Abstract: A process for recovering waste heat in an organic Rankine cycle system which comprises passing a liquid phase working fluid through heat exchange in successive communication with two or more process streams which thus heat the working fluid, removing a vapor phase working fluid from the heat exchanger, passing the vapor phase working fluid to an expander wherein the waste heat is converted into mechanical energy, and passing the vapor phase working fluid from the expander to a condenser wherein the vapor phase working fluid is condensed into the liquid phase working fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for implementing a closed loop thermodynamic cycle utilizing a multi-component working fluid to acquire heat from two or more external heat source streams in an efficient manner utilizing countercurrent exchange. The liquid multi-component working stream is heated by a first external heat source stream at a first heat exchanger and is subsequently divided into a first substream and a second substream. The first substream is heated by the first working stream at a second external heat source stream at a second heat exchanger. The second substream is heated by the second working stream at a third heat exchanger. The first substream and the second substream are then recombined into a single working stream. The recombined working stream is heated by the second external heat source stream at a fourth heat exchanger.

Abstract: Method for production of mixed vapors at low temperatures. The thermal energy stored in the mixed vapors is intended to be converted to mechanical energy in a thermal power machine, in order to operate an electrical generator.

Abstract: A process for driving a prime mover, said process comprising a) positioning a selective membrane between a liquid and a solution having a higher osmotic potential than the liquid, such that the solution becomes pressurized by the influx of liquid across the membrane, b) using the pressure generated in the solution to drive a prime mover, c) recovering the solution, d) separating at least some of the solvent from the solution to form a residual product, and e) recycling the separated solvent and/or the residual product of step d) to step a).

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive system for motor vehicles comprising a waste heat-producing internal combustion engine and a circuit for draining off at least partially said waste heat with a working fluid which is relievable in an expansion machine, wherein said working fluid comprises several components, wherein at least one component is transferable into a gas phase by absorbing heat of the internal combustion engine and/or another source inside the drive system which also comprises means for separating the liquid fraction from the working fluid prior to the expansion machine pressure removal. The internal combustion engine can be cooled by a first cooling circuit. A second cooling circuit can be used in such a way that the first cooling circuit is cooled thereby.

Abstract: An oxygen fueled integrated pollutant removal and combustion system includes a combustion system and an integrated pollutant removal system. The combustion system includes a furnace having at least one burner that is configured to substantially prevent the introduction of air. An oxygen supply supplies oxygen at a predetermine purity greater than 21 percent and a carbon based fuel supply supplies a carbon based fuel. Oxygen and fuel are fed into the furnace in controlled proportion to each other and combustion is controlled to produce a flame temperature in excess of 3000 degrees F. and a flue gas stream containing CO2 and other gases. The flue gas stream is substantially void of non-fuel borne nitrogen containing combustion produced gaseous compounds.

Abstract: A process for the integration of a cryogenic air separation plant and an oxy-combustion power plant is presented. This process includes producing a pressurized nitrogen stream and a pressurized oxygen stream, burning a fuel stream thereby generating a steam stream from a boiler feed water stream, wherein the stream is used for work expansion within the oxy-combustion power plant. This process also includes heating the pressurized nitrogen stream and the pressurized oxygen stream with a compressed air stream, thereby forming a heated pressurized nitrogen stream and a heated pressurized oxygen stream. This process also includes heating the heated pressurized nitrogen stream to form a hot pressurized nitrogen stream, work expanding the hot pressurized nitrogen stream to a lower pressure thereby forming a hot exhaust nitrogen stream and recovering energy, and heating the boiler feed water stream by indirect heat exchange with the hot exhaust nitrogen stream.

Abstract: In a dual-source organic Rankine cycle (DORC), the condensed and slightly sub-cooled working fluid at near ambient temperature (˜300 K) and at low-side pressure (0.1 to 0.7 MPa) is (1) pumped to high-side pressure (0.5-5 MPa), (2) pre-heated in a low-temperature (LT) recuperator, (3) boiled using a low-grade heat source, (4) super-heated in a high-temperature (HT) recuperator to a temperature close to the expander turbine exhaust temperature using this exhaust vapor enthalpy, (5) further super-heated to the turbine inlet temperature (TIT) using a mid-grade heat source, (6) expanded through a turbine expander to the low-side pressure, (7) cooled through the HT recuperator, (8) cooled through the LT recuperator, (9) mostly liquefied and slightly subcooled in a condenser, and (10) the condensed portion is returned to the pump to repeat this cycle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to power generation systems and methods for converting naturally occurring moist air into power and water, enabling generation of power without carbon combustion and without the release of green-house gasses which usually accompany thermodynamic power generation. According to one embodiment, a compressor module is used to greatly compress enriched water vapor drawn from the surrounding moist air. The compressed water vapor is then condensed into output water by a working fluid, while the heated working fluid is used in a Rankine-cycle power generation loop to turn a turbine and thereby create transmittable electrical power.

Abstract: Power generation systems and methods are disclosed for use with medium to high temperature heat source stream, gaseous or liquid, where the systems and methods permit efficient energy extraction for medium and small scale power plants.

Abstract: A thermal gradient device which utilizes a thermodynamically favorable physical process in order to spontaneously generate and maintain a temperature difference between two disjoint reservoirs of a volatile compound is disclosed. The device is powered by thermal energy either already within one of the reservoirs or which enters the reservoir from an external source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for disposing of salt byproduct from a zero liquid operation, such as a zero liquid discharge desalination plant. The present method and apparatus concern a power generation plant, comprising a salinity gradient power unit (SGPU) comprising a high salinity feed, a low salinity feed, and a mixed water output. The high salinity feed is comprised of salt byproduct from a ZLD operation. The mixed water output empties into a body of water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of controlling a power plant, which power plant comprises: a boiler being adapted for combusting an organic fuel and for generating steam and a process gas comprising carbon dioxide; a steam system being; and a carbon dioxide capture system being adapted to remove at least a portion of the carbon dioxide from the process gas by contacting a carbon dioxide absorbent solution with the process gas, the method comprising: forwarding a portion of the steam produced by the power plant boiler to a regenerator of the carbon dioxide capture system; regenerating the absorbent solution in said regenerator through heating of said carbon dioxide absorbent solution by means of the forwarded steam; and automatically controlling the operation of the carbon capture system by means of at least one automatic controller. The invention also relates to a power plant including a carbon dioxide capture system.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus including a compressed air energy storage system that includes an ambient air intake configured to intake a quantity of ambient air for storage in a compressed air storage volume, a compression system having a compression path that is configured to convey air compressed by the compression system through the compression system, a first path configured to convey ambient air to the compression system, a second path proceeding from the compression system to the compressed air storage volume and configured to convey compressed air to the compressed air storage volume, and a dehumidifying system. The dehumidifying system is coupleable to at least one of the first path that proceeds from the ambient air intake to the compression system, the compression path, and the second path. The dehumidifying system includes a dehumidifying component configured to remove moisture from the ambient air and/or the compressed air.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for capturing CO2 from flue gas emanating from a carbonaceous fuel combusting power plant, which includes a source of oxygen and a combustion chamber for combusting the fuel with oxygen and thereby producing flue gas that includes CO2, water and excess oxygen as its main components. At least a portion of the flue gas is compressed to a pressure higher than about sixty bar, the compressed flue gas is cooled in a primary CO2 separating unit for capturing a first portion of the CO2 by condensing it to produce a liquid CO2 stream and a high pressure vent gas stream that includes oxygen and excess CO2, the liquid CO2 stream is discharged from the power plant, and the high pressure vent gas stream is conducted to a secondary CO2 separating unit for capturing a second portion of the CO2 by adsorbing it to an adsorbing material.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention takes the form of a system that may recirculate a portion of the exhaust of at least one turbomachine where it may be mixed with the inlet air and re-enter the turbomachine without affecting reliability and availability of the unit. An embodiment of the present invention provides an inlet system for an exhaust gas recirculation system. This inlet system may take a variety of forms and may optimize the direction that the portion of the recirculated exhaust stream flows within the inlet system.

Abstract: An air separation unit is integrated with a power generating plant to improve the efficiency of power generation. The methods and systems improve the efficiency of power generation by utilizing liquid nitrogen from the air separation unit as the working fluid in a turbine. The liquid nitrogen is pressurized while in the liquid state. After warming the pressurized nitrogen stream by cooling the air for the air separator unit, the compressed nitrogen is expanded in a turbine to perform work. After expansion, the nitrogen is vented to ambient air. The nitrogen in its pressurized state can be used for energy storage and/or for smoothing out power demand on a power grid.

Abstract: A steam turbine power plant 10 includes a steam turbine facility 20 in which power is generated by driving steam turbines with steam from a boiler 21 generating steam using combustion heat and steam from a heat collecting steam generator 31 generating steam using sunlight, and a carbon dioxide collecting facility 60 in which carbon dioxide contained in combustion gas from the boiler 21 and the like is collected. Further, steam from the heat collecting steam generator 31 is delivered to a solar heat steam turbine 32 and performs expansion work, and thereafter part of the steam is delivered to the carbon dioxide collecting facility 60 via a pipe 51 and heats the absorbing liquid 100 in the recovery tower 80.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid working substance flow, the pressure of said flow being increased and the flow itself being subdivided into a first partial flow and a second partial flow. The first partial flow is partially evaporated with heat from a heat source, and the second partial flow with heat from a working substance flow with a low surface tension. The two partial flows are then combined and produce a gaseous working substance flow with heat from the heat source. The surface tension of said gaseous flow is reduced and the energy thereof converted into a usable form. The working substance flow with a low surface tension is condensed, thus producing the liquid working substance flows. According to the invention, the first partial flow and the liquid working substance flow are essentially at the same temperature. In this way, the heat of the heat source can be better used, thus increasing the efficiency of the cycle.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the embodiment, a steam turbine power plant 10 is provided with a steam turbine system 20 which generates electricity by driving a steam turbine by the steam from a boiler 21 or the like which generates the steam by combustion heat, and a carbon dioxide recovery system 50 which recovers carbon dioxide contained in the combustion gas from the boiler 21 or the like. In the steam turbine system 20, part of the steam having performed the expansion work in a high-pressure turbine 22 is introduced into a back-pressure turbine 27. The steam introduced into the back-pressure turbine 27 performs the expansion work and partly supplied to the carbon dioxide recovery system 50 through a pipe 42 to heat an absorption liquid 90 in a regeneration tower 70.

Abstract: Systems and methods for regasifying liquefied natural gas (LNG) are provided. The LNG is regasified by transferring heat from a steam methane reforming reaction to the LNG. In one embodiment, heat is transferred to the LNG from a synthesis gas produced in a steam methane reforming reaction. In another embodiment, heat is transferred to the LNG from a flue gas provided from a furnace heating a steam methane reforming reactor. By using excess heat from the steam methane reforming process, less energy may be consumed to regasify LNG.

Abstract: A method and a system for converting heat energy contained in fluids as noticeable or latent heat to mechanical energy, wherein a working fluid is evaporated by means of the heat energy, if necessary after transformation to a higher temperature level, by means of one or more series-connected heat pumps and expanded in an expansion device, and wherein the heat energy is at least partially converted to mechanical energy. The expansion occurs in a low-pressure expansion device and the energy contained in the expanded evaporated working fluid is recyclable into the evaporating device in an evaporating unit, which is usable for evaporating additional working fluid.

Abstract: System and method is disclosed to increase the efficient of internal combustion engines using to generate electric power, where the system and method converts a portion of thermal energy produced in the combustion process to a usable form of energy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for generating power. A first liquid comprising brine from a seawater reverse osmosis desalination process is provided on one side of a semipermeable membrane. This liquid has an osmotic pressure greater than seawater. A second liquid having an osmotic pressure less than seawater is provided on a second side of the membrane. A hydraulic pressure is provided to the first liquid that is less than the osmotic pressure difference between the first liquid and the second liquid so that some of the second liquid flows through the membrane and combines with the first liquid at a lesser rate than would occur without the hydraulic pressure thereby increasing the potential energy in the combined first and second liquids. The combined first and second liquids are delivered to a turbine thereby converting the increased potential energy into useful mechanical energy.

Abstract: A gas pressure reducer comprising at least one gas expansion device for allowing the gas to expand and thereby reduce in pressure, and at least one means for raising the temperature of the gas in the vicinity of the gas expansion device and wherein the means for raising the temperature of the gas comprises a liquid or solid fuel heater or a liquid fuelled engine.

Abstract: A method and system for an external combustion engine operable using at least two different fluids to provide pressure volume work to an engine. The engine is started by providing a compressed fluid at a sufficient pressure to move internal components of the engine that in turn rotate a shaft to generate power. At the same time the compressed fluid is provided to the engine, a liquid fluid is provided to a heater to be heated. The liquid fluid is heated to its boiling point and converted to gas form. Additional heat is provided to increase the pressure of this gas fluid. Once the pressure is increased to a sufficient level, the gas fluid is injected into the engine to generate power. The gas is exhausted from the engine, and is cooled and separated back into the two separate fluids. The initial compressed fluid is recompressed for later use.

Abstract: A steam reheat process is provided to enhance a thermal power cycle, and particularly a renewable steam thermal cycle. An oxyfuel combustion gas generator is provided which combusts a hydrogen and/or carbon containing fuel with an oxidizer of primarily oxygen to generate products of combustion including steam and/or carbon dioxide. Water from the thermal cycle is directed to the reheater for mixing with the products of combustion within the reheater to generate a working fluid containing steam. This steam is routed through a turbine or other expander and power is outputted from the system. The water is optionally thereafter condensed and at least partially routed back to the thermal cycle. Any carbon dioxide within the working fluid can be separated in a condenser downstream of the expander for capture of the carbon dioxide, such that increased power output for the thermal power cycle is achieved without atmospheric emissions.

Abstract: A method for converting heat energy to mechanical energy includes expanding an evaporated working fluid with an expansion device connected to an evaporator. The expansion is carried out in a low-pressure expansion device and the energy contained in the expanded evaporated working fluid can be recycled into the evaporator and utilized for evaporating additional working fluid.

Abstract: A system and process are disclosed for converting thermal energy into power from three different compositional streams of a multi-component working fluid, one of the streams being a lean working fluid stream pressurized into its super-critical state before being vaporized in a heat recovery vapor generator, another stream is a rich working fluid steam and the third stream is an intermediate working fluid stream, where the system and process has increased overall efficiency.

Abstract: A feed gas conditioner.

Abstract: A method of converting thermal energy into mechanical work that uses a semi-permeable membrane to convert osmotic pressure into electrical power. A closed cycle pressure-retarded osmosis (PRO) process known as an osmotic heat engine (OHE) uses a concentrated ammonia-carbon dioxide draw solution to create high osmotic pressures which generate water flux through a semi-permeable membrane against a hydraulic pressure gradient. The depressurization of the increased draw solution volume in a turbine produces electrical power. The process is maintained in steady state operation through the separation of the diluted draw solution into a re-concentrated draw solution and deionized water working fluid, both for reuse in the osmotic heat engine.

Abstract: A mixing device for incorporating a light gas at low pressure into a working fluid at a very high pressure includes a mixing section in the form of a truncated conical section between the an inlet and an outlet, a plurality of inlets for the light gas into the mixing section, and a plurality of passages through the truncated conical section into a cylindrical section leading to the outlet.

Abstract: A downhole arrangement including an outer housing, an inner housing disposed within the outer housing and defining with the outer housing a chamber, a turbine disposed within the chamber, and one or more nozzles disposed at the chamber capable of exhausting steam into the chamber. A method for moving a target fluid within a wellbore.

Abstract: A novel, more sophisticated steam turbine design is proposed with reaction stages that have full admission, compounded by counter rotating axial blades, with impulse ignition utilizing sodium injection.

Abstract: Carbonaceous fuel is combusted with an oxidant gas in a furnace of a boiler system to generate power. Oxidant gas is fed into the furnace for combusting the fuel to produce exhaust gas, the exhaust gas is discharged from the furnace via an exhaust gas channel, a stream of feedwater is conveyed from a final economizer arranged in the exhaust gas channel to evaporating and superheating heat exchange surfaces arranged in the furnace and in the exhaust gas channel for converting the feedwater to superheated steam, the superheated steam is converted in a high-pressure steam turbine for generating power, a first portion of steam is extracted from the high-pressure steam turbine for preheating the feedwater, a second portion of steam is conveyed from the high-pressure steam turbine to reheating heat exchange surfaces arranged in the exhaust gas channel for generating reheated steam, and the reheated steam is expanded in an intermediate pressure steam turbine for generating power.

Abstract: A system for power generation includes a boiler configured to receive heat from an external source and a liquid stream and to generate a vapor stream. The liquid stream comprises a mixture of at least two liquids. The system also includes an expander configured to receive the vapor stream and to generate power and an expanded stream. A condenser is configured to receive the expanded stream and to generate the liquid stream. The system further includes a supply system coupled to the boiler or the condenser and configured to control relative concentration of the two liquids in the liquid stream.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermodynamic circuit with a working medium comprising at least two substances with non-isothermal evaporation and condensation whereby the working medium can decompose above a given temperature. According to the invention, the heat from heat sources at temperatures above the decomposition temperature of the working medium may be made useful with little complexity and with high operational security, whereby the heat from the heat source is transferred in a first step to a hot liquid circuit and, in a second step, from the hot liquid circuit to the circuit with the working medium comprising at least two substances with non-isothermal evaporation and condensation. The heat introduced to the circuit with the working medium comprising at least two substances with non-isothermal evaporation and condensation can be reduced by means of the intermediate hot liquid circuit, such that a decomposition of the working medium can be avoided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steam circuit in a power station, comprising at least one evaporator and at least one superheater, characterized in that a condensate collector and return line is provided between the superheater and the steam generator to trap condensate in the superheater and return the condensate to the evaporator

Abstract: A heat transfer system includes a power sub-system configured to receive a heat source stream, and one or more heat exchangers configured to transfer heat from the heat source stream to a working stream. The working stream is ultimately heated to a point where it can be passed through one or more turbines, to generate power, while the heat source stream is cooled to a low temperature tail. A distillation condensation sub-system cools the spent stream to generate an intermediate stream and a working stream. The working stream can be variably heated by the intermediate stream so that it is at a sufficient temperature to make efficient use of the low temperature tail. The working stream is then heated by the low temperature tail, and subsequently passed on for use in the power sub-system.

Abstract: A process for driving a prime mover, said process comprising a) positioning a selective membrane between a liquid and a solution having a higher osmotic potential than the liquid, such that the solution becomes pressurised by the influx of liquid across the membrane, b) using the pressure generated in the solution to drive a prime mover, c) recovering the solution, d) separating at least some of the solvent from the solution to form a residual product, and e) recycling the separated solvent and/or the residual product of step d) to step a).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for generating energy, comprising a first heat exchanger in thermal communication, fluid communication, or a combination of thermal and fluid communication with a first heat source; wherein the first heat exchanger contacts a transfer fluid that comprises a working fluid and an associating composition; and a first energy conversion device comprising a piston in reciprocatory communication with a cylinder; the cylinder comprising an inlet or an outlet valve in operative communication with a cam having multiple lobes; the cam permitting the expansion or compression of the working fluid in the cylinder two or more times in a single cycle.

Abstract: A novel pressure-exchange ejector is disclosed whereby a high energy primary fluid transports and pressurizes a lower energy secondary fluid through direct fluid-fluid momentum exchange. The pressure-exchange ejector utilizes non-steady flow principles and both supersonic flow and subsonic flow embodiments are disclosed. The invention provides an ejector-compressor/pump which can attain substantially higher adiabatic efficiencies than conventional ejectors while retaining much of the simplicity of construction and the low manufacturing cost of a conventional ejector. Embodiments are shown which are appropriate for gas compression applications such as are found in ejector refrigeration, fuel cell pressurization, water desalinization, and power generation topping cycles, and for liquid pumping applications such as marine jet propulsion and slurry pumping.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to increase the efficiency of a gas turbine system. Said aim is achieved by transferring at least one portion of the heat of the waste gases of a gas turbine to a working medium of a thermodynamic circulation process, which comprises at least two substances featuring non-isothermal evaporation and condensation. Said circulation process allows the residual heat of the waste gases to be used for additionally generating electrical or mechanical power, especially at waste gas temperatures ranging from 100 to 200° C. Even previously existing systems can be retrofitted in a simple manner with such a circulation process.

Abstract: A cascade power system and a method are disclosed for using a high temperature flue gas stream to directly or indirectly vaporize a lean and rich stream derived from an incoming, multi-component, working fluid stream, extract energy from these streams, condensing a spent stream and repeating the vaporization, extraction and condensation cycle.

Abstract: A cascade power system and a method are disclosed for using a high temperature flue gas stream to directly or indirectly vaporize a lean and rich stream derived from an incoming, multi-component, working fluid stream, extract energy from these streams, condensing a spent stream and repeating the vaporization, extraction and condensation cycle.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed to increase the efficient of internal combustion engines where the system and method converts a portion of thermal energy produced in the combustion process to a usable form of energy. If the engines are used in power generation, then the system and method increases the power output of the engine significantly. If the engines are used in traditional mechanical operations such as ships, then the system and method operates to increase mechanical power output or to increase co-produced electrical energy output.

Abstract: A refrigeration apparatus (7200) includes a heat pump circuit (7201) and a power generation circuit (7100). The power generation circuit (7100) includes an evaporator (701) including a first and a second heat exchanger (710a, 710b), a turbine (702), a condenser (703) and a pump (704). The first heat exchanger (710a) absorbs heat rejected from the heat pump circuit (7201) into a power generation circuit (7100) while the second heat exchanger (710b) further heats the fluid. The power generation circuit (7100) includes a bypass (707) which allows a portion of working liquid to enter the turbine (702) without passing through the evaporator (701). A heat pump (704) with similar bypass is also disclosed. Also disclosed are dual stage turbine design and a nozzle (10300) for a turbine which includes two fluid paths (1011, 1014) that adapted to receive and mix the liquid and vapour streams of working fluid, so that the liquid working fluid is vaporized by the heat from the vapour working fluid.

Abstract: A method generates mechanical energy by storing water in a fuel-cell and a pressure equalization device. The water stored in the fuel-cell is electrolyzed into hydrogen gas and oxygen gas, which displaces the water stored in the pressure equalization device. The displaced water is fed to a hydraulic device to drive the hydraulic device in a forward direction to produce mechanical energy.

Abstract: A cascade power system and a method are disclosed for using a high temperature flue gas stream to directly or indirectly vaporize a lean and rich stream derived from an incoming, multi-component, working fluid stream, extract energy from these streams, condensing a spent stream and repeating the vaporization, extraction and condensation cycle.

Abstract: A combined cycle system includes, a pre-steam-methane-reformer operating at a temperature of less than about 800 degrees Celsius to reform a mixed fuel stream to generate a first reformate stream, a water-gas-shift reactor to convert carbon monoxide in the first reformate stream to carbon dioxide and form a second reformate stream, a carbon dioxide removal unit for removing carbon dioxide from the second reformate stream and form a carbon dioxide stream and a third reformate stream; wherein less than about 50 percent of the carbon contained in the mixed fuel stream is recovered as carbon dioxide by the removal unit, a gas turbine unit for generating power and an exhaust stream, and a steam generator unit configured to receive the exhaust stream, wherein the heat of the exhaust stream is transferred to a water stream to generate the steam for the mixed fuel stream and for a steam turbine.