Enhanced efficiency turbine
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A system comprising:
- at least one reformer assembly receiving hydrocarbon fuel and outputting hydrogen from a first output and product depleted of hydrogen from a second output separate from the first output outputting hydrogen;
at least one fuel cell receiving hydrogen from the first output of the reformer but not being connected to the second output of the reformer, the fuel cell providing a first energy output and an output of water vapor;
the water vapor being mixed with product from the second output of the reformer to provide a mixture;
the mixture being mixed with fuel and directed to a turbine and combusting to impart torque to the turbine;
the first energy output of the fuel cell also being used to impart torque to the output shaft of the turbine.
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Abstract
Hydrocarbon fuel is sent to a reformer, which produces carbon and hydrogen. The hydrogen is sent to a fuel cell which uses it to generate electricity, and the electricity is used to actuate an electric motor that is coupled to an output shaft of a turbine to impart torque to the shaft. Additionally, hydrocarbon fuel can be provided to the turbine intake directly and/or carbon from the reformer can be mixed with steam from the fuel cell and sent to the turbine intake, in either case to impinge on the turbine blades and impart further torque to the output shaft.
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Citations
12 Claims
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1. A system comprising:
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at least one reformer assembly receiving hydrocarbon fuel and outputting hydrogen from a first output and product depleted of hydrogen from a second output separate from the first output outputting hydrogen; at least one fuel cell receiving hydrogen from the first output of the reformer but not being connected to the second output of the reformer, the fuel cell providing a first energy output and an output of water vapor; the water vapor being mixed with product from the second output of the reformer to provide a mixture; the mixture being mixed with fuel and directed to a turbine and combusting to impart torque to the turbine; the first energy output of the fuel cell also being used to impart torque to the output shaft of the turbine. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A system comprising:
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at least one turbine including an output shaft; at least one fuel cell providing output that is coupled to the turbine so as to impart torque to the output shaft; at least one reformer receiving hydrocarbon fuel and outputting from a first output a stream of hydrogen and from a second output a stream of product depleted of hydrogen separate from the stream of hydrogen; the fuel cell receiving hydrogen output by the first output of the reformer but not product output by the second output of the reformer, wherein the fuel cell produces water vapor, the water vapor being mixed with product depleted of hydrogen output by the reformer to provide a mixture, the mixture being mixed with fuel and directed to a turbine to impart torque to the turbine. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12)
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Specification