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Combined fuel cell aircraft auxiliary power unit and environmental control system

  • US 7,380,749 B2
  • Filed: 04/21/2005
  • Issued: 06/03/2008
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/21/2005
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A system for providing electrical power and a breathable airflow into a compartment, comprising:

  • a fuel cell component coupled to a fuel supply and to a first pressurized flow of air, the fuel cell component being configured to provide an electrical output and a combustible exhaust flow;

    a burner coupled to receive the exhaust flow from the fuel cell component and disconnected from the fuel supply, the burner being configured to provide a hot gas outflow;

    a turbine configured to be driven by the hot gas outflow from the burner; and

    at least one compressor mechanically driven by the turbine, the at least one compressor being configured to receive an inflow of air and to provide the first pressurized flow of air to the fuel cell component and to provide a second pressurized flow of air, the second pressurized flow of air being suitable to provide the breathable airflow into the compartment, wherein the at least one compressor includes a first compressor configured to provide the second pressurized flow of air, and a second compressor configured to provide the first pressurized flow of air to the fuel cell component.

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