A turbomachine (105) configured to compress supercritical carbon dioxide is shown. The turbomachine comprises, in fluid flow series, an inlet (201), an inducerless radial impeller (202) having a plurality of blades, a fully vaneless diffuser (203), and a volute (204) comprising a tongue and having a flow area at the tongue equal to that of the diffuser.

Systems and methods for variable pressure inventory control of a closed thermodynamic cycle power generation system or energy storage system, such as a reversible Brayton cycle system, with at least a high pressure tank and an intermediate pressure tank are disclosed. Operational parameters of the system such as working fluid pressure, turbine torque, turbine RPM, generator torque, generator RPM, and current, voltage, phase, frequency, and/or quantity of electrical power generated and/or distributed by the generator may be the basis for controlling a quantity of working fluid that circulates through a closed cycle fluid path of the system.

A media-free filter device for a supercritical fluid process is disclosed. The media-free filter device includes a first pipe section connected in flow communication with a closed-loop system for a supercritical fluid. A y-pipe segment intersects the first pipe section at an intersection joint. The intersection joint intersects at a descending obtuse angle with respect to the first pipe section flow direction. The y-pipe segment is open at the intersection joint and closed opposite the intersection joint, in flow communication with the first pipe section. The y-pipe section induces an eddy current turbulence zone adjacent the intersection joint to remove substantially all contaminants suspended in the supercritical fluid; and the contaminants are deposited in the descending y-pipe segment. An SCO2 process incorporating the media-free filter device is also disclosed.

A rotary liquid piston compressor and a power generation system including a first fluid loop. The first fluid loop includes a pump that circulates a liquid. A second fluid loop that generates power by circulating a supercritical fluid. The second fluid loop includes a turbine that rotates and powers a generator as the supercritical fluid flows through the turbine. A rotary liquid piston compressor fluidly coupled to the first fluid loop and the second fluid loop. The rotary liquid piston compressor exchanges pressure between the liquid circulating in the first fluid loop and the supercritical fluid circulating in the second fluid loop.

A compact axial turbine configured to operate with high density working fluid is described. The turbine comprises an axial majority cantilevered turbomachinery shaft. Rotor assemblies and nozzle spacers communicate torque through turbine shaft splines, allowing them to be slid off the shaft for quick replacement in the field. The compact axial turbine houses turbomachinery within a separable inner casing encircled by a cartridge sleeve, thereby forming a cartridge which can itself be removed as a single component.

A thermodynamic apparatus (10) comprising a compressor module (100), a turbine module (200), and a regenerative heat exchanger (300) centred on a central axis (12). The compressor module (100), turbine module (200) and regenerative heat exchanger (300) are arranged in series along the central axis (12) such that the regenerative heat exchanger (300) is provided between the compressor module (100) and the turbine module (200).

A power and propulsion system includes an air compressor, a combustor positioned to receive compressed air from the air compressor as a core stream, and a closed-loop system having carbon dioxide as a working fluid that receives heat from the combustor and rejects heat to a cooling stream. The closed-loop system configured to provide power to a fan that provides the cooling stream, and to one or more distributed propulsors that provide thrust to an aircraft.

Systems and methods for variable pressure inventory control of a closed thermodynamic cycle power generation system or energy storage system, such as a reversible Brayton cycle system, with at least a high pressure tank and an intermediate pressure tank are disclosed. Operational parameters of the system such as working fluid pressure, turbine torque, turbine RPM, generator torque, generator RPM, and current, voltage, phase, frequency, and/or quantity of electrical power generated and/or distributed by the generator may be the basis for controlling a quantity of working fluid that circulates through a closed cycle fluid path of the system.

A waste heat recovery system, based on a Brayton cycle, comprises a heater configured to circulate carbon dioxide vapor in heat exchange relationship with a hot fluid to heat the carbon dioxide vapor. An expander is coupled to the heater and configured to expand the carbon dioxide vapor. A compressor is configured to compress the carbon dioxide vapor fed through a cooler and a heat exchanger is adapted to circulate the carbon dioxide vapor from the expander to the cooler in heat exchange relationship with the carbon dioxide vapor from the compressor to the heater, wherein the expander and the compressor are mechanically coupled volumetric machines.

An aeronautical gas turbine engine includes a turbomachine including a compressor section, a combustion section, a turbine section, and an exhaust section in serial flow order. The aeronautical gas turbine engine additionally includes a closed cycle heat engine including a compressor configured to compress a working fluid; a primary heat exchanger in thermal communication with the turbomachine and the working fluid, the primary heat exchanger configured to transfer heat from the turbomachine to the working fluid; an expander coupled to the compressor for expanding the working fluid; and an output shaft driven by the expander.