage medium circuit for circulating a thermal storage medium. The thermal storage medium circuit includes at least one hot storage tank, an intermediate temperature storage tank, and a cold storage tank connected together via the heat exchanger. A proportion of the storage medium is redirected to or from the intermediate storage tank from or to the hot or cold storage tank, joining another proportion which flows directly between the cold and hot storage tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: ABB Research Ltd.
    Inventors: Jaroslav Hemrle, Lilian Kaufmann, Mehmet Mercangoez
  • Patent number: 8899045
    Abstract: Before being fed into a pipe, particularly a network of pipes for the supply of consumers, gas, preferably natural gas, is continuously conditioned. The pressurized gas is removed from a reservoir, expanded, and heated to a predefined temperature before or after the expansion thereof in that a branched-off partial flow of the fed-out natural gas is mixed with oxygen and the resulting burnable gas is catalytically burned. The fed-out gas is heated with the thermal energy that is produced. For this purpose, a partial exhaust gas flow is branched off from a hot exhaust gas flow released during the catalytic combustion and conducted into a first container together with the cold burnable gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: EWE Gasspeicher GmbH
    Inventor: Andreas Lenk
  • Patent number: 8893497
    Abstract: A power generator may include a digital programmable governor, a plurality of power modules that have working fluid including compound gas and a magneto-responsive liquid column disposed therein, a thermal generator capable of adding heat to the working fluid, one or more cooling exchangers configured to remove heat from the working fluid, at least one set of electro-hydro-dynamic actuators, and a plurality of bidirectional turbines. The set of electro-hydro-dynamic actuators are disposed proximate to the power modules to, responsive to control of the digital programmable governor and in association with a thermal cycle of adding heat to and removing heat from the working fluid, provide influence to drive reciprocal flows of the working fluid through the power modules. The bi-directional turbines are disposed to receive the reciprocal flows and perform a kinematically independent conversion of the operating medium reciprocal flows to rotary motion power output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Kithd Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Anatoly Sverdlin
  • Publication number: 20140338324
    Abstract: A variable area fan nozzle comprising an array of hinged rigid petals and a petal actuation system in which the principle of actuation is realized by changes in shape (i.e., deformation) of the actuators rather than by movement of cooperating mechanical parts. Because these actuators have no rotating or sliding mechanical components, wear and associated maintenance are reduced. Each deformable actuator has a portion made of shape memory alloy that has been trained to change shape in a specific manner when heated to a temperature above a transition temperature. In addition, each shape memory alloy actuator is shaped to act as a fairing to reduce aerodynamic drag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2013
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Christopher T. Jasklowski
  • Publication number: 20140331671
    Abstract: A water/steam cycle includes a steam generator, a steam turbine, a water cooled condenser and a feedwater pump. The condenser includes within a condenser shell at least one tube bundle with an internal air cooler, which is connected to an external ejector/vacuum pump by means of a suction line. In order to reduce the condenser evacuation time at the start-up of the water/steam cycle without using auxiliary steam, an additional evacuation line with a motorized isolating valve connects the external ejector/vacuum pump with the condenser shell. The action of the isolating valve is controlled by means of a control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Inventor: Hans-Ulrich LENHERR
  • Publication number: 20140326201
    Abstract: An action reaction combustion engine comprising of one or more engines with one or more pistons having adequate mass being housed in mated cylinders and having two opposing heads also having valving plumbing fuel delivery and starting means and allowed to reciprocate on linear bearings delivering a workforce on each end of back and fourth stroke one force when the pistons compresses and stops and one force when fuel ignites or high pressure air pushes and drives the piston back producing four power events every one complete reciprocating cycle or revolution of the crank or other drive mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventor: Bob Campbell
  • Publication number: 20140325987
    Abstract: A propulsion system for watercraft that uses steam generated from low energy reactor to enable long range high power propulsion. The system preferably uses steam generated from a low energy reactor to provide on-demand steam generated without external power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventor: David Loron Frank
  • Patent number: 8876061
    Abstract: A method for producing a heated fluid for use within an engine for propulsion of a vehicle is described. The method includes receiving cooled fluid from a fluid source, directing the cooled fluid between a first window configured to operate as a structural member of the engine and a second window configured to separate the cooled fluid from a heated fluid, passing an electromagnetic beam through the first window and the second window, absorbing the passed electromagnetic beam with a heat exchanger within the engine, and directing the cooled fluid through the heat exchanger to become heated fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Brian J. Tillotson
  • Publication number: 20140298811
    Abstract: A device for thermal energy harvesting can use pulsed heat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventors: Ian McKay, Evelyn Wang
  • Publication number: 20140298808
    Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention include a system including: at least one computing device operably connected with a steam turbomachine and an extraction conduit fluidly connected with the steam turbomachine and a steam seal header fluidly coupled with the steam turbomachine, the at least one computing device configured to modify an output of the steam turbomachine by performing actions including: determining a pressure within the steam turbomachine; comparing the pressure within the steam turbomachine with a pressure threshold range; and instructing the extraction conduit to extract steam seal header steam from the steam seal header and provide the extracted steam seal header steam to the steam turbomachine in response to determining the pressure within the steam turbomachine deviates from the pressure threshold range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2013
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Prakash Bavanjibhai Dalsania, Nestor Hernandez Sanchez
  • Publication number: 20140298809
    Abstract: To provide a power generation system that recovers heat from low-temperature exhaust gas of not more than 150° C. and utilizes the heat to increase an amount of generated electric power of a steam turbine, whereby efficiency in thermal use can be improved. A power generation system includes heat exchangers and configured to exchange heat of a heat medium and heat of water, and a vacuum flasher configured to supply steam to a vacuum stage of a steam turbine, wherein heat media are supplied to the heat exchangers and so as to generate a water fluid having a temperature exceeding a water boiling point under vacuum of a vacuum stage, the water fluid is supplied to the vacuum flasher to generate steam under vacuum of the vacuum stage, and the steam is introduced into the vacuum stage of the steam turbine, whereby an amount of generated electric power is increased.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Katsushi Sorida, Tatsuo Ino, Yoshihisa Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20140290238
    Abstract: Thermal expansion drive devices and related methods are provided herein. A thermal expansion drive device can include a driven shaft that is configured to rotate and multiple dual heat exchanger units centered around the driven shaft. The multiple dual heat exchanger units are configured to drive rotation of the driven shaft through the creation of a gravitational imbalance in the thermal expansion drive device as portions of the multiple dual heat exchanger units are heated and cooled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventor: Terry W. Thompson
  • Publication number: 20140250944
    Abstract: An energy recovery apparatus for use in a refrigeration system, comprises an intake port, a nozzle, a turbine and a discharge port. The intake port is adapted to be in fluid communication with a condenser of a refrigeration system. The nozzle comprises a fluid passageway. The nozzle is configured to expand refrigerant discharged from the condenser and increase velocity of the refrigerant as it passes through the fluid passageway. The turbine is positioned relative to the nozzle and configured to be driven by refrigerant discharged from the fluid passageway. The discharge port is downstream of the turbine and is configured to be in fluid communication with an evaporator of the refrigeration system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Steven W. Post, Bobby D. Garrison
  • Publication number: 20140216033
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and/or apparatuses for treating wastewater produced at a thermoelectric power plant, other industrial plants, and/or other industrial sources are disclosed. The wastewater is directed through a wastewater concentrator including a direct contact adiabatic concentration system. A stream of hot feed gases is directed through the wastewater concentrator. The wastewater concentrator mixes the hot feed gases directly with the wastewater and evaporates water vapor from the wastewater. The wastewater concentrator separates the water vapor from remaining concentrated wastewater. A contained air-water interface liquid evaporator may be arranged to pre-process the wastewater before being treated by the wastewater concentrator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: HEARTLAND TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS LLC
    Inventors: Bernard F. Duesel, JR., Craig Clerkin
  • Patent number: 8794001
    Abstract: A power generation apparatus that suppress cavitation includes a first on/off valve provided between a steam generator and an expander in a circulating channel; a bypass channel connected between an area between the steam generator and the first on/off valve and an area between the expander and a condenser; a second on/off valve provided in the bypass channel; a third on/off valve provided between a pump and the steam generator; and a controller. When stopping the pump, the controller outputs a control signal that stops the pump, a control signal that closes the first on/off valve, a control signal that opens the second on/off valve, and a control signal that closes the third on/off valve. In the case where a predetermined condition has been met, the controller outputs a control signal that closes the second on/off valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Noboru Tsuboi, Masayoshi Matsumura
  • Publication number: 20140142326
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing a dry, purified carboxylic acid product comprising furan-2,5-dicarboxylic acid (FDCA). Also disclosed is a method for treating an oxidation off-gas stream from such a process. The method features solvent as well as energy recovery from the off-gas stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Ashfaq Shahanawaz Shaikh, Kenny Randolph Parker, Mesfin Ejerssa Janka, Lee Reynolds Partin
  • Publication number: 20140109574
    Abstract: A heat engine system is disclosed and includes first and second condensers fluidly and structurally coupled to first and second recuperators. An expansion device is coupled to the condensers at a drive end and suspended from the recuperators at a non-drive end. The recuperators can be printed circuit heat exchangers which provide superior heat transfer capabilities but are also robust enough to support the expansion device, and thereby form an integral part of a structural baseplate for mounting and aligning various components of the heat engine system. Exhaust conduits extending between the expansion device and the recuperators also provide added structural support for the expansion device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: DRESSER-RAND COMPANY
    Inventor: William C. Maier
  • Publication number: 20140109575
    Abstract: Plants, devices, and methods are presented which economically and effectively reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from flue gases by converting heat derived from one or more sources of flue gas to drive a heat engine, which generates power, energy, and/or work that is utilized by a CO2 capture unit coupled to the stream of flue gas. CO2 captured from the flue gas stream may be sequestered and/or utilized for commercial purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: FLUOR TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventor: Sander Balkenende
  • Publication number: 20140102096
    Abstract: It is an object to supply stable motive power to a compressor even if load variations have occurred in an electric power station. Provided is a CO2 recovery system equipped with a CO2 compressor 12 that compresses recovered CO2 removed by a CO2 recovery unit 11, a steam turbine 13 that supplies motive power to the CO2 compressor 12, and an auxiliary motor 14 that, if there is a shortage of the motive power from the steam turbine 13, supplies the CO2 compressor with motive power in an amount corresponding to the shortage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Takahito Yonekawa, Masayuki Inui, Koji Nakayama, Tatsuya Tsujiuchi, Yoshiki Sorimachi
  • Patent number: 8683802
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an installation and a process implementing the installation for converting thermal energy available in a given environment into useful energy. The installation and process use pressure differentials between a hot and a cold column of a pressurized fluid to create a continuous flow in a fluid. The flow drives in rotation elements the rotational energy of which is converted to a useful energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Yoav Cohen
  • Publication number: 20140053555
    Abstract: A heat transfer tube repairing apparatus including a wire that is flexible and is insertable into a heat transfer tube, a sleeve that is fixed to a predetermined position in the longitudinal direction of the wire, a pair of pressing members that is provided at the front and rear sides of the sleeve in the longitudinal direction of the wire and is able to press the inner surface of the heat transfer tube, and operation members that are able to move the pressing members between a pressing position where the pressing members press the inner surface of the heat transfer tube and a separating position where the pressing members are separated from the inner surface of the heat transfer tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Hideyuki Morita, Kazuo Hirota, Ryoichi Kawakami, Shingo Nishida, Kengo Shimamura, Takaya Kusakabe
  • Publication number: 20140053554
    Abstract: A power generation system includes a power generation module coupled to a thermal storage system via a heat transfer connection. The thermal storage system includes a heat storage medium contained in a storage tank. The thermal storage system is operable for receiving an energy input in the form of electrical energy or mechanical energy at a first point in time, converting the input energy into thermal energy, transferring the thermal energy to the heat storage medium to thereby cause an increase in enthalpy of the heat storage medium, and storing the thermal energy in the heat storage medium. The power generation module converts the stored thermal energy, which is recovered from the thermal storage system via the heat transfer connection, into an electrical power output. The stored thermal energy is recovered from the thermal storage system at a second point in time temporally shifted from the first point in time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Mehrdad Tartibi, Wales R. Mack, Thorsten Wolf
  • Publication number: 20140041376
    Abstract: An energy system operable to generate mechanical energy. The energy system comprises a cluster of elongated energy cells. The energy cells are arranged parallel to each other in their longitudinal direction in a cylinder block means. Each energy cell is operable to generate mechanical energy when a phase change material (PCM) changes from solid phase to liquid phase, wherein the phase change material expands when changing from solid phase to liquid phase. The energy system also comprises a cylinder head means and a cylinder bottom means, both connected to the cylinder block means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: EXENCOTECH AB
    Inventor: Bengt ÖSTLUND
  • Publication number: 20140033709
    Abstract: A power generator may include a digital programmable governor, a plurality of power modules that have working fluid including compound gas and a magneto-responsive liquid column disposed therein, a thermal generator capable of adding heat to the working fluid, one or more cooling exchangers configured to remove heat from the working fluid, at least one set of electro-hydro-dynamic actuators, and a plurality of bidirectional turbines. The set of electro-hydro-dynamic actuators are disposed proximate to the power modules to, responsive to control of the digital programmable governor and in association with a thermal cycle of adding heat to and removing heat from the working fluid, provide influence to drive reciprocal flows of the working fluid through the power modules. The bi-directional turbines are disposed to receive the reciprocal flows and perform a kinematically independent conversion of the operating medium reciprocal flows to rotary motion power output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventor: Anatoly Sverdlin
  • Publication number: 20140033710
    Abstract: In a configuration in which a first shaft portion configured to drive a pump mechanism and a second shaft portion configured to drive an expansion mechanism are coupled to each other, a Rankine cycle system which is capable of continuing the circulation of working fluid by an expansion machine even when the pump mechanism is locked is provided. This Rankine cycle system of the invention employs a pump and an expansion machine coupled in a tandem manner. A first shaft of the pump and a second shaft of the expansion machine are concentric and the first shaft is capable of transmitting power to the second shaft. A pump torque limiter is provided between the first shaft and a main gear. A one-way clutch is provided between a sensing shaft and the second shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA JIDOSHOKKI
    Inventors: Hidefumi MORI, Masao IGUCHI, Fuminobu ENOKIJIMA, Hiroyuki TAKEI, Kojiro TAMARU, Fumihiko ISHIGURO, Kazuo KATAYAMA, Tomonori SASAKI
  • Publication number: 20140026576
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for reheating turbine steam, comprising a reheater and a condensate collecting tank, into which condensate is guided from the reheater. A subcooler is provided upstream of the reheater in a common housing with the reheater. The subcooler is arranged beneath the reheater and the condensate collecting tank is connected with the subcooler in order to supply condensate from the condensate collecting tank as heating medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: BALCKE-DURR GMBH
    Inventor: Balcke-Durr GmbH
  • Publication number: 20140026572
    Abstract: A system for capturing carbon dioxide from a shifted syngas is disclosed. The system may generally include a solid sorbent configured to absorb carbon dioxide at a first temperature and release carbon dioxide at a second temperature. In addition, the system may include an absorption chamber configured to receive the shifted syngas at the first temperature and a regeneration chamber separate from the absorption chamber. The regeneration chamber may be maintained at the second temperature. The solid sorbent may be cycled between the absorption chamber and the regeneration chamber such that carbon dioxide from the shifted syngas is absorbed within the absorption chamber to produce a decarbonized fuel gas and released within the regeneration chamber to produce a carbon dioxide stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2012
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ashok Kumar Anand, Thirumala Reddy Nagarjuna Reddy
  • Publication number: 20140020386
    Abstract: The invention related gas recovering system contains at least one gas supply system, a gas treatment system, and a gas separation system. The gas supply system includes a gas supply unit and a supply source. The gas treatment system includes a gas reactor and a gas reduction device. Also, the gas separation system includes a first exhaust unit, a purifying unit, a second exhaust unit and a heating evaporation unit. The gas recovering system can avoid the unnecessary waste of gas to form hazardous waste. Therefore, gas can make more effective use to reduce cost.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicants: KERN ENERGY ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ying-Shih HSIAO, Hitoshi SAKAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20140000258
    Abstract: A steam turbine facility is provided which is capable of appropriately sealing a gap between members made of cast material of Ni-based alloy even under the steam-temperature condition of 650° C. or higher, and which includes a first member and a second member whose base material is formed of cast material composed of at least one of Ni-based alloy, austenite steel, or high-chrome steel, form a space where the steam of 650° C. or higher flows. Between the first member and the second member, a metal gasket is provided which has a plurality of portions in line contact with the first member and the second member. On the first member and the second member, a first high-hardness layer which is harder than the base material, is provided at least in a portion where each of the first member and the second member is in line contact with the metal gasket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Shin NISHIMOTO, Katsuhisa HAMADA, Yoshinori TANAKA, Tanehiro SHINOHARA, Tetsuro AKAMATSU
  • Publication number: 20130340433
    Abstract: A transient liquid pressure power generation system and associated devices and methods is disclosed. The system can include a liquid source and a transient pressure drive device fluidly coupled to the liquid source to receive liquid from the liquid source. The transient pressure drive device can include a drive component, and a transient wave or pressure producing element to cause a high pressure transient wave in the liquid traveling toward the liquid source to operate the drive component. Additionally, the system can include a heat source fluidly coupled to the transient pressure drive device and the liquid source to receive liquid from the transient pressure drive device and heat liquid returning to the liquid source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: Ronald Kurt Christensen
  • Publication number: 20130340432
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to systems and methods for storing thermal energy from working fluid heated by a high-temperature heat source and retrieving the thermal energy. The heated working fluid is in thermal communication with heat exchanger elements that can efficiently store thermal energy by, for example, phase change in one or more metal alloys.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Arlon J. Hunt, K. Russell Carrington
  • Publication number: 20130333385
    Abstract: A supercritical fluid comprises carbon dioxide and at least one disorder-inducing species. The proportion of carbon dioxide to the at least one disorder-inducing species in the supercritical fluid may be sufficient to induce disorder in the fluid. Power generation systems and thermal energy storage systems configured to use the supercritical fluid are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Kelly Herbst
  • Publication number: 20130333386
    Abstract: A system and a method are provided that may be used to control the temperature of steam being reheated by a moisture separator reheater (MSR). One embodiment provides a system including a steam turbine, a moisture separator reheater coupled to the steam turbine, and a controller programmed to control a temperature of steam leaving the moisture separator reheater based at least in part on sensor feedback. The controller is programmed to facilitate substantially smooth linear temperature ramping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Steven Craig Kluge, Michael James Molitor
  • Patent number: 8601815
    Abstract: A system and method for generating, transmitting and receiving power includes providing a source of non-optical power, such as thermal energy, which is converted into electricity. The non-optical power is converted into an optical power beam which is directed into a hollow pipe and transmitted along a length thereof. The hollow pipe may have an inner reflective surface, or lenses or collimators to direct the light therethrough. Upon exiting the hollow pipe, the optical power beam is converted into electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Bruce C. Marshall, Aravinda Kar
  • Patent number: 8601817
    Abstract: A hydrogen production apparatus which includes: a humidifier (2), which is supplied with a process fluid containing carbon monoxide and mixes the process fluid with steam; a reactor (3), which reacts the humidified process fluid output from the humidifier in the presence of a catalyst, thereby converting the carbon monoxide within the process fluid into carbon dioxide; a first pipe (A) through which high-temperature process fluid flows following reaction in the reactor; a second pipe (B) that supplies makeup water; at least one first heat exchanger (51a, 51b) disposed at one of one or more locations where the first pipe and the second pipe cross each other; and a third pipe (C) that supplies steam generated by heat exchange in the first heat exchanger to other apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takanori Tsutsumi, Yoshinori Koyama, Katsuhiro Ota, Takashi Fujii, Hiromi Ishii
  • Publication number: 20130312416
    Abstract: The invention relates to a steam Rankine cycle plant and a method for operating thereof. The plant comprises a higher-pressure steam turbine with an outlet and a reheater fluidly connected to the higher-pressure steam turbine. In addition, the plant has a lower-pressure steam turbine with an inlet that is fluidly connected to the reheater. The plant also has a bypass that is fluidly connecting the outlet and the inlet so as to bypass the reheater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: ALSTOM Technolgy Ltd
    Inventors: Maurus Herzog, Suman Ray
  • Publication number: 20130305719
    Abstract: A steam power plant is described including on a single rotor at least one high pressure turbine or turbine section having a steam exit connected in operation to a first steam reheater and at least two intermediate pressure turbines or turbine sections with a first of the at least two intermediate pressure turbines or turbine sections having a steam exit connected in operation to a second steam reheater and with a second of the at least two intermediate pressure turbines or turbine sections having a steam entry to receive steam from the second steam reheater and a steam exit connected to one or more low pressure turbines or turbine sections, whereby the at least two intermediate pressure turbines or turbine sections are each separated into a high temperature turbine or turbine section and into a low temperature turbine or turbine section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventor: Martin Reigl
  • Publication number: 20130305704
    Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a hydraulically actuated device/system are described herein. For example, systems and methods for the compression and/or expansion of gas can include at least one pressure vessel defining an interior region for retaining at least one of a volume of liquid or a volume of gas and an actuator coupled to and in fluid communication with the pressure vessel. The actuator can have a first mode of operation in which a volume of liquid disposed within the pressure vessel is moved to compress and move gas out of the pressure vessel. The actuator can have a second mode of operation in which a volume of liquid disposed within the pressure vessel is moved by an expanding gas entering the pressure vessel. The system can further include a heat transfer device configured to transfer heat to or from the at least one of a volume of liquid or a volume of gas retained by the pressure vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: General Compression, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric D. Ingersoll, Justin A. Aborn
  • Publication number: 20130305722
    Abstract: A method for operating a steam power plant at low load is suggested comprising the extraction of live steam LS before the last superheater SH3 and/or resuperheated steam before the last resuperheater RSH2 and using the thermal energy of this steam in other heat sinks. Thus, nearly constant steam parameters of the live steam LS are achieved and the overall efficiency of the steam power plant remains at a high level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventors: Volker SCHULE, Julia HEINTZ, Stephan HELLWEG