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J 7 ' 0 5 . ORIGINAL
I • ' ^ ^"^ 9 R O P T 2 0 15
>- •' TURBOGENERATOR X O v^v. • CWM
The present invention refers to a turbo generator that can be used especially in a
thermoelectric plant for the generation of electrical power.
Usually the major components of a turbo generator are a gas turbine for the
generation of mechanical power and an electrical generator or alternator for
converting the mechanical power into electrical power.
Typically, the electrical power obtained directly from the mechanical power is AC
power.
Based on the revolution of the turbine shaft, an alternating current is obtained at a
frequency directly dependent on the RPM of the turbine shaft.
In other words, higher the RPM of the turbine shaft, higher will be the frequency
of the current obtained from it.
Small and medium power gas turbines have a high efficiency only under the
operating conditions in which the rotational speed of the shaft, expressed in RPM,
is high and is typically between 5000 and 20000 RPM.
This implies that by transforming the mechanical power of the shaft an alternating
current at a high frequency would be obtained, which is not compatible with that
of the electrical networks commonly employed for power transmission and
distribution.
In fact, the electrical networks have alternating currents at a frequency of 50 Hz or
60 Hz according to the standard applied by a certain country.
Therefore, for being able to have an electrical power at the typical frequency of a
50 Hz electrical network, it is necessary to have a low rotational speed, for
example, 3000 or 1500 RPM respectively in the case of a 2 or 4 - pole alternator.
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This necessarily involves the coupling of the gas turbine with an RPM reducer, in
^•1 order to obtain an adjustment of the rotational speed of the turbine shaft so that
this can be compatible with the number of revolutions required by the alternator.
In the case of 4 or 5 MW gas turbines, it is then necessary to have an RPM
reducer sized appropriately for withstanding the mechanical power generated by
the gas turbine.
Consequently, the RPM reducer has large dimensions, and also requires a
lubrication system of suitable capacity.
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Therefore, a disadvantage is that besides involving high cost and difficult
installation, the reducer also requires an increased space, consequently increasing
the overall dimensions of the turbo generator.
Consequently, the lubrication system must also be of a certain size in addition to
the requirement of an increased quantity of lubricant proportional to the reducer.
Also after predetermined operating hours, the lubricant will be replaced and also
drained off, with consequential additional costs.
Further, the turbine and the current generator have each one a lubrication system
for the moving parts.
Another disadvantage of the well - known power systems is that they need
maintenance costs for each lubrication system and a considerable quantity of
lubricant even for the supply lines.
In course of time both the maintenance costs of the lubrication systems and the
costs of draining of the lubricant involve fixed costs that will consequently affect
the unit price of the electrical power produced.
Another disadvantage of the existing power systems for the generation of
electrical power is that their assembly, carried out at site in a certain plant, is often
difficult and also requires much time for aligning the turbine and the generator
accurately in order to avoid problems during the operation of the turbo generator.
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Consequently, a disadvantage of the well - known power systems is that they
involve high installation costs.
A purpose is to design a turbo generator which will have a reduced number of
components in order to enhance reliability and availability.
Yet another purpose is to have a turbo generator that will reduce the installation
and maintenance costs of the system.
Yet another purpose is to have a turbo generator that will have reduced weight and
size.
Yet another purpose is to have a turbo generator that will reduce the quantity of
lubricant necessary for the lubrication of moving parts.
Yet another purpose is to have a turbo generator which will be compact and can
be easily transported.
Yet another purpose is to have a turbo generator which will be simple and
economical.
These purposes are achieved according to the present invention by designing a
turbo generator as indicated in claim 1.
Further characteristics of the invention are revealed by the subsequent claims.
The characteristics and the advantages of a turbo generator according to the
present invention will become more evident from the following description which
is illustrative but not limiting and which refers to the appended schematic
drawings, in which :
Fig. 1 is a top lateral view of a turbo generator according to the state of the art;
Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a turbo generator according to the state of
the art.
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Fig. 3 is a schematic view of a first preferred form of design of a turbo generator
^ ^ according to the present invention;
Fig. 4 is a schematic top view of a second preferred form of design of a turbo
generator;
Fig. 5 is a top view of a third preferred form of design of a turbo generator;
Fig. 6 is a top view of a fourth preferred form of design of a turbo generator;
Fig. 7 is a top view of a fifth preferred form of design of a turbo generator;
Fig. 8 is a top view of a sixth preferred form of design of a turbo generator;
Fig. 9 is a top view of a seventh preferred form of design of a turbo generator;
With reference to Fig. 9, a turbo generator 10 according to the present invention is
shown, which comprises a turbine 20, an electrical generator 30 directly coupled
to the above turbine 20, a static frequency converter 40 coupled to the above
electrical generator 30 and associated with an electrical network 90.
The turbo generator 10 consists of a lubrication device 75 integrated with the
turbine 20 and the current generator 30.
According to a preferred form of design, the above lubrication device 75
comprises a pump 76 for pumping oil in a delivery line 77 attached to it, a return
line 78 for collecting the return oil from the above turbine 20 and from the above
current generator 30 which is also coupled to the pump 76.
The lubrication device 75 also consists of a first and a second oil supply lines 79
and 80.
The above first line 79 is coupled to the above delivery line 77 at a first end and is
coupled to the above turbine 20 at a second end for lubricating it with lubricating
oil.
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The second line 80 is coupled to the delivery line 77 at a first end and is coupled
^ ^ to the current generator 30 at a second end.
The lubrication device 75 finally consists of a third and a fourth return or
collection line of the oil, indicated with 81 and 82 respectively, for collecting the
return oil and sending it towards the pump 76.
The third line 81 is coupled to the turbine 20 at a first end and is coupled to the
return line at a second end, which, in turn, is coupled to the oil pump 76.
The fourth line 82 is coupled to the current generator 30 at a first end and is
coupled to the return line 78 at a second end.
The turbine 20 and the current generator 30 share the lubrication device 75,
advantageously reducing the necessity of oil for the lubrication of the same, and
then simplifying the turbo generator 10.
The maintenance operations of the turbo generator 10 are also advantageously
reduced
and made easy.
The number of pumps necessary for the proper operation of the turbo generator is
advantageously reduced to the minimum in the case of a turbo generator equipped
with a lubrication device according to the present invention.
It is also advantageous that the maintenance costs and also the required quantity
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of lubricant are reduced.
With reference to Fig. 3, according to a further preferred form of design the
turbine 20 and the electrical generator 30 are fixed on to a unique support base
plate 50, preferably made of metal.
In this manner the problems associated with rigid foundations made of
cementitious material are avoided, thus obtaining a higher reliability of the turbo
generator in course of time.
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OMGINAL ' ^ ^ ^ ^ ^'^-;^ 20^
In other words, the support base plates of the turbine 20 and of the electrical
^ H generator 30 are integrated with a unique metallic support base plate 50.
In this manner it is also possible to carry out the centering and the alignment of
the turbine 20 and of the electrical generator 30 directly at the manufacturing
stage obtaining a preassembled turbo generator 10.
It is preferable that even the frequency converter 40 is fixed to the support base
plate 50.
Then it will have the advantage of much simplified operations of handling and
installation of the turbo generator 10.
Preferably the turbo generator 10 consists of a unique sound - proof casing 12 for
the turbine 20, for the current generator 30 and, preferably, also for the frequency
converter 40.
In other words, instead of separate sound - proof casings for each component, the
turbo generator 10 has a single sound - proof casing 12 which encloses the turbine
20 and the generator 30.
The sound - proof casing 12 is preferably attached to the support base plate 50 and
has the function of reducing the noise generated by the components of the turbo
generator 10.
Preferably, the frequency converter 40 consists of at least one voltage and current
transformer 43.
Preferably, the turbo generator 10 consists of a high - voltage circuit breaker 45
which is connected between the frequency converter 40 and the electrical network
90.
Preferably, the rotor windings of the generator 30 are mounted on a rotary shaft of
the turbine 20 or coupled with the same by means of a rigid or flexible coupling.
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ORIGINAL 2 8 OCT 2013
Advantageously in the case of a turbo generator according to the present
mk invention, the size and the weight of the turbo generator assembly are
significantly reduced and the efficiency of the turbo generator is also increased by
1%.
Advantageously, being more compact, the turbo generator can be easily
transported.
Preferably, the turbo generator 10 can be fixed on a transport means, not shown in
the figures, for obtaining a mobile turbo generator 10.
The turbo generator 10 is thus able to convert the mechanical power generated by
the turbine 20 into electrical power at the frequency of the electrical network.
Preferably, the generator 30 and the rotor of the turbine 20 are coupled by means
of a rigid or flexible coupling.
Preferably, the turbo generator 10 consists of an isolating element ( not shown )
which is capable of absorbing the vibrations and inserted between the frequency
converter 40 and the support base plate 50.
Alternatively, an anti - vibration suspension device of other type capable of
absorbing the vibrations can be inserted between the frequency converter 40 and
the base plate 50. i
With reference to the Fig. 7, according to a fiirther preferred form of design the
turbo generator 10 consists of preferably a single cooling device 60 integrated for
the turbine 20 and for the current generator 30 and, preferably, also for the
frequency converter 40.
The cooling device 60 is preferably a cooling device using air.
The cooling device 60 consists of a suction line 62 coupled to a chamber 63.
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ORIGINAL 2tiuQ:;^o^
Mm ^ i- 3 "' •",
The cooling device 60 also consists of a first air supply line 64 which connects the
chamber 63 to the turbine 20 for providing air supply to a burner and for cooling
^ ^ the hotter points of the turbine 20.
The cooling device 60 also consists of a second air supply line 65 which
preferably connects the chamber 63 to the current generator 30 or preferably
connects the first air supply line 64 to the current generator 30.
The cooling device 60 consists of preferably a suction filter 67 for the air sucked
by it, housed preferably in the suction line 62 in order to filter the air for feeding
the components of the turbo generator 10.
Preferably, the cooling device 60 consists of a third supply line 66 which
preferably connects the chamber 63 to the frequency converter 40.
According to a preferred alternative form of design, the third line 66 connects the
second line 65 to the frequency converter 40.
In this manner it is possible to have only one chamber 63 instead of two or three
chambers for the current generator 30, the frequency converter 40 and the turbine
20, respectively.
Having only one suction line 62 and also only one filter 67 for the air, the number
of the components of the turbo generator 10 is significantly reduced.
Advantageously, the maintenance operations for the turbo generator 10 are also
reduced and made easier.
The generator 30 and the turbine 20, and preferably also the frequency converter
40 share the cooling device 60, and especially share the air suction line 62, the
filter 67 and the chamber 63.
The exhaust air is then evacuated separately from the generator 30 respectively by
means of a first evacuation line 68, while in the case of the turbine the air is
evacuated by the discharge line provided.
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ORIGINAL
Preferably the air is evacuated from the frequency converter 40 respectively by
^ H means ofa second evacuation line 69.
According to another aspect of the present invention a turbo generator 10
equipped with a cooling device 60 using water is supplied.
In other words, the turbine 20 and the generator 30 are water - cooled.
Preferably, the frequency converter 40 is also water - cooled.
Preferably, the cooling device 60 consists of at least one first gas/liquid heat
exchanger 32 and at least one second liquid/gas heat exchanger 34 for cooling the
turbine 20 and/or the current generator 30.
Preferably, at least one first gas/liquid heat exchanger 32 and at least one second
gas/liquid heat exchanger 34 also cool the frequency converter 40.
At least one first gas/liquid heat exchanger 32 allows the heat exchange between
the air of the chamber 63 and a liquid contained in a first cooling circuit 31.
Especially at least one first gas/liquid heat exchanger 32 allows the heat exchange
between the air of the first supply line 64 and a liquid of the second cooling circuit
41.
At least one second liquid/gas heat exchanger 34 allows the heat exchange to take
place between the liquid contained in the first cooling circuit 31 and the air in the
proximity of the turbine 20 and/or the current generator 30, and/or preferably the
frequency converter 40.
According to another form of design preferably the cooling device 60 consists ofa
third gas/liquid heat exchanger 42 and a fourth liquid/gas heat exchanger 44 for
the frequency converter 40.
Correspondingly, the third gas/liquid heat exchanger 42 allows the heat exchange
between the air of the chamber 63 and a liquid contained in a second cooling
circuit 41.
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ORIGINAL
Especially the third gas/liquid heat exchanger 42 allows the heat exchange to take
^ ^ place between the air of the second supply line 65 and a liquid contained in the
second cooling circuit 41.
Similarly, the fourth liquid/gas heat exchanger 44 allows the heat exchange to
take place between the liquid contained in the second cooling circuit 41 and the
air in the proximity of the frequency converter 40.
Preferably, the cooling device 60 consists of at least one fan for the suction line
62.
Preferably, the cooling device 60 consists of at least one pump for circulating the
liquid in the first cooling circuit 31 and/or the second cooling circuit using liquid
41.
According to a further preferred form of design a turbo generator 10 is supplied,
which consists of preferably a unique drive and control unit 85 integrated for the
turbine 20 and for the current generator 30, shown schematically in Fig. 4.
The drive and control unit 85 consists of a control panel and a central drive and
control unit which receives signals from the turbine 20 and from the current
generator 30 for controlling their operation and their operating parameters through
command signals.
The control panel displays the operating parameters of the turbine 20 and the
current generator 30 received from the central drive and control unit and is also
able to receive input command signals through a user interface.
The command signals are transmitted to the central drive and control unit which
modifies the operating parameters of the turbine 20 and the current generator 30.
In this manner it is possible to have a single display unit and a single central drive
and control unit for the turbine 20 and the current generator 30,
According to another form of design, with reference to the Fig. 5, the drive and i
control unit 85 is unique for the turbine 20, the current generator 30, and the j
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i t i fJi:-^'E'-f'|:i 2 8 OCT 2013
frequency converter 40, that is, the respective drive and control panels are
^ 1 integrated in a unique drive and control unit, and possibly with a separate user
interface for the frequency converter 40.
Advantageously, the structure of the drive and control unit is thus simplified,
reducing the number of components and their cables, and also reducing the size of
the turbo generator.
According to a preferred form of design, the turbine 20 is integrated with the
current generator 30.
According to a fiirther preferred form of design, the turbine 20 is integrated with
the current generator 30 and with the frequency converter 40.
Advantageously this leads to a further reduction in the weight and the size of the
turbo generator.
Thus it is seen that a turbo generator according to the present invention achieves
the purposes stated earlier.
The turbo generator of the present invention thus designed is open to numerous I
modifications and variants, all being part of the same invenfive concept. |
Besides, in practice the materials used, as well as their dimensions and the
components may be chosen according to the technical requirements.
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2 8 OCI 2015
We claim:
^ ^ 1. A turbo generator (10) comprising a turbine (20), an electrical generator (30)
^ ^ directly coupled to the turbine (20), a static frequency converter (40) coupled to
the electrical generator (30) and associated with an electrical network (90),
wherein, the turbo generator includes a single lubrication device (75) for the
turbine (20) and for the electrical generator (30) and the lubrication device (75)
consists of a pump (76) , a first delivery line (77), a return line (78) , a first
supply line (79), a second supply line (80), a third collection line (81), a fourth
collection line (82) and wherein, the first supply line (79) connects the delivery
line (77) with the turbine (20), the second supply line (80) connects the delivery
line (77) with the current generator (30) , the third collection line (81) connects
the turbine (20) with the return line (78) , and the fourth collection line (82)
connects the turbine (20) with the return line (78).
2. A turbo generator (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the lubrication device (75)
consists of at least one heat exchanger (83) and at least one filter (84) for cooling
and filtering the lubricant of the lubrication device (75).
3. A turbo generator (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the turbine (20) is
integrated with the current generator (30).
4. A turbo generator (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the gas turbine (20) is
integrated with the current generator (30) and with the frequency converter (40).
Dated this 08*" day of December, 2005 A i| /
V.^,^A5bk*ek Magotra
Of Anand andAnand Advocates
Agent for the Applicant
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