1474results about "Combustion chambers" patented technology

In order to improve a compressor for refrigerant, comprising an outer housing, a scroll compressor arranged in the outer housing and having a first compressor member arranged stationarily in the outer housing and a second compressor member which is movable relative to the first compressor member, the compressor members each having a base and first and second scroll ribs, respectively, which rise above the respective base and engage in one another such that the second compressor member is movable relative to the first compressor member on an orbital path about a central axis for the purpose of compressing the refrigerant, a drive unit for the second compressor member having an eccentric drive, a drive shaft, a drive motor arranged in a motor housing and having drawn-in refrigerant flowing around it as well as a bearing unit for the drive shaft which comprises a first bearing member connected to the outer housing, in such a manner that the refrigerant drawn in by the scroll compressor is free from lubricating oil to as great an extent as possible it is suggested that the refrigerant flow through an oil separator, which is arranged in the outer housing between this and the drive unit, after flowing around the drive motor and prior to entering the scroll compressor.

A method and installation are disclosed which can, for example, provide for reliable, low-Nox-emission operation of a gas turbine installation with hydrogen-rich fuel gas. An exemplary gas turbine installation includes an arrangement for flue gas recirculation into a compressor inlet and for fuel gas dilution. Oxygen content in combustion air can be reduced by recirculation of recooled flue gas, and the fuel gas can be diluted with compressed flue gas. The oxygen reduction in the combustion air can lead to minimum residual oxygen in the flue gas which can be used for fuel gas dilution. As a result of the flue gas recirculation, water content in the combustion air can be increased by feedback of the water which results as a combustion product. The oxygen reduction, increased water content, and fuel dilution can reduce the flame velocity of hydrogen-rich fuel gases and enable a robust, reliable and low-emission combustion.

A multi-function controller for a water heater is advanced comprising a control panel and a plurality of sensors that monitor a variety of functions that impact the operation of a water heater. A flammable gas sensor, placed in proximity to the air intake, detects the presence of an unsafe concentration of gas and issues a signal to the control panel, which subsequently discontinues the operation of the burners. Detection of a blocked vent pipe is achieved by a carbon monoxide sensor placed near the draft hood. The control panel is equipped with circuitry which monitors usage of the heater for a specified time period to develop a pattern of use. Subsequent to the monitoring period, the controller will activate the burners a predetermined time prior to an anticipated period of high use. During periods of low use, the controller will decrease the temperature to which the water is to be heated, thereby resulting in a more efficient heater. Non-volatile memory records data from the sensors so that the operation status of the heater may be ascertained subsequent to a power outage. The control panel contains a plurality of visual alarms, each of which corresponds to a sensor. Consequently, repair and maintenance are simplified because the cause of a malfunction is quickly recognized.

The invention relates to a new and improved process and apparatus for the production of high purity hydrogen by steam reforming. The apparatus is an integrated flameless distributed combustion-membrane steam reforming (FDC-MSR) or reactor for steam reforming of a vaporizable hydrocarbon to produce H2 and CO2, with minimal CO, and minimal CO in the H2 stream. The flameless distributed combustion drives the steam reforming reaction which pro-vides great improvements in heat exchange efficiency and load following capabilities. The reactor may contain multiple flameless distributed combustion chambers and multiple hydrogen-selective, hydrogen-permeable, membrane tubes. The feed and reaction gases may flow through the reactor either radially or axially. A further embodiment of the invention involves producing high purity hydrogen by dehydrogenation using an integrated FDC-membrane de-hydrogenation reactor. A still further embodiment of the invention involves a zero emission hybrid power system wherein the produced hydrogen is used to power a high-pressure internally manifolded molten carbonate fuel cell. In addition, the design of the FDC-SMR powered fuel cell makes it possible to capture good concentrations of CO2 for sequestration or use in other processes.

A submerged combustion burner having co-axial fuel and oxidant tubes forming an annular space therebetween, wherein the outer tube extends beyond the end of the inner tube. A burner nozzle having an outside diameter corresponding to the inside diameter of the outer tube is connected to the outlet end of the inner tube and forms a centralized opening in fluid communication with the inner tube and at least one peripheral longitudinally oriented opening in fluid communication with the annular space. In accordance with one embodiment, a longitudinally adjustable rod is disposed within the inner tube for adjustment of fluid flow therethrough, and a cylindrical insert having at least one flame stabilizer for stabilizing a flame produced by the burner is attached to the outlet end of the outer tube. In accordance with another embodiment, fluid flow through the inner tube is achieved by a flow control valve operably connected to the inner tube.

A submerged combustion burner having co-axial fuel and oxidant tubes forming an annular space therebetween, wherein the outer tube extends beyond the end of the inner tube. A burner nozzle having an outside diameter corresponding to the inside diameter of the outer tube is connected to the outlet end of the inner tube and forms a centralized opening in fluid communication with the inner tube and at least one peripheral longitudinally oriented opening in fluid communication with the annular space. In accordance with one embodiment, a longitudinally adjustable rod is disposed within the inner tube for adjustment of fluid flow therethrough, and a cylindrical insert having at least one flame stabilizer for stabilizing a flame produced by the burner is attached to the outlet end of the outer tube. In accordance with another embodiment, fluid flow through the inner tube is achieved by a flow control valve operably connected to the inner tube.

A thermodynamic system that produces mechanical, electrical power, and / or fluid streams for heating or cooling. The cycle contains a combustion system that produces an energetic fluid by combustion of a fuel with an oxidant. A thermal diluent may be used in the cycle to improve performance, including but not limited to power, efficiency, economics, emissions, dynamic and off-peak load performance, and / or turbine inlet temperature (TIT) regulation and cooling heated components. The cycle preferably includes a heat recovery system and a condenser or other means to recover and recycle heat and the thermal diluent from the energetic fluid to improve the cycle thermodynamic efficiency and reduce energy conversion costs. The cycle may also include controls for temperatures, pressures, and flow rates throughout the cycle, and controls power output, efficiency, and energetic fluid composition.

A method (50) of instrumenting a component (10) having a barrier coating (14). A sensor (76) is embedded within or below the coating. Material forming the sensor is deposited within a trench (80) formed into the barrier coating. The trench is then backfilled with material (70) to protect the sensor from the environment within which the component is operating. In this manner, the sensor may be embedded at any desired location and any desired depth within a barrier coating on a previously fabricated component. An array of sensors (98, 100, 102) may be embedded across the depth of the coating to provide signals indicative of operating conditions across the coating. The signals may be conducted to a connection location (24) by conductors (62, 64) that are deposited within the trench. The trench may be formed with a laser engraving process (54) and the material for the sensor and conductors may be deposited with a selective laser melting process (58).

A fuel-conditioning skid for an engine. The fuel-conditioning skid includes an inlet that is connectable to a source to receive a flow of fuel containing undesirable compounds. An outlet is connectable to the engine to deliver a flow of fuel that is substantially free of undesirable compounds. An inlet cleaner is in fluid communication with the inlet and is operable to remove a portion of the undesirable compounds. A compressor is in fluid communication with the inlet cleaner to receive the flow of fuel at a first pressure and discharge the flow of fuel at a second pressure. The second pressure is greater than the first pressure. A purifier is in fluid communication with the inlet cleaner to receive the flow of fuel. The purifier is operable to remove substantially all of the remaining undesirable compounds from the flow of fuel.

A portable heater adapted for use in a recreational enclosure or temporary work enclosure includes a housing having an air inlet on the lower front face. A gas supply is partially enclosed by the housing which provides propane to the mouth of a burner venturi located within the housing. Air is drawn through the air inlet and also enters the mouth of the burner venturi. The air and gas are mixed thoroughly as they travel upwardly through the burner venturi. A chimney effect increases fresh air flow velocity into the burner venturi and allows the heater to operate at a reduced fuel gas pressure. Upon exiting the burner venturi, the air / gas mixture is to a plenum and radiant surface where combustion takes place. Any conventional means may be provided to ignite the air / gas mixture in order to cause combustion. The combustion products deflect off a deflector, which is cooled on a rear face by air flow through the housing, which decreases the temperature of the combustion products before exiting an outlet. An oxygen depletion system (ODS) shuts off the portable heater when oxygen levels begin to drop and consequently carbon monoxide levels begin to rise.

A method for forming a channel within a coated, metal-based substrate is described. In one technique, a channel-forming material is first deposited on the substrate, followed by the deposition of a bonding agent, such as a braze. One or more coatings can then be applied over the substrate. In one embodiment, the channel is formed when the channel-forming material is subsequently removed. In another embodiment, the channel is formed due to the lack of adhesion between particular channel-forming materials and the overlying bonding agent. Related articles are also described, e.g., gas turbine components which include protective coatings and a pattern of cooling channels.

Integrated ceramic / metallic components and methods of making same are described herein. Embodiments of these integrated ceramic / metallic components comprise a metallic non-foam region; and a ceramic foam region comprising a gradient porosity therein, wherein the ceramic foam region and the metallic non-foam region are integrally formed together to create the integrated ceramic / metallic component. Embodiments of these integrated ceramic / metallic components comprise a metallic region; and a single piece ceramic foam construction comprising a plurality of ceramic foam regions therein, each ceramic foam region comprising a predetermined pore size and a predetermined volume percent porosity, wherein the single piece ceramic foam construction is integrally joined to the metallic region to form the integrated ceramic / metallic component. These components may be utilized in gas turbine engines.

A heating or cooling system, such as an HVAC system, of variable output has a number of control elements and may include a variable speed compressor, a variable speed combustion (induced or forced draft) blower motor; a variable speed circulator blower motor; a variable output gas valve or gas / air premix unit; and a controller specifically developed for variable output applications. The system may utilize a pressure sensor to determine the actual flow of combustion airflow in response to actual space conditions, vary the speed of the inducer blower, and subsequently vary the gas valve output to supply the correct amount of gas to the burner system. A temperature sensor may be located in the discharge air stream of the conditioned air to provide an input signal for the circulator blower.

A component for use in a combustion turbine (10) is provided that includes a substrate (212) and an abradable coating system (216) deposited on the substrate (212). A planar proximity sensor (250) may be deposited beneath a surface of the abradable coating system (216) having circuitry (252) configured to detect intrusion of an object (282) into the abradable coating system (216). A least one connector (52) may be provided in electrical communication with the planar proximity sensor (250) for routing a data signal from the planar proximity sensor (250) to a termination location (59). A plurality of trenches (142) may be formed at respective different depths below the surface of the abradable coating system (216) with a planar proximity sensor (250) deposited within each of the plurality of trenches (142). A processing module (34) may be programmed for receiving data from the planar proximity sensor (250) and calculating a clearance between a row of blades (18,19) within a combustion turbine and the planar proximity sensor (250). The processing module (34) may control a clearance between the row of blades (18) and a ring segment (284) based on data received from the planar proximity sensors (250).

The detection of combustion anomalies within a gas turbine engine is provided. A sensor associated with a combustor of the engine measures a signal that is representative of combustion conditions. A sampled dynamic signal is divided into time segments to derive a plurality of data points. The sampled dynamic signal is transformed to a form that enables detection of whether the sensed combustion conditions within the combustor are indicative of any combustion anomalies of interest. A wavelet transform is performed to calculate wavelet coefficients for the data points and at least one region of interest is targeted. The amplitude of each wavelet coefficient within each targeted region is normalized by a baseline signal. The normalized amplitudes of the wavelet coefficients are used to determine whether any combustion anomalies have occurred by comparing the normalized amplitudes of the wavelet coefficients within each target region to a predetermined threshold amplitude.

Aspects of the invention relate to a system for monitoring the wear of a component. A conductor can be embedded in the component at a depth from a surface of the component. In one embodiment, the conductor can be operatively connected to a power source to form an electrical circuit. The resistance across the conductor can be measured. As the component contacts a second component, the component can begin to wear. Once the wear progresses to the conductor, changes in the measured resistance can result. Thus, an operator can be alerted that the component has worn to a certain point and that service may be needed. Alternatively, impedance can be measured across the conductor. Because the dielectric permeability of the material surrounding the conductor can affect impedance, changes in impedance can occur as the surface material of the component is worn away.

A ceramic material has particular utility as a thermal insulating or thermal barrier coating on metallic substrates. The ceramic material includes gadolinia and hafnia, preferably forming gadolinia-hafnia. This material exhibits chemical stability, thermal stability and thermal insulating properties superior to those of currently used thermal barrier ceramics, and also provides resistance to sintering and erosion comparable to currently used ceramics. A preferred material has between about 3-70 mol. % hafnia, balance hafnia.

A self powered pelletized fuel heating device comprising a thermal electric generator (TEG) unit therein powering a typical collection of low voltage system components including a storage power unit. Non-typically, the heating device requires no external power supply and relies on thermodynamic principles using the pelletized fuel as a heat source. The TEG is configured and positioned optimally for conventional operation and installation requirements without modification to normal form or function.

The detection of combustion anomalies within a gas turbine engine is provided. A sensor associated with a combustor of the engine measures a signal that is representative of combustion conditions. A sampled dynamic signal is divided into time segments to derive a plurality of data points. The sampled dynamic signal is transformed to a form that enables detection of whether the sensed combustion conditions within the combustor are indicative of any combustion anomalies of interest. A wavelet transform is performed to calculate wavelet coefficients for the data points and at least one region of interest is targeted. The amplitude of each wavelet coefficient within each targeted region is normalized by a baseline signal. The normalized amplitudes of the wavelet coefficients are used to determine whether any combustion anomalies have occurred by comparing the normalized amplitudes of the wavelet coefficients within each target region to a predetermined threshold amplitude.

Sequenced pulses of light from an excitation laser with at least two resonator cavities with separate output couplers are directed through a light modulator and a first polarzing analyzer. A portion of the light not rejected by the first polarizing analyzer is transported through a first optical fiber into a first ignitor laser rod in an ignitor laser. Another portion of the light is rejected by the first polarizing analyzer and directed through a halfwave plate into a second polarization analyzer. A first portion of the output of the second polarization analyzer passes through the second polarization analyzer to a second, oscillator, laser rod in the ignitor laser. A second portion of the output of the second polarization analyzer is redirected by the second polarization analyzer to a second optical fiber which delays the beam before the beam is combined with output of the first ignitor laser rod. Output of the second laser rod in the ignitor laser is directed into the first ignitor laser rod which was energized by light passing through the first polarizing analyzer. Combined output of the first ignitor laser rod and output of the second optical fiber is focused into a combustible fuel where the first short duration, high peak power pulse from the ignitor laser ignites the fuel and the second long duration, low peak power pulse directly from the excitation laser sustains the combustion.

Sorbent components containing calcium, alumina, silica, and halogen are used in combination during coal combustion to produce environmental benefits. Sorbents are added to the coal ahead of combustion and / or are added into the flame or downstream of the flame, preferably at minimum temperatures to assure complete formation of the refractory structures that result in various advantages of the methods. When used together, the components ● reduce emissions of mercury and sulfur; ● reduce emissions of elemental and oxidized mercury; ● increase the efficiency of the coal burning process through de-slagging of boiler tubes; ● increase the level of Hg, As, Pb, and / or Cl in the coal ash; ● decrease the levels of leachable heavy metals (such as Hg) in the ash, preferably to levels below the detectable limits; and ● make a highly cementitious ash product.

This invention provides a portable combustion device that provides a cleaner combustion, reduces the kindling period, and provides a more efficient overall combustion through the use of a fan that directs a predetermined volume of airflow over the combustible fuel—typically wood or similar cellulose-based biological solids. The combustion device has a combustion chamber into which the fuel source is placed for combustion. Mounted to the side of the combustion chamber is a housing that encloses the TEG, which generates an electrical output based on a difference in temperature on opposing sides. Mounted onto the TEG housing and protruding into the combustion chamber through a small passageway is a heat-conducting probe and heat-conducting probe base unit. The opposing side of the TEG is also in contact with a heat sink to remove heat from the TEG device through interaction with ambient air that passes over the vanes from a port located along the side of the TEG housing. A motor and fan near the heat sink to draw air away the heat sink and aid in the cooling of the heat sink, and force air onto the combusting fuel through a plurality of peripheral ports that connect with an air space located between the inner and outer walls of the combustion chamber.

Inventive systems and methods for the generation of energy using thermophotovoltaic cells are described. Also described are systems and methods for selectively emitting electromagnetic radiation from an emitter for use in thermophotovoltaic energy generation systems. In at least some of the inventive energy generation systems and methods, a voltage applied to the thermophotovoltaic cell (e.g., to enhance the power produced by the cell) can be adjusted to enhance system performance. Certain embodiments of the systems and methods described herein can be used to generate energy relatively efficiently.

A scroll compressor has a fluid pressure biasing system for both the orbiting scroll member and the non-orbiting scroll member. The biasing system can utilize a pressurized gas from the pocket of the scroll compressor or it can utilize an external pressurized oil source. In an additional embodiment, a hydrostatic bearing is located between the orbiting scroll member and the non-orbiting scroll member.

This invention provides a portable combustion device that provides a cleaner combustion, reduces the kindling period, and provides a more efficient overall combustion through the use of a fan that directs a predetermined volume of airflow over the combustible fuel—typically wood or similar cellulose-based biological solids. The combustion device has a combustion chamber into which the fuel source is placed for combustion. Mounted to the side of the combustion chamber is a housing that encloses the TEG, which generates an electrical output based on a difference in temperature on opposing sides. Mounted onto the TEG housing and protruding into the combustion chamber through a small passageway is a heat-conducting probe and heat-conducting probe base unit. The opposing side of the TEG is also in contact with a heat sink to remove heat from the TEG device through interaction with ambient air that passes over the vanes from a port located along the side of the TEG housing. A motor and fan near the heat sink to draw air away the heat sink and aid in the cooling of the heat sink, and force air onto the combusting fuel through a plurality of peripheral ports that connect with an air space located between the inner and outer walls of the combustion chamber.

A high temperature gas turbine component for use in the gas flow path that comprises a specular optical reflector coating system. A thin specular optical reflector coating system is applied to the gas flow path of the component, that is, the surface of the component that forms a boundary for hot combustion gases. The component typically includes a thermal barrier coating overlying the high temperature metallic component that permits the component to operate at elevated temperatures. The thermal barrier coating must be polished in order to provide a surface that can suitably reflect the radiation into the gas flow path. The thin reflector coating system comprises a thin high temperature and corrosion resistant refractory stabilizing layer, which is applied over a thin reflective metal layer, which is applied over a thin high temperature and corrosion resistant refractory sealing layer. The coating system is applied over the polished thermal barrier coating by a process that can adequately adhere the reflector to the polished surface without increasing the roughness of the surface. The coating system reflects radiation back into the hot gas flow path or into the atmosphere. The reflected radiation is not focused onto any other hardware component. The design of the component is such that the radiation is returned to the gas flow path or sent to the atmosphere rather than absorbed into a component that only serves to increase the temperature of such a component.

A method and apparatus for generating steam by heating water with a flame is provided. The water is introduced into a vortex sustaining container and flows through the container in a spiraling manner creating a liquid vortex with an open axial core. The flame effects heat transfer and is the product of the ignition of fuel mixed with a tangentially swirling oxygen containing gas.

A method useful with oxy-fuel combustion and in a furnace which contains molten material, wherein either substoichiometric or superstoichiometric combustion and low velocity injection of fuel and primary and secondary oxidant in an oxy-fuel burner are carried out in an orientation which forms either a reducing or oxidizing atmosphere proximate the molten surface.

The invention relates to methods for creating high value liquid fuels such as gasoline, diesel, jet and alcohols using carbon dioxide and water as the starting raw materials and a system for using the same. These methods combine a novel solid oxide electrolytic cell (SOEC) for the efficient and clean conversion of carbon dioxide and water to hydrogen and carbon monoxide, uniquely integrated with a gas-to-liquid fuels producing method.