Abstract: Method and apparatus to limit and control rotational loss heating such as occurs in a large steam turbine in the bypass mode of operation under no-load and low-load operating conditions. According to the invention, a portion of the high pressure bypass steam is admitted to the lower pressure sections of the turbine to provide motive fluid for driving the turbine while, simultaneously, a second portion of the high-pressure bypass steam is admitted to the high-pressure section of the turbine in a reverse-flow direction to pass backwards therethrough and limit the rotational loss heating. The two flows may be proportioned to control rotational loss heating in both the high-pressure and lower pressure sections of the turbine. A reverse-flow valve and a ventilator valve are provided for routing the reverse-flow of steam.

Abstract: To cover peak loads an auxiliary circuit having a water store which can be charged from the main circuit is connected to the main circuit of a thermal power station. The stored energy carrier is expanded by throttling, whereupon the vaporous part performs work in a peak-load turbine or in part of the main turbine, which is designed for this purpose, while the unvaporized part is returned to the main circuit in such a way that the low-pressure bleed points of the main turbine are relieved and the output of the main turbine is thus increased. The water store is preferably fed with condensate from the reheater.

Abstract: A power plant includes a primary and a secondary power cycle, with the secondary power cycle including a thermal reservoir adapted for the absorption of heat rejected from the primary power cycle during the simultaneous generation of power from the secondary power cycle. Heat is withdrawn from the thermal reservoir during periods of reduced power demand, allowing latitude in the scheduling of heat rejection from the power plant.

Abstract: Anhydrous sodium sulfate has been shown to have higher thermal content than any other low cost solid material because of its high density, high specific heat, and additional reversible latent heat of solid-to-solid crystal phase change at around 465.degree. F. By compressing anhydrous sodium sulfate into pellets and then forming a bed of these pellets and passing a heated fluid through the bed a relatively great quantity of heat energy may be economically stored in a relatively small volume. Moreover, a rapid rate of heat transfer into or out of the pebble bed can be achieved, up to 400,000 Btu per hour per cubic foot. The same heat transfer fluid may be used to withdraw the heat from the bed for use in space heating or other purposes. The fluid may be air, other inert gases, or a non-acqueous heat transfer liquid which does not react with sodium sulfate, such as a modified terphenyl or a high temperature oil.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting high pressure, high temperature elastic fuild (such as steam) to elastic fluid having a desired relatively low pressure and low temperature. Relatively high pressure, high temperature steam supplied from any point (preferably from a steam drum or equivalent location) in a steam cycle is initially throttled from a high temperature and pressure to a relatively intermediate temperature and pressure. Such intermediate temperature and pressure steam is routed through the tube side of a heat exchanger and subsequently throttled to a relatively low temperature and pressure. The resulting low temperature and pressure steam is then separated into its liquid and vapor phase components wherein the vapor phase is transmitted through the shell side of the heat exchanger and absorbs heat from the intermediate pressure, and temperature steam. The relatively low pressure, low temperature steam exiting the heat exchanger has the desired thermodynamic state.

Abstract: Electric power is provided during periods of peak demand, employing a turbine generator facility activated by the expansion of compressed air, withdrawn from an underground air storage reservoir, in a substantially isothermal system. A generator system, which may comprise a steam boiler or a fuel gasifier, is employed for isothermal compression of air into reservoir storage during periods of low power demand.

Abstract: Energy is stored in slack demand periods by charging a plurality of underground reservoirs with air to the same peak storage pressure, during peak demand periods throttling the air from one storage reservoir into a gas turbine system at a constant inlet pressure until the air pressure in the reservoir falls to said constant inlet pressure, thereupon permitting air in a second reservoir to flow into said gas turbine system while drawing air from the first reservoir through a variable geometry air ejector and adjusting said variable geometry air ejector, said air flow being essentially at the constant inlet pressure of the gas turbine system.

Abstract: A steam engine wherein the inlet and relief valves are subjected to balanced stresses and the pressure of steam is maintained above the critical point. The engine can be braked electrically, mechanically and with steam; the braking with steam takes place subsequent to the application of electrical and mechanical brakes. The engine is equipped with arrangements for venting the steam path prior to starting, for replenishing the supply of fluid in order to compensate for leakage through the valves and/or from the engine cylinders, and with a control system which partly opens the relief valves and closes the inlet valves in response to actuation of the steam brake.

Abstract: A primary working gas is heated in a high-temperature nuclear reactor and ives at least one primary turbine set to operate an electrical generator to generate electric power. Heat is abstracted from the primary gas by recuperative heat exchange and the primary gas is compressed and heated by the recuperative heat exchange and introduced into the nuclear reactor for further heating therein. Upon the development of an increased electrical power demand, a secondary gas is heated by the recuperative heat exchange and drives an auxiliary turbine set and electric power generator to supply this peak demand.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for storage of energy produced at a conventional power station and release of said energy when subsequently required. The method comprises using the energy to refrigerate and liquefy atmospheric nitrogen and oxygen, storing the liquid gases at substantially below atmospheric temperature and subsequently using cold liquid gas, in combination with a source of heat at or above atmospheric temperature, to drive a closed cycle heat engine and yield mechanical energy. Auxiliary open and closed cycle heat engines are added to yield further mechanical energy and so utilize the full energy potential of the cold liquid gases.

Abstract: The variable speed condensing steam turbine is a simplified and effective steam expander which is built mainly of simple, low-cost sheet metal parts and is designed to provide a variable speed/torque output range.The turbine concept is based on the past Tesla turbine principle of equally spaced rotor discs to provide a long helical path for steam expansion with high operating efficiency and minimum friction. Unlike the cylindrical Tesla turbine this unit is in conical form with uniformly varying diameter discs used to provide a variable speed/torque power output range.A further purpose of having a uniform conical housing and uniformly increasing diameter discs is to achieve maximum steam expansion which will lead to rapid steam condensation, or a precondensation condition for the expended steam passing through the conical turbine.

Abstract: A split cycle engine apparatus and method, the apparatus including a combustion engine, a novel compressor apparatus driven by the combustion engine, a closed-cycle refrigeration system in cooperation with the compressor apparatus, and a pneumatic motor driven by compressed air from the compressor apparatus. Refrigerant in the compressor absorbs thermal energy from compressed air and assists in compressing the air. High pressure air from the compressor is stored in a storage tank and may be used to drive the pneumatic motor or other auxiliary equipment in addition to providing high pressure combustion air for the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A method for storing electric power and later utilizing the stored power is described which includes the steps of converting the electric power to chemical energy of molecular hydrogen, reacting the hydrogen with a source of carbon to produce a hydrocarbon compound such as methane or methanol, storing the hydrocarbon compound, and then supplying the hydrocarbon compound as fuel to a generator which operates to generate electric power. In one embodiment of the invention the hydrocarbon fuel is used to heat stored compressed air which is in turn used to drive a turbogenerator.

Abstract: A reciprocating hot gas engine adapted to provide a self-starting, controlled expansion, and a long time working fluid heating inside heaters placed in a combustion chamber separated from the engine compression and expansion cylinders of the engine.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for producing electrical power during peak power demand periods and for, in effect, storing electrical power or energy during low power demand periods. Two or more cavities are provided in an underground salt dome or other thick salt deposit, with a first one of the cavities being located above the level of the second. Oil or other liquid in which salt is substantially insoluble, such as saturated brine, is placed in at least one of the cavities for use as a working liquid to produce electrical power. The power is produced by delivering the liquid from the first cavity to a pump/turbine unit located at a level below the first cavity to thereby drive the unit so that it produces electrical power. Such power would be produced, for example, during peak load demand periods when the need for power was greatest. Liquid discharged from the pump/turbine unit is delivered to the second cavity for temporary storage.

Abstract: In a thermal power station installation the waste heat of the last stage is utilized by storing the cooling water which receives this waste heat, and heating it further during the periods during which the installation is not on full load, whereafter it is supplied to the grid of a remote area heating system.

Abstract: An overspeed protection controller (OPC) which is incorporated as part of a turbine speed/load control system for the purposes of controlling the monitored speed of a steam turbine at a first predetermined speed valve subsequent to an OPC activation is disclosed. The governor and interceptor valves of the steam turbine are positioned controlled by a set of electrohydraulically operated valve position servo systems. The OPC provides for rapid hydraulic closure of each valve when activated by either a detection of an interruption of generated electrical power flow to a power system load when the generated electrical power is greater than a predetermined value or the detection of the monitored turbine speed being greater than a second predetermined speed value. The rapid closure of the valves results in an interruption of steam flow to the high and lower pressure turbine sections of the turbine system which causes steam energy to be trapped in the reheater which is disposed between the turbine sections.

Abstract: An arrangement for storing energy to cover peak-load conditions and serve as a stop-gap reserve in steam power plants. A live steam generator is connected to a steam turbine, and a storage vessel is provided with a steam cushion volume and a water content volume. The water content of the storage vessel is connected, on the one hand, to a single-or multi-stage secondary steam generator which is connected, in turn, on the steam side to the turbine by a working steam line. A hot-water return line connects the secondary steam generator on the water side to the feed water line and/or a compensation vessel connected to the feed water line. The steam cushion volume of the storage vessel is connected, on the other hand, by a steam line, to a point of the main steam cycle of the plant which is upstream of the entry point of the working steam line. In particular, the steam cushion is connected to the live steam line. The secondary steam generator may be in the form of one or several flash tanks or heat exchangers.

Abstract: An electrical generating power plant includes a Compressed Air Energy Storage System (CAES) fueled with low BTU coal gas generated in a continuously operating high pressure coal gasifier system. This system is used in coordination with a continuously operating main power generating plant to store excess power generated during off-peak hours from the power generating plant, and to return the stored energy as peak power to the power generating plant when needed. The excess coal gas which is produced by the coal gasifier during off-peak hours is stored in a coal gas reservoir. During peak hours the stored coal gas is combined with the output of the coal gasifier to fuel the gas turbines and ultimately supply electrical power to the base power plant.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for providing a single-cycle boiling moderator-coolant nuclear reactor which accommodates changes in demand with a turbine generator on direct governor control. Current single-cycle boiling moderator-coolant nuclear reactors employ turbine generators that are slaved to the reactor. This arrangement is dictated because of inherent response limitations of the single-cycle boiling moderator-coolant nuclear reactor. The system of the present invention diverts steam from steam consuming normal auxiliary plant equipment to maintain reactor pressure when a rapid increase in turbine power demand is made such as during a daily load following or a frequency regulation change in demand. This allows the turbine generator to be placed on direct governor control. Rapid positive or negative demands accepted by the turbine cause a decrease or an increase in the pressure of the reactor.

Abstract: A compressed air power plant is disclosed wherein compressed air may be stored underground and later utilized as required. The storage facilities include a heat storage covern which contains an external water barrier and a heat insulating lining. Compressed air flows from the power plant in series through the heat storage cavern and then to an air storage cavern.

Abstract: An arrangement for controlling the power output of a closed cycle type of thermodynamic system including shaft-coupled compressor and gas turbine components driving a load such as an electrical generator in which the gaseous working medium flows in a closed circulation system that includes a device for imparting heat to the gas and a storage tank for the gas connected in parallel with a section of the gas circulation system. In order to vary the power output, gas from the circulation system in a cold or hot state, respectively, is flowed through the tank for heat exchange with the gas in the tank such that as a result of the corresponding change produced in the density of the gas within the tank, gas is selectively withdrawn from or delivered into the circulation system.

Abstract: An arrangement for the storage of energy in power plants in which an excess of water during low-load operation is heated in feed water preheaters, and is stored as hot water in a hot storage vessel. During peak-load operation, the hot water from the storage vessel is fed into a feed water line, bypassing the feed water preheaters. Alternately with the hot water, colder water is taken from or stored in the lower portion of the hot storage tank. Before being fed into the hot storage tank, the colder water is thermally degassed with bleeder steam at a pressure slightly above atmospheric pressure, preferably between 1.01 and 1.5 atmospheres (abs). The feed water tank connected to the degasser is used for volume compensation while storing the hot water in the hot water storage tank. The storage tank may be in the form of three units of substantially identical volume. The hot storage tank and the feed water tank used as warm-water storage, are alternately filled and emptied.

Abstract: An arrangement for the storage of energy in power plants to cover peak-load conditions. Hot water is heated in the feed water preheaters and is stored in a hot water storage tank. The tank is filled and emptied alternately, with a tank receiving cold water. The stored hot water is kept at feed water temperature, so that the temperature is uniform throughout the storage tank level. During peak load, the hot water is fed directly into the feed water line behind the high-pressure water preheaters. A steam cushion is maintained above the water surface in the hot-water storage tank to provide pressure and volume balance. The hot-water line leading to the hot-water storage tank, discharges into the feed water line behind the pressure feed water preheaters. A high-pressure feed pump is located behind this junction, and the hot-water storage tank is located underground in a cavern. The steam cushion and the hot-water storage tank may be connected to one of the bleeder lines of the turbine.

Abstract: A regulation system for a steam turbine installation comprising a steam generator and a multi-stage turbine installation incorporating a high-pressure stage. The regulation system comprises a regulation valve arranged between the steam generator and the high-pressure stage of the turbine installation and a by-pass valve connected in parallel with said high-pressure stage, as well as control devices with associated control circuits for said valves. The control device for the by-pass valve is influenced by the signal from the control circuit of the regulation valve such that when the opening of the regulation valve exceeds a predetermined magnitude the control device for the by-pass valve opens such by-pass valve to a predetermined magnitude. Further, the control circuit of the by-pass valve is connected in parallel with a differentiation element which influences the degree of opening of the by-pass valve as a function of variations in the signal received from the control circuit of the regulation valve.

Abstract: An improved process for storing the off-peak electrical output of an electricity generating plant in the form of heat by using said off-peak electrical output to raise the temperature level of a quantity of stored low vapor pressure thermal energy retention material and recalling said stored heat during periods of peak power demand in the form of electrical power, or industrial process heat wherein the excess electrical power, running a compressor (i.e. heat pump), compresses low grade heat containing vapor thereby raising the temperature and said compressed high heat is transferred to a LVP thermal energy retention material, the improvement comprising using as a source of low grade heat the waste heat generated by industrial and/or municipal installation such as refineries, steel mills, incinerators, etc.

Abstract: A thermal power plant of the type in which excess energy produced by the plant during off-peak load periods is used to produce compressed air which is then accumulated in a storage tank. The compressed air is withdrawn from storage during peak load periods and delivered to a hot air turbine for generation of additional energy. A heat exchanger is incorporated in he compressed air line leading from the storage tank to the hot air turbine and steam is supplied to the heat exchanger for heating the compressed air prior to delivery to the hot air turbine. Heating steam can be produced by electrically heating water in a storage tank or it can be constituted by bleeder steam taken from an auxiliary steam turbine facility, or it can be taken from a steam storage tank.

Abstract: An improvement in the process for the generation of electrical power in which heat released by exhaust gases derived from the combustion of gaseous products in a coal gasification process is stored and utilized to generated increased electrical power during peak demand periods.

Abstract: A method is described for storing the offpeak electrical output of an electricity generating plant in the form of heat by using it to raise the temperature level of a quantity of stored heat retention material and recalling said stored heat during periods of peak power demand in the form of electrical power. During low power demand periods hot water is drawn from a hot water storage means and cooled by flashing it at successively lower pressures. The cold condensate is sent to a cold water storage means while the various flash vapors are fed to appropriate stages of a steam compressor driven by excess power drawn from the electricity generating station. The steam which has been compressed by means of the excess electrical power is directed to heat exchanger means where it is used to heat a low vapor pressure (LVP) thermal energy retention material flowing from cold to hot storage means through the heat exchanger means.

Abstract: In an electric generator capable of producing surplus electrical energy at certain periods, that improvement which comprises utilizing the surplus electrical energy to directly heat an electricity conducting heat storing magma, the magma having passages therethrough for the selective reception of water producing steam during high demand or low energy producing periods to increase the total production of electrical energy.

Abstract: A steam power plant includes a boiler unit heated by gas supplied from a pipeline for converting water into steam; the gas may be stored as reserve liquefied gas. A turbine is powered by the steam generated by the boiler unit, and the steam gives up energy to power the turbine; a condenser receives energy-depleted steam from the turbine and includes a cooling circuit with water circulation, and a storage facility for the reserve liquefied gas. A heat exchanger is used for regasifying the liquefied gas and at least a portion of the cooling circuit is in heat-exchange contact with the liquefied gas, so that the liquefied gas is regasified by way of step regasification and supplied to the boiler unit upon a deficiency of gas occurring in the pipeline.

Abstract: A steam turbine power plant having associated therewith a closed loop flow arrangement for extracting heat from the power plant and supplying the extracted heat to an external heat load. Included within the flow arrangement is a predetermined number of heater elements, each of which extracts steam having a predetermined heating capacity associated therewith from a predetermined number of separate locations within the power plant. The heat so extracted is transferred to a heat transfer medium flowing at a predetermined flow rate within the closed loop arrangement. The extracted heat is exchanged to the heat load within a heat exchanger element connected within the flow arrangement. The amount of heat extracted from the power plant is functionally related to, and automatically limited by, the flow rate of the heat transfer medium within the closed loop arrangement. The flow rate of the heat transfer medium is itself functionally related to the flow rate of the motive fluid for the power plant.

Abstract: A power plant including dual steam turbine-generators connected to pass superheat and reheat steam from a steam generator which derives heat from the coolant gas of a high temperature gas-cooled nuclear reactor. Associated with each turbine is a bypass line to conduct superheat steam in parallel with a high pressure turbine portion, and a bypass line to conduct superheat steam in parallel with a lower pressure turbine portion. Auxiliary steam turbines pass a portion of the steam flow to the reheater of the steam generator and drive gas blowers which circulate the coolant gas through the reactor and the steam source. Apparatus and method are disclosed for loading or unloading a turbine-generator while the other produces a steady power output. During such loading or unloading, the steam flows through the turbine portions are coordinated with the steam flows through the bypass lines for protection of the steam generator, and the pressure of reheated steam is regulated for improved performance of the gas blowers.

Abstract: A closed cycle gas turbine system is described employing a precooler for cooling the gas prior to compression. A closed loop coolant circuit for the precooler employs a heat exchanger. A storage tank is provided for storing a supply of coolant at a temperature substantially lower than the temperature of coolant in the coolant circuit at the discharge side of the heat exchanger. Means selectively circulate the coolant in the storage tank through the precooler to provide a power increase, when needed, in the gas turbine system.

Abstract: As a improved way of effecting fast valving of turbines of power system steam-electric generating units for the purpose of improving the stability of power transmission over transmission circuits to which their generators make connection, when stability is threatened by line faults and certain other stability endangering events, the heretofore employed and/or advocated practice of automatically closing intercept valves at fastest available closing speed in response to a fast valving signal, and thereafter automatically fully reopening them in a matter of seconds, is modified by providing to reopen the valves only partially to and thereafter retain them at a preset partially open position.For best results the process of what can be termed sustained partial reopening is so effected as to result in its completion within a fraction of a second following the peak of the first forward swing of the generator rotor.

Abstract: A method of producing, storing, modulating and distributing energy, consisting in: storing in tanks of large capacities hot water excesses produced at least during some working periods by thermal and nuclear electric power generating plants and using these hot water excesses according to the needs with the assistance of a hot water injection, recovery equipment, pipe-lines and facility means.

Abstract: The output of at least the lowest-pressure turbo-compressor is connected via the intermediate cooler of the compressor group to the input of the turbo-compressor and a throttling means is placed in the conduit between the compressor output and cooler. The looping of the output to the input is effected to diminish the starting and idling power of the compressor group. Charging of the compressed air storage chamber is prevented by a check valve until the pressure of the pressure chamber is exceeded in the compressor group.

Abstract: A body of water is confined in a closed vessel and heated to above 100.degree.C. This water is then drawn in a liquid state from this vessel and passed through a first expander where it is separated into steam and condensate. The steam from this first expander is used to drive the first stage of a load and the condensate is passed to another expander where it is again transformed into steam and condensate, the steam being used to drive the second stage of the load. Several such expanders are provided and the condensate from the last expander is fed to a low-pressure storage vessel. The high-pressure vessel is filled almost to the top with water during periods of low power consumption and the water is drawn off during peak-power periods. Superheaters may be provided in the outlet conduits of the expanders and the water at above 100.degree.C may be fed directly into the lower-pressure expanders to maintain their operating efficiency.

Abstract: Fossil fuels such as coal or oil are gasified by treatment under superatmospheric pressures with oxygen containing gasifying agents to produce a primary gas containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The primary gas is desulfurized and converted in increasing portion into methanol which is stored as the load on the power plant increases. An increasing proportion of the stored methanol is used in addition to desulfurized primary gas in the power plant as the load on the power plant increases.

Abstract: As a improved way of effecting fast valving of turbines of power system steam-electric generating units for the purpose of improving the stability of power transmission over transmission circuits to which their generators make connection, when stability is threatened by line faults and certain other stability endangering events, the heretofore employed and/or advocated practice of automatically closing intercept valves at fastest available closing speed in response to a fast valving signal, and thereafter automatically fully reopening them in a matter of seconds, is modified by providing to reopen the valves only partially to and thereafter retain them at a preset partially open position.For best results the process of what can be termed sustained partial reopening is so effected as to result in its completion within a fraction of a second following the peak of the first forward swing of the generator rotor.