Abstract: Systems and methods for transferring and converting heat to a power cycle using a plurality of heat transfer fluids, loops and heat exchange devices to convert heat to useful work and/or power. Power is generated using intermediate heat transfer loops (IHTL) and an intermediate heat transfer fluid (IHTF) to cool the hot exhaust power cycle fluid (PCF) stream that is at or above its critical conditions. The temperature of the IHTF can be increased by 100° C., 150° C., 200° C., 250° C., 300° C., 350° C., 400° C., 450° C., 500° C., 550° C. or more by exchanging heat with the PCF, either directly or indirectly.

Abstract: An energy storage plant includes a casing for the storage of a working fluid other than atmospheric air, in a gaseous phase and in equilibrium of pressure with the atmosphere; a tank for the storage of said working fluid in a liquid or supercritical phase with a temperature close to the critical temperature; wherein said critical temperature is close to the ambient temperature. The plant is configured to carry out a closed thermodynamic cyclic transformation, first in one direction in a charge configuration and then in the opposite direction in a discharge configuration, between said casing and said tank; wherein in the charge configuration the plant stores heat and pressure and in the discharge configuration generates energy.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a thermal management system of a gas turbine engine. The method includes: operating the gas turbine engine to start-up the gas turbine engine; receiving data indicative of a state of a thermal transport bus of the thermal management system using a sensor, the state of the thermal transport bus including a phase of a thermal fluid within the thermal transport bus; and starting a pump of a pump assembly in response to receiving data indicative of the state of the thermal transport bus of the thermal management system, the pump in fluid communication with the thermal transport bus.

Abstract: A steam turbine includes an outer casing (19) that is provided with a first steam outlet port (54), through which exhaust steam flowing through the entire length of a flow path (21) defined between an inner casing main body (45) and an outer casing main body (51) in a direction along an axis (O1) is discharged to the outside of the outer casing (19), and a second steam outlet port (55), which is provided in the outer casing main body (51) and through which the exhaust steam passing through a portion of the flow path (21) or the exhaust steam not passing through the flow path (21) is discharged to the outside of the outer casing (19); a first valve (28) that adjusts opening of the first steam outlet port (54); and a second valve (32) that adjusts opening of the second steam outlet port (55).

Abstract: A method and system for circulating combined cooling, heating and power with a jet cooling device. An outlet of a working medium pump which is used to pressurize liquid working medium is connected to an inlet of a heater. An outlet of the heater is connected to an inlet of an expansion component. An outlet of the expansion component is connected to an inlet of a cooler. An outlet of the cooler is connected to a primary inlet of a jetting device. Primary outlets of the jetting device are respectively connected to an inlet of the working medium pump and an inlet of a throttle valve. An outlet of the throttle valve is connected to an inlet of an evaporator. An outlet of the evaporator and a gaseous outlet of the jetting device are both connected to an inlet of a pressurization component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a passive low temperature heat energy organic working fluid power generation method and system, Comprising: organic working fluid in a first evaporator and a second evaporator are heated to evaporate; when a pressure of the organic working fluid reaches a setting pressure, a self-operating pressure control valve at an outlet of the evaporator is triggered opening by a working pressure, and steam of the organic working fluid flows into a turbine, pushes the turbine to work, and drives a generator to output electric energy; after work is completed, the steam flows into a condenser to be condensed, and working steam is output in turn through the first evaporator and the second evaporator, and thus the turbine is driven continuously to work and output electric energy. Compared with the prior technology, the present invention has reliable performance, and is operated by heating and evaporating of the working fluid in a closed space to achieve increased pressure.

Abstract: A supercritical carbon dioxide power generation Brayton cycle system and method that employs an alternate heat recuperation method and apparatus that utilizes switched banks of bead filled tanks to accumulate and recover the thermal energy of the two streams of working fluid in such a way that the variable thermal properties of the supercritical carbon dioxide can be accommodated without significant loss of thermal efficiency.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a power generation device that utilizes a working fluid containing carbon dioxide within a working fluid circuit having high and low pressure sides. Components of the device may include a heat exchanger configured to be in thermal communication with a heat source whereby thermal energy is transferred from the heat source to the working fluid, an expander located between the high and low pressure sides of the working fluid circuit and operative to convert a pressure drop in the working fluid to mechanical energy, a recuperator operative to transfer thermal energy between the high and low pressure sides, a cooler operative to control temperature of the working fluid in the low pressure side, a pump operative to circulate the working fluid through the working fluid circuit, and a mass management system configured to control an amount of working fluid mass in the working fluid circuit.

Abstract: Disclosed illustrative embodiments include modular power infrastructure networks, distributed electrical power infrastructure networks, methods for operating a modular power infrastructure network, and methods for fabricating a modular power infrastructure network.

Abstract: A Rankine cycle system useful for the conversion of waste heat into mechanical and/or electrical energy is provided. The system features a novel configuration in which a first closed loop thermal energy recovery cycle comprising a first working fluid stream and a second closed loop thermal energy recovery cycle comprising a second working fluid stream interact but do not mix. The two thermal energy recovery cycles interact thermally via heat exchangers, a first heat exchanger configured to transfer heat from the first working fluid stream to the second working fluid stream, and a second heat exchanger configured to transfer heat from the second working fluid stream to the first working fluid stream. In one or more embodiments, the Rankine cycle system is adapted for the use of supercritical carbon dioxide as the working fluid.

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

Abstract: A hybrid power plant is described in which a pressurized water nuclear reactor or a biomass-fueled power plant, which have a relatively low operating temperature, such as, is combined with a coal or other fossil fuel power plant having a higher operating temperature. Steam from the first plant is superheated in the second power plant to provide a hybrid plant with improved efficiencies and lower emissions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a heat engine system, a method for generating electricity, and an algorithm for controlling the heat engine system which are configured to efficiently transform thermal energy of a waste heat stream into electricity. In one embodiment, the heat engine system utilizes a working fluid (e.g., sc-CO2) within a working fluid circuit for absorbing the thermal energy that is transformed to mechanical energy by a turbine and electrical energy by a generator. The heat engine system further contains a control system operatively connected to the working fluid circuit and enabled to monitor and control parameters of the heat engine system by manipulating a power turbine throttle valve to adjust the flow of the working fluid. A control algorithm containing multiple system controllers may be utilized by the control system to adjust the power turbine throttle valve while maximizing efficiency of the heat engine system.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention disclosed herein generally provide heat engine systems and methods for recovering energy, such as by generating electricity from thermal energy. In one configuration, a heat engine system contains a working fluid (e.g., sc-CO2) within a working fluid circuit, two heat exchangers configured to be thermally coupled to a heat source (e.g., waste heat), two expanders, two recuperators, two pumps, a condenser, and a plurality of valves configured to switch the system between single/dual-cycle modes. In another aspect, a method for recovering energy may include monitoring a temperature of the heat source, operating the heat engine system in the dual-cycle mode when the temperature is equal to or greater than a threshold value, and subsequently, operating the heat engine system in the single-cycle mode when the temperature is less than the threshold value.

Abstract: Various thermodynamic power-generating cycles are disclosed. A turbopump arranged in the cycles is started and ramped-up using a starter pump arranged in parallel with the main pump of the turbopump. Once the turbopump is able to self-sustain, a series of valves may be manipulated to deactivate the starter pump and direct additional working fluid to a power turbine for generating electrical power.

Abstract: A boiler apparatus is provided that generates a heat source capable of efficiently regenerating absorbing liquid while maintaining steam turbine efficiency to a maximum extent.

Abstract: A method and system for generating power from low- and mid-temperature heat sources using a zeotropic mixture as a working fluid. The zeotropic mixture working fluid is compressed to pressures above critical and heated to a supercritical state. The zeotropic mixture working fluid is then expanded to extract power. The zeotropic mixture working fluid is then condensed, subcooled, and collected for recirculation and recompression.

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

Abstract: A high-temperature steam turbine plant is of the top turbine type and structured as follows. It comprises a boiler building including a vertical boiler on the top of which a VHT turbine is installed; and a turbine building installed on the ground as a base. The VHT turbine and a generator connected with it are installed on the top of the boiler. The material for the portion of the steam pipe between the boiler building and the turbine building which is exposed to highest steam pressure is austenite steel which contains 50 weight % or more of ferrite steel or Fe. The inlet temperature of the VHT turbine is 675° C. or more and its outlet temperature is 550° C. or more and 650° C. or less.

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

Abstract: A super critical water oxidation reactor (SCWOR) serves as an extremely efficient power source in a power plant by coupling the various output streams in thermal communication with multiply staged or cascaded compressor-expanders that are themselves mechanically coupled to a motor or generator. In one embodiment heat from re-circulating liquid brine loop either directly or indirectly preheats the exhaust gases of the SCWOR prior to expansion. In another embodiment the heat of compression is used to preheat the effluent of an expander prior to a subsequent expansion stage. The re-circulating brine loop also preferably preheats expander effluent prior to a subsequent expansion stage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for depressurisation of high pressure pipeline fluids. The system may provide for net power generation without the pressurised fluid undergoing liquefaction or solidification or unacceptable temperature reduction as a result of a Joule-Thompson process. The system is particularly relevant for depressurising high pressure natural gas pipelines in an energy efficient manner whilst making possible net power generation. The system for depressurisation of a pressurised fluid in a pipeline comprises at least one depressuriser for expanding the fluid in the pipeline to a lower pressure; and a transcritical heat pump for circulating a supercritical fluid, wherein the supercritical fluid undergoes cooling so as to release heat for transmission to the pressurised fluid in the pipeline prior to at least one expansion of said pressurised fluid.

Abstract: A process for utilizing synthesis gas heat for the generation of supercritical steam in a low energy ammonia or methanol plant is disclosed. The process involves a reforming or partial oxidation stage, at least one supercritical steam generator having a shell side and a tube side, at least one superheater, at least one back pressure turbine, at least one extraction and condensing turbine, and at least one boiler feedwater pump. The synthesized synthesis gas is sent to the shell side of the supercritical steam generator, and the supercritical steam generator is fed with pressurized feedwater. The feedwater flow is adjusted to maintain the steam temperature at the exit of the supercritical steam generator in the range of 375-500° C. The supercritical steam is generated in the supercritical steam generator at a pressure of 225-450 bar, the supercritical steam is further heated in a superheater to a temperature of 500-750° C.

Abstract: A process for the integration of an air separation apparatus and of a steam reheat cycle is presented.

Abstract: A simple, compact, and relatively efficient thermodynamic power cycle system and process for extracting heat from a heat source stream and converting a portion of the heat to mechanical power. The system and process are composed of the same series of four processing units or steps found in the most basic form of a Rankine power cycle: (1) heating (means) of a pressurized working fluid to produce a superheated gas, (2) expansion (means) to a lower pressure to produce power, (3) condensation (means) of the low pressure gas to a liquid, and (4) pumping (means) of the liquid to high pressure to complete the cycle. The working fluid is heated under pressures above critical. The working fluid must have a critical temperature more than 40° F. lower than the temperature of the heat source stream and a normal boiling point less than 32° F.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention is to provide a nuclear reactor plant of which is a direct cycle nuclear reactor using a carbon dioxide as a coolant such that a heat evacuation for liquefying coolant is reduced while a compressive work is reduced by using a condensation capability of a carbon dioxide for enhancing a cycle efficiency. The nuclear reactor plant is comprised of a nuclear reactor 1, a turbine 2, and wherein, the coolant of supper critical state is heated by a heat of a nuclear reactor to directly drive a turbine, a gaseous coolant discharged from said turbine is chilled and compressed after said turbine is driven for keeping in a critical state, and then said coolant is circulated again into said nuclear reactor, and wherein, a carbon dioxide is used as said coolant, and a predetermined ratio of gaseous coolant discharged from said turbine is liquefied for being compressed in a liquid state while a rest of gaseous coolant is compressed in a gaseous state.

Abstract: A heat recovery method is disclosed suitable for combined gas turbine/steam turbine cycles including at the exhaust of a gas turbine a waste heat boiler in which water is first treated in a degassing unit connected to a first evaporator and comprising a certain number of heat exchangers. The boiler uses an ultrasupercritical steam cycle with four pressure levels with subcritical fluid intermediate evaporator stages.

Abstract: A main steam inlet structure of a steam turbine has two inlet tubes which are separable from an inner casing and an outer casing of the turbine and are arranged concentrically with a spacing therebetween to constitute an inflow passage for main steam are connected at one end to the outer casing and at the other end to the inner casing, by seal rings. Cooling steam extracted from turbine stage midway is supplied to a cooling steam passage of the spacing formed between the two inlet tubes, thereby cooling the inner inlet tube.

Abstract: Process and machine are disclosed for converting the internal energy of a fluid into mechanical energy capable of producing work, based on the use of the fluid having two alternative states, liquid and gaseous, at temperatures below and above, respectively, its critical temperature. In a first step the fluid is liquefied at a temperature and a pressure below the critical temperature and pressure thereof and is introduced into a chamber provided with means for transmitting movement and means for transmitting heat. In a second step the liquefied fluid is subjected to a rapid heating, whereby the critical temperature is exceeded, the pressure is considerably increased, and the fluid is converted to the gaseous state. In a third step the fluid is expanded in the interior of the chamber in spite of the resistance offered by the means for transmitting movement. In a fourth step there are provided means whereby the fluid recovers and returns to the initial conditions of the first step.

Abstract: An improved direct fired power system generating and employing a combustion gas which includes carbon dioxide or a working fluid including a combustion chamber (20) for burning a mixture which includes oxygen, carbonaceous fuel and recycled carbon dioxide working fluid at a first pressure of above 1100 PSI thereby providing a combustion gas which includes carbon dioxide and water at substantially the first pressure and above 31.degree. C. A first turbine (16) allows the gas to expand therethrough to generate power and reduce the combustion gas pressure to a second pressure below 1100 PSI while maintaining gas temperature above 31.degree. C. A second burner (20) heats the combustion gas to a higher temperature and a second turbine (21) allows the gas to expand therethrough to generate power and reduce the pressure to a third pressure while maintaining gas temperature above 31.degree. C. A heat exchanger (26) includes ducts (28), (30) in heat exchange relationship.

Abstract: A variable pressure power cycle and control system that is adjustable to a variable heat source is disclosed. The power cycle adjusts itself to the heat source so that a minimal temperature difference is maintained between the heat source fluid and the power cycle working fluid, thereby substantially matching the thermodynamic envelope of the power cycle to the thermodynamic envelope of the heat source. Adjustments are made by sensing the inlet temperature of the heat source fluid and then setting a superheated vapor temperature and pressure to achieve a minimum temperature difference between the heat source fluid and the working fluid.

Abstract: A method for efficiently operating a Rankine cycle power plant (10) to maximize fuel utilization efficiency or energy conversion efficiency or minimize costs by selecting a turbine (22) fluid inlet state which is substantially in the area adjacent and including the transposed critical temperature line (46).

Abstract: A process for the production of electrical energy from a fluid circulating in a closed circuit, of the type employing a fluid brought to saturating vapor phase in a substantially vertical column, at the upper part of which the fluid is returned to liquid phase before being directed towards a fall column which it takes to return to the lower part of the first column where vaporization takes place and to actuate, between these two levels and within the fall column, at least one energy-producing member; a temperature being arranged to prevail in the vapor column which enables the vapor to be maintained close to its critical point.

Abstract: A power generator including a closed pressure resisting tubular loop having a lower warmed end and an upper cooled end joined by connecting penstock column and a return column, the tubular loop being filled with fluid under pressure, the critical point of which is between the temperatures of the cooled and warmed ends, to cause the fluid to convert to a liquid phase in the upper end for discharge into the penstock column, and cause the liquid to convert into a gas phase in the lower end, for discharge while in its gas phase into the return column so that circulation of fluid as it converts between its liquid and gas phases is continuous, and a hydraulic power unit driven by downwardly moving liquid in the penstock column, reacting to the hydrostatic pressure so generated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for transforming heat having a low temperature into motive power, wherein heat which is carried by a first fluid is used for heating a condensable second fluid which participates in a thermodynamic cycle and wherein the second fluid is expanded thereby producing motive power or thermic energy having a higher potential. The apparatus for putting into practice this process comprises a superheater, in which the first fluid carrying the heat to be transformed and the second fluid circulate, an expansion device for the second fluid which produces motive power, a heat exchanger in which the expanded second fluid and a compressed second fluid circulate, a condenser for transforming the expanded second fluid into a liquid, a compressor for feeding the liquid second fluid to the superheater via the heat exchanger, and a gaseous fluid circulating through the condensor which mixes via ports and a convergent nozzle in the superheater with the first fluid.

Abstract: Gas turbine, steam turbine and/or process steam systems are combined with supercritical carbon dioxide cycle engines to produce major improvements in net plant efficiency by using the heat inputs and outputs of the supercritical CO.sub.2 cycle to supply or remove heat in advantageous ways to the gas turbine, steam turbine and/or process steam systems.