Abstract: A locomotive assembly including an auxiliary power unit and a method of providing auxiliary power to a locomotive are disclosed. The locomotive assembly includes a locomotive having a power bus, a primary power source electrically coupled to the power bus, and a locomotive controller programmed to control the primary power source and transmit a first command signal to a power unit that is electrically coupled to the power bus. The power unit includes an auxiliary engine-generator set, a power interface electrically coupling the auxiliary engine-generate set to the power bus, and an auxiliary controller electrically coupled to the locomotive controller. The auxiliary controller is programmed to receive the command signal from the locomotive controller indicating a desired amount of power, control the auxiliary engine-generator set to produce at least the desired amount of power, and control the power interface to deliver the desired amount of power to the power bus.

Abstract: A system for condensing steam includes a steam supply duct, a supply riser, a supply manifold, a pair of condensing panels, a return manifold, and a condensate return. The steam supply duct is configured to convey steam from a steam generator. The supply riser is configured to convey steam from the steam supply duct. The supply manifold is configured to convey steam from the supply riser. The pair of condensing panels is configured to receive steam from the supply manifold. The supply manifold bifurcates with each bifurcation being configured to supply a respective condensing panel of the pair of condensing panels. The return manifold is configured to receive condensate from the pair of condensing panels. The condensate return duct is configured to convey condensate from the return manifold to the steam generator.

Abstract: A steam power plant with a low-pressure turbine is suggested with a second low-pressure turbine on a separated shaft line including a separate generator. The second low-pressure turbine is connected to an additional condensing system without cooling water consumption, thus allowing to maintain the power output at a high level, even if the main condensing system has a reduced capacity due to cooling water restrictions.

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 combined cycle power plant utilizes an absorption heat transformer to improve plant efficiency. A heat recovery steam generator receives exhaust from a gas turbine and generates steam for input to a steam turbine. The heat recovery steam generator includes a low pressure economizer, an intermediate pressure economizer and a high pressure economizer. The absorption heat transformer is in fluid communication with the low pressure economizer. The absorption heat transformer includes a feed water circuit that draws exhaust water from the low pressure economizer for heating by the absorption heat transformer and directs heated water to at least one of the intermediate pressure economizer and the high pressure economizer.

Abstract: A Steam power plant comprising a steam turbine (3) and a condenser (5), wherein the condenser (5) is disclosed, comprising a first heat sink being a ground heat exchanger (29) is connected to the condenser during times when ground temperature is lower than air temperature; and a second heat sink being an above-ground heat exchanger is connected to the condenser during times when ground temperature is not lower than air temperature.

Abstract: A method and system for generating power from low- and mid-temperature heat sources using a zeotropic mixture as a working fluid. The zeotropic mixture working fluid is compressed to pressures above critical and heated to a supercritical state. The zeotropic mixture working fluid is then expanded to extract power. The zeotropic mixture working fluid is then condensed, subcooled, and collected for recirculation and recompression.

Abstract: A multistage pressure condenser includes, a high pressure chamber and a low pressure chamber, a pressure partition wall which partitions an inner portion of the low pressure chamber to an upper portion and a lower portion, a cooling pipe group which condenses low pressure side steam to low pressure side condensate, a reheat chamber positioned in the lower portion of the low pressure chamber and in which the low pressure side condensate which flows down through the porous plate is stored, high pressure side steam introduction portion for introducing high pressure side steam in the high pressure chamber to the reheat chamber, liquid-film forming portion which guides the low pressure side condensate which flows down through the porous plate to the reheat chamber while dispersing the low pressure side condensate on a surface, and air feeder for promoting the flow of the high pressure side steam.

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 condenser that restrains fluctuations in the condenser vacuum in a power generating installation. In particular, the condenser has a circulating path through which cooling water flows; a tube nest for condensing steam from a steam turbine with the cooling water; and a discharge path. Additionally, a bypass tube; a control valve for controlling the flow rate of the cooling water supplied from the circulating path to the discharge path; a recirculating path; and a booster pump that controls the flow rate of the cooling water are provided. One of the temperature, the flow rate and both the temperature and the flow rate of the cooling water to flow through the two tube nests is deviated from the temperature and the flow rate of the cooling water on the upstream side of the circulating path using the control valve and booster pump.

Abstract: A condenser is provided and includes a body into and through which steam turbine discharge is able to flow, and first and second cooling members disposed in the body, wherein the first and second cooling members are each independently receptive of first and second coolant, respectively, the first cooling member, being receptive of the first coolant, is configured to cool the discharge during at least a first cooling operation, and the second cooling member, being receptive of the second coolant, is configured to cool the discharge during a second cooling operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a steam power plant, wherein solar energy can be very flexibly and very efficiently coupled into the water steam circuit of the steam power plant.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a carbon-dioxide-recovery-type steam power generation system comprises a boiler that generates steam and an exhaust gas, an absorption tower that allows carbon dioxide contained in the exhaust gas to be absorbed in an absorption liquid, a regeneration tower that regenerates discharges a carbon dioxide gas from the absorption liquid, a reboiler that heats the absorption liquid of the regeneration tower, a turbine that is rotationally driven by the steam, a condenser that generates condensate by cooling steam exhausted from the turbine, a compressor that compresses the carbon dioxide gas, and a cooler that cools the carbon dioxide gas, which has been compressed by the compressor, while using a part of the condensate as cooling water. The reboiler is supplied with steam from the turbine and steam generated by the cooling of the carbon dioxide gas at the cooler.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the separation of CO2 from a gas mixture. The CO2 may be removed by cooling the gas mixture such that the CO2 can be removed as a solid or liquid. In various embodiments the gas mixture from which the CO2 is removed may include exhaust gases generated as part of a combustion process, such as may be employed in a power generation process, though the gas mixture may be any gas mixture that includes CO2.

Abstract: The efficiency of compressed air vehicle is enhanced by adapting the compressed air storage tank with a Magnus rotor that creates lift so as to reduce the effective weight of the tank during operation. A compressed air tank has an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet of a compressed air motor. Air leaving the compressed air motor is caused to flow across the Magnus rotor whereby lift is generated to counter gravitational force thereby reducing the effective weight of the system. A battery powered electric fan has an inlet disposed to draw air across the Magnus rotor thereby increasing the velocity of the air so as to maximize the Magnus effect. A thermoelectric cooler transfers heat across the compressed air motor, i.e. from air exiting the compressed air motor outlet, to the air entering the compressed air motor inlet, whereby the temperature of the air entering the compressed air motor is increased resulting in increased pressure.

Abstract: A waste heat recovery system, method and device executes a thermodynamic cycle using a working fluid in a working fluid circuit which has a high pressure side and a low pressure side.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for increasing the efficiency of a combined gas/steam power station (10) with integrated gasification combined cycle. Said power station comprises a gas turbine compressor (14) and an air-separation unit (18) having a defined working pressure. Compressed air is removed from the gas turbine compressor (14) at a pressure level that is adapted to the working pressure of the air-separation unit (18). The removed air is then supplied to the air-separation unit (18) where the air is broken down into its individual constituents, especially oxygen and nitrogen. The nitrogen produced in the air-separation unit (18) is removed from the air-separation unit and at least a part of the removed nitrogen quantity is used as a coolant in the gas/steam power station in order to improve its efficiency.

Abstract: A method for producing a condenser for a thermal power plant is provided. First, the production method includes fitting a condenser tube in a carrier for a condenser tube bundle of the condenser. Then, the fitted condenser tube is coated with a hydrophobic coating. Coating the fitted condenser tube includes positioning a spray mechanism on the carrier, spraying on the hydrophobic coating using a spray mechanism, and moving the spray mechanism during spraying at a uniform rate. In another aspect, a device is provided. Also, a condenser is provided in an aspect.

Abstract: A method for operating a gas and steam turbine plant is provided. In the plant, the flue gas that escapes from a gas turbine is routed through a waste gas steam generator and where a flow medium that is used to drive a steam turbine is conducted in a flow medium circuit that includes several pressure stages. At least one of the pressure stages has an evaporator circuit with a steam collection drum that has a plurality of downpipes connected to the steam collection drum and a plurality of rising pipes downstream of the downpipes that are likewise connected to the steam collection drum and are heated by the flue gas in the waste heat steam generator. The height of the fluid column formed by the flow medium in the downpipes is monitored and a transient dry operation of the evaporator circuit can thus be detected and safeguarded against.

Abstract: According to the invention, in order to prevent a film from forming which obstructs the transfer of heat in heat exchanger pipes, the heat exchanger pipe comprises an external side which is adjacent to the external surface and which is impinged upon by a steam medium, and an inner side which is adjacent to an inner surface and which is impinged upon by a coolant, such that the outer surface is provided with a first layer which reduces the adhesion of the steam on the outer surface and/or the inner surface is provided with a second layer which reduces the adhesion of a coolant to the inner surface and which is embodied as a biocidal layer. The invention relates to a heat exchanger and to the use thereof.

Abstract: A condenser comprises a high pressure side condenser, a high pressure side cooling tube bank, a high pressure side hot well, a low pressure side condenser, a low pressure side cooling tube bank, a pressure shroud provided inside the low pressure side condenser, a low pressure side hot well, high pressure steam introducing portion, low pressure side condensate introducing portion, a flash box which communicates with at least one of the high pressure side hot well and the low pressure side hot well, flashes a heater drain from a feed water heater, and urges at least one of the high pressure side hot well and the low pressure side hot well to recover the flashed heater drain, and a flash steam path which introduces flash steam generated inside the flash box into at least one of the high pressure side hot well and the low pressure side hot well.

Abstract: A cogeneration system is preferably provided with a Stirling engine that has a pillar-shaped heated head, a burner that faces an end surface of the heated head of the Stirling engine, a first exhaust passage that extends along the side surface of the heated head of the Stirling engine, a second exhaust passage that continues from the first exhaust passage and extends along a side of the first exhaust passage opposite to the Stirling engine, and a first heat exchanger that is arranged on a side of the second exhaust passage opposite to the Stirling engine. This cogeneration system can recover more heat energy from combusted gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plant for regasification of liquefied natural gas (GNL), comprising a liquefied gas storage reservoir (10) and a regasification device (12) for the GNL through which the natural gas and a heat transfer medium flow. According to the invention, the plant comprises a loop circuit (16) in which the heat transfer medium circulates in the form of a low-viscosity organic liquid with a low crystallisation point and the regasification device (12) comprises at least two exchangers (60, 62).

Abstract: An exhaust gas cooling and particulate scrubbing system for automobiles includes a first stage intercooler for initial, indirect cooling of the exhaust gas and a direct exhaust gas cooling and scrubbing device preferably positioned downstream in the exhaust system therefrom. The intercooler is designed to provide circulation of a liquid cooling medium by convection and has airflow ducts positioned within a surrounding jacket oriented to permit air to move therethrough during movement of the automobile. The a direct exhaust gas cooling and scrubbing device passes the exhaust gas through a liquid cooling medium whereby the exhaust gas is cooled in an effort to trap suspended particulates in the liquid cooling medium.

Abstract: In order to evacuate a turbine condenser, air contained in the turbine condenser is suctioned using propellant steam from a starting jet pump. The propellant steam and the air are guided into an auxiliary condenser which is arranged downstream from turbine condenser.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and device for deterring the freezing within a condenser by preventing critical pressure differentials from building up between the exhaust steam header and the air ejector systemy. The means for regulating pressure in the air ejector system prevents the pressure difference between the turbine exhaust and the air ejector system from being great enough to carry condensate through a condensing tube into an air ejector system.

Abstract: A condensation system for the condensation of turbine exhaust steam has a condenser installation (25) in which a surface condenser (30) and a direct-contact condenser (35) work in combination. In this case, the two condensers (30, 35) are either arranged in a single common housing or are each arranged in a separate housing. In one embodiment, the condenser installation (25) is connected in a circulation circuit for the cooling media to a wet-dry cooling tower or hybrid cooling tower (40). In this case, the cooling water of the surface condenser (30) is recooled in the wet part (42) and the cooling condensate of the direct-contact condenser (35) is recooled in the dry part (41) of the hybrid cooling tower (40).

Abstract: A waste heat recovery system includes a chamber. A gas inlet and gas outlet direct the flow of hot gas from a waste heat source to and from the chamber. A working fluid inlet port and working fluid outlet port direct the flow of multicomponent working fluid to and from the chamber. A plurality of heating surfaces are disposed within the chamber. The heating surfaces are formed of tubes which transport the flow of multicomponent working fluid from the inlet port to the outlet port such that the flow of the hot gas from the gas inlet to the gas outlet transfers heat from the hot gas to the flow of multicomponent working fluid.

Abstract: In a process for preheating and deaerating make-up water in a power generation plant by steam, the required make-up water is initially heated up to the saturation temperature without substantial deaeration and is subsequently deaerated. The steam used for heating and deaerating is expanded steam from a condenser, which steam is almost fully condensed during the heating of the make-up water and is recycled to the steam circulation of the power generation plant.

Abstract: A waste heat recovery system is provided where a waste heat source is utilized to vaporize a working fluid which in turn powers a turbine to generate power in a heat engine. A heat exhanger is placed between a waste heat source in an industrial process and an evaporator. The evaporator is connected to a turbine chamber further connected to a multi-chambered condensation unit. Each chamber of the multi-chambered condensation unit has a valved inlet port and a valved outlet port. The valved inlet ports of each chamber of the multi-chambered condensation unit are connected to the turbine chamber outlet. The multi-chamber condensation unit includes a number of condensation chambers, each chamber including a plurality of computer controlled valves. The condesation chambers are sequentially evacuated causing the vapor to be drawn through the turbine and brought into the condensation chambers one at a time. A reservoir is provided which collects the condensate where it is pumped back to the evaporator.

Abstract: In a power plant having a boiler for heating a fluid to form a gaseous phase, a power generator for generating electrical power from the gaseous phase, a condenser for condensing the gaseous phase after the gaseous phase has passed through the power generator, a liquid ring pump for evacuating uncondensed gaseous phase from the condenser, and a chiller for cooling seal liquid discharged from the liquid ring pump for re-use in the liquid ring pump, apparatus is provided for utilizing the heat generated during the operation of the chiller to heat a predetermined portion of the fluid supplied to the boiler, thereby reducing the amount of heat which must be provided by the boiler to form a gaseous phase of the fluid so that electricity can be generated. The efficiency of the power plant is thereby increased.

Abstract: A vapor condensation and liquid recovery system is provided where a turbine chamber is connected to a multi-chambered condensation unit. Each chamber of the condensation unit has a valved inlet port and a valved outlet port. The valved inlet ports of each chamber of the condensation unit are connected to the turbine chamber outlet. Each condensation chamber is provided with another valved port which is connected to a vacuum generating means. Each chamber is also provided with a further valved port connected to a purge pump. The valved outlet ports are connected to a fluid reservoir. All of the valves are opened and closed by valve control means such as a computer. The valve control means opens and closes the valved vacuum line, valved inlet ports, valved outlet ports, and valved purge line in a sequence to permit a condensable vapor to be continuously drawn through the turbine chamber where it rotates the turbine blades transferring energy from the vapor to the turbine shaft. As a result the vapor condenses.

Abstract: Steam exhaust outlets of a low pressure steam turbine are fitted with a divider plate to separate exhaust steam into isolated flow paths in fluid communication with a condenser. Separation of the flow paths is maintained through the condenser so that heat rate is improved by lower average back pressure and higher temperature condensate exiting the condenser. In a double flow turbine, a further divider plate separates steam from one exhaust outlet from that of the other exhaust outlet thereby creating four steam flow paths to the condenser.

Abstract: A device for condensing steam, the device including a bundle of long heat-exchange tubes extending from first and lower header means to second and upper header means defining paths for the steam as it moves from the lower header means toward the upper header means and for effecting a flow of steam upwardly and a flow of steam condensate downwardly within the tubes, and new baffling installed inside some of the tubes of the bundle to channel and separate the upward bulk flow of stream and the downward bulk flow of condensate so as to prevent interaction between the two fluids that disrupts normal flow and heat transfer.

Abstract: An improved steam power system comprising a turbine for converting steam energy into mechanical energy upon expansion of steam therein, a boiler for generating steam to be fed to the turbine, and a conduit arrangement coupling the boiler to the turbine input and then coupling the turbine exhaust to the boiler through air cooled steam condensing mechanisms, the condensing mechanisms including a plurality of U-shaped tubes through which the expanded steam flows and is condensed; front header means at the input ends of the tubes located in the cooler ambient air exposed regions of the tubes for receiving exhaust steam from the turbine; rear header means at the output ends of the tubes located in the warmer unexposed regions of the tubes for receiving condensate and non-condensible gasses; and means in the rear headers to remove non-condensible gasses from the rear headers, the tubes being designed and constructed to protect the tubes from freezing for lack of steam by employing a tube arrangement that flows stea

Abstract: A closed loop thermodynamic system that recirculates a vaporizable working fluid between its liquid and vapor states includes a thermal regeneration unit that receives exhausted working fluid after its utilization in an energy-utilizing device and transfers a portion of the enthalpy contained therein to a pressurized flow of condensed working fluid to a vaporizing unit in the system. Uncondensed exhausted vapor, after regenerative heat has thus been extracted, is then directed to a condensing unit of known type for condensation therein and collection in a condensate-holding unit. Condensation formed from the exhausted vapor during the course of the regenerative heat transfer therefrom is collected in a pool in the regeneration unit and is transferred to join the condensate in the condensate-holding unit to be flowed through the regeneration unit for regenerative heating therein.

Abstract: A geothermal steam turbine plant comprises a steam turbine operatively connected to a production well, an indirect-contact type main condenser into which a geothermal steam including non-condensed gas is introduced from the steam turbine, and a cooling water supply system for supplying cooling water to the main condenser.

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: A turbine power plant consisting of a closed loop steam turbine system and a closed loop exhaust turbine system. An external fuel source is used to drive the steam turbine system. The heat energy of the hot exhaust fluid of the steam turbine system is transferred to the exhaust turbine system, therefore driving the exhaust turbine system. The turbines used in this invention are designed to allow a heat exchange relationship between the closed loop cycle of the steam turbine system and the closed loop cycles of the exhaust turbine system. In the closed loop steam turbine system, the hot exhaust fluid of the steam turbine system flows through a conduit where it gives up heat energy to the turbines of the exhaust turbine system, prior to reaching a condenser. The working fluid, now in a liquid phase, flows through a pump and then collects heat energy from the exhaust fluid of the turbines in the exhaust turbine system, preheating the working fluid prior to reaching a heater and the steam turbine.

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: A multiple pressure condenser has heating devices for the overcooled parts of the condensate, which devices are accommodated alone or preferably in pairs in one or more of the condenser parts. The heating devices have perforated droplet plates located one above the other, from which droplet plates the overcooled condensate drips downwards in steps and is heated to at least the saturation temperature of the condenser space by high pressure exhaust steam flowing upwards. The overcooled condensate arrives at the highest droplet plate via drain and rising ducts, which are connected to the space over the intermediate floor or floors which separate the exhaust steam spaces from the hot well.

Abstract: A forced-air cooled condenser system having a plurality of heat exchange elements, preferably roof-shaped heat exchange elements with a steam distribution line which forms the ridge of the elements. Cooling air is supplied to the heat exchange elements via fans. The heat exchange elements are disposed directly next to a turbine housing, and are disposed parallel to one another. In order to prevent the danger of a recirculation of the warm air which emerges from the heat exchange elements, a concentrated air draft in the form of a sort of aerodynamic wall is blown out along at least that edge of the condenser system which extends parallel to the turbine housing. The velocity of flow of the air draft is greater than the exit velocity of the cooling air from those heat exchange elements which are disposed in the middle.

Abstract: A method of separating the two exhausts of a low pressure double flow turbine so that the turbine can be directly connected to a zoned or multi pressure condenser having a shell side low pressure chamber with influent cooling water in the tubes disposed therein and a shell side higher pressure chamber with effluent cooling water in the tubes disposed therein and utilizing structural elements within the turbine and baffling to form low leakage seals between the two chambers.

Abstract: A low pressure double flow stream turbine is connected to a condenser and partition plates are disposed within the condenser and turbine to flow to two separate chambers and cooling water flows in series through tubes in the separate chambers producing different back pressures, the last row of rotating blades which discharge into the lower pressure chamber are longer than the last row of blades which discharge into the higher pressure chamber resulting in an improvement in the heat rate of the turbine.

Abstract: A system for concentration of waste cooling tower blowdown in a steam turbine power plant. The cooling tower blowdown feed is withdrawn from a main power plant condenser and is recirculated through an auxiliary cooling tower and an auxiliary condenser. The auxiliary condenser utilizes waste heat steam drawn from the main condenser as an energy source. Evaporation continuously takes place in the auxiliary cooling tower concentrating the cooling tower blowdown so that it may be withdrawn and sent to a concentrating pond or other slurry handling station for final disposal.

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: A vacuum retaining arrangement for retaining a vacuum within a condenser of a steam power plant during a short term outage or shutdown. At least a portion of a turbine gland packing near the condenser, with respect to a sealing steam supply portion, is connected and communicated with an air extractor through a gland condenser. The sealing steam which would otherwise flow into the condenser from the turbine gland package is suctioned or extracted from the gland packing into the gland condenser and the air extractor during the short term outage or shutdown so as to prevent the sealing steam from leaking into the condenser.

Abstract: There is disclosed a mechanical draft, vacuum steam condenser for use in steam turbine power plant service which permits the operator to turn selected air moving fans on or off in order to control the quantity of air flow over the tubes of the tube bundles without interfering with the removal of non-condensible gases from the bundles serviced by the other fans.

Abstract: Condensing exhaust steam by conveying a stream of the exhaust steam under vacuum to a base cooling tower to condense the steam so long as the heat rejection capacity of the base cooling tower is adequate to condense the steam; supplementing the base cooling tower, when it provides inadequate cooling, by contemporaneously also withdrawing cold cooling water from a cold water reservoir and injecting the cooling water into the stream of exhaust steam under vacuum to condense a portion of the steam to water such that the remaining portion of the steam is condensed to water in the base cooling tower; withdrawing hot condensed water from the exhaust steam stream and feeding a portion thereof to a hot reservoir; withdrawing hot cooling water from the hot reservoir, when the cooling tower capacity is adequate to decrease the temperature of the exhaust steam to below the temperature of the hot cooling water in the hot reservoir, and subjecting the withdrawn hot cooling water to the exhaust steam vacuum to cool the hot

Abstract: A process for condensing exhaust vapor comprises alternating modes of operation. In the first mode, the exhaust vapor contacts solid particles at a first temperature below the condensation temperature of the vapor and, simultaneously, solid particles at a second temperature above the first temperature are cooled to the first temperature. In the second mode, the exhaust vapor contacts the solid particles that were cooled in the first mode and, simultaneously, solid particles that were heated in the first mode are cooled to the first temperature. This cycle repeats continuously.