Vaporization of liquefied natural gas for increased efficiency in power cycles
US7299619B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 8, 2004 |
| Grant date | Nov 27, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 1, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02C7/143
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A gas turbine cycle that utilizes the vaporization of liquefied natural gas as a source of inlet air chilling for a gas turbine. The cycle uses regeneration for preheating of combustor air and offers the potential of gas turbine cycle efficiencies in excess of 60%. The systems and methods permit the vaporization of LNG using ambient air, with the resulting super cooled air being easier to compress and/or having fewer contaminants therein. As the air is easier to compress, less energy is needed to operate the compressor, thereby increasing the efficiency of the system. A portion of the vaporized natural gas may be used as the combustion fuel for the gas turbine system, thereby permitting multiple turbines to be operated using a single topping cycle. In alternative embodiments, the vaporization of the LNG may be used as part of a bottoming cycle to increase the efficiencies of the gas turbine system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.