Process Of Power Production Or System Operation Patents (Class 60/645)
  • Patent number: 7685973
    Abstract: A method and apparatus to heat-activate hydrogen of water for powering rotational, reaction-thrust and projectile-expulsion embodiments (19, 60, 61, 75) of a water engine (10) with hydrogen energy of water which is spray-atomized and electrically heated internally in one or more hydrogen activators (1). Water-hydrogen electrons of the spray-atomized water are heat-activated up to exponentially greater output heat-activation energy than input activation-heat energy added electrically with power generated from forms of the water engine. A minor portion of the output heat-activation energy of the water hydrogen is utilized for generating electrical current for the input activation heat of the spray-atomized water in the hydrogen activators. Net output heat-activation pressure of water-hydrogen is directed from one or more of the hydrogen activators to one or more use chambers (9) of universal-use forms of the water engine. Rotational features of the water engine preferably employ a turbocam drive (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Inventors: Anju Nelson, Daniel E. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20100071367
    Abstract: A water recirculation system for a steam power plant includes a tapoff line which receives water from a downcomer, and an economizer link which receives water from the tapoff line and transports the water to an economizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTD
    Inventor: Danny E. Gelbar
  • Publication number: 20100064688
    Abstract: This invention provides a method of converting heat energy to a more usable form using an externally-heated Brayton cycle. Atmospheric air is used with water injection in a thermodynamic cycle that includes compression (1), evaporative cooling (34), recuperative heating (8), evaporative cooling (36), external heating (9) and expansion through a turbine (2). Power capacity and overall efficiency are maximized by decreasing the temperature of working fluid entering recuperator (8) and heater (9) while increasing the mass flow through turbine (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Inventor: Douglas W.P. Smith
  • Publication number: 20100064687
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the thermal treatment of waste materials of all types, in which the waste is subjected to a high temperature treatment with oxygen at temperatures of above 1000° C., the organic waste components being gasified. The thereby resulting synthesis gas is removed from the high temperature reactor uncooled and uncleaned and subsequently is oxidised. The thereby resulting thermal energy of the waste gas is further used thermally. The present invention likewise relates to a corresponding device for the thermal treatment of waste of all types.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: LITESSO-ANSTALT
    Inventor: Guenter Hans Kiss
  • Publication number: 20100050629
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the environmentally sound disposal of air/solvent mixtures made of combustible gaseous, vaporous or liquid waste products, using a combustion unit for burning the air/solvent mixtures while removing the environmentally compatible exhaust air developing in the combustion unit and the waste heat that is produced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Claus Peter Kluge
  • Patent number: 7669418
    Abstract: A heat energy supply system and method capable of drastically increasing energy efficiency and energy supply efficiency, as well as a reconstruction method of the heat energy supply system. The heat energy supply system comprises a boiler for heating a heat medium and producing steam including water and other vapors, a heat pump including a steam turbine driven by the steam supplied from the boiler and a heat exchanger for heating the heat medium by employing waste heat or heat obtained from environment, thereby producing the steam at a setting temperature, and a steam supply line for supplying the steam discharged from the steam turbine and the steam heated by the heat exchanger to a heat utilization facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kooichi Chino, Moriaki Tsukamoto, Toshihiko Fukushima, Shigeo Hatamiya
  • Publication number: 20100043437
    Abstract: A method of producing power stores wind energy in the form of compressed air in a tower of a wind power plant, releases compressed air from the tower, and preheats the released compressed air to produce heated air. The heated air is supplied to an air expander and the heated air is expanded in the air expander to produce power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Nakhamkin
  • Publication number: 20100043436
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for obtaining electrical energy from low temperature or waste heat. The heat energy is then converted into electrical energy. Two heat exchangers (1, 2) are configured as two pressure vessels and are connected to a gas-pressure machine (4) built into a pressure vessel (3). Process gas is introduced into the heat exchangers (1, 2) at a pressure of 20 to 200 MPa and thereafter, simultaneously, heat is introduced via a flow channel (7) into the heat exchanger (1) and the cold is introduced into the heat exchanger (2) via a flow channel (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Ralf Baier, Michael Volk
  • Publication number: 20100043435
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for generating electricity from renewable geothermal, wind, and solar energy sources includes a heat balancer for supplementing and regulating the heat energy fed to a turbine generator; a hydrogen-fired boiler for supplying supplementary heat; and an injection manifold for metering controlled amounts of superheated combustible gas into the working fluids to optimize efficiency. Wind or solar power may be converted to hydrogen in an electrolysis unit to produce hydrogen. A phase separator unit that operates by cavitation of the geothermal fluids removes gases from the source fluid. A pollution prevention trap may be used to remove solids and other unneeded constituents of the geothermal fluids to be stored or processed in a solution mining unit for reuse or sale. Spent geothermal and working fluids may be processed and injected into the geothermal strata to aid in maintaining its temperature or in solution mining of elements in the lithosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2008
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Edward B. Hinders, Patrick J. Kelly
  • Publication number: 20100043446
    Abstract: A plant produces electrical energy from municipal solid waste without exhausting a carbon dioxide or other carbon based gas to the atmosphere. The plant includes a source of artificial light powered by electrical energy, and a reactor into which the municipal solid waste is fed and which is operated under temperature, pressure and flow rate conditions to produced a syngas. An electrical energy generating station at which the syngas is burned produces the electrical energy and a flue gas comprising carbon dioxide and other products of combustion. At least a portion of the electrical energy is used to power the artificial light source. A carbon dioxide collector separates the carbon dioxide from the other products of combustion in the flue gas to provide a clean carbon dioxide suitable as a nutrient for microorganisms, and a farm of the microorganisms is illuminated essentially constantly, alternately with sunlight and artificial light from said source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Kosti Shirvanian, Arthur Aykanian
  • Patent number: 7665303
    Abstract: The invention described is a method of segregating a bolus of fluid using a pneumatic actuator in a fluid handling circuit. The described invention further includes a method of segregating a bolus of fluid using a pneumatic actuator in a fluid handling circuit wherein the method includes the step of injecting an air pocket into the fluid stream to create the bolus. In addition, the described invention includes a method of measuring the analyte concentration in a bolus of fluid using a pneumatic actuator in a fluid handling circuit. The described invention further includes a method of measuring the analyte concentration in a bolus of fluid using a pneumatic actuator in a fluid handling circuit wherein the method includes the step of injecting an air pocket into the fluid stream to create the bolus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Inventors: Sebastian Bohm, Alan W. McNeilage
  • Publication number: 20100038917
    Abstract: A power generation system including: at least one elevated steam turbine receiving input steam at an elevated pressure and exhausting steam as low pressure steam; a low pressure steam turbine receiving low pressure steam exhausted from the elevated steam turbine, and a drive shaft for the low pressure steam turbine connected to a clutch which is reasonably coupled to a power generator, wherein the clutch has a first position in which power from the low pressure steam turbine is applied to the power generator and a second position in which power from the low pressure steam turbine is not applied to the generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Publication date: February 18, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Gregory L. DiAntonio, William Thomas Parry
  • Patent number: 7663256
    Abstract: A cogeneration system is disclosed. The system has a cooling water circulation channel for returning cooling water of the engine to the engine after some of the cooling water has been removed. The cooling water circulation channel is provided with a cooling water pump for pressure-feeding the cooling water; electricity supplying means; and a control part for performing a control so that electrical energy is supplied from the electricity supplying means to a motor for driving the cooling water pump when a power outage signal is received.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuyuki Yuri, Tsutomu Wakitani
  • Publication number: 20100031655
    Abstract: A power generation system for generating electricity using a steam turbine engine that yields high-pressure steam has been developed using a preferably non-toxic coolant circulating in a closed loop that passes through a rock and earth aquifer, for directly and/or indirectly condensing the low-pressure steam from the low-pressure side of the steam turbine into a liquid phase for re-circulation to the steam turbine, whereby the coolant acts to dissipate the heat from the low-pressure steam through the aquifer to the rock and earth encasing the aquifer. In one embodiment a containment shroud is employed to recycle condensing water utilized to condense the condensing vapor emitted from a steam condenser. In a second embodiment a sealed steam condenser is utilized through which the low-pressure steam passes, and water (or other suitable fluid) from an enclosed condensing water reservoir, through which the coolant is circulated, is employed to condense the low-pressure steam in the steam condenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: HORIZON ENERGY ASSOCIATES, LLC
    Inventor: Jeffrey J. BROWN
  • Publication number: 20100024764
    Abstract: A thermal engine that comprises a rotary element. A plurality of drive elements are arranged in the rotary element. Each drive has a plurality of piston/cylinder arranged around a common central expansion space. Piston heads of the pistons abut on a power transmission surface of the rotary element in order to drive the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Inventor: Gert Joachim REINHARDT
  • Patent number: 7650755
    Abstract: A water recirculation system for a steam power plant includes a tapoff line which receives water from a downcomer, and an economizer link which receives water from the tapoff line and transports the water to an economizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd.
    Inventor: Danny E. Gelber
  • Publication number: 20100000216
    Abstract: A steam turbine operating system includes at least a high pressure turbine section and a low pressure section; one or more control valves arranged to admit steam from a boiler to the high pressure turbine section; a condenser arranged to receive steam exhausted from the low pressure section and to convert the steam to a liquid; a top heater arranged to receive liquid from the condenser and to heat the liquid via heat exchange with steam from the high pressure section, and to return the heated liquid to the boiler; and an overload bypass valve arranged to supply steam bypassed around the one or more control valves directly to the top heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Douglas C. Hofer, Gregory L. DiAntonio, William Parry
  • Patent number: 7640747
    Abstract: A method for providing the interaction of the working medium with the heat energy source and also the interaction of the working medium with the additional low-temperature energy source, wherein the positron state of the Dirac's matter is used as said additional low-temperature energy source, and the interaction of the working medium with the additional low-temperature energy source is performed by bringing the working medium into the quantum-mechanical resonance with said state of matter. That is, in order to convert the heat energy into useful work, the capabilities of the quantum-mechanical resonances of the system ‘working medium—additional low-temperature energy source’ are used, i.e. in this case capabilities of the system ‘working medium—positron state of the Dirac's matter’ are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: Solaris Holdings Limited
    Inventors: Georgy Ramasanovich Umarov, Sergey Ivanovich Boychenko, Valery Mikhaylovich Petukhov
  • Patent number: 7634902
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for converting heat energy into mechanical energy by modifying the volume, pressure and temperature of a working medium, wherein the working medium in the first state (1) is suctioned and the volume of said first stage (1) is increased, whereupon it is converted into a second stage (2) when the volume of the first stage (1) is reduced and the volume of the second stage is increased, whereupon the working medium is converted into a fourth stage (4) via a third stage (3) wherein the volume of the second stage (2) is reduced, heat is also supplied and the volume of the fourth stage (4) is increased, whereupon the working medium is converted into a fifth stage (5) from the fourth stage (4) wherein the volume thereof is reduced and in the fifth stage (5) the volume of said fifth stage is expanded. The inventive method discloses a thermodynamic cycle process comprising five cycles. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out said method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Inventors: Eduard Zelezny, Simona Tolarova, Filip Zelezny
  • Publication number: 20090308073
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for carrying out oxygen-enhanced combustion in an industrial process wherein the industrial process, an oxygen supply system or a source of oxygen, a heat recovery network, and an alternative Rankine cycle system based on a working fluid other than steam are integrated to achieve improved throughput and efficiency, and a method for oxygen-enhanced combustion in an industrial process using said system. Examples of industrial processes include cement production, steel reheat applications, glass production, aluminum and copper melting, as well as any industrial process that uses process heater, furnaces where combustion is carried out using an oxidant stream with oxygen content higher’ than that in ambient air and up to 100%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: Dante Patrick Bonaquist, Minish Mahendra Shah, Vijayaraghavan Srinivasan Chakravarthy, Monica Zanfir, Raymond Francis Drnevich, Stefan Laux
  • Publication number: 20090308074
    Abstract: An apparatus for generating energy using sensible heat of an offgas during manufacture of molten iron and a method for generating energy using the same are provided. The method for generating energy includes i) providing an offgas discharged from an apparatus for manufacturing molten iron including a reduction reactor that provides reduced iron that is reduced from iron ore and a melter-gasifier that melts the reduced iron to manufacture molten iron; ii) converting cooling water into high pressure steam by contacting the cooling water with the offgas; and iii) generating energy from at least one steam turbine by supplying the high pressure steam to the steam turbine and rotating the steam turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: Myoung-Kyun Shin, Sang-Hyun Kim, Min-Chul Park, Sang-Hoon Joo, Robert Millner
  • Publication number: 20090293479
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to a improved thermodynamic cycle with power unit and venturi, a method of producing a useful effect therewith using a greater pressure gradient created locally in a fluid using the venturi, and more particularly, the use of a first portion of the fluid in the thermodynamic cycle as driving force for a venturi, and the placement of the venturi nozzle in an exhaust area of the power unit to create a greater pressure gradient locally and collect a second portion of the fluid in the thermodynamic cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Thomas Durso
  • Publication number: 20090288414
    Abstract: In a steam system having a turbine driven by steam supplied from a high-pressure header to a low-pressure header, when the pressure in the low-pressure header drops, a turbine bypass valve is opened and the high-pressure side steam is supplied to the low-pressure side header in a normal control. When the turbine is tripped, steam is rapidly flow into the low-pressure side header and its pressure temporally increases. the steam in the low-pressure header is discharged through a discharge valve. After that, if a steam supply from the low-pressure header to another process increases, the discharge valve is closed. After the discharge valve is fully closed, an after-trip control is performed in which the opening of the turbine bypass valve is increased at an earlier timing than the normal control for preventing the steam amount in the low-pressure header to be too small. The control stability of the steam system when the turbine is tripped can be enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Kazuko Takeshita, Susumu Kouno, Haruaki Hirayama, Naohiko Ishibashi, Yosuke Nakagawa
  • Publication number: 20090289457
    Abstract: A process provides energy from a hydrogen flame to produce ultra high temperature steam, which is water vapor having a temperature over 1200° C., as an energy transfer medium to drive a steam turbine. The hydrogen fuel may be supplied to the system from a source of isolated hydrogen such as compressed or liquefied H2, but is more preferably generated near its site of combustion, e.g., by irradiating an aqueous solution of one or more inorganic salts or minerals with radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation having a spectrum and intensity selected for optimal hydrogen production. The ultra high temperature steam is produced by contacting the hydrogen flame and its combustion gases with surfaces in a ceramic steam generation unit. In one embodiment, a radiofrequency generator produces hydrogen gas from sea water to provide hydrogen fuel to produce steam to drive the turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: TORVEC, INC.
    Inventor: James Y. Gleasman
  • Publication number: 20090277183
    Abstract: A method for providing Asymmetric Joint Control for Primary Frequency Regulation (PFR) in combined cycle power generation plants, said plant comprising at least one gas turbine and at least one steam turbine is provided. The method may comprise the use of the spinning energy existing in the high pressure steam to rapidly supply additional power to the steam turbine for PFR service when required by the grid, within the time frame established as a requirement to participate in the PFR service,. In some embodiments, PFR control can be carried out jointly in the whole combined cycle plant and the distribution of spinning reserve energy can be asymmetric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: PETROBRAS ENERGIA S.A.
    Inventors: Benjamin Guzman, Jorge Vugdelija, Julio Aguirre
  • Publication number: 20090277174
    Abstract: A generator is disclosed. The generator comprising at least one layer, the at least one layer defining a cavity and at least one aperture, at least a portion of the at least one layer including a reflective medium, or coatings, the cavity configured to hold a fluid, a fluid inlet coupled to the at least one layer, the fluid inlet in fluid communication with the cavity, and a fluid outlet coupled to the at least one layer, the fluid outlet in fluid communication with the cavity, the fluid configured to absorb radiation, the fluid outlet configured to release the fluid to perform work.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: James Nolan Hannah
  • Publication number: 20090277175
    Abstract: A novel, more sophisticated steam turbine design is proposed with reaction stages that have full admission, compounded by counter rotating axial blades, with impulse ignition utilizing sodium injection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Gary Nin Austin
  • Publication number: 20090266074
    Abstract: A first and any further number of pipe steamer devices are provided. Each pipe steamer device may include a ring which has a steam pipe connection opening, a steam pipe, a water pipe, and a heating element. Each steam pipe may have a proximal end which is connected to the appropriate steam pipe connection opening and a distal end which is connected to a proximal end of the appropriate water pipe. Each water pipe may have a distal end which is located closer to the appropriate heating element than its proximal end. Each of the first steam pipe and the first water pipe may have a spiral shape. The apparatus also include a first power reinforcer device which may include a first sack and a second sack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventor: George Uh-Schu Liau
  • Publication number: 20090261590
    Abstract: An electrical energy generating system that does not cause destruction of natural environment and environment pollution in installation of the generating device and in the operation thereof is provided. The electrical energy generating system comprises a water electrolyzer using a wind power generator as the power source, a hydrogen combustion furnace including a water tank connected to the water electrolyzer, and a generator having a turbine connected to the hydrogen combustion furnace; wherein hydrogen and oxygen electrolyzed by the water electrolyzer are fed to the hydrogen combustion furnace, the hydrogen is combusted in the hydrogen combustion furnace, water in the water tank of the hydrogen combustion furnace is heated by the heat generated by combusting hydrogen to generate water vapor, the water vapor is supplied to the generator, a rotary vane of the turbine is rotated and power is generated in the generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventor: Satoru Aritaka
  • Publication number: 20090255254
    Abstract: The invention relates to improving the efficiency or the energy balance of a power plant. Here, the heat content waste heat from the power plant is employed in such a way that the waste heat is fed into a first and/or a second thermoacoustic machine. In the first thermoacoustic machine a work output is generated with the aid of the waste heat and as a result of the thermoacoustic effect, which is employed elsewhere in the power plant, for example to operate a compressor. The second thermoacoustic machine is likewise used for cooling a working fluid by utilizing the waste heat and the thermoacoustic effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventors: Vladimir Danov, Bernd Gromoll
  • Publication number: 20090255253
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for removing heat from closed-cycle thermodynamic engines that generate electrical energy through a reciprocating piston operated by thermal expansion. The present invention includes a heat exchange mechanism for a closed-cycle thermodynamic engine that exchanges hot working fluid and cold fluid at different points in a heat cycle thereby increasing efficiency of the closed-cycle thermodynamic engine. The heat exchange mechanism allows the engine to remove heat faster from the working fluid and therefore lowers the low temperature of the thermodynamic cycle resulting in better efficiency. The heat exchange mechanism also allows the engine to operate at a faster cycle frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventor: Cristian PENCIU
  • Publication number: 20090241543
    Abstract: A system for converting heat from an engine into work includes a boiler coupled to a heat source for transferring heat to a working fluid, a turbine that transforms the heat into work, a condenser that transforms the working fluid into liquid, a recuperator with one flow path that routes working fluid from the turbine to the condenser, and another flow path that routes liquid working fluid from the condenser to the boiler, the recuperator being configured to transfer heat to the liquid working fluid, and a bypass valve in parallel with the second flow path. The bypass valve is movable between a closed position, permitting flow through the second flow path and an opened position, under high engine load conditions, bypassing the second flow path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: CUMMINS, INC.
    Inventor: Timothy C. Ernst
  • Publication number: 20090224545
    Abstract: A power generating system (100) and a method of operating the same is provided, the system utilizing an electrolytic heating subsystem (103). The electrolytic heating subsystem is a pulsed electrolysis system that heats a working fluid contained within a circulation conduit (107) in thermal communication with an electrolysis tank (109) of the electrolytic heating subsystem (103). As the working fluid is circulated through the circulation conduit, it is heated to a temperature above its boiling point, causing at least a portion of the working fluid to be converted to vapor (e.g., steam). The vapor is then circulated through a steam turbine (111), causing its rotation and, in turn, an electric generator (113) coupled to the steam turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Nehemia Davidson
  • Publication number: 20090224546
    Abstract: A power generating system (100) and a method of operating the same is provided, the system utilizing an electrolytic heating subsystem (103). The electrolytic heating subsystem is a pulsed electrolysis system that heats a heat transfer medium contained within a first conduit (109) in thermal communication with the electrolytic heating subsystem and at least one heat exchanger (105). A second conduit (117) coupled to the at least one heat exchanger contains a working fluid. As the working fluid is circulated through the second conduit and through the heat exchanger(s), it is heated to a temperature above its boiling point, causing at least a portion of the working fluid to be converted to vapor (e.g., steam). The vapor is circulated through a steam turbine (119), causing its rotation and, in turn, an electric generator (121) coupled to the steam turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Nehemia Davidson
  • Publication number: 20090217665
    Abstract: A method of operating a steam turbine in a combined-cycle power system is provided. The method includes channeling a first amount of steam from a first steam generator to the steam turbine to facilitate powering the steam turbine, generating a second amount of steam within a second steam generator that is coupled in flow communication with the steam turbine, and calculating a predicted stress level within the steam turbine in the event the second amount of steam is channeled from the second steam generator into the steam turbine. An initiation time at which to channel the second amount of steam into the steam turbine is determined such that the calculated predicted stress level will not exceed a predetermined stress limit of the steam turbine. The second amount of steam is automatically channeled from the second steam generator to the steam turbine at the determined initiation time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Daniel Francis Holzhauer, Fernando Javier D'Amato
  • Publication number: 20090211251
    Abstract: The invention concerns a mechanism for operating a thermodynamic cycle, particularly a low-temperature power plant, as well as a related process, whereby a low-temperature mass stream (1) feeds a first heat stream to a working fluid (6) circulating in a first cycle at an initial temperature level (T1), whereby subsequent to an expansion of the working fluid in an expansion machine (7) a second heat stream is extracted from the working fluid (6) at a lower expansion temperature level (T5) with respect to the initial temperature level (T1) for an improvement of the energy exploitation of the thermodynamic cycle or the low temperature power plant, which is pumped to a higher pump temperature level and is fed to the low temperature mass stream (1) and/or fed at least partially to the first cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: E-POWER GMBH
    Inventors: Helge B. Petersen, Ingo Schroter
  • Publication number: 20090211250
    Abstract: Disclosed are a waste disposal method and device having the following characteristics: a) a water basin (2, 2a, 2b, 2c) for separating metal components; b) a water basin (3) for separating plastic components and minerals; c) mills (3b, 3d) for processing the plastic components into granulate; d) a mill (4) for comminuting the remaining waste; e) a drying stage (5) for drying the remaining waste; f) a stage (6) for removing ashes from the dried waste; g) a mixing stage (7) for mixing the ash-free waste with plastic granulate and sewage sludge at an adjustable ratio; a press (8) for shaping the mixed product into pellets; i) a stage for burning (9) the pellets in order to generate power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: Uta Orawetz
    Inventor: Ronald Orawetz
  • Publication number: 20090211252
    Abstract: A power generation complex plant has a control switch, an overall control unit and a steam bypass facility. The overall control unit determines that a desired steam volume has reached a limit value of the volume of steam to be generated by a steam generating facility. A steam bypass facility control unit adds a bias value B1 to a control command value V4 of the steam bypass facility to generate a new control command value V5 when the desired steam volume is determined to have reached the limit value. The steam bypass facility control unit then controls the volume and pressure of steam passing through the steam bypass facility on the basis of the new control command value V5 so that no switch of control may be made in the control switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Inventors: Akinori Tani, Akimasa Nakai, Masuo Yamasaki, Kazuo Nogami, Yoji Kubo
  • Publication number: 20090211249
    Abstract: An installation for generating electrical energy from solar energy, includes: a hot source (2), a cold source (4), a heat machine (5) for producing electricity using the hot source (2) and the cold source (4); the hot source (2) including: elements (6) for heating a first heat-exchange fluid (8) using solar energy, elements (10) for storing thermal energy, a first transport circuit (12) for the first heat-exchange fluid (8) connecting the heating elements (6), the storage means (10) and the heat machine (5) for producing electricity; the cold source (4) including a second transport circuit (46) for a second heat-exchange fluid (48); wherein the storage elements (10) use the latent fusion heat of a phase change material (18).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: SOPHIA ANTIPOLIS ENERGIE DEVELOPPEMENT
    Inventors: Michel Wohrer, Pierre Laffitte, Christian Lenotre
  • Publication number: 20090211734
    Abstract: A closed cycle heat transfer device comprising a boiler (10) and a condenser (13), the condenser being used to recover useful heat by latent heat evaporation. A circuit defined by the boiler (10), condenser (13) and ducts (12, 15) is to be liquid-filled at a pressure just above atmospheric pressure. An expansion device (16) maintains the working pressure in the circuit but will receive excess condensate in a liquid phase to compensate for expansion of the working fluid vapour which passes from the boiler (10) to the condenser (13). The expansion chamber contains a movable or flexible member which, when working liquid is received in the chamber, is displaced to compress a gas in the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: ENERGETIX GENLEC LIMITED
    Inventors: Russell Benstead, Simon James Redford
  • Patent number: 7574856
    Abstract: LNG cold is used in a plurality of cycles in a combined power plant to increase power output. Especially preferred plant configurations integrate a combined cycle power plant with a regasification operation in which in a first stage LNG cold provides cooling in an open or closed power cycle. Most preferably, a significant portion of the LNG is vaporized in the first stage. In a second stage LNG cold provides cooling for a heat transfer medium that is used to provide refrigeration for the cooling water to a steam power turbine and for an air intake chiller of a combustion turbine in the power plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Fluor Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: John Mak
  • Publication number: 20090193807
    Abstract: A system for converting potential energy into heat including a tower configured to contain a fluid and to permit the formation of a substantially nitrogen-free combustion chamber defined by the tower and the surface of the fluid in the tower and at a pressure less than ambient, a first tower outlet in fluid communication with a first fuel valve configured to regulate a flow of the fluid out of the tower, an oxygen source in fluid communication with an oxygen valve in fluid communication with an oxygen inlet in fluid communication with the tower, a source of combustible fuel including hydrogen in fluid communication with a fuel valve in fluid communication with a fuel inlet in fluid communication with the tower, and an ignition source positioned so that it resides within the combustion chamber and is configured to initiate a reaction between oxygen and fuel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Applicant: SOG PARTNERS
    Inventors: Carl W. Glasgow, Robert C. Olson, Edward J. Stockton
  • Publication number: 20090178408
    Abstract: A process for the integration of a cryogenic air separation plant and an oxy-combustion power plant is presented. This process includes producing a pressurized nitrogen stream and a pressurized oxygen stream within said cryogenic air separation plant. This process also includes burning a fuel stream thereby generating a steam stream from a boiler feed water stream, wherein said stream is used for work expansion within said oxy-combustion power plant. This process also includes heating said pressurized nitrogen stream and said pressurized oxygen stream with a compressed air stream that is extracted from the air compressor of said cryogenic air separation plant, thereby forming a heated pressurized nitrogen stream and a heated pressurized oxygen stream. This process also includes burning a fuel stream with said heated pressurized oxygen stream to produce a flue gas stream. This process also includes heating said heated pressurized nitrogen stream to form a hot pressurized nitrogen stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme Pour L'Etude Et L'Exploitation Des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Jean-Renaud Brugerolle, Bao Ha
  • Publication number: 20090178409
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for storing heat in industrial systems where large sources of stored energy are called upon to meet a work load, storing the heat content of a hot working fluid by using the hot working fluid as a heat transfer fluid in vapor form and depositing its heat content on a heat storage medium and then removing the cooled and condensed liquid phase of that heat transfer fluid, and when hot working fluid again is needed, the liquid heat transfer fluid is returned to the heated storage medium and is reheated as it passes through the hot storage medium and then is returned to the working system to be used as a hot working fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Applicant: Research Foundation of the City University of New York
    Inventor: Reuel SHINNAR
  • Publication number: 20090173079
    Abstract: A method of producing substitute natural gas (SNG) includes providing at least one steam turbine engine. The method also includes providing a gasification system that includes at least one gas shift reactor configured to receive a boiler feedwater stream and a synthesis gas (syngas) stream. The at least one gas shift reactor is further configured to produce a high pressure steam stream. The method further includes producing a steam stream within the at least one gas shift reactor and channeling at least a portion of the steam stream to the at least one steam turbine engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Inventors: Paul Steven Wallace, Arnaldo Frydman
  • Publication number: 20090165459
    Abstract: A method of producing electrical power for delivery on an electrical power supply grid includes (a) providing a combined heat and power plant generating heat and electrical power from one or more of biomass, fossil fuel, and nuclear fuel; (b) providing a fuel producing plant for generating a carbon-based fuel and/or a nitrogen-based fuel using electrical power from the combined heat and power plant and a combination of two or more materials selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide, hydrogen, carbonaceous gasses, carbonaceous liquids, and nitrogen; (c) determining the need for electrical power on the electrical power supply grid and delivering needed electrical power on the grid; and (d) delivering any excess electrical power to the fuel producing plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: Niels Henriksen, Martin Hogh Moller
  • Publication number: 20090170968
    Abstract: The present invention provides processes for making synthesis gas and processes for making syngas-derived products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: GreatPoint Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas Charles Nahas, Earl T. Robinson
  • Publication number: 20090165461
    Abstract: A novel engine for producing power from a temperature differential with additional benefits of low cost, high efficiency, quiet operation minimal wear of components, and the ability to produce power or cooling from low grade heat sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventors: JAMES B. KLASSEN, DAVID W. BOEHM
  • Publication number: 20090158737
    Abstract: Processes using multiple expansion turbines for efficient recovery of power from a plurality of very high pressure streams of superheated vapor are disclosed. Beneficially, processes of the invention use at least two classes of expansion turbines. Processes according to this invention are particularly useful for recovery of power from very high pressure streams of superheated steam in an olefins manufacturing process. Such streams are typically produced by thermal cracking of suitable petroleum derived feed stocks, and the olefins being produced and purified are typically ethylene and/or propylene.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: INEOS USA LLC
    Inventors: Rik Klavers, Rian Reyneke, Guang-Chung Lee, Iain Sinclair, Wayne W.Y. Eng, Jeffery S. Logsdon, Christos G. Papadopoulos, Michael J. Foral
  • Patent number: 7550218
    Abstract: Water is generated onboard of a craft such as an aircraft or in a self-contained stationary system by partially or completely integrating a water generating unit into a power plant of the craft or system. The water generating unit includes one or more high temperature fuel cells which partially or completely replace the combustion chamber or chambers of the power plant. A reformer process is integrated into the high temperature fuel cell which is arranged between, on the one hand, a fan (30) and power plant compressor stages (31, 32) and, on the other hand, power plant turbine stages (33, 34). These power plant stages may be provided in such redundant numbers that safety and redundancy requirements are satisfied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Claus Hoffjann, Hans-Juergen Heinrich