Abstract: A novel 3-Input-3-Output (3×3) Fuel-Air Ratio Model-Free Adaptive (MFA) controller is introduced, which can effectively control key process variables including Bed Temperature, Excess O2, and Furnace Negative Pressure of combustion processes of advanced boilers. A novel 7-input-7-output (7×7) MFA control system is also described for controlling a combined 3-Input-3-Output (3×3) process of Boiler-Turbine-Generator (BTG) units and a 5×5 CFB combustion process of advanced boilers. Those boilers include Circulating Fluidized-Bed (CFB) Boilers and Once-Through Supercritical Circulating Fluidized-Bed (OTSC CFB) Boilers.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for a two-part system with a gas generator and a driven engine system. In the two-part system, the first part of the system is the gas generator which produces power to operate and drive an engine. The driven engine is considered the second part of this two-part system. This method includes operating a gas generator combustion chamber that receives fuel, oxidizer, and water; an igniter coupled to the combustion chamber; and a computer controller that includes-sensors to sense pressure and temperature in the combustion chamber, wherein the computer controller controls the amount of fuel, oxidizer, and water in the chamber, and actuates the igniter. The combustion of the fuel and oxidizer combined with the steam that is produced are used to drive an engine. The system may also use an auxiliary unit to assist in the functions of the gas generator and the driven engine.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a waste heat recovery system includes multiple organic Rankine cycle (ORC) systems arranged in a cascade configuration. Each ORC system includes a heat exchanger that transfers heat to the working fluid to vaporize the working fluid. Each ORC system also includes an integrated power module that expands the working fluid to generate electricity.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for converting heat into a usable form of energy, where the system and method are designed to utilize at least two separate heat sources simultaneously, where one heat source stream has a higher initial temperature and a second heat source stream has a lower initial temperature, which is transferred to and a multi-component working fluid from which thermal energy is extracted.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing a uniflow fluid engine having at least one cylinder having at least one high-pressure input and at least one low-pressure output. In some embodiments, the engine includes piston-operated valves that are related to the piston shaft and pistons that may also act as exhaust valves. In some embodiments, a valve is slidably positioned within the cylinder on the piston shaft, the valve being movable between a first position allowing input fluid to be conveyed through a first passage and blocking input fluid from a second passage, and a second position allowing input fluid to be conveyed through the second passage and blocking input fluid from the first passage.

Abstract: Turbine exhaust steam, axially fed between counter-rotating radial flow disk turbines, separates into: (1) a radially inward flow of low enthalpy dry steam, and (2) a radially outward flow of high enthalpy steam, noncondensibles, and condensate. The radially inward flow goes to a conventional condenser. The radially outward flow loses enthalpy turning the disk turbines as it passes in the boundary layers against the disks, thus becoming low enthalpy dry steam, and the counter-rotation of the disks by impinging mass flow of condensate, high enthalpy steam, and noncondensibles sustains a cascade of dynamic vortex tubes in the shear layer between the boundary layers. The low enthalpy dry steam resulting from work being done flows into the condenser through the vortex cores of fractal turbulence. Condensate exits the periphery of the workspace, ready to be pumped back into the Rankine cycle.

Abstract: A method for converting heat from a heat source to mechanical energy is provided. The method comprises heating a working fluid E-1,1,1,4,4,5,5,5-octafluoro-2-pentene (E-HFO-1438mzz) and optionally 1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoropropane (HFC-245eb) using heat supplied from the heat source; and expanding the heated working fluid to lower the pressure of the working fluid and generate mechanical energy as the pressure of the working fluid is lowered. Additionally, a power cycle apparatus containing a working fluid to convert heat to mechanical energy is provided. The apparatus contains a working fluid comprising E-HFO-1438mzz and optionally HFC-245eb. A working fluid is provided comprising E-HFO-1438mzz and HFC-245eb. The working fluid (i) has a temperature of at least about 150° C.; (ii) further comprises Z-HFO-1438mzz; or both (i) and (ii).

Abstract: Combined cycle solar power generation is achieved using a primary cycle based on a solar receiver, such as a volumetric absorber, in which compressed air is heated by concentrated solar radiation, coupled with a secondary cycle based on a water/steam circuit driven by exhaust gas from the primary cycle. When the primary cycle is inactive, typically at night time, the secondary cycle can be driven by accessing a heat store of liquid or solid heat storage material, such as a molten salt or concrete blocks, which has been heated earlier during day time operation. The water/steam circuit is reconfigurable between first and second switching conditions, wherein in the first switching condition heat is transferred directly or indirectly from the primary cycle to heat the heat storage material, and in the second switching condition stored heat is transferred from the heat storage material to the water/steam circuit in order to generate steam.

Abstract: A rankine cycle system includes a heater configured to circulate a working fluid in heat exchange relationship with a hot fluid to vaporize the working fluid. A hot system is coupled to the heater. The hot system includes a first heat exchanger configured to circulate a first vaporized stream of the working fluid from the heater in heat exchange relationship with a first condensed stream of the working fluid to heat the first condensed stream of the working fluid. A cold system is coupled to the heater and the hot system. The cold system includes a second heat exchanger configured to circulate a second vaporized stream of the working fluid from the first system in heat exchange relationship with a second condensed stream of the working fluid to heat the second condensed stream of the working fluid before being fed to the heater.

Abstract: A heat pump includes an evaporator 10 evaporating water; a steam compressor 1 compressing the vapor generated by the evaporator 10; a vapor supply duct 31 adapted to supply the vapor 30 compressed by the compressor 1 to steam-utilizing facility 2; a measuring device 91 for measuring a state of vapor between the evaporator 10 and the compressor 1; and a valve 81 adjusting an amount of vapor flowing in the compressor 1 based on information from the measuring device 91.

Abstract: The invention relates to a power plant line, comprising a steam turbine and/or gas turbine that rotates at a constant speed in order to drive an electric generator; a variable-speed pump for conveying and/or compressing a working medium in order to drive and/or supply the process of the steam turbine and/or the gas turbine or to pump and/or compress an exhaust gas produced in the process supply or in the gas turbine.

Abstract: A high order of thermal efficiency is achieved in a steam engine or steam expander having a piston clearance that approximates zero together with a negligible amount of compression, such that pressure in the clearance volume approximates ambient pressure, i.e. atmospheric or condenser pressure as the case may be at the end of the piston return stroke when the clearance is essentially zero and constitutes a new engine apparatus and Rankine operating cycle that can be referred to as “zero clearance with zero compression”. The steam admission valve assembly can be operated either automatically responsive to piston contact or by means of a cam shaft or electrically by means of a solenoid. A normally open exhaust valve permits residual steam to be exhausted through the piston return stroke, closed by the piston or cam then held closed by a fresh charge of steam.

Abstract: An installation and methods for storing and returning electrical energy. First and second lagged enclosures containing porous refractory material are provided through which a gas is caused to flow by causing the gas to flow through first and second compression/expansion groups interposed in the pipe circuit between the top and bottom ends, respectively, of the first and second enclosures, each compression/expansion group having a piston moved in translation in a cylinder, each group operating in a different mode, either in compression mode or in expansion mode, one of the two compression/expansion groups receiving a gas at a temperature that is higher than the other group, such that in compression mode it is driven by an electric motor that consumes electrical energy for storage E1, and in a thermodynamic engine mode it drives an electricity generator enabling the electrical energy ER to be returned.

Abstract: An incinerator (20) for disposing of boil-off gas on an LNG carrier comprises a combustion section (40) wherein the boil-off gas admitted at (42) is burned in the presence of combustion air admitted at (44), producing a flame (46) and combustion products (C). Dilution air (A) is delivered into the combustion section (40) and mixed with the combustion products (C) to produce a diluted mixture (M). The combustion section (40) has an inner wall (48) and an outer wall (50) together defining a first passage (52) through which the dilution air (A) is passed before being mixed with the combustion products (C), whereby the dilution air A cools the combustion section (40). The dilution air A in the first passage (52) also provides a thermally insulting layer limiting radial heat transmission from the combustion section (40). A proportion (AP) of the dilution air is mixed directly with the combustion products (C).

Abstract: A thermodynamic cycle is disclosed and has a working fluid circuit that converts thermal energy into mechanical energy on hot days. A pump circulates a working fluid to a heat exchanger that heats the working fluid. The heated working fluid is then expanded in a power turbine. The expanded working fluid is then cooled and condensed using one or more compressors interposing at least two intercooling components. The intercooling components cool and condense the working fluid with a cooling medium derived at ambient temperature, where the ambient temperature is above the critical temperature of the working fluid.

Abstract: A shell differential expansion detector and turbomachine including a detector are disclosed. In an embodiment, the shell differential expansion detector device includes a housing; and a first rod including a distal part extending through a first opening in the housing. The first rod further includes a proximal part within the housing. A sleeve surrounds the distal part of the first rod on an exterior of the housing; and an actuator arm is affixed to the first rod. A second rod is disposed in physical contact at a distal end thereof with the actuator arm; and a shell expansion detector is operably connected with the second rod at a proximal end thereof.

Abstract: A cycle (100) for producing work from heat involves pressurizing a first working fluid (F1), and heating the first working fluid under pressure (102) to obtain a first vapor. A second working fluid (F2) is compressed (106) in a compressor (204a, 204b). The first vapor and the second vapor are then mixed (108) to form a third vapor (F3). Heat is thereby transferred directly between the vapors at a common pressure. The third vapor is expanded (112) to perform work. All or a portion of the third vapor is communicated (121) to a low pressure expansion zone (214, 215) where it functions as a refrigerant used to provide cooling for the third vapor, thereby facilitating the condensate of the first fluid to liquid extracted from the third vapor. Heat extracted during the condensate process is used for later performing work. The first fluid condensate is returned to the initial pressurizing step with capacity to again acquire heat that is useful for performing work.

Abstract: An in-situ combustion process which process does not employ one or more separate gas venting wells. At least one vertical production well having a substantially vertical portion extending downwardly into the reservoir and a horizontal leg portion extending horizontally outwardly therefrom completed relatively low in the reservoir is provided. At least one vertical oxidizing gas injection well, positioned above and in spaced relation to the horizontal well, is positioned laterally along the horizontal well approximately midsection thereof. Oxidizing gas is injected therein and combustion fronts are caused to progress outwardly from such injection well in mutually opposite directions along the horizontal well.

Abstract: A power generation plant and a method of generating electric energy from recovered heat during an industrial process that uses steam as a means of transferring energy. The method comprises: a) generating a first saturated steam in a first heat exchanger heated by a first source of recovered heat; b) feeding the first saturated steam into a first steam turbine generator, where the first steam turbine generator outputs exhaust steam; c) removing moisture from the exhaust steam with a moisture separator; d) superheating the moisture reduced exhaust steam from step c) in a main heat exchanger with a heat source; and e) feeding the superheated exhaust steam into a second steam turbine generator. The power generation plant comprises a first source of saturated steam, a first steam turbine generator, a moisture separator, a second source of saturated steam, a heat exchanger and a second steam turbine generator.

Abstract: A method for extracting energy from hydrocarbons located in a geologic reservoir is presented, including the steps of: oxidizing the hydrocarbons; extracting heat generated from oxidizing the hydrocarbons, relocating oxidized gases away from the oxidizing hydrocarbons; and replenishing oxygen towards the oxidizing hydrocarbons. The extraction of heat further includes: evaporating a liquid; transferring the evaporated liquid to the surface; and recovering low-NaCl, low-precipitate water from the evaporated liquid. The replenishing of oxygen towards the oxidizing hydrocarbons further includes: generating oxygen from water; and transferring the generated oxygen toward the oxidizing hydrocarbons; and combining hydrogen derived from the generating step with surface oxygen, whereby heat and low-precipitate, pure water is produced.

Abstract: A system configured to decrease the emissions of a power plant system during transient state operation is disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes: at least one computing device adapted to adjust a temperature of an operational steam in a power generation system by performing actions comprising: obtaining operational data about components of a steam turbine in the power generation system, the operational data including at least one of: a temperature of the components and a set of current ambient conditions at the power generation system; determining an allowable operational steam temperature range for the steam turbine based upon the operational data; generating emissions predictions for a set of temperatures within the allowable steam temperature range; and adjusting the temperature of the operational steam based upon the emissions predictions.

Abstract: A heat recovery system for use with a gasification system is provided. One system includes a gasification system and an organic Rankine cycle system coupled to the gasification system. The organic Rankine cycle system is configured to receive heated fluid from the gasification system and to deliver cooled fluid to the gasification system. The organic Rankine cycle system is configured to produce power by converting heat energy in the heated fluid.

Abstract: A cogeneration system includes an engine, a motor/generator unit (MGU) powered by the engine, a compressor powered by the MGU, and a heat storage tank. The system further includes an engine coolant loop which places the engine in thermal communication with the tank, and a vapor loop which circulates refrigerant from the compressor. An air handler unit exchanges heat between the engine coolant loop and the vapor loop. A controller is configured to control the engine, MGU, compressor, and air handler unit, alone or in combination, to heat or cool air supplied to a building and water in the tank, and to selectively charge at least one auxiliary device such as a battery of an electric vehicle (EV) via the MGU. The system may include two power plants, with one, e.g., an EV or a portable module, having the engine and a first engine coolant loop.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating energy using sensible heat of an offgas during manufacture of molten iron and a method for generating energy using the same are provided. The method for generating energy includes i) providing an offgas discharged from an apparatus for manufacturing molten iron including a reduction reactor that provides reduced iron that is reduced from iron ore and a melter-gasifier that melts the reduced iron to manufacture molten iron; ii) converting cooling water into high pressure steam by contacting the cooling water with the offgas; and iii) generating energy from at least one steam turbine by supplying the high pressure steam to the steam turbine and rotating the steam turbine.

Abstract: A power generation system (100) and a method of generating power. In one embodiment of the system shown in FIG. 1, a gasification subsystem (1) is configured to convert a carbonaceous fuel to fuel suitable for combustion in a gas turbine (48). A first power generation cycle (2) includes the gas turbine (48) coupled to receive fuel from a gasifier (24). A first Rankine cycle (3) is coupled to receive thermal energy from at least the first power generation cycle (2) and generate power with a first vapor turbine (58). A second Rankine cycle (4) is coupled to receive thermal energy from the gasification subsystem (1) or the first power generation cycle (2) and generate power with a second vapor turbine (82). In an associated method, syngas (26) is generated and processed to remove components therein. Power is generated in a first turbine (48) with the processed syngas (33). Power is generated in a second turbine (58) with heat recovered from exhaust produced by the first turbine (48).

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for operating a plurality of independent, closed cycle power plant modules each having a vaporizer comprising the steps of serially supplying a medium or low temperature source fluid to each corresponding vaporizer of one or more first plant modules, respectively, to a secondary preheater of a first module, and to a vaporizer of a terminal module, whereby to produce heat depleted source fluid; providing a primary preheater for each vaporizer; and supplying said heat depleted source fluid to all of said primary preheaters in parallel.

Abstract: A steam turbine engine that converts highly compressed steam to mechanical rotatative torque. An upper sealing gate and lower sealing gate alternately open and block the intake port and exhaust port accordingly through the use of a lever arm and cam and pulley system.

Abstract: A combined cycle power plant includes a gas turbomachine system including a compressor and a gas turbine that extracts work from gases at a first temperature. The combined cycle power plant also includes a steam turbomachine system including at least one steam turbine that extracts work from gases at a second temperature. The combined cycle power plant further includes a heat recovery steam generator having a main housing fluidly connected to the gas turbine. The heat recovery steam generator includes a plurality of heat pipes that extend within the main housing in fluid communication with the gases at the first temperature. The plurality of heat pipes are also in fluid communication with the gases at the second temperature. The plurality of heat pipes absorb heat from the gases at the first temperature and pass the heat into the gases at the second temperature to form gases at a third temperature.

Abstract: A separation apparatus for carbon dioxide is provided which includes an absorption unit for absorbing flue gas from a fossil-fueled power station, a desorption unit and a heat exchanger which on the primary feed side is connected via an inlet-side feedback line to the desorption unit, and on the discharge side is connected via an outlet-side feedback line to the absorption unit. On the secondary feed side, the heat exchanger is connected via an inlet-side feed line to the absorption unit, and on the discharge side is connected via an outlet-side feed line to the desorption unit. A first bypass line connects the inlet-side feedback line to the outlet-side feed line so that a mostly closed first circuit with the desorption unit is formed, and a second bypass line connects the inlet-side feed line to the outlet-side feedback line so a mostly closed second circuit with the absorption unit is formed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a steam generator capable of greatly improving energy efficiency, and an energy supply system that uses the steam generator. The steam generator of the present invention includes a high-temperature chamber to which heat of 250° C. to 800° C. is supplied; a low-temperature chamber arranged adjacent to the high-temperature chamber and configured to produce low-temperature steam of 50° C. to 185° C. from water using the heat of the high-temperature chamber; and at least one thermoelectric element arranged between the high-temperature chamber and the low-temperature chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a power and/or propulsion system comprising an external combustor, a steam generator, and a radial piston engine. In one embodiment, an undersea vehicle is powered by a propulsion system including a steam generator having a series of coiled tubes in which water is heated to generate steam by combustion of a monopropellant fuel ignited in the external combustor.

Abstract: An exhaust arrangement for a turbine is provided having an inner turbine casing, a condenser, an exhaust arrangement structure, and a bearing cone. The inner turbine casing includes a plurality of last stage buckets. A steam flow passes through the inner turbine casing and out of the plurality of last stage buckets. The condenser for receives the steam flow. The exhaust arrangement structure has a diffuser, a lower section and an upper section. The lower section has an exhaust section. The lower section receives the steam flow from the last stage buckets of the inner turbine casing through the diffuser and guides the steam flow out of the exhaust section in a direction generally towards the condenser. The upper section has a receiving section and a guiding section.

Abstract: An engine is configured to extract energy from a heat source as follows. A shaft is adapted to be rotatably coupled to a support and rotatable in a first direction. A plurality of vessels is coupled to and arranged about the shaft. At least a first vessel of the plurality of vessels includes a thermally insulative portion and a thermally conductive portion. A plurality of conduits connects the plurality of vessels together. Each of the plurality of vessels is in communication with at least one other of the plurality of vessels via at least one of the conduits. The plurality of vessels is arranged to allow the thermally conductive portion of the first vessel to encounter the heat source. The thermally conductive portion is capable of transferring heat to at least partially vaporize volatile fluid within the first vessel to cause a mass to at least partially move towards a connected vessel located above the first vessel.

Abstract: Systems for regenerating an absorbent solution include steam produced by a boiler; a set of pressure turbines fluidly coupled to the boiler for receiving the steam, wherein the set of pressure turbines comprises a high pressure turbine, a medium pressure turbine and a low pressure turbine; and a regenerating system comprising a regenerator for regenerating a rich and/or semi-rich absorbent solution to form a lean absorbent solution in fluid communication with a reboiler, the regenerating system fluidly coupled to the set of pressure turbines, wherein steam from the low pressure turbine provides a heat source for preheating the rich or the semi-rich absorbent solution fed to the regenerator. Also disclosed are processes of use.

Abstract: A coal-fired power plant having a control unit including a first flow rate control valve for regulating a water flow rate of a water feed bypass system, a second flow rate control valve installed in an extraction pipe for extracting steam from a steam turbine, a first temperature sensor on a downstream side of a heat recovery device, and a second temperature sensor on a downstream side of a heat exchanger and the control unit regulates opening of the first and second flow rate control valves on the basis of an exhaust gas temperature detected by the first temperature sensor and a feed water temperature detected by the second temperature sensor. Accordingly, even when a recovery heat quantity of the heat recovery device installed on a gas duct is changed due to deterioration with age of a boiler, a reduction in plant reliability and plant efficiency can be suppressed.

Abstract: A geothermal power system includes a steam turbine and a closed loop working fluid system having a preheater, a vaporizer, a superheater, an expander, a condenser, and a pump and a working fluid disposed to pass sequentially through the preheater, vaporizer, superheater, expander, condenser, and pump. Geothermal fluid is separated into a steam stream and a brine stream. The steam is expanded across the steam turbine to generate power, and thereafter exhaust from the steam turbine passes through the vaporizer to vaporize the working fluid. Geothermal brine is first used to heat vaporized working fluid in the superheater and is then used to preheat liquid working fluid in the preheater.

Abstract: A power system driven by a low-temperature heat source includes a power cycling unit and a heat pump unit. The power cycling unit includes a turbine, a condenser, a pump, a first heat exchanger, and a second heat exchanger. The turbine, the condenser, the pump, the first heat exchanger, and the second heat exchanger are connected in sequence. The heat pump unit includes a condenser and an evaporator. The condenser of the heat pump unit is connected to the second heat exchanger. The evaporator is connected to the condenser of the heat pump unit. The evaporator absorbs heat of a working fluid in a waste heat pipe.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to power generation systems configured to absorb and capture a component, such as carbon dioxide, in a flue gas for later sequestration or utilization, wherein heat generated in the sorption process is captured for use in the power generation system. In some examples, the heat of sorption is used to preheat fluids in one or more systems of the power generation system to reduce the heating load on the subsystem. By using the heat of sorption, the carbon dioxide capture and sequestration process not only reduces or eliminates the concentration of carbon dioxide in the flue gas, but reduces or eliminates the parasitic effect of carbon dioxide capture and sequestration on power generation.

Abstract: A low-pressure-vapor-recovery turbine generator that effectively recovers low-pressure steam emitted from a high-pressure-side steam turbine to generate electric power is provided. A low-pressure-vapor-recovery turbine that recovers low-pressure steam emitted from a high-pressure-side steam turbine and is rotationally driven, a generator that generates electric power with a rotational output of the low-pressure-vapor-recovery turbine, and a condenser that condenses into liquid exhaust steam from the low-pressure-vapor-recovery turbine are provided. The low-pressure-vapor-recovery turbine, generator, and condenser are installed in a portable outer casing that can be transported.

Abstract: Simple thermodynamic cycles, methods and apparatus for implementing the cycles are disclosed, where the method and system involve once or twice enriching an upcoming basic solution stream, where the systems and methods utilize relatively low temperature external heat source streams, especially low temperature geothermal sources.

Abstract: A combustion system may include a plurality of heated volume portions. At least two of the plurality of heated volume portions may include corresponding respective electrodes. The electrodes may be driven to produce respective electric fields in their respective volumes. The electric fields may be configured to drive desired respective responses.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the regeneration of captured gas rich capture medium such as an absorption solution and the recovery of absorbed gas therefrom, an apparatus and method for the removal and recovery of a target gas from a gas stream, and the use of the same for post combustion carbon capture on a thermal power plant are described. The apparatus and method make use of a regenerative heating process. The apparatus and method are distinctly characterized by the use of a heat pump to utilize low grade heat, for example from elsewhere in the process, as a source of thermal energy for the heating process.

Abstract: An energy generation system including a primer mover producing a power output, and a combustion product outlet stream; and a steam generator wherein a water inlet stream and the combustion product outlet stream exchange heat to produce at least one steam outlet stream is provided. The steam generator further comprises at least one set of supplemental burners situated in the path of the combustion product outlet stream, and a hydrogen fuel inlet stream at least a portion of which is combusted in at least one of the supplemental burners or the prime mover.

Abstract: A feedwater heater (14) in a heat recovery steam generator (A,B) lies within a flow of hot exhaust gas. The feedwater heater (14) converts subcooled feedwater into saturated feedwater water, the temperature of which is only lightly above the acid dew point temperature of the exhaust gas so that corrosive acids do not condense on coils (18) of the feedwater heater (14). Yet the temperature of the saturated feedwater lies significantly below the temperature of the exhaust gas at the coils (18), so that the coils (18) operate efficiently and require minimal surface area. Pumps (26, 28, 30) elevate the pressure of the saturated feedwater and direct it into an economizer (64, 90) where, owing to the increase in pressure, the water is again subcooled. The economizer (64, 90) elevates the temperature still further and delivers the higher pressure feedwater to evaporators (34, 70, 78) that convert it into saturated steam that flows on to the superheaters (50, 78, 84).

Abstract: A method for operating a latent heat transport apparatus by providing a working liquid for a latent heat transport apparatus, which includes a compound of the formula C6F13C2H5 at an operation temperature of from ?50 to 200° C.

Abstract: An apparatus to rotate a cooling fan may employ an engine coolant radiator having a radiator inlet tank attached at an end of the radiator. The radiator inlet tank may be filled with engine coolant and transfer heat into a fan system evaporator contained inside the radiator inlet tank. The tank may contain a liquid working fluid capable of absorbing heat from the engine coolant and becoming a gaseous working fluid. A gas expander with an impeller may be employed to receive the gaseous working fluid from the fan system evaporator and impart rotation in a shaft to which the impeller of the gas expander and cooling fan is attached. A fan system condenser may receive the gaseous working fluid from the gas expander and condense the gaseous working fluid to form a liquid working fluid. A pump pumps the liquid working fluid back to the fan system evaporator.

Abstract: A structure, system, and method for controlling a power output and flue gas temperature of a power plant by adjusting final feedwater temperature are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a turbine having a plurality of valved steam extraction ports is provided. Each steam extraction port is fluidly connected with a feedwater heater. Each of the plurality of valves in the valved steam extraction ports may be opened and closed to the passage of steam therethrough, in order to vary a final feedwater temperature.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to enhance available energy recovery efficiency compared to an exhaust heat recovery method by generation of water vapor. In order to achieve this object, the present invention adopts a configuration including a thermal conduction path (1) which conducts exhaust heat, and a high-boiling-point heat medium vapor generator (2) which generates high-boiling-point heat medium vapor (R2) by heat exchange between the exhaust heat which is conducted through the thermal conduction path (1) and a high-boiling-point heat medium (R1) that has a higher evaporation temperature than water (R3).

Abstract: A steam generation system delivers heats water and carbon dioxide at high temperatures in the presence of one or more plasma arc torches and converts the materials into hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The converted gas is delivered to a heat recovery steam generator (“HRSG”) to produce steam, which may be used to power a steam turbine. Depending on the amount of steam and/or power desired, the system may use a control system to vary the flow, temperature and pressure of the gas delivered to the HRSG. The control system may do this by bringing additional torches on-line or off-line in the processing chamber, by adding unheated gas directly from a supply source, shunting the gas from the HRSG, and varying the flow of water delivered to the HRSG.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein that generally involve a double pinch criterion for optimization of regenerative Rankine cycles. In some embodiments, operating variables such as bleed extraction pressure and bleed flow rate are selected such that a double pinch is obtained in a feedwater heater, thereby improving the efficiency of the Rankine cycle. In particular, a first pinch point is obtained at the onset of condensation of the bleed and a second pinch point is obtained at the exit of the bleed from the feedwater heater. The minimal approach temperature at the first pinch point can be approximately equal to the minimal approach temperature at the second pinch point. Systems that employ regenerative Rankine cycles, methods of operating such systems, and methods of optimizing the operation of such systems are disclosed herein in connection with the double pinch criterion.