WO2016137442A1

WO2016137442A1 - A turbine and method of making and using the same

Info

Publication number: WO2016137442A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/017292
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frederick M. HUSCHER; Brock Fraser
Original assignee: Borgwarner Inc.
Priority date: 2015-02-24
Filing date: 2015-02-24
Publication date: 2016-09-01
Also published as: DE112015006214T5

Abstract

A number of variations include a product including a turbine including a plurality of turbine stages mounted on a single shaft wherein the turbine is constructed and arranged to generate power using a fluid introduced into the turbine stages in series, and wherein the fluid undergoes heat transfer between at least two of the turbine stages.

Description

A TURBINE AND METHOD OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME

This application is a PCT application.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The field to which the disclosure generally relates to includes turbi and methods of making and using the same. BACKGROUND

Currently, some turbines may be used to take energy from a fluid and convert it into useful work on a system.

SUMMARY OF ILLUSTRATIVE VARIATIONS

A number of variations may include a product including a turbine including a plurality of turbine stages mounted on a single shaft wherein the turbine may be constructed and arranged to generate power using a fluid introduced into the turbine stages in series, and wherein the fluid undergoes heat transfer between at least two of the turbine stages.

A number of variations may include a system including a fluid circuit comprising a fluid, a heat exchanger, a first turbine stage, a second turbine stage, and a power generation component wherein the fluid provides power in the first turbine stage, undergoes heat transfer in the heat exchanger, and provides power in the second turbine stage, and wherein the first and second turbine stages may be coupled to a single power generation component.

A number of variations may include a method including providing a fluid circuit comprising a fluid, a first heat exchanger, a first turbine stage, a second turbine stage, and a power generation component; moving a fluid through a first turbine stage; thereafter, moving a fluid through a first heat exchanger; thereafter, moving a fluid through a second turbine stage, wherein the first and second turbine stages may be coupled to the power generation component.

Other illustrative variations within the scope of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while disclosing variations within the scope of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Select examples of variations within the scope of the invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is an illustration of a product according to a number of variations.

Figure 2 is an illustration of a product or system according to a number of variations.

Figure 3 is an illustration of a method according to a number of variations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE VARIATIONS

The following description of the variations is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention, its application, or uses.

A product 10 is shown in Figure 1 according to a number of variations. In a number of variations, the product 1 0 may include at least one turbine or expander 12. In a number of variations, the turbine 12 may be an impulse or reaction turbine. In a number of variations, the turbine 12 may be at least one of a steam turbine, a gas turbine, a transonic turbine, a contra-rotating turbine, a statorless turbine, a shrouded turbine, a ceramic turbine, a shroudless turbine, a bladless turbine, a water turbine (including Pelton, Francis, Kaplan, Turgo, or Cross-flow), a pressure compound turbine, or may be another type. In a number of variations, the turbine 1 2 may be an axial or a radial turbine. In a number of variations, the product 1 0 may include a plurality of turbines 12. In a number of variations, the plurality of turbines 12 may be mechanically coupled to one another. In a number of variations, the turbine 1 2 may include a shaft 14. In a number of variations, the turbine 12 may include at least one turbine stage 1 8. In a number of variations, the turbine 12 may include a plurality of turbine stages 18, 18', 18", 18"'. In a number of variations, the at least one turbine stage 18 may be mounted on the shaft 14. In a number of variations, a plurality of turbine stages 1 8, 1 8', 18", 18"' may be mounted on the shaft 14. In a number of variations, the turbine 12 may include at least one turbine wheel 16. In a number of variations, the at least one turbine stage 18 may be a component of a turbine wheel 16. In a number of variations, the turbine 12 and/or turbine wheel 16 may include at least one turbine stage 1 8. In a number of variations, the turbine 12 and/or turbine wheels 16 may include a plurality of turbine stages 18, 18', 1 8", 18"'. In a number of variations, the at least one turbine wheel 16 may be mounted on the shaft 14. In a number of variations, the turbine 12 may generate power through introduction of a working fluid 20 into the turbine stage 18. In a number of variations, the at least one turbine stage 18 may be rigidly mounted on a single shaft 14. In a number of variations, the plurality of turbine stages 18, 18', 1 8", 1 8"' may be rigidly mounted on a single shaft 14. In a number of variations, the fluid 20 may be introduced into a plurality of turbine stages 18, 1 8', 18", 18"' in series. In a number of variations, the fluid 20 may be introduced into a plurality of turbine stages 18, 18', 18", 18"' in parallel. In a number of variations, the fluid 20 may undergo heat transfer between at least two of the turbine stages 18, 18', 18", 18"'. In a number of variations, the at least one turbine stage 1 8 may include at least one turbine stage rotor 59. In a number of variations, the turbine stage rotor 59 may rotate through work provided by the fluid 20. In a number of variations, the turbine stage rotor 59 may rotate the shaft 14. In a number of variations, the at least one turbine stage 18 may include at least one turbine stage stator 62. In a number of variations, the turbine stage stator 62 may be stationary and may not rotate along the shaft 14. In a number of variations, the at least one turbine stage 18 may include at least one housing 19 constructed and arranged to house the fluid 20 as it performs work in the turbine stage 18. In a number of variations, the at least one housing 19 may house the fluid 20 as it performs work in a plurality of turbine stages 18, 18', 18", 18"'. In a number of variations, a plurality of turbine stages 18, 18', 18", 18"' may be mounted on a single side of the shaft 14. In a number of variations, the product 10 may be used to recover heat from a vehicle. In a number of variations, the vehicle may include, but not limited to, a motor vehicle, a spacecraft, a watercraft, an aircraft, or a train. In a number of variations, the turbine 12 may be used to recover heat from a chemical process such as, but not limited to, a geothermal energy generator process, a solar energy generator process, or a wind energy generator process. In a number of variations, the turbine 12 may yield turbine efficiency gains of greater than 15% over known alternatives. In a number of variations, the turbine 12 may be compact to allow for improved packaging in a vehicle exhaust system or radiator.

In a number of variations, at least one of the product 10 or turbine 12 may further include a power generation component 60. In a number of variations, the power generation component 60 may generate power through work performed by the fluid 20 in the at least one turbine stage 18. In a number of variations, the power generation component 60 may be an electric generator. In a number of variations, the power generation component 60 may include an armature (not shown) which may generate electric current to be collected by an electric collection component (not shown). In a number of variations, the electric current may be used to power an engine or other component of a vehicle. In a number of variations, the electric current may be stored in a battery (not shown). In a number of variations, the power generation component 60 may include a rotor 70. In a number of variations, the rotor 70 may be a magnetic rotor. In a number of variations, the power generation component 60 may include an electrical stator 72. In a number of variations, the electrical stator 72 may comprise electrical wires. In a number of variations, the power generation component 60 may include a magnetic field (not shown), which may be provided by magnets or electromagnets mounted on either the rotor 70 or the stator 72. In a number of variations, the electrical stator 72 may surround the rotor 70. In a number of variations, the rotor 70 may be coupled to or attached to the shaft 14. In a number of variations, the rotation of the shaft 14 concurrent to the rotor 70 may generate power through the fluid 20 in the turbine stages 18. In a number of variations, the shaft 14 may be rigidly connected to the rotor 70. In a number of variations, the shaft 14 and the rotor 70 may be the same component. In a number of variations, at least one of the shaft 14 or the rotor 70 may be supported by at least one bearing 74. In a number of variations, the bearing 74 may be a plain bearing, rolling-element bearing, jewel bearing, fluid bearing, magnetic bearing, or flexure bearing, or may be another type. In a number of variations, a plurality of turbine stages 18, 18', 18", 18"' may be axially overhung outside the at least one bearing 74 or electrical stator 72. In a number of variations, the plurality of turbine stages 18, 18', 1 8", 18"' may be coupled to the power generation component 60. In a number of variations, the plurality of turbine stages 1 8, 18', 18", 1 8"' may be overhung on the shaft 14. In a number of variations, the shaft 14 may connect the turbine stages 18 to the rotor 70 of the power generation component 60. In a number of variations, a plurality of turbine stages 18, 18', 18", 18"' may be axially overhung on the same axial side of the electrical stator 72. In a number of variations, a plurality of turbine stages 18, 18', 18", 18"' may be axially overhung on the same axial side of the shaft 14.

Referring to Figures 1 -2, a fluid system 50 may be provided, which, in a number of variations, may be an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC). The system

50 may include a working fluid 20, which in a number of variations, may include, but is not limited to, at least one of steam, fluorinol, ammonia, ethanol, methanol, kerosene, gasoline, diesel, propanol, butanol, water, benzene, toluene, methane, ethane, propane, butane, acetone, or liquid hydrogen. In a number of variations, the system 50 may include a fluid circuit

51 comprising a conduit 53 for a fluid path 23. In a number of variations, a working fluid 20 may undergo a plurality of phase changes throughout the fluid circuit 51 to produce a heat transfer from or to the fluid 20 from surrounding components to bring the fluid 20 from a high temperature state to a low temperature state or vice versa, which may be converted into useful work, which may be converted into electrical, chemical, or mechanical energy. In a number of variations, the system 50 or fluid circuit 51 may include at least one turbine 1 2 which may include at least one turbine stage 18. In a number of variations, the fluid 20 may enter a first turbine stage 1 8 through a first turbine stage inlet 24. In a number of variations, the fluid 20 may exit the first turbine stage 18 through a first turbine stage outlet 26. In a number of variations, the fluid 20 may generate power through performance of usable work in the first turbine stage 18. In a number of variations, the fluid 20 may enter a second turbine stage 18' through a second turbine stage inlet 28. In a number of variations, the fluid 20 may exit the second turbine stage 18' through a second turbine stage outlet 30. In a number of variations, the fluid 20 may generate power through performance of usable work in the first turbine stage 18. In a number of variations, the system 50 or fluid circuit 51 may include at least one heat exchanger 52. In a number of variations, the heat exchanger 52 may perform a heat transfer to or from the fluid 20. In a number of variations, the heat exchanger 52 may be a heat exchanger type including, but not limited to an electric heating, a double pipe, a shell and tube, a plate heat, a plate and shell, an adiabatic wheel, a plate fin heat, a pillow plate, or a fluid heat exchanger or may be another type. In a number of variations, the heat exchanger 52 may evaporate the fluid 20. In a number of variations, the heat exchanger 52 may include a boiler which may allow the fluid to undergo a phase change from liquid to gas. In a number of variations, the heat exchanger 52 may perform a heat transfer between at least two of the turbine stages 18. In a number of variations, the heat exchanger 52 may perform a heat transfer on the fluid 20 after it exits the first turbine stage outlet 26 and before it enters the second turbine stage inlet 28. In a number of variations, the fluid circuit 51 may include a second heat exchanger 54. In a number of variations, the second heat exchanger 54 may perform a heat transfer on the fluid 20 before it enters the first turbine stage inlet 24. In a number of variations, the system 50 or fluid circuit 51 may include at least one condenser 56. In a number of variations, the condenser 56 may condense the fluid 20 from a gas to a liquid, and may perform a heat transfer on the fluid 20. In a number of variations, the condenser 56 may flow a second fluid 21 through to perform a heat transfer with the fluid 20. In a number of variations, the second fluid 21 may be water, air, or may be another fluid. In a number of variations, the condenser 56 may be a heat exchanger including, but not limited to an electric heating, a double pipe, a shell and tube, a plate and shell, an adiabatic wheel, a plate fin heat, a pillow plate, or a fluid heat exchanger or may be another type. In a number of variations, the system 50 or fluid circuit 51 may include at least one pump 58. In a number of variations, the pump 58 may move the fluid 20 through the fluid circuit 51 and may determine fluid 20 flowrate. In a number of variations, the pump 58 may be a rotary positive displacement pump, a reciprocating positive displacement pump, a gear pump, a screw pump, a progressing cavity pump, a roots-type pump, a peristaltic pump, a plunger pump, a rope pump, a impeller pump, a hydraulic ram pump, a radial-flow pump, an axial-flow pump, a mixed-flow pump, an eductor-jet pump, a steam pump, a gravity pump, a valveless pump, or may be another type. In a number of variations, the pump 58 may pressurize the fluid 20 as a liquid or a gas. In a number of variations, the fluid circuit 51 may include a high pressure pump 58A, a low pressure pump 58B, or both. In a number of variations, the fluid circuit 51 may further include at least one valve 90. In a number of variations, In a number of variations, the valve 90 may be at least one of a ball valve, a butterfly valve, a ceramic disc valve, a check valve, a choke valve, a diaphragm valve, a gate valve, a globe valve, a knife valve, a needle valve, a pinch valve, a piston valve, a plug valve, a poppet valve, a spool valve, a thermal expansion valve, a pressure reducing valve, a sampling valve, a safety valve, or may be another type. In a number of variations, the fluid circuit 51 may include at least one controller 55. In a number of variations, the controller 55 may control operation of the turbine 1 2, heat exchanger 52, 54, valve 90, condenser 56, pump 58, power generation component 60, or other components based on a number of variations including, but not limited to, fluid temperature, fluid pressure, power generation component output, pump flowrate, engine operating condition, heat source operating condition, or may be another variable. In a number of variations, at least one of the system 50 or fluid circuit 51 may be a thermodynamic cycle including but not limited to, a Rankine cycle, a Kalina cycle, an Otto cycle, or may be another type. In a number of variations, at least one of the system 50 or fluid circuit 51 may be an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC). In a number of variations, the system 50 or fluid circuit 51 may be used to extract energy from exhaust heat in a vehicle. In a number of variations, the system or fluid circuit 51 may be advantageously packaged to couple with the exhaust heat recovery system, engine exhaust, or engine of a vehicle. In a number of variations, the fluid circuit 51 may include further heat exchange components for the fluid 20 including, but not limited to, a radiator, an axle oil heat exchanger, an engine oil heat exchanger, a cabin heater, or may be another type.

In a number of variations, the system 50 or fluid circuit 51 may include at least one power generation component 60. In a number of variations, the power generation component 60 may be a dynamo or an alternator. In a number of variations, the power generation component 60 may rotate at speeds up to 200,000 RPM, and may produce power in the range of 1 to 1000 kilowatts. In a number of variations, the power generation component 60 may be coupled to the turbine 12 or at least one turbine stage 18. In a number of variations, a plurality of turbine stages 18, 18', 18", 18"' may be coupled to the power generation component 60. In a number of variations, a first turbine stage 18 and a second turbine stage 18' may be coupled to the power generation component 60. In a number of variations, the power generation component 60 may generate power through the fluid 20 performing work on a plurality of turbine stages 18, 18', 1 8", 18"'. In a number of variations, the power generation component 60 may generate power through the fluid 20 performing work on at least one of the first turbine stage 18 or the second turbine stage 18'. In a number of variations, the generation component 60 may be a gear reduction device which may be mechanically coupled to a vehicle powertrain. In a number of variations, the generation component 60 may be mechanically coupled to a differential which may be mechanically coupled to a vehicle crank train. In a number of variations, the system 50 or fluid circuit 51 may be used to recover heat from a vehicle. In a number of variations, the vehicle may include, but not limited to, a motor vehicle, a spacecraft, a watercraft, an aircraft, or a train. In a number of variations, the system 50 or fluid circuit 51 may be used to recover heat from a chemical process such as, but not limited to, a geothermal energy process, a solar energy process, industrial waste heat recovery process, combustion heat recovery process, or a wind energy process. In a number of variations, the system 50 or fluid circuit 51 may yield turbine efficiency gains of greater than 15% over known alternatives. In a number of variations, the system 50 or fluid circuit 51 may be compact to allow for improved packaging in a vehicle exhaust system or radiator. In a number of variations, as shown in Figure 3, a method 800 is shown. In a number of variations, the method 800 may include a step 802 of providing a fluid circuit 51 comprising a fluid 20, a first heat exchanger 52, a first turbine stage 18, and a second turbine stage 1 8', and a power generation component 60. In a number of variations, the method 800 further includes step 804 of moving a fluid 20 through a first turbine stage 18. In a number of variations, the method 800 may further include step 806 of thereafter, moving a fluid 20 through a first heat exchanger 52. In a number of variations, the method 800 may further include step 808 of thereafter, moving a fluid 20 through a second turbine stage 18', wherein the first and second turbine stages may be coupled to the power generation component. In a number of variations, the method 800 may include wherein the fluid circuit 51 further includes at least one of a pump or a one condenser. In a number of variations, the fluid circuit 51 may be an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC). In a number of variations, the power generation component 60 may be an electric generator. In a number of variations, the power generation component 60 may be a gear reduction mechanically coupled to a vehicle powertrain. In a number of variations, at least one of the first turbine stage 18 or the second turbine stage 18' may be enclosed within a common housing 19.

The following description of variants is only illustrative of components, elements, acts, product and methods considered to be within the scope of the invention and are not in any way intended to limit such scope by what is specifically disclosed or not expressly set forth. The components, elements, acts, product and methods as described herein may be combined and rearranged other than as expressly described herein and still are considered to be within the scope of the invention.

Variation 1 may include a product including a turbine comprising a plurality of turbine stages mounted on a single shaft wherein the turbine is constructed and arranged to generate power using a fluid introduced into the turbine stages in series, and wherein the fluid undergoes heat transfer between at least two of the turbine stages.

Variation 2 may include a product as set forth in Variation 1 wherein the product further comprises a power generation component comprising a rotor constructed and arranged to generate power through the fluid in the turbine stages.

Variation 3 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1 -2 wherein the shaft is connected to the rotor and supported by at least one bearing.

Variation 4 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1 -3 wherein the power generation component further comprises an electrical stator.

Variation 5 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1 -4 wherein the product further comprises a fluid circuit wherein the fluid exits a first turbine stage and thereafter undergoes the heat transfer inside a heat exchanger.

Variation 6 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1 -5 wherein at least one turbine stage is at least partially enclosed by a housing constructed and arranged to house at least one fluid.

Variation 7 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1 -6 wherein the plurality of turbine stage are overhung on the same axial side of the shaft.

Variation 8 may include a system including a fluid circuit comprising a fluid, a heat exchanger, a first turbine stage, a second turbine stage, and a power generation component wherein the fluid provides power in the first turbine stage, thereafter undergoes heat transfer in the heat exchanger, and provides power in the second turbine stage, and wherein the first and second turbine stages are coupled to a single power generation component.

Variation 9 may include a system as set forth in any of Variation 8 wherein the fluid circuit is an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) system.

Variation 10 may include a system as set forth in any of Variations 8-9 wherein the fluid circuit further comprises a pump.

Variation 1 1 may include a system as set forth in any of Variations 8-10 wherein the fluid circuit further comprises a condenser.

Variation 12 may include a system as set forth in Variations 8-1 1 wherein the power generation component is an electric generator. Variation 1 3 may include a system as set forth in and of Variations 8-12 wherein the power generation component is a gear reduction mechanically coupled to a vehicle powertrain.

Variation 14 may include a method including providing a fluid circuit comprising a fluid, a heat exchanger, a first turbine stage, a second turbine stage, and a power generation component; moving a fluid through a first turbine stage; thereafter, moving a fluid through a heat exchanger; thereafter, moving a fluid through a second turbine stage, wherein the first and second turbine stages are coupled to the power generation component.

Variation 15 may include a method as set forth in Variation 14 wherein the fluid circuit is an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) system.

Variation 1 6 may include a method as set forth in any of Variations 14- 15 wherein the fluid circuit further comprises a pump.

Variation 1 7 may include a method as set forth in any of Variations 14- 16 wherein the fluid circuit further comprises a condenser.

Variation 1 8 may include a method as set forth in any of Variations 14-

17 wherein the power generation component is an electric generator.

Variation 1 9 may include a method as set forth in any of Variations 14-

18 wherein the power generation component is a gear reduction device mechanically coupled to a vehicle powertrain.

Variation 20 may include a method as set forth in any of Variations 14-

19 wherein the turbine stages are enclosed in a common housing.

Variation 21 may include a product as set forth in any of Variations 1 -

20 wherein the turbine is at least one of a steam turbine, a gas turbine, a transonic turbine, a contra-rotating turbine, axial turbine, radial turbine, a statorless turbine, a shrouded turbine, a ceramic turbine, a shroudless turbine, a bladless turbine, a water turbine (including Pelton, Francis, Kaplan, Turgo, or Cross-flow), a pressure compound turbine, an impulse or reaction turbine.

Variation 22 may include a product, system, or method as set forth in any of Variations 1 -21 wherein the turbine comprises at least one turbine wheel comprising the at least one turbine stage.

Variation 23 may include a product, system, or method as set forth in any of Variations 1 -22 wherein the heat exchanger is a heat exchanger type including, but not limited to an electric heating, a double pipe, a shell and tube, a plate heat, a plate and shell, an adiabatic wheel, a plate fin heat, a pillow plate, or a fluid heat exchanger.

Variation 24 may include a product, system, or method as set forth in any of Variations 1 -23 wherein product or system may further comprise a working fluid 20 comprising at least one of steam, fluorinol, ammonia, ethanol, methanol, kerosene, gasoline, diesel, propanol, butanol, water, benzene, toluene, methane, ethane, propane, butane, acetone, or liquid hydrogen.

Variation 25 may include a product, system, or method as set forth in any of Variations 1 -24 wherein the at least one pump is a rotary positive displacement pump, a reciprocating positive displacement pump, a gear pump, a screw pump, a progressing cavity pump, a roots-type pump, a peristaltic pump, a plunger pump, a rope pump, a impeller pump, a hydraulic ram pump, a radial-flow pump, an axial-flow pump, a mixed-flow pump, an eductor-jet pump, a steam pump, a gravity pump, or a valveless pump.

Variation 26 may include a product, system, or method as set forth in any of Variations 1 -25 wherein the fluid is introduced into a plurality of turbine stages 18 in parallel.

Variation 27 may include a product, system, or method as set forth in any of Variations 1 -26 wherein the turbine further comprise at least one turbine stage rotor and at least one turbine stage stator.

Variation 28 may include a product, system, or method as set forth in any of Variations 1 -27 wherein the product, system, or method is used to recover heat from a vehicle.

Variation 29 may include a product, system, or method as set forth in of Variation 28 wherein the vehicle includes at least one of a motor vehicle, a spacecraft, a watercraft, an aircraft, or a train.

Variation 30 may include a product, system, or method as set forth in any of Variations 1 -29 wherein the product, system, or method is used to recover heat from a chemical process such as, but not limited to, a geothermal energy generator process, a solar energy generator process, or a wind energy generator process.

Variation 31 may include a product, system, or method as set forth in any of Variations 1 -30 wherein the turbine is compact to allow for improved packaging in a vehicle exhaust system or radiator. Variation 32 may include a product, system, or method as set forth in any of Variations 1 -31 wherein the power generation component comprises an armature which generates electric current to be collected by an electric collection component.

Variation 33 may include a product, system, or method as set forth in any of Variations 1 -32 wherein the at least one valve is at least one of a ball valve, a butterfly valve, a ceramic disc valve, a check valve, a choke valve, a diaphragm valve, a gate valve, a globe valve, a knife valve, a needle valve, a pinch valve, a piston valve, a plug valve, a poppet valve, a spool valve, a thermal expansion valve, a pressure reducing valve, a sampling valve, or a safety valve.

Variation 34 may include a product, system, or method as set forth in any of Variations 1 -33 wherein the bearing comprises at least one of a plain bearing, rolling-element bearing, jewel bearing, fluid bearing, magnetic bearing, or flexure bearing.

Variation 35 may include a product, system, or method as set forth in any of Variations 1 -34 wherein the at least one heat exchanger comprises at least one of a heat exchanger type including, but not limited to an electric heating, a double pipe, a shell and tube, a plate heat, a plate and shell, an adiabatic wheel, a plate fin heat, a pillow plate, or a fluid heat exchanger.

Variation 36 may include a product, system, or method as set forth in any of Variations 1 -35 wherein the fluid circuit includes further heat exchange components for the fluid comprising at least one of, a radiator, an axle oil heat exchanger, an engine oil heat exchanger, or a cabin heater.

Variation 37 may include a product, system, or method as set forth in any of Variations 1 -36 wherein the condenser comprises at least one of an electric heating, a double pipe, a shell and tube, a plate heat, a plate and shell, an adiabatic wheel, a plate fin heat, a pillow plate, or a fluid heat exchanger.

Variation 38 may include a product, system, or method as set forth in any of Variations 1 -37, wherein the power generation component comprises a dynamo or an alternator.

Variation 39 may include a product, system, or method as set forth in any of Variations 1 -37, wherein the fluid circuit 51 comprises at least one controller which controls operation of at least one of the turbine, heat exchanger, valve, condenser, pump, or power generation component based on a number of variations comprising at least one of fluid temperature, fluid pressure, power generation component output, or pump flowrate.

The above description of select variations within the scope of the invention is merely illustrative in nature and, thus, variations or variants thereof are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1 . A product comprising: a turbine comprising a plurality of turbine stages mounted on a single shaft wherein the turbine is constructed and arranged to generate power using a fluid introduced into the turbine stages in series, and wherein the fluid undergoes heat transfer between at least two of the turbine stages.

2. A product as set forth in claim 1 wherein the product further comprises a power generation component comprising a rotor constructed and arranged to generate power through the fluid in the turbine stages.

3. A product as set forth in claim 2 wherein the shaft is connected to the rotor and supported by at least one bearing.

4. A product as set forth in claim 2 wherein the power generation component further comprises an electrical stator.

5. A product as set forth in claim 1 wherein the product further comprises a fluid circuit wherein the fluid exits a first turbine stage and thereafter undergoes the heat transfer inside a heat exchanger.

6. A product as set forth in claim 1 wherein at least one turbine stage is at least partially enclosed by a housing constructed and arranged to house at least one fluid.

7. A product as set forth in claim 4 wherein the plurality of turbine stage are overhung on the same axial side of the shaft.

8. A system comprising:

a fluid circuit comprising a fluid, a heat exchanger, a first turbine stage, a second turbine stage, and a power generation component wherein the fluid provides power in the first turbine stage, thereafter undergoes heat transfer in the heat exchanger, and provides power in the second turbine stage, and wherein the first and second turbine stages are coupled to a single power generation component.

9. A system as set forth in claim 8 wherein the fluid circuit is an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) system.

10. A system as set forth in claim 8 wherein the fluid circuit further comprises a pump.

1 1 . A system as set forth in claim 8 wherein the fluid circuit further comprises a condenser.

12. A system as set forth in claim 8 wherein the power generation component is an electric generator.

13. A system as set forth in claim 8 wherein the power generation component is a gear reduction mechanically coupled to a vehicle powertrain.

14. A method comprising:

providing a fluid circuit comprising a fluid, a heat exchanger, a first turbine stage, a second turbine stage, and a power generation component;

moving a fluid through a first turbine stage;

thereafter, moving a fluid through a heat exchanger;

thereafter, moving a fluid through a second turbine stage, wherein the first and second turbine stages are coupled to the power generation component.

15. A method as set forth in claim 14 wherein the fluid circuit is an Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) system.

16. A method as set forth in claim 14 wherein the fluid circuit further comprises a pump.

17. A method as set forth in claim 14 wherein the fluid circuit further comprises a condenser.

18. A method as set forth in claim 14 wherein the power generation component is an electric generator.

19. A method as set forth in claim 14 wherein the power generation component is a gear reduction device mechanically coupled to a vehicle powertrain.

20. A method as set forth in claim 14 wherein the turbine stages are enclosed in a common housing.