Process Of Power Production Or System Operation Patents (Class 60/645)
  • Publication number: 20020194849
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement in the production of electric energy in a boiler plant of a pulp mill. Black liquor having a dry solids content of more than 80% and combustion air are fed into a furnace of a recovery boiler for combusting black liquor and recovering chemicals contained therein. The flue gases generated in the combustion are led into an economizer of the recovery boiler, in which economizer the feed water for the boiler is heated, and after the economizer to gas cleaning. The feed water is led from the economizer onto the steam-generating bank at a temperature below the saturation temperature and further into a superheater to produce steam having a pressure of more than 80 bar. The steam is led from the recovery boiler to a steam turbine to produce electricity. The temperature of the feed water being led into the economizer is regulated by means of bleed steam of the turbine so that the flue gases exit the economizer at a temperature of more than 250° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: Kari Saviharju, Jorma Simonen
  • Publication number: 20020194848
    Abstract: In a steam motor with a piston engine, the piston engine is included in a closed steam circuit. This steam circuit includes a steam generator, a steam injector for injecting steam into the piston engine, a condenser for condensing the steam emerging from the piston engine to condensed water, and a water feeding pump for feeding the condensed water to the steam generator. The steam generator is heated by hot combustion gas from a combustion unit. The combustion unit burns fuel. The fuel is mixed with fresh air supplied by an air feeding device through a fresh air passage. The fresh air passage usually contains a first heat exchanger for pre-heating the fresh air by heat from the expanded steam emerging from the piston engine, and a second heat exchanger for pre-heating the fresh air by heat from hot waste gas emerging from the steam generator. In order to provide a particularly compact steam motor without adversely affecting the efficiency, a rotary piston engine is used as piston engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: Herbert Clemens, Michael Hoetger
  • Patent number: 6468345
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for producing both steam power and the fast-burnt cement clinker/fast burnt modified coal ash simultaneously in one apparatus, the fast-burnt cement clinker/fast-burnt modified coal ash prepared by said process as well as cement products prepared using them as active substance. It also discloses the apparatus suitable for embodying this process. Said process of the present invention possesses the technoligical features of fast-burning and fast-cooling and contributes a good hydraulic cementitious activity to the said fast-burnt cement clinker/fast-burnt modified coal ash which are capable of being directly used as active substance in cement production of high quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: The Chinese Academy of Sciences
    Inventors: Xuefang Zhu, Ben'en Liu
  • Publication number: 20020124567
    Abstract: Large volumes of energy in the forms of gaseous fuels, such as, liquefied natural gas, compressed natural gas, compressed air, or liquid fuels, such as, propane, butane, are stored within an abandoned railroad, highway or aqueduct tunnel or similar such structure, in one or more pressure vessels or cylinders which have been permanently installed within the previously abandoned tunnel structure. The stored energy may be directly delivered at high rates to meet any “peak” demand requirements, or may be delivered during times of normal demand based on market economics. The stored energy can also be utilized at the site to directly produce electricity for delivery to the end user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: Calvin R. Carver, Frank T. Bahniuk
  • Publication number: 20020088232
    Abstract: A power station is formed of a plurality of mobile modules. One of the mobile modules is a connecting module which has only connecting lines, control equipment, cut-off equipment and measuring equipment installed therein. The connection module can be used for different power stations, which allows a cost-effective construction of power stations. Further, fittings which have to be monitored and operated are concentrated in the connecting module, which reduces operating costs of the power station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2002
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventors: Peter Dirauf, Wolfgang Kiefer, Andreas Leuze, Herbert Menapace, Peter Madl, Jens Rosenkranz
  • Publication number: 20020066270
    Abstract: A closed loop Rankine bottoming cycle including a heat exchanger coupled to an exhaust port of a first turbogenerator for heating a pressurized refrigerant into a gaseous phase, and a second turbogenerator (e.g., a turbo expander) coupled to the heat exchanger for expanding the gaseous phase so as to create power. Also included is a cooling mechanism coupled to an exhaust of the second turbogenerator for cooling the gaseous phase exhausted by the second turbogenerator into a liquid phase, and a pumping mechanism for pressurizing the liquid phase into the pressurized refrigerant heated by the heat exchanger. A computer program product and method for operating and synchronizing the generator included in the closed loop, so as to optimize the overall system efficiency is also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Applicant: CAPSTONE TURBINE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gregory C. Rouse, Bill Treece, Jeff Willis, David Calta
  • Patent number: 6381963
    Abstract: High temperature intermittently sealable refractory tile and controlled air continuous gasifiers (rotary kilns) that are manufactured using such refractory tile, waste to energy systems that have such gasifiers as part of the system, and processes in which such waste to energy systems are used, for example, co-generation steam and power plants using biomass as the fuel for the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Ethopower Corporation Inc.
    Inventor: Robert G. Graham
  • Patent number: 6381962
    Abstract: Exhaust gas is generated when various waste products are combusted. The generated exhaust gas is introduced into a heat exchanger to heat an intermediate gas such as air by heat exchange. The heated intermediate gas is then used to heat superheated steam, which is then supplied to a steam turbine coupled to a generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Ebara Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiro Ohshita, Tetsuhisa Hirose, Nobuo Nakata, Koichi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6357235
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for managing large fluid flows at high pressures. This system consists of an elemental chamber the operation of which is based on energy transmission by “impact” resulting from the instantaneous discharge of a “motor fluid” at a given pressure to generate a “linear” movement that raises pressure and propels fluid. This system provides an increase in working fluid pressure more efficiently that any presently available system, thanks to the linear transmission of energy, making it highly efficient. The combined arrangement of these chambers allows the managing of high fluid flows at high pressures. This system permits power to be produced through a steam cycle without the need for a phase change, eliminating all condensation and pre-heating stage devices that are replaced by more efficient equipment not requiring the phase change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Cacumen LTDA.
    Inventor: Horacio Antonio Ramos Cerro
  • Publication number: 20020000085
    Abstract: A process for converting natural gas to a liquid includes heating the gas to a selected range of temperature to convert a fraction of the gas stream to reactive hydrocarbons, primarily ethylene or acetylene, and reacting methane and the reactive hydrocarbons in the presence of an acidic catalyst to produce a liquid, predominantly naphtha or gasoline. A portion of the incoming natural gas may be used to heat the remainder of the natural gas to the selected range of temperature. Hydrogen resulting from the reactions may be used to make electricity in a fuel cell. Alternatively, hydrogen may be burned to heat the natural gas to the selected range of temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Hall, Jerry A. Bullin, Philip T. Eubank, Aydin Akgerman, Rayford G. Anthony
  • Publication number: 20010042374
    Abstract: A multi-energy system 9 including a gas heat pump type air conditioner 10 in which a compressor 16 equipped in an outdoor unit 11 is driven by a gas engine 25, and a power generating apparatus 30 having a power generator 31 which is driven by the gas engine 25 to output AC power, characterized in that the power generating apparatus 30 further includes an AC/DC converter 32 converter for converting AC power output from the power generator 31 to DC power, and a DC/AC converter 33 for converting the DC power thus obtained in the AC/DC converter 32 to AC power having a specified frequency and then outputting the AC power thus obtained to electric equipment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Applicant: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaki Takamatsu
  • Publication number: 20010027652
    Abstract: A turbine system has a turbine that uses an aeromatic hydrocarbon as a working fluid. The turbine discharges the fluid in vapor form against a boundary layer on the inside of a rotor where it condenses as it loses its energy. The outside of the rotor is formed to define chambers which are divided into suction and discharge or pressure cavities by stationary and rotating seals. Apertures connect the boundary layer to the pump chambers and apertures are positioned as discharge ports so that as the rotor rotates, it also pumps the working fluid into a closed loop system in which it is reheated and reintroduced into the turbine through a nozzle. The fluid is heated by a fluid heater that may be positioned in the interior of the rotor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Publication date: October 11, 2001
    Inventor: William P. White
  • Patent number: 6293104
    Abstract: A condenser for use in a power plant includes a steam condensing zone having a heat exchanger tube bundle for condensing steam into condensate and a hot well zone allowing the condensate to stay therein. A plurality of detectors for detecting the quality of the condensate and/or detection ports for taking out a sample of the condensate are provided in the hot well zone. The control valve is provided on a feed water system for adjusting the supply of the condensate to be supplied from the condenser to the feed water system on the basis of water quality detection values detected by the plurality of detectors and/or detection ports and a make-up water system is provided for supplying make-up water to the feed water system on the downstream side of the control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Kangai, Kazuhiro Ohtomo, Mitsuru Sudo
  • Publication number: 20010022086
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a device for operating a heating and cooling machine that functions on the basis of a regenerative gas cyclic process, in particular a Vuilleumier heat pump, having a burner (34) as the source of the thermal driving, in which, to increase its efficiency or to maximize the output number of the heating and cooling machine, the combustion air conveyed to the burner (34) is preheated in the heat exchange with the exhaust gases. It is proposed that, for increasing the output performance of the heating and cooling machine, the preheating of the combustion air is forestalled at least partially, whereas in response to a simultaneous increase of the burner output, the hot exhaust-gas mass-flow is conveyed to an exhaust-gas-water heat-exchanger (50).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: Klaus Heikrodt
  • Patent number: 6250081
    Abstract: A fuel vapor adsorption brick for use in a fuel vapor management system. The fuel adsorption brick is formed of a mixture of activated carbon and plastic compressed to a desired size and shape and placed within a portion of either the fuel tank or fuel tank attachments. The carbon/plastic brick is easy to make and provides great geometric flexibility for optimum vehicle packaging. The carbon/plastic brick may reduce or minimize the number of discrete parts used in a fuel tank assembly, as it can be integrated into either a fuel tank or fuel tank attachment, thereby eliminating the need for a separate carbon canister. The carbon/plastic brick minimizes or eliminates carbon dust associated adsorption/desorption cycles and also eliminates the need for apparatus to maintain carbon bed integrity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Visteon Global Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ljupco Dimitrievski, Roger Khami, John Thorn
  • Patent number: 6230493
    Abstract: A steam power station includes a power house, an annex, a turbogroup disposed in the power house, and a condenser having a condenser neck connected to the turbogroup, and main cooling-water lines including at least one inlet and at least one outlet, the condenser disposed lateral to the turbogroup and the condenser, the at least one inlet, and the at least one outlet disposed in the annex. A conventional power house places a condenser, a condenser neck, and main cooling-water lines inside a power house. Accordingly, such a power house must be larger with respect to both height and width. To reduce the overall volume of the power house, the condenser of the invention is laterally disposed next to the turbogroup within an annex. The turbogroup has a turbine center line, the condenser has a center line located below the turbine center line, and the condenser neck has a gradient towards the condenser. The gradient can be predetermined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2001
    Assignee: ABB Patent GmbH
    Inventors: Ulrich Häuser, Pengcheng Zhang
  • Patent number: 6216464
    Abstract: A process for the combined production of synthesis gas and power, comprising the steps of primary and secondary steam reforming of a hydrocarbon feedstock, wherein part of the synthesis gas being withdrawn from the secondary steam reforming at high pressure is expanded in a gas turbine for the production of power and the expanded synthesis gas is utilized as fuel in the primary steam reforming step.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Haldor Topsoe A/S
    Inventor: Henrik Solgaard Andersen
  • Patent number: 6164072
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for matching a secondary steam supply to a main steam supply of a limited enthalpy steam generator when the limited enthalpy steam generator is operating at partial capacity to maintain a primary turbine at full capacity. The limited enthalpy steam generator is connected to the primary turbine with a main steam line. The method and apparatus of the present invention rely upon (a) a secondary steam line connected to the main steam line; wherein (b) the secondary steam is at a secondary steam thermodynamic state substantially matching a main steam thermodynamic state of the main steam as a combined steam; and (c) the combined steam is passed to the primary turbine at full capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2000
    Assignee: Battelle Memorial Institute
    Inventors: Georgi Tsiklauri, Robert J. Talbert, Vladimir Korolev
  • Patent number: 6109035
    Abstract: Incremental control of motion in the thermodynamic phase space of a heat engine, by modulating the piston speed to control the instantaneous rate of change of temperature relative to the instantaneous heat flow during each cycle. The modulation is independent of the overall operating speed, overcoming a basic flaw in the concept of quasistatic operation that thermal leakages cannot be diminished by merely reducing the speed, and would cause the efficiency of a real engine to also vanish in the limit. The modulation and control are envisaged for more precise execution of given thermodynamic cycles, asymptotic approach to the ideal thermodynamic cycles, and emulation of the cycles of other engines by real heat engines, as well as to mechanical and electrical transformers for assuring the maximum power factors at any operating speed by executing the analogous "Carnot cycles".
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Inventor: Venkata Guruprasad
  • Patent number: 6057606
    Abstract: A system for the generation of power from an air flow is disclosed, comprising means for the condensation of air by spraying water at high altitude in the open, and at least one wind turbine for the generation of electric power, located substantially at Earth surface level. Condensation of the air at high altitudes generates a downwardly air flow, and said wind turbine is actuated by said air flow to produce electric energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Armament Development Authority, Ministry of Defence, The State of Israel
    Inventor: Itzhak Porat
  • Patent number: 5974804
    Abstract: A thermal energy conversion and storage system incorporating a motorless compressor that converts intermittent thermal energy to a low temperature thermal energy heat sink, and stores the thermal energy heat sink for use later. The low temperature heat sink can drive an ambient powered heat engine, is a low temperature source of refrigeration for cooling an enclosed space, and is an efficient energy storage device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Jeffrey Stephen Sterling
  • Patent number: 5930998
    Abstract: In a process for preheating and deaerating make-up water in a power generation plant by steam, the required make-up water is initially heated up to the saturation temperature without substantial deaeration and is subsequently deaerated. The steam used for heating and deaerating is expanded steam from a condenser, which steam is almost fully condensed during the heating of the make-up water and is recycled to the steam circulation of the power generation plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Assignee: Asea Brown Boveri AG
    Inventors: Francisco Blangetti, Hans Eberle
  • Patent number: 5675970
    Abstract: A high efficiency and economic refuse incineration power generation system capable of stable and continuous refuse incineration operation which can adapt to fluctuation in calorific values in the refuse incinerator has been provided, wherein the same system comprises the refuse incinerator having the heat exchanger through which the medium flows, the steam turbine which is coupled to the generator, and the refrigerator which supplies cooling water to the condenser, and wherein the medium discharged from the steam turbine is circulated to the boiler via the condenser where the medium is condensed to a condensate by enhanced cooling, a portion of the vapor generated in the refuse incinerator is branched in the upper stream of the steam turbine to be supplied to the refrigerator, and the working medium discharged from the refrigerator is caused to converge with the medium flow discharged from the condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Akira Yamada, Yoshinari Hori, Yasuo Koseki, Ryuichi Kaji
  • Patent number: 5606859
    Abstract: This invention is directed to an engine having an external combustion chamber for creating a vapor under high pressure. The vapor under high pressure is introduced to a high pressure cylinder for moving a high pressure piston. The vapor, upon leaving the high pressure cylinder, flows to a low pressure cylinder for moving a low pressure piston. The pistons are attached by connecting rods to a swash plate. The pistons move in a rectilinear movement. The swash plate converts the rectilinear movement to a rotary movement for a rotary output crankshaft. The external combustion chamber can be fueled by air and also by a solid, liquid, or vapor. The solid can be powdered coal. The liquid can be hydro-carbons or an organic material. The vapor can be one of many such as a product of combustion of hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen and oxygen can be burned to produce a high temperature and high pressure steam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Inventor: Gennady Ploshkin
  • Patent number: 5560209
    Abstract: A device for increasing efficiency of a power plant operated by burning fossil fuel has a boiler for heating a process medium. An inlet line is connected to the boiler for feeding a first process gas in the form of combustion air into the boiler. An outlet line is connected to the boiler removing a second process gas in the form of flue gas from the steam generator. A heat exchanger for heating the combustion air by regaining some of the heat contained in the flue gas is provided. At least one device for preheating the combustion air is connected upstream of the heat exchanger. The device for preheating the combustion air preheats the combustion air with heat energy contained in the process medium which is at a low pressure level. At least one device for transferring a portion of the heat energy, introduced into the combustion air by preheating, from at least one of the process gases to the process medium at a high pressure level is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: BDAG Balcke-Durr Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Martin Kienbock, Olivier Brasseur
  • Patent number: 5551238
    Abstract: A power generating system is powered by a circulating working fluid that is heated by heat of condensation deposited in a concentrated brine solution. A condenser transfers heat from working fluid vapor exhaust from the turbine to cooling water to form a condensed working fluid and heat the cooling water to a first vapor pressure. A heat transfer chamber has a concentrated brine solution in vapor communication with the cooling water so that vapor from the cooling water at the first vapor pressure will condense on the brine solution for diluting and heating the brine solution. For efficient heat and vapor transfer, the cooling water and the brine solution are caused to flow along opposed surfaces. A boiler is placed in heat transfer communication with the brine solution for receiving heat from the brine solution and heating the condensed working fluid to a vapor for input to the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Inventor: Melvin L. Prueitt
  • Patent number: 5535591
    Abstract: Underground powerplant system for the generation of energy, in particular electrical energy, comprising a coal fired steam generator, whose steam drives a turbine which delivers electrical energy. The coal-fired steam driven electrical generation system of the invention is installed underground in a coal mine. Waste fly ash (with or without sorbent) bottom ash and slag can be disposed in the abandoned or exhausted mining area. Ambient mine water can be employed in one or more of the process operations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Inventor: Wolfgang Priesemuth
  • Patent number: 5535687
    Abstract: Repowering industrial and utility boilers with a circulating fluidized bed combustor to reduce SOx and NOx emissions emanating from the boilers by the following steps.First combusting high sulfur-containing carbonaceous solid fuel in a circulating fluidized bed combustor in admixture with limestone and air.Secondly combusting a carbonaceous fuel in an industrial or utility boiler.Thirdly mixing the flue gases generated in the circulating fluidized bed combustor with the exhaust gases produced in the industrial or utility boiler.Finally controlling the total heat generation by maintaining the circulating fluidized bed heat input to the boiler furnace from about 70 to 90% and the heat input of the boiler furnace from about 30 to 10%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Raytheon Engineers & Constructors
    Inventor: Ramesh D. Khanna
  • Patent number: 5517424
    Abstract: A method for automated control of a steam turbine during cyclic operation includes the steps of comparing current turbine loading with an anticipated load profile to generate a load error signal. Anticipated electrical load profiles correspond to the time of day, day of the week, month of the year, and historical data; operator input can vary such historical profiles as appropriate for unusual situations. The predicted load profile is categorized with respect to selected composite electrical load cycle profiles; weighted operating constraints are generated by means of a fuzzy inference calculation using electrical cycle profiles selected to correspond to the anticipated electrical load profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 14, 1996
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth A. W. Marcelle, Kenneth H. Chiang, Paul K. Houpt, Piero P. Bonissone, Joseph Weiss
  • Patent number: 5201791
    Abstract: This invention provides alloys having optimum high and low temperature mechanical properties for use of both the high and low pressure ends of turbine rotors in a single row power generation turbine with a service temperature profile from about 75.degree.-1200.degree. F. (24.degree.-649.degree. C.). The alloys include about 8.00-9.5 wt. % Cr and about 0.85-1.05 wt. % Mo and are heat treated at 1225.degree.-1350.degree. F. (663.degree.-732.degree. C.) for at least about one hour. The alloys and the components manufactured from these alloys preferably include a room temperature 0.2% yield strength of about 80-110 ksi (551-758 MPa).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1993
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: Robert E. Clark, Dennis R. Amos, Robert L. Novak
  • Patent number: 5161377
    Abstract: A method and installation for generating energy using the BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion) reaction wherein condensate is pumped from an expansion chamber and is fed to a first heat exchanger. There, the liquid gas is heated in a first step to a certain temperature. The liquid gas is heated in a second heat exchanger with a safety valve to a higher temperature and, while expanding, is introduced via a pre-expansion valve, at the end of a feed line, to a BLEVE-reaction chamber. The BLEVE-reaction takes place in the reaction chamber, during which gas is released and supplied via the outlet pipe to a gas turbine. The gas turbine drives a generator. The turbine and the generator may be housed in the closed expansion chamber. The cycle of the method is controlled by means of a regulating control. The method described is particularly suited for a thermal power plant, the waste heat of which is transformed into electricity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Inventors: Rudolf Muller, Eike J. W. Muller
  • Patent number: 5101632
    Abstract: Thermal energy radiation is converted into another energy form by setting up a temperature differential between two heat sinks forming part of a conventional converter or heat engine, but the warmer heat sink derives its input energy by collecting optically-focused thermal radiation from a primary heat sink within the converter structure. Heat rejected by the cooler heat sink is recycled to the primary heat sink to enhance the thermal efficiency above the Carnot level set by the base temperature conditions. The power rating of the converter is enchanced by combination with a reverse heat engine which elevates the temperature of heat input to the primary heat sink and so the temperature of the radiating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Inventor: Harold Aspden
  • Patent number: 4976107
    Abstract: The invention concerns a procedure for improving the efficiency of a steam power plant process wherein damp fuel is used, which is dried by conducting at least part of the flue gas flow to a fuel drying process. In addition to the feed water the combustion air is preheated in steam power plants with tapped steams from the turbine, in counter-pressure power plants with tapped steams and/or counter-pressure steams, and in remote heating power plants with tapped steams and/or remote heating water. As taught by the invention, the temperature of the flue gas going to the damp fuel dryer installation (10), or the cooling of the flue gas flow by-passing it, is controlled by taking thermal energy from the flue gas and transferring it to the combustion air and/or the feed water, their quantity and/or temperature being controlled in accordance with the cooling requirements of the flue gases determined by the drying requirements of the damp fuel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 11, 1990
    Inventor: Timo Korpela
  • Patent number: 4967560
    Abstract: A parking sustainer which allows a vehicle to be maintained parked by continuing a braking action if the depression of a brake pedal is terminated. An open/close valve is disposed in a liquid pressure discharge passage usually provided in a liquid pressure booster, and control means closes the open/close valve when a set of conditions to maintain the vehicle parked are satisfied. The provision of the open/close valve in the discharge passage of the booster eases the space requirement for its mounting and facilitates a maintenance inspection or repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Assignee: Jidosha Kiki Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaru Konishi
  • Patent number: 4907410
    Abstract: A method of utilizing the thermal energy of environmental fluids to produce mechanical work or electricity by an energy conversion system wherein: the source fluid gives heat to the working fluid of a prime mover through a first heat exchange means and is cooled thereby; the cooled source fluid effluent from the said first heat exchange means is further cooled by passing it through a further cooling system which includes either a turbine or an expansion device or both; the further cooled source fluid is employed to cool the expanded working fluid of the prime mover, and the source fluid effluent from the energy conversion system may be used for other cooling and refrigeration processes, such as desalination of seawater, cooling of superconductors, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: March 13, 1990
    Inventor: Yan P. Chang
  • Patent number: 4891948
    Abstract: A thermal performance monitor informs the operator and result's engineer of the economic losses, efficiencies, deviation in heat rates and power losses of operating a steam turbine-generator system at its controllably selected pressure and temperature. Specifically temperature and pressure signals are generated at various points in the system along with the control valve position signal and the electric output signal from the electric generator. This data is processed along with the corresponding design values and the economic losses due to temperature deviation, pressure deviation and exhaust pressure deviation from design are calculated. Other calculations produce a comparison of efficiencies of the turbines in the system and consequential power losses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1990
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Jens Kure-Jensen, Harris S. Shafer
  • Patent number: 4869067
    Abstract: This document describes an improved method and apparatus for recycling energy in counterflow heat exchange and distillation. The basis of the invention is transferring heat with thin sheets of material having extensive surface area relative to the flow rate through the system. A distillation apparatus (11 and 12), a counterflow heat exchanger (11), a clothes dryer (FIG. 9), a power generator (FIG. 12), and other embodiments of the invention are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Assignee: Superstill Corporation
    Inventor: Stephan B. Sears
  • Patent number: 4748813
    Abstract: The invention involves a novel method of increasing the efficiency of a thermal engine. Heat is generated by a non-linear chemical reaction of reactants, said heat being transferred to a thermal engine such as Rankine cycle power plant. The novel method includes externally perturbing one or more of the thermodynamic variables of said non-linear chemical reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: John Ross, Claus Escher
  • Patent number: 4707980
    Abstract: The specification discloses a method and apparatus for generating electricity which substantially eliminates the problem of acid rain as well as the problems associated with nuclear and hydroelectric power. Scrap aluminum and ferric oxide are reacted in a combustion chamber. The heat of the reaction as well as the heat of molten iron flowing from the combustion chamber heats boilers, the generated gas of which is used to drive electric generators. The iron is reoxidized, with the heat of reoxidation also being used to heat boilers which drive generators. The reoxidized iron is then recycled into the combustion chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1987
    Inventors: Samuel Wabeke, deceased, by Hilda Wabeke, heir
  • Patent number: 4706645
    Abstract: A method and a system for providing thermal power to an electrical power plant wherein substantially whole trees are supplied as fuel without being processed into small woodchips or chunks. The substantially whole trees stored in the drying building to lower their moisture content, and thereafter are transported to a charge pit located adjacent to a combustion chamber. The substantially whole trees are fed into the combustion chamber by a ram feeder and burned therein. The heat created by the combustion is absorbed by a boiler section and in the form of steam it is supplied to a conventional electrical power generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1987
    Inventor: L. David Ostlie
  • Patent number: 4686831
    Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for controlling fluid delivery into a heat exchanger wherein the temperature and the pressure of the delivered fluid is lower than the temperature and the pressure of the fluid within the heat exchanger and wherein the delivery of the fluid is accomplished without the use of pumps or compressors or other such devices. The delivering apparatus uses the pressure force developed within the heat exchanger after fluid change of phase has occurred therein for delivering the fluid vapor resulting therefrom to an elevation superior to the delivering apparatus by means of a predetermined elevated position of the pressure driven device using the vaporized fluid for its operation and the disposition of the conduit delivering the exhaust therefrom. The exhausted fluid is returned to the liquid condition by means of the heat and pressure expended in operating the pressure driven device and, by additional cooling, if needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1987
    Inventor: Robert E. Silva
  • Patent number: 4603394
    Abstract: A microprocessor-based controller for an extraction type steam turbine-generator unit capable of selecting from a variety of predetermined control strategies and implementing corresponding valve position control loops by generating appropriate valve position control signals in accordance with operator-chosen setpoint signals and turbine operating level signals. In a particular control strategy, automatic system frequency correction is achieved in a load control mode upon separation of the turbine-generator from the utility power grid, by detecting turbine speed deviation beyond predetermined limits and correcting turbine speed to synchronous speed without the need for operator intervention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1986
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: James M. Bukowski, Gary E. Midock, Ronald J. Walko
  • Patent number: 4602483
    Abstract: A slurry of liquified gas such as carbon dioxide and finely pulverized coal particles is provided in a mixing chamber and discharged from the chamber into a pipeline for conveyance to a power plant. During discharge from the mixing chamber pressurized gas at a sufficiently high pressure is injected above the slurry mix to maintain adequate pressure during discharge and prevent cavitation at the inlet port of pumping means employed in the pipeline. The slurry is depressurized at the downstream end of the pipeline by movement through pressure reduction means so that it is decompressed non-adiabatically and the coal and gas particles are separated. The gas remains at a low temperature and is passed in heat exchange relationship with cooling water from the power plant cooling tower to lower the temperature of same and consequently increase the efficiency of the power plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1986
    Assignee: Southwestern Public Service Company
    Inventors: David M. Wilks, Steven L. Mickna
  • Patent number: 4589257
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting heat and mechanical energy from a pressured gas utilizes a plurality of peripherally spaced cylinders fixedly mounted in generally tangential relationship about a rotatable power output shaft. A unidirectional clutch is mounted on the shaft and the pistons provided for each cylinder are respectively provided with pivoted connecting rod connections to the outer housing of the unidirectional clutch so that movement of the pistons from the outer ends of the cylinders toward the inner ends will effect rotation of the output shaft, while reverse movement of the pistons in the cylinders will have no effect on the rotation of the output shaft. The cylinders are preferably mounted in a cylindrical wall of a hollow housing defining a sealed internal fluid pressure chamber communicating with the inner ends of each of the cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1986
    Assignee: Centrifugal Piston Expander, Inc.
    Inventor: Wilbur A. Schaich
  • Patent number: 4550380
    Abstract: A microprocessor-based controller for an extraction type steam turbine-generator unit capable of selecting from a variety of predetermined control strategies and implementing corresponding valve position control loops by generating appropriate valve position control signals in accordance with operator-chosen setpoint signals and turbine operating level signals. The extraction mode of turbine operation is subdivided into a provided set of mutually exclusive extraction control loops, each of which can be placed in service in a bumpless fashion upon transition from any other extraction control loop in a predetermined sequence. Upon a return from the manual mode of turbine operation to the automatic mode, a particular extraction control loop is automatically placed in service without the need for operator intervention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1985
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventors: James M. Bukowski, Gary E. Midock, Ronald J. Walko
  • Patent number: 4545207
    Abstract: This invention relates to a solar energy system wherein chemical A is converted into chemical B in the presence of a photo-sensitizer with the absorption of considerable heat, which heat can be redelivered at will by placing chemical B in contact with a catalyst. The catalyst is stable at high temperatures permitting operation through the phase change from liquid to vapor with consequent use of chemical B for performing work in engines, heat pumps and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1985
    Inventor: Michael P. Neary
  • Patent number: 4479354
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for recycling or maintaining the latent heat of vaporization in work producing cycles such as the Rankine cycle by eliminating phase changes by replacing the condenser in such cycles with a compressor and restricting or limiting the expansion to reduce compressor work requirements.The standard compound turbine prevalent today consisting of a single Curtis stage in tandem with pressure compounded stages has been replaced with several two-row Curtis stages.An alternative embodiment utilizes one or several two-row Curtis stages and a condenser as in the Rankine cycle but limits the expansion, maintaining a relatively high pressure typical in exhaust from this type of turbines. The high pressure maintains the temperature of the condensate sufficiently high to eliminate feed water preheating.Sacrifice of low pressure output is compensated in both cases by salvaging latent heat of vaporization which would not be possible economically, if expansion carried to the maximum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1981
    Date of Patent: October 30, 1984
    Inventor: Thomas Cosby
  • Patent number: 4474010
    Abstract: A method of and apparatus for recovering exhaust gas from a boiler 2 of a thermal electric power generating device 1 are disclosed. The exhaust gas from the boiler 2 is fed through a conduit 30 to a preheat section 21 of a powder raw material treating device 20. The heat of the exhaust gas is recovered as a heat source for preheating the powder raw material. The ash contained in the exhaust gas is recovered as part of the powder raw material at the preheat section. The sulfur oxides in the exhaust gas react with the desulfurizing component of the powder raw material at the preheat section, and its reaction product is recovered as part of the powder raw material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1984
    Assignee: Sumitomo Semento Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kyoichi Shibuya, Tomomi Ihara
  • Patent number: 4412421
    Abstract: There is disclosed the utilization of a fluidized bed as a combustion chamber for the combustion in an external combustion engine of the recyclable fuels magnesium, aluminum, and their hydrides and/or alloys. The combustion products serve in whole or in part as the inert media for the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1981
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1983
    Assignee: Q Corporation
    Inventor: E. Quimby Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4393657
    Abstract: A steam-generating system has a construction which omits the vaporizer from a waste-heat boiler of a waste-heat recovery Rankine cycle while retaining the superheater. In this system, a superheated steam emanating from the outlet of the superheater is divided into steam for the superheater system and steam for the steam turbine system. The turbine steam is adiabatically expanded, then condensed and liquefied into water in the condenser, and subsequently converted into high-pressure hot water. This high-pressure hot water is injected into the circulation steam and consequently cooled to produce saturated steam. The saturated steam is returned to the inlet of the superheater and utilized therein to exchange heat with waste gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1981
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1983
    Inventor: Isao Takatama