System and method for generating electric power

摘要

A system and method for generating electric power using a generator coupled to a turboexpander is disclosed. The system includes one or more thermal pumps (102) configured for heating a fluid to generate a pressurized gas. A portion of the pressurized gas is discharged to a buffer chamber (118) for further utilization in a Rankine system. A further portion of the pressurized gas is expanded in a turboexpander (130) for driving a generator (132) for generating electric power. Optionally, the system includes a pump (136) to pressurize a portion of the fluid depending on the systems operating condition. The system further includes one or more sensors (164,172) for sensing temperature and pressure and outputs one or more signals representative of the sensed state. The system includes a control unit (146) for receiving the signals and outputs one or more control signals for controlling the flow of gases and liquid in the valves and the check valve.