Showing papers on "Power station published in 1980"

Multiple wind turbine tethered airfoil wind energy conversion system

Abstract: A generally toric lighter-than-air gas bag-type airfoil (12) is tethered by tethers (14) to the ground at a plurality of angularly widely distributed points at whinches (21) about the periphery of the gas bag. A wind turbine (WT) is mounted at the entrance to the axially central vent (16). The tether lines are entrained about individually operable power winches (21), preferably controlled by a micro-processor (TCS) which takes in wind direction and tether line tension data and operates the winches (21) and inflation gas inlet and outlet valves (40, 28) to orient the wind turbine into the wind for maximum power output. In other embodiments, a plurality of wind turbines (WT) are supported aloft on the same tethered airfoil (112) which is provided with apparatus (124, 130, 132, 134, 126, 140, TCS) for orienting the wind turbines (WT) into the wind. Various ways and devices, see Fig. 2, are described for converting the wind energy into electrical power and for connecting and providing the plural outputs to the same electrical power grid. The principles are applicable whether there are a small number of relatively large wind turbines, a large number of relatively small wind turbines or some of each.

Power conversion system utilizing reversible energy of liquefied natural gas

Abstract: A power conversion system comprising a combination of a liquefied natural gas vaporizing plant and a fuel burning power generating facility is disclosed. The liquefied natural gas vaporizing plant utilizes the cryogenic capacity of the liquefied natural gas to produce liquid air which is pumped to a high pressure by a liquid air pump. The liquid air is then brought into a heat exchanging relationship with air drawn into the vaporizing plant so that the high pressure liquid air is converted to high pressure gaseous air. The high pressure gaseous air which represents recovered reversible energy of the liquefied natural gas is fed into a combustion chamber of the fuel burning power generating plant. Since the power generating facility requires no significant output of power to drive a compressor to compress ambient air prior to its entry into the combustion chamber, the power generating facility is operated at a high efficiency.

Hydro-electric power plant

Abstract: A hydro-electric power plant for use in any location having flowing streams of water including a diversion dam which extends part way into the flowing stream to divert water to a spillway which includes a plurality of water wheels driven by the water flow to operate turbine-generators for the generation of electricity.

Apparatus for converting hydraulic energy to electrical energy

Abstract: An improved electric power plant (10) includes a water turbine (30) and a drive wheel (34) contained within a housing (22) for converting hydraulic energy to electrical energy. The housing (22) includes openings (90) and (102) for connecting the power plant (10) to a water line (12) or to a sewer line (18) for operating the turbine (30) in either an undershoot or overshoot condition. A plurality of reversible vanes (94) are removably attached to the perimeter of the water turbine (30) for operating the turbine in either an undershoot or overshoot condition. A bypass line (16) extends from the inlet pipe to the housing (22) to the outlet pipe to provide a means for repairing the power plant (10) without interrupting water or sanitary sewer service. The main electrical generator (70) is energized through a belt (72) driven by its engagement with the drive wheel (34). Ultraviolet ray lights (78) and an ozone generator (80) are included within the housing (22) to eliminate bacteria and to reduce odors. A plurality of the power plants (10) may be connected to a central power distribution center (14) for the storage and distribution of the electricity generated by this plant.

The Collection, Disposal, and Storage of Carbon Dioxide

Abstract: To scrub CO2 from the stack gas of a coal fired plant by the most efficient means presently available will require about 43% of the combustion energy of the coal. While appreciable improvement might be realized by burning the coal in pure oxygen, any method of recovery from stack gas will use a substantial fraction of the energy content of the fuel. The best option for disposal is in the ocean, in the form of a negatively-buoyant plume of concentrated solution that would carry the CO2 to deep water and give retention times of many hundreds of years. Alternatively, liquid CO2 could be injected at great depth, or blocks of the solid hydrate or dry ice might be released at the ocean surface. The most efficient option for the future might be floating power stations that use cold, deep seawater both for condenser cooling and CO2 disposal. Depleted oil and gas fields could be used as a near-term storage option. Storage as buried biomass or as a solid near the South Pole seem the least attractive of the options considered.

Aircraft wind energy device

Abstract: A tornado-type wind energy system is provided which is suitable for aircraft in flight or emergency use. Wind energy propels a turbine to provide shaft power to drive an electrical generator or the like. A vortex flow regime is produced downstream of the ram air driven turbine. The creation of a low pressure core draws ram air by the turbine at an increased rate, thereby generating greater shaft power to a load.

Sewer plant for compressor station of gas pipeline system

Abstract: A power plant for a compressor station of a gas pipeline system comprises an electric generator intended to meet the compressor station's power requirements and coupled to the shaft of an expansion engine provided with a collection chamber, the inlet of the expansion engine being connected through a heater to a gas main, whereas the outlet of the expansion engine is connected to the combustion chambers of gas turbine installations. The collector chamber of the expansion engine communicates through a cooler for the medium discharged from that collector chamber with another portion of the gas main. The power plant of this invention can be employed at compressor stations of gas pipeline systems having gas mains operating at the same or different design pressures. The power plant is intended to meet power and fuel gas requirements of a compressor station.

Electric power plant for vehicles

Abstract: In a wheeled vehicle such as a dump truck propelled by electric motors built into the respective wheels, a power plant is provided on a removable base for the generation of electric energy to be fed to the motors. The power plant comprises an electric generator and a pair of prime movers such as diesel engines on the opposite sides of the generator. This generator has its armature and magnetic field structure coupled directly to the respective prime movers thereby to be rotated in opposite directions relative to each other for increased power output.

Thermal power plant water treatment process

Abstract: The requirements and treatment costs of water used in a fossil fuel fired power station are reduced by a process which employs multiple reverse osmosis stages. This process also employs station waste heat to concentrate solid waste material to facilitate disposal thereof.

Multi-fuel rotary power plants using gas pistons, elliptic compressors, internally cooled thermodynamic cycles and slurry type colloidal fuel from coal and charcoal

Abstract: A multi-fuel rotary power plant using novel internal cooling and energy saving thermodynamic cycles, gas pistons, the unique rotary centers of the ellipse in a novel compressor and a slurry type fuel made out of colloidal carbon, hydrocarbon and other solvents. These rotary power plants are designed for universal application such as engines for large industrial compressors, cars, electrical power plants, marine and jet propulsion engines. These multi-purpose engines do not require design changes other than sizing for each application and an exhaust pipe change for the case of jet propulsion applications.

Large-scale electrical energy storage

Abstract: The review has been prepared by staff of the CEGB who are actively studying different aspects of large-scale electrical energy storage. Some areas, such as pumped storage, have been studied in considerable depth, since this technique has been exploited commercially for many years in many parts of the world. Other topics, such as superconducting magnetic storage, are at a much less advanced stage of development and are still at the laboratory and paper study stage. The review starts by examining the role of storage on an electricity-supply system. At present, the major use is put to reducing the flexibility requirements on other plant, but in the future, load smoothing for use with those systems with a large nuclear component could be important. The benefits and limitations of storage in conjunction with renewable energy sources are also discussed. Turning to the technical possibilities, a description is given of the widely used pumped hydrostorage technique. Potential development such as the use of an underground lower reservoir are discussed. It is possible to store the compression energy of a gas turbine as compressed air in an underground cavern. A plant operating on this principle has been built at Huntorf in Germany, but it requires a premium fuel such as natural gas or distillate oil. The possibility of developments leading to a reduction or elimination of this fuel requirement are discussed. It is also possible to store hot water at a power station and re-use it in the steam cycle. This technique has had some practical use for many years and its advantages and disadvantages are discussed. Batteries have been used for storage for many years, but current types are generally too expensive for use for large scale electrical utility applications. The state of development is discussed of new types, which although primarily envisaged for use with electric vehicles, could be used in central stores. Flywheels are also being developed for use with electric vehicles and their potential application to large-scale electrical energy storage is reviewed. Perhaps the most technically advanced storage technique would be to use a large superconducting magnet. The status of studies of this possibility is described. Finally, the relative advantages and disadvantages of the various technical possibilities are discussed.

Turbine configurations using wind and solar power

Abstract: A power system comprises structures which capture wind and solar energy to drive turbines for generating power. The structures can assume different forms, some intended to operate only from wind power. All in common, however, have lower air intake means which can accept the wind from any direction, air passageways that conduct the air upward through turbines, and venturi-assisted upper air exhaust vents which discharge the air downwind. Structures intended to operate on solar power in addition to wind have generally transparent sun-facing outer surfaces to admit solar radiation into the air passageways, a heat absorbing and transferring means inside the air passageways, and sufficient height that the solar heated air will rise with adequate velocity to operate the turbines. The invention includes an air inlet louver configuration which permits free entry of normal winds, but restricts entry of winds that have excessive force.

Cogeneration process linking FCC regenerator and power plant turbine

Abstract: An air supply system for the catalyst regeneration zone (10) of a fluidized catalytic cracking unit (41,10) also supplies a pressurized air stream to the turbine (27) of an electrical generating plant (27, 28). The compressor (17) which produces the pressurized air stream may be driven by passing the flue gas to the regeneration zone (10) through a power recovery expander (15). Preferably, the pressurized air stream is first heated by the turbine effluent in a heat exchanger (24) and then admixed with hot gas from separate turbine-type gas generators (32, 33) prior to being passed into the turbine (27). This provides a very practical and relatively low-cost cogeneration process.

Cleaning waste gases - with simultaneous heat recovery by cooling to low temp.

Abstract: To recover heat when cleaning waste gases, the gases are cooled to such low temps. and in the presence of water that N oxides and S oxides, excluding CO and CO2 form drops at the cooler surface. The acidic drops, which fall from the surface of the cooler, are collected in a vessel filled with a neutralising substance. Method saves 40-50% energy and provides the heat usually produced by several power stations. Reduces environmental pollution.

Control and protection system for an installation for the combined production of electrical and thermal energy

Abstract: A power-generating installation comprises a plurality of modular power plants each comprised of an internal combustion engine connected to an electric machine. The electric machine is used to start the engine and thereafter operates as a generator supplying power to an electrical network common to all the modular plants. The installation has a control and protection system comprising a plurality of control modules each associated with a respective plant, and a central unit passing control signals to the modules to control starting and stopping of the individual power plants. Upon the detection of abnormal operation or failure of its associated power plant, each control module transmits an alarm signal back to the central unit which thereupon stops, or prevents the starting, of the corresponding power plant. Parameters monitored by each control module include generated current and inter-winding leakage current of the electric machine.

Ship efficiency analyzer

Abstract: A system for indicating the presence of fuel penalties brought on by inefficient power plant components or degradation in performance of components. The system is adapted for use especially in marine applications and includes strategically located continuous operating sensors, the information from which is sampled and analyzed to produce an output representative of the plant efficiency at that moment. The outputs include indications of fuel use per hour, fuel consumption per distance traveled, and power plant efficiency. A plurality of secondary inputs are provided giving indications of the plant operating pressures, temperatures, etc. When a fuel penalty is indicated, the secondary inputs are evaluated to determine any significant change in output levels thus giving evidence as to the location of the source of the fuel penalty.

Wind turbine for marine propulsion

Abstract: A wind turbine on an essentially vertical mast converting wind power to electric power for the propulsion motors of a screw propelled ship. The turbine is omnidirectional and capable of being reefed for speed control.

Wind energy conversion system with reaction torque for power control

Abstract: A wind energy conversion system for converting wind energy into controlled wind turbine torque comprising a wind turbine with an essentially horizontally disposed shaft, a means, rotatably mounted to a chassis, for sensing and reacting to wind turbine torque such that reaction torque acting on the means causes angular displacement of the means, a driven machine drivenly connected to the shaft of the wind turbine, and a means for adjusting wind turbine efficiency which is drivenly connected to the first mentioned means in such a way as to prevent continual angular speed thereof. Angular displacement of the first mentioned means provides the power for the last mentioned means to adjust wind turbine efficiency. Because the system can be designed so as to provide a substantially constant torque to the driven machine over a significant range of wind speeds, the system is particularly useful for generating electrical power suitable for transfer to an alternating current power network of an electrical utility company.

Automatic start-up system for a closed rankine cycle power plant

Abstract: Vaporized working fluid is supplied only to the condenser of a power plant of the type described when the power plant is cold started allowing condensate to lubricate the bearings of the prime mover before the latter begins to move. When the power plant is in steady-state operation, vaporized working fluid is supplied only to the prime mover.

Method and apparatus for generating power and irrigating plants with solar energy and earth heat

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating power and irrigating plants by using unlimited natural resources of solar energy and earth heat. The method and apparatus utilize various forms of solar energy and/or earth heat to produce pressure difference in two air-evacuated interconnecting chambers and to create periodic oscillation of the volatile liquid in said two chambers. The energy of the periodic oscillation of the liquid is used to lift water from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir, thus creating a working hydraulic head. The water in the upper reservoir is then used to generate power or irrigate plants.

Dynamics and control modeling of the closed-cycle gas turbine (GT-HTGR) power plant

Abstract: The simulation if presented for the 800-MW(e) two-loop GT-HTGR plant design with the REALY2 transient analysis computer code, and the modeling of control strategies called for by the inherently unique operational requirements of a multiple loop GT-HTGR is described. Plant control of the GT-HTGR is constrained by the nature of its power conversion loops (PCLs) in which the core cooling flow and the turbine flow are directly related and thus changes in flow affect core cooling as well as turbine power. Additionally, the high thermal inertia of the reactor core precludes rapid changes in the temperature of the turbine inlet flow.

Economically Efficient Energy Futures

Abstract: The integrated burn of fossil fuel, and the associated risk of global climatic change, can be minimized by economically efficient energy policies based on very efficient energy use and rapid deployment of appropriate renewable energy sources Such policies can stabilize the rate of burning fossil fuel and gradually, over a half-century or so, reduce it to approximately zero Economically and technically sophisticated recent studies in many industrialized countries have shown that it is cheaper, faster, and easier to increase national energy productivity by severalfold than to increase energy supply If such studies are taken as an existence proof, a worldwide Western European material standard of living for 8 × 109 people could be maintained with today’s rate of world energy use (~8 TW) or less, even with unchanged lifestyles in the developed countries and complete industrialization of the developing countries At these cost-effective levels of energy productivity, virtually all long-term energy needs can be met by appropriate renewable sources that are already available and that are significantly cheaper, faster, and otherwise more attractive than competing power stations and synthetic-fuel plants Only major efficiency improvements and, secondarily, appropriate renewable sources can substantially change the timing of, or reduce the risk of, CO2 problems

Nuclear power plant with on-site storage capabilities

Abstract: A nuclear power plant constructed with a nuclear reactor core centrally mounted within an elongated, split chamber pressure vessel having contained solid state heat transfer conductors for transfer of heat from a liquid core coolant to a gas power medium in an upper heat exchange chamber of the pressure vessel, and having a discharge mechanism for dumping the reactor core when spent into a lower radioactive material storage chamber of the pressure vessel, the power plant including a power generating system having a steam turbine, an electrical generator and a gas compressor

Time for a reassessment

Abstract: Increased reliance on nuclear power needs to be reassessed, says the author. The general decline in confidence in the nuclear industry, coupled with public recognition of widespread safety deficiencies affecting the country's nuclear installations, raises the possibility that an eventual phase-out of nuclear power will become national policy. Another major accident such as at TMI would enhance the probability of such a phase-out. An examination is made of the consequences of turning away from nuclear power in the event that such a course is ultimately taken. Subjects covered are: nuclear power's limited overall potential, nuclear power's limited (and shrinking) role, the impact of nuclear plant shutdown, the vast potential for improvements in energy efficiency, and alternatives to central-station power plant additions. Mr. Nadis concludes that, over the long run, nuclear power's expected contribution can be replaced. He says adoption of available, cost-effective measures designed to upgrade the end-use productivity of energy and electricity can significantly delay the need for enlarged electrical-generation capability until flexible, energy-efficient, and environmentally benign technologies can be introduced. 26 references. (MCW)