초록 ▼

An electrochemical converter is disposed within a pressure vessel that collects hot exhaust gases generated by the converter for delivery to a cogeneration bottoming device, such as a gas turbine. The bottoming device extracts energy from the waste heat generated by the converter, such as a fuel cel

An electrochemical converter is disposed within a pressure vessel that collects hot exhaust gases generated by the converter for delivery to a cogeneration bottoming device, such as a gas turbine. The bottoming device extracts energy from the waste heat generated by the converter, such as a fuel cell for the generation of electricity, yielding an improved efficiency energy system. Bottoming devices can include, for example, a gas turbine system or an heating, ventilation or cooling (HVAC) system. The pressure vessel can include a heat exchanger, such as a cooling jacket, for cooling the pressure vessel and/or preheating an input reactant to the electrochemical converter prior to introduction of the reactant to the converter. In one embodiment, a compressor of a gas turbine system assembly draws an input reactant through the pressure vessel heat exchanger and delivers the reactant under pressure to a fuel cell enclosed therein. Pressurized and heated fuel cell exhaust gases are collected by the pressure vessel and delivered to the turbine system expander. The fuel cell and the pressure vessel function as the combustor of the gas turbine assembly. The expander can perform mechanical work, or can be coupled to a generator to provide electrical energy in addition to that provided by the fuel cell. Also disclosed is a feedthrough for transferring a fluid, such as exhaust gases or an input reactant, from outside the pressure vessel to within the pressure vessel.

대표청구항 ▼

[ Having described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:] [34.] An method for producing power with an electrochemical converter power system, comprising the steps ofproviding an array of electrochemical converters for generating power, said array adapt

[ Having described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:] [34.] An method for producing power with an electrochemical converter power system, comprising the steps ofproviding an array of electrochemical converters for generating power, said array adapted for receiving input reactants,disposing said array of converters within a pressure vessel,collecting exhaust gases generated by said electrochemical converters during operation in said pressure vessel, andexhausting said collected exhaust gases from said pressure vessel for use external thereto.