Patent · US Active

Turbo-alternator-compressor design for supercritical high density working fluids

US8397506B1 · kind B1 · utility

29Cited by
6References
29Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 3, 2009
Grant dateMar 19, 2013
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 19, 2031

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF01D15/10
  • WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

Techniques for generating power are provided. Such techniques involve a thermodynamic system including a housing, a turbine positioned in a turbine cavity of the housing, a compressor positioned in a compressor cavity of the housing, and an alternator positioned in a rotor cavity between the turbine and compressor cavities. The compressor has a high-pressure face facing an inlet of the compressor cavity and a low-pressure face on an opposite side thereof. The alternator has a rotor shaft operatively connected to the turbine and compressor, and is supported in the housing by bearings. Ridges extending from the low-pressure face of the compressor may be provided for balancing thrust across the compressor. Seals may be positioned about the alternator for selectively leaking fluid into the rotor cavity to reduce the temperature therein.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.