US6526757B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multi pressure mode gas turbine
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 2001-08-21
•
Granted: 2003-03-04
•
Expires: 2021-08-21
Abstract
Abstract A gas turbine which is capable of operating in more than one pressure mode. The gas turbine, which may include a single fixed spool, multiple fixed spools, or a combination of fixed spool(s) and a free turbine, can operate in a positive pressure mode, a transatmospheric mode, or a subatmospheric mode. Valving is provided to control the particular pressure mode of operation in response to system requirements and to switch between pressure modes as required.
Inventors
- 👤 Robin Mackay
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 12:56
CPC Classifications
F; F02; F02C; F02C7/00; F02C7/08; F02C7/10; F02C1/00; F02C1/04; F02C1/05; F02C1/06; F02C6/00; F02C6/003; F02C6/006
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 92
Claim 1
Independent Claim
54 words
A method of operating a recuperated gas turbine, comprising: providing valving between the recuperator and the gas turbine compressor; setting the valving in a first configuration to operate the gas turbine in a positive pressure mode; and setting the valving in a second configuration to operate the gas turbine in a subatmospheric pressure mode.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
54 words
A method of operating a recuperated gas turbine, comprising: providing valving between the recuperator and the gas turbine compressor; setting the valving in a first configuration to operate the gas turbine in a positive pressure mode; and setting the valving in a second configuration to operate the gas turbine in a subatmospheric pressure mode.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of operating a recuperated gas turbine of claim 1 , and in addition, setting the valving in a third configuration to operate the gas turbine in a transatmospheric pressure mode.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of operating a recuperated gas turbine of claim 2 , wherein the valving provided is a plurality of open/close valves.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of operating a recuperated gas turbine of claim 2 , wherein the valving provided is a plurality of three-way valves and a plurality of open/close valves.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of operating a recuperated gas turbine of claim 2 , wherein the valving provided is a plurality of four-way valves.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
52 words
A method of operating a recuperated gas turbine, comprising: providing valving between the recuperator and the gas turbine compressor; setting the valving to operate the gas turbine in a positive pressure mode at high power; and setting the valving to operate the gas turbine in a subatmospheric pressure mode at low power.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
52 words
A method of operating a recuperated gas turbine, comprising: providing valving between the recuperator and the gas turbine compressor; setting the valving to operate the gas turbine in a positive pressure mode at high power; and setting the valving to operate the gas turbine in a subatmospheric pressure mode at low power.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of operating a recuperated gas turbine of claim 6 , and in addition, setting the valving to operate the gas turbine in a transatmospheric pressure mode at mid power between high power and low power.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of operating a recuperated gas turbine of claim 6 , and in addition, intercooling the recuperated air delivered to the gas turbine compressor.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method of operating a recuperated gas turbine of claim 6 , wherein the positive pressure mode is generally set from full rated power to full rated power divided by the gas turbine compressor pressure ratio, and the subatmospheric pressure mode is generally set at full rated power divided by the gas turbine compressor pressure ratio.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
123 words
The method of operating a recuperated gas turbine of claim 7 , wherein the positive pressure mode is generally set from full rated power to full rated power divided by the pressure ratio of the high pressure gas turbine compressor, the transatmospheric pressure mode is generally set between full rated power divided by the pressure ratio of the high pressure gas turbine compressor to full rated power divided by the product of the pressure ratio of the high pressure compressor times the pressure ratio of the low pressure compressor, and the subatmospheric pressure mode is generally set at full rated power divided by the product of the pressure ratio of the high pressure compressor times the pressure ratio of the low pressure compressor.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
56 words
A method of operating a recuperated gas turbine including a free turbine, comprising: providing valving between the recuperator and the gas turbine compressor; at high power, setting the valving to operate the gas turbine in a positive pressure mode; and at low power, setting the valving to operate the gas turbine in a subatmospheric pressure mode.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
56 words
A method of operating a recuperated gas turbine including a free turbine, comprising: providing valving between the recuperator and the gas turbine compressor; at high power, setting the valving to operate the gas turbine in a positive pressure mode; and at low power, setting the valving to operate the gas turbine in a subatmospheric pressure mode.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of operating a recuperated gas turbine including a free turbine of claim 11 , and in addition, at mid power, setting the valving to operate the gas turbine in a transatmospheric pressure mode.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
62 words
A method of operating a recuperated two spool gas turbine, comprising: providing valving between the recuperator, the first spool gas turbine compressor, and the second spool gas turbine compressor; setting the valving to operate the gas turbine in a positive pressure mode at high power; and setting the valving to operate the gas turbine in a subatmospheric pressure mode at low power.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
62 words
A method of operating a recuperated two spool gas turbine, comprising: providing valving between the recuperator, the first spool gas turbine compressor, and the second spool gas turbine compressor; setting the valving to operate the gas turbine in a positive pressure mode at high power; and setting the valving to operate the gas turbine in a subatmospheric pressure mode at low power.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of operating a recuperated two spool gas turbine of claim 13 , and in addition, setting the valving to operate the gas turbine in a transatmospheric pressure mode at mid power between high power and low power.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of operating a recuperated two spool gas turbine of claim 13 , and in addition, intercooling the compressed air between the first spool gas turbine compressor and the second spool gas turbine compressor.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method of operating a recuperated two spool gas turbine of claim 13 , and in addition, intercooling the recuperated air between the first spool gas turbine compressor and the recuperator.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method of operating a recuperated two spool gas turbine of claim 13 , and in addition, intercooling the compressed air between the first spool gas turbine compressor and the second spool gas turbine compressor; and intercooling the recuperated air between the recuperator and the first spool gas turbine compressor.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
112 words
A method of operating a recuperated two spool gas turbine including a free turbine, comprising: providing valving between the recuperator, the first spool gas turbine compressor, and the second spool gas turbine compressor; setting the valving to operate both spools of the two spool gas turbine in a positive pressure mode at high power; setting the valving to operate one spool of the two spool gas turbine in a positive pressure mode and the other spool of the two spool gas turbine in a subatmospheric pressure mode at mid power; and setting the valving to operate both spools of the two spool gas turbine in a subatmospheric pressure mode at low power.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
112 words
A method of operating a recuperated two spool gas turbine including a free turbine, comprising: providing valving between the recuperator, the first spool gas turbine compressor, and the second spool gas turbine compressor; setting the valving to operate both spools of the two spool gas turbine in a positive pressure mode at high power; setting the valving to operate one spool of the two spool gas turbine in a positive pressure mode and the other spool of the two spool gas turbine in a subatmospheric pressure mode at mid power; and setting the valving to operate both spools of the two spool gas turbine in a subatmospheric pressure mode at low power.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of operating a recuperated two spool gas turbine including a free turbine of claim 18 , and in addition, intercooling the compressed air between the first spool gas turbine compressor and the second spool gas turbine compressor.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of operating a recuperated two spool gas turbine including a free turbine of claim 18 , and in addition, intercooling the recuperated air between the first spool gas turbine compressor and the recuperator.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
54 words
The method of operating a recuperated two spool gas turbine including a free turbine of claim 18 , and in addition, intercooling the compressed air between the first spool gas turbine compressor and the second spool gas turbine compressor; and intercooling the recuperated air between the recuperator and the first spool gas turbine compressor.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
65 words
A method of operating a recuperated two and one half spool gas turbine, comprising: providing valving between the recuperator, the first spool gas turbine compressor, and the second spool gas turbine compressor; at high power, setting the valving to operate the gas turbine in a positive pressure mode; and at low power, setting the valving to operate the gas turbine in a subatmospheric pressure mode.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
65 words
A method of operating a recuperated two and one half spool gas turbine, comprising: providing valving between the recuperator, the first spool gas turbine compressor, and the second spool gas turbine compressor; at high power, setting the valving to operate the gas turbine in a positive pressure mode; and at low power, setting the valving to operate the gas turbine in a subatmospheric pressure mode.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of operating a recuperated two and one half spool gas turbine of claim 22 , and in addition, at mid power, setting the valving to operate the gas turbine in a transatmospheric pressure mode.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
109 words
A turbogenerator comprising: a gas turbine including a compressor, a turbine, a combustor, a recuperator and a generator; said recuperator receiving compressed air from said compressor to be heated in said recuperator by the expanded exhaust gases from said turbine, said heated compressed air from said recuperator supplied to said combustor to be mixed with fuel and combusted to provide combustion gases for expansion in said turbine which drives said compressor and said generator; valving disposed between said recuperator and said compressor to operate said gas turbine in a positive pressure mode at high power and to operate said gas turbine in a subatmospheric pressure mode at low power.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
109 words
A turbogenerator comprising: a gas turbine including a compressor, a turbine, a combustor, a recuperator and a generator; said recuperator receiving compressed air from said compressor to be heated in said recuperator by the expanded exhaust gases from said turbine, said heated compressed air from said recuperator supplied to said combustor to be mixed with fuel and combusted to provide combustion gases for expansion in said turbine which drives said compressor and said generator; valving disposed between said recuperator and said compressor to operate said gas turbine in a positive pressure mode at high power and to operate said gas turbine in a subatmospheric pressure mode at low power.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
18 words
The turbogenerator of claim 24 , and in addition, an intercooler disposed between said recuperator and said compressor.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
14 words
The turbogenerator of claim 24 wherein said valving is a plurality of open/close valves.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
39 words
The turbogenerator of claim 24 wherein said plurality of open/close valves is six, with three of said plurality of open/close valves open at high power and the other three of said plurality of open/close valves open at low power.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
64 words
The turbogenerator of claim 27 wherein said three of said plurality of open/close valves open at high power are at the recuperator exhaust, the compressor inlet, and between said compressor and said recuperator, and the other three of said plurality of open/close valves open at low power are at the recuperator inlet, the compressor outlet and between the recuperator exhaust and the compressor inlet.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
20 words
The turbogenerator of claim 24 wherein said valving is a plurality of three-way valves and a plurality of open/close valves.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
14 words
The turbogenerator of claim 24 wherein said valving is a plurality of four-way valves.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
122 words
A turbogenerator comprising: a gas turbine including a compressor, a turbine, a combustor, a recuperator and a generator; said recuperator receiving compressed air from said compressor to be heated in said recuperator by the expanded exhaust gases from said turbine, said heated compressed air from said recuperator supplied to said combustor to be mixed with fuel and combusted to provide combustion gases for expansion in said turbine which drives said compressor and said generator; valving disposed between said recuperator and said compressor to operate said gas turbine in a positive pressure mode at high power, to operate said gas turbine in a transatmospheric pressure mode at mid power, and to operate said gas turbine in a subatmospheric pressure mode at low power.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
122 words
A turbogenerator comprising: a gas turbine including a compressor, a turbine, a combustor, a recuperator and a generator; said recuperator receiving compressed air from said compressor to be heated in said recuperator by the expanded exhaust gases from said turbine, said heated compressed air from said recuperator supplied to said combustor to be mixed with fuel and combusted to provide combustion gases for expansion in said turbine which drives said compressor and said generator; valving disposed between said recuperator and said compressor to operate said gas turbine in a positive pressure mode at high power, to operate said gas turbine in a transatmospheric pressure mode at mid power, and to operate said gas turbine in a subatmospheric pressure mode at low power.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
18 words
The turbogenerator of claim 31 , and in addition, an intercooler disposed between said recuperator and said compressor.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
14 words
The turbogenerator of claim 31 wherein said valving is a plurality of open/close valves.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
90 words
The turbogenerator of claim 33 wherein said plurality of open/close valves is nine, with two of said plurality of open/close valves open at high power, one of said plurality of open/close valves open at both high and mid power, one of said plurality of open/close valves open at both high and low power, two of said plurality of open/close valves open at mid power, one of said plurality of open/close valves open at both mid and low power, and two of said plurality of open/close valves open at low power.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
20 words
The turbogenerator of claim 31 wherein said valving is a plurality of three-way valves and a plurality of open/close valves.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
14 words
The turbogenerator of claim 31 wherein said valving is a plurality of four-way valves.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
118 words
A turbogenerator comprising: a gas turbine including a compressor, a turbine, a combustor, a recuperator, a free turbine, and a generator; said recuperator receiving compressed air from said compressor to be heated in said recuperator by the expanded exhaust gases from said free turbine, said heated compressed air from said recuperator supplied to said combustor to be mixed with fuel and combusted to provide combustion gases for expansion first in said turbine which drives said compressor and then further expanded in said free turbine; valving disposed between said recuperator and said compressor to operate said turbogenerator in a positive pressure mode at high power, and to operate said gas turbogenerator in a subatmospheric pressure mode at low power.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
118 words
A turbogenerator comprising: a gas turbine including a compressor, a turbine, a combustor, a recuperator, a free turbine, and a generator; said recuperator receiving compressed air from said compressor to be heated in said recuperator by the expanded exhaust gases from said free turbine, said heated compressed air from said recuperator supplied to said combustor to be mixed with fuel and combusted to provide combustion gases for expansion first in said turbine which drives said compressor and then further expanded in said free turbine; valving disposed between said recuperator and said compressor to operate said turbogenerator in a positive pressure mode at high power, and to operate said gas turbogenerator in a subatmospheric pressure mode at low power.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
13 words
The turbogenerator of claim 37 wherein said generator is driven by said turbine.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
14 words
The turbogenerator of claim 37 wherein said generator is driven by said free turbine.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
14 words
The turbogenerator of claim 37 wherein said valving is a plurality of open/close valves.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
39 words
The turbogenerator of claim 40 wherein said plurality of open/close valves is six, with three of said plurality of open/close valves open at high power and the other three of said plurality of open/close valves open at low power.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
63 words
The turbogenerator of claim 41 wherein said three of said plurality of open/valves open at high power are at the recuperator exhaust, the compressor inlet, and between said compressor and said recuperator, and the other three of said plurality of open/close valves open at low power are at the recuperator inlet, the compressor outlet and between the recuperator exhaust and the compressor inlet.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
20 words
The turbogenerator of claim 37 wherein said valving is a plurality of three-way valves and a plurality of open/close valves.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
14 words
The turbogenerator of claim 37 wherein said valving is a plurality of four-way valves.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
187 words
A two spool turbogenerator comprising: a first spool including a first compressor, a first turbine, and a generator with said first turbine driving said first compressor and said generator; a second spool including a second compressor and a second turbine with said second turbine driving said second compressor; said first compressor providing compressed air to said second compressor; a combustor to provide combustion products to said second turbine which in turn provides a turbine exhaust to said first turbine; a recuperator to receive compressed air from said second compressor to be heated in said recuperator by the expanded exhaust gases from said first turbine; said heated compressed air from said recuperator supplied to said combustor to be mixed with fuel and combusted to provide combustion gases for expansion in said second turbine and in said first turbine; and valving disposed between said recuperator, said first compressor, and said second compressor to operate said turbogenerator in a positive pressure mode at high power, to operate said turbogenerator in a transatmospheric pressure mode at mid power, and to operate said turbogenerator in a subatmospheric pressure mode at low power.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
187 words
A two spool turbogenerator comprising: a first spool including a first compressor, a first turbine, and a generator with said first turbine driving said first compressor and said generator; a second spool including a second compressor and a second turbine with said second turbine driving said second compressor; said first compressor providing compressed air to said second compressor; a combustor to provide combustion products to said second turbine which in turn provides a turbine exhaust to said first turbine; a recuperator to receive compressed air from said second compressor to be heated in said recuperator by the expanded exhaust gases from said first turbine; said heated compressed air from said recuperator supplied to said combustor to be mixed with fuel and combusted to provide combustion gases for expansion in said second turbine and in said first turbine; and valving disposed between said recuperator, said first compressor, and said second compressor to operate said turbogenerator in a positive pressure mode at high power, to operate said turbogenerator in a transatmospheric pressure mode at mid power, and to operate said turbogenerator in a subatmospheric pressure mode at low power.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
19 words
The turbogenerator of claim 45 , and in addition, an intercooler disposed between said recuperator and said first compressor.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
20 words
The turbogenerator of claim 45 , and in addition, an intercooler disposed between said first compressor and said second compressor.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
33 words
The turbogenerator of claim 45 , and in addition, a first intercooler disposed between said recuperator and said first compressor, and a second intercooler disposed between said first compressor and said second compressor.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
14 words
The turbogenerator of claim 45 wherein said valving is a plurality of open/close valves.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
90 words
The turbogenerator of claim 49 wherein said plurality of open/close valves is nine, with two of said plurality of open/close valves open at high power, one of said plurality of open/close valves open at both high and mid power, one of said plurality of open/close valves open at both high and low power, two of said plurality of open/close valves open at mid power, one of said plurality of open/close valves open at both mid and low power, and two of said plurality of open/close valves open at low power.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
210 words
A two and one half spool turbogenerator comprising: a first spool including a first compressor and a first turbine with said first turbine driving said first compressor and; a second spool including a second compressor and a second turbine with said second turbine driving said second compressor; a free turbine and a generator with said free turbine driving said generator; said first compressor providing compressed air to said second compressor; a combustor to provide combustion products to said second turbine which in turn provides turbine exhaust to said first turbine which in turn provides turbine exhaust to said free turbine; a recuperator to receive compressed air from said second compressor to be heated in said recuperator by the expanded exhaust gases from said free turbine; said heated compressed air from said recuperator supplied to said combustor to be mixed with fuel and combusted to provide combustion gases for expansion in said second turbine, said first turbine and said free turbine; and valving disposed between said recuperator, said first compressor, and said second compressor to operate said turbogenerator in a positive pressure mode at high power, to operate said turbogenerator in a transatmospheric pressure mode at mid power, and to operate said turbogenerator in a subatmospheric pressure mode at low power.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
210 words
A two and one half spool turbogenerator comprising: a first spool including a first compressor and a first turbine with said first turbine driving said first compressor and; a second spool including a second compressor and a second turbine with said second turbine driving said second compressor; a free turbine and a generator with said free turbine driving said generator; said first compressor providing compressed air to said second compressor; a combustor to provide combustion products to said second turbine which in turn provides turbine exhaust to said first turbine which in turn provides turbine exhaust to said free turbine; a recuperator to receive compressed air from said second compressor to be heated in said recuperator by the expanded exhaust gases from said free turbine; said heated compressed air from said recuperator supplied to said combustor to be mixed with fuel and combusted to provide combustion gases for expansion in said second turbine, said first turbine and said free turbine; and valving disposed between said recuperator, said first compressor, and said second compressor to operate said turbogenerator in a positive pressure mode at high power, to operate said turbogenerator in a transatmospheric pressure mode at mid power, and to operate said turbogenerator in a subatmospheric pressure mode at low power.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
19 words
The turbogenerator of claim 51 , and in addition, an intercooler disposed between said recuperator and said first compressor.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
20 words
The turbogenerator of claim 51 , and in addition, an intercooler disposed between said first compressor and said second compressor.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
33 words
The turbogenerator of claim 51 , and in addition, a first intercooler disposed between said recuperator and said first compressor, and a second intercooler disposed between said first compressor and said second compressor.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
14 words
The turbogenerator of claim 51 wherein said valving is a plurality of open/close valves.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
90 words
The turbogenerator of claim 55 wherein said plurality of open/close valves is nine, with two of said plurality of open/close valves open at high power, one of said plurality of open/close valves open at both high and mid power, one of said plurality of open/close valves open at both high and low power, two of said plurality of open/close valves open at mid power, one of said plurality of open/close valves open at both mid and low power, and two of said plurality of open/close valves open at low power.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
14 words
The turbogenerator of claim 51 wherein said valving includes a plurality of three-way valves.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
20 words
The turbogenerator of claim 51 wherein said valving includes a plurality of three-way valves and a plurality of open/close valves.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
21 words
The turbogenerator of claim 58 wherein said plurality of three-way valves is four and said plurality of open/close valves is two.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
59 words
The turbogenerator of claim 59 wherein said four three-way valves are at the recuperator inlet, the recuperator exhaust, the first compressor inlet and said first compressor exhaust, and said two open/close valves are between the recuperator inlet three-way valve and said second compressor, and between said second compressor and said intercooler between said first compressor and said second compressor.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
14 words
The turbogenerator of claim 54 wherein said valving is a plurality of four-way valves.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
13 words
The turbogenerator of claim 61 wherein said plurality of four-way valves is four.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
27 words
The turbogenerator of claim 62 wherein said four four-way valves are at the recuperator inlet, the recuperator outlet, the first compressor inlet, and said first compressor outlet.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
73 words
The turbogenerator of claim 63 wherein in positive pressure mode, said recuperator inlet four-way valve connects said second compressor outlet to said recuperator high pressure inlet, said recuperator outlet four-way valve connects said recuperator low pressure outlet to ambient, said first compressor inlet four-way valve connects said first compressor inlet to ambient, and, said first compressor outlet four-way valve connects said first compressor outlet to said second compressor inlet through said second intercooler.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
92 words
The turbogenerator of claim 63 wherein in transatmospheric pressure mode, said recuperator inlet four-way valve connects said second compressor outlet to said recuperator high pressure inlet, said recuperator outlet four-way valve connects said recuperator low pressure outlet to said first compressor inlet through said first intercooler, said first compressor inlet four-way valve connects said recuperator low pressure outlet to said first compressor inlet through said first intercooler, and, said first compressor outlet four-way valve connects said first compressor outlet to ambient and said second compressor inlet to ambient through said second intercooler.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
90 words
The turbogenerator of claim 63 wherein in subatmospheric pressure mode, said recuperator inlet four-way valve connects said recuperator high pressure inlet and said second compressor outlet to ambient, said recuperator outlet four-way valve connects said recuperator low pressure outlet to said first compressor inlet through said first intercooler, said first compressor inlet four-way valve connects said recuperator low pressure outlet to said first compressor inlet through said first intercooler, and, said first compressor outlet four-way valve connects said first compressor outlet to said second compressor inlet through said second intercooler.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
210 words
A two and one half spool turbogenerator comprising: a first spool including a first compressor and a first turbine with said first turbine driving said first compressor and; a second spool including a second compressor and a second turbine with said second turbine driving said second compressor; a free turbine and a generator with said free turbine driving said generator; said first compressor providing compressed air to said second compressor; a combustor to provide combustion products to said second turbine which in turn provides turbine exhaust to said free turbine which in turn provides turbine exhaust to said first turbine; a recuperator to receive compressed air from said second compressor to be heated in said recuperator by the expanded exhaust gases from said first turbine; said heated compressed air from said recuperator supplied to said combustor to be mixed with fuel and combusted to provide combustion gases for expansion in said second turbine, said free turbine, and said first turbine; and valving disposed between said recuperator, said first compressor, and said second compressor to operate said turbogenerator in a positive pressure mode at high power, to operate said turbogenerator in a transatmospheric pressure mode at mid power, and to operate said turbogenerator in a subatmospheric pressure mode at low power.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
210 words
A two and one half spool turbogenerator comprising: a first spool including a first compressor and a first turbine with said first turbine driving said first compressor and; a second spool including a second compressor and a second turbine with said second turbine driving said second compressor; a free turbine and a generator with said free turbine driving said generator; said first compressor providing compressed air to said second compressor; a combustor to provide combustion products to said second turbine which in turn provides turbine exhaust to said free turbine which in turn provides turbine exhaust to said first turbine; a recuperator to receive compressed air from said second compressor to be heated in said recuperator by the expanded exhaust gases from said first turbine; said heated compressed air from said recuperator supplied to said combustor to be mixed with fuel and combusted to provide combustion gases for expansion in said second turbine, said free turbine, and said first turbine; and valving disposed between said recuperator, said first compressor, and said second compressor to operate said turbogenerator in a positive pressure mode at high power, to operate said turbogenerator in a transatmospheric pressure mode at mid power, and to operate said turbogenerator in a subatmospheric pressure mode at low power.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
33 words
The turbogenerator of claim 67 , and in addition, a first intercooler disposed between said recuperator and said first compressor, and a second intercooler disposed between said first compressor and said second compressor.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
89 words
The turbogenerator of claim 68 wherein said valving is nine open/close valves with two of said plurality of open/close valves open at high power, one of said plurality of open/close valves open at both high and mid power, one of said plurality of open/close valves open at both high and low power, two of said plurality of open/close valves open at mid power, one of said plurality of open/close valves open at both mid and low power, and two of said plurality of open/close valves open at low power.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
16 words
The turbogenerator of claim 68 wherein said valving includes four three-way valves and two open/close valves.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
59 words
The turbogenerator of claim 70 wherein said four three-way valves are at the recuperator inlet, the recuperator exhaust, the first compressor inlet and said first compressor exhaust, and said two open/close valves are between the recuperator inlet three-way valve and said second compressor, and between said second compressor and said intercooler between said first compressor and said second compressor.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
12 words
The turbogenerator of claim 68 wherein said valving is four four-way valves.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
27 words
The turbogenerator of claim 72 wherein said four four-way valves are at the recuperator inlet, the recuperator outlet, the first compressor inlet, and said first compressor outlet.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
73 words
The turbogenerator of claim 73 wherein in positive pressure mode, said recuperator inlet four-way valve connects said second compressor outlet to said recuperator high pressure inlet, said recuperator outlet four-way valve connects said recuperator low pressure outlet to ambient, said first compressor inlet four-way valve connects said first compressor inlet to ambient, and, said first compressor outlet four-way valve connects said first compressor outlet to said second compressor inlet through said second intercooler.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
92 words
The turbogenerator of claim 73 wherein in transatmospheric pressure mode, said recuperator inlet four-way valve connects said second compressor outlet to said recuperator high pressure inlet, said recuperator outlet four-way valve connects said recuperator low pressure outlet to said first compressor inlet through said first intercooler, said first compressor inlet four-way valve connects said recuperator low pressure outlet to said first compressor inlet through said first intercooler, and, said first compressor outlet four-way valve connects said first compressor outlet to ambient and said second compressor inlet to ambient through said second intercooler.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
90 words
The turbogenerator of claim 73 wherein in subatmospheric pressure mode, said recuperator inlet four-way valve connects said recuperator high pressure inlet and said second compressor outlet to ambient, said recuperator outlet four-way valve connects said recuperator low pressure outlet to said first compressor inlet through said first intercooler, said first compressor inlet four-way valve connects said recuperator low pressure outlet to said first compressor inlet through said first intercooler, and, said first compressor outlet four-way valve connects said first compressor outlet to said second compressor inlet through said second intercooler.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
194 words
A two spool turbogenerator comprising: a first spool including a first compressor, a first turbine, and a first generator with said first turbine driving said first compressor and said generator; a second spool including a second compressor, a second turbine, and a second generator with said second turbine driving said second compressor and said second generator; said first compressor providing compressed air to said second compressor; a combustor to provide combustion products to said second turbine which in turn provides a turbine exhaust to said first turbine; a recuperator to receive compressed air from said second compressor to be heated in said recuperator by the expanded exhaust gases from said first turbine; said heated compressed air from said recuperator supplied to said combustor to be mixed with fuel and combusted to provide combustion gases for expansion in said second turbine and said first turbine; and valving disposed between said recuperator, said first compressor, and said second compressor to operate said turbogenerator in a positive pressure mode at high power, to operate said turbogenerator in a transatmospheric pressure mode at mid power, and to operate said turbogenerator in a subatmospheric pressure mode at low power.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
194 words
A two spool turbogenerator comprising: a first spool including a first compressor, a first turbine, and a first generator with said first turbine driving said first compressor and said generator; a second spool including a second compressor, a second turbine, and a second generator with said second turbine driving said second compressor and said second generator; said first compressor providing compressed air to said second compressor; a combustor to provide combustion products to said second turbine which in turn provides a turbine exhaust to said first turbine; a recuperator to receive compressed air from said second compressor to be heated in said recuperator by the expanded exhaust gases from said first turbine; said heated compressed air from said recuperator supplied to said combustor to be mixed with fuel and combusted to provide combustion gases for expansion in said second turbine and said first turbine; and valving disposed between said recuperator, said first compressor, and said second compressor to operate said turbogenerator in a positive pressure mode at high power, to operate said turbogenerator in a transatmospheric pressure mode at mid power, and to operate said turbogenerator in a subatmospheric pressure mode at low power.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
20 words
The turbogenerator of claim 77 , and in addition, an intercooler disposed between said first compressor and said second compressor.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
21 words
The turbogenerator of claim 77 , and in addition, a second combustor disposed between said second turbine and said first turbine.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2006-03-03 | 2006-09-02 | 2007-03-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2010-03-03 | 2010-09-02 | 2011-03-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2014-03-03 | 2014-09-02 | 2015-03-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |