Abstract

In one embodiment, a system includes a generator configured to receive a flow of an organic working fluid. The generator includes a stator and a permanent magnet rotor configured to rotate within the stator to generate electricity. The generator further includes one or more components disposed within the generator and configured to be exposed to the flow of the organic working fluid. The one or more components each include an underlying component, and an encapsulant configured to withstand exposure to the organic working fluid to inhibit contact between the underlying component and the organic working fluid.

IPC Classes  ?

• F01D 15/10 - Adaptations for driving, or combinations with, electric generators
• F01D 25/00 - Component parts, details, or accessories, not provided for in, or of interest apart from, other groups
• F01K 23/04 - Plants characterised by more than one engine delivering power external to the plant, the engines being driven by different fluids the engine cycles being thermally coupled condensation heat from one cycle heating the fluid in another cycle
• F01K 25/08 - Plants or engines characterised by use of special working fluids, not otherwise provided forPlants operating in closed cycles and not otherwise provided for using special vapours

Abstract

In one embodiment, a waste heat recovery system includes multiple organic Rankine cycle (ORC) systems arranged in a cascade configuration. Each ORC system includes a heat exchanger that transfers heat to the working fluid to vaporize the working fluid. Each ORC system also includes an integrated power module that expands the working fluid to generate electricity.

IPC Classes  ?

• F01K 25/08 - Plants or engines characterised by use of special working fluids, not otherwise provided forPlants operating in closed cycles and not otherwise provided for using special vapours
• F01K 23/04 - Plants characterised by more than one engine delivering power external to the plant, the engines being driven by different fluids the engine cycles being thermally coupled condensation heat from one cycle heating the fluid in another cycle

Abstract

An apparatus includes an electric generator having a stator and a rotor. A first turbine wheel is coupled to a first end of the rotor to rotate at the same speed as the rotor. A second turbine wheel is coupled to a second end of the rotor opposite the first end, and configured to rotate at the same speed as the rotor. The first and second turbine wheels may rotate in response to expansion of a working fluid flowing from an inlet side to an outlet side of the turbine wheels.

IPC Classes  ?

• F01K 23/06 - Plants characterised by more than one engine delivering power external to the plant, the engines being driven by different fluids the engine cycles being thermally coupled combustion heat from one cycle heating the fluid in another cycle
• F01K 25/00 - Plants or engines characterised by use of special working fluids, not otherwise provided forPlants operating in closed cycles and not otherwise provided for
• F01K 13/00 - General layout or general methods of operation, of complete steam engine plants
• F01C 13/00 - Adaptations of machines or engines for special useCombinations of engines with devices driven thereby
• F02D 25/00 - Controlling two or more co-operating engines

Abstract

A turbine wheel is rotatable in response to expansion of a working fluid flowing from near an inlet side towards an outlet side of the turbine wheel. The turbine wheel may receive the working fluid radially into the inlet side of the turbine wheel and output the working fluid axially from its outlet side. A generator has a stator and a rotor. The rotor may be coupled to the turbine wheel and may rotate at the same speed as the turbine wheel when the turbine wheel rotates. In certain instances, the generator is adjacent the inlet side of the turbine wheel.

IPC Classes  ?

• F01D 15/10 - Adaptations for driving, or combinations with, electric generators

Abstract

Some embodiments of a generator system can be used with the working fluid in a Rankine cycle. For example, the generator system can be used in a Rankine cycle to recover heat from one of a number of commercial applications and to convert that heat energy into electrical energy. In particular embodiments, the generator system may include a turbine generator apparatus to generate electrical energy and a liquid separator arranged upstream of the turbine generator apparatus.

IPC Classes  ?

• F01K 23/10 - Plants characterised by more than one engine delivering power external to the plant, the engines being driven by different fluids the engine cycles being thermally coupled combustion heat from one cycle heating the fluid in another cycle with exhaust fluid of one cycle heating the fluid in another cycle
• F01K 25/00 - Plants or engines characterised by use of special working fluids, not otherwise provided forPlants operating in closed cycles and not otherwise provided for

Abstract

Some embodiments of a generator system can be used with the working fluid in a Rankine cycle. For example, the generator system can be used in a Rankine cycle to recover heat from one of a number of commercial applications and to convert that heat energy into electrical energy. In particular embodiments, the generator system may include a turbine generator apparatus to generate electrical energy and a liquid separator arranged upstream of the turbine generator apparatus.

IPC Classes  ?

• F22D 7/00 - Auxiliary devices for promoting water circulation
• F01K 25/08 - Plants or engines characterised by use of special working fluids, not otherwise provided forPlants operating in closed cycles and not otherwise provided for using special vapours
• F01K 23/06 - Plants characterised by more than one engine delivering power external to the plant, the engines being driven by different fluids the engine cycles being thermally coupled combustion heat from one cycle heating the fluid in another cycle

Abstract

Some embodiments of a fluid expansion system can be used with the working fluid in a Rankine cycle. For example, the fluid expansion system can be used in a Rankine cycle to recover heat from one of a number of commercial applications and to convert that heat energy into electrical energy. In particular embodiments, the fluid expansion system may include a turbine generator apparatus to generate electrical energy and a liquid separator arranged upstream of the turbine generator apparatus.

IPC Classes  ?

• F01K 23/06 - Plants characterised by more than one engine delivering power external to the plant, the engines being driven by different fluids the engine cycles being thermally coupled combustion heat from one cycle heating the fluid in another cycle
• F01K 25/00 - Plants or engines characterised by use of special working fluids, not otherwise provided forPlants operating in closed cycles and not otherwise provided for
• F01K 13/00 - General layout or general methods of operation, of complete steam engine plants
• F01K 25/08 - Plants or engines characterised by use of special working fluids, not otherwise provided forPlants operating in closed cycles and not otherwise provided for using special vapours
• H02K 9/00 - Arrangements for cooling or ventilating
• F01K 25/10 - Plants or engines characterised by use of special working fluids, not otherwise provided forPlants operating in closed cycles and not otherwise provided for using special vapours the vapours being cold, e.g. ammonia, carbon dioxide, ether
• F01K 3/00 - Plants characterised by the use of steam or heat accumulators, or intermediate steam heaters, therein
• F22B 37/26 - Steam-separating arrangements