초록 ▼

Combined aircraft hybrid fuel cell auxiliary power unit and environmental control system and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes chemically converting a portion of combustible fuel into electrical energy. An unutilized portion of fuel emitted by the chemical conversion of com

Combined aircraft hybrid fuel cell auxiliary power unit and environmental control system and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes chemically converting a portion of combustible fuel into electrical energy. An unutilized portion of fuel emitted by the chemical conversion of combustible fuel is combusted to thermal power. The heated gas is used to drive a power recovery turbine connected to a drive shaft. A source of input oxidizing gas is compressed and is used to help chemically convert the combustible fuel into electrical energy. The heated gas is used to mechanically drive the power recovery turbine which is coupled to a generator to produce electrical energy.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A method of combining a fuel cell and a power recovery turbine to generate electrical power in an aircraft, the method comprising:chemically converting a portion of combustible fuel into electrical energy using the fuel cell coupled to a pressurized flow of air to generate dir

What is claimed is: 1. A method of combining a fuel cell and a power recovery turbine to generate electrical power in an aircraft, the method comprising:chemically converting a portion of combustible fuel into electrical energy using the fuel cell coupled to a pressurized flow of air to generate direct current and alternating current;combusting an unutilized portion of fuel emitted by the chemical conversion of combustible fuel to electrical power to generate heated gas;using the heated gas to drive the power recovery turbine connected to a drive shaft;compressing a source of input oxidizing gas using a compressor mounted on the drive shaft;using the compressed oxidizing gas to help chemically convert the combustible fuel into electrical energy;using the heated gas to drive the power recovery turbine which is coupled to a generator to produce electrical energy; andrecovering exhaust energy from the chemical conversion of combustible fuel into mechanical power;providing, via a first compressor powered by the mechanical power, pressurized source of conditioned cabin airproviding, via a second compressor powered by the mechanical power, the pressurized flow of air for the fuel cell; andusing a recovered exhaust waste to produce a water supply.