| Abstract: | Techniques for generating power are provided. Such techniques involve a
thermodynamic system including a housing, a turbine positioned in a
turbine cavity of the housing, a compressor positioned in a compressor
cavity of the housing, and an alternator positioned in a rotor cavity
between the turbine and compressor cavities. The compressor has a
high-pressure face facing an inlet of the compressor cavity and a
low-pressure face on an opposite side thereof. The alternator has a rotor
shaft operatively connected to the turbine and compressor, and is
supported in the housing by bearings. Ridges extending from the
low-pressure face of the compressor may be provided for balancing thrust
across the compressor. Seals may be positioned about the alternator for
selectively leaking fluid into the rotor cavity to reduce the temperature
therein. |