Patent classifications
F01K7/16
HYDROGEN PRODUCTION SYSTEM
A hydrogen production system includes: a hydrogen production device connected to an electric power system or connected to a power generation device using renewable energy and configured to produce hydrogen by electrolyzing pure water; an output control unit capable of controlling an amount of power supplied from the electric power system to the hydrogen production device according to request from the electric power system; a first pure water line for supplying pure water to the hydrogen production device; a first adjustment device capable of adjusting an amount of pure water supplied to the hydrogen production device via the first pure water line; and a first control unit configured to control the first adjustment device, based on a power amount signal indicating information on an amount of power supplied from the electric power system to the hydrogen production device.
VALVE NETWORK AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING PRESSURE WITHIN A SUPERCRITICAL WORKING FLUID CIRCUIT IN A HEAT ENGINE SYSTEM WITH A TURBOPUMP
Aspects of the invention generally provide a heat engine system and a method for activating a turbopump within the heat engine system during a start-up process. The heat engine system utilizes a working fluid circulated within a working fluid circuit for capturing thermal energy. In one exemplary aspect, a start-up process for a turbopump in the heat engine system is provided such that the turbopump achieves self-sustained operation in a supercritical Rankine cycle. Bypass and check valves of a start pump and the turbopump, a drive turbine throttle valve, and other valves, lines, or pumps within the working fluid circuit are controlled during the turbopump start-up process. A process control system may utilize advanced control techniques of the control sequence to provide a successful start-up process of the turbopump without over pressurizing the working fluid circuit or damaging the turbopump via low bearing pressure.
VALVE NETWORK AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING PRESSURE WITHIN A SUPERCRITICAL WORKING FLUID CIRCUIT IN A HEAT ENGINE SYSTEM WITH A TURBOPUMP
Aspects of the invention generally provide a heat engine system and a method for activating a turbopump within the heat engine system during a start-up process. The heat engine system utilizes a working fluid circulated within a working fluid circuit for capturing thermal energy. In one exemplary aspect, a start-up process for a turbopump in the heat engine system is provided such that the turbopump achieves self-sustained operation in a supercritical Rankine cycle. Bypass and check valves of a start pump and the turbopump, a drive turbine throttle valve, and other valves, lines, or pumps within the working fluid circuit are controlled during the turbopump start-up process. A process control system may utilize advanced control techniques of the control sequence to provide a successful start-up process of the turbopump without over pressurizing the working fluid circuit or damaging the turbopump via low bearing pressure.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING ELECTRICITY VIA A PUMPED THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM
Systems and methods are provided for charging a pumped thermal energy storage (“PTES”) system. A system may include a compressor or pump configured to circulate a working fluid within a fluid circuit, wherein the working fluid enters the pump at a first pressure and exits at a second pressure; a first heat exchanger through which the working fluid circulates in use; a second heat exchanger through which the working fluid circulates in use; a third heat exchanger through which the working fluid circulates in use, a turbine positioned between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, configured to expand the working fluid to the first pressure; a high temperature reservoir connected to the first heat exchanger; a low temperature reservoir connected to the second heat exchanger, and a waste heat reservoir connected to the third heat exchanger.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING ELECTRICITY VIA A PUMPED THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM
Systems and methods are provided for charging a pumped thermal energy storage (“PTES”) system. A system may include a compressor or pump configured to circulate a working fluid within a fluid circuit, wherein the working fluid enters the pump at a first pressure and exits at a second pressure; a first heat exchanger through which the working fluid circulates in use; a second heat exchanger through which the working fluid circulates in use; a third heat exchanger through which the working fluid circulates in use, a turbine positioned between the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger, configured to expand the working fluid to the first pressure; a high temperature reservoir connected to the first heat exchanger; a low temperature reservoir connected to the second heat exchanger, and a waste heat reservoir connected to the third heat exchanger.
Liquid Heating Appliance
A liquid heating appliance for heating water or other liquids, suitably to a target temperature of from 55° C. to around boiling point, includes a primary heat chamber or body (heat source chamber) that is thermally insulated and which in use contains a high thermal density heat storing liquid or solid; and a secondary chamber alongside the primary chamber through which a liquid to be heated is passed in use. The appliance has a heat transfer feature to selectively transfer thermal energy from the heat-storing liquid or solid to the liquid to be heated in the secondary chamber. The secondary chamber is preferably a conduit through which the liquid to be heated is able to flow and the thus heated liquid can be delivered to a tap as hot water for a range of uses. Water may also be heated for a central heating system for space heating.
Liquid Heating Appliance
A liquid heating appliance for heating water or other liquids, suitably to a target temperature of from 55° C. to around boiling point, includes a primary heat chamber or body (heat source chamber) that is thermally insulated and which in use contains a high thermal density heat storing liquid or solid; and a secondary chamber alongside the primary chamber through which a liquid to be heated is passed in use. The appliance has a heat transfer feature to selectively transfer thermal energy from the heat-storing liquid or solid to the liquid to be heated in the secondary chamber. The secondary chamber is preferably a conduit through which the liquid to be heated is able to flow and the thus heated liquid can be delivered to a tap as hot water for a range of uses. Water may also be heated for a central heating system for space heating.
ONCE-THROUGH VERTICAL TUBED SUPERCRITICAL EVAPORATOR COIL FOR AN HRSG
Disclosed is a Once-Through Steam Generator (OTSG) coil (52) and method, comprising a plurality of vertically arranged serpentine conduits (90) in a horizontal heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) that replaces a traditional natural circulation HP evaporator for producing super-critical steam. The OTSG comprises a lower equalization header system (130) that promotes system stability in multiple operating conditions. The equalization header allows a partial flow of fluid from the lower serpentine curved flow path (120) through an equalization conduit (125) into the equalization header (130) Disclosed also are: a flow restriction device in serpentine conduits; drainage structure from serpentine conduits through the equalization header, a drainage expansion section to accommodate stresses, and drainage bypass connections; and flow through serpentine conduits in upstream and downstream directions, mixed flow directions and longitudinally staggered directions.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OXIDATION OF HYDROCARBON GASES
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods wherein a dilute hydrocarbon stream can be oxidized to impart added energy to a power production system. The oxidation can be carried out without substantial combustion of the hydrocarbons. In this manner, dilute hydrocarbon streams that would otherwise be required to undergo costly separation processes can be efficiently utilized for improving the power production system and method. Such systems and methods particularly can utilize dilute hydrocarbon stream including a significant amount of carbon dioxide, such as may be produced in hydrocarbon recovery process, such as enhanced oil recovery or conventional hydrocarbon recovery processes.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OXIDATION OF HYDROCARBON GASES
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods wherein a dilute hydrocarbon stream can be oxidized to impart added energy to a power production system. The oxidation can be carried out without substantial combustion of the hydrocarbons. In this manner, dilute hydrocarbon streams that would otherwise be required to undergo costly separation processes can be efficiently utilized for improving the power production system and method. Such systems and methods particularly can utilize dilute hydrocarbon stream including a significant amount of carbon dioxide, such as may be produced in hydrocarbon recovery process, such as enhanced oil recovery or conventional hydrocarbon recovery processes.