Including Superheating, Desuperheating, Or Reheating Patents (Class 60/653)
-
Publication number: 20090145104Abstract: A combined cycle (CC) power plant comprises a gas turbine; a steam turbine; a condenser; a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG), the HRSG comprising an attemperator and a high pressure superheater and attemperator, the high pressure superheater and attemperator disposed at a discharge terminal of the high pressure superheater and attemperator and at a discharge terminal of the HRSG reheater; a generator, and a fuel supply. The steam turbine is connected by multiple conduits to the heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) and the steam turbine exhaust is connected to the condenser wherein support multiple ancillary and reserves to load follow, execute regulation, and meet intermediate power generation service needs in an expedited start process.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2008Publication date: June 11, 2009Inventors: Michael J. Alexander, Mark S. Schroder, Bradley D. Crawley, Gordon R. Smith, Mark J. Steffen, John C. Maters, David A. Snider
-
Publication number: 20090107144Abstract: A method of generating power from a heat source, said method including: compressing (10) a working fluid to increase its temperature; exchanging (11) heat between said working fluid and said heat source to superheat said working fluid; expanding (12) said superheated working fluid to drive a turbine, thereby reducing its temperature; condensing (13) said working fluid to further reduce its temperature: and returning said working fluid to said compressing step (10), the method further including the step (14) of regenerating the heat of said working fluid wherein working fluid passing between said compressing step (10) and said heat exchanging step (11) exchanges heat with working fluid passing between said expanding step (12) and said condensing step (13); wherein said steps are performed in a thermodynamic cycle (S1-S1?-S2-S3-S3?-S4) within a supercritical region (SC) above the saturation dome (A) of said working fluid, and wherein said heat regenerating step (14) is performed under isenthalpic conditions toType: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2007Publication date: April 30, 2009Applicant: NEWCASTLE INNOVATION LIMITEDInventors: Behdad Moghtaderi, Elham Doroodchi
-
Patent number: 7523621Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for heat refinement by utilizing waste heat in a conduct (6) comprising a first cycle (2), an evaporator (4) In which the circulating working fluid is evaporated to gas, a compressor (8) that compress the gas, a condenser (10) that condenses the gas to a condensate and releases heat to a passing heat carrier in the condenser, and an expansion valve (14) that expands the condensate and bring back the working fluid to the evaporator (4). The system further comprises a second cycle (16; 16a-d) is attached to the first cycle (2), a turbine (18), which supplies gas from the evaporator (4), whereby an expansion occurs, whereafter condensate is brought back to the evaporator (4).Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2004Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Assignee: ETA Entrans ABInventor: Ake Johansson
-
Patent number: 7516620Abstract: A boiler system for producing steam from water includes a plurality of serially arranged oxy fuel boilers. Each boiler has an inlet in flow communication with a plurality of tubes. The tubes of each boiler form at least one water wall. Each of the boilers is configured to substantially prevent the introduction of air. Each boiler includes an oxy fuel combustion system including an oxygen supply for supplying oxygen having a purity of greater than 21 percent, a carbon based fuel supply for supplying a carbon based fuel and at least one oxy-fuel burner system for feeding the oxygen and the carbon based fuel into its respective boiler in a near stoichiometric proportion. The oxy fuel system is configured to limit an excess of either the oxygen or the carbon based fuel to a predetermined tolerance. The boiler tubes of each boiler are configured for direct, radiant energy exposure for energy transfer. Each of the boilers is independent of each of the other boilers.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2005Date of Patent: April 14, 2009Assignee: Jupiter Oxygen CorporationInventors: Brian R. Patrick, Tom L. Ochs, Danylo B. Oryschyn, Cathy A. Summers
-
Publication number: 20090077971Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the generation of superheated steam. According to the invention, essentially saturated or wet steam is generated in a main vessel in which superheating is technically not possible or only restrictedly possible and which is superheated in an auxiliary plant whereby the superheater of the auxiliary plant is controlled dependent upon the steam production of the main plant.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 23, 2006Publication date: March 26, 2009Inventor: Reinhard Schu
-
Publication number: 20090056341Abstract: A method of operating a power plant is provided. The method includes channeling saturated steam at a first pressure to a pressure control device, superheating the steam by decreasing the pressure of the saturated steam from the first pressure to a second pressure using the pressure control device, and channeling the superheated steam towards a steam turbine component to facilitate cooling the component.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 29, 2007Publication date: March 5, 2009Inventors: Nestor Hernandez Sanchez, Clifford Edward Samson
-
Patent number: 7493764Abstract: An electric power generation/hydrogen production combination plant comprises a feed water pump, a feed water heater arranged upstream relative to the feed water pump to heat feed water, a reformer for producing formation gas containing hydrogen by processing at least one raw material selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol and dimethylether, using steam, an intermediate loop for circulating a thermal medium in order to supply the heat of steam generated by a steam generator to the reformer, an intermediate heat exchanger for transmitting the heat of the steam by way of the intermediate loop and a heating outlet pipe of intermediate heat exchanger connected to the heating outlet of the intermediate heat exchanger and the feed water heater to heat feed water.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2006Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Katsushi Isokawa, Kazuo Hisajima
-
Patent number: 7487641Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, an integrated micro steam turbine power plant on-a-chip has been provided. The integrated micro steam turbine power plant on-a-chip of the present invention comprises a miniature electric power generation system fabricated using silicon microfabrication technology and lithographic patterning. The present invention converts heat to electricity by implementing a thermodynamic power cycle on a chip. The steam turbine power plant on-a-chip generally comprises a turbine, a pump, an electric generator, an evaporator, and a condenser. The turbine is formed by a rotatable, disk-shaped rotor having a plurality of rotor blades disposed thereon and a plurality of stator blades. The plurality of stator blades are interdigitated with the plurality of rotor blades to form the turbine. The generator is driven by the turbine and converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2004Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New YorkInventors: Luc Frechette, Norbert Muller, Changgu Lee
-
Publication number: 20090025387Abstract: The present invention provides process and plant for power generation comprising: providing a steam generator; first, second and third steam turbines; a reheater; a gas turbine; and at least one heat exchanger; supplying a first stream comprising steam from the steam generator to the first steam turbine to generate power in the first steam turbine; recovering from the first steam turbine a recovered stream comprising steam and supplying at least a part of the recovered stream to the reheater; supplying a second stream comprising steam from the steam generator to a first zone of the heat exchanger and heating the second stream therein by supplying at least one hot exhaust gas from the gas turbine to the first zone of the heat exchanger; supplying the heated second stream to the second steam turbine to generate power therein; supplying a third stream comprising steam from the steam generator to the reheater to heat the recovered stream from the first steam turbine; recovering from the reheater a heated recovereType: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2006Publication date: January 29, 2009Applicant: Parsons Brinckerhoff LimitedInventors: Paul Willson, George Atkinson
-
Patent number: 7475544Abstract: A steam generator system comprising a coal-fired steam generator in fluid communication with a regenerative air preheater. The steam generator being adapted to receive a flow of heated combustion air exiting from the regenerative air preheater and to discharge a flow of hot flue gas to the regenerative air preheater. The regenerative air preheater adapted to receive a flow of cool air in counter flow to the flow of hot flue gas and to provide a heat exchange between the cool air and the hot flue gas to convert the cool air into the heated combustion air exiting to the steam generator. The steam generator system further comprising a first flow of heated air, diverted from the flow of heated combustion air, and routed through a source of pulverized coal to form a mixture comprising heated air and pulverized coal. The mixture being directed, by means of a fan positioned downstream of the source of pulverized coal, to the steam generator for combustion therein.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2005Date of Patent: January 13, 2009Inventor: Wayne S. Counterman
-
Patent number: 7469540Abstract: In some embodiments, three integrated phases may be used to reduce emissions, convert thermal energy into electricity, and cool inlet combustion air. An ammonia injection system may be designed to eliminate extraneous equipment and hazardous re-circulation lines by directly vaporizing, injecting, and mixing ammonia using a specially designed nozzle. The second phase may include using a preheat/vaporizer/superheater exchanger to convert ammonia liquid into a superheated vapor that is then passed through a turbo-expander/generator to produce power. In some embodiments, the third phase may include inlet combustion air chilling.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2005Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Inventors: Brent William Knapton, Craig A. Beam
-
Publication number: 20080302102Abstract: A technique of controlling a boiler system such as that used in a power generation plant includes using manipulated variables associated with or control inputs to a reheater section of the boiler system to control the operation of the furnace, and in particular to control the fuel/air mixture provided to the furnace or the fuel to feedwater ratio used in the furnace or boiler. In the case of a once-through boiler type of boiler system, using the burner tilt position, damper position or reheater spray amount to control the fuel/air mixture or the fuel to feedwater flow ratio of the system provides better unit operational efficiency.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2007Publication date: December 11, 2008Applicant: EMERSON PROCESS MANAGEMENT POWER & WATER SOLUTIONS, INC.Inventors: Xu Cheng, Charles H. Menten, Richard W. Kephart
-
Patent number: 7458217Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2005Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: Kalex, LLCInventor: Alexander I. Kalina
-
Patent number: 7458219Abstract: A steam power plant with retrofit kit has a steam generator (1) with superheater, a steam turbine set including condensation installations (11), connecting pipelines, auxiliary devices and a generator (10). The steam power plant (22) is distinguished by the fact that the retrofit kit includes a retrofit turbine module (25) which is designed for elevated temperature and for unchanged or modified pressure and is connected upstream of the existing steam turbine set or is exchanged for the high-pressure turbine of the latter. Furthermore, a method for retrofitting an existing steam power plant includes the following steps: connecting a retrofit turbine module (25) for high operating temperatures and unchanged or modified operating pressure upstream of the existing turbine set or exchanging the existing high-pressure turbine for the retrofit turbine module (25); providing a steam generator (1) and/or superheater (32) for high live steam temperature.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2002Date of Patent: December 2, 2008Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd.Inventors: Maurus Herzog, Richard Brendon Scarlin, Charles Smadja
-
Patent number: 7426832Abstract: A closed-cycle gas turbine power generator system with a combined cycle system with a neutral gaseous primary motive medium and a secondary phase change medium with a lower pressure sub-system having a counter-rotating compressor module in combination with a counter-rotating gas turbine module, and with a higher pressure sub-system having a counter-rotating compressor module and a counter-rotating gas turbine module wherein the phase change medium in liquid form is injected into the compressor modules during compression of the primary motive medium with the phase change medium changing to a gas to form a compressed gaseous mixture that is heated by the heat source and supplied to the gas turbine module of the higher pressure sub-system for partial expansion and combining with a heated portion of the compressed gaseous mixture from the compressor module for final expansion in the lower pressure gas turbine modules.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2005Date of Patent: September 23, 2008Inventor: Marius A. Paul
-
Patent number: 7398651Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2004Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: Kalex, LLCInventor: Alexander I. Kalina
-
Patent number: 7392656Abstract: A steam turbine plant includes an extraction system and a control system for controlling the steam extraction. The extraction system includes an extraction steam flowmeter and a stop valve. The control system sets a warning flow and an extracted steam stop flow for the extracted steam. When the extracted steam flow reaches the warning flow, a warning is issued and after a lapse of a predetermined time period, the stop valve is opened to restrict the extracted steam flow. When the extracted steam flow reaches the extracted steam stop flow, the stop valve is closed to stop steam extraction. A steam turbine plant can thus exercise extraction control to stably supply extracted steam while avoiding turbine trip, even if not equipped with a high-performance and expensive valve device such as an extraction steam control valve.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2007Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Masanori Onuma, Naoto Koizumi
-
Patent number: 7373904Abstract: A stratified vapor generator (110) comprises a first heating section (H1) and a second heating section (H2). The first and second heating sections (H1, H2) are arranged so that the inlet of the second heating section (H2) is operatively associated with the outlet of the first heating section (H1). A moisture separator (126) having a vapor outlet (164) and a liquid outlet (144) is operatively associated with the outlet (124) of the second heating section (H2). A cooling section (C1) is operatively associated with the liquid outlet (144) of the moisture separator (126) and includes an outlet that is operatively associated with the inlet of the second heating section (H2).Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2001Date of Patent: May 20, 2008Assignee: Midwest Research InstituteInventors: Desikan Bharathan, Vahab Hassani
-
Publication number: 20080104960Abstract: An evaporator including a lower drum, an upper drum, and at least one tube extending between the lower drum and the upper drum. The plurality of tubes have fluid passageways therein extending from the lower drum to the upper drum. A duct is provided having a heating gas passageway provided therein. The at least one tube extends through the heating gas passageway. The fluid passageways define an overall flow path from the lower drum to the upper drum extending in a direction substantially counter-current to an overall flow path defined by the heating gas passageway extending from a gas inlet of the heating gas passageway to a gas outlet thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2006Publication date: May 8, 2008Applicant: H2GEN INNOVATIONS, INC.Inventors: Franklin D. LOMAX, Christopher Van Dyke, Edward T. McCullough
-
Publication number: 20080092551Abstract: A combustion turbine power generation system can be combined with a solar Rankine power generation system such that the integrated system has improved power generation efficiency over two stand-alone systems. This novelty has the solar heat input providing the heat of vaporization as well as a certain amount of superheat such that if the combustion turbine is not available, or is used in a different and more economical mode of operation, the solar Rankine cycle can be operated independently in a cost effective and efficient manner. In addition, to further improve the method of independent cycle operation, regenerative feedwater heating is proposed to be added to the solar Rankine cycle and to simplify the independent operation of the two cycles. The reheat cycle, as proposed by Cohen, is eliminated. Finally, the concept of variable pressure operation is proposed for this novelty to further ease the operation and improve the economics of independent cycle operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2007Publication date: April 24, 2008Inventor: Mark Joseph Skowronski
-
Patent number: 7356993Abstract: The invention provides a method of converting heat energy to a more usable form using a multi-component working fluid mixture that contains ammonia and water. The working fluid is operated in a thermodynamic cycle that includes liquid compression (30), vaporization (33), expansion through a turbine (34) and condensing (36). The multi-component fluid varies in temperature during phase change allowing for the use of counter-flow heat exchangers for the heater (33), cooler (36), recuperator and pre-heater (32). Significant recuperation is possible due to the temperature change during phase change. A pre-heater (32) can be applied to ensure only single-phase vapour exists within the heater. The invention can be used in conjunction with a biomass combustor or with waste flue gas from an existing industrial process. The coolant exits at a temperature sufficient to allow use in external heating applications or to minimize the size of external heat rejection equipment.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2003Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Inventor: Douglas Wilbert Paul Smith
-
Patent number: 7331181Abstract: A heat control system of reheating steam of a power plant, in which method the reheating steam (S3) is superheated in a reheater in a first reheating stage and a second reheating stage. The steam (S6) superheated in the first reheating stage is directed via a heat exchanger (22) to the second reheating stage, and the temperature of the steam decreases in the heat exchanger. In addition, the invention relates to a heat control system and a power plant.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 2006Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: Metso Power OyInventor: Markku Roppo
-
Patent number: 7318316Abstract: A reheat-and-regenerating type thermal power plant (A) using Rankine cycle has a water feed bypass (BW) which supplies high temperature fluid (28) produced in a large incineration plant (27) to a heat exchanger (29) and by which confluent feed water (Wg) resulting from the confluence of separated condensed-water (32), separated low temperature feed water (33), separated medium temperature feed water (34) and separated high temperature feed water (35) is supplied to a superheat conduction pipe (3a) through a heat exchanger conduction pipe (29a). The water feed bypass (BW) is installed separately from a feed water path (W), thus insuring an efficient use of the high temperature fluid (28) produced upon incinerating a huge amount of combustible wastes in the large incineration plant (27).Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2004Date of Patent: January 15, 2008Inventor: Katsushige Yamada
-
Patent number: 7308792Abstract: A steam power plant arrangement with a steam turbine and a steam generator, a condenser and a preheating system is characterized according to the invention in that the steam generator, the condenser and the preheating system are configured as individual functionally and spatially defined function areas, which are arranged in a spatial installation concept in a distributed manner around the steam turbine.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2005Date of Patent: December 18, 2007Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Martin Alf, Reinhard Lötzsch, Bernd Mikuteit, Ernst-Wilhelm Pfitzinger, Jens Rosenkranz, Günter Welser, Thorsten Wolf
-
Patent number: 7305829Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2004Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Recurrent Engineering, LLCInventors: Mark D. Mirolli, Lawrence Rhodes, Yakov Lerner, Richard I. Pelletier
-
Patent number: 7287381Abstract: In various illustrative examples, the system may include heat recovery heat exchangers, one or more turbines or expanders, a desuperheater heat exchanger, a condenser heat exchanger, a separator, an accumulator, and a liquid circulating pump, etc. In one example, a bypass desuperheater control valve may be employed. The system comprises a first heat exchanger adapted to receive a heating stream from a heat source after passing through a second heat exchanger and a second portion of a working fluid, wherein, the second portion of working fluid is converted to a hot liquid via heat transfer. An economizer heat exchanger that is adapted to receive a first portion of the working fluid and the hot discharge vapor from at least one turbine may also be provided. The first and second portions of the working fluid are recombined in a first flow mixer after passing through the economizer heat exchanger and first heat exchanger, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2005Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Assignee: Modular Energy Solutions, Ltd.Inventors: Tom L. Pierson, John David Penton
-
Patent number: 7168233Abstract: A system for controlling steam temperature that includes steam circuit including a reheater circuit, at least one reheater dilution region, at least one reheater dilution conduit, and at least one reheater supply region disposed upstream of the at least one reheater dilution region, wherein the at least one reheater supply region and the at least one reheater dilution region are associated via the reheater circuit and the at least one reheater dilution conduit.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2005Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Raub Warfield Smith, Barrett David Gardiner, S. Can Gulen
-
Patent number: 7147427Abstract: A steam-driven turbine system for a power plant in which a high pressure and a low pressure turbine are coupled to a common shaft to drive an external generator. Process steam supply is used as gland sealing steam for the low pressure turbine and turbine driven steam pumps. The high pressure turbine has glands that are self sealing at higher generator outputs, and thus the turbine utilizes the process steam supply for gland sealing only during startup or at low generator outputs. The excess or “spillover” steam that is produced by the high pressure turbine at higher generator outputs is diverted away from the main condenser and/or low pressure feed heater. The spillover steam, which is normally waterlogged, is first passed through a separator to remove excess moisture. The spillover steam is next passed through a superheater to raise its temperature. The spillover steam is then directed to the low pressure turbine and/or turbine driven steam pumps so that it may be used as gland sealing steam.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2004Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: STP Nuclear Operating CompanyInventor: Michael S. Campbell
-
Patent number: 7124587Abstract: The invention is a system for heating hydrocarbon flows with three heat exchangers, wherein the first heat exchanger transfers heat from compressed heated air to a pressurized heat exchange fluid; wherein the second heat exchanger transfers heat from the pressurized heat exchange fluid to a hydrocarbon flow and increases the hydrocarbon flow temperature between 50% and 900%; wherein the third heat exchanger receives the pressurized heat exchange fluid from the first heat exchanger and cools the fluid using at least one fan located in the third heat exchanger; and the system also has a vessel to accommodate thermal expansion of the pressurized heat exchange fluid and at least one pump for transporting fluid through the system.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2003Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Inventors: Jonathan W. Linney, Michael B. Bibb, Timothy Ray Bauer
-
Patent number: 7121190Abstract: A fluid machine for a gas compression refrigerating system comprises a first and a second working for performing a pump mode operation, in which working fluid of low pressure is sucked into and compressed by the working chambers. The fluid machine further comprises valve mechanism for selectively forming a motor mode passage in combination with a fluid passage change-over device, so that super heated working fluid of high pressure is introduced into at least one of the working chambers to perform a motor mode operation, in which the high pressure working fluid is expanded in the working chamber to obtain mechanical energy. The fluid machine according to the invention, therefore, performs the pump mode operation at one of the working chambers and at the same time the motor mode operation at the other working chamber.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2004Date of Patent: October 17, 2006Assignees: Nippon Soken, Inc., Denso CorporationInventors: Hiroshi Ogawa, Mikio Matsuda, Kazuhide Uchida, Shigeki Iwanami, Keiichi Uno, Hironori Asa
-
Patent number: 7096665Abstract: Cascading Closed Loop Cycle (CCLC) and Super Cascading Closed Loop Cycle (Super-CCLC) systems are described for recovering power in the form of mechanical or electrical energy from the waste heat of a steam turbine system. The waste heat from the boiler and steam condenser is recovered by vaporizing propane or other light hydrocarbon fluids in multiple indirect heat exchangers; expanding the vaporized propane in multiple cascading expansion turbines to generate useful power; and condensing to a liquid using a cooling system. The liquid propane is then pressurized with pumps and returned to the indirect heat exchangers to repeat the vaporization, expansion, liquefaction and pressurization cycle in a closed, hermetic process.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2003Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: WOW Energies, Inc.Inventors: Daniel H. Stinger, Farouk Aslam Mian
-
Patent number: 7062913Abstract: A heat engine (10) achieves operational efficiencies by: 1) recovering waste heat from heat engine expander (14) to preheat heat-engine working fluid, 2) using super-heated working fluid from compressor (402) to pre-heat heat-engine working fluid, and 3) using reject heat from condenser (93) and absorber (95) to heat the heat-engine boiler (12). A dual heat-exchange generator (72) affords continuous operation by using gas-fired heat exchanger (212) to heat generator (72) when intermittent heat source (40), e.g., solar, is incapable of heating generator (72). The combination of heat engine (10) and absorption and compression heat transfer devices (60, 410) allows use of low-temperature heat sources such as solar, bio-mass, and waste heat to provide refrigeration, heating, work output including pumping and heating of subterranean water and electrical generation.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2000Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Assignee: The Ohio State UniversityInventors: Richard N. Christensen, Jiming Cao, E. Thomas Henkel
-
Patent number: 7062915Abstract: High-efficiency combustion engines, including Otto cycle engines, use a steam-diluted fuel charge at elevated pressure. Air is compressed, and water is evaporated into the compressed air via the partial pressure effect using waste heat from the engine. The resultant pressurized air-steam mixture then burned in the engine with fuel, preferably containing hydrogen to maintain flame front propagation. The high-pressure, steam-laden engine exhaust is used to drive an expander to provide additional mechanical power. The exhaust can also be used to reform fuel to provide hydrogen for the engine combustion. The engine advantageously uses the partial pressure effect to convert low-grade waste heat from engine into useful mechanical power. The engine is capable of high efficiencies (e.g. >50%), with minimal emissions.Type: GrantFiled: November 15, 2004Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Inventor: Lawrence G. Clawson
-
Patent number: 7055326Abstract: A cascade power system is disclosed where a single basic working composition (BWC) of a multi-component working fluid stream is fully vaporized in a vaporization subsystem utilizing heat derived from a heat source stream such as a combustion gas stream and energy is extracted from the stream in a multi-stage energy extraction system. The energy extraction subsystem is designed to produce a fully spent BWC stream and a partially spent BWC stream. The fully spend BWC stream is then divided into a fully condensed lean stream and a fully condensed rich stream in a Condensation-Thermal Compression Subsystem. The partially spent stream and stream derived therefrom are used to form a second lean stream and a second rich stream and to heat the fully condensed lean stream and a combined rich stream prior to vaporization.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2005Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignee: Kalex, LLCInventor: Alexander I. Kalina
-
Patent number: 7047744Abstract: A dynamic heat sink engine including a storage vessel having a working fluid outlet and a working fluid inlet. The lower portion of the storage vessel contains a cryogenic working fluid, such as liquid hydrogen, at a temperature at near its boiling point. The engine further includes a working fluid circuit extending between the working fluid outlet and the working fluid inlet of the storage vessel. The working fluid circuit includes the serial connection of the following components from the working fluid outlet to the working fluid inlet: a fluid pump; a vaporizer having a liquid line passing therethrough; a heater; an expansion engine having a rotary output shaft; an electrical generator connected to the rotary output shaft of the expansion engine; a vapor line passing through the vaporizer, the vaporizer including a heat exchanger providing thermal communication between the liquid line and the vapor line.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2004Date of Patent: May 23, 2006Inventors: Stuart J. Robertson, Nils E. Tellier
-
Patent number: 7043919Abstract: New more efficient condensation and thermal compression subsystems for power plants utilizing multi-component fluids are disclosed that simplify the equipment needed to improve the overall efficiency and efficiency of the condensation and thermal compress subsystem.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2004Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Kalex, LLCInventor: Alexander I. Kalina
-
Method and apparatus for controlling the final feedwater temperature of a regenerative rankine cycle
Patent number: 7040095Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling the final feedwater temperature associated with a regenerative Rankine cycle, said cycle commonly used in thermal systems such as conventional power plants. This invention involves the placement of a new heat exchanger, termed an Exergetic Heater, in the feedwater path downstream from the highest pressure feedwater heater to assure that the feedwater is properly heated to its final temperature before entering the steam generator. The heating of the feedwater is accomplished by routing steam from the Intermediate Pressure turbine, which normally is routed to the second highest pressure heater. Control of the final feedwater temperature is achieved through a control valve whose actuation adjusts the amount of steam flow being routed from the Intermediate Pressure turbine to the Exergetic Heater.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2005Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Inventor: Fred D. Lang -
Patent number: 7036315Abstract: In a waste heat recovery system having a superheat controller, a reference superheat controller operating trajectory is established and compared with operational superheat controller trajectories from time to time and measuring the deviation therebetween to determine whether a low charge condition exists. If such a condition does exist, warning steps and possibly shut down steps can be taken. As a verification of a low charge condition, the absence or presence of oscillations in the pressure and/or pump power conditions can be observed.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2003Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Pengju Kang, Frederick James Cogswell
-
Patent number: 7032384Abstract: Steam turbine plant includes a steam generator, a plurality of low pressure turbines being driven by steam from the steam generator, a plurality of steam condensers to condense the steam from the low pressure turbines into condensed water and a feedwater line which supplies the condensed water to the steam generator as feedwater. The feedwater line including a plurality of feedwater heating lines connected in parallel. A number of feedwater heating lines being less than a number of steam condensers. Each of the feedwater heating lines includes at least one low pressure feedwater heater provided in at least one of the steam condensers to heat the condensed water by steam bled from the low pressure turbines.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2004Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Kenji Kumagai, Yukihiko Sawa, Koichi Watanabe
-
Patent number: 7021059Abstract: A heat exchange system is provided in which low temperature water from a supply pump (15) is split and supplied to an auxiliary evaporator (17) provided so as to cover an exhaust port (16) extending from a combustion chamber of an internal combustion chamber (E) and to a main evaporator (11) provided downstream of the exhaust port (16). The direction of water flowing through the auxiliary evaporator (17) is parallel to the direction of flow of exhaust gas, and as a result an upstream section of the exhaust port (16), which has a high temperature, can be cooled effectively with low temperature water, and the escape of heat from the upstream section of the exhaust port (16) can be suppressed.Type: GrantFiled: November 1, 2002Date of Patent: April 4, 2006Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masashi Shinohara, Tsuneo Endoh, Atsushi Baba
-
Patent number: 7007474Abstract: A method of recovering energy from a cool compressed gas, compressed liquid, vapor, or supercritical fluid is disclosed which includes incrementally expanding the compressed gas, compressed liquid, vapor, or supercritical fluid through a plurality of expansion engines and heating the gas, vapor, compressed liquid, or supercritical fluid entering at least one of the expansion engines with a low quality heat source. Expansion engines such as turbines and multiple expansions with heating are disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2002Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Thomas L. Ochs, William K. O'Connor
-
Patent number: 7000394Abstract: A Rankine cycle system is provided in which, with regard to a given relationship between the pressure (Pevp) and the temperature (Tevp) of a vapor that is taken into an expander (4) that includes a cylinder chamber in a first stage and a vane chamber in a second stage, the chambers being disposed in line, the expansion ratio of the vapor that the expander (4) takes in and discharges is set at a predetermined expansion ratio (?) according to the given relationship so that the pressure (Pexp2) and the temperature (Texp2) of the vapor that is discharged from the expander (4) coincide with target values, thereby making the expander (4) and the condenser (5) exhibit maximum performance. Since the vapor within the cylinder chamber in the first stage is in a superheated vapor region and contains no water, the phenomenon of water hammer will not be caused in the cylinder chamber.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2001Date of Patent: February 21, 2006Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Naoki Ohta, Naoki Itoh, Tsuneo Endoh, Tsutomu Takahashi, Kensuke Honma
-
Patent number: 6993911Abstract: The invention relates to a system for power generation in a process for producing hydrocarbons by catalytic conversion of synthesis gas, involving: i. an oxidation unit for producing synthesis gas and oxidation unit steam by partial oxidation of a hydro-carbonaceous feed and oxygen containing gas; ii. a conversion unit for producing said hydrocarbons and conversion unit steam by catalytical conversion of said synthesis gas; and iii. means for super heating conversion unit steam and a unit for power generation using the super heated steam.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2002Date of Patent: February 7, 2006Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Joannes Ignatius Geijsel, Martijn De Heer, Koen Willem De Leeuw, Jan Volkert Zander
-
Patent number: 6964168Abstract: Disclosed herein are various systems and methods for producing mechanical power from a heat source. In various illustrative examples, the system may include a heat recovery heat exchanger, a turbine, an economizer heat exchanger, a condenser heat exchanger, and a liquid circulating pump, etc. In other embodiments, a desuperheater may be employed.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2003Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Assignee: TAS Ltd.Inventors: Tom L. Pierson, John David Penton
-
Patent number: 6964167Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a steam power installation, whereby steam produced in a boiler is condensed in a condenser after passing through at least one turbine, and the condensate obtained is preheated and redirected back to the boiler as boiler feed-water. In order to preheat the condensate, said condensate is split into a first partial current and a second partial current. Only the first partial current is preheated and the second partial current is then mixed with the preheated first partial current. The power of the turbine can thus be increased as required, up to the boiler reserve of the steam power installation.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2003Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventors: Tilman Abel, Dieter Blanck, Georg Haberberger, Imke Riebeck
-
Patent number: 6962054Abstract: The invention is a method for operating a heat exchanger in a power plant by pumping a heat exchange fluid around a set of tubes in the first heat exchanger; increasing the heat exchange fluid temperature and cooling the compressed heated air; splitting heated fluid flow into a second and third heat exchanger and a vessel; injecting a hydrocarbon flow into the set of tubes in the second heat exchanger; flowing the heated fluid into the second heat exchanger transferring heat from the heated heat exchange fluid to the hydrocarbon flow whose temperature increases between 90% and 500%; flowing the cooled heat exchange fluid to the vessel; flowing the heated fluid from the first heat exchanger to a third heat exchanger and cooling the excess heated heat exchange fluid; and using the vessel to accommodate thermal expansion of the fluid.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2003Date of Patent: November 8, 2005Inventors: Jonathan W. Linney, Michael B. Bibb, Timothy Ray Bauer
-
Patent number: 6955051Abstract: Steam generation apparatus and methods are presented that are dedicated to oxygen-enriched air combustion of a fuel, wherein the oxygen concentration of the oxygen-enriched air may range from just above 21 percent to 100 percent. One apparatus comprises an oxygen-enriched air preheater through which oxygen-enriched air flows and exchanges heat indirectly with flue gas, creating a preheated oxygen-enriched air stream. The apparatus further comprises a boiler having a radiant section and a convection section, and other heat transfer units adapted to handle reduced flue gas flow rate and higher temperature flue gases than comparable air/fuel combustion boilers, thus allowing a smaller heat transfer surface area, a more compact design and a higher efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2003Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Assignee: American Air Liquide, Inc.Inventors: Ovidiu Marin, Olivier Charon, Erwin Penfornis
-
Patent number: 6951106Abstract: The present invention concerns an integration construction between a steam boiler provided with a combustion chamber and a steam turbine. The steam is conducted from the steam boiler (10) along a connector to the steam turbine (11) for rotating an electric generator (K) producing electricity. The supply water circulated via the steam boiler (10) is vaporized in a vaporizer (190) located in the steam boiler (10) and superheated in a superheater (120). The supply water is conducted into the boiler through an economizer (20) acting as a heat exchanger, where heat is transferred from the flue gases of the boiler into the supply water. The economizer (20) is provided with at least two sections, comprising at least one first economizer section (20a1) and at least one second economizer section (20a2).Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2001Date of Patent: October 4, 2005Assignee: Fortum OyjInventor: Markku Raiko
-
Patent number: 6948315Abstract: This invention, a waste heat recycling thermal power plant (1000), extracts heat from the environment, and concentrates this heat to produce a cfc super-ambient temperature heat source (1330) having an elevated temperature sufficient to supply a useable heat flow to an incorporated heat engine (e.g., Rankine cycle, Stirling cycle, Seebeck cycle, etc.) flow circuit (1400). Further, waste heat recycling thermal power plant (1000) produces an sfc sub-ambient temperature heat sink (1250), thus increasing the applied temperature differential, thereby permitting the thermal efficiency of ihefc pressure expansion device (1460) to be increased as well. Lastly, waste heat recycling thermal power plant (1000) captures for reuse, much of the waste heat that its own operation liberates, thus lowering its net energy utilization per unit of mechanical power produced (a.k.a., heat rate, Btu/kwhr).Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2004Date of Patent: September 27, 2005Inventors: Timothy Michael Kirby, Wanda Marie Kirby
-
Patent number: 6938423Abstract: A method for conversion of heat in hot flue gases, vaporisation heat in the flue gases being released and converted into an energy carrier which converts from the liquid phase to gas phase.Type: GrantFiled: December 25, 2001Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: Addpower ABInventor: Lennart Strand