Abstract: The present invention relates to a system in which a process of condensing steam or vapor is used for cooling or heating an ambient environment. An increase in the effectiveness of the condensing process is achieved by adjusting the input of steam or vapor into the condenser.

Abstract: A thermoelectric power generator and method of generating thermoelectric power in a steam power cycle utilizing latent steam heat including a condenser, a heat source, such as steam, and at least one thermoelectric module. The condenser includes a plurality of condenser tubes each having included therein a heat extractor. The heat source is in communication with the condenser and is characterized as providing thermal energy to the condenser. The at least one thermoelectric module, including a plurality of thermoelectric elements, is positioned in communication with at least one of the plurality of condenser tubes so that thermal energy flows through the thermoelectric elements thereby generating electrical power.

Abstract: A steam condenser (1) which, relative to a steam turbine (2), is arranged at equal ground level and into which turbine steam flows in the horizontal direction through the condenser neck (3) has two or more modules (4a, 4b) in which the steam condenses on cooling tubes (10). The modules (4a, 4b) are, in accordance with the invention, separated by a defined intermediate space (7). The central, mutually facing module walls (9) are supported and connected to one another by connecting parts (8). This arrangement contributes to a defined stress distribution in the central module walls (9). In a particular embodiment, bypass conduits (20), which lead the steam from the boiler directly into the steam condenser (1) while bypassing the turbine (2), are arranged in the intermediate space (7). For this purpose, the bypass conduits (20) lead to a steam introduction appliance (21), which is arranged at the condenser neck (3) at the level of the intermediate space (7).

Abstract: Water quality detecting points for detecting sea water leakage are provided at a portion in a hot well zone right under a tube bundle of heat exchange tube forming a steam condensing zone and at a condenser outlet allowing the condensate to be led out of the condenser or in the vicinity thereof, and a difference between detection values at both detecting points is monitored.

Abstract: A method for producing power, in accordance with the present invention, comprises the steps of: supplying clinker from cement production apparatus to a grate cooler for cooling the clinker; and extracting hot air from the grate cooler and supplying it to a filter e.g. an electrostatic precipitator or bag filter. When an electrostatic precipitator is used for extracting particulate matter from the hot air supplied from the grate cooler, the filtered air exiting the electrostatic precipitator is supplied to an air-heat transfer fluid heat-exchanger for heating the heat transfer fluid. A working fluid is vaporized using heat in the heated heat transfer fluid and vaporized working fluid and heat depleted heat transfer fluid is produced. Heat in the heat depleted heat transfer fluid is used to pre-heat working fluid while vaporized working fluid produced in the vaporizer is supplied to a turbine for producing power.

Abstract: As geothermal steam containing contaminants such as boron, arsenic, and mercury is passed through a turbine-condenser system, the contaminants preferentially collect in the initial condensate produced from the steam. Collecting this initially-produced condensate and segregating it from the remainder of the steam being condensed ensures that condensate produced from the remainder of the steam is contaminants-lean, preferably containing the contaminants in concentrations allowing for discharge of the contaminants-lean condensate to the environment.

Abstract: The cooling of a hot fluid is effected using a heat exchanger (11) adapted to receive the hot fluid and liquid coolant for cooling the hot fluid such that the liquid coolant is vaporized. A turbine (12), having an output shaft (19) connected to a fan (18), is responsive to vaporized coolant which expands in the turbine (12) for driving the fan (18) to move a mass of air, and produce vaporized coolant. A condenser (13) receives the expanded vaporized coolant and is responsive to air blown by the fan (18), for condensing the expanded vaporized coolant thereby cooling the same and producing coolant condensate which is then returned to the heat exchanger (11).

Abstract: An induction coil is formed by winding an electrically conductive wire around an iron core, and at least one turn of a pipe of electrically conductive material is wound around the induction coil. The pipe is short-circuited at positions other than where the pipe is wound around the induction coil. An A.C. power source is connected to the induction and preheated fluid is supplied to the pipe to be further heated by induction within the pipe. Since the pipe has a large heat transfer area, efficient heat exchange can be obtained. This heating system is connected to a steam generator, which supplies the preheated fluid to it. The steam generator includes an induction coil of an electrically conductive wire wound on an iron core and a metal material forming a plate disposed on the iron core. The bottom surface of the metal material provides a magnetic flux path for the induction coil. An A.C.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for improving the performance of vapor turbine diffusers by preventing flow separation from the diffuser walls. Such separation from the diffuser walls is decreased or eliminated herein by chilling the diffuser walls below the saturation temperature, causing some condensation to occur and insuring vapor flow toward the walls to eliminate the natural tendency toward separation in diffusing vapor passages.

Abstract: A steam condenser system for a turbine, which system includes: a condenser having an outlet for conveying uncondensed products out of the condenser; an exhauster having a housing, an inlet connected between the housing and the condenser outlet, and exhaust outlet connected to the housing, and a rotatable member, disposed in the housing and rotatable about an axis for propelling uncondensed products from the exhauster inlet to the exhauster outlet; and an electric motor having an output shaft connected for rotating the rotatable member. The motor is disposed relative to the exhauster such that the motor shaft forms an angle with the horizontal and extends in a downward direction from the motor to the exhauster. Preferably, the motor shaft and the axis of rotation of the rotatable member have a substantially vertical orientation and the motor is positioned above the rotatable member.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus for converting steam energy into electrical energy. The apparatus includes a turbine capable of converting steam energy into mechanical energy. The apparatus also includes a generator for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. Additionally, there is a shaft disposed in and connecting the turbine and the generator along a center line. The shaft is capable of being turned by the steam energy of the turbine. There is also a single condenser connected to the turbine. The single condenser is capable of drawing steam out of the turbine and condensing steam to water. The single condenser is disposed alongside the turbine.

Abstract: Referring to method and plant for the condensation of excess steam obtained from steam-producing and steam-consuming facilities it is intended to provide a solution which avoids the release of steam into the atmosphere and the absorption of oxygen by the condensate. The problem is solved by indirect heat-exchange in a condenser that is filled with an oxygen-free fluid which is displaced by the excess steam into a receiver, the fluid being returned to the condenser in the absence of an excess steam flow. Referring to the plant, the problem is solved in that a condensate receiver (5) with gas dome is arranged downstream of the condensate header (4) of condenser (2), a line (11) for condensate discharge being provided between condensate header (4) and condensate receiver (5) while a line (10) for the inert gas is connected to the gas dome (9).

Abstract: A support system for a marine turbine power plant may include an integral condenser. The support system comprised of plate girders and welded plate steel cover may envelop the condenser within the structure in order to save weight in the ship's payload. Certain modifications have to be made to adapt the support to include an integral condenser including the ability of the base to accommodate thermal expansion, noise isolation, structural centering of the condenser and steam flow through the turbine support members.

Abstract: A connection between a steam turbine (1) and a condenser (2), the turbine being supported by an admission end bearing (7) and by an exhaust end bearing (8), and exhausting axially into an end-located condenser via an exhaust sleeve (3) which is connected to the turbine stator at one end and which has its other end connected to the condenser via a sealed resilient connection (4), the turbine-condenser connection including the improvement whereby a tubular duct (44) passes freely through the condenser along the turbine axis, one end (45) of said duct being fixed to the fixed parts of the turbine exhaust end bearing, which parts are connected to said sleeve (3), and the other end (43) of said duct being connected to a flange (38) having the same diameter as the condenser end of the exhaust sleeve, with a sealed resilient connection (39) being provided between the periphery of said flange and the condenser.

Abstract: A forced-air cooled condenser system having a plurality of roof-shaped heat exchange elements of finned tubes, to which cooling air is supplied via fans, and to which the steam which is to be condensed is supplied via a steam distribution line which forms the ridge of the elements. The heat exchange elements, which are located directly adjacent to the turbine housing, are disposed next to one another or side by side. The ridges of the heat exchange elements are disposed parallel to one another. In order to prevent the danger of a recirculation of the warm air which leaves the heat exchange elements, that heat exchange element which is spaced the furthest from the turbine housing is disposed higher than the heat exchange elements which are located therebetween. This is preferably accomplished via higher supports than exist for the heat exchange elements located therebetween.

Abstract: An engine which can operate satisfactorily on sources of relatively low heat, such as waste heat given off by steam generating plants, includes a heating tank operably positioned with respect to a source of heat so that fluid within the tank is heated. The fluid in the tank is selected so that its boiling point is below the temperature of the heating tank. In this way the fluid is pressurized in the tank. The pressurized fluid flows to a turbine having a hollow central shaft with hollow vanes extending radially therefrom. The pressurized fluid flowing from the ends of the vanes cause the turbine to rotate. A housing about the turbine collects the fluid expelled from the vanes. The fluid then flows through a conditioning means into a storage tank where it is then introduced back into the heating tank to be recirculated. Electronic circuitry is provided to monitor and control operation of the engine.

Abstract: An evaporator for producing wet steam in a cogeneration plant wherein the evaporator is a multiple pass unit having continuous in-tube flow paths from inlet to outlet. The evaporator is a shell and tube type with the clean steam on the shell side and water in the tubes. The evaporator is particularly useful in a cogeneration plant used in a secondary recovery process using contaminated wet steam.

Abstract: Power is produced from a methane-containing cryogenic liquid such as LNG by compressing the liquid and employing the compressed liquid as a refrigerant in the condensers of two closed and independent power cycles. The heat exchange medium in the first of the cycles evaporates in a lower temperature range than that at which the heat exchange medium in the second cycle condenses. The first heat exchange medium is condensed by heat exchange in a first heat exchange step with the compressed cryogenic liquid and the second heat exchange medium is condensed by heat exchange in a second heat exchange step with compressed cryogenic liquid recovered from the first heat exchange step and evaporating first heat exchange medium. Power is recovered from the expansion engines associated with the two power cycles.

Abstract: A direct contact type multi-stage steam condenser system having a direct contact type high vacuum stage steam condenser disposed above a low vacuum stage steam condenser with a water supplying tank for the low vacuum stage condenser disposed therebetween. In the preferred embodiment, the high and low vacuum stage condensers and the water supplying tank are formed integrally as a single unit. The water supplying tank, which also serves as a gas-tight seal between the condenser stages, is formed above a water sprinkling board provided in the upper portion of the low vacuum stage condenser. Condensed water falls under its own weight thereby eliminating the need for an intermediate pressurizing pumps.

Abstract: The requirements and treatment costs of water used in a fossil fuel fired power station are reduced by a process which employs multiple reverse osmosis stages. This process also employs station waste heat to concentrate solid waste material to facilitate disposal thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus and method comprising a base cooling system using a refrigeration cycle, a peak-shaving system using a secondary cooling liquid, and a regeneration system for the peak-shaving system secondary cooling liquid. A split or partitioned heat exchanger alternately condenses only the refrigerant in the base cooling system or it condenses that refrigerant and a refrigerant used to cool hot secondary cooling liquid.The apparatus can be used in power generating plants with the split heat exchanger located in a cooling tower.

Abstract: The specification and drawings disclose a heating system comprising a once-through, closed-loop type vapor generator fired by a modulating gas burner controlled to fire at a rate proportional to the demand level within a space to be heated. A vapor power turbine is directly connected to receive the output from the generator to operate at a variable speed in response to demand level within the space. Vapor exhaust from the turbine is conducted through a condenser, where it gives up its heat and becomes liquid, and returns to the vapor generator. Air for heating the space is conducted over the condenser by a fan directly driven at a variable speed by the turbine.

Abstract: The specification describes a Rankine cycle power plant of the single stage type energized by gasified freon, the latter being derived from freon in the liquid state in a boiler provided in the form of a radio frequency heating cell adapted at low energy input to effect a rapid change of state from liquid freon at a given temperature and pressure to gaseous freon of relatively large volume, thereby to drive a Rankine cycle type of engine recognized in the prior art as a steam engine type of engine of the piston or turbine type.

Abstract: A fastening arrangement for a turbine and a condenser is disclosed wherein the turbine and the condenser are fastened to a common foundation table in order to decrease the effect of dynamic loads on the machine parts of a turbine and its foundations. The foundation table is spring-supported on a plurality of supports of another supporting structure. A flexible connection is provided between the turbine and the condenser with one of the bearing members of the arrangement being located variously about the foundation table. One of the bearing members is preferably arranged on a top surface of the foundation table and another bearing member may be arranged below or within the foundation table. Furthermore, the other bearing member may be cast within the foundation table or be resiliently mounted for axial movement within a recess of the table.

Abstract: A heat generating industrial operation is cooled by means of an aqueous brine of a concentration of 20-35% by weight. The brine is flown in closed cycle between a heat exchanger of said operation and a cooling pond in which the desired brine concentration is maintained.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed whereby cold subsurface water in a large body of water is upwelled by air-lifting in vertical jet streams to the surface of the body of water. The cold subsurface water eminates radially in all directions from the vertical jet streams, while floating on top of the body of water. The cold water then descends in vertical jet streams to the subsurface allowing the cycle to be repeated. The cold subsurface water brought to the surface in a number of places over a relatively large area of the body of water allows the temperature differential between the cold surface water and the warm surface water adjacent thereto and at the periphery thereof to be used by a fluid in a heat engine cycle to drive turbines and thereby generate electricity. The cold surface water also allows the production of electricity of air turbines which may be placed adjacent to the area having cold water thereon. The cold water cools the air above it creating strong winds which drive the air turbines.

Abstract: A support configuration between a turbine and associated condenser for compensating unbalanced pressure forces on the turbine with unbalanced pressure forces exerted on the condenser. A portion of the condenser floor is elevated above the remaining part of the condenser floor, is flexibly connected therewith, and constitutes a vacuum balance plate which is structurally connected to the turbine. Due to its flexible connection with the condenser, the vacuum balance plate is permitted limited displacement relative to the remaining portion of the condenser floor and can thus transmit unbalanced pressure forces exerted thereon through the structural members to the turbine so as to minimize the condenser vacuum load on the turbine's foundation. The vacuum balance plate's elevation is greater than the condenser's adjacent hot well floor and is preferably greater than the condenser's maximum condensate height.

Abstract: Radioactive emissions by reason of primary-liquid-to-secondary-liquid leakage in the steam generator of pressurized water reactor power plants are reduced by a demineralizer in the discharge from the blowdown tank and also by transmitting blowdown venting vapor to the condenser. For major failures resulting in power blackout an auxiliary turbine is provided. This turbine is connected to be energized by vapor (steam) by-passed from the main steam line. The auxiliary turbine drives the pumps which pump the cooling water for the condenser. The steam which drives the auxiliary turbine is also discharged to the condenser. The condensed water flows back into the steam generators where it is discharged through the blowdown tank.

Abstract: Apparatus for reheating the exhaust steam or other working fluid from an external combustion engine, e.g., a turbine, comprises two contra-rotating drums, each containing conduit means arranged in a spiral through which the exhaust fluid flows in succession, the drums being located in a cylindrical housing which is divided into four quadrants through which the drums rotate, two of the quadrants being supplied with heat from an external source, one quadrant being neutral and one quadrant being cooled.

Abstract: A power generating assembly in which a portion of the heat energy in a stream of fluid such as warm or hot air is extracted and transformed to rotary power as a body of low boiling liquid is recirculated through a closed path. Vapor of the liquid liquifies when subjected to a pressure greater than a first pressure and a temperature lower than a first temperature. The vapor is superheated by the heat energy above-identified to a high pressure at which it actuates a reciprocating mechanism to produce rotary power. Vapor discharging from the reciprocating mechanism is allowed to expand adiabatically in a first confined space, and be cooled. A compressor draws vapor from the first confined space and discharges the same into a second confined space at a pressure greater than the first pressure. The temperature of the vapor in the second confined space is lowered below that of the first temperature whereupon the vapor assumes the liquid form.

Abstract: A plant including a power station with power station buildings of a heavy construction and with a cooling tower surrounding the power station buildings, especially a steam power plant with natural draft-cooling tower for dry cooling. The cooling tower has a manner known per se designed as double mantle construction with an inner bowl and an outer bowl surrounding the inner bowl in spaced relationship thereto. The outer walls of the power plant buildings form a portion of the inner bowl or form the entire inner bowl. The remaining cooling tower portions and the outer bowl are designed as light structures. Any portion of the inner bowl which might possibly extend upwardly from the power plant buildings rest on the power plant buildings while the outer bowl on one hand rests on the ground by way of a support structure, and on the other hand by way of wind bracing members rests on the power plant buildings.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for transforming heat having a low temperature into motive power, wherein heat which is carried by a first fluid is used for heating a condensable second fluid which participates in a thermodynamic cycle and wherein the second fluid is expanded thereby producing motive power or thermic energy having a higher potential. The apparatus for putting into practice this process comprises a superheater, in which the first fluid carrying the heat to be transformed and the second fluid circulate, an expansion device for the second fluid which produces motive power, a heat exchanger in which the expanded second fluid and a compressed second fluid circulate, a condenser for transforming the expanded second fluid into a liquid, a compressor for feeding the liquid second fluid to the superheater via the heat exchanger, and a gaseous fluid circulating through the condensor which mixes via ports and a convergent nozzle in the superheater with the first fluid.

Abstract: A solar operated closed system power generator is provided in which a low boiling fluid is vaporized and superheated by the solar energy concentrated within a parabolic reflector upon an elongated boiler which extends along the focus of the reflector. Turbine means are connected to the boiler for obtaining power by the expansion of the superheated vapor and the expanded vapors are condensed in a condenser positioned in the shadow of the reflector. The condenser is cooled by cooling air which is moved through the condenser by means of a draft provided by the convection discharge of gases heated by the reflector, and pump means are provided for transferring the liquefied exhaust gases in the condenser to the boiler at the greater pressure prevailing therein.

Abstract: A steam turbine installation includes a safety system located in the steam flow path having a stop valve located in the steam flow path upstream of the turbine and a vacuum break valve located in the stream flow path downstream of the turbine, and a combined regulating and safety device connected to the turbine produces signals for controlling these valves. In addition, a signal from a steam flow monitor located downstream of the stop valve is supplied to a logic system, this signal having a value which normally corresponds to the setting of the stop valve. In the event of a disparity the logic system functions to trip the regulating and safety device which results in a closure of the stop valve and a partial opening of the vacuum break valve.

Abstract: The improved geothermal energy extraction system abstracts thermal energy stored in hot solute-bearing well water to generate a super-heated fluid from an injected flow of a working fluid; the super-heated fluid is then used to operate a turbine-driven pump at the well bottom for pumping the hot geothermal brine in liquid state toward the earth's surface. After energy for the generation of electrical power is extracted from the brine, a consequently cooled portion of the brine is then used at the earth's surface in a combination unitary cooling tower and working organic fluid condensing system. The invention combines the cooling tower and condenser functions in an integrated unit, the outer surfaces of the condenser tubes being exposed to a cascading flow of cooling brine while the brine is itself being cooled.

Abstract: Damage to steam condensers resulting from freezing of condensate when operating at below freezing ambient air temperature and at low steam flow rates and/or low ambient temperatures is prevented by causing air or other non-condensible inert gas or gases to accumulate in tubes and/or headers of the condenser for a period of time sufficient to substantially lower the heat transfer capacity of the condenser but insufficient to cause damage due to freezing of condensate. The accumulation is caused by shutting off the air takeoff from condensate headers and/or introducing additional air or other non-condensible gas into the apparatus for a controlled, predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A heat exchanger in a close cycle gas turbine power plant has, on its heat abduction side, a system of cooling units connected to it by means of which the efficiency of the plant is considerably increased. Such units consist of evaporators and vapor turbines with condensers and air coolers, the vapor turbines being driven by vapors generated in the evaporators. The latter, in turn, are heated by the heat abduction side of the heat exchanger in the main cycle. The exhaust vapors are precipitated in condensers and cooled down by air coolers and recoolers and partly circulated back to the heat abduction side of the heat exchanger in the main cycle.

Abstract: Apparatus to convert the internal energy of hot fluids to mechanical work comprising a pair of nozzles, e.g. convergent-divergent nozzles, mounted oppositely on hollow support arms which are in turn mounted on a rotating hollow shaft which is coupled to a conventional electric generator or other device requiring mechanical power. The hot liquid, e.g. hot brine, flows through the hollow shaft and the hollow support arms to the nozzles, where the hot fluid expands and creates a thrust and torque on the shaft, causing it to rotate and create shaft power. The nozzles and rotating shaft are mounted in a closed container from which the exhaust fluid, gases and liquid are removed by conventional means so as to maintain a reduced pressure within the container.

Abstract: This is a method and apparatus for practicing the method, for the utilization of geothermal energy for the production of power, wherein a fluid (stream and/or hot liquid, or the like) from a geothermal aquifer is brought up the surface of the Earth through several wells of a group, and returned as condensate after passing through an energy extractor through another well, or wells of the group, and wherein a reversible flow arangement is provided whereby the fluid may be taken from different wells and utilized with the condensate going back through different wells successively and in turn by means of which salt deposits are eliminated, the heat of the aquifer is maintained, and maximum energy exraction is achieved.

Abstract: A power plant comprising combustion means for generating heat for use in a power plant with at least two hot gas engines, comprising first and second working fluid spaces, reciprocating means for varying the volume of working fluid spaces, heating means adjacent said first working fluid space, a source of cooling fluid, first conduit means connecting said source of cooling fluid and said cooling means to convey cooling fluid from said source of cooling fluid to said cooling means to cool working fluid in said second working fluid space and means for conveying the products of combustion from said combustion means to the heating means to heat working fluid in said first working fluid space; second conduit means in communication with the cooling means one said hot gas engine and the combustion means to convey cooling fluid from the cooling means of said one hot gas engine to the combustion means for participation in combustion therein, the cooling means of said second hot gas engine being independent of the comb

Abstract: In a thermoelectric generating plant utilizing heat to generate electric energy and having a recirculating water system in which the water is heated during passage through the plant and must be cooled before recirculation to the plant thus causing a heat loss and resultant loss of energy; the combination therein of apparatus for recapturing a portion of the normally lost energy. The apparatus includes a natural air draft, cooling tower for the flow of air from the bottom to the top thereof and disposed in the recirculating water system for receiving the heated water and passing the heated water through the flow of air at generally the bottom thereof for cooling the heated water and heating the air to cause a natural draft flow of air up through the tower.

Abstract: Cooling water is supplied to a load, e.g. a thermal-power station, from a source of water such as a lake or stream susceptible to changes in level. The system comprises a first pump drawing water from the source, a filter arrangement downstream of the first pump, a duct downstream of the filter arrangement and a second pump connected between the duct and the input side of the load. The downstream side of the load, from which the warm water emerges, is passed through a second duct and then preferably through a warm-water level control arrangement before being disposed in a sink or other basin. A connection between the discharge duct and the feed duct is permanently maintained and allows water to flow from the feed duct to the discharge duct or vice versa in dependence upon the relative quantities of liquid displaced by the pump. As a result, the water fed through the second pump can have its temperature adjusted by mixing with warm water automatically.

Abstract: Steam is removed from the steam cycle of a turbine when the back pressure on the turbine exceeds a predetermined level. Heat is then extracted from the removed steam and dissipated in a cooling tower of a cooling system for the turbine's condenser. Increased temperatures in the cooling tower augment thermal fan action, resulting in lower coolant temperatures and limiting the back pressure on the turbine. When the back pressure on the turbine decreases to an acceptable level, the steam is redirected into the steam cycle.In a preferred embodiment, heat is extracted from steam by passing the steam through the high temperature coil of a vapor-absorption generator. The high temperature vapor formed in the generator transfers the heat to the heat dissipating surfaces of a cooling tower or into heat-exchange relationship with an exhaust coolant discharged from a steam condenser.

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

Abstract: A heat engine producing a hot gas is cooled by a fluid which in turn is cooled by the convective updraft of air in a cooling tower. The convective updraft is increased by adding a portion of the hot gas to the air in the cooling tower downstream of the heat exchange between the air and the cooling fluid. The heat engine may be an internal combustion engine of the gas turbine or piston type or a compressor or the like, and the hot gas may be product or exhaust.