초록 ▼

Novel power generation method and apparatus. At least partially unshrouded type supersonic ramjet thrust module(s) are provided at the periphery of a low aerodynamic drag tapered disc rotor. The rotor is affixed at a central hub to a shaft, and rotates about an axis defined by the shaft. The rotor a

Novel power generation method and apparatus. At least partially unshrouded type supersonic ramjet thrust module(s) are provided at the periphery of a low aerodynamic drag tapered disc rotor. The rotor is affixed at a central hub to a shaft, and rotates about an axis defined by the shaft. The rotor acts as a structural member which transmits to the shaft the thrust generated by the ramjets. In the preferred embodiment, an unshrouded ramjet inlet captures and compresses an impinging inlet air stream by utilizing the thrust module inlet structures and an adjacent housing sidewall. The compressed air inlet stream provides oxygen for mixing with a fuel such as natural gas which is injected into the through flow air stream upwind of the ramjet thrust modules. Fuel is oxidized in the ramjet thrust module(s) to produce expanding combustion gases. Such gases escape out through the unshrouded ramjet nozzle, acting against outlet structures and an adjacent housing sidewall, rotating the ramjet at supersonic velocities, and producing shaft energy. Enthalpy in escaping combustion gases is substantially segregated in an outlet duct and may be utilized thermally or mechanically via suitable heat exchange device. Efficient mixing in the inlet shock and short residence times in the combustion chamber, enable low nitrogen oxides formation to be achieved.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] Apparatus for generation of power, said apparatus comprising:(a) an air inlet for supply of air for combustion of fuel;(b) a rotor having an axis of rotation, said rotor extending radially outward from said axis of rotation along to an outer extremity and adapted for rotation about

[ I claim:] [1.] Apparatus for generation of power, said apparatus comprising:(a) an air inlet for supply of air for combustion of fuel;(b) a rotor having an axis of rotation, said rotor extending radially outward from said axis of rotation along to an outer extremity and adapted for rotation about said axis of rotation;(c) a stationary peripheral wall positioned radially outward from said axis of rotation and very slightly radially outward from said outer extremity of said rotor;(d) one or more ramjets, said one or more ramjets comprising(i) a rotating portion affixed at said outer extremity of said rotor, and(ii) a stationary peripheral wall portion,wherein said rotating portion and said stationary peripheral wall portion of each of said one or more ramjets cooperate to compress therebetween a portion of said air to allow said one or more ramjets to oxidize fuel supplied thereto and to generate combustion gases and thereby develop thrust from said combustion gases to turn said rotor and to thereby effect rotary motion of a shaft extending through said axis of rotation. [18.] A method of generating power, comprising:(a) providing one or more thrust modules rotatably secured between a first, inboard housing and a second, stationary outboard housing;(b) supplying an oxidizable fuel to said one or more thrust modules;(c) oxidizing said fuel in said one or more thrust modules to(i) generate combustion gases which escape therefrom, and to(ii) generate a motive force by thrust reaction of said escaping combustion gases from (A) said one or more thrust modules, and (B) at least a portion of said second, stationary outboard housing,(d) propelling said one or more thrust modules at a velocity in excess of Mach 1.0 through a supplied air stream by way of said motive force, said one or more thrust modules further characterized in that each of said one or more thrust modules relies on at least a portion of said second, stationary outboard housing to assist in compression of a portion of said supplied air stream, as each of said one or more thrust modules passes adjacent to said second, outboard housing;(e) turning an output shaft operatively connected to said one or more thrust modules;(f) whereby power is provided at said output shaft. The method as recited in claim 18 wherein the velocity of said one or more thrust modules is at least Mach 3.0.