Having Turbine Patents (Class 60/805)
  • Publication number: 20120131898
    Abstract: The integrated solar-gas turbine cogeneration plant includes a fuel reformer, a plurality of solar collectors, and a gas turbine. The fuel reformer produces syngas to be used as fuel for the gas turbine. One solar collector is operatively connected to both the fuel reformer and the turbine to provide heat for the reforming reaction and to preheat air for a combustion chamber. Exhaust gas from the turbine is directed to the fuel reformer and to a heat recovery steam generator, the former as an additional heat source and the latter to heat the generator. Another solar collector is connected to the generator and heats a portion of the water being fed into the generator in order to help produce steam. The syngas is stored in a to fuel storage unit to provide fuel to the gas turbine continuously and to a supplemental heater on the steam generator during low insolation periods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS
    Inventors: ESMAIL M. A. MOKHEIMER, MOHAMED ABDEL-AZIZ HABIB
  • Publication number: 20120111026
    Abstract: A turbine engine includes an airfoil made of an aluminum-rare earth element alloy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: Shihong Gary Song
  • Publication number: 20120111024
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a unique gas turbine engine. Another embodiment is a unique gas turbine engine high speed rolling element bearing system. Other embodiments include apparatuses, systems, devices, hardware, methods, and combinations for gas turbine engines and high speed rolling element bearing systems for gas turbine engines. Further embodiments, forms, features, aspects, benefits, and advantages of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventor: Paul A. Kachinski
  • Publication number: 20120111018
    Abstract: A tip turbine engine provides increased efficiency while eliminating or reducing the number of axial compressor stages by moving the core airflow inlet aft of the fan. As a result, the core airflow entering the core airflow inlet is the fan exhaust, which is already at an increased pressure. A portion of the fan exhaust is guided radially inward, then axially forward and then radially outward through compressor chambers in the hollow fan blades for further, centrifugal compression.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: James W. Norris, Craig A. Nordeen
  • Publication number: 20120111025
    Abstract: A system for the generation of energy includes a further chain of units coupled with a gas turbine plant and at least one compressor consuming mechanical energy and/or at least one generator generating electrical energy. The further chain of units comprises a closed circuit having a work fluid and at least one heat exchanger, at least one expander for expanding the work fluid and for subsequently obtaining mechanical energy for the compressor and/or generator, at least one condenser for condensing the expanded work medium, and at least one pump for conveying the work fluid. The coupling of the gas turbine plant to the further chain of units is carried out by means of the heat exchanger which is fed with heat by means of the compressor air of the compressor and starts the closed circuit through the work fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2011
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: MAN Diesel & Turbo SE
    Inventors: Bernd GERICKE, Markus Beukenberg
  • Publication number: 20120102971
    Abstract: A gear support assembly for a turbine engine includes an epicyclic gear arrangement and a first tapered bearing and a second tapered bearing spaced apart from the first tapered bearing. The first tapered bearing and the second tapered bearing are arranged axially forward of the epicyclic gear arrangement and support the epicyclic gear arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Michael E. McCune, Lawrence E. Portlock
  • Publication number: 20120090326
    Abstract: A power plant includes a gas turbine unit adapted to feed flue gases into a diverter where they are divided into a recirculated flow that is fed into a mixer together with fresh air to form a mixture that is fed to a gas turbine unit compressor inlet, and a discharged flow, that is fed into a CO2 capture unit. A monitoring system for the mixture oxygen content at the compressor inlet is provided. The monitoring system includes a recirculated flow mass flow rate sensor, a recirculated flow oxygen concentration sensor, mixture mass flow rate sensors, a control unit arranged to process information detected by the recirculated flow mass flow rate sensor, recirculated flow oxygen concentration sensor and mixture mass flow rate sensor, to determine an oxygen concentration upstream of the compressor inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTD
    Inventors: Stefan ROFKA, Frank SANDER, Eribert BENZ
  • Publication number: 20120070267
    Abstract: There is provided an axial flow compressor that improves reliability on an increase in a blade loading on a last-stage stator vane of the axial flow compressor due to a partial load operation of a gas turbine. An annular flow passage is formed by a rotor having multiple rotor blades fitted thereto and a casing having multiple stator vanes fitted thereto, two or more of the stator vanes are disposed downstream of a last-stage rotor blade that is the rotor blade disposed. at the most downstream side in a flow direction of the annular flow passage, a blade loading on a first stator vane disposed at the most upstream side is set to be smaller than a blade loading of a second stator vane disposed downstream of the first stator vane by one row.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuo TAKAHASHI, Chihiro Myoren, Ryou Akiyama, Ichiro Miyoshi
  • Publication number: 20120067054
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, assemblies, and systems for power production that can allow for increased efficiency and lower cost components arising from the control, reduction, or elimination of turbine blade mechanical erosion by particulates or chemical erosion by gases in a combustion product flow. The methods, assemblies, and systems can include the use of turbine blades that operate with a blade velocity that is significantly reduced in relation to conventional turbines used in typical power production systems. The methods and systems also can make use of a recycled circulating fluid for transpiration protection of the turbine and/or other components. Further, recycled circulating fluid may be employed to provide cleaning materials to the turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Miles Palmer, Rodney John Allam, Jeremy Eron Fetvedt
  • Patent number: 8132417
    Abstract: A gas turbine system includes a combustion chamber (2), a turbine (3), a radially inward and/or radially outward axial gap (4; 16, 17) between the combustion chamber (2) and the turbine (3), at which gap inner and/or outer combustion chamber walls (7, 8) and inner and/or outer turbine walls (11, 12) end, and a cooling gas supply (5), which via the gap (4; 16, 17) introduces a cooling gas into the turbine gas path (13) and/or into the combustion chamber gas path (9). An end section (21, 22, 23, 24) of the respective turbine wall (11, 12) and/or of the respective chamber wall (7, 8) adjoining the gap (4; 16, 17) is radially inwardly and/or radially outwardly, alternatingly formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Ulrich Steiger, Willy Heinz Hofmann
  • Publication number: 20110296845
    Abstract: A combined heat and power plant in which air is compressed in a compressor, the compressed air is reacted with a fuel, producing high temperature, high pressure combustion products, the combustion products heat a first heat load whereby the combustion products are cooled to a temperature suitable for entry into an expander, and the cooled, high pressure combustion products are expanded in the expander which provides turning power to a power load such as a generator. Less than substantially 200% excess air and preferably less than substantially 20% excess air is compressed. The exhaust gas from the expander may optionally heat a second heat load. The first heat load may be the heating of a hydrocarbon and steam to promote steam methane reforming to form syngas. The second heat load may be a combination of boiling steam for reforming a hydrocarbon and heating a building or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventor: Jonathan Jay Felnstein
  • Patent number: 8065881
    Abstract: A transition duct for routing a gas flow from a combustor to the first stage of a turbine section in a combustion turbine engine is disclosed. The transition duct may have an internal passage extending between an inlet to an outlet. An axis of the transition duct body may be generally linear such that gases expelled from the transition duct body flow in a proper direction into the downstream turbine blades. The linear transition duct may include an outlet with exhaust mouths that are configured such that sides of the transition duct are coplanar with adjacent transition ducts, thereby eliminating destructive turbulence between adjacent, linear transition ducts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Charron, Gary Snyder
  • Patent number: 8061146
    Abstract: A compact heat exchanger pedestal array for augmenting heat transfer in a machine is disclosed. The compact heat exchanger pedestal array includes a wall having first and second surfaces. The first surface faces a heated flow path and the second surface partially forms a flow path for cooling fluid. A plurality of pedestals extend from the second surface of the wall. At least one turbulator strip extends between adjacent pedestals. The turbulator strips and pedestals are operable for mixing the cooling fluid to increase heat transfer from the wall to the cooling fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher R. Joe, Paul M. Lutjen
  • Patent number: 8047766
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electromechanical drive for actuating valves, especially in steam turbines including an electromotor, a linear unit, a clutch and an electronic control unit. The linear unit includes a piston rod which is guided in a power-transmission thread of a screw nut, and is arranged, at least in sections, as a spindle and is displaceable along its longitudinal axis for actuating the valve in the screw nut with the power-transmission thread. The clutch is arranged for transmitting a rotational movement of the motor axis of the electromotor onto the piston rod. The electronic control unit is set up to control the speed and/or rotor position of the motor axis of the electromotor depending on a control signal and an output signal of a position pick-up of the position of the piston rod in the screw nut with power-transmission thread, and/or to control the engagement and/or disengagement of the clutch depending on the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Voith Turbo GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Armin Goll
  • Publication number: 20110219784
    Abstract: A compressor section to be mounted in a gas turbine engine has a plurality of compressor rotors arranged from an upstream location toward a downstream location. A tie shaft applies an axial force at one end of the compressor section to a downstream one of the compressor rotors, and biases the compressor rotors against a hub at the opposite end. Vane sections are mounted intermediate the compressor rotors. The vane sections include at least some variable vanes driven by actuators mounted at a radially outer position and at least some of the fixed vanes are cantilever mounted , such that they are spaced from a compressor rotor, but unsecured at a radially inner end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: Christopher St. Mary, Roland R. Barnes, Carl S. Richardson, Daniel Benjamin
  • Publication number: 20110219773
    Abstract: Systems and methods for producing hydrogen from cellulosic and/or grain feedstocks for use as a vehicle fuel, use in the production of anhydrous ammonia, and to generate electricity. In at least one exemplary embodiment of a system for producing ammonia, the system comprises a fuel source containing fuel, a burn chamber coupled to the fuel source for burning the fuel to create energy, an electricity generator coupled to the burn chamber to generate electricity from the energy from the burn chamber, an electrolysis tank coupled to the electricity generator wherein electricity from the electricity generator facilitates the electrolysis of water present within the electrolysis tank to form hydrogen and oxygen, an ammonia reaction chamber coupled to the electrolysis tank, and a compressed air source coupled to the ammonia reaction chamber, wherein the hydrogen and nitrogen from the compressed air source react within the ammonia reaction chamber to generate ammonia.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: Steven R. Gerrish
  • Patent number: 8015829
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine combustor has forward bulkhead extending between inboard and outboard walls and cooperating therewith to define a combustor interior volume or combustion chamber. At least one of the walls has an exterior shell and an interior shell including a number of panels. Each panel has interior and exterior surfaces and a perimeter having leading and trailing edges and first and second lateral edges. A number of cooling passageways have inlets on the panel exterior surface and outlets on the panel interior surface. The shell has a plurality of holes for directing air to a space between the shell and heat shield and adapted for preferentially directing said air toward leading edge portions of first stage vanes of a turbine section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph D. Coughlan, III, Monica Pacheco-Tougas, James B. Hoke, Alan J. Goetschius
  • Patent number: 8001792
    Abstract: Apparatus for channeling combustion gases to a turbine in a gas turbine engine. The engine has a compressor for providing compressed air, a combustor for combusting fuel with the compressed air to provide combustion gases, and a radial inflow turbine having an inlet configured to receive the combustion gases. The turbine is rotatable about an axis for expanding the combustion gases to produce work. The apparatus includes a subassembly of plurality of nozzle guide vanes fixed between a pair of spaced apart, ring-shaped sidewalls. A pair of spaced apart supports is configured to position the subassembly therebetween, concentric with the axis, and adjacent the turbine inlet. The apparatus further includes a plurality of bolt assemblies extending axially through the pair of supports, apertures in the sidewalls, and holes in the guide vanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: OPRA Technologies B.V.
    Inventors: Marek Dvorak, R. Jan Mowill
  • Patent number: 8001791
    Abstract: The turbine engine assembly has a frame and a turbine engine spool. A strut couples the frame to the spool and an actuator couples the strut to the frame. The actuator has a spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Nagendra Somanath, Christopher M. Dye, Keshava B. Kumar
  • Publication number: 20110185701
    Abstract: A working fluid consisting essentially of CO2, a molecule having a low ratio of specific heats, is expanded by a gas turbine 4. Thus, even if the pressure changes between the inlet side and the outlet side of the gas turbine 4, a temperature drop as a temperature change is suppressed, so that an exhaust gas having a high temperature is obtained. Consequently, the difference between the temperature of the working fluid on the outlet side of a compressor 2 and the temperature of the exhaust gas on the outlet side of the gas turbine 4 is kept so great that a regeneration effect is enhanced, whereby thermal efficiency is increased without a decrease in the output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Applicant: CENTRAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF ELECTRIC POWER INDUS TRY
    Inventors: Eiichi Koda, Hiromi Shirai, Saburo Hara
  • Patent number: 7958735
    Abstract: A turbine static structure having reduced leakage air is disclosed. A static structure turbine support ring having few segments is disclosed in which the segments have improved thermal expansion capability with reduced air leakage. A plurality of radially extending slots are placed in the segments to reduce stiffness. In order to minimize air leakage through the support ring, generally circumferential slots are placed in the ring and connect with the generally radially extending slots. Positioned in each of the generally radially extending slots and generally circumferential slots, and in contact with each other, are two sheet metal plates. The plates are staked to the support ring structure so as to provide a seal member, yet compensate for thermal growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Power Systems Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventors: Charlie Ellis, J. Page Strohl, Matt Thomas
  • Publication number: 20110094236
    Abstract: A power generation system includes a first compressor, a second compressor, a combustor configured to receive compressed air from the second compressor to produce an exhaust stream, a first turbine, and a power turbine. The first turbine is configured to receive the exhaust stream, generate a rotational power from the exhaust stream, output the rotational power to a second compressor, and output the exhaust stream. The system includes a coupling device configured to couple and decouple the first compressor to/from a second turbine, an electrical generator coupled to an output of the power turbine and configured to output electrical power, and a controller configured to cause the coupling device to mechanically decouple the second turbine from the first compressor, and cause the coupling device to direct compressed air from an air storage cavern to an inlet of the second compressor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventors: Matthias Finkenrath, Balachandar Naidu, Charles Michael Booth, Garland Ferguson, Stephanie Marie-Noelle Hoffmann, Sebastian W. Freund
  • Patent number: 7926291
    Abstract: A small gas turbine engine that operates at high rotational speeds and includes a rotor shaft that is supported on both ends by ball bearings. The aft end ball bearings includes an outer race mounted to the support structure in such a way that axial displacement of the outer race is allowed to prevent axial loads from damaging the ball bearing. The outer race of each bearing is supported by an O-ring to provide damping to the bearings. The O-ring is centered on the outer race, and the outer race is formed thicker than the inner race to provide for a better hoop surface. The outer race in the aft end is preloaded with a coil spring to maintain a load on the bearing during all phases of operation of the engine. The bearings are coated with a dry lubricant to eliminate the need for a liquid lubricant and its supply system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Florida Turbine Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack W Wilson, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110072831
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for sealing a channel fluidly connecting between a high pressure zone and a low pressure zone. The apparatus has at least two brush seal elements provided in the channel in series in a direction from the high pressure zone toward the low pressure zone to define an intermediate zone between the brush seal elements. The intermediate zone is fluidly connected to the low pressure zone through a bypass or passage, allowing a fluid in the intermediate zone to flow in part through the bypass to the low pressure zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Kazuhiko TANIMURA
  • Publication number: 20110067414
    Abstract: A flow discouraging system includes a stator assembly, fins, and a rotor assembly. The stator assembly includes stationary components forming a side wall including an annular groove defined by an outer axially-extending surface, an inner axially-extending surface, and a radial surface. One or more outer axial fins disposed in the annular groove extend along the outer axially-extending surface of the side wall. One or more inner axial fins disposed in the annular groove extend along the inner axially-extending surface of the side wall. One or more radial fins disposed in the annular groove extend axially from the radial surface of the side wall. The rotor assembly is disposed adjacent to and is spaced apart from the stator assembly to form a portion of a cavity and includes an annular rim extending at least partially into the annular groove and disposed between the outer and inner axial fins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: Mark Matwey, David Jan
  • Patent number: 7891165
    Abstract: An exhaust casing hub includes a hub center, and an upstream flange and a downstream flange arranged on either side of the hub center. Each flange is terminated by a rim. A plurality of cuffs are arranged on the hub center so as to form an angle from the tangent toward the radial direction of 10° to 80° , preferably 15° to 75°. At least one rib is formed at the base of each cuff below a critical stress region in the cuff. The rib is joined to the downstream flange by a downstream end and to the upstream flange by an upstream end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Valentine Bader, Laurent Pierre Elysee Gaston Marnas, Nicolas Pommier, Christian Rene Schnell
  • Publication number: 20110000666
    Abstract: The device of the present invention belongs to the field of the steam generators devices. Specifically, the device described herein is based constructively in a rocket-type engine for generates instantaneously a vitiated steam, which is a mix of water steam with combustion gases. The device described herein is a modular device whose each module may be changed in case of break or clogging. The device of this invention provides energy for the operation of different steam equipment, such as turbines, engines, locomotives, among other possible, as well as the combination of them. The device of this invention may also be attached in petroleum wells, making feasible the extraction of petroleum from the mature wells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2010
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventor: Heraldo Da Silva Couto
  • Publication number: 20110000218
    Abstract: A gas turbine includes a combustor chamber that houses a combustor unit configured to include a combustor that burns fuel to generate combustion gas for rotating a rotor, a turbine unit chamber that houses a turbine-unit rotor blade and a disk that rotate upon reception of the combustion gas, a combustor casing that forms the combustor chamber, and a casing that is configured to include the combustor casing in which a divided portion on a surface orthogonal to a rotation axis of the rotor is not formed in the combustor casing, but is formed in a portion on a downstream side of flow of the combustion gas lower than the combustor casing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Kenichi Arase, Eigo Katou, Masato Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20100326084
    Abstract: An oxy-combustor is provided to combust oxygen with gaseous low heating value fuel. A compressor upstream of the combustor compresses the fuel. The combustor produces a drive gas including steam and carbon dioxide as well as other non-condensable gases in many cases, which pass through a turbine to output power. The drive gas can be recirculated to the combustor, either through the compressor, the oxygen inlet or directly to the combustor. Recirculation can occur before or after a condenser for separation of a portion of the water from the carbon dioxide. Excess carbon dioxide and steam is collected from the system. The turbine, combustor and compressor can be derived from an existing gas turbine with fuel and air/oxidizer lines swapped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventors: Roger E. Anderson, Fermin Viteri, Lawrence C. Hoffman, Cheryl Lynn Hoffman, Keith L. Pronske
  • Publication number: 20100326749
    Abstract: A pressurized air system is provided. The air system includes a compressed air tank, a turbine coupled to, and in fluid communication with, the compressed air tank and structured to convert mechanical energy, an electric motor, the electric motor coupled to and in electrical communication with the turbine and having an output shaft, an electrical compressor structured to compress air, the electrical compressor coupled to and in electrical communication with the turbine, the electrical compressor also coupled to, and in fluid communication with the compressed air tank. Wherein the turbine receives compressed air from the tank and the turbine generates electricity. Further, a portion of the electricity is directed to the motor and the remaining electricity is directed to the electrical compressor, and, whereby the electrical compressor provides compressed air to the compressed air tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: REXFORD DAVID MENSAH
  • Publication number: 20100313569
    Abstract: A combustion nozzle for use in a turbine. The combustion nozzle may include a center body and a cone extending from the center body. The cone may include a number of apertures positioned therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Gregory Allen Boardman, Thomas Edward Johnson
  • Publication number: 20100300063
    Abstract: A combustor apparatus is provided, comprising a mixing arrangement for mixing a carbonaceous fuel with enriched oxygen and a working fluid to form a fuel mixture. A combustion chamber is at least partially defined by a transpiration member. The transpiration member is at least partially surrounded by a pressure containment member. The combustion chamber has opposed inlet and outlet portions. The inlet portion of the combustion chamber is configured to receive the fuel mixture for the fuel mixture to be combusted at a combustion temperature. The combustion chamber is further configured to direct the resulting combustion product toward the outlet portion. The transpiration member directs a transpiration substance therethrough toward the combustion chamber for buffering interaction between the combustion product and the transpiration member. Associated systems, apparatuses, and methods are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Inventors: Miles R. Palmer, Rodney John Allam, Glenn William Brown, JR.
  • Publication number: 20100281872
    Abstract: A fuel nozzle tip for use with a combustor and a method of assembling the fuel nozzle tip are provided. The fuel nozzle tip includes a fuel tube and an air collar coupled to the fuel tube. The fuel tube includes a first plurality of circumferentially-spaced fuel openings and a second plurality of circumferentially-spaced fuel openings. The fuel tube is configured to channel fuel into a mixing zone defined within the combustor. The air collar includes a plurality of circumferentially-spaced air openings configured to discharge air into the mixing zone. At least one of the plurality of air openings is oriented to facilitate generating a swirl number of greater than 0.6 within the mixing zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2009
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Mark Allan Hadley, John Lipinski, Jesse Ellis Barton
  • Patent number: 7827794
    Abstract: The power plant combusts a hydrocarbon fuel with oxygen to produce high temperature high pressure products of combustion. These products of combustion are routed through an expander to generate power. The products of combustion are substantially free of oxides of nitrogen because the oxidizer is oxygen rather than air. To achieve fast starting, oxygen, fuel and water diluent are preferably stored in quantities sufficient to allow the power plant to operate from these stored consumables. The fuel can be a gaseous or liquid fuel. The oxygen is preferably stored as liquid and routed through a vaporizer before combustion in a gas generator along with the hydrocarbon fuel. In one embodiment, the vaporizer gasifies the oxygen by absorption of heat from air before the air is routed into a separate heat engine, such as a gas turbine. The gas turbine thus operates on cooled air and has its power output increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Clean Energy Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith L. Pronske, Fermin Viteri, Scott MacAdam, Lawrence C. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 7784264
    Abstract: One embodiment of a transition-to-turbine seal (300) comprises a first, flattened section (302) adapted to be received in a peripheral axial slot (320) of a transition (325), and a second, generally C-shaped section (301). The generally C-shaped section (301) comprises a flattened portion (305) near the first, flattened section (302), and a curved portion (306) extending to a free edge (307). A fiber metal strip component (309) may be attached to the flattened portion (305) to define a first engagement surface adapted to engage an upstream side (336) of an outer vane seal rail (337), and a second engagement surface 308, adjacent the free edge (307), provides an opposed wear surface adapted to engage a downstream side (338) of the outer vane seal rail (337). System embodiments also are described, in which such transition-to-turbine seal (300) is isolated from a hot gas path (350) by provision of a plurality of cooling apertures (327) in the transition (325).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Siemens Energy, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam J. Weaver, Raymond S. Nordlund, David B. Allen, Daniel O. Davies
  • Patent number: 7775053
    Abstract: A compact heat exchanger pedestal array for augmenting heat transfer in a machine is disclosed. The compact heat exchanger pedestal array includes a wall having first and second surfaces. The first surface faces a heated flow path and the second surface partially forms a flow path for cooling fluid. A plurality of pedestals extend from the second surface of the wall. At least one turbulator strip extends between adjacent pedestals. The turbulator strips and pedestals are operable for mixing the cooling fluid to increase heat transfer from the wall to the cooling fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher R. Joe, Paul M. Lutjen
  • Publication number: 20100181138
    Abstract: A vehicle auxiliary power unit includes a turbine to provide a turbine output, a fuel-fired burner that provides a heat source for the turbine, and a heat exchanger that receives the turbine output. The heat exchanger generates a heat exchanger output to produce a predetermined output condition such as heating/cooling a cabin compartment, heating an exhaust component to a desired temperature, and/or heating an engine block, for example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2010
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: Navin Khadiya, Wilbur H. Crawley, III
  • Publication number: 20100175389
    Abstract: An inlet air filtration system for a gas turbine includes, in an exemplary embodiment, an air plenum, and a plurality of filter elements mounted inside the air plenum, with each filter element including a support structure. The inlet air filtration system also includes a plurality of electrodes positioned proximate the plurality of filter elements, where the electrodes are coupled to a power source which supplies a voltage to the electrodes. The voltage is sufficient to establish an electrostatic field between the electrodes and the filter elements, and is sufficient to produce a corona discharge from the electrodes, wherein an amount of current applied to the filter elements is about 0.1 ?A/ft2 to about 15 ?A/ft2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Inventors: Jamison W. Janawitz, Bradley S. Rogers, James Easel Roberts, Thomas Shannon Eckhoff, Robert W. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20100170251
    Abstract: A gas turbine engine is provided and includes a fuel circuit, including multiple fuel circuit branches, a combustor having a first interior in which a first fuel supplied thereto by any one of the multiple fuel circuit branches is combustible, a turbine, a transition zone, including a second interior in which a second fuel supplied thereto by any one of the multiple fuel circuit branches, the second fuel including gas receivable by the fuel circuit from an external source, and the products of the combustion of the first fuel are combustible, the transition zone being disposed to fluidly couple the combustor and the turbine to one another, and a plurality of fuel injectors which supply the second fuel to the second interior in any one of a single axial stage, multiple axial stages, a single axial circumferential stage and multiple axial circumferential stages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Lewis Berkley Davis, JR., Krishna Kumar Venkataraman, Willy Steve Ziminsky, Jason Charles Terry
  • Publication number: 20100146987
    Abstract: A combustor (14) is placed next to a turbine (16), on the side opposite a compressor (12). A heat insulation device (20) for reducing the transmission of heat from the high-temperature side to the low-temperature side is provided between the combustor/turbine and the compressor. A connection shaft (18) has an axial hole (18a) open on the inlet side of the compressor and axially extending to near a turbine impeller, and also has a radial hole (18b) open near the turbine impeller to the outside of the connection shaft and radially extending to be in communication with the axial hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: IHI CORPORATION
    Inventor: Kosuke Isomura
  • Publication number: 20100146985
    Abstract: The invention relates to a high temperature-resistant sealing assembly comprising a sealing segment and a component border which is connected to the sealing segment. A flexible sealing element is provided in order to joining the sealing segment and the component border. The invention is characterized in that the flexible sealing element compensates both thermal expansions and relative movements of the component border and the components resting against the sealing segment. The flexible sealing element and the sealing segment are subject to little wear and have a long service life. The invention further relates to a combustion chamber that is equipped with a high temperature-resistant sealing assembly as well as a gas turbine encompassing such a combustion chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Inventors: Tobias Buchal, Gregor Frank, Uwe Gruschka, Joachim Krützfeldt, Kai-Uwe Rogos, Alex Schaberg
  • Publication number: 20100095682
    Abstract: An air cleaning system for converting particulates in a gas to a residue may include a compressor and a reverse flow combustion purifier. The compressor may compress the gas and the reverse flow combustion purifier may convert the particulates to the residue. A turbine may use compressed gas from the reverse flow combustion purifier to generate power for driving the compressor. Combustion of the particulates may provide make-up energy for sustaining the air cleaning system. A burner manifold may burn fuel using a portion of the compressed gas. Energy from combustion of the fuel may be used for driving the turbine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventor: Lincoln Evans-Beauchamp
  • Publication number: 20100095684
    Abstract: A morphable composite structure is disclosed herein. The morphable composite structure includes at least first and second layers fixed relative to one another. Each of the first and second layers includes a plurality of structural fibers oriented substantially parallel to one another and a quantity of binder substantially fixing the plurality of structural fibers together. The plurality of fibers of the first layer is oriented asymmetrically to the plurality of fibers of the second layer. The morphable composite structure also includes at least one pattern of electrically-conductive particles connected with the first layer and spaced from the second layer. A current can be directed through the pattern to heat the plurality of fibers of the first layer and change the shape of the morphable composite structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventor: EDWARD CLAUDE RICE
  • Patent number: 7673461
    Abstract: A structural turbine engine casing is disclosed. The casing includes a central hub, at least one intermediate shroud, and an external ring, which are concentric, the external ring and the intermediate shroud being connected via links, the intermediate shroud and the central hub being connected by a series of radially fastened hollow arms. The series of arms includes at least one main arm and at least one secondary arm, each main arm being arranged in the continuation of a link and having a mass which is greater than that of a secondary arm arranged at a distance from the links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: SNECMA
    Inventors: Laurent Bernard Cameriano, Nicolas Pierre-Marie Girard
  • Patent number: 7670109
    Abstract: A turbine (100) of a turbine installation, especially a steam turbine of a steam turbine installation, includes at least one radial or diagonal turbine stage (120) with radial or diagonal inflow and axial outflow, and also at least one axial turbine stage (121-125) with axial inflow and axial outflow. The at least one radial or diagonal turbine stage (120) forms the first stage of the turbine (100) and the at least one axial turbine stage (121-125) is arranged downstream of the radial or diagonal turbine stage (121) as an additional stage of the turbine. The at least one radial or diagonal turbine stage (120) has a higher temperature resistance than the at least one axial turbine stage (121-125). The turbine (100) makes it possible to significantly increase the process temperature of the steam turbine installation, wherein measures for increasing the temperature resistance need only to be adopted for components of the radial or diagonal turbine stage (120).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: ALSTOM Technology Ltd.
    Inventors: Ralf Greim, Said Havakechian
  • Publication number: 20100011771
    Abstract: The low emission combustor includes a combustor housing defining a combustion chamber having a plurality of combustion zones. A liner sleeve is disposed in the combustion housing with a gap formed between the liner sleeve and the combustor housing. A secondary nozzle is disposed along a centerline of the combustion chamber and configured to inject a first fluid comprising air, at least one diluent, fuel, or combinations thereof to a downstream side of a first combustion zone among the plurality of combustion zones. A plurality of primary fuel nozzles is disposed proximate to an upstream side of the combustion chamber and located around the secondary nozzle and configured to inject a second fluid comprising air and fuel to an upstream side of the first combustion zone. The combustor also includes a plurality of tertiary coanda nozzles. Each tertiary coanda nozzle is coupled to a respective dilution hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Andrei Tristan Evulet, Balachandar Varatharajan, Gilbert Otto Kraemer, Ahmed Mostafa Elkady, Benjamin Paul Lacy
  • Publication number: 20090301091
    Abstract: A compressor-less micro gas turbine has a compressed working medium container for maintaining a gas turbine under pressure. A combustion chamber is in fluid communication with the compressed gas container for receiving a gas from the gas container and heating the gas within the combustion chamber to create an expanded gas. A heater heats the combustion chamber to expand the working gas therein. A turbine in fluid communication with the combustion chamber for receiving the expanded gas. The expanded gas drives the turbine. A generator is operatively coupled to the turbine. The turbine provides a mechanical input to the generator causing the generator to produce electricity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Darren T. Engle, Jody W. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20090293491
    Abstract: Disclosed is a gas turbine for a thermal power plant, especially a gas turbine, comprising a rotatable rotor and a duct which can be penetrated by a gas and in which turbine blades for driving the rotor are disposed. The inventive gas turbine is characterized by a blocking device which at least partially prevents the gas from penetrating the duct in a closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Hajrudin Ceric, Stefan Dahlke, Uwe Gruschka, Matthias Heue, Martin Lenze, Thomas Matern, Dieter Minninger, Axel Schaberg, Stephan Schmidt, Steffen Skreba, Bernd Stöcker, Volker Vosberg, Roger Waldinger
  • Publication number: 20090145106
    Abstract: A turbofan jet engine design that utilizes aerodynamic coupling to transmit power from a high-speed engine core to a lower speed fan, thereby simplifying the design and improving the thrust-to-weight ratio compared to previous turbofan designs. The engine uses a low speed co-rotating power turbine located upstream of the engine core to drive the fan. The high-speed core uses a centrifugal impeller to pressurize the inlet flow, the flow exits the high-speed impeller without diffusing its high-speed angular momentum and enters directly into the low speed co-rotating power turbine impeller. The incoming flow is then turned by the low speed co-rotating turbine impeller and exits the turbine opposing its direction of rotation, thereby extracting power from the flow to drive the fan. The exit flow from the low speed power turbine then enters the combustor inlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2006
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Inventor: Rory Keogh
  • Patent number: 7540158
    Abstract: In order to desirably prevent leakage of a working fluid from the tip clearance to reduce loss of a heat drop of the working fluid, a first corresponding blade of a second stationary blade row, which corresponds to a first reference blade of a first stationary blade row, is disposed in a position distant by 2L from the position of a lower end of a rotor blade in the direction of movement of the rotor blades when the rotor blade makes the closest approach to a lower end of the first reference blade. It should be noted that L is a value obtained by multiplying the average time T required for the high-pressure working fluid to pass through the rotor blade by the traveling speed U of the rotor blade. On the other hand, a second corresponding blade of the second stationary blade row, which corresponds to a second reference blade of the first stationary blade row, is disposed in a position of a lower end of a rotor blade when the rotor blade makes the closest approach to a lower end of the first reference blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency
    Inventors: Shiki Iwase, Yoshio Saito