Process Patents (Class 60/772)
  • Publication number: 20140290263
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a power production system that is adapted to achieve high efficiency power production with complete carbon capture when using a solid or liquid hydrocarbon or carbonaceous fuel. More particularly, the solid or liquid fuel first is partially oxidized in a partial oxidation reactor. The resulting partially oxidized stream that comprises a fuel gas is quenched, filtered, cooled, and then directed to a combustor of a power production system as the combustion fuel. The partially oxidized stream is combined with a compressed recycle CO2 stream and oxygen. The combustion stream is expanded across a turbine to produce power and passed through a recuperator heat exchanger. The expanded and cooled exhaust stream is scrubbed to provide the recycle CO2 stream, which is compressed and passed through the recuperator heat exchanger and the POX heat exchanger in a manner useful to provide increased efficiency to the combined systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Inventors: Rodney John Allam, Jeremy Eron Fetvedt, Miles R. Palmer
  • Patent number: 8844266
    Abstract: A variable bypass ratio augmented gas turbine engine system for a UAV with a high pressure ratio gas turbine engine used for low power operation such as loiter speed and a low pressure ratio gas turbine engine used for high power operation. A power turbine receives hot gas flows from the two engines to drive an output shaft. At low power operation, only the high pressure ratio engine is operated. At high power operation, both engines are operated where the exhaust from the high pressure ratio engine is mixed with bleed off air form the second compressor to produce a second hot gas flow in a second combustor to drive the second turbine. The remaining compressed air from the second compressor is passed into a third combustor to produce a third hot gas flow that then flows into the power turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Florida Turbine Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jose R. Paulino
  • Publication number: 20140283523
    Abstract: A system includes a gas turbine engine having a combustor, and a fuel blending system. The fuel blending system further includes a first fuel supply configured to supply a first fuel, a second fuel supply configured to supply a second fuel, a first fuel circuit, a second fuel circuit, and a controller. The first fuel circuit may be configured to blend the first fuel and the second fuel to form a first to form a first fuel mixture. The second fuel circuit may be configured to blend the first fuel and the second fuel to form a second fuel mixture. The controller may be configured to regulate blending of the first fuel mixture and the second fuel mixture based on a measured operating parameter of the combustor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Arvind Venugopal Menon, Alan Meier Truesdale, Abhijit Prabhakar Kulkarni, Predrag Popovic
  • Publication number: 20140283522
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a system having components for premixing fuel and air prior to combustion within a combustion chamber. The system includes a plurality of mixing tubes configured to receive and to mix fuel and air. Each mixing tube is paired with a fuel injector, and the fuel injector is positioned axially within a portion of the mixing tube. Fuel is injected from the fuel injector into the respective mixing tube, and air flows radially into each mixing tube through one or more apertures formed on the mixing tube. The fuel and air are mixed within the mixing tube and are deposited into a combustion chamber for combustion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventor: General Electric Company
  • Patent number: 8839628
    Abstract: A method for operating a gas turbine engine including a combustor assembly includes channeling a first fluid through a plurality of first nozzles into the combustor and igniting the first fluid downstream from the first nozzles. The method also includes increasing the operating speed of the engine and attaining a first predetermined percentage of a baseload by channeling the first fluid only through the first nozzles and then channeling a second fluid through a second nozzle into the combustor. The method also includes igniting the second fluid within the combustor downstream from the second nozzle. The method further includes channeling the second fluid to the first nozzles when the engine attains a second predetermined percentage of the baseload. The second predetermined percentage of the baseload is greater than the first predetermined percentage of the baseload. The method also includes terminating a flow of the first fluid through the first nozzles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Carey Edward Romoser
  • Publication number: 20140260284
    Abstract: A system including a gas turbine system configured to transition between a first load state and a second load state, wherein the gas turbine system comprises an airflow control module configured to adjust an airflow through the gas turbine system between a minimum airflow condition and a maximum airflow condition, and a controller configured to control the gas turbine system to operate with a load path between a first load path corresponding to the minimum airflow condition and a second load path corresponding to the maximum airflow condition, wherein the controller is configured to control the gas turbine system to transition between the first load state and the second load state using the load path between the first and second load paths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Kihyung Kim, Seyfettin Can Gulen, Brett Matthew Thompson
  • Publication number: 20140260288
    Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present technique, a method is disclosed. The method includes modifying one or more operational parameters of a gas turbine (GT) to increase an exhaust gas temperature above a standard start-up temperature. The method also includes receiving at least one of GT operational data, heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) operational data, and steam turbine (ST) operational data from a plurality of sensors. The method further includes predicting a ST roll-off time based on at least one of the GT operational data, the HRSG operational data, and the ST operational data. The method further includes modifying the one or more operational parameters of the GT to satisfy one or more ST roll-off permissives at the predicted ST roll-off time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Fernando Javier D'Amato, Rodrigo Lopez-Negrete de la Fuente, Aditya Kumar, Emrah Biyik
  • Publication number: 20140260287
    Abstract: Gas turbine firing temperature optimization based on a measured sulfur content of a fuel supply of the gas turbine system is provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a diagnostic system configured to determine a maximum firing temperature for a combustor of a gas turbine system. The diagnostic system may determine the maximum firing temperature based on a predetermined sulfur content to maximum firing temperature correlation and an actual sulfur content of a fuel supplied to the combustor. The diagnostic system may also be configured to provide an indicator for a change in an actual firing temperature in the combustor of the gas turbine system. The diagnostic system may provide the indicator in response to the determined maximum firing temperature differing from the actual firing temperature of the combustor of the gas turbine system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Robert Thomas Thatcher, Bradley Steven Carey, Paul Burchell Glaser, Ariel Harter Lomas, Andrew Mitchell Rodwell
  • Publication number: 20140260289
    Abstract: A diffuser is disclosed that includes a splitter having a blunt forebody useful in re-starting a boundary layer. The blunt forebody can be used to create a static pressure bow wave and interaction with a passing fluid stream that reduces a thickness of boundary layer formed on an opposing wall. The re-start in boundary layer can be used in a way that allows an upstream portion of the diffuser to be sized approaching a separation limit and a downstream portion of the diffuser to also be sized approaching a separation limit. In some forms the passages split by the blunt forebody can be sized relative to each other to balance flow between the branches.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventors: Charles B. Graves, Stuart M. Bloom, Donald M. Wicksall, Jacob E. Determan
  • Publication number: 20140260292
    Abstract: A gas turbine having a combustion chamber with exhaust section through which combustion gas is exhaustable, plenum chamber and compressor are provided. The plenum chamber is coupled to the compressor wherein a first quantity of compressed fluid is injectable therein at a radially inner wall of the plenum chamber. A guide vane section with at least one airfoil is coupled to the exhaust section so combustion gas is flowable against the airfoil. The exhaust section and guide vane section are housed inside the plenum chamber. The airfoil has a first flow chamber where a second quantity of compressed fluid is flowable through the guide vane section from the compressor in the direction from the inner wall to a outer wall of the plenum chamber before being discharged. The second quantity of compressed fluid streamable through the guide vane section is larger than the first quantity of the compressed fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Ulf Nilsson
  • Publication number: 20140260290
    Abstract: A power-generating apparatus includes a compressor section and a combustor section positioned downstream of the compressor section. The combustor section defines a combustion chamber operable to receive compressed fluid from the compressor section. The apparatus includes a turbine section positioned downstream of the combustor section operable to receive combustion gases from the combustion chamber and convert the combustion gases into kinetic energy. The apparatus also includes a waste container positioned downstream of the turbine section and exposed to the discharged exhaust gases. The waste container can hold waste material that receives the hot exhaust gas and combusts, further heating the exhaust gases. The apparatus also includes a conduit having an inlet fluidly communicating with the turbine section and receiving the exhaust gases. The apparatus also includes a heat exchanger operably disposed between the compressor section and the combustor section to heat the compressed fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Carl NORDSTROM
  • Publication number: 20140260286
    Abstract: A heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) (10) including: an economizer (12) configured to heat a working fluid by extracting heat from a flow of flue gas (20). The HRSG includes a diluting fluid injector arrangement (60) configured to inject a diluting fluid (50) effective to dilute a concentration of a gaseous corrosive when compared to an undiluted concentration of the gaseous corrosive in the flow of flue gas. The HRSG also includes a preheater (18) configured to preheat the diluting fluid prior to injection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Zaher El Zahab, Gerald J. Feller
  • Publication number: 20140260285
    Abstract: Systems and methods for the design of a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) or similar system that is designed to extract heat from hot gases flowing through a duct which utilizes an external liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger for preheating feedwater. The systems and methods allow for multiple water flow patterns to adjust the temperature of the feedwater into the gas duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Yuri Rechtman
  • Publication number: 20140275297
    Abstract: Processes, systems and equipment can be used to convert carbonaceous fuel to an output gas stream that includes CO as a primary C-containing product. In some embodiments, the processes and systems also can produce H2 in a separate reaction, with the H2 advantageously being capable of being combined with the CO from a partial oxidation process to provide syngas which, in turn, can be used to produce fuels and chemicals. The processes and systems can be tuned so as to not produce significant amounts of CO2 and do not require an air separation unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Luis G Velazquez-Vargas, Thomas J. Flynn, Bartev B. Sakadjian, Douglas J. DeVault, David L. Kraft
  • Publication number: 20140250897
    Abstract: An integrally bladed rotor for a gas turbine engine includes a hub, a plurality of blades radially extending from the hub and being integrally formed therewith. The hub having a rim from which the blades project and a pair of axially opposed split hub members extending at least radially inward from the rim. Each of the split hub members has a radially outer flex arm portion extending form the hub and a radially inner moment flange portion. At least one moment inducing element separately formed from the hub is mounted axially between the opposed split hub members and acts on the moment flange portions of the opposed split hub members to generate an inward bending moment on the flex arm portions of the opposed split hub members during rotation of the rotor, thereby deflecting the rim and the blades of the rotor radially inwardly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventor: Alexandre AYERS
  • Publication number: 20140250898
    Abstract: Bleed air systems for use with aircrafts and related methods are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a turbo-compressor including a compressor has a compressor inlet fluidly coupled to a low-pressure compressor of an aircraft engine and an intermediate port of a high-pressure compressor of the aircraft engine. The compressor inlet to receive fluid from either the low-pressure compressor or the high-pressure compressor based on a first system parameter of the aircraft. A turbine has a turbine inlet fluidly coupled to the intermediate port of the high pressure compressor and a high-pressure port of the high pressure compressor of the aircraft engine. The turbine inlet to receive fluid from either the intermediate port of the high-pressure compressor or the high-pressure port of the high-pressure compressor based on a second system parameter of the aircraft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Steve G. Mackin, David W. Foutch
  • Publication number: 20140250896
    Abstract: The build-up of carbon deposition on the front face of a combustor heat shield is discouraged by jetting air out from the front face of the heat shield with sufficient momentum to push approaching fuel droplets or rich fuel-air mixture way from the heat shield.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Tin Cheung John HU, Robert SZE, Honza STASTNY
  • Publication number: 20140250899
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a gas turbine engine flow device having an inner member and a surrounding member. The inner member has a first coefficient of thermal expansion; and the surrounding member at least partially surrounds the inner member and has a second coefficient of thermal expansion that is different from the first coefficient of thermal expansion. The surrounding member includes at least two walls that form a variable flow gap therebetween. The inner member is oriented relative to the at least two walls of the surrounding member such that, based on the difference in the first and second coefficients of thermal expansion, the inner member expands relatively greater than the surrounding member or the surrounding member expands relatively greater than the inner member, according to a temperature change to correspondingly enlarge or reduce the size of the variable flow gap between the at least two walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Rolls-Royce Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas E. Bastnagel
  • Publication number: 20140250900
    Abstract: The invention relates to a gas turbine power plant, having a gas turbine, a waste heat steam generator following the gas turbine, an exhaust gas recooler, an exhaust gas blower, a carbon dioxide separation plant which separates the carbon dioxide contained in the exhaust gases from these and discharges it to a carbon dioxide outlet. A bypass chimney is arranged in the gas turbine power plant between the outlet of the waste heat steam generator and the exhaust gas blower and is connected to a fail-safe open connection both in the throughflow direction from the exhaust gas line to the bypass chimney and in the throughflow direction from the bypass chimney to the exhaust gas line. The invention relates, further, to a method for operating a gas turbine power plant of this type, in which the exhaust gas blower is regulated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Inventors: Richard CARRONI, Alexander ZAGORSKIY, Klara BERG, Sergey KHAYDAROV, Marcel RIEKER
  • Patent number: 8826667
    Abstract: A system includes a gas turbine combustor, which includes a combustion liner disposed about a combustion region, a flow sleeve disposed about the combustion liner, an air passage between the combustion liner and the flow sleeve, and a structure extending between the combustion liner and the flow sleeve. The structure obstructs an airflow path through the air passage. The gas turbine combustor also includes an aerodynamic wake reducer configured to redirect an airflow around the structure to reduce a wake region downstream of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Melton, Bradley Donald Crawley, David William Cihlar, Robert Joseph Rohrssen, Ronald James Chila
  • Patent number: 8831855
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a servo-control loop (3) of an actuator system (2) for actuating variable-geometry components of a turbojet, said method comprising: an estimation step of estimating a plurality of monitoring parameters from operating data of the servo-control loop (2); an evaluation step of evaluating a plurality of indicators from the monitoring parameters; an evaluation step for evaluating at least one signature matrix, each signature matrix being representative of the values of at least some of the indicators; and a detection and location step of detecting and locating a degradation affecting the servo-control loop as a function of said at least one signature matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Jean-Remi Andre Masse, Christian Aurousseau, Regis Michel Paul Deldalle, Xavier Flandrois, Aziz Sif
  • Publication number: 20140238033
    Abstract: Systems and methods for frequency separation in a gas turbine engine are provided herein. The systems and methods for frequency separation in a gas turbine engine may include determining a hot gas path natural frequency, determining a combustion dynamic frequency, and modifying a compressor discharge temperature to separate the combustion dynamic frequency from the hot gas path natural frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Sarah Lori Crothers, Matthew Durham Collier, Scott Edward Sherman, Joseph Vincent Citeno
  • Publication number: 20140238032
    Abstract: A sensor apparatus and methods for facilitating combustion of a gaseous fuel are provided. The sensor apparatus comprises a combustion apparatus defining a combustion chamber therein. The combustion apparatus is configured to combust a fuel-air mixture within the combustion chamber to produce at least one combustion product. At least one optical diagnostic apparatus is coupled to the combustion apparatus for measuring at least one property of the at least one combustion product within the combustion chamber. A controller is coupled to the at least one optical diagnostic apparatus, and is configured to determine the Wobbe index of the fuel in real-time based on the measured at least one property of the at least one combustion product and pre-determined combustion state data stored within the controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Russell Paul Fitzgerald, Patrick Edward Pastecki, Danielle Marie Kalitan, Gary Lee Leonard
  • Publication number: 20140238035
    Abstract: The method for adjusting a natural gas temperature for a fuel supply line of a gas turbine engine includes measuring by infrared analysis the natural gas percentage content of methane (CH4), ethane (C2H6), propane (C3H8), butane (C4H10), carbon dioxide (CO2), calculating the nitrogen (N2) percentage content as the complement to 100 of the measured percentage content of methane (CH4), ethane (C2H6), propane (C3H8), butane (C4H10), carbon dioxide (CO2), calculating an index indicative of the natural gas energy content and adjusting the natural gas temperature on the basis of the index.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Inventors: Klaus KNAPP, Peter MARX, Karl REYSER, Maria-Belen GASSER-PAGANI
  • Publication number: 20140238034
    Abstract: A turbomachine combustor assembly includes a combustor body having a combustor outlet, and a combustion liner arranged within the combustor body. The combustion liner defines a combustion chamber. An injection nozzle is arranged within the combustor body upstream from the combustion chamber. The injection nozzle is configured and disposed to deliver a first fluid toward the combustion chamber. A fluid module is mounted to the combustor body downstream from the combustion chamber. The fluid module includes a fluid module body that defines a fluid zone, a first injector member mounted to the fluid module body and configured to deliver a second fluid into the fluid zone at a first orientation, and a second injector member mounted to the fluid module body and configured to deliver a third fluid into the fluid zone at a second orientation that is distinct from the first orientation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Ilya Aleksandrovich Slobodyanskiy, Sergey Aleksandrovich Stryapunin, Dmitry Vladlenovich Tretyakov
  • Patent number: 8813504
    Abstract: A protocol for assembling a fuel shut off pin valve assembly for a gas turbine engine. The protocol outlines a specific sequence of events in order to ensure failsafe incorporation of a fuel shut off valve assembly within the low pressure turbine area and specifically within the engine casing of the gas turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Guy Lefebvre, Claude Giardetti
  • Patent number: 8813503
    Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling a gas turbine system are provided herein. In one embodiment, a method includes the steps of receiving at least one parameter of turbine inlet air and determining, based on the at least one parameter, an expected condensation level at an intercooler disposed downstream of an inlet air chilling system and in-line between a low pressure compressor and a high pressure compressor. The method further includes determining a desired temperature of the turbine inlet air corresponding to substantially no expected condensation at the intercooler and controlling the inlet air chilling system to chill the turbine inlet air to the desired temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Douglas Alan Jones
  • Patent number: 8813505
    Abstract: Method for conditioning a power supply for starting a jet engine having an electrical starting system with an auxiliary power unit in parallel with a DC power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: GE Aviation Systems LLC
    Inventors: Dinesh Nath Taneja, Krishna Jonnalagadda, Pranav N. Patel
  • Publication number: 20140230444
    Abstract: In a first embodiment, a system, including an exhaust duct configured to flow an exhaust gas, and an air injection system coupled to the exhaust duct, wherein the air injection system comprises a first air injector configured to inject air into the exhaust duct to assist flow of the exhaust gas through the exhaust duct.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Yongjiang Hao, Wenjie Wu, Bradly Aaron Kippel, Jianmin Zhang
  • Publication number: 20140230446
    Abstract: The present techniques are directed to a system and methods for operating a gas turbine system. An exemplary gas turbine system includes an oxidant system, a fuel system, and a control system. A combustor is adapted to receive and combust an oxidant from the oxidant system and a fuel from the fuel system to produce an exhaust gas. A catalyst unit including an oxidation catalyst that includes an oxygen storage component is configured to reduce the concentration of oxygen in the exhaust gas to form a low oxygen content product gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: Tilman W. Beutel, Sulabh K. Dhanuka
  • Publication number: 20140230445
    Abstract: The present techniques are directed to systems and a method for combusting a fuel in a gas turbine. An exemplary method includes providing a fuel to a combustor on a gas turbine, providing an oxidant to the combustor, and combusting the fuel and the oxidant in the combustor to produce an exhaust gas. At least a portion of the exhaust gas is passed through a water-gas shifting catalyst to form a low CO content product gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventor: Richard A. Huntington
  • Patent number: 8807282
    Abstract: A lubricant system is disclosed, in particular for the supply of lubricant to a user in a gas turbine aircraft engine. The system includes a lubricant reservoir, where in the lubricant reservoir a lubricant can be set in rotation by at least one rotatable drum that is integrated into the lubricant reservoir or by at least one rotatable blade that is integrated into the lubricant reservoir, such that the lubricant, as a result of centrifugal force, comes into contact against a rotationally symmetrical wall of the lubricant reservoir, and from there can be transported toward a user. A drive system is included for the or each rotatable drum or the or each rotatable blade of the lubricant reservoir. At least one rotating lubricant separator is provided for the venting of the lubricant. The or each lubricant separator can be driven by the drive system of the or of each rotatable drum and/or of the or of each rotatable blade of the lubricant reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: MTU Aero Engines GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Streifinger
  • Patent number: 8806872
    Abstract: A procedure for igniting a combustion chamber of a turbine engine, the chamber being fed with fuel by injectors and including an igniter mechanism igniting the fuel injected into the chamber. The procedure includes an initial stage during which fuel is injected into the chamber at a constant rate while simultaneously exciting the igniter mechanism, and in event of non-ignition of the chamber at an end of the initial stage, a second stage during which a rate at which fuel is injected is increased rapidly by 20% to 30%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Christophe Pieussergues, Denis Jean Maurice Sandelis
  • Publication number: 20140223917
    Abstract: Oil and fuel circuits in a turbine engine, the circuits including a main oil/fuel heat exchanger passing flows of oil and fuel for cooling the oil, an oil/air heat exchanger mounted in the oil circuit and having a flow of cooling air passing therethrough, a bypass pipe connected between an oil inlet and outlet of the oil/air heat exchanger, a valve for controlling passage of the oil flow through the bypass pipe and the oil/air heat exchanger, and a secondary oil/fuel heat exchanger mounted in the bypass pipe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: SNECMA
    Inventors: Sébastien Gameiro, Olivier Robert Michel Delepierre-Massue
  • Publication number: 20140223916
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a compressor section, the compressor section including a variable inlet guide vane which is movable between distinct angles to control the airflow approaching the compressor section. A control is programmed to position the vane at startup of the engine to direct airflow across the compressor section. The engine includes a fan for delivering bypass air into a bypass duct positioned outwardly of a core engine including the compressor section. The position of the vane is configured to direct airflow across the compressor section while an aircraft associated with the gas turbine engine is in the air, and to increase a windmilling speed of the compressor section and the turbine rotors. A method and variable inlet vane are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2014
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Applicant: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Eric J. Wehmeier
  • Patent number: 8800295
    Abstract: A regulator device (10) for reducing the risk of surging in a turbine engine (3) that includes a gas generator (4), an air extractor (8), and a mechanical power take-off device (100). An engine computer (11) includes storage (16) that stores a plurality of acceleration regulation relationships, each acceleration regulation relationship corresponding to air extraction in a first range, and to mechanical power take-off in a second range. The regulator device (10) including a first measurement device (20) for measuring current air extraction, and a second measurement device (30) for measuring current mechanical power take-off, with the engine computer (11) controlling acceleration of the turbine engine (3) by implementing the acceleration regulation relationship corresponding to the current air extraction and to the current mechanical power take-off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Helicopters
    Inventors: Southdary Beaud, Laurent Martin
  • Patent number: 8801428
    Abstract: A combustor includes an end cap having upstream and downstream surfaces and a cap shield surrounding the upstream and downstream surfaces. First and second sets of premixer tubes extend from the upstream surface through the downstream surface. A first fuel conduit supplies fuel to the first set of premixer tubes. A casing circumferentially surrounds the cap shield to define an annular passage, and a second fuel conduit supplies fuel through the annular passage to the second set of premixer tubes. A method for supplying fuel to a combustor includes flowing a working fluid through first and second sets of premixer tubes, flowing a first fuel into the first set of premixer tubes, and flowing a second fuel through an annular passage surrounding the end cap and into the second set of premixer tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Patrick Benedict Melton, Willy Steve Ziminsky, Gregory Allen Boardman
  • Publication number: 20140216044
    Abstract: A heat shield for a gas turbine engine includes a hot side with one or more raised features that extend therefrom.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: United Technologoes Corporation
    Inventor: United Technologies Corporation
  • Publication number: 20140216045
    Abstract: The application provides an apparatus for augmenting the power produced by a Brayton-cycle gas turbine system of the type having an air compressor for producing compressed air, a combustor for heating said compressed air and a fuel and producing hot gases, and a gas turbine responsive to the hot gases for driving said air compressor and a load, and for producing exhaust gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventor: How Kiap Gueh
  • Publication number: 20140216046
    Abstract: Integrated gas turbine combustion engine and ion transport membrane system comprising a gas turbine combustion engine including a compressor with a compressed oxygen-containing gas outlet; a combustor comprising an outer shell, a combustion zone in flow communication with the compressed oxygen-containing gas outlet, and a dilution zone in flow communication with the combustion zone and having one or more dilution gas inlets; and a gas expander. The system includes an ion transport membrane oxygen recovery system with an ion transport membrane module that includes a feed zone, a permeate zone, a feed inlet to the feed zone in flow communication with the compressed oxygen-containing gas outlet of the compressor, a feed zone outlet, and a permeate withdrawal outlet from the permeate zone. The feed zone outlet of the membrane module is in flow communication with any of the one or more dilution gas inlets of the combustor dilution zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: Concepts ETI, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip A. Armstrong, Elia P. Demetri
  • Publication number: 20140216003
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a fan, a compressor section, a combustion section, and a turbine section. A fan drive gear system is configured for driving the fan at a speed different than the turbine section. A lubricant system includes a lubricant pump delivering lubricant to an outlet line. The outlet line splits into at least a hot line and into a cool line. The hot line is directed primarily to locations in the gas turbine engine that are not intended to receive cooler lubricant. The cool line is directed through one or more heat exchangers at which the lubricant is cooled, and the cool line then is routed to the fan drive gear system. At least one of the one or more heat exchangers is a fuel/oil cooler at which lubricant will be cooled by fuel leading to the combustion section. The fuel/oil cooler is downstream of a point where the outlet line splits into the at least the hot line and the cool line, such that the hot line is not directed through the fuel/oil cooler. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kathleen R. Phillips, Thomas G. Phillips, Ethan K. Stearns, Federico Papa
  • Publication number: 20140208762
    Abstract: A system and method for washing a gas turbine engine. The method for washing the gas turbine engine includes coupling a pressurized air supply assembly to an air supply and to a secondary air system, cranking a compressor rotor assembly of the gas turbine engine, supplying pressurized offline buffer air from the air supply to the pressurized air supply assembly, and spraying a cleaner into the compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: Solar Turbines Incorporated
    Inventor: John Frederick Lockyer
  • Publication number: 20140208760
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine with a transmission having a first rotatable member coupled to an engine spool, a second rotatable member coupled to a compressor rotor, and coupled rotatable members defining at least first and second alternate transmission paths between the first and second members. Each transmission path defines a different fixed transmission ratio of a rotational speed of the second member on a rotational speed of the first member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.
    Inventors: Jean DUBREUIL, Stephen KENNY
  • Publication number: 20140208765
    Abstract: A system and method for supercharging a combined cycle system includes a forced draft fan providing a variable air flow. At least a first portion of the air flow is directed to a compressor and a second portion of the airflow is diverted to a heat recovery steam generator. A control system controls the airflows provided to the compressor and the heat recovery steam generator. The system allows a combined cycle system to be operated at a desired operating state, balancing cycle efficiency and component life, by controlling the flow of air from the forced draft fan to the compressor and the heat recovery steam generator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Sanji Ekanayake, Alston Ilford Scipio, Steven Hartman, Dale J. Davis
  • Publication number: 20140208759
    Abstract: A lubrication system for a heavy duty gas turbine includes a bearing lubrication assembly coupled to the bearing and an oil and vapor extraction assembly disposed in a cavity defined by a bell mouth hood in an air inlet duct. A high volume vacuum blower is coupled to the oil and vapor extraction assembly to provide a relative negative pressure. An oil and vapor separator is disposed downstream from the high volume vacuum blower. The lubrication system also includes a control subsystem that maintains a cavity pressure lower than an air inlet pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Sanji Ekanayake, Alston Ilford Scipio
  • Publication number: 20140208758
    Abstract: A gas turbine may include turbine blades configured to improve stream adhesion by selectively attracting or reducing repulsion of charged particles carried by a combustion gas stream.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2012
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: CLEARSIGN COMBUSTION CORPORATION
    Inventor: CLEARSIGN COMBUSTION CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20140208761
    Abstract: Bi-directional nacelle ventilation and cooling systems for use with aircraft and related methods are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a passageway to fluidly couple an opening formed in a nacelle of an aircraft engine and an engine compartment of the nacelle. The opening provides an inlet into the engine compartment when passive airflow is available to vent or cool the engine compartment and the opening to provide an outlet from the engine compartment when forced air is needed to vent or cool the engine compartment. A fan is positioned in the passageway to provide the forced air when the passive air is unavailable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2013
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: THE BOEING COMPANY
  • Publication number: 20140208763
    Abstract: An annular wall for a combustion chamber of a turbomachine. The wall presents a hot side and a cold side and includes at least one primary hole for enabling a first flow of air flowing on the cold side of the wall to penetrate to the hot side of the wall to feed combustion of fuel inside the combustion chamber, and together with a plurality of cooling holes, each having a diameter no greater than 1 mm, to enable a second flow of air flowing on the cold side of the wall to penetrate to the hot side of the wall to cool the hot side of the wall. The plurality of cooling holes can also dilute combustion gas resulting from the combustion by using the flow of air penetrating to the hot side of the wall through the cooling holes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: TURBOMECA
    Inventors: Nicolas Savary, Claude Berat, Guy Grienche, Patrick Berteau, Hubert Pascal Verdier
  • Patent number: 8789375
    Abstract: A method of using a counterflow injection mechanism disposed in a combustion liner. The combustion liner including an outer casing comprising a plurality of openings formed along a length and configured as compressed air inlets, an inner casing having a closed rear end and a combustion outlet, and an air circulation path extending between and along the inner and outer casings. The counterflow injection mechanism includes a fuel-air injection mechanism having fuel and air passages extending through the air circulation path and leading to fuel and air injection openings disposed at an off-center position. The method includes injecting fuel and air from the injection mechanism toward the closed rear end of the inner casing in a direction counterflow to a generally lengthwise downstream flow of combustion products in a gas turbine combustor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Joel Meier Haynes
  • Publication number: 20140202165
    Abstract: A fuel oxidizer system is operated in a first operating mode. In the first operating mode, a mixture that includes fuel from a fuel source is compressed in a compressor of the fuel oxidizer system; the fuel of the compressed mixture is oxidized in a reaction chamber of the fuel oxidizer system; and the oxidized fuel is expanded to generate rotational kinetic energy. The fuel oxidizer system is operated in a second operating mode. In the second operating mode, fuel from the fuel source is directed to bypass the compressor, and the fuel that bypassed the compressor is oxidized in the reaction chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: ENER-CORE POWER, INC.
    Inventor: Edan PRABHU