Abstract: An engine for reducing the temperature at the surface of a body of water during a storm includes at least one floatation member for supporting the engine, an elongate tube mounted on the floatation member configured to receive a stream of air therethrough, the elongate tube having first and second ends, a constricted center section therebetween and means for distributing water into the tube adjacent the constricted center section, a wind turbine having at least one rotor, a differential and a shaft connecting the rotor to the differential, a pump operatively connected to the wind turbine and extending into the body of water to a depth where the temperature of the water is less the water temperature at the surface and wherein water from beneath the surface of the body of water is pumped into the manifold and distributed into the elongate tube to cool the stream of air.

Abstract: A process for the production of a synthesis gas containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide utilizes shredded waste tires that are substantially free of metal particles as a feedstream, either alone or in combination with a residual oil feedstream, for gasification in the combustion chamber of a tubular wall membrane partial oxidation gasification reactor in the presence of a predetermined amount of oxygen. Optionally, the product synthesis gas is introduced as the feedstream to a water gas shift reactor to enhance the hydrogen content of the final product stream.

Abstract: A power plant for the generation of electrical energy comprises steam and/or gas turbines (2, 3, 4, 13) driven by fossil fuels and a CO2 capture system (20) for capturing CO2 gases from the flue gases that result from the combustion of the fossil fuels. It furthermore comprises a CO2 gas processing unit (GPU) for the compression and cooling of the captured CO2. A cooling circuit (24) of the gas processing unit (GPU) forms a closed loop that includes a heat exchanger (25) for the heating of brine, where this heat exchanger (25) is part of a water treatment system having a multi-stage flash distiller (MSF). In the closed loop (24) low-temperature waste heat from the CO2 gas processing unit (GPU) is utilized for the water treatment system. The overall power plant energy efficiency is thereby increased.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a calculation method of moisture loss in a steam turbine calculates first a wetness fraction at the inlet and outlet of each of stationary blade cascades and rotor blade cascades. Subsequently, the moisture loss is classified into (1) supersaturation loss, (2) condensation loss, (3) acceleration loss, (4) braking loss, (5) capture loss and (6) pumping loss, and a loss for calculation of the moisture loss is selected from the above losses (1) to (6) according to the wetness fraction of steam at the inlet and outlet of each blade cascade. An amount of each selected loss is calculated, and an amount of moisture loss at each blade cascade is calculated.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system for storing and providing electrical energy are disclosed. Also disclosed are embodiments of a system for purifying fluid, as well as embodiments of a system in which energy storage and fluid purification are combined. One disclosed embodiment of the system comprises a latent heat storage device, a sensible heat storage device, a vapor expander/compressor device mechanically coupled to a motor/generator device, a heat-exchanger, and a liquid pressurization and depressurization device. The devices are fluidly coupled in a closed-loop system, and a two-phase working fluid circulates therein. Embodiments of a method for operating the system to store and generate energy also are disclosed. Embodiments of a method for operating the system to purify fluid, as well as embodiments of a method for operating a combined energy storage and fluid purification system are disclosed.

Abstract: An exemplary system and method for storing and retrieving energy in a thermoelectric energy storage system is disclosed. The thermoelectric energy storage system includes a working fluid that is circulated through a first and second heat exchanger, and a thermal storage medium that is circulated through the first heat exchanger. The second heat exchanger is in connection with a first thermal bath during a charging cycle and with a second thermal bath during a discharging cycle. In this way roundtrip efficiency is improved through minimizing the temperature difference between the first thermal bath and the hot storage tank during charging, and maximizing the temperature difference between the second thermal bath and the hot storage tank during discharging.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a steam turbine power plant comprising at least one steam generator that is fueled by lignite, wherein the lignite is indirectly dried in a fluidized bed dryer that is heated at least partially with steam from the water-steam circuit of the steam generator. Said method is characterized in that the flue gas from the steam generator undergoes gas scrubbing to remove CO2 and that the energy required for the gas scrubbing is at least partially extracted from the drying process in the fluidized bed. The invention additionally relates to a device for creating steam from lignite comprising a drying system for the lignite and a device to scrub CO2 from the flue gas, wherein the drying process and the CO2 gas scrubbing are thermally coupled to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods including an energy conversion system for storage and recovery of energy using compressed gas, a source of recovered thermal energy, and a heat-exchange subsystem in fluid communication with the energy conversion system and the source of recovered thermal energy.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a pneumatic cylinder assembly is coupled to a mechanism that converts motion of a piston into electricity, and vice versa, during expansion or compression of a gas in the pneumatic cylinder assembly.

Abstract: A technique of controlling a steam generating boiler system includes dynamically tuning a rate of change of a disturbance variable (DV) to control operation of a portion of the boiler system, and in particular, to control a temperature of output steam to a turbine. The rate of change of the DV is dynamically tuned based on a magnitude of an error or difference between an actual and a desired level of an output parameter, e.g., output steam temperature. In an embodiment, as the magnitude of the error increases, the rate of change of the DV is increased according to a function f(x). A dynamic matrix control block uses the dynamically-tuned rate of change of the DV, a current output parameter level, and an output parameter setpoint as inputs to generate a control signal to control a field device that, at least in part, affects the output parameter level.

Abstract: In various embodiments, heat is exchanged with a gas being compressed or expanded within an energy storage and recovery system without the use of flexible hoses.

Abstract: A combined cycle power plant includes a gas turbomachine, a steam turbomachine operatively coupled to the gas turbomachine, and a heat recovery steam generator operatively coupled to the gas turbomachine and the steam turbomachine. The heat recovery steam generator includes a high pressure reheat section provided with at least one high pressure superheater and at least one reheater. The combined cycle power plant further includes a controller operatively connected to the gas turbomachine, the steam turbomachine and the heat recovery steam generator. The controller is selectively activated to initiate a flow of steam through the heat recovery steam generator following shutdown of the gas turbomachine to lower a temperature of at least one of the high pressure superheater and the at least one reheater and reduce development of condensate quench effects during HRSG purge of a combined cycle power plant shutdown.

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.

Abstract: The present invention provides an organic Rankine cycle energy recovery system comprising features which provide for fire suppression and/or ignition suppression in the event of an unintentional release of a flammable component of the system, for example a flammable working fluid such as cyclopentane, into a part of the of the system in which the prevailing temperature is higher than the autoignition temperature of the flammable component. In one embodiment, and the organic Rankine cycle energy recovery system comprises an inert gas source disposed upstream of a hydrocarbon evaporator and configured to purge the hydrocarbon evaporator with an inert gas on detection of a leak thereby.

Abstract: A device for phase separating a multi-phase fluid flow has a housing configured substantially rotationally symmetrically about a center axis and encloses a hollow space, at least one in-feed line for the fluid flow configured for inflow of the fluid flow directed substantially tangentially to an interior of the housing, and at least one outlet line for the separated gaseous portion of the fluid flow. The device heats the gaseous portion of the fluid flow, such as steam, and requires little material and space. To this end, heating elements configured for heating the gaseous portion are disposed in the hollow space in an annular chamber placed concentrically about the center axis.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an installation and a process implementing the installation for converting thermal energy available in a given environment into useful energy. Installation and process by means of pressure differentials between a hot and a cold column of a pressurized fluid, create a continuous flow in a fluid driving in rotation elements the rotational energy of which is converted to a useful energy.

Abstract: Biomass or refuse-derived fuels (10) and seawater or other non-potable water are used as an input to a combustor/evaporator (15, 20). The resulting steam heats a working fluid in an Organic Rankine Cycle (30, 50, 60, 75) process which drives a turbine (50) to produce mechanical rotation. This rotation can be used to directly drive a process or to generate electricity. The heating of the working fluid cools the steam to produce purified water. The evaporator provides a water purification process for both the separation of dissolved components as well as providing for thermal pasteurization/sterilization. Suitable water inputs are seawater, brackish water and water with those waterborne diseases and pathogens which can be killed through pasteurization/sterilization.

Abstract: A steam turbine having at least a HP blade cascade, an IP blade cascade and a plurality of dummy members that are attached to a common rotor shaft, is provided with, but not limited to, a detection unit that detects a steam flow into an IP chamber, a pressure reducing unit that reduces a pressure difference between both sides of a target dummy member of said plurality of the dummy members when the steam flow into the IP chamber stops, the target dummy member having one side communicating with a part of the IP chamber, and a control unit that controls the pressure reducing unit based on a detection result obtained by the detection unit.

Abstract: A waste heat recovery system, method and device executes a thermodynamic cycle using a working fluid in a working fluid circuit which has a high pressure side and a low pressure side.

Abstract: A heat engine system configured to extract thermal energy from a heat source, convert a first portion of the thermal energy to work using an expansion device, and reject a second portion of the thermal energy to a heat sink. The system utilizes a second fluid to inhibit a temperature drop of the first fluid within the expansion device.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a loop thermal energy system. A heat pump heats a first fluid to first temperature using heat from a heat source. A first pressure tank charges with the heated first fluid while a second pressure tank discharges the heated first fluid stored from a previous charging. The discharged heated first fluid motivates an engine.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a valve system switchable between a waste heat recovery position configured to direct incoming exhaust gas through an interior volume of an exhaust section of an engine and a bypass position configured to direct the incoming exhaust gas through a bypass duct to bypass a heat recovery boiler disposed within the interior volume. The system also includes an inert gas purging system configured to inject an inert gas into the interior volume to displace residual exhaust gas from the interior volume.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a combined cycle power plant having at least one gas turbine, a heat recovery steam generator (HSRG), a steam turbine and a CO2 capture system. The method includes recirculating a first partial flow of flue gases from the HRSG. The method also includes capturing CO2 from a second partial flow of flue gases from the HRSG; and operating a supplementary firing to increase the net power output of the plant and to at least partly compensate the power consumption of the CO2 capture system. A combined cycle power plant is also provided. The plant includes at least one gas turbine, at least one heat recovery steam generator, at least one steam turbine at least one CO2 capture system, and flue gas recirculation. The plant also includes a low excess air supplementary firing.

Abstract: A thermal storage system includes a first tank and a second tank thermally interfaced with the first tank. A pump is connected between the first tank and the second tank to move a fluid from the first tank to the second tank. A first heat exchanger includes a heat-exchanging portion that is located within the first tank. A second heat exchanger includes another heat-exchanging portion that is located within the second tank.

Abstract: A hybrid system includes a photovoltaic system configured to receive solar energy and convert the solar energy into electrical energy. A cooling system is coupled to the photovoltaic system and configured to circulate a cooling fluid through the cooling system so as to remove heat from the photovoltaic system to cool the photovoltaic system. A first device is coupled to the cooling system via a temperature booster and configured to receive the heated cooling fluid from the cooling system. The temperature booster is configured to substantially increase the temperature of the heated cooling fluid fed from the cooling system to the first device from a first temperature to a second temperature. The first device includes a waste heat recovery system configured to generate electric power, a vapor absorption machine configured to cool a second device, a hot water supply unit, a water distillation unit, a water desalination unit, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The working fluid for the heat pump cycle will be different than that for the power cycle.

Abstract: CO2 compression is a main step in carbon capture and storage, which is essential to control global warming. CO2 compressors are powered by electric motors, which increase operational flexibility but require much energy leading to additional expenses, power and efficiency losses. A method is provided for optimized operation of a plant including a power generation unit with a CO2 capture system and compressor with minimum losses during normal operation, allowing flexible part load. The method allows steam from the power unit to drive a steam turbine, which drives the CO2 compressor via an engaged overrunning clutch if a sufficient amount of steam is available from the power unit, and to drive it by the generator, which is used as motor when insufficient steam is available from the power unit. When no or insufficient steam is available the clutch is disengaged and the steam turbine may be at standstill or idling.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a combined cycle power plant including a CO2 capture system and flue gas recirculation system. The method includes controlling a flue gas recirculation rate and a re-cooling temperature of the recirculated flue gases, depending on load, to optimize the overall plant efficiency including the CO2 capture system. Also provided is a combined cycle power plant including a CO2 capture system and flue gas recirculation system. The plant being configured to carry out a method in which a flue gas recirculation rate and a re-cooling temperature of recirculated flue gases is controlled depending on load to optimize the overall plant efficiency including the CO2 capture system.

Abstract: A method for controlling a water level of a drum of a heat recovery steam generation system for a combined cycle power plant is provided. The method includes determining an optimum drum water level during start up operation of the heat recovery steam generation system based on a characteristic chart model. The characteristic chart model is generated based on a plurality of vapor pressures of the drum and a plurality of temperatures of drum metal at the time of the start up operation of the heat recovery steam generation system.

Abstract: A non-polluting, closed-cycle condensing heat engine and operating method is provided for propelling road vehicles at high efficiencies and high power densities by using a phase-changing working fluid having a critical temperature close to the natural ambient temperature of the surrounding atmosphere and shifting the high temperature heat reservoir downward by several hundred degrees by creating an artificial low temperature heat reservoir below ambient temperature by evaporating water.

Abstract: A power regeneration system for use with an information handling system is disclosed. The power regeneration system may include a thermosiphon in thermal communication with a heated component of the information handling system, a turbine, a condenser, and a fluid flow loop. The thermosiphon may be configured to convert a cooling fluid from a liquid to a gaseous state as the cooling fluid absorbs heat from the heated component of the information handling system. The turbine may be configured to extract energy from the cooling fluid in the gaseous state after it leaves the thermosiphon. The condenser may be configured to remove thermal energy from the cooling fluid after it leaves the turbine, the condenser fluid converting the cooling fluid from a gaseous state to a liquid state as thermal energy is removed. The fluid flow loop may connect the thermosiphon, the turbine, and the condenser in order so that the cooling fluid flows in a closed loop through the power regeneration system.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a converter for use in a combustion engine having a discharge conduit for discharging exhaust combustion gases are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the converter may include a heating chamber being in thermal contact with the discharge conduit and defining a hydraulic channel through which a fluid passes. The converter may also include an inlet port disposed in the heating chamber for receiving the fluid into the heating chamber, and an outlet port disposed in the heating chamber for discharging the fluid from the heating chamber. The heat energy from the exhaust combustion gases is transferred to the fluid while the fluid passes through the hydraulic channel.

Abstract: In one general embodiment, a system includes a working fluid operable to be circulated through a working cycle. The working cycle includes one or more expander-generators driven by the working fluid to generate electrical power at a first condition; an evaporator heat exchanger; and a condenser heat exchanger. The system includes power electronics thermally coupled to a heat exchanger and adapted to convert the electrical power at the first condition to electrical power at a second condition; and a conduit in fluid communication with the working cycle and the heat exchanger. The conduit is adapted to circulate the working fluid through the heat exchanger such that heat generated by the power electronics is transferred to the working fluid.

Abstract: A method of converting thermal energy into another energy form using a thermodynamic cycle is disclosed, the method including the steps of: pressurizing a working fluid; supplying thermal energy to heat the working fluid from a liquid or substantially liquid state to a supercritical fluid state; in a first expander, substantially isentropically expanding the working fluid to yield energy in the other energy form; separating the expanded working fluid to form a first portion of the fluid diverted to a second expander and a second portion of the working fluid diverted to bypass the second expander; in the second expander, substantially isentropically expanding the first portion of the working fluid to yield energy in the other energy form; condensing the expanded first portion of the working fluid to a liquid or substantially liquid state; and recombining the first and second portions of the working fluid to be recirculated in the cycle.

Abstract: A power generation apparatus comprising: a photovoltaic power generation unit; a coolant system for the photovoltaic power generation unit, configured to provide coolant over the photovoltaic power generation unit and to extract coolant after use; and a turbine power generation unit, configured for operation by fluid at least partly heated by a first heat exchanger using said extracted coolant.

Abstract: A heat engine enclosed in a housing has two chambers maintained at different temperatures. The first chamber (“hot chamber”) receives heat energy from an external power source. The second chamber (“cold chamber”) is connected to the hot chamber by two conduits, such that a fluid (e.g., air, water, or any other gas or liquid) filling the two chambers can circulate between the two chambers. The expansion of the fluid in the hot chamber and the compression of the fluid in the cold chamber drive a turbine to provide a power output. The fluid may be pressurized to enhance efficiency. In one embodiment, the turbine propels an axle in a rotational motion to transmit the power output of the heat engine to an electrical generator outside of the heat engine's housing. In one embodiment, the turbine includes a first set of blades and a second set of blades located in the hot chamber and the cold chamber, respectively.

Abstract: A power plant system including a fossil fuel fired power plant (6) for the generation of electricity, a carbon dioxide capture and compression system (5, 13), and an external heat cycle system has at least one heat exchanger (1,2,3) for the heating of the flow medium of the external heat cycle system. The heat exchanger (1,2,3) is connected to a heat flow from the CO2 capture plant (5) or a CO2 compression unit (13). A return flow from the heat exchanger (1,2,3) is led to the CO2 capture and compression system (5,13) or to the power plant (6). The power plant system allows an increase in overall efficiency of the system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a closed circuit operating according to a Rankine cycle, comprising a circulation and compression pump (12) for a working fluid in liquid form, a heat exchanger (20) swept by a hot source (22) for evaporation of said fluid, expansion means (28) for expanding the fluid in vapour form and a cooling exchanger (32) for condensation of this fluid, traversed by a cooling fluid between an inlet face (38) and an outlet face (40). According to the invention, this circuit comprises thermopiles (44) for capturing and converting (42) the calorific energy coming from cooling exchanger (32) to electric energy and said thermopiles are arranged in the heated cooling fluid stream coming from outlet face (40) of the cooling exchanger.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods related to an engine for converting heat into mechanical output using a working fluid in a closed circulating system are disclosed. In some embodiments, the engine includes a pump to pressurize the working fluid, a regenerative heat exchanger to transfer heat from a first portion of the working fluid to a second portion, a heating device to heat the working fluid, and a scroll expander to expand the working fluid and generate the mechanical output.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for processing refinery residuals. In one embodiment, the system may include a gasifier configured to produce syngas from refinery residuals. A gas turbine engine may produce power from the syngas, and the power may be provided to a desalination system. A portion of the syngas may be provided to a shift reactor.

Abstract: An engine that oxidizes aluminum with water to produce electrical and/or mechanical power. The engine can include a fuel made at least partly from aluminum powder that flows like liquid under high pressure. The engine can also include a steam supply system, a combustor, a fuel feed system, a fuel injection system, and a water supply system.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a device for harvesting energy from an environment energy system comprises a pump, and a coherence capacitor of metamaterial configured to store of coherence in interactions between elements of the metamaterial, a carrier fluid of particles that flushes coherence from the metamaterial and carries the coherence to a quantum heat engine via a circuit at a rate determined by a pump. The quantum heat engine is configured to harvest heat energy from the environment and use the heat energy to output useful energy while expelling waste heat back into the same environment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for use in refrigeration, air-conditioning, and heat pump systems wherein the composition comprises Z-1,2-difluoroethylene (Z-HFO-1132a). The compositions of the present invention are useful in processes for producing cooling or heat, as heat transfer fluids, foam blowing agents, aerosol propellants, and power cycle working fluids.

Abstract: A condenser tube has a superhydrophobic surface. The superhydrophobic surface is produced on steam condenser tubes to achieve an improved runoff of condensation drops. These condenser tubes may be used in steam power generation. The surface of the condenser tube is textured so that the drops of condensation formed can run off well.

Abstract: A method for operating a waste heat steam generator including an evaporator, an economizer having a number of economizer heating surfaces, and a bypass line connected on the flow medium side in parallel with a number of economizer heating surfaces is provided. The method makes possible higher operational safety and reliability in the control of the waste heat steam generator. For this purpose, a parameter that is characteristic of the thermal energy fed to the waste heat steam generator is used to control or regulate the flow rate of the by-pass line.

Abstract: A method of utilizing waste heat to create a pressurized working fluid is disclosed. The method includes providing a vessel containing a sorbent system, introducing a feed of waste heat to a heat exchanger external to the vessel to heat a feed of working fluid, introducing the heated working fluid from the heat exchanger to the vessel to obtain pressurized working fluid, and directing the pressurized working fluid from the vessel to a work component. The method is particularly suited to make use of waste heat an industrial process, (e.g., a chemical processing or petrochemical refining operation) in which low grade heat source(s) are used to drive the sorption system.

Abstract: A turbine system includes a valve coupled to a leak off line from a leak packing of a first turbine, the valve controlling a first steam flow used to maintain a constant self-sustaining sealing pressure to a second turbine across numerous loading conditions. A related method is also provided.

Abstract: The present technology is directed generally to rotary displacement systems and associated methods of use and manufacture. The systems can be used to compress and/or expand compressible fluids. In some embodiments, the rotary displacement systems include a chamber housing having a pressure-modifying chamber with a first port and a second port, a first passageway in fluid communication with the chamber via the first port, and a second passageway in fluid communication with the chamber via the second port. The systems can further include a shaft positioned within the chamber housing and rotatable relative to the chamber housing about a rotational axis, and a rotor comprising no more than two lobes.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a waste combustion method enabling to utilize efficiently heat energy of a large amount of a wet gas generated from a high temperature gas, which is discharged from a waste combustion furnace so as to be cooled and washed [Means for Solving Problem] A method of power generation by waste combustion comprising supplying the waste into a combustion furnace 1 for combustion, feeding a combustion gas from the combustion furnace 1 into a quenching vessel 4 containing a cooling/dissolving water and bringing the combustion exhaust gas into direct contact with the cooling/dissolving water and thus generating a wet gas wherein this wet gas G is supplied directly into a power generation system 10 employing a working medium, or a heat recovery medium, which has been exchanged with the wet gas G, is supplied into the power generation system 10, so that the power generation system is operated