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BRAYTON ENERGY, LLC
Brayton Energy was established in January 2004 to advance the development of
renewable and other forms of environmentally-responsible energy production.
Our current activity in the energy field centers on six technology areas:
Activity in these six business areas is outlined below.
Solar and Renewables The solar electric conversion system under development
at Brayton places top priority on reducing capital cost. Its projected cost and that of
the energy it produces are substantially lower than for other solar-based
schemes, and competitive with conventional power-generation systems over the
1MW to 100MW scale. This program is a collaborative effort with various
universities and two major US utilities. The attractions of this product include
exceptional conversion efficiency of heat to electricity, load-following capability
through the use of supplemental fuels, and high reliability from the incorporation
of proven industrial gas-turbine hardware. Brayton Energy is currently securing
patents ensuring protection for this novel product.
Biomass Conversion
Brayton is developing a novel combustion scheme enabling the burning of wood
chips in gas turbines, recognizing the abundance and low cost of this fuel source.
This strategy shows great promise for distributed power generation in the 1 to 5
MW range, where prior attempts have failed based on steam-turbine boiler
conversion for wood combustion. Brayton’s sponsor for the program, a major US
energy company, identifies a strong and immediate need for this product.
High-Temperature Heat Exchangers
Brayton is developing a new class of high-temperature heat exchangers. This
product is considered enabling technology for advanced gas-cooled nuclear
power plants, hybrid fuel cells, and indirect-heated gas turbines. The Next
Generation Nuclear Power Plant (NGNP) program is viewed as a cornerstone of
the hydrogen economy envisioned under US energy policy, and parallel
development programs around the world. Brayton continues to work closely with
MIT’s Center for Advanced Nuclear Studies and the Idaho National Labs. In a joint
collaboration with MIT, we developed gas turbine design software and a practical
conceptual design for an advanced helium-cooled marine power plant.
High-Temperature Gas Loop for the Next Generation Nuclear Reactor
Brayton completed Phase 1 of the design of the HTGL for Idaho National Labs.
This facility will address the specialized needs of the US gas-cooled reactors for
the Next Generation Nuclear Power (NGNP) initiative. Working with our
colleagues at INL, we have designed a major facility to test high-temperature, high
pressure heat exchangers, helium circulators, valves and other critical
components needed for the advanced NGNP. Brayton is developing advanced
heat exchanger testing and analysis methods to verify the integrity of the
components in extreme failure scenarios, and validate analytical life models.
The NGNP is to employ an inherently safe helium-cooled reactor composed of
sub-millimeter fissionable fuel pellets encapsulated in silicon carbide and
graphite. In a loss of coolant accident, the equilibrium temperature of the pellets
remains safely below structural limits of the SiC /graphite sheath materials.
Moreover, unlike traditional water-cooled reactors, the coolant, helium, does not
become radioactive.
Hybrid Powerplants (Fuel Cell and Vehicular)
Brayton is entering our third year of development of an advanced hybrid fuel cell
system, under the sponsorship of the University of Alaska's Arctic Research
Center. In 2005 Brayton completed a comprehensive modeling study of hybrid
gas-turbine/fuelcell powerplants. This study identified and ranked various
approaches based on performance and cost factors. Continuing into 2006, we
also performed a preliminary design for a microturbine engine dedicated
specifically to hybrid application, incorporating the innovative shock-in-rotor
compressor and expander under development by Ramgen Power Systems. Also
during that period, we explored the life and cost of high-temperature heat
exchangers for indirect fuel cells, under sponsorship of Concurrent Technologies
and the US DoD. During most of 2006, Brayton concentrated on the development
of a comprehensive model of a unique hybrid solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system.
This work led to the design of a novel high-efficiency intercooled recuperated (ICR)
gas turbine system that provides optimal control over the SOFC operation.
Brayton’s ICR gas turbine design has also attracted the interest of Capstone
Turbine, a leading microturbine manufacturer. Its attributes, including exceptional
efficiency over a wide operating range, light-weight, and the economical design
are well suited to vehicular applications; both military and as a hybrid-electric bus
power plant. (Attach Capstone spec sheet).
UAV Propulsion Systems
The diesel engine is the most appropriate power plant for near-term long duration
air ships. Brayton has designed the complete propulsion system for the Cyber
Defense Systems MAA-90 airship (90 feet diameter), including structures and
mounting systems, drive-train with right-angle articulating gear box for vector
control, optimized propeller (5.5 meter diameter), heat exchanger upgrades, fuel
system, and fuel-derived water condensate recovery system. Additionally we have
analyzed the stock turbocharger and proposed simple upgrades to improve SFC
and power. This diesel-powered system is an interim step in the development of
a long-duration solar-powered UAV, for which Brayton has conducted conceptual
design studies. This work is supported by Cyber Defense Systems and Sierra
Nevada Corporation
BRAYTON ENERGY EXPERIENCE
Brayton Energy’s engineering staff comprises accomplished professionals in the
energy field, with special expertise in the area of small gas turbines and compact,
high-temperature heat exchangers. Our expertise includes the following:
(add facility photos)
Prior to forming Brayton, our team's collective experience covered technical
development efforts in the following selected areas:
In key engineering areas Brayton is supported by a network of consultants
considered preeminent in their fields. Our combined force can rightly claim full
technical coverage across the development spectrum for thermal power systems.
Brayton Energy was established in January 2004 to advance the development of
renewable and other forms of environmentally-responsible energy production.
Our current activity in the energy field centers on six technology areas:
- Utility-scale solar power plant
- Economical wood-chip power plant
- Novel heat exchanger for use in advanced nuclear power plants
- Gas-turbine/fuelcell hybrid powerplant
- Vehicular gas turbines for military and hybrid-electric buses.
- High altitude long-endurance propulsion for UAV's
Activity in these six business areas is outlined below.
Solar and Renewables The solar electric conversion system under development
at Brayton places top priority on reducing capital cost. Its projected cost and that of
the energy it produces are substantially lower than for other solar-based
schemes, and competitive with conventional power-generation systems over the
1MW to 100MW scale. This program is a collaborative effort with various
universities and two major US utilities. The attractions of this product include
exceptional conversion efficiency of heat to electricity, load-following capability
through the use of supplemental fuels, and high reliability from the incorporation
of proven industrial gas-turbine hardware. Brayton Energy is currently securing
patents ensuring protection for this novel product.
Biomass Conversion
Brayton is developing a novel combustion scheme enabling the burning of wood
chips in gas turbines, recognizing the abundance and low cost of this fuel source.
This strategy shows great promise for distributed power generation in the 1 to 5
MW range, where prior attempts have failed based on steam-turbine boiler
conversion for wood combustion. Brayton’s sponsor for the program, a major US
energy company, identifies a strong and immediate need for this product.
High-Temperature Heat Exchangers
Brayton is developing a new class of high-temperature heat exchangers. This
product is considered enabling technology for advanced gas-cooled nuclear
power plants, hybrid fuel cells, and indirect-heated gas turbines. The Next
Generation Nuclear Power Plant (NGNP) program is viewed as a cornerstone of
the hydrogen economy envisioned under US energy policy, and parallel
development programs around the world. Brayton continues to work closely with
MIT’s Center for Advanced Nuclear Studies and the Idaho National Labs. In a joint
collaboration with MIT, we developed gas turbine design software and a practical
conceptual design for an advanced helium-cooled marine power plant.
High-Temperature Gas Loop for the Next Generation Nuclear Reactor
Brayton completed Phase 1 of the design of the HTGL for Idaho National Labs.
This facility will address the specialized needs of the US gas-cooled reactors for
the Next Generation Nuclear Power (NGNP) initiative. Working with our
colleagues at INL, we have designed a major facility to test high-temperature, high
pressure heat exchangers, helium circulators, valves and other critical
components needed for the advanced NGNP. Brayton is developing advanced
heat exchanger testing and analysis methods to verify the integrity of the
components in extreme failure scenarios, and validate analytical life models.
The NGNP is to employ an inherently safe helium-cooled reactor composed of
sub-millimeter fissionable fuel pellets encapsulated in silicon carbide and
graphite. In a loss of coolant accident, the equilibrium temperature of the pellets
remains safely below structural limits of the SiC /graphite sheath materials.
Moreover, unlike traditional water-cooled reactors, the coolant, helium, does not
become radioactive.
Hybrid Powerplants (Fuel Cell and Vehicular)
Brayton is entering our third year of development of an advanced hybrid fuel cell
system, under the sponsorship of the University of Alaska's Arctic Research
Center. In 2005 Brayton completed a comprehensive modeling study of hybrid
gas-turbine/fuelcell powerplants. This study identified and ranked various
approaches based on performance and cost factors. Continuing into 2006, we
also performed a preliminary design for a microturbine engine dedicated
specifically to hybrid application, incorporating the innovative shock-in-rotor
compressor and expander under development by Ramgen Power Systems. Also
during that period, we explored the life and cost of high-temperature heat
exchangers for indirect fuel cells, under sponsorship of Concurrent Technologies
and the US DoD. During most of 2006, Brayton concentrated on the development
of a comprehensive model of a unique hybrid solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) system.
This work led to the design of a novel high-efficiency intercooled recuperated (ICR)
gas turbine system that provides optimal control over the SOFC operation.
Brayton’s ICR gas turbine design has also attracted the interest of Capstone
Turbine, a leading microturbine manufacturer. Its attributes, including exceptional
efficiency over a wide operating range, light-weight, and the economical design
are well suited to vehicular applications; both military and as a hybrid-electric bus
power plant. (Attach Capstone spec sheet).
UAV Propulsion Systems
The diesel engine is the most appropriate power plant for near-term long duration
air ships. Brayton has designed the complete propulsion system for the Cyber
Defense Systems MAA-90 airship (90 feet diameter), including structures and
mounting systems, drive-train with right-angle articulating gear box for vector
control, optimized propeller (5.5 meter diameter), heat exchanger upgrades, fuel
system, and fuel-derived water condensate recovery system. Additionally we have
analyzed the stock turbocharger and proposed simple upgrades to improve SFC
and power. This diesel-powered system is an interim step in the development of
a long-duration solar-powered UAV, for which Brayton has conducted conceptual
design studies. This work is supported by Cyber Defense Systems and Sierra
Nevada Corporation
BRAYTON ENERGY EXPERIENCE
Brayton Energy’s engineering staff comprises accomplished professionals in the
energy field, with special expertise in the area of small gas turbines and compact,
high-temperature heat exchangers. Our expertise includes the following:
- Turbomachinery, aerodynamic design
- Turbomachinery, mechanical design
- Complex thermodynamic system modeling
- Fuel cell (electrochemical) system modeling
- Computational fluid dynamics
- Heat exchanger thermo-mechanical design
- Gas turbine combustors
- Gas turbine and heat exchanger testing
- Prototype manufacturing
(add facility photos)
Prior to forming Brayton, our team's collective experience covered technical
development efforts in the following selected areas:
- Commercial microturbine engine spanning conception through volume
production - Broad range of solar-energy programs, ranging from low-technology
product development to space power and propulsion - Hybrid microturbine/fuelcell power plants including successful 250kW
prototype with Siemens-Westinghouse - High temperature ceramic turbine development
- Commercial recuperators ranging from microturbine to large-scale
industrial & propulsion applications - Custom turbomachinery applications (design/fabrication/testing)
- Low emission gas turbine combustion
In key engineering areas Brayton is supported by a network of consultants
considered preeminent in their fields. Our combined force can rightly claim full
technical coverage across the development spectrum for thermal power systems.
BRAYTON ENERGY