Abstract: A method of heating a gas by directing X-rays at a mass of hafnium 178 to induce gamma rays. The gamma rays are directed at a heat exchanging apparatus, resulting in a stream of heated gas. This process powers a Hafnium gas turbine engine capable of providing shaft power or thrust to mechanical devices.

Abstract: A solar-energy heat power-generating system and thermoelectric conversion device thereof, the thermoelectric conversion device comprising a power generator (5), an air compressor, a turbine and an intermediate body (12) fixedly connected between the air compressor and the turbine; the interior of the intermediate body (12) is rotatably connected to a transmission shaft (28); the transmission shaft (28) is fixedly connected to the rotating shaft of the power generator (5); the air compressor impeller (7) of the air compressor and the turbine impeller (18) of the turbine are both installed on the transmission shaft (28); the power generator (5) is also connected to a conducting wire (3) for inputting current; the solar-energy heat power-generating system comprises a heat collector and the thermoelectric conversion device; the air compressor of the thermoelectric conversion device is located upstream of the heat collector, and the turbine is located downstream of the heat collector.

Abstract: The amount of high-temperature steam supplied from external equipment is reduced. Provided is a hydrogen production system (1) including a reactor (3) that allows a humidified process fluid output from a humidifier (2) to react in the presence of a catalyst to transform carbon monoxide in the process fluid into carbon dioxide; a second channel (B) through which the high-temperature process fluid that has reacted in the reactor (3) flows; a circulation channel (C) through which excess water in the humidifier (2) is circulated; and a first heat exchanger (7), disposed at an intersection of the circulation channel (C) and the second channel (B), for heat exchange between the high-temperature process fluid that has reacted in the reactor (3) and the fluid circulated through the circulation channel (C).

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A power receiving device including: a power receiving coil configured to receive power when a power feeding device supplies the power via a magnetic field; an alternating-current power supply configured to apply an alternating voltage to the power receiving coil; and a foreign matter detecting section configured to generate an amount of change in impedance of the power receiving coil from a current induced in the power receiving coil to which the alternating voltage is applied and the alternating voltage, and detect foreign matter between the power receiving coil and the power feeding device on a basis of the amount of change.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implementing the Rankine Cycle with improved efficiency through the use of thermal exchange between the working fluid and a brine liquid. In one embodiment, the brine liquid is further processed through a multistage flash distillation unit to produce distilled water or other minerals. Geothermal or exhaust waste heat may be used to further improve the Rankine Cycle efficiency, with remaining thermal energy improving the distillation process.

Abstract: A generation system using a plasma gasifier, includes a plasma gasifier that combusts pulverized coal or biomass using plasma so as to generate a synthesis gas including hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO), an impurity removing device that removes an impurity included in the generated synthesis gas, a gas storage tank in which the synthesis gas, an impurity of which has been removed by the impurity removing device, is stored, and a gas engine that combusts the synthesis gas stored in the gas storage tank so as to produce electricity.

Abstract: A waste heat recovery system includes a heat recovery cycle system coupled to at least two separate heat sources having different temperatures. The heat recovery cycle system is coupled to a first heat source and at least one second heat source. The heat recovery cycle system is configured to circulate a working fluid. The at least one second heat source includes a lower temperature heat source than the first heat source. The working fluid is circulatable in heat exchange relationship through a first heat exchange unit, a second heat exchange unit for heating the working fluid in the heat recovery cycle system. The first heat exchange unit is coupled to the at least one second heat source to heat at least a portion of a cooled stream of working fluid to a substantially higher temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for operating a gas turbine (11) comprising a compressor (14), which is equipped with variable inlet guide vanes (13) and receives at its inlet an inlet air flow, which has passed a temperature-affecting air inlet system (12a), a combustor (15, 15?) and a turbine (16, 16?). In a closed loop control scheme, a control variable indicative of the turbine outlet temperature (TAT2) is generated, and the air inlet system (12a) and/or the variable inlet guide vanes (13) are controlled in accordance with said control variable such that the turbine outlet temperature (TAT2) is kept at or above a desired setting value (TAT2min).

Abstract: A compressed air energy storage (CAES) system is disclosed for the generation of power. The system may include a compressor configured to receive inlet air and output compressed air to an air storage during an off-peak period. During a peak load period, compressed air from the air storage may be released to generate power. A heat exchanger fluidly coupled to the air storage may receive the released compressed air and transfer heat to the compressed air. An air expander may receive the heated compressed air from the heat exchanger, expand the heated compressed air to generate a first power output, and output an exhaust. The system may further include a bypass line configured to circumvent compressed air around the air expander. A second power output may be generated through a turbine configured to receive the compressed air from the air storage and the exhaust from the air expander.

Abstract: A compact energy cycle construction that operates as or in accordance with a Rankine, Organic Rankine, Heat Pump, or Combined Organic Rankine and Heat Pump Cycle, comprising a compact housing of a generally cylindrical form with some combination of a scroll type expander, pump, and compressor disposed therein to share a common shaft with a motor or generator and to form an integrated system, with the working fluid of the system circulating within the housing as a torus along the common shaft and toroidally within the housing as the system operates.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatus for using a controllable heat source to generate electricity. One embodiment provides an energy generation module comprising a controllable heat source, one or more jackets of thermoelectric devices, and heat conducting fluids surrounding or otherwise thermally coupled to the jackets. The energy generation module can be used to convert heat from a heat source such as a gas combustion chamber into electricity. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for generating electricity when electrical power is not existent, cost prohibitive or otherwise in short supply. The generated electricity can be used by the user, stored in an electrical storage battery or sold to a local or remote power grid.

Abstract: A Molecular Transformation Energy Conversion System (MTECS), converts thermal energy to work energy. Unlike Rankine cycle engines that typically use a liquid to gas state change to extract work from the system, the MTECS uses a liquid to solid and/or austenite to martensite state change to extract work. Operation of the system involves extracting work from a thermally reactive material that changes in crystalline structure over a relatively small temperature range (as compared to Rankine cycle systems). Input thermal energy is transferred into either or both the thermal transfer component (typically a gas/liquid refrigerant) and/or the molecular transformation component (typically either water/ice or a shape memory material) to power the system. Sources of input thermal energy and methods of their transference into the system may be numerous.

Abstract: A Rankine cycle system and method is described and illustrated, and in some embodiments includes an expander, a pump, a condenser, and a receiver comprising a variable fluid volume at least partially defined by a movable member, wherein the variable fluid volume defines at least a portion of the working fluid flow path between the condenser and the inlet of the pump. Also, a method of charging a Rankine cycle system with working fluid is described and illustrated, and can include applying a regulated pressure to a chamber located within a receiver, introducing the working fluid to the Rankine cycle system, the working fluid being separated from the chamber by a movable member of the receiver, monitoring displacement of the movable member, and stopping the introduction of working fluid into the Rankine cycle system when the movable member reaches a predetermined position.

Abstract: The disclosed process and apparatus provide for air separation and steam generation in a combined system that comprises a steam system (10) and an air separation plant (9), wherein a feed air stream (1) is introduced into a multistage air compression system (101, 102, 103) having n stages (n>=3) and compressed to a first high pressure that is equal to the final pressure of the air compression system, and, at this final pressure, is introduced (8) into the air separation plant (9). An intercooler is arranged between an i-th stage (102) (1<=i<n) and an i+1-th stage (103) of the air compression system; there, the feed air stream (4) is cooled in indirect heat exchange with a feed water stream (11).

Abstract: The invention provides a heat transfer composition comprising trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234ze(E)), fluoroethane (R-161) and a third component selected from difluoromethane (R-32) and/or 1,1-difluoroethane (R-152a).

Abstract: A device (1) for producing pressurized hot or cold water comprising: a water heating and storing tank (5); a steam generator (6),—a cold water source (13); at least one pressurizable transfer tank (4) provided with: at least an inlet (14) for filling the tank (4) with water, an inlet (7) for introducing steam from the steam generator (6), and an outlet (8) for evacuating pressurized water; and separate valve means (31, 91, 71) to respectively fill the tank (4) with water, introduce steam in the tank, and evacuate pressurized water from the tank (4).

Abstract: A heat engine includes structure for compressing a cooled working gas, heating the compressed working gas using an external heat source, expanding the heated compressed working gas, cooling the working gas using a heat exchanger with a cold source, and subsequently, returning the cooled working gas into the compression structure.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat transfer composition consisting essentially of from about 60 to about 85% by weight of trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234ze(E)) and from about 15 to about 40% by weight of fluoroethane (R-161). The invention also provides a heat transfer composition comprising R-1234ze(E), R-161 and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R-134a).

Abstract: A waste heat recovery system includes a Brayton cycle system having an heater configured to circulate carbon dioxide vapor in heat exchange relationship with a hot fluid to heat carbon dioxide vapor. A Rankine cycle system is coupled to the Brayton cycle system and configured to circulate a working fluid in heat exchange relationship with the carbon dioxide vapor to heat the working fluid.

Abstract: A waste heat steam generator for a gas and steam turbine power plant is provided. The generator has economizer, evaporator and superheater heating surfaces which form a flow path and through which a flow medium flows. An overflow line branches off from the flow path and leads to injection valves arranged downstream at a flow side of a superheater heating surface in the flow path. The overflow line permits a brief power increase of a downstream steam turbine without resulting in an excessive loss in efficiency of the steam process. The brief power increase is permitted independently of the type of waste heat steam generator. The branch location of the overflow line is arranged upstream of an evaporator heating surface at the flow medium side and downstream of an economizer heating surface.

Abstract: An Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) system includes a rotor volume at sub-atmospheric pressure, a working fluid sprayed into the rotor volume.

Abstract: Aircraft with an emission-free drive and method for emission-free driving of an aircraft. The aircraft includes a drive device structured and arranged to generate thrust, a lift device structured and arranged to generate lift, and a heat engine structured and arranged to convert thermal energy into kinetic energy to drive the drive device. The heat engine includes at least one flat-plate Stirling engine drivable by solar thermal radiation.

Abstract: A fossil fuel-fired power station having a removal apparatus for carbon dioxide which is located downstream of a combustion facility and through which an offgas containing carbon dioxide may flow is provided. The removal apparatus comprises an absorption unit and a desorption unit. The desorption unit is connected to a renewable energy source.

Abstract: A coupling system for a hybrid energy plant including a heat-pump unit and a combined heat and power generation unit, having at least one coupling device for coupling the heat-pump unit and the combined heat and power generation unit. A device and a method provide a coupling for a heat-pump unit and a combined heat and power generation unit, in doing which, the highest possible overall efficiency and the lowest possible consumption of resources relative to already known uncoupled plants is ensured. At least one coupling device has an electrical coupling unit and/or a hydraulic coupling unit which are designed to be switchable for a coupling of the heat-pump unit and the combined heat and power generation unit. An energy-transformation system for generating heat and/or cold and a method for energy transformation having a coupling system are also provided.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide compression system is disclosed. The system comprises at as a first corner stage and a second compressor stage arranged in at least one inter-stage heat exchanger arranged to receive a compressed gas containing carbon dioxide flowing from the first compressor stage into the second compressor stage and to remove waste heat from the compressed gas, and an energy conversion unit, wherein at least part of the waste heat is recovered and transformed into mechanical energy.

Abstract: An exemplary steam plant having a steam circuit which includes a superheater defining a boundary between a superheated steam region and an unsuperheated steam region. The steam circuit includes a branch, from a superheated steam region of the steam circuit, with a branch valve and a steam desuperheater upstream of the branch valve. The desuperheater provides cooling to the branch during flow mode operation of the branch. During a no flow mode, a first preheat line and a second preheat line provide the cooling by supplying unsuperheated steam to the branch and directing this flow through to a lower pressure region of the steam circuit.

Abstract: A power generation device includes an enclosed circuit through which a working medium circulates. The working medium is heated at a first location in the enclosed circuit, and cooled at a second location. The differential heating and cooling causes the working medium to circulate within the enclosed circuit. The circulating medium is used to drive a turbine, which in turn may drive an electric generator.

Abstract: A high order of thermal efficiency is achieved in a steam engine or steam expander having a piston clearance that approximates zero together with a negligible amount of compression, such that pressure in the clearance volume approximates ambient pressure, i.e. atmospheric or condenser pressure as the case may be at the end of the piston return stroke when the clearance is essentially zero and constitutes a new engine apparatus and Rankine operating cycle that can be referred to as “zero clearance with zero compression”. The steam admission valve assembly can be operated either automatically responsive to piston contact or by means of a cam shaft or electrically by means of a solenoid. A normally open exhaust valve permits residual steam to be exhausted through the piston return stroke, closed by the piston or cam then held closed by a fresh charge of steam.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat transfer composition comprising (i) a first component selected from trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234ze(E)), cis-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234ze(Z)) and mixtures thereof; (ii) carbon dioxide (R-744); and (iii) a third component selected from 1,1-difluoroethane (R-152a), fluoroethane (R-161), and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A thermal energy storage and recovery system including a storage arrangement having a thermal energy storage device for temporarily storing thermal energy, a charging/discharging arrangement having a fluid energy machine for exchanging mechanical work with a working fluid cycling through the charging/discharging arrangement, and a heat exchanger which is arranged between the storage arrangement and the charging/discharging arrangement and which thermodynamically couples a heat transfer fluid cycling through the storage arrangement with the working fluid is provided. The storage arrangement is configured in such a manner that the heat transfer fluid is under a first pressure and the charging/discharging arrangement is configured in such a manner that the working fluid is at least partially under a second pressure, wherein the second pressure is higher than the first pressure.

Abstract: Power-generation plant equipment of the present invention is provided with a steam-flow-volume adjusting valve that is provided in a superheated-steam pipe on the upstream side of a steam turbine. During startup of the steam turbine, a controller of the power-generation plant equipment increases a degree of opening of the steam-flow-volume adjusting valve from a closed position, thus increasing the frequencies of the steam turbine and an exhaust-heat-recovery generator; and, after the frequency of the exhaust-heat-recovery generator reaches the frequency of a grid, the controller connects an exhaust-heat-recovery-side breaker to supply power to the grid, and also sets the degree of opening of the steam-flow-volume adjusting valve to a substantially fully-open position, thus, operating the steam turbine depending on the frequency of the grid.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat transfer composition comprising (i) a first component selected from trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234ze(E)), cis-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234ze(Z)) and mixtures thereof; (ii) carbon dioxide (R-744); and (iii) a third component selected from difluoromethane (R-32) 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (R-134a) and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: An expander-generator is disclosed having an expansion device and a generator disposed within a hermetically-sealed housing. The expansion device may be overhung and supported on or otherwise rotate a hollow expansion rotor having a thrust balance seal being arranged at least partially within a chamber defined in the expansion rotor. Partially-expanded working fluid is extracted from an intermediate expansion stage and a first portion of the extracted working fluid is used cool the generator and accompanying radial bearings. A second portion of the extracted working fluid may be introduced into the chamber defined within the expander rotor via a conduit defined in the thrust balance seal chamber. The second portion of extracted working fluid minimizes unequal axial thrust loads on the expander rotor due to the overhung arrangement.

Abstract: Techniques for generating power are provided. Such techniques involve a thermodynamic system including a housing, a turbine positioned in a turbine cavity of the housing, a compressor positioned in a compressor cavity of the housing, and an alternator positioned in a rotor cavity between the turbine and compressor cavities. The compressor has a high-pressure face facing an inlet of the compressor cavity and a low-pressure face on an opposite side thereof. The alternator has a rotor shaft operatively connected to the turbine and compressor, and is supported in the housing by bearings. Ridges extending from the low-pressure face of the compressor may be provided for balancing thrust across the compressor. Seals may be positioned about the alternator for selectively leaking fluid into the rotor cavity to reduce the temperature therein.

Abstract: A steam turbine exhaust hood includes an exhaust hood section, and a butterfly plate arranged in the exhaust hood section. The butterfly plate includes a complex curvilinear cross-sectional profile having a first section that extends between a first end portion and a middle portion, and a second section that extends between the middle portion and a second end portion. One of the first and second sections is formed from at least two curvilinear segments including at least one curvilinear segment having a positive curvature and at least one curvilinear segment having a negative curvature.

Abstract: A system for generating energy includes a greenhouse; a greenhouse, a gasifier connected to the greenhouse, a carburetor connected to the gasifier and the greenhouse, and a generator connected to the carburetor. The generator is configured to generate electricity. The greenhouse is configured to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen by action of sunlight. The oxygen is utilized by the gasifier and generator.

Abstract: A method to pre-heat gas at gas Pressure Reducing Stations. A first step involve providing at least one electrical line heater having a flow path for passage of natural gas through electrical heating elements. A second step involves passing the high pressure cold natural gas stream along electrical heating elements and heating it up before de-pressurization. A third step involves the expansion of the high pressure heated gas in a enclosed vessel that houses a gas expander and power generator. The expansion of the gas generates shaft work which is converted into electrical power by the power generator and the expanded low pressure gas cools the power generator. This process results in the recovery of energy to replace the slipstream of natural that is presently used to pre-heat gas at Pressure Reduction Stations.

Abstract: A plant for the production of energy that is based upon the organic Rankine cycle (ORC). The plant comprises a first ORC system, comprising a first organic operating fluid circulating, in sequence, between a first evaporator in conditions of heat exchange with a heat source, a first expansion stage in a turbine operatively connected to a generator, a first evaporator/condenser, and a first pump for recirculating said first organic operating fluid to said first evaporator. Said turbine is a partializable turbine and comprises means for partializing the incoming flowrate of said organic operating fluids, said means being designed to partialize said incoming flowrate to keep the r.p.m. of said turbine constant.

Abstract: The invention provides a heat transfer composition consisting essentially of from about 62 to about 78% by weight trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (R-1234ze(E)) and from about 22 to about 38% by weight of 1,1-difluoroethane (R-152a). The invention also provides a heat transfer composition comprising from about 20 to about 40% by weight R-152a, from about 5 to about 55% R-134a, and from about 5 to about 75% by weight R-1234ze(E).

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method of driving a micromachine and a drive mechanism whereby the required drive force can be obtained and that avoid excessive load to the machine, the mechanism not being of large size and not being troublesome in terms of energy supply. In a micromachine rotary drive mechanism according to the present invention, a micro-turbine is floated on the liquid surface of Fluorinert, silicone oil is attached onto faces respectively directed in the same direction of this micro-turbine, thereby drive force of the micro-turbine is obtained from the surface tension difference convection generated at the two-fluid interface.

Abstract: The present application and the resultant patent provide a waste heat recovery system for recovering heat from a number of turbocharger stages. The waste heat recovery system may include a simple organic rankine cycle system and a number of charge air coolers in communication with the turbocharger stages and the simple organic rankine cycle system. The charge air coolers are positioned in a number of parallel branches of the simple organic rankine cycle system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mobile biomass generating plant having a power unit, at least one generator and a drive shaft. In one embodiment, the power unit is mounted to a lowboy trailer and the at least one generator is mounted to at least one of the lowboy trailer and a second lowboy trailer. Additionally, the drive shaft may connect the at least one generator to the power unit. In one embodiment, the power unit may generate and direct power to the drive shaft which can be used to manipulate the at least one generator to produce electricity.

Abstract: An exemplary fossil fuel fired power plant is disclosed with minimum impact of the CO2 capture system on a power part of the plant. A power plant is disclosed which is ready for the retrofit of a CO2 capture plant, and a method is disclosed for retrofitting an existing plant into a power plant with CO2 capture. A power plant part is disclosed which can provide steam and power to operate CO2 capture system, and provide a CO2 capture system, which has the capacity to remove CO2 from flue gas flow of the power part, and of the additional power plant part.

Abstract: To supply energy to motorised vehicles, a heat engine (SM) is provided to convert heat (106, 107, 108, 114) that accumulates in the vehicle at least partly into kinetic energy of the vehicle and to feed other portions of said lost heat to a heat accumulator (LWS). An optional, mechanical energy accumulator (MES) can take up kinetic energy from a vehicle motor (MGH), store said energy and deliver said energy back to a vehicle motor (MGM when required.

Abstract: Waste heat energy conversion cycles, systems and devices use multiple waste heat exchangers arranged in series in a waste heat stream, and multiple thermodynamic cycles run in parallel with the waste heat exchangers in order to maximize thermal energy extraction from the waste heat stream by a working fluid. The parallel cycles operate in different temperature ranges with a lower temperature work output used to drive a working fluid pump. A working fluid mass management system is integrated into or connected to the cycles.

Abstract: A power source and hydride reactor is provided that powers a power system comprising (i) a reaction cell for the catalysis of atomic hydrogen to form hydrinos, (ii) a chemical fuel mixture comprising at least two components chosen from: a source of catalyst or catalyst; a source of atomic hydrogen or atomic hydrogen; reactants to form the source of catalyst or catalyst and a source of atomic hydrogen or atomic hydrogen; one or more reactants to initiate the catalysis of atomic hydrogen; and a support to enable the catalysis, (iii) thermal systems for reversing an exchange reaction to thermally regenerate the fuel from the reaction products, (iv) a heat sink that accepts the heat from the power-producing reactions, and (v) a power conversion system. In an embodiment, the catalysis reaction is activated or initiated and propagated by one or more other chemical reactions such as a hydride-halide exchange reaction between a metal of the catalyst and another metal.

Abstract: A diaphragm for a steam turbine is disclosed that has at least one arc of admission. The arc of admission has a plurality of nozzles arranged about the circumference of the diaphragm and are configured to eject a working fluid at succeeding rotor blades axially-spaced from the diaphragm. The flow area of the first few nozzle vanes in the arc of admission is gradually increased along the arcuate length of the diaphragm, thereby mitigating the load impulse absorbed by each rotor blade as it enters the arc of admission. The flow area of the last few nozzle vanes in the arc of admission is gradually decreased so that each rotor blade does not suddenly go from full load impulse to zero and thereby contribute to the fatigue of the rotor blade and create unwanted noise.

Abstract: A heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) is coupled to a gas turbine engine that is configured to combust a fuel in air to produce shaft power and a flow of exhaust gases including oxides of nitrogen (NOx). The HRSG includes at least one duct burner for heating the exhaust gases and at least one NOx reduction element coupled downstream from the at least one duct burner and configured to facilitate reducing an amount of NOx in the exhaust gases that are channeled into the at least one NOx reduction element.

Abstract: Heat recovery systems and methods for producing electrical and/or mechanical power from a process heat by-product are provided. Sources of process heat by-product include hot flue gas streams, high temperature reactors, steam generators, gas turbines, diesel generators, and process columns. Heat recovery systems and methods include a process heat by-product stream for indirectly heating a working fluid of an organic Rankine cycle. The organic Rankine cycle includes a heat exchanger, a turbine-generator system for producing power, a condenser heat exchanger, and a pump for recirculating the working fluid to the heat exchanger.