Showing papers on "Turbine published in 1978"

Airship power turbine

Abstract: Power is mechanically transmitted from a tethered airship carrying wind turbines to electrical generators on the ground at the anchor point of the tether, by the use of endless power-transmission cables bridging between drive sheaves at the turbine wheels and driven sheaves at the generators. Tether adjustments, cable tensioning, and wind direction changes are provided for the ground apparatus. A tubular aircraft with recess in the tube wall, carrying bearings on which the rims of the turbine wheels ride, is also claimed.

Wind turbine generator pitch control system

Abstract: Wind energy is used to drive a wind turbine, which is in turn connected to an electrical generator to produce electrical power. The pitch angle of the wind turbine blades is controlled in a closed loop manner to maintain either a constant generator speed for isolated power generating stations or when the generator is synchronized to the load, or constant generator output power or shaft torque when the generator is connected to an electrical grid. Open loop acceleration and deceleration schedules are provided to minimize blade stress and shaft torque variations during start up and shutdown transients, limiting blade angle excursions as a function of wind velocity and speed. The schedules may be implemented either electronically or by a suitably programmed digital computer. The gains in the speed, torque and power loop controls are scheduled as a function of average wind velocity to optimize stability and response. An anticipatory blade angle schedule responsive to instantaneous wind velocity is added to the desired blade angle reference from the closed loop controls to minimize transient excursions in output power or generator speed resulting from wind gusts.

Fluid Dynamics of Diffuser-Augmented Wind Turbines

Abstract: The diffuser-augmented wind turbine (DAWT) is one of the advanced concepts being investigated to improve the economics of wind energy conversion systems (WECS). Application of modern boundary-layer control techniques has reduced the surface area requirements of an efficient diffuser by an order of magnitude. Many parameters that affect the performance of the diffuser system have been examined in small-scale wind tunnel tests with a family of compact diffusers, using screens and centerbodies to simulate the presence of a turbine. Flowfield surveys, overall performance, the effect of ground proximity, and the prospects for further improvement are described. The baseline configuration is a conical, 60 deg included angle diffuser with an area ratio of 2.78 controlled by two tangential injection slots. This first-generation DAWT can provide about twice the power of a conventional WECS with the same turbine diameter and wind. Economic estimates show that this DAWT can be as much as 50% cheaper than coventional WECS for the same rated power.

Understream turbine plant

Abstract: An understream turbine plant is provided for generating electrical power by means of the flow of an understream effluent, such as the Gulf Stream off the Atlantic seaboard coast. Each turbine plant has a large central opening within which is mounted a large turbine impeller. An electrical generator is mounted within the watertight housing of the plant adjacent to the central opening. The opening of the plant has a large diametrical forward entrance and a large diametrical rearward exit with a substantially central portion of smaller diametrical extent. The impeller of the turbine plant is mounted in the smallest diametrical extent of the opening. The contour of the opening provides for a Venturi effect increasing the efficiency of plant operation. A plurality of plants may be provided to span at least a portion of the understream flow, as well as being placed in a stacked arrangement to span at least a portion of the height of the understream flow. Special bearing seals for the rotating impeller prevent the ocean water from entering the interior of the turbine housing.

Cryogenic system for producing low-purity oxygen

Abstract: Low-purity oxygen is produced by fractional distillation of liquefied air A gas turbine, powered in part by waste nitrogen from the distillation, supplies energy to compress the feed air Compressing the waste nitrogen prior to turbine expansion provides an increase in energy efficiency

Energy storage system for electric utility plant

Abstract: A method for storing excess energy produced by an electric utility during low energy demand periods, utilizing a closed system with a gaseous fluid as the energy storage medium and turbine working fluid. The fluid medium is stored at low pressure in an underground cavern which is located near a commercial electric utility system. During low energy demand periods, electrical output from the utility is channeled to the subject invention for conversion to potential energy, stored in the form of pressurized fluid in a second, high pressure cavern. This fluid transfer is accomplished by a compressor powered by excess electric output of the utility. During peak periods of power demand, a stream of the pressurized fluid is heated and expanded through a turbine/generator combination to generate electrical output. This electrical power is then used to supplement the utility output to meet the higher level of energy requirement arising during peak demand periods. The expanded fluid medium is subsequently returned to the low pressure storage cavern, pending recycle through the closed system. Various embodiments are disclosed illustrating use of excess electric utility output to accomplish the heating and to supply the compression energy to operate the system.

Wind turbine generator acceleration control

Abstract: A power generating system includes a wind turbine driven generator, the wind turbine having a wind turbine driven rotor with a variable pitch angle blade. Stresses on the system during startup and shutdown are minimized by scheduling the blade angle as a function of the rotor speed and wind velocity to provide a minimum blade angle relative to the fully powered blade angle during rotor acceleration, and to provide a minimum blade angle relative to the fully powered blade angle during rotor deceleration.

Shower spray heads

Abstract: A shower spray head for providing a fluid spray with mechanical vibration of a part of the spray head, comprises, in combination, a fluid flow for delivering a shower spray; a turbine mounted in the path and drivable in rotation about an axis by fluid flow through the path; an eccentric rotatable form mounted for rotation about the axis and drivable by the turbine and eccentrically mounted with respect to the axis; and a vibratory housing connected by a pivotal connection to the eccentric form whereby rotation of the turbine during use causes vibration of the vibratory housing.

Expansion control ring for a turbine shroud assembly

Abstract: A turbine shroud assembly includes an expansion control ring to support segmented rotor shrouds. The expansion control ring is restrained by adjacent manifold rings, yet free to thermally expand radially outwardly without loss of axial alignment with the associated turbine wheel. The ported manifold rings are positioned on either side of an outwardly extending leg of the expansion control ring to direct cooling fluid delivered thereto toward the expansion control ring. A spacer ring surrounds the expansion control ring and restrains the expansion control ring relative to the manifold rings. The spacer ring maintains axial alignment of the expansion control ring with the turbine wheel. Cooling fluid is exhausted into the main hot gas stream, both upstream and downstream of the turbine wheel thus substantially preventing hot gases from affecting the expansion control ring.

Wind turbine generator having integrator tracking

Abstract: A power generating system includes a wind turbine driven generator, the wind turbine having a wind driven rotor with a plurality of variable pitch angle blades. The blade angle is scheduled during acceleration and deceleration of the wind turbine by open loop controls to minimize stresses, and is scheduled during powered operation by closed loop controls to maintain desired torque or speed. The closed loop controls contain an integrator which produces an integral blade angle control signal. The scheduled blade angle is fed back to the integrators through an integrator tracking network to maintain the integral blade angle control signal at all times within a preselected range relative to the scheduled blade angle.

Horizontal wind powered reaction turbine electrical generator

Abstract: A horizontal wind powered electrical generator is disclosed in which a horizontal reaction turbine is disposed within an augmentor cowling which extends downwind of the turbine. First stage curved stator blades interconnect the augmentor with the turbine cowling, and secondary stator blades are spaced downwind from said primary stator blades to extend inwardly from the augmentor to terminate short of the turbine cowling. These secondary stator blades have a greater angle of departure than the primary stator blades to increase the rotational velocity of the air at the expense of its axial velocity while permitting the axial velocity of the air moving inwardly of the secondary stator blades to be undiminished. A venturi-structured diffusor is carried by said augmentor in a downwind position to lower the pressure generally and assist the action of the secondary stator blades.

Vertical axis wind turbine

Abstract: VERTICAL AXIS WIND TURBINE ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Wind turbines are largely divided into vertical axiw wind turbines and propeller (horizontal axis) wind turbines. The present invention discloses a vertical axis high speed wind turbine provided with rotational speed control systems. This vertical axis wind turbine is formed by having blades of a proper airfoil fitted to respective supporting arms provided radially from a vertical rotating shaft by keeping the blade span-wise direction in parallel with the shaft and being provided with aerodynamic control elements operating manually or automatically to control the rotational speed of the turbine.

Pulsating spray apparatus

Abstract: A pulsating spray nozzle has a number of features including the introduction into the outer periphery of a forced vortex of a speed-control fluid. In such a forced-vortex environment, a floating turbine is enabled by means of paths correlated with outlet openings better to avoid stalling. Improved dimensioning of elements in the forced-vortex-turbine approach also contributes in that direction. A regulator limits the rate of flow of fluid through the device to a predetermined maximum amount upon increase of incoming water pressure beyond a selectable level.

Combustion control system

Abstract: A combustion system for gas turbines is disclosed which is capable of burning gaseous and liquid fuels. Excess air injected into the reaction zone of the combustor produces either a fuel-lean or fuel-rich mixture which lowers the temperature at which combustion occurs and thereby reduces the amount of nitrogen oxides in the turbine exhaust. Efficient combustion is maintained across a wide range of turbine loads by means of a control mechanism disposed externally of the combustor, which directs the airflow from the compressor to the reaction zone and to the downstream dilution zone respectively in a manner which permits variable, inverse proportioning of the air supplied to these zones. The variation in the pressure drop across the combustor is maintained within acceptable limits throughout the full load range.

Wind conversion lattice array, with multiple mini-turbo-generator modules

Abstract: The wind conversion lattice array, with multiple, mini-turbo/generator modules consists of multiple miniature turbine wind generator modules which are uniformly mounted on an open lattice-like framework structure on a building rooftop or other suitable raised structure. The identical turbine impellers are multi-vaned units of about 6 inches to ten inches in diameter, and directly coupled to matching miniature D.C. electric generators or dynamo os located directly above each turbine impeller. Each of the turbo/generator modules is mounted on the horizontal members of the lattice framework structure. Any number of turbo/generator modules may be utilized on the lattice framework, up to about one hundred units for practicality, with the framework oriented in any direction to suit rooftop conditions. The framework is hinged at the base for quick lowering during violent storm conditions, and held in an upright position by folding, diagonal arms.

Engine load sharing control system

Abstract: Two turbine engines are connected to a common gear box to drive a common load, such as a helicopter rotor, and circuitry is provided for controlling the two mechanically intercoupled engines in order to provide: (1) individual temperature shutoff for the engines, (2) limitation on the maximum total torque supplied by the two engines to avoid exceeding the power handling capability of the gear box for the associated load, (3) speed control for the engines, and (4) substantially equal sharing of the torque load by the two engines. By suitably combining the signals which require analysis, and supplying a single properly conditioned signal to the fuel control unit of each engine, tight control without oscillation or cycling may be achieved. Notch filtering to avoid reinforcement of mechanical resonances, and a variable response characteristic depending on the magnitude of the error signal may be included in the circuitry. Through the use of the circuitry noted above, and the avoidance of duplicate or conflicting feedback loops, a tighter servo control may be achieved without adverse results such as oscillation or overshoot. The pilot input is both a coarse mechanical input applied to set the fuel control units of both turbine engines to a level above the expected final power output level, and a relatively precise electrical signal which is supplied to the electronic control circuitry which cuts back the fuel supplied by one or both of the fuel control units.

Method of remanufacturing turbine vane clusters for gas turbine engines

Abstract: A method for remanufacturing turbine vane clusters of gas turbine engines is disclosed. Concepts and techniques for salvaging undamaged vanes from a damaged vane cluster are developed. In accordance with the method taught, protective coatings on the vane clusters are removed and residual stresses in the vanes are relieved before salvageable vanes are separated from their original vane cluster.

Rotary reverse osmosis apparatus and method

Abstract: Reverse osmosis or ultrafiltration apparatus having first and second rotors revolving in the same direction about a central axis. The first rotor revolves at a higher speed and has an impeller which serves as a feed pump for the feed fluid. The second rotor revolves at lower speed and has a pressure vessel containing semi-permeable membranes which selectively permeate one component of a feed fluid, and has an integral diffuser casing for the feed pump. This arrangement reduces disc friction and diffuser hydraulic losses compared to conventional centrifugal machinery with stationary casings. The membranes are arranged so that centrifuge action within the rotating membrane assembly inhibits fouling and concentration polarization by differential buoyancy effects. The impeller can be centrifugal type with an externally surrounding diffuser, or it can be in an external impeller type enclosing a pitot tube pump type diffuser. Some embodiments include a centripetal energy recovery turbine for the concentrate fluid rejected by the membranes, the turbine runner being mounted on the first rotor remote from, or integral with, the impeller. Alternatively concentrate fluid energy can be recovered by using tangentially disposed nozzles mounted on the second rotor to discharge fluid backwards. Permeate fluid energy can be recovered from permeate nozzles ejecting permeate fluid against an impulse turbine mounted on a third rotor journalled to rotate about the axis at a speed of about one-half of the speed of the second rotor.

Nonlinear equations of equilibrium for elastic helicopter or wind turbine blades undergoing moderate deformation.

Abstract: A set of nonlinear equations of equilibrium for an elastic wind turbine or helicopter blades are presented. These equations are derived for the case of small strains and moderate rotations (slopes). The derivation includes several assumptions which are carefully stated. For the convenience of potential users the equations are developed with respect to two different systems of coordinates, the undeformed and the deformed coordinates of the blade. Furthermore, the loads acting on the blade are given in a general form so as to make them suitable for a variety of applications. The equations obtained in the study are compared with those obtained in previous studies.

Efficiency air cycle environmental control system

Abstract: In a compressed air powered refrigeration system for aircraft containing a refrigeration turbine and associated heat exchangers for supplying cool air to the aircraft cabin, air is recirculated from the cabin by a recirculation means and combined with the turbine discharge air to simultaneously melt ice present in the turbine discharge and provide cooling to the recirculated air. The lack of ice in the turbine discharge allows the use of an ice-free regenerative heat exchanger, in heat exchange relation with the mixture of the turbine discharge air and recirculated cabin air, to condense moisture from the air entering the turbine. The use of heat from the cabin air to melt ice coupled with maximum utilization of the recirculation means supplying the recirculating cabin air enables the turbine to provide air at a temperature below freezing and results in improved cycle efficiency as well as maximum possible ventilation rate to the load.

Method and apparatus for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy

Abstract: A continuous method and closed cycle system for converting thermal energy to mechanical energy comprises vaporizing means, including an energy conversion tube comprising at least one nozzle section, for converting a liquid working fluid stream to a predominantly, by volume, vapor or an all vapor stream, turbine means operated by the stream for converting a portion of the vapor stream energy to mechanical shaft work; means for increasing the thermal and potential energy of the turbine exhaust stream and for condensing it to a substantially liquid stream; and means for recycling the liquid stream to the vaporizing means. The system has particular application to conventional refrigeration/heat pump cycles wherein the conventional throttling valve is replaced by a non-throttling nozzle and a turbine for capturing and using the work of expansion. Energy conversion tubes of the present system also find application in high flow rate, two phase flow applications, such as pressure vessel safety relief valves.

Turbine band cooling system

Abstract: A gas turbine engine comprising a number of annular wall sectors which form a complete circular wall defining a hot gas passage is provided with a cooling system incorporating a plurality of hollow impingement vessels disposed in a circular array within an annular chamber behind the wall. Cooling fluid is routed to the self-contained impingement pressure vessels which are provided with perforations to disperse the cooling fluid into impingement upon the wall. Unlike prior systems, the impingement vessels are not physically attached to the band but, rather, are supported by a structural frame which partially defines the annular chamber and, in the preferred embodiment, also supports the wall sectors. Since the impingement vessel, and not the backside of the wall, is the pressure vessel for the pressurized cooling fluid, leakage between adjacent wall sectors is greatly reduced with no loss in cooling effectiveness when compared to conventional cooling systems. Thus, turbine cycle performance is improved.

Engineering handbook on the atmospheric environmental guidelines for use in wind turbine generator development

Abstract: The guidelines are given in the form of design criteria relative to wind speed, wind shear, turbulence, wind direction, ice and snow loading, and other climatological parameters which include rain, hail, thermal effects, abrasive and corrosive effects, and humidity. This report is a presentation of design criteria in an engineering format which can be directly input to wind turbine generator design computations. Guidelines are also provided for developing specialized wind turbine generators or for designing wind turbine generators which are to be used in a special region of the United States.

Fixed geometry self starting transverse axis wind turbine

Abstract: This invention relates to a fixed geometry self starting wind turbine having a blade rotatable about a vertical axis. The blade is of a wide streamlined cambered airfoil shape and has a forward portion that includes a well rounded leading edge and thickness distribution that is conducive to high lift to drag ratios and having a high drag characteristic in reversed flows. The concave curvature of this camber line of said airfoil is directed to the rotational axis. The wide blade in combination with the well rounded leading edge, camber and airfoil thickness gives the turbine improved self-starting characteristics and causes the turbine to have improved acceleration characteristics through the intermediate speed range and up to full operating speed.

Contra-rotating rotors with differential gearing

Abstract: A gas turbine power plant has a compressor stage and a turbine stage with an annular combustion stage therebetween. Each of the contra-rotatable compressor rotors is connected to one of the contra-rotatable turbine rotors by an elongated hollow cylindrical shaft concentric with an axially extending fixed shaft to form an integral unit. The units are operably connected by differential gearing mounted on the fixed shaft just in rear of the nose of the engine at the air intake end of the housing.

Tethered lighter than air turbine

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a wind turbine comprising a lighter than air body affixed to a drive line. Vanes or fins are attached about the body and turn the body in response to air currents acting thereon. This turns the drive line to supply rotational energy to a load.

Turbine and like rotary machines

Abstract: A turbine or like rotary machine of the kind in which a fluid, either a liquid or gas, is arranged to act on a plurality of generally radially extending rotor blades, has each rotor blade fixed in position relative to the rotor hub and is substantially symmetrical about a plane perpendicular to the rotor axis, the blades having surfaces which are of generally aerofoil shape and being mounted with their leading edges facing in the same circumferential direction. The rotor of such a turbine can be driven by a generally axial flow of fluid, the direction of rotation being unchanged when the direction of flow of the fluid is reversed, so that it can be used to advantage in an oscillating or periodically reversing fluid flow. Such a flow may be provided or produced for example, by naturally occurring movement of air or water.

Hydraulic power plant

Abstract: A hydraulic power plant has a reservoir with a dam wall, a water turbine connected to a generator, a penstock extending from the reservoir to the water turbine and passing over the dam wall without passing through the dam wall to supply water from the reservoir to the turbine, and a vacuum pump adapted to fill at least a portion of the penstock with water by a siphon effect and being connected at a substantially uppermost portion of the penstock which is located on the top of the dam wall.

Wind energy conversion system

Abstract: A wind turbine drives the squirrel-cage rotor of a capacitively excited induction generator. The amount of excitation is controlled in accordance with the output voltage of the stator and hence the speed of the wind turbine. The generating system is capable of operating at high efficiency over a wide speed range, since the electrical output frequency is allowed to vary with the rotor speed. The electrical power supplied by the induction generator is used for heating purposes within a nearby building.