Turboexpanders for OTEC power plants

Conference · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1981 · AIAA Pap.; (United States)

OSTI ID:5450087

Holm, J

Centripetal (radial inflow) turboexpanders are well adapted to energy conservation schemes. A mini OTEC demonstration program, completed in 1979, uses a closed ammonia cycle to drive a 50 kw turboexpander generator unit. The turboexpander, which incorporates mechanical designs of low temperature and high speed machinery, has very high levels of reliability and efficiency. Stiff shaft designs have eliminated shaft and bearing criticals in the entire operating range. Rotor resonance problems are almost totally eliminated, and thrust bearing problems can be accurately monitored and controlled. Condensing streams and dust in gas can also be handled without erosion. Designs for radial inflow turboexpanders in sizes up to 70 MWe are presently available for use in OTEC and other power plants.

• Research Organization: Rotoflow Corp., Los Angeles, CA
• OSTI ID: 5450087
• Report Number(s): CONF-811205-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: AIAA Pap.; (United States) Journal Volume: 81-2592
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140800* -- Solar Energy-- Ocean Energy Systems
AMMONIA
CLOSED-CYCLE SYSTEMS
COMPRESSORS
CONVERSION
DESIGN
ELECTRIC GENERATORS
ELECTRIC POWER
ENERGY CONSERVATION
ENERGY CONVERSION
EXPANSION
GEOMETRY
HYDRIDES
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
MACHINE PARTS
MACHINERY
MATHEMATICS
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
NITROGEN HYDRIDES
OCEAN THERMAL ENERGY CONVERSION
OCEAN THERMAL POWER PLANTS
POWER
POWER PLANTS
ROTORS
SHAFTS
SOLAR ENERGY CONVERSION
SOLAR POWER PLANTS
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
TURBOGENERATORS
TURBOMACHINERY