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^ ^ ^ " ORIGINAL
TURBOGENERATOR
The present invention relates to a turbogenerator which can be used in particular in a
^ r thermo-electric plant for the generation of electric power.
The main components of a turbogenerator normally consist of a gas turbine for the
generation of mechanical energy, and an electric generator or alternator for converting
the mechanical energy into electric power.
The electric power obtained directly from mechanical energy is typically electric
power in alternate current.
On the basis of the rotation of a shaft of the turbine, an alternate electric current is
thus obtained, whose frequency depends directly on the number of revs per minute of
the turbine shaft.
In other words, the higher is the rotation rate of the turbine shaft, the higher the frequency
will be of the electric current obtained by the shaft.
Gas turbines having small and medium capacities only have a high efficiency under
ftinctioning conditions in which the rotation rate of the shaft, expressed in revs per
minute is high, and typically ranges from 5,000 to 20,000 revs/minute.
This means that by transforming the mechanical energy of the shaft, an alternate electric
current would be obtained at a higher frequency and consequently not compatible
with that of the electric systems commonly used for the transferring and distribution
of energy.
Electric systems do in fact have alternate currents at a frequency of 50 Hz or 60 Hz
depending on the standard used by a certain country.
In order therefore to be able to have an electric power at the typical frequency of an
electric system of 50 Hz, it is necessary to have a low rotation rate, for example ranging
from 3,000 to 1,500 revs/minute respectively in the case of an alternator having 2
or 4 poles.
This necessarily requires the coupling of the gas turbine with a reducer of the rev
number in order to obtain an adaptation of the rotation rate of the shaft of the turbine
so that this can be compatible with the number of revs required by the alternator.
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In the case of gas turbines having a power of 4 or 5 MW, it is therefore necessary to
have a rev number reducer suitably dimensioned for tolerating the mechanical power
^ l | generated by the gas turbine.
The rev reducer consequently has large dimensions and also requires a lubricating
system in proportion with it.
One of the disadvantages is therefore that in addition to being onerous in terms of cost
and set up, the reducer also has a high encumbrance, thus increasing the overall dimension
of the turbogenerator.
The lubricating system is also therefore encumbering in addition to requiring a high
I quantity of lubricant as it is proportional to the reducer itself
Furthermore, the lubricant must be substituted and also disposed of, within a preestablished
number of functioning hours, with consequent additional costs.
The turbine and current generator, moreover, also each have a cooling system.
The turbine also has an air feeding system for its functioning.
Another disadvantage of the known power systems is that they require high maintenance
costs for each air feeding system and each cooling system.
The maintenance costs of the air feeding systems and cooling systems of the components
represent fixed costs over a period of time which consequently influence the
price of the electric power unit produced.
Another drawback of the current power systems for the generation of electric power is
that their assembly, effected in loco in a certain plant, is often difficult and also requires
a long time for accurately aligning the turbine and generator to avoid problems
during the functioning of the turbogenerator itself
One of the disadvantages of the known power systems therefore is that they have high
installation costs.
An objective is to provide a turbogenerator which has a reduced number of components
to increase reliability and availability.
Another objective is to be able to provide a turbogenerator which reduces the installa-
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ORlGiN^L 2 8 OCT 2013
tion and maintenance costs of the system itself.
^^ A further objective is to provide a turbogenerator which has a reduced weight and en-
^1^ cumbrance.
A further objective is to provide a turbogenerator which is compact and can be easily
transported.
Yet another objective is to provide a turbogenerator which is simple and economical.
These objectives according to the present invention are achieved by providing a turbogenerator
as specified in claim 1.
Further characteristics of the invention are indicated in the subsequent claims.
The characteristics and advantages of a turbogenerator according to the present invention
will appear more evident from the following illustrative and non-limiting description,
referring to the enclosed schematic drawings in which:
figure 1 is a raised side view of a turbogenerator according to the known art;
figure 2 is a schematic view of a turbogenerator according to the known art;
figure 3 is a schematic view of a first preferred embodiment of a turbogenerator according
to the present invention;
figure 4 is a raised schematic view of a second preferred embodiment of a turbogenerator;
figure 5 is a raised view of a third preferred embodiment of a turbogenerator;
figure 6 is a raised view of a fourth preferred embodiment of a turbogenerator;
figure 7 is a raised view of a fifth preferred embodiment of a turbogenerator;
figure 8 is a raised view of a sixth preferred embodiment of a turbogenerator;
figure 9 is a raised view of a seventh preferred embodiment of a turbogenerator.
With reference to figure 9, this shows a turbogenerator 10, which comprises a turbine
20, an electric generator 30 directly connected to said turbine 20, a static frequency
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UKluir^jAL
converter 40 connected to said electric generator 30 and associated with an electric
system 90.
^^ Said turbogenerator 10 comprises a single cooling device 60 integrated for said turbine
20 and for said current generator 30 and also preferably for said frequency converter
40.
According to a first preferred embodiment, said cooling device 60 is preferably an air
cooling device.
Said cooling device 60 comprises a suction duct 62 connected to a chamber 63.
Said cooling device 60 also comprises a first air feeding duct 64 which connects said
chamber 63 to said turbine 20 to provide feeding air for a burner and for the cooling
of the hottest points of the turbine 20 itself
Said cooling device 60 also comprises a second air feeding duct 65 which preferably
connects said chamber 63 to said current generator 30 or preferably connects said first
air feeding duct 64 to said current generator 30.
Said cooling device 60 preferably comprises a suction filter 67 for the air sucked
thereby, preferably housed in said suction duct 62 in order to filter the air to feed the
components of said turbogenerator 10.
Said cooling device 60 preferably comprises a third feeding duct 66 which preferably
connects said chamber 63 to said fi^equency converter 40.
According to a preferred alternative embodiment, said third duct 66 connects said second
duct 65 to said frequency converter 40.
In this way, it is possible to use a single chamber 63 instead of two or three chambers
respectively for the current generator 30, for the frequency converter 40 and for the
turbine 20.
The fact that there is only one suction duct 62 and also only one filter 67 for the air,
considerably reduces the number of components of the turbogenerator 10.
The maintenance operations of said turbogenerator 10 are also advantageously reduced
and facilitated.
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The generator 30 and the turbine 20, and preferably also the frequency converter 40,
share the cooling device 60, and in particular share the same air suction duct 62, the
© same filter 67 and the same chamber 63.
The exhausted air is then evacuated separately from the generator 30 respectively by
means of a first evacuation duct 68, whereas for the turbine, the air is evacuated by
the discharge duct with which it is equipped.
The air is preferably evacuated from the frequency converter 40 respectively by
means of a second evacuation duct 69.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a turbogenerator 10 is provided
equipped with a water cooling device 60.
In other words, the turbine 20 and the generator 30 are cooled with water.
The frequency converter 40 is also preferably cooled with water.
Said cooling device 60 preferably comprises at least a first gas/liquid heat exchanger
32 and at least a second liquid/gas heat exchanger 34 for the cooling of said turbine 20
and/or said current generator 30.
Said at least first gas/liquid heat exchanger 32 and said at least second gas/liquid heat
exchanger 34 also cool said frequency converter 40.
Said at least first gas/liquid heat exchanger 32 allows the exchange of heat between
the air of the chamber 63 and a liquid contained in a first cooling circuit 31.
In particular, said at least first gas/liquid heat exchanger 32 allows the exchange of
heat between the air of said first feeding duct 64 and a liquid of said second cooling
circuit 41.
Said at least second liquid/gas heat exchanger 34 allows the exchange of heat between
said liquid contained in said first cooling circuit 31 and the air close to said turbine 20
and/or of said current generator 30 and/or preferably of said frequency converter 40.
According to another embodiment said cooling device 60 preferably comprises a third
gas/liquid heat exchanger 42 and a fourth liquid/gas heat exchanger 44 for said frequency
converter 40.
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Correspondingly, the third gas/Uquid heat exchanger 42 allows heat exchange between
the air of the chamber 63 and a liquid contained in a second cooling circuit 41.
^ p In particular, the third gas/liquid heat exchanger 42 allows heat exchange between the
air of said second feeding duct 65 and a liquid contained in said second cooling circuit
41.
Analogously, said fourth liquid/gas heat exchanger 44 allows heat exchange between
said liquid contained in said second cooling circuit 41 and the air close to said frequency
converter 40.
Said cooling device 60 preferably comprises at least one ventilator for said suction
duct 62.
Said cooling device 60 preferably comprises at least one pump for circulating said
liquid in said first cooling circuit 31 and/or said second liquid cooling circuit 41.
With reference to figure 3, according to a further preferred embodiment, said turbine
20 and said electric generator 30 are constrained to a single supporting base 50 which
is preferably metallic.
This avoids drawbacks due to rigid foundations of hard cementitious material, thus
obtaining a greater reliability of the turbogenerator with time.
In other words, the supporting bases of said turbine 20 and said electric generator 30
are integrated in a single metallic supporting base 50.
It is therefore possible to also effect the centering and aligrmient of said turbine 20
and said electric generator 30 directly in the manufacturing phase obtaining a preassembled
turbogenerator 10.
Said frequency converter 40 is also preferably constrained to said supporting base 50.
The moving and installation operations of the turbogenerator 10 are therefore advantageously
extremely simplified.
Said turbogenerator 10 preferably comprises a single soundproofing casing 12 for said
turbine 20, for said current generator 30 and preferably for said frequency converter
40.
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2 8 OCT 2013
In other words, instead of having separate soundproofing casings for each component,
said turbogenerator 10 has a single soundproofing casing 12 in which said turbine 20,
^H said generator 30 are inserted.
Said soundproofing casing 12 is preferably coupled with said supporting base 50 and
has the function of lowering the sound generated by the components of the turbogenerator
itself 10.
Said frequency converter 40 preferably comprises at least one voltage and current
transformer 43.
Said turbogenerator 10 preferably comprises a high voltage circuital switch 45 which
is connected between said frequency converter 40 and said electric system 90.
The rotating windings of said generator 30 are preferably assembled on a rotating
shaft of said turbine 20 or coupled therewith by means of a rigid or flexible coupling.
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The encumbrance and weight of the whole turbogenerator is advantageously considerably
reduced by means of a turbogenerator according to the present invention and
an increase of 1% of the efficiency of the turbogenerator itself is also obtained.
As it is more compact, the turbogenerator is advantageously easier to transport.
Said turbogenerator 10 is preferably constrained to a means of transport, not shown in
the figures, to obtain a mobile turbogenerator 10.
The turbogenerator 10 is therefore capable of converting the mechanical energy generated
by the turbine 20 into electric power at the frequency of the electric system.
The generator 30 and the turbine 20 rotor are preferably coupled by means of a hard
or flexible coupling.
The turbogenerator 10 preferably comprises an insulating element, not shown, capable
of absorbing the vibrations, inserted between said frequency converter 40 and said
supporting base 50.
Alternatively another kind of anti-vibrating suspension device capable of absorbing
vibrations can be inserted between said frequency converter 40 and said base 50.
With reference to figure 6, according to a further preferred embodiment, said turbo-
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generator 10 preferably comprises an integrated lubricating device 75 for said turbine
20 and for said current generator 30.
^ p Said lubricating device 75 comprises a pump 76 for pumping oil into an outgoing duct
77 connected thereto, a return duct 78 for collecting the oil returning from said turbine
20 and from said current generator 30 also connected to the pump 76.
Said lubricating device 75 also comprises a first and a second oil feeding duct 79 and
80.
Said first duct 79 is connected at a first end to said outgoing duct 77 and at a second
end it is connected to said turbine 20 to lubricate it with lubricating oil.
Said second duct 80 is connected at a first end to said outgoing duct 77 and at a second
end it is connected to said current generator 30.
Said lubricating device 75 finally comprises a third and fourth return or collection
duct of the oil, respectively indicated with 81 and 82 for collecting the returning oil
and sending it towards the pump 76.
Said third duct 81 is cormected at a first end to said turbine 20 and at a second end it is
connected to said return duct, in turn connected to said oil pump 76.
Said fourth duct 82 is connected at a first end to said current generator 30 and at a second
end it is connected to said return duct 78.
The turbine 20 and the electricity generator 30 share the same lubrication device 75,
advantageously reducing the necessity of oil for their lubrication and consequently
simplifying the turbogenerator 10.
The maintenance operations of said turbogenerator 10 are also advantageously reduced
and facilitated.
The number of pumps necessary for the correct functioning of the turbogenerator is
advantageously reduced to the minimum by means of a turbogenerator of a lubricating
device according to the present invention.
The maintenance costs and also the quantity of lubricant necessary are also advantageously
reduced.
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ORIGINAL ^ ^ ^ 0 0 DEL 0 5 2 80U.0U
According to a preferred embodiment a turbogenerator 10 is provided, which preferably
comprises a single integrated control and driving device 85 for said turbine 20 and
^pl said current generator 30, schematically shown in figure 4.
Said control and driving device 85 comprises a control board and a central control and
driving unit which receives signals from said turbine 20 and from said current generator
30 to control their fiinctioning and to drive their functioning parameters, by means
of control signals.
I Said control board visualizes the functioning parameters of the turbine 20 and current
generator 30 received from the central control and driving unit and is also capable of
receiving inlet control signals by means of a user interface.
Said control signals are transmitted to the central control and driving unit which modifies
the functioning parameters of the turbine 20 and current generator 30.
In this way, it is possible to have a single display unit and a single central control and
driving unit for said turbine 20 and for said current generator 30.
According to another embodiment, with reference to figure 5, the control and driving
device 85 is single for said turbine 20, for said current generator 30 and for said frequency
converter 40, i.e. the respective control and driving boards are integrated in a
single control and driving device, and possibly with a separate user interface for said
frequency converter 40.
The structure of the control and driving device is consequently advantageously simplified,
reducing the number of components and their wiring, and also reducing the
encumbrance of the turbogenerator itself
According to a preferred embodiment, said turbine 20 is integrated with said current
generator 30.
According to a fiarther preferred embodiment, said turbine 20 is integrated with said
current generator 30 and with said frequency converter 40.
This advantageously leads to a further reduction in the weight and encumbrance of the
turbogenerator.
It can thus be seen that a turbogenerator according to the present invention achieves
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the objectives indicated above.
The turbogenerator of the present invention thus conceived can undergo numerous
modifications and variants, all included in the same inventive concept. j
I Furthermore, in practice, the materials used, as also the dimensions and components,
can vary according to technical demand

ORIGINAL
3 ti v i l ^^^AI ^ ORIGINj^i
We Claim: 2 8 OCT 2013
1. A turbogenerator (10) comprises a turbine (20), an electric
generator (30) directly connected to said turbine (20), a static
frequency converter (40) connected to said electric generator (30)
and associated with an electric system (90), characterized in that it
comprises a single cooling device (60) for said turbine (20) and for
said electric generator (30);
wherein the cooling device (60) comprises a single chamber
connected to a single air suction duct (62) and a single suction
filter (67); and
wherein the said turbine and said electric generator (30) share the
same cooling device, the same air suction duct and the same
suction filter.
2. The turbogenerator (10) according to claim 1, wherein the said
cooling device (60) is an air cooling device.
3. The turbogenerator (10) according to any of the claims from 1
to 2, wherein the said cooling device (60) includes a first duct
(64) and a second air feeding duct (65) for said turbine (20) and
for said current generator (30), respectively.
4. The turbogenerator (10) according to claim from 1 to 3,
wherein the said first feeding duct (64) is connected at a first end
to said chamber (63) and at a second end to said turbine (20) and
in that said second air feeding duct (65) is connected at a first end
to said first duct (64) and at a second end it is connected to said
current generator (30).
5. The turbogenerator (10) according to claims from 1 to 4,
wherein the said suction filter (67) is housed inside said suction
duct (62).
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^ p 6. The turbogenerator (10) according to any of the claims from 1
to 5 feeding, wherein the said cooling device (60) includes a third
duct (66) which connects said second air feeding duct (65) to said
frequency converter (40).
7. The turbogenerator (10) according to any of the claims from 1
to 6, wherein the said cooling device (60) includes a first air
evacuation duct (68) for said generator (30), a second air
evacuation duct (69) for said frequency converter (40).
8. The turbogenerator (10) according to any of the claims from 1
to 7, wherein the said cooling device (60) includes at least a first
gas/liquid heat exchanger (32) and at least a second liquid/gas heat
exchanger (34) for said turbine (20) and for said current generator
(30).
9. The turbogenerator (10) according to any of the claims from 1
to 8, wherein the said cooling device (60) includes a third
gas/liquid heat exchanger (42) and a fourth liquid/gas heat
exchanger (44) for said frequency converter (40).
10. The turbogenerator (10) according to claim 9, wherein the
said cooling device (60) includes a first liquid cooling circuit (31).
11. The turbogenerator (10) according to claim 10, wherein the
said cooling device (60) includes a second liquid cooling circuit
(41).
12. The turbogenerator (10) according to claim 1, wherein the said
cooling device (60) includes at least one ventilator.
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2 8 OCT 2013
13. The turbogenerator (10) according to claim 1, wherein the said I
f^ cooling device (60) includes at least one pump.
14. The turbogenerator (10) according to any of the claims from
1 to 13, wherein the said turbine (20) is integrated with said current
generator (30).
15. The turbogenerator (10) according to any of the claims from
1 to 14, wherein the said gas turbine (20) is integrated with said
current generator (30) and with said frequency converter (40).
Dated this 08* day of December, 2005 \ \ ^ .i/Jy^^Mj^
' ( ^^J^bbSSieli Magotra
Of Anana^Bd Anand Advocates
Agent for the Applicant
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