Power plants – Combustion products used as motive fluid – Combined with regulation of power output feature
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-18
2001-11-13
Freay, Charles G. (Department: 3746)
Power plants
Combustion products used as motive fluid
Combined with regulation of power output feature
C060S039080, C060S039281, C060S039511, C060S734000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06314717
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1) Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to a system for generating electricity, and more particularly, to a compact system which includes an annular combustor and a turbine for generating electricity.
2) Description of the Prior Art
Compact electricity generating systems using annular combustors and turbines are known. Currently, these systems are used to generate between 25 to 50 kilowatts of electric power. Such systems are manufactured by some companies such as Capstone Turbine Corporation, Marbaix, Bowman Power Systems, Ltd. and Allied-Signal Corp.
The majority of the above-described electricity generating systems is designed for use by the military in combat conditions, although they can be used in other applications. Hence, these generating systems are built pursuant to military specifications, which results in expensive systems.
While the military demand for compact electricity generating systems has diminished, there has been a recent interest in these systems for non-military applications, primarily as a backup power source for computers. However, the acceptance of these systems has been limited due to their high cost.
Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an inexpensive, compact, lightweight and durable electricity generating system that includes an annular combustor using hydrocarbon fuels, such as diesel, jet, gasoline, natural gas and alcohol type fuels.
Typically, the exhaust gases (of other gas turbines) exiting the combustor are treated to control the NO
x
emissions exiting into the atmosphere.
Therefore, it is another object of the present invention to provide a low NO
x
and general overall low emissions combustor.
Furthermore, in many applications, electricity generating systems of this type are operated intermittently and such use of the systems can cause clogged fuel lines, injectors and/or fuel pumps. It is important that these systems operate on demand because they are primarily used as backup systems for a primary power source and/or as main power.
Therefore, it is a further object of the present invention to provide a reliable electricity generating system that can operate intermittently with consistent reliability.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An electricity generating system having a body, an annular combustor, a turbine, a compressor chamber and a compressor positioned within the compressor chamber. An inlet port is in fluid communication with the compressor chamber and an exit port is in fluid communication with the turbine with a combustor therebetween. A plurality of magnets are secured to the rotor and a stator made of a magnetically attracted material, such as iron, is provided in the body. The stator is positioned in close proximity to a plurality of magnets whereby rotation of the rotor causes a change in flux about the stator thereby generating electricity. A fuel pump and oil pump are provided which are both driven by a single motor. A fuel metering valve is provided and includes a proportional solenoid valve having a plunger that is adapted to extend along a longitudinal axis. An annular-shaped or hydrodynamic bearing is provided for rotatably receiving a portion of the rotor and is held in place by a locking arrangement Compressor blades and turbine blades are separated by a split ring arrangement for preventing gases from flowing directly to the turbine blades from the compressor blades and vice versa. A heat exchanger is provided to heat the incoming compressed gas and cool the outgoing exhaust gases or, in other words, compressor discharge air before delivery to the combustor for minimizing fuel consumption.
The present invention is also a method for operating an electricity generating system that includes the steps of: rotating a rotor having a plurality of compressor blades and a plurality of turbine blades attached thereto and a plurality of magnets positioned about the rotor, the plurality of magnets positioned in close proximity to a stator to cause rotation of the rotor; drawing air into a compressor that includes the plurality of compressor blades; compressing the drawn air by the compressor; following the compressed air to a combustion chamber; mixing fuel with at least a portion of the compressed air flowing into the combustion chamber resulting in a fuel/air mixture; igniting the fuel/air mixture in the combustion chamber resulting in exhaust gases or heat energy; passing the exhaust gases or heat energy and any remainder of the compressed air through a turbine that includes the plurality of turbine blades; exhausting the exhaust gases or heat energy and the remainder of the compressed gases; stopping the electricity provided to the stator when the rotor rotates at a first speed; and causing electricity to be generated by the rotating magnets positioned about the rotor coacting with the stator. Igniting the fuel/air mixture in the combustion chamber yields heat energy to drive a turbine wheel of the turbine. The developed flame in the combustor as it passes to a turbine nozzle and the turbine wheel receives dilution air to regulate a turbine inlet temperature.
REFERENCES:
patent: Re. 34962 (1995-06-01), Shekleton et al.
patent: 3187188 (1965-06-01), Adkins et al.
patent: 3247393 (1966-04-01), Toesca
patent: 3613360 (1971-10-01), Howes
patent: 4486147 (1984-12-01), Byrne et al.
patent: 4619588 (1986-10-01), Moore, III
patent: 5129222 (1992-07-01), Lampe et al.
patent: 5140807 (1992-08-01), Shekleton et al.
patent: 5180034 (1993-01-01), Lopes
patent: 5237817 (1993-08-01), Bornemisza et al.
patent: 5497615 (1996-03-01), Noe et al.
patent: 5685156 (1997-11-01), Willis et al.
patent: 0742634 (1996-11-01), None
patent: 06173714 (1994-06-01), None
Teets J. Michael
Teets Jon W.
Elliott Energy Systems, Inc.
Freay Charles G.
Hayes E. D.
LandOfFree
Electricity generating system having an annular combustor does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Electricity generating system having an annular combustor, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Electricity generating system having an annular combustor will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2593151