Patent ID: 7526926
Filing Date: 2009-05-05
Classification: F01D,F02C,F04D,F05D,F25B,F25J

Abstract:
1. A drive system for non-synchronous operation of a refrigeration compressor, comprising: a gas turbine adapted to drive the compressor; an electric motor with drive-through capability, electrically connected to an AC power grid and mechanically connected to the turbine and compressor and located between them on a common drive shaft and capable of starting the turbine and compressor from rest and bringing them up to operating rotational speed, said motor being adapted to also function as an AC generator for converting excess turbine mechanical power to electrical power; and a frequency converter connected between the motor and the power grid to condition the frequency in both directions (to the grid and from the grid) thereby allowing both non-synchronous operation and most efficient gas turbine operation.