Robert J Kraft

US Patent:

6374594, Apr 23, 2002

Filed:

Jul 12, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/614577

Inventors:

Robert J. Kraft - Palm City FL
Vincent C. Martling - West Palm Beach FL
Brian R. Mack - Palm City FL
Mark A. Minnich - West Palm Beach FL
Timothy J. teRiele - Palm City FL

Assignee:

Power Systems Mfg., LLC - Jupiter FL

International Classification:

F02C 300

US Classification:

60 3937, 60732, 60739

Abstract:

A gas turbine engine for generating electricity having low NOx emissions that includes a turbine system linearly and axially connected by a power shaft to a compressor section and having a combustion section mounted vertically relative to the turbine section and the compressor section. The combustion system includes a plurality of individual combustors mounted in a circular or annular array around the upper cap or dome of the combustion system, each of said combustors being a dual mode, two-stage, emitting low levels of NOx. Each combustor exhausts its combustion gases into a common central plenum chamber that is vertically oriented relative to the turbine engine centerline. The plenum provides the hot gases to the turbine blades through an annular chamber 360 degrees around the shaft. The gas turbine engine vertical combustion system provides for a highly efficient, low nitric oxide emissions while allowing for uniform mixing of the combusting gases powering the turbine system.

US Patent:

6427446, Aug 6, 2002

Filed:

Sep 19, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/664898

Inventors:

Robert J. Kraft - Palm City FL
Vincent C. Martling - West Palm Beach FL
Brian R. Mack - Palm City FL
Mark A. Minnich - West Palm Beach FL

Assignee:

Power Systems Mfg., LLC - Jupiter FL

International Classification:

F02C 7018

US Classification:

60737, 60747, 60756, 60757

Abstract:

An improved dual-stage, dual-mode turbine combustor capable of reducing nitric oxide (NOx) emissions is disclosed. This can-annular combustor utilizes multiple, single wall sheet metal combustor liners, generally annular in shape, and each liner having multiple hole film cooling means, which includes at least one pattern of small, closely spaced film cooling holes angled sharply in the downstream direction and various circumferential angles for improved liner cooling and improved fuel/air mixing within the liner, resulting in lower NOx emissions.

US Patent:

6430932, Aug 13, 2002

Filed:

Jul 19, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/909029

Inventors:

Vincent C. Martling - West Palm Beach FL
Brian R. Mack - Palm City FL
Robert J. Kraft - Palm City FL
Mark A. Minnich - Jupiter FL

Assignee:

Power Systems Mfg., LLC - Jupiter FL

International Classification:

F02G 300

US Classification:

60760, 60798

Abstract:

A combustion liner assembly for reducing nitric oxide (NOx) emissions is disclosed. This combustion liner utilizes an annular plenum outside the liner shell for the purpose of containing cooling air that has been heated and reintroducing it into the combustion process. The air plenum can be enlarged to increase the amount of cooling air contained within and still allow for installation of the liner assembly into the combustor by utilizing recesses that locally reduce the diameter of the air plenum to allow it to pass by liner mounting pegs within the combustor assembly.

US Patent:

6442929, Sep 3, 2002

Filed:

Jun 4, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/873732

Inventors:

Robert J. Kraft - Palm City FL
Brian R. Mack - Palm City FL
Mark A. Minnich - Jupiter FL
Peter R. Winch - Palm City FL

Assignee:

Power Systems Mfg., LLC - Jupiter FL

International Classification:

F02C 7266

US Classification:

60 39827, 313145

Abstract:

An igniter assembly for a combustor of a gas turbine, the combustor being of a type including a case and a liner within said case, the assembly comprising an igniter including an elongate body having a first end, a second end, and a mounting feature intermediate said first and second ends, and the mounting feature includes a semi-hemispherical surface and an electrode extending through the body, and a base having an internal cavity with a first internal land, a second internal land opposite the first internal land, first seal A means in sealing contact with the first internal land, and biasing means, such as a spring, in contact with the second internal land and said mounting feature. The mounting feature is located within the cavity, the semi-hemispherical surface is proximate the first seal means, and the biasing means urges the semi-hemispherical surface into sealing contact with the first seal means to prevent the leakage of air therethrough.

US Patent:

6442946, Sep 3, 2002

Filed:

Nov 14, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/712735

Inventors:

Robert J. Kraft - Palm City FL
Charles Biondo - Jupiter FL
Brian R. Mack - Palm City FL
Mark A. Minnich - West Palm Beach FL

Assignee:

Power Systems Mfg., LLC - Jupiter FL

International Classification:

F02C 720

US Classification:

60796, 60805

Abstract:

A multiple directional axes structural support system for use as the aft end mount for a gas turbine transition duct to a turbine inlet is disclosed. The mounting system is configured to withstand high temperature gradients and mechanical loads associated with gas turbine environments while allowing multiple axes adjustment and interface capability between the transition duct and the turbine inlet casing. A spherical ball joint allows for rotation about multiple (three) axes to compensate for relative thermal growth, manufacturing tolerances, and assembly tolerances between mating surfaces. The ball joint is held in place by fitted spacers, bosses, and a through-bolt, that when torqued will dampen out unwanted vibrations in the multi-axis mounting system.

US Patent:

6446438, Sep 10, 2002

Filed:

Jun 28, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/605765

Inventors:

Robert J. Kraft - Palm City FL
Vincent C. Martling - West Palm Beach FL
Brian R. Mack - Palm City FL
Mark A. Minnich - West Palm Beach FL

Assignee:

Power Systems Mfg., LLC - Jupiter FL

International Classification:

F23R 330

US Classification:

60737, 60760

Abstract:

A method and apparatus for providing air cooling to the venturi and the combustion chamber in a low NOx emission combustor as used in a gas turbine engine that includes providing an annular air passage surrounding said combustion chamber and venturi where said cooling air enters the combustion chamber/venturi near the aft portion of the combustion chamber passing the air along the combustion chamber, past the venturi where the air exits near the front portion of the convergent area of the venturi. The structure prevents any channel/passage cooling air from being received into the combustion chamber at the same time introducing the outlet of the cooling air after it has passed over the combustion chamber of the venturi and been heated back into the premix chamber thereby improving the efficiency of the combustor while reducing and lowering NOx emission in the combustion process.

US Patent:

6446439, Sep 10, 2002

Filed:

Nov 3, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/706425

Inventors:

Robert J. Kraft - Palm City FL
Vincent C. Martling - West Palm Beach FL
Brian R. Mack - Palm City FL

Assignee:

Power Systems Mfg., LLC - Jupiter FL

International Classification:

F02G 100

US Classification:

60739, 60740, 60746

Abstract:

A fuel nozzle system for use in a combustor utilized in a combustion turbine for reducing nitrogen oxides and other pollutants including an annular fuel distribution manifold separately mounted away from a diffusion nozzle, said annular manifold having a plurality of fuel emitting passages or holes disposed along the downstream side of the manifold, said manifold being mounted in a position away from the diffuser nozzle body to allow air to stream around the manifold on all sides allowing for a thorough mixture of fuel and air around the annular manifold for better premixing in the combustion chamber. In an alternate embodiment, the diffusion nozzle is replaced by a pilot flame nozzle that is supplied with both air and fuel through a premix air and fuel chamber to a pilot flame nozzle which is used to sustain combustion in the secondary chamber. The use of a pilot flame nozzle that has a fuel and air mixture is believed to reduced NOx emissions.

US Patent:

6484509, Nov 26, 2002

Filed:

Jun 25, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/064248

Inventors:

Robert J. Kraft - Palm City FL
Vincent C. Martling - Boynton Beach FL
Brian R. Mack - Palm City FL
Mark A. Minnich - Jupiter FL

Assignee:

Power Systems Mfg., LLC - Jupiter FL

International Classification:

F23R 306

US Classification:

60776

Abstract:

A method for providing cooling air to the venturi and the combustion chamber in a low NOx emission combustor as used in a gas turbine engine that includes the steps of providing an annular air passage surrounding said combustion chamber and venturi where said cooling air under pressure enters the combustion chamber/venturi near the aft portion of the combustion chamber, passing the air along the combustion chamber, past the venturi where the air exits near the front portion of the convergent area of the venturi. The method prevents any channel/passage cooling air from being received into the combustion chamber, and at the same time, introduces the outlet of the cooling air, after the air has passed over the combustion chamber of the venturi and has been heated, back into the premix chamber thereby improving the efficiency of the combustor while reducing and lowering NOx emission in the combustion process.