Process Of Power Production Or System Operation Patents (Class 60/645)
  • Publication number: 20110209478
    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
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: Minoru Morita, Jun Hidari, Yoshinobu Sato, Mai Matsuda
  • Patent number: 8007753
    Abstract: A process for the catalytic oxidation of a hydrocarbon gas comprising the steps of releasing pulses of a compressed hydrocarbon gas into an expansion chamber (8) and passing the expanded hydrocarbon gas over a catalytic converter (11) to oxidize the hydrocarbon gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Bantix Worldwide Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Andrew Coventry
  • Publication number: 20110203275
    Abstract: It is intended to effectively cool a dummy ring and a rotor disposed on the inner side of the dummy ring of a single-flow turbine and to suppress a decrease in thermal efficiency by preventing main steam from leaking to the dummy ring side. A cooling steam supply pipe 32 is provided in the dummy ring 26 of the single-flow turbine 10A and extraction steam of a boiler at 570° C. or below is supplied to a clearance c between the dummy ring 26 and the turbine rotor 12 as cooling steam S4. The cooling steam S4 has lower temperature and higher pressure than leak steam S2 which is a portion of the main steam S1 leaking to the dummy ring 26 side. By supplying the cooling steam S4, the leak steam S2 is prevented from entering the dummy ring 26 side and the dummy ring 26, a welding part w and a second rotor part 12b with low heat resistance that are disposed on the inner side of the dummy ring 26 can be cooled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Shin NISHIMOTO, Yoshinori TANAKA, Tatsuaki FUJIKAWA
  • Publication number: 20110203276
    Abstract: A method for tracking the deterioration of the insulators in a rotating machine, a method for preventive maintenance of these machines using this tracking and devices using the tracking method is presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH
    Inventors: Gérard Friedrich, Marie Jaillet-Delclaud, Emilie Renouard-Mouren, David Laurent, Bernard Mineur, Emmanuel Odic
  • Publication number: 20110198861
    Abstract: Method for producing energy by oxidizing a carbon-containing fuel (4) and for capturing the resultant carbon dioxide (CO2), comprising:—a chemical loop step (1),—a secondary oxidation step (12),—a heat exchange transfer (10a-10f),—a post-treatment (16)
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2009
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Applicant: L'Air Liquide Societe Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Ex ploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Simon Jallais, Ivan Sanchez-Molinero
  • Patent number: 7997079
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a self-regulating thermal energy storage system for use in conjunction with at least one thermal energy client, and a method for self-regulating the storage and use of thermal energy in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Inventor: Pessach Seidel
  • Patent number: 7997076
    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: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Cummins, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy C. Ernst
  • Publication number: 20110192162
    Abstract: A method of operating a piston expander, including introducing live steam into a cylinder space via an inlet valve; expanding the live steam during a power stroke in which a piston moves from an upper dead center position to a lower dead center position; opening an outlet opening as soon as the piston is in the region of the lower dead center position; after the piston reaches the lower dead center position, conveying the expanded steam out of the outlet opening and into a steam discharge; and subsequently closing the outlet opening before the piston in an exhaust stroke reaches the lower dead center position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: Man Nutzfahrzeuge Osterreich AG
    Inventor: Raimund Almbauer
  • Publication number: 20110185732
    Abstract: A steam turbine system including a steam turbine is provided. The steam turbine system includes a high-pressure side steam inlet device, a low-pressure side steam device, and a control device for controlling the steam turbine. An additional steam inlet device is also included arranged between the high-pressure side steam inlet device and the low-pressure side steam device. The control device control a supply of steam via the additional steam inlet device as a function of operating parameters detected at the steam turbine system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventors: Jörg Eppendorfer, Bernd Leidinger, Markus Mantei
  • Publication number: 20110185731
    Abstract: An oil cooler is provided for a wall of an air flow passage of a gas turbine engine. The oil cooler has a heat exchanger with an oil conduit for carrying a flow of heated oil proximal to the wall of the air flow passage. The heat exchanger is arranged to transfer heat from the heated oil to the air flowing through the passage. The oil cooler further has a system for altering the flow of air across the heat exchanger such that the heat transfer effectiveness of the heat exchanger can be adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLC
    Inventor: John A. MYLEMANS
  • Publication number: 20110179792
    Abstract: A steam power unit including a double-flow medium pressure turbine section that is fluidically connected to a low pressure turbine section is provided. A flow section of the medium pressure turbine section is configured to supply an external steam consumer. A throttle valve for adjusting the pressure in the steam extraction line is arranged only in a turbine discharge line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventors: Norbert Pieper, Rudolf Pötter
  • Publication number: 20110179793
    Abstract: A method for operating an internal combustion engine (10) having a steam power plant (12), in which the exhaust gas of the internal combustion engine (10) at least indirectly heats the steam and this steam drives a turbine (26), the steam power plant (12) being sometimes, in particular at the beginning of operation, initially operated in a protection operating mode, in which the protection of the turbine (26) from damage by water droplets has priority.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Juergen Stegmaier, Manfred Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20110173981
    Abstract: A system for reducing the power required to cool a combustion gas for cleaning and a method for performing the same are disclosed. The system includes an expander for producing power. Energy in the form of heat is transferred from the combustion gas to a working fluid. The working fluid drives the expander to generate at least a portion of the power required for performing to drive a compressor in a refrigeration system. After the combustion gas transfers energy the combustion gas is cooled with the refrigeration system. In some embodiments the expander and the compressor are arranged along a common shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTD.
    Inventors: Sanjay K. Dube, David J. Muraskin
  • Patent number: 7981835
    Abstract: A system and method for producing activated carbon comprising carbonizing a solid carbonaceous material in a carbonization zone of an activated carbon production apparatus (ACPA) to yield a carbonized product and carbonization product gases, the carbonization zone comprising carbonaceous material inlet, char outlet and carbonization gas outlet; activating the carbonized product via activation with steam in an activation zone of the ACPA to yield activated carbon and activation product gases, the activation zone comprising activated carbon outlet, activation gas outlet, and activation steam inlet; and utilizing process gas comprising at least a portion of the carbonization product gases or a combustion product thereof; at least a portion of the activation product gases or a combustion product thereof; or a combination thereof in a solid fuel boiler system that burns a solid fuel boiler feed with air to produce boiler-produced steam and flue gas, the boiler upstream of an air heater within a steam/electricity g
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Energy & Environmental Research Center Foundation
    Inventors: Srivats Srinivasachar, Steven Benson, Charlene Crocker, Jill Mackenzie
  • Patent number: 7980078
    Abstract: A hermetic Rankine cycle in a sealed casing powers an internal centrifugal condensate pump with an internal vapor turbine during forced convective heat transfer between a heat source and a heat sink. No work is imported into the cycle during operation. A centrifugal pumping disk shears the working fluid against a heating surface, sweeping evolving vapor into radial vortices which provide sink flow conduits to a vapor space at the center of the cylindrical turbine. Convective mass flow through the vapor space to the condensing end of the casing spins the turbine and the centrifugal pumping disk which is connected to it. Vapor is continuously swept from the heating surface, so bubbles do not form and superheat while blocking heat flux into liquid working fluid. Vapor is sucked through the radial vortices into the central vapor space and into the condensing end of the casing along the low pressure gradients in vortex cores established by cooling power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: McCutchen Co.
    Inventors: Wilmot H. McCutchen, David J. McCutchen
  • Publication number: 20110167823
    Abstract: The invention relates to a steam circuit process device, comprising a reservoir for a liquid working medium; an evaporator in which the working medium is evaporated by heat supply, the vaporous working medium being fed to an expander for expansion and for carrying out mechanical work and being subsequently liquefied in a capacitor which communicates with the reservoir; a working medium pump for supplying working medium from the reservoir to the evaporator. The invention is characterized in that liquid working medium is supplied in the direction of flow of the working medium upstream or in the region of the capacitor to the working medium exiting the expander.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Jurgen Berger, Michael Bucher, Christian Bausch
  • Publication number: 20110162362
    Abstract: A power generation system includes a heat source, a primary heat engine and a secondary heat engine. The primary heat engine has a hot heat exchanger thermally coupled to the heat source and a cold heat exchanger. The secondary heat engine has a hot heat exchanger thermally coupled to the cold heat exchanger of the primary heat engine and a cold heat exchanger configured to reject waste heat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: Etalim Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas W. Steiner
  • Patent number: 7963115
    Abstract: A magnetic flux enhanced metal fuel combustion system and method for producing energy. The energy may be used to drive a water vessel such as a submarine. The system and method includes a ring-shaped coil of an electromagnet surrounding a combustion chamber. The electromagnet produces a magnetic flux within the combustion chamber that limits contact between charged combustion particles and the sidewalls of the chamber, thereby enhancing the combustion of metallic fuels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Neal A. Sondergaard, William A. Lynch
  • Publication number: 20110140459
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method to produce electricity in a cement clinker production utilizing a kiln and/or a precalciner as combustion chambers to generate electricity, the method including: a. supplying fuel to the precalciner and/or the kiln in a quantity corresponding to at least 110% of a heat value requirement for clinker production operation of the precalciner and/or the rotary kiln per unit weight of clinker, respectively; b. bypassing a portion of hot flue gases from at least one of (i) the kiln and/or (ii) the precalciner; c. leading hot flue gases to a heat recovery steam generator producing steam; d. producing electricity with a power island including a steam turbine equipped with an electrical generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: CEMEX RESEARCH GROUP AG
    Inventors: Raul Fuentes Samaniego, Luis Ramon Martinez Farias, Antonio Higinio Noyola De Garagorri, Luis Trevino Villareal
  • Patent number: 7958731
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: SustainX, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy O. McBride, Benjamin R. Bollinger, Michael Izenson, Weibo Chen, Patrick Magari, Benjamin Cameron
  • Publication number: 20110131993
    Abstract: A steam power plant is suggested having, parallel to the preheater passage (VW1 to VW4), a heat reservoir (25) which is loaded with preheated condensate in weak-load times. This preheated condensate is taken from the heat reservoir (25) for generating peak-load and inserted downstream of the preheater passage into the condensate line (19.2) resp. the feed water container (8). Thus it is possible to quickly control the power generation of the power plant in a wide range without significantly having to change the heating output of the boiler of the steam generator (1). A steam power plant equipped according to the invention can thus be operated with bigger load modifications and also provide more control energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Volker Schüle, Ewald Kitzmann, Matthias Legin
  • Publication number: 20110100014
    Abstract: One aspect relates to a hybrid propulsive technique comprising providing at least some first thrust associated with a flow of a working fluid through at least a portion of an at least one axial flow jet engine. The hybrid propulsive technique comprises extracting energy from the working fluid that is at least partially converted into electrical power, and converting at least a portion of the electrical power to torque. The hybrid propulsive technique further comprises rotating an at least one independently rotatable propeller/fan of at least one rotatable propeller/fan assembly at least partially responsive to the converting the at least a portion of the electrical power to torque, wherein the rotating of the at least one independently rotatable propeller/fan of the at least one rotatable propeller/fan assembly is arranged to produce at least some second thrust.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K.Y. Jung, Jordin T. Kare, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Clarence T. Tegreene, Thomas A. Weaver, Lowell L. Wood, JR., Victoria Y.H. Wood
  • Publication number: 20110100007
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for recovering power from the gaseous stream produced by an oxidation reaction. Specifically, the invention is based on heating the gaseous stream from the oxidation reaction to a temperature of at least 800° C. and recovering energy through a gas turbine. The compressor stage of the gas turbine compresses the oxidant feed to the reactor thereby at least partially offsetting the cost of providing the high temperature and pressure reaction conditions in the reactor. The invention also provides improved control of the power recovery system by optimising the efficiency of the gas turbine by feeding gas to the gaseous stream to modulate the flow of gas to the turbine relative to the compressor discharge flow in order to compensate for the consumption of oxidant in the reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: INVISTA North Americs S,a.r.l.
    Inventors: Harald B. Carrick, Graham Robert Aird, Graeme Humphries
  • Publication number: 20110100008
    Abstract: A method for operating a steam power station is provided. The steam turbine power station includes at least one steam turbine and a process steam consumer, wherein a steam mass flow is subdivided into a first partial mass flow and a second partial mass. In a first operating state, the first partial mass flow is supplied to the steam turbine and the second partial mass flow is supplied to the process steam consumer. In a second operating state, at least part of the second partial mass flow is supplied to the steam turbine at least after the first turbine stages. A steam power station is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Ulrich Beul, Stefan Glos, Matthias Heue, Thomas Hofbauer, Ralf Hoffacker, Nils Lückemeyer, Norbert Pieper, Roland Sievert
  • Publication number: 20110100005
    Abstract: Water reclamation from gas turbine combustion exhaust flow presents an opportunity to provide water for use in a solar-fossil-fuel hybrid power plant, particularly in arid environments. Cooled feedwater is fed through condensing pipes disposed in a water reclamation exchange that is adapted to facilitate condensing the gas combustion exhaust vapor passing through the exchange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Glenn A. Sampson, Wael Faisal Al-Mazeedi
  • Publication number: 20110094226
    Abstract: Process and apparatus are provided for a high energy efficiency chemical combustion process. The process provides two reaction steps, both of which are exothermic. First, a reduced oxygen carrier is contacted with oxygen in a reactor to form an oxidized oxygen carrier, such as metal oxide or metal suboxide, and then the oxidized oxygen carrier is fed to a second reactor and combusted with a fuel. The reaction produces the reduced oxygen carrier and carbon dioxide. The reduced oxygen carrier from the second reactor is recycled back to said first reactor. Carbon monoxide can also be produced during the process depending on stoichiometric amounts of the reactants. Though the process can be performed in various types of reactor systems, one preferred embodiment is the flash furnace with the production of fly ash during combustion. The process is highly efficient and produces a large amount of usable work.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventors: Lawrence F. McHugh, Leonid N. Shekhter
  • Publication number: 20110088396
    Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for operating a solar steam system in response to a detected or predicted reduced or impending reduced insolation event are disclosed herein. Examples of transient reduced insolation events include but are not limited to cloud-induced reduction in insolation, dust-induced reduction in insolation, and insolation events caused by solar eclipses. In some embodiments, in response to the detecting or predicting, steam flow is regulated within the solar steam system to reduce a flow rate into a steam turbine. Alternatively or additionally, one or more heliostats may be responsively redirected onto a steam superheater or steam re-heater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: BrightSource Industries (ISRAEL), Ltd.
    Inventors: SAMI KATZ, Israel Kroizer
  • Publication number: 20110079012
    Abstract: There is provided a Rankine cycle system which generates electricity by using heat as an energy source, in which a conventional pump for carrying a working fluid is not used, thereby reducing the cost of manufacturing the Rankine cycle system, saving the electric power consumed to operate the pump and therefore obtaining a greater output of power, and in which a control system is used to automatically operate the Rankine cycle system, thereby enabling to stably operate the Rankine cycle system even though a heat source is intermittently supplied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: Young Jin Baik, Huyng Kee Yoon, Ki Chang Chang, Min Sung Kim, Young Soo Lee, Ho Sang Ra, Seong Ryong Park, Jun Tack Park
  • Publication number: 20110072818
    Abstract: To mitigate the potential significant impact on our society due to the continued reliance on high-cost diesel hydrocarbon fuel and the implementation of increasingly strict emission controls, an apparatus is disclosed which provides the means for extracting additional heat from an internal combustion engine while providing the cooling needed to meet stricter emissions standards. The present disclosure describes an apparatus operating on a Rankine cycle for recovering waste heat energy from an internal combustion engine, the apparatus including a closed loop for a working fluid with a single shared low pressure condenser serving a pair of independent high pressure circuits each containing zero or more controlled or passive fluid splitters and mixers, one or more pressure pumps, one or more heat exchangers, and one or more expanders, and the means for controlling said apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventor: David Cook
  • Patent number: 7908861
    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: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kooichi Chino, Moriaki Tsukamoto, Toshihiko Fukushima, Shigeo Hatamiya
  • Patent number: 7908862
    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: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Thoupa Gen LLC
    Inventor: J. Nolan Hannah
  • Publication number: 20110061384
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2010
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Inventors: Timothy J. Held, Jason D. Miller
  • Publication number: 20110056200
    Abstract: Power plant characteristics are operated in a flexible manner by controlling the power consumption of a CO2 capture and compression system. The impact of CO2 capture and compression on the capacity of a power plant can be minimized to maximize the electric power the plant can deliver to the power grid and the impact of CO2 capture and compression on the average plant efficiency can be reduced, by an operating method and a power plant, in which the power consumption of the CO2 capture system is used to control the net output of the plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventors: Charles SOOTHILL, Christian Steinbach, Allen Michael Pfeffer, Philippe Jean-Michel Paelinck, Jurgen Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 7900453
    Abstract: A metal fuel combustion system and method for producing energy. The energy may be used to drive a water vessel such as a submarine. The system and method comprises a combustion device having inner and outer combustion chambers. The metal fuel comprises aluminum, magnesium, and silicon, and is preferably in the form Mg2Al4Si5, and is preferably burnt using water as an oxidant. The byproduct of and the metal oxide byproduct is Mg2Al4Si5O18, which has an appearance and consistency similar to basaltic sea sand. In addition to the combustion device, the system may include additional energy producing elements such as fuel cells, thermoelectric cells, and photovoltaic cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: William A. Lynch, Neal A. Sondergaard
  • Publication number: 20110048010
    Abstract: A heat recovery steam generator (“HRSG”) 40, which is closely coupled to a gas turbine, includes a flow controls structural array 10 disposed upstream of the tubes 42 of the HRSG 40. The structural array 10 is formed of a plurality of grate-like panels 18 secured to horizontal supports 24 mounted to the support structure of the HRSG 40. The structural array 10 diffuses the high velocity exhaust stream 14 exiting the gas turbine and redistributes the gas flow evenly throughout the HRSG 40. The structural array 10 reduces wear and damage of the tubes 46.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: ALSTOM Technology Ltd
    Inventors: William C. Balcezak, Wesley P. Bauver, II, Robert Livermore, Ian J. Perrin, Aaron Yeaton
  • Publication number: 20110048009
    Abstract: A method, and associated apparatus, for generating power from medium temperature heat sources in the range of 200° to 700° C. with improved efficiency compared to systems operating on a Rankine cycle in which the working fluid is condensed at the same temperature. Water is heated in a boiler (11) with heat from the heat source A, (22) which may be a stream of exhaust gases (22), in order to generate wet steam having a dryness fraction in the range of 0.10 to 0.90 (10% to 90% dry). The wet steam is expanded to generate power in a positive displacement steam expander (21) such as a twin screw expander. The expanded steam is condensed at a temperature in the range of 70° C. to 120° C., and the condensed steam is returned to the boiler. The expanded steam may be condensed in the boiler of an Organic Rankine Cycle (22) to provide additional power, or by heat exchange with a heater of a heating system to provide a Combined Heat and cycle, thereby further improving the cycle efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventors: Ian Kenneth Smith, Nikola Rudi Stosic
  • Publication number: 20110048008
    Abstract: The Hydro-Electric Reactor is a renewable and reliable green energy technology which uses only ambient air from the atmosphere, indoors or outdoors, to generate electricity through four stages of air compression known as the Multiple-Compression-Propulsion-System that enables pressurized air to be driven through a network of specially designed Micro-Turbines which are attached to electricity generators through shafts that rotate rapidly when the pressurized air turn the Micro-Turbines, to generate electricity in commercial quantities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Gabriel Ohiochoya Obadan
  • Publication number: 20110036096
    Abstract: In an integrated gasification power plant a steam recovery system is provided. The system enables power generation equipment designed for a predominant fuel and operating condition to efficiently utilize additional steam generation by syngas coolers when heat transfer surface condition or fuel characteristics enable additional steam generation. The system can detect excess steam generation, integrate it with the syngas cleaning process and transmit it to the power generation equipment. The system results in a low cost power generation system which is capable of efficiently operating with a wide range of fuels and a wide rang of operating conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Sampath Kumar Bommareddy, Douglas Kirk Holland, Charles Michael Jones, Darrin Glen Kirchhof, James Michael Storey, Leroy Omar Tomlinson
  • Publication number: 20110023486
    Abstract: A pump is provided which pumps energy via molecular carriers; the side effect of this method of energy transmittance is the concomitant movement of material. The method of energy and material movement follows three steps. In step one, energy is absorbed by the molecular carrier, transforming the carrier from a liquid or solid state into a gaseous state. The second step is the conveyance of the energized molecular carriers through an energy conduit, through which the molecular carriers may pass without losing energy, despite a potentially very long distance. The third step involves deposition of the energy at the final destination via a transfer which extracts the energy from the material, concomitantly transforming the material from a gaseous state to a liquid or solid state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Sanza T. Kazadi, Mark Webb
  • Publication number: 20110016863
    Abstract: A thermodynamic system for waste heat recovery, using an organic rankine cycle is provided which employs a single organic heat transferring fluid to recover heat energy from two waste heat streams having differing waste heat temperatures. Separate high and low temperature boilers provide high and low pressure vapor streams that are routed into an integrated turbine assembly having dual turbines mounted on a common shaft. Each turbine is appropriately sized for the pressure ratio of each stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: CUMMINS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES, INC.
    Inventor: Timothy C. ERNST
  • Publication number: 20110017874
    Abstract: The instant invention relates to improved means for the storage of H2 and O2, wherein the H2 and/or the O2 is stored on a vessel, ship or other non-Earth body in Space, whether manned or unmanned. Further, the instant invention relates to improved means for the storage of fuel, preferably hydrogen (H2) and oxidizer, preferably oxygen (O2), wherein the H2 and O2 are obtained from at least one storage tank or obtained by electrolysis of water (H2O). The instant invention does not require a hydrocarbon fuel source. H2O is the primary product of combustion; while in many embodiments of the instant invention, H2O is separated into H2 and O2, thereby making H2O an efficient method of storing fuel and oxidizer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Applicant: ClearValue Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Alan Haase
  • Patent number: 7874155
    Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for rapidly and isothermally expanding and compressing gas in energy storage and recovery systems that use open-air hydraulic-pneumatic cylinder assemblies, such as an accumulator and an intensifier in communication with a high-pressure gas storage reservoir on a gas-side of the circuits and a combination fluid motor/pump, coupled to a combination electric generator/motor on the fluid side of the circuits. The systems use heat transfer subsystems in communication with at least one of the cylinder assemblies or reservoir to thermally condition the gas being expanded or compressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: SustainX, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy O. McBride, Benjamin R. Bollinger, Michael Izenson, Weibo Chen, Patrick Magari, Benjamin Cameron, Robert Cook, Horst Richter
  • Publication number: 20110011089
    Abstract: A power system based on a binary power cycle and utilizing a multi-component working fluid is disclosed. The working fluid is partially vaporized and a split recirculation approach is used to control the enthalpy-temperature profiles to match the heat source. A portion of the unvaporized working fluid is sprayed into the condenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nicholas J. Nagurny, Eugene C. Jansen, Chandrakant B. Panchal
  • Publication number: 20110011088
    Abstract: Provided are high-pressure, medium-pressure, and low-pressure turbines; a boiler to generate steam for driving the turbines; a carbon dioxide recovery unit including an absorber that reduces carbon dioxide in combustion flue gas from the boiler by means of a carbon dioxide absorbent and a regenerator that regenerates an absorbent; a first auxiliary turbine that extracts steam from an inlet of the low-pressure turbine and recovers power by means of the steam thus extracted; a first steam delivery line to supply discharged steam from the first auxiliary turbine to a reboiler of the regenerator as a heat source; and a controller that controls driving of the first auxiliary turbine while keeping pressure of the discharged steam to be supplied to the reboiler within a tolerance range for the reboiler's optimum pressure corresponding to a fluctuation in an operation load of the boiler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Masaki Iijima, Tetsuya Imai, Keiji Fujikawa, Tatsuya Tsujiuchi, Tsuyoshi Oishi, Hiroshi Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20110005225
    Abstract: An electric power plant, e.g., a boiling water reactor nuclear power plant supplies steam generated in a nuclear reactor to a high-pressure turbine and a low-pressure turbine. The steam discharged from the low-pressure turbine is condensed with a condenser. Water generated with the condenser, used as feed water, flows through a feed water pipe, is heated with a low-pressure feed water heater and a high-pressure feed water heater, and then supplied to the nuclear reactor. The steam extracted from the high-pressure turbine is supplied to the high-pressure feed water heater. The steam extracted from the low-pressure turbine is compressed with a steam compressor, and the steam whose temperature has been increased is then supplied to the high-pressure feed water heater. The feed water to be directed to the nuclear reactor is heated in the high-pressure feed water heater by both the steam extracted from the high-pressure turbine and the steam compressed with the steam compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: Hitachi-GE Nuclear Energy, Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Namba, Shigeo Hatamiya, Fumio Takahashi, Koji Nishida, Susumu Nakano, Takanori Shibata
  • Publication number: 20110005224
    Abstract: A method for operating a multi-step steam turbine operating in high temperature conditions is provided. The rotor is embodied as a welded construction including a first component and a second component. A coolant is supplied to the steam turbine after an intermediate state when the steam turbine is in the light-load or no-load phase. As a result, the thermal loads in the outflow area of the steam turbine are reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Inventors: Stefan Glos, Matthias Heue, Ernst-Wilhelm Pfitzinger, Norbert Pieper
  • Patent number: 7866157
    Abstract: A waste heat recovery system for use with an engine. The waste heat recovery system receives heat input from both an exhaust gas recovery system and exhaust gas streams. The system includes a first loop and a second loop. The first loop is configured to receive heat from both the exhaust gas recovery system and the exhaust system as necessary. The second loop receives heat from the first loop and the exhaust gas recovery system. The second loop converts the heat energy into electrical energy through the use of a turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Cummins Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy C. Ernst, Christopher R. Nelson
  • Patent number: 7866380
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for producing hot water without a flame. The system and method heats water to at least a specified temperature without a flame by providing a source of water and a prime mover, pumping water from the source of water into one or more heat exchangers, pre-heating the water using the one or more heat exchangers, heating the pre-heated water to at least the specified temperature without a flame using a dynamic heat generator driven by the prime mover, using the heated water in the one or more heat exchangers to pre-heat the water and providing the heated water to an output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: OmniTherm, Inc.
    Inventors: W. James Masters, Douglas W. Fugate, Edwin E. Wilson, John T. Johnson, III, W. Jason Masters
  • Publication number: 20110000210
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for using heat to perform work, comprising: operating a first thermodynamic cycle wherein heat for a first working fluid is provided by combustion of a fuel-based (FB) energy source; operating a second thermodynamic cycle wherein heat for a second working fluid is from a combination of a non-fuel-based (NFB) energy source and waste heat from the first thermodynamic cycle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventor: Mark W. Miles
  • Publication number: 20110000212
    Abstract: A non-gaseous carrier medium is converted into a gaseous carrier medium by means of introduced heat energy, so that the gaseous carrier medium rises to a predefined height. The gaseous carrier medium is compressed. The compressed gaseous carrier medium is reconverted at the predefined height into a non-gaseous carrier medium by means of a cooling circuit receiving heat of the carrier medium. The heat received by the cooling circuit is then returned to be used for heating the carrier medium at any desired suitable location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventor: Klaus Wolter