Abstract: In the operation of a turbine system composed of apparatus (6,12,14,16) for generating steam and a turbine first stage (4) having inlet nozzles connected to be supplied with steam from the steam generating apparatus (6,12,14,16), the steam generating apparatus (6,12,14,16) being composed of a cascade arrangement of a boiler (6) producing steam at a selected pressure which has an assigned lower limit value, a primary superheater section (12), one or more division valves (14) presenting a steam flow passage having a controllable cross-sectional area, and a secondary superheater section (16) connected between the division valves (14) and the inlet nozzles, a method for reducing the output of the system at low load levels comprising: reducing the cross-sectional area of the steam flow passage presented by the division valves (14); and increasing the rate at which heat is supplied to the steam in the secondary superheater section (16) by an amount coordinated with the reduction imparted to the cross-sectional area

Abstract: The output vapor pressure of a boiler system is controlled by selectively starting or stopping a plurality of boiler units (#1 to #4) shiftable between a high combustion state to a low combustion state in accordance with the output vapor pressure of the entire system or by shifting the boiler units between the high and low combustion states. At least two boiler units among the plurality of boiler units are selected as adjustment units in accordance with the output vapor pressure of the entire system. Each of the adjustment units is forced to shift alternately between the high and low combustion states in accordance with the output vapor pressure while continuously holding the adjustment units in the operating state.

Abstract: Method and system for generating electric power utilizing a coolant circuit, in which a coolant is evaporated at a lower level position, allowed to rise via tubing to a higher level position, liquified at the higher level position, and allowed to flow down to the lower level position in tubing where it impinges a hydraulic turbine connected to a generator. The preferred embodiment includes a vertical tube system of approximately 3000 m length, composed of a long tube for rising vapors and fall tubes for falling liquid coolant. Multiple cooling systems located at the higher level position, including a counterflow cooling system, forced-draught type air cooler, and a step-by-step cooling process, are utilized to liquify the coolant and provide working vapor to power the cooling systems. The coolant is composed to C.sub.3 H.sub.8 and NH.sub.3, which is varied on a percent composition basis to match atmospheric weather conditions.

Abstract: An electric power generating system includes a substantially conically tapering tower adapted to provide for the condensation of a vaporized fluid which has risen to the top of the tower. The condensate falls back to ground level, in a stream which actuates an electrical current generating turbine. The system can provide for the vaporization of the fluid to occur as a result of proximal association with a flowing water source, and a subsequent super heating of the vaporized fluid by proximal association with a source of waste heat such as a neighboring power plant.

Abstract: An evaporating apparatus comprising a high temperature side evaporator and a low temperature side evaporator connected in series in a flowing direction of a heat source, a first and second pipe line for directing fluid being evaporated therethrough, and an ejector having a suction inlet and a discharge outlet of drive steam and an induction port of steam being sucked, wherein the first pipe line is linked through the high temperature side evaporator to the suction inlet of the ejector, and the second pipe line is branched from the first pipe line at the upstream side of the hot temperature side evaporator, and linked through the low temperature side evaporator to the induction port of the ejector.

Abstract: In a plant including a multiplicity of energy conversion units which together supply load upon demand to a given process through a common junction, a system is included to economically optimize the load distribution among the multiple units dynamically during the transition of process load demand from one state to another such that when the process load supply reaches the other process demand state, the energy conversion units are substantially in their economically optimum individual load generating states.

Abstract: A system wherein a fluid is agitated by microwave frequency to produce motive power. A fluid, preferably the refrigerant CHClF, is cycled within a closed system. From a holding tank, the fluid, in liquid state, is pumped to a boiler chamber. The fluid is heated to an agitated state therein by a microwave frequency. The fluid, so agitated, is directed through a throttle to a diverter which apportions the flow of fluid between two sets of vanes on a turbine wheel. The exhausted fluid is then returned to the liquid state and to the holding tank. The operation of the system and of the various components may be adapted for monitor and control by computer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the generation of electricity or propulsive power from fossil-fuels which combines fuel cleaning with a thermodynamic cycle utilizing two or more combustors which fire the differing quality streams from the fuel cleaning plant. The method accomplishes emissions reduction at good energy conversion efficiency and a reduced overall plant equipment cost.

Abstract: A reflux condensing start-up system comprises a steam generator, a start-up vessel connected parallel to the steam generator, a main steam line connecting steam outlets of the steam generator and start-up vessel to a steam turbine, a condenser connected to an outlet of the turbine and a feedwater return line connected between the condenser and inlets of the steam generator and start-up vessel. The start-up vessel has one or more heaters at the bottom thereof for heating feedwater which is supplied over a start-up line to the start-up vessel. Steam is thus generated to pressurize the steam generator before the steam generator is supplied with a heat transfer medium, for example liquid sodium, in the case of a liquid metal fast breeder reactor. The start-up vessel includes upper and lower bulbs with a smaller diameter mid-section to act as water and steam reservoirs.

Abstract: An electrical generating plant of high efficiency utilizes a conventional steam plant powered by a fossil fuel such as coal, gas or oil, in internal integration with a high temperature solid-oxide fuel-cell. In one embodiment, the spent fuel and the wast heat from the fuel-cell of electrochemical action is made directly available to the combustion furnace of the steam plant for thermodynamic extraction. The system can achieve efficiencies up to 65% compared to ordinary steam plants which have an efficiency of about 35%.

Abstract: A Stirling engine design which is solar powered is disclosed. A solar receiver converts solar radiation to thermal energy, which is stored in a storage chamber. The engine includes a displacer chamber with a displacer piston which divides the chamber into hot and cold subchambers, the hot subchamber being heated by the storage chamber. A mechanism is provided for cooling the cold subchamber. The engine also includes an alternator chamber with an alternator piston which divides the chamber into working and bounce subchambers, the working subchamber being in fluid communication with the cold subchamber of the displacer. The working fluid circulates through the cold subchamber and the working subchamber and obtains heat from the storage chamber. The working fluid is displaced by the displacer piston to drive the alternator piston, and work output is obtained from the alternator piston.

Abstract: An oceano-thermosteric power plant is provided with plural evaporators and plural condensers, alternate parts of which are not operated at night and in winter on light load and hence a high efficiency heat exchange can be maintained. During the period that selected condensers and evaporators are not in service, excess cold water from the out-of-service condensers is circulated through the out-of-service evaporators in the opposite direction and hence the filth deposited inside the out-of-service evaporators can be washed away.

Abstract: In heat transfer from a warm water source, efficiency is improved in a thermal energy conversion (TEC) by increasing the temperature of heat supplied to a turbine system substantially above the water temperature. This temperature increase is accomplished in a separate system by reacting gaseous ammonia with water to produce sensible heat at a high temperature; the ammonia is later fractionated from the water using lower temperature heat from the existing heat source. A single-stage temperature increase system (TIS), may be used or there may be an addition of a second stage for raising the temperature of the heat supply even higher.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for better sealing a piston to its cylinder, to effectively eliminate efficiency loss due to leakage of the high-temperature, high pressure driving gas around the edges of the piston. An elastomeric seal is located so as to seal the piston and cylinder combination at a minimum sufficient distance from the combustion chamber to prevent heat damage to the seal material by conduction of heat through the piston or cylinder material.

Abstract: Boiler optimization is included in on-line control of parallel boilers by multiplying the total heat per unit time which must be supplied to all parallel boilers by the percentage of the total heat which should be supplied to each boiler by primary and secondary fuels in order to substantially maximize energy efficiency. The result of such multiplication is the heat per unit time which should be supplied to each boiler by the primary and secondary fuels. The fuel and air supplied to each boiler is controlled so as to supply the thus determined heat per unit time which not only results in maintenance of a desired header pressure but also results in substantially maximizing energy efficiency of the parallel boilers even where multiple fuels are combusted to supply heat.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of operating an industrial furnace which is heated by recuperator burners from which the exhaust gases are extracted via steam jet injectors. The exhaust gas-steam mixture from the steam jet injectors passes into a waste heat boiler in order to produce water vapor. This water vapor is delivered to the steam jet injectors in order to drive them. When water vapor is produced in excess, preliminary expansion can be carried out in a turbine in order to generate useful energy. Such conditions are produced in particular when the industrial furnace operates with a steam generating water cooling system for parts of the furnace which become hot. The resulting water vapor is then also led through the waste heat boiler. The useful energy occurring in the turbine can serve to drive the blower for the combustion air for the recuperator burners.

Abstract: A high pressure steam turbine having a sealing gland where the turbine rotor penetrates the casing of the turbine. Under certain conditions the gland is sealed by an auxiliary steam supply, and under other conditions the gland is self sealed by turbine inlet steam. A control system is provided to modify the temperature of the auxiliary steam to be more compatible with the self sealing steam, so as to eliminate thermal shock to the turbine rotor.

Abstract: A method to draw the thermal energy from essentially limitless heat sources, such as the ocean or the atmosphere and limited heat sources such as the combustion of fossil fuels, is provided for the production of mechanical work. The fluid from the heat sources gives heat to the working medium of the prime mover of the power plant through a first heat exchanger. The effluent cooled fluid from the first heat exchanger is used for removing the exhaust heat from the prime mover through a second heat exchanger either directly or indirectly through a heat pump and can also be used for the conversion of saline water into fresh water.

Abstract: A combined solar-wind energy conversion system in which the combined effects of solar and wind energy are utilized in raising water from a lower to an upper water storage tank to increase its potential energy for generation of electricity. Incoming solar energy heats water to form steam which is temporarily stored. The stored steam is vented to one of first and second steam storage tanks from which it is coupled to first and second water pumping tanks. When the water enters one of the water pumping tanks, it forces the water temporarily stored therein to flow upwards the first steam storage tank. As soon as the water pumping tank is emptied, the steam condenses forming a partial vacuum in the tank. The vacuum causes water to be drawn from the lower water storage tank into the corresponding water pumping tank and the process repeated. The second water pumping tank is filled while the first water storage tank is emptied. Water flowing from the first water storage tank turns an electrical generator.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for storing excess thermal energy of a fossil fuel-fired vapor generator during low demand periods and for recovering the stored thermal energy for use during high demand periods. A first moving bed heat exchanger is provided for flowing a bed of refractory particles in heat exchange relation with vapor generator flue gases to receive thermal energy therefrom. At least a portion of the bed of heated refractory particles is stored. A second moving bed heat exchanger is provided for flowing at least a portion of the bed of heated refractory particles in heat exchange relation with a fluid to impart thermal energy to the fluid for use.

Abstract: A system for obtaining energy by means of fluid flows resembling those of a natural cyclone or anti-cyclone comprises a cyclonic conversion tower constituted by a group of convectors all situated round an axis toward which there are directed vortical membranes or screens contained in trumpet-shaped revolution bodies. At its top or bottom the conversion tower optionally bears deflectors or diffusers which increase output. Devices for conversion of electrical or mechanical energy from the kinetic energy of the flow are located at both the top and the base of the tower of convectors. The convection tower optionally is situated on a base which permits the passage of solar radiation with the aim of utilizing its energy, the assembly being completed by a conventional heating system for alternative use.

Abstract: A vapor generating and vapor superheating installation for marine propulsion purposes, and a method of operating such an installation. The installation including a vapor generating and vapor superheating unit adapted to be fired with fluent fuel including tubulous vapor generating and vapor superheating surface proportioned to give a predetermined superheated vapor output at a maximum firing rate. The installation also including a fluent fuel fired fluidized bed furnace provided with a superheater tube bank connected to receive vapor from the vapor generating and vapor superheating unit and arranged to impart superheat to the vapor at part load operation of the unit.

Abstract: A method of operating a co-generating steam supply system having two units, the second of which utilizes a molten-salt primary heat transfer fluid, is disclosed for utilizing the steam produced by the first unit for maintaining selected component operating temperatures in the second unit during periods when the second unit is not producing steam. The steam generator of the second unit is maintained at operating temperature by reversing the fluid flow through both the shell and tube sides. The reverse flow of molten salt is in heat exchange relation with the reverse flow of steam drawn from the steam flow line of the first unit.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for generating steam or electrical power from surplus heat transferred to the total bottoms liquid of a fractionation column. Preferably the reboiler of the column is supplied with more fuel than required in the operation of the column. A portion of the total bottoms liquid stream in excess of the net bottoms stream is diverted from the bottoms liquid destined for the reboiler. This diverted stream is used to vaporize a working fluid and this vapor is removed as a product or passed into the turbine of an electrical generator. The excess bottoms liquid is then split off and passed into the reboiler. The remainder of the bottoms liquid is the net bottoms stream and is used to preheat the working fluid. The process has the advantage of an exceptionally high thermal efficiency in terms of converting the surplus heat released in the reboiler into electricity.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for recovering useful energy from the overhead stream of a fractionation column. A high efficiency for the overall process is achieved by first removing heat from the overhead stream by vaporizing an expansion turbine working fluid stream and by then removing an additional amount of heat in a working fluid preheater. The amount of working fluid flowing through the preheater is more than is vaporized by exchange against the overhead stream. The remaining liquid-phase portion of the working fluid is separately passed into a second vaporizer having a different heat source.

Abstract: A system and process is provided for controlling a steam generation and distribution system including a plurality of headers. Each of the headers is coupled to steam using devices such as steam turbines and steam supplying devices such as boilers. The process includes measuring the pressure at each header and when the pressure changes, identifying each path beginning at the particular header and terminating at a boiler, and determining the alteration of a boiler and any particular steam turbines required to restore the required pressure at the header while doing so at the least incremental cost.

Abstract: A boiler loading system is disclosed which is used for loading one of a plurality of boilers in a power plant to satisfy a load demand. Each of the boilers is continuously monitored for an optimum efficiency change whether for a boiler load increase demand or boiler load decrease demand. The boiler with the largest efficiency change for a boiler load increase is selected to satisfy the plant demand and a boiler with the lowest efficiency change decrease is selected where the load demand is for a reduced load.

Abstract: An improved solar energy conversion apparatus for effectively converting solar radiation thermal energy, on a high-efficiency basis, into captive stored thermal energy in a captive working medium in a closed-cycle power conversion system (usually consisting of flow-path-defining apparatus such as piping, tubing or the like) and adapted at an output end to be connected to any of various different types of thermal energy utilization apparatus which will effectively reduce the temperature and/or pressure of the working medium as a consequence of the effective extraction of substantial quantities of energy from the working medium by such utilization apparatus, and normally provided with a return-flow line (usually ducting or the like) adapted to be connected from an output side of such utilization apparatus back to a low-thermal-energy input end of the flow-path-defining apparatus of the power conversion system.

Abstract: Power is recovered from the vaporization of liquefied natural gas by liquefying a multicomponent refrigerant. The liquefied multicomponent refrigerant is then pressurized, vaporized and expanded in two stages through two expanders which are coupled to a generator.

Abstract: A vapor cycle power system in which the low level heat source is furnished by water or air via the medium of a compression cycle heat pump, and subsequent higher temperature level heat energies are provided by direct combustion, solar energy, geothermal energy or waste heat, singularly or in combinations thereof, in either or both gaseous or liquid forms. In certain embodiments of the invention, the system has the capability to provide heating and cooling in addition to the function of producing useful shaft work.

Abstract: An electric power generating plant is provided with a Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) system which is directly coupled to the steam cycle of the generating plant. The CAES system is charged by the steam boiler during off peak hours, and drives a separate generator during peak load hours. The steam boiler load is thereby levelized throughout an operating day.

Abstract: An air supply system for the catalyst regeneration zone of a fluidized catalytic cracking unit also supplies a pressurized air stream to the turbine of an electrical generating plant. The compressor which produces the pressurized air stream is driven by passing the flue gas of the regeneration zone through a power recovery expander. Preferably, the pressurized air stream is first heated by heat exchange against the turbine effluent and then admixed with hot gas from separate turbin-type gas generators prior to being passed into the turbine. This provides a very practical and relatively low-cost cogeneration process.

Abstract: A method of obtaining work (e.g. electrical energy) in a counterpressure steam system in which the steam is expanded to produce work, e.g. drive an electrical current generator, in which the steam, prior to the expansion, is passed into isobaric heat exchange at an elevated pressure with expanded steam and is then heated substantially isobarically by externally supplied heat. After expansion and at a relatively low pressure, the steam is substantially isobarically cooled.

Abstract: The apparatus for collecting radiant energy and converting same to alternate energy form includes a housing having an interior space and a radiation transparent window allowing, for example, solar radiation to be received in the interior space of the housing. Means are provided for passing a stream of fluid past said window and for injecting radiation absorbent particles in said fluid stream. The particles absorb the radiation and because of their very large surface area, quickly release the heat to the surrounding fluid stream. The fluid stream particle mixture is heated until the particles vaporize. The fluid stream is then allowed to expand in, for example, a gas turbine to produce mechanical energy. In an aspect of the present invention properly sized particles need not be vaporized prior to the entrance of the fluid stream into the turbine, as the particles will not damage the turbine blades.

Abstract: The invention relates to an air compressing system in which ambient air is drawn through a turbine driven flow-thru compressor into the intake of a primary compressor, and the hot effluent from the primary compressor is utilized to provide superheated vapor to drive the turbine.

Abstract: A steam blending control is provided for two or more boilers in an electric power plant. To blend an oncoming boiler with an on-line boiler, the oncoming boiler is fired to a pressure ramp setpoint and outlet steam is isolated from the plant turbine and directed through position controlled bypass valve means. When steam temperature and pressure conditions are matched, the oncoming boiler isolation valve is opened and the bypass flow then existing is stored in a memory. The oncoming boiler bypass flow is cut back with total oncoming boiler steam flow controlled to the memorized flow valve as a setpoint. Flow from the on-line boiler is cut back under load control as the oncoming boiler flow to the plant turbine is increased. Deblending is implemented in a similar manner.

Abstract: This invention relates to a procedure for converting low-grade thermal energy into mechanical energy in a turbine for further utilization and a plant for implementing the procedure. The procedure according to the invention is characterized in that a low-grade heating medium and a first cooling medium are evaporated in a heat exchanger (A). The steam is carried to a turbine (T) for energy conversion and moist steam is carried from here to a heat exchanger (B) for condensing. The condensate is pumped back to the heat exchanger (A), i.e. the steam turbine circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for at least partially recovering the exhaust heat of combustion operations in which hydrogen is used at least partially during the combustion, which is stored in the form of metal hydride in a metal storage device and is released therefrom by a supply of heat energy. Exhaust heat of the combustion is supplied to the metal hydride for the release of the hydrogen while the metal storage device freed at least to a large extent of the hydrogen is utilized as storage device of latently bound heat energy whose heat energy is utilized, such latently bound heat energy being released during the filling of the metal storage device with hydrogen into metal hydride.

Abstract: An engine assembly that is powered by high pressure vapor from a volatile liquid that has a boiling point substantially below the minimum ambient temperature in the geographical location in which the engine assembly will be used. Heat for volatilizing the liquid may be withdrawn from the ground, naturally occurring sources of water, as well as from sunlight and waste heat from industrial installations. Although the engine assembly is capable of being used to produce power for any desired purpose, it is particularly adapted for use in pumping water from a well, with the pumped water not only being used for irrigation purposes and the like, but also to effect an initial cooling of the low pressure vapor discharged from the engine assembly prior to the vapor being further cooled and pressurized to return to the liquid state whereupon it is heated and recycled through the engine assembly.

Abstract: A heat recovery system for the production of mechanical energy from a plurality of different heat sources at different temperatures comprises a plurality of heat exchangers associated one with each heat source, a plurality of circuits for a working fluid which traverses the heat exchangers, the circuits including expansion devices in which the working fluid is expanded and possibly vaporized to derive mechanical work from it, this being accompanied by a fall in temperature; the circuits for the working fluid have certain parts in common, such as the heat exchanger associated with the heat source at the lowest temperature, at least one of the expansion devices, a condenser in which working fluid vaporized in the expanders can be recondensed, and a circulation pump for driving the working fluid around the circuits.

Abstract: A solar power plant with a gas turbine circuit, having a compressor, a solar heater, a combustion chamber for heating air compressed in the compressor, a turbine and a generator, the solar heater and the combustion chamber being connected between the compressor and the turbine, and a valve for connecting and disconnecting the solar heater to the circuit, the combustion chamber having double walls defining an outer space between the walls and an inner space, the outer space of the combustion chamber being connected in series with the solar heater upstream thereof, in flow direction of the compressed air, the inner space of the combustion chamber being connected downstream of the solar heater in flow direction of the compressed air, and the valve connecting the outer space and the inner space of the combustion chamber to each other.

Abstract: A calcium carbide based power system for stationary and mobile power plants. The carbide is reacted with water to create heat and acetylene, with the acetylene then being burned to heat a boiler for providing steam to a steam turbine. The exhaust of the turbine is condensed and pumped back into the boiler, first being pre-heated by a heat exchanger in the carbide-water reactor to pre-heat the boiler makeup water (steam) and to cool the reactor. The system may limit the excess water required for the carbide-water reactor, and provides recovery of the heat given off in the generation of the acetylene for maximum system efficiency. Other, alternate embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: A power producing loop continuously carrying water picking up geothermal heats and being made into steam and condensate that is continuously returned to said water source, with appropriate means of producing power at proper points in the loop.

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 mass transit system is provided which derives its basic energy from the solar system and recovered heat energy.

Abstract: This invention relates to a steam turbine system which utilizes a unique heat-absorbing lens-shaped heating plate and boiler for the production of steam.

Abstract: A method for converting solar energy into electric power is disclosed, in which air, preheated and precompressed is additionally heated in a solar heater and sent to work in a turbine unit connected to an electric power generator.

Abstract: A solar-thermal power plant, comprises an open air circuit wherein the eftive heat obtained from solar energy is supplied to the air current between a compressor and an expansion machine. The construction includes a solar heater which is exposed directly to solar radiation and which is traversed by the air current and provides a means for the direct solar heating of the air current which is conveyed from the compressor to the expansion machine.

Abstract: A heating and cooling system comprises a first reservoir containing liquid at an elevated temperature, solar collecting means exposed to solar radiation for collecting solar energy and means disposed in thermal exchange relationship with said first reservoir for transmitting heat energy from said solar collecting means to said first reservoir, a second reservoir containing a liquid disposed in thermal exchange relationship with a portion of the earth, means for blending liquids derived respectively from thermal exchange relationship with said first and second reservoirs, a heat engine having first and second refrigerant coils, one of said refrigerant coils disposed in thermal exchange relationship with an atmosphere to be heated or cooled, and valve means responsive to the refrigerant pressure in said other coil for delivering blended liquid from said blending valve to thermal exchange relationship with said other refrigerant coil, whereby heat energy to be extracted from or delivered to said other refrigeran

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.