COMBINED BRAYTON/RANKINE CYCLE GAS AND STEAM TURBINE GENERATING SYSTEM OPERATED IN TWO CLOSED LOOPS
Patent Number: US 10436074 Grant Date: 2019-10-08 Filing Date: 2018-06-20
Overview
Filed on June 20, 2018 and granted on October 8, 2019, this patent protects a technically sophisticated, two‑closed‑loop power plant that couples a Brayton‑style gas turbine loop to a Rankine steam loop using an integrated heat‑exchange and separation architecture. Inventors based in San Antonio, TX and Menlo Park, CA developed an approach that uses electrolytically produced hydrogen and oxygen (with an on‑site electrolyzer and storage) to drive a gas‑turbine combustion stage that produces supercritical steam while avoiding carbon‑based combustion byproducts. Geothermal or enhanced ground water supplies the thermal input and working fluid, and custom heat exchangers and separators route heat and phase‑change streams between the gas and steam loops to maximize recovery and reduce thermal losses. The firm’s patent team drafted claims that capture both the apparatus and the method of operation, emphasizing closed‑loop matter conservation, rapid ramping for grid support, and reduced corrosion and emissions compared with open‑air fossil systems.
Key Features
- Dual closed loops (gas and steam) with cross‑loop heat transfer
- On‑site electrolysis of water to generate H2/O2 fuel and storeable energy
- Separator and condenser stages that enable phase control and water recovery
- Fast ramping, VAR support, and potential potable off‑take from cooled geothermal fluid
This disclosure addresses efficiency and emissions challenges in modern power generation and offers a pathway for integrating renewable electricity, hydrogen storage, and geothermal heat into flexible, low‑emission grid resources.
Invention Details
Abstract: A combined cycle dual closed loop electric generating system, having a gas turbine assembly (having a combustion chamber, a compressor, a first pump, a first driveshaft, a gas turbine and a first generator) and a steam turbine assembly (having a second pump, a second driveshaft, a steam turbine and a second generator). The first portion of the working fluid circulates through the gas turbine assembly and a first heat exchanger. The second portion of the working fluid circulates through the steam turbine assembly and the first heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger transfers a first heat energy from the gas turbine loop to the steam turbine loop. The gas turbine assembly generates a first portion of an electric output. The steam turbine assembly generates a second portion of the electric output.
Summary of the Invention: A system and a method are disclosed.
A combined cycle dual closed loop electric generating system, comprising a gas turbine assembly (comprising a combustion chamber, a compressor, a first pump, a first driveshaft, a gas turbine and a first generator) and a steam turbine assembly (comprising a second pump, a second driveshaft, a steam turbine and a second generator). Said first portion of said working fluid circulates through said gas turbine assembly and a first heat exchanger. Said second portion of said working fluid circulates through said steam turbine assembly and said first heat exchanger. Said first heat exchanger transfers a first heat energy from said gas turbine loop to said steam turbine loop. Said gas turbine assembly generates a first portion of an electric output. Said steam turbine assembly generates a second portion of said electric output.
A method of using a combined cycle dual closed loop electric generating system, comprising: generating a first portion of an electric output with a gas turbine assembly by burning a portion of a H2 and said O2; circulating a first portion of a working fluid through a gas turbine loop and a second portion of said working fluid through a steam turbine loop; heating said steam turbine loop with a first heat energy from said gas turbine loop with said first heat exchanger; conveying said second portion of said working fluid into said steam turbine assembly; and generating a second portion of said electric output with said steam turbine assembly. Said gas turbine assembly comprises a combustion chamber, a compressor, a first pump, a first driveshaft, a gas turbine and a first generator. Said steam turbine assembly comprising a second pump, a second driveshaft, a steam turbine and a second generator. Said gas turbine loop capable of holding and conveying a first portion of a working fluid. Said steam turbine loop capable of holding and conveying a second portion of said working fluid.
Patent Document
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