Abstract: An engine assembly includes an intermittent internal combustion engine having an engine shaft, a turbine having a turbine shaft, an output shaft for driving a load, and a gearbox having a first portion and a second portion. The engine shaft is in engagement with an accessory via the first portion. The turbine shaft is in driving engagement with the output shaft via the second portion. The gearbox is configurable between an engaged and a disengaged configurations. In the disengaged configuration, the first and second portions are decoupled, and the engine shaft and the turbine shaft are rotatable independently from each other. In the engaged configuration, the first and second portions are coupled, and the engine shaft and the turbine shaft are drivingly engaged with each other via the coupled first and second portions.

Abstract: A method for controlling the combustion in a gas turbine including measuring, with one or more probes situated adjacent to the combustion chamber of the turbine, the amplitude of the pressure oscillations inside the combustion chamber and the persistence time or cycle of the same oscillations, evaluating the behavior under fatigue conditions of the combustion chamber, by constructing the Wohler curve for a certain material which forms the combustion chamber for a predefined combustion frequency and for the amplitude and cycle values of the pressure oscillations measured, measuring the cumulative damage to the combustion chamber during functioning under fatigue conditions of the turbine using the Palmgren-Miner hypothesis and exerting protection actions of the turbine if the cumulative damage value measured is exceeded.

Abstract: A metallic-ceramic joint for a turbo-compressor spool is disclosed. A temperature-limited joint is moved from outside the bearings to between the bearings and near the center of the shaft joining the turbine and compressor. This placement can lower the temperature at and around the joint and reduces the sharp gradient (and associated thermal stress) naturally occurring between the turbine rotor and the cooler joint. The bearing closest to the compressor can be an oil bearing and the bearing closest to the turbine an air bearing. The bearing closest to the compressor and the bearing closest to the turbine can both be an oil bearing. The bearing closest to the compressor and the bearing closest to the turbine can both be an air bearing. Moving the metallic-ceramic joint between the bearings can provide sufficient isolation to enable the all-air bearing solution.

Abstract: Embodiments of engine systems for improved engine cooling and work production are disclosed herein. A working fluid can be injected into a combustion chamber or an engine during any portion of an energy cycle to cool the engine and/or to produce useful work in addition to work generated by combustion events in the chamber. The system can include a monitoring system configured to measure conditions within individual combustion chambers. Based on the interior conditions of the chamber, the system can adaptively inject working fluid mixtures into the engine. The engine can be part of a cascading series of engines including a primary engine and a secondary engine that receives fluids from the primary engine and generates energy from the fluids.

Abstract: A power-generating device using an organic Rankine cycle uses heat recovered from an exhaust gas treated in an exhaust gas treatment device, the power-generating device including a heat exchanger, an evaporator, a steam turbine, a power generator, a condenser, and a medium pump.

Abstract: A method of retrofitting a power generation system includes modifying a pre-existing power generation system that includes a combustor and a steam-based cycle to include a super-critical carbon dioxide-based Brayton cycle that is directly coupled through the combustor. The steam-based cycle is converted into a steam-based Rankine cycle that is in thermal-receiving communication with the super-critical carbon dioxide-based Brayton cycle.

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: In various embodiments, foam is compressed to store energy and/or expanded to recover energy.

Abstract: A power plant includes a first gas turbine engine, a second gas turbine engine, a flue gas duct, a CO2 capture system for treating flue gases from the second gas turbine engine and an exhaust system. It additionally includes at least one among a direct connection between the first gas turbine engine and the exhaust system, and a damper for on-line regulating the flue gases flow through it, a direct connection between the first gas turbine engine and the CO2 capture system, and a damper for regulating the flue gases flow through it, a supply of fresh oxygen containing fluid for the second gas turbine engine.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a heat engine system containing working fluid (e.g., sc-CO2) within high and low pressure sides of a working fluid circuit and a heat exchanger configured to transfer thermal energy from a heat source to the working fluid. The heat engine system further contains an expander for converting a pressure drop in the working fluid to mechanical energy, a shaft coupled to the expander and configured to drive a device (e.g., generator or pump) with the mechanical energy, a recuperator for transferring thermal energy between the high and low pressure sides, and a cooler for removing thermal energy from the working fluid in the low pressure side. The heat engine system also contains a pump for circulating the working fluid, a mass management system (MMS) fluidly connected to the working fluid circuit, and a supply tank fluidly connected to the MMS by a supply line.

Abstract: A steam turbine plant of one embodiment includes a boiler to change water into steam, an upstream turbine including plural stages of rotor vanes and plural stages of stator vanes and to be driven by the steam from the boiler, a downstream turbine including plural stages of rotor vanes and plural stages of stator vanes and to be driven by the steam from the upstream turbine, a condenser to change the steam exhausted from the downstream turbine into water, a collector to collect water from, for example, the steam which exists upstream of an inlet of the final-stage rotor vane in the upstream turbine, and a collected matter path to cause collected matter in the collector to flow into, for example, the steam between an outlet of the final-stage rotor vane of the upstream turbine and an inlet of the final-stage rotor vane of the downstream turbine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for controlling the flow of steam provided to a gas recovery unit 130 based on changes to steam flow to and/or power generated by a power generation unit 119. The gas recovery unit 130 may be part of a thermal power generation unit and may be an amine based CO2 recovery unit including two or more regenerator columns 153.

Abstract: A hybrid power plant includes a waste heat recovery (WHR) system having an expander driven by waste heat from an internal combustion engine. The expander, which is rotary in one example, rotationally drives a first pump and alternator with which the expander may be packaged as a single unit. The first pump circulates a working fluid when the WHR system is in use to charge an electrical storage device. A second pump is employed to circulate the working fluid when the first pump is not in use, for example. The expander can be bypassed to divert the working fluid to a heater core used to heat engine coolant during cold start conditions, for example.

Abstract: The present invention provides a waste heat recovery system, comprising a closed fluid circuit through which an organic motive fluid flows, heat exchanger means for transferring heat from waste heat gases to the motive fluid, means for flashing the motive fluid which exits the heat exchanger means into a high pressure flashed vapor portion, means for flashing liquid non-flashed motive fluid producing a low pressure flashed vapor portion, a high pressure turbine module which receives said high pressure flashed vapor portion to produce power, and a low pressure turbine module which receives a combined flow of motive fluid vapor comprising the low pressure flashed vapor portion and discharge vapor from the high pressure turbine module whereby additional power is produced.

Abstract: A method and installation are provided for reduction of natural gas from high pressure, such as in a borehole or in a main pipeline down to the pressure valve required for the consumer.

Abstract: A flexible method and arrangement provides an effective conversion of energy from any kind of energy sources and/or fuels by combustion and/or gasification, during long-term sustainable economy and environment, by energy conversion in stages. With an open partially circulated condensate system and/or a closed circulation feed water system, stages include first stage of conversion by gasification/combustion, pressurized and/or atmospheric with or without steam- and/or gas-turbines and/or pressurized fuel cell, followed by a second stage of conversion, which second stage utilizing condensation cooling including direct and/or indirect heat transmissions by the first stage produced pressurized mass flow of primary/secondary/residual heat comprising sensible and latent heat, by means of arrangement of expander turbines including counter current fed feed water/condensate fractions during preheating of condensate and feed water respectively before the return to the first stage of conversion.

Abstract: This invention is directed to an engine having an external combustion chamber for creating a vapor under high pressure. The vapor under high pressure is introduced to a high pressure cylinder for moving a high pressure piston. The vapor, upon leaving the high pressure cylinder, flows to a low pressure cylinder for moving a low pressure piston. The pistons are attached by connecting rods to a swash plate. The pistons move in a rectilinear movement. The swash plate converts the rectilinear movement to a rotary movement for a rotary output crankshaft. The external combustion chamber can be fueled by air and also by a solid, liquid, or vapor. The solid can be powdered coal. The liquid can be hydro-carbons or an organic material. The vapor can be one of many such as a product of combustion of hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen and oxygen can be burned to produce a high temperature and high pressure steam.

Abstract: This disclosure is the use of high efficiency turbomachinery designs to achieve high efficiency thermodynamic cycles. The high efficiency thermodynamic cycles are referred to as the Modified Ericsson cycles, an expansion of the regenerative Brayton cycle. A Modified Ericsson cycle can include 2,3,4, or more stages (number of intercooling and heat/reheat cycles between stages) that achieve higher efficiencies and power density (net output power/cycle weight flow rate) than those of regenerative and nonregenerative Brayton cycles. Also included is a high temperature tip-turbine driven compressor design for Brayton, Modified Ericsson and other power/refrigeration cycles.

Abstract: A steam turbine installation with bleeding adjusted to a predetermined pressure P, the installation driving a load and including a bleed outlet disposed between two successive stages, wherein the bleed pressure P is adjusted over a range D of bleed rates by a servo valve disposed on the exhaust duct and controlled by a servo-control circuit including device for measuring the pressure of the bleed flow.

Abstract: This invention consists of a medium power plant system and a low power plant system with individual closed loops. The medium power plant system recaptures heat energy from any source of heat fluid pressure. The exhaust heat energy of the medium power plant system, through a heat exchange relationship, is used to drive the individual closed loops of the low power plant system. The exhaust heat energy of the low power plant system with individual closed loops, through a heat exchange relationship, is recycled and used to preheat the working fluid inside the closed loop prior to obtaining additional exhaust heat energy from the medium power plant system. The medium power plant system and the low power plant system with individual closed loops contains a plurality of N turbine housing, where N is a whole number greater than one. Each turbine housing contains a power turbine and a compressor turbine.

Abstract: In order to obviate a short life and an expensive maintenance cost of boiler throttle valves as well as plant loss caused by pressure reduction at the boiler throttle valves in a supercritical pressure once-through boiler a supercritical pressure once-through boiler, in which boiler water transformed into steam in boiler furnace wall tubes is further heated in a superheater and is then fed to a main turbine, is improved in that boiler throttle valves and a heat recovery apparatus are provided on the downstream side of the boiler furnace wall tubes.

Abstract: An apparatus for recovering mechanical energy from the exhaust steam from a power plant is disclosed. The exhaust steam is led to a generally U-shaped sealed reservoir containing two legs filled with water. The water is driven back and forth between the legs causing the exhaust steam to condense while generating energy from the oscillating water in the reservoir.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine exhaust energy recovery apparatus including a turbine housing retaining a recovery turbine disc and defining a recovery inlet, a recovery exhaust port for discharging exhaust gases, a turbine chamber enclosing the turbine disc, and a convoluted recovery passage extending between the inlet and a periphery of the turbine disc. Disposed in the housing is a partition that separates the convoluted passage into first and second passages each providing communication between the inlet and the periphery of the turbine disc. A recovery valve is disposed in the first passage and is operable to control the flow of exhaust gases received at the inlet from a supercharger.

Abstract: Various heat cycles are disclosed which make use of comparatively low grade heat such as that from hot rock geo-thermal sources, the cycles incorporating either a helical screw expander or a rotary vane expander operating with an organic working fluid and in accordance with the invention, the exhaust from the helical screw expander or rotary vane expander is used in a conventional rankine cycle.

Abstract: A method and system is described which employs a thermal energy accumulator in which a thermal energy fluid and hot water coexist with each other. Hot water is taken out of the accumulator and supplied as thermal energy to an energy utilization compound arrangement of a total flow turbine and a steam turbine driving an electric power generator. The thermal energy fluid may be in the form of saturated steam, for example.

Abstract: A high speed turbogenerator functionally combining, in one machine, an electrical generator and an expansion turbine. The electrical generator itself has a shaft supported on two bearings and the expansion turbine comprises an expander wheel overhung on the generator shaft and which rotates as a high pressure gas is let down in the expansion turbine to a lower pressure at a minimum predetermined flow rate and pressure drop. The shaft operates at speeds of about 6,000 rpm to 32,000 rpm, preferably at the higher end of such range, i.e. 20,000 to 24,000 rpm. The unit is sufficiently compact that a new use for the electrical generator is to modify the same such that the entire high speed turbogenerator is contained within the conduit carrying the gas to be let down in pressure and only electrical wires need be led through the conduit. The integrity of the conduit is thus retained to the extent possible and only a high pressure cable fitting extends through the conduit.

Abstract: A power supply system for generating at least one of heat and electricity which includes a number of statically and functionally independent units adapted to generate at least one of heat and electricity which enable a maximum utilization of primary energy. For decentralized power supply over short and low loss supply lines the individual units are constructed as stackable modules. By exchanging or adding one or more modules, it is possible to adapt the flexibility of the power supply system to changes in demand for the energy thereby providing a practical approach to the utilization of waste heat for energy conservation purposes.

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 coal-fired steam locomotive powered by reciprocating steam engines. The locomotive is a two-unit drawbar-coupled locomotive. The units, which are designated as a power unit and a support unit, are arranged back-to-back, with each having a cab-in-front. Operation of the locomotive is equally effective in both directions. The power unit basically contains a furnace and combustion system, an ash storage system, a gas cleanup and exhaust system, a boiler and steam generator, steam engines, a jet condenser, and a control cab. The support unit, on two 6-wheel trucks, contains a modular coal storage area, a stoker motor, a water storage area, heat transfer assemblies and fans for air-cooling circulating water, and a second control cab. The coal-gasification furnace, steam boiler, and steam engines are all in a closed system. Further, the steam engines of the locomotive are in the form of a four cylinder, balanced system for driving the running gear of the locomotive.

Abstract: To avoid using high quality heat to boil water condensed from a moist gas stream and to increase the overall thermal efficiency in a system requiring a supply of steam obtained by boiling water condensed from a moist gas stream, the condensing of the desired amount of water is done in a combined condenser/boiler wherein the condensed out water is separated from the gas stream, reduced in temperature, and throttled to a pressure wherein it is converted to steam back in the condenser/boiler using only the heat of condensation and sensible heat from the moist gas stream during the condensing step.

Abstract: A cross compound turbine apparatus and method of operating the same wherein the apparatus includes a first turbine generator having a high pressure turbine and a first low pressure turbine connected to a first generator driving shaft, with the second turbine generator having an intermediate pressure turbine connected to a second generator driving shaft. Driving steam is supplied to the high pressure turbine and a primary steam line communicates exhaust steam from the high pressure turbine to drive the intermediate pressure turbine during a steady state operation of the first and second turbine generator sections. A bypass steam line communicates steam from the system supplying driving steam to the high pressure turbine to the intermediate pressure turbine in a bypassing relationship to the high pressure turbine.

Abstract: Solar energy is utilized to convert water into steam for use in driving a turbine which, in turn, is used to generate electricity. At the same time air in a solar panel is utilized to drive another turbine which in turn generates electricity. The water recovered by condensation of the steam is permitted to drop from the elevation at which it is accumulated and that water is used to drive another turbine which in turn generates further electricity.

Abstract: A solar energy system where the incident solar radiation evaporates a quantity of water in a distillation pond; the water vapor/air mixture rises buoyantly through a duct to a high elevation where it drives a wind turbine to produce electricity; the water is condensed out of the mixture and stored in a high elevation reservoir, where it is used to drive hydro-electric turbines; spent water is stored at a low elevation and is used for drinking, irrigation or recycling to the distillation pond.

Abstract: This invention embodies improvements in evaporative type refrigeration and space cooling units, both as to energy conservation and efficiency and economy of operation. It utilizes the new abentropic principle as set forth in my U.S. Pat. No. 4,109,470, which demonstrates that the energy of the latent heat of vapor is potential energy and need not be discarded as is done in present practice but can be converted to mechanical energy by taking advantage of the fact that the vapor pressure exuded by boiling hot condensate is the same as that of the vapor itself. The difference between this vapor pressure and that of a hard vacuum is sufficient to drive an engine. The energy necessary for the work done is extracted from the latent heat of the incoming vapor causing some of the vapor to condense at its boiling point proportionately as the work proceeds.

Abstract: This is a method, and an apparatus for performing said method, wherein the latent energy in expansible fluids is utilized in a multi stage series of expanders, or energy extractors, wherein succeeding expanders or energy extractors derive energy from fluid emanating from a preceding expander from which some energy was previously derived; and, wherein, important features are: the ability to maximize the torque output from the combined units as necessary for special load conditions by bypassing the primary fluid around one expander and into a succeeding expander with the bypassed expander being immmobilized; and differential coupling of the mechanical output of the expanders for utilization of maximum output and efficiency under varying conditions of capacity of the expanders due to changes in fluid and load conditions.

Abstract: This is a method, and an apparatus for performing said method, wherein the latent energy in expansible fluids is converted to mechanical or electrical energy or the like by the utilization of a multiplicity of expanders wherein succeeding expanders derive energy from fluid emanating from a preceding expander from which energy was previously derived; and, wherein, a feature is the by-passing, as desired, of subsequent expansions so that maximum torque can be obtained when desired; and wherein, the mechanical outputs of the expanders are connected by differential energy distributing means so as to accommodate for changes in the relative capacities of the two expanders by reason of changes in conditions in such manner that the relative change of capacities are accommodated by relative changes in the speed of the mechanical output of the expanders.

Abstract: Geothermally heated fluid is supplied to a nozzle of the first stage of a hydraulic turbine. The water constituent of the geothermally heated fluid is directed by the nozzle against the wheel of the hydraulic turbine to cause the wheel to rotate. A first generator is coupled to the wheel whereby rotation of the wheel results in the generation of electricity. A portion of the geothermally heated fluid passing through the nozzle flashes to a vapor phase. The vapor is delivered to the first stage of a vapor driven turbine. The vapor passes through the wheel of the turbine which results in rotation thereof. A second generator is coupled to the wheel of the vapor driven turbine whereby rotation of the wheel results in additional generation of electricity.

Abstract: Apparatus for the control of steam-heating power plants to optimize the use of energy in producing the required steam and electrical power comprising means for sensing steam and electricity demands, means for comparing these sensed demands with the electricity and steam output of turbine means in the plant, and means for adjusting operating set points of the turbines and steam generator for coordinated control of power plant energy consumption and production.

Abstract: A gaseous fluid is combined with a liquid to form a transient foam for processing the fluid as by compression, expansion, condensation, heat exchange or chemical reaction.

Abstract: A steam or vapor engine comprising a vapor generating apparatus, at least one cylinder with a piston working in the cylinder, and pipes and valves for supplying vapor from the vapor generating apparatus to a closed chamber, formed in the cylinder, and for discharging vapor from the cylinder chamber after a working stroke, and an apparatus for supplying an additive, which rapidly expands at the temperature of the vapor, to the cylinder chamber essentially simultaneously with the vapor.

Abstract: An electric power plant having a cross compound steam turbine and a steam source that includes a high temperature gas-cooled nuclear reactor. The steam turbine includes high and intermediate-pressure portions which drive a first generating means, and a low-pressure portion which drives a second generating means. The steam source supplies superheat steam to the high-pressure turbine portion, and an associated bypass permits the superheat steam to flow from the source to the exhaust of the high-pressure portion. The intermediate and low-pressure portions use reheat steam; an associated bypass permits reheat steam to flow from the source to the low-pressure exhaust. An auxiliary turbine driven by steam exhausted from the high-pressure portion and its bypass drives a gas blower to propel the coolant gas through the reactor.

Abstract: Waste heat in the form of the sensible heat of flue gases, sensible and latent heat of geothermal sources, etc., is converted to usable energy. When the energy source consists solely of sensible heat of a gas or a liquid which is not the working fluid, the liquid working fluid is heated by the energy source and then expanded in a hot liquid turbine wherein partial vaporization occurs with decrease in pressure. The working fluid is thereby accelerated as thermal energy is converted to kinetic energy and internal energy of the vapor. The hot liquid turbine can be a hot liquid impulse turbine wherein the expansion occurs in the inlet nozzles and the mixed phase working fluid then impinges on the moving buckets of the impulse turbine transferring the kinetic energy to shaft work.

Abstract: A drive turbine having a steam pressure-increasing device connected thereto. Steam taken from a high pressure steam source is utilized as the driving fluid for the pressure-increasing device disposed between the drive turbine inlet and a lower pressure drive turbine steam supply source. The pressure-increasing device increases the pressure level from the steam supply to the drive turbine to maintain a predetermined level of pressure in the supply steam flow.

Abstract: An expansion chamber is provided and heated heat exchange surfaces are disposed in the expansion chamber. An expandable fluid supply is provided together with structure for selectively admitting the expandable fluid into the chamber in good heat exchange relation with the heat exchange surfaces. Further, energy conversion structure is provided and communicated with the expansion chamber and operable to convert the energy of the fluid expanded in the chamber into mechanical energy.