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The present invention combines the principles of a gas turbine engine with an electric transmission system. A method and apparatus are disclosed for utilizing metallic and ceramic elements to store heat energy derived from a regenerative braking system. The subject invention uses this regenerated el

The present invention combines the principles of a gas turbine engine with an electric transmission system. A method and apparatus are disclosed for utilizing metallic and ceramic elements to store heat energy derived from a regenerative braking system. The subject invention uses this regenerated electrical energy to provide additional energy storage over conventional electrical storage methods suitable for a gas turbine engine. The subject invention provides engine braking for a gas turbine engine as well as reducing fuel consumption.

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1. A method, comprising: receiving electrical energy from a regenerative braking system;converting at least a portion of the received electrical energy into thermal energy;transferring, directly and/or indirectly, the thermal energy to a pressurized working fluid to form a heated pressurized working

1. A method, comprising: receiving electrical energy from a regenerative braking system;converting at least a portion of the received electrical energy into thermal energy;transferring, directly and/or indirectly, the thermal energy to a pressurized working fluid to form a heated pressurized working fluid;introducing the heated pressurized working fluid into at least one turbine to propel a vehicle; andwherein the converting step is performed within a pressure boundary of a gas turbine engine. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the regenerative braking system comprises a mechanical-to-electrical conversion device, at least one of which is a synchronous or asynchronous alternator, a generator, a permanent magnet machine, a direct current (“DC”) generator, a switched reluctance machine and a traction motor, and a DC bus and further comprising: when the vehicle brakes, engaging the mechanical-to-electrical conversion device to generate the electrical energy; andstoring the thermal energy in a heat storage element in thermal communication with the pressurized working fluid. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the transferring step is performed between a cold side of a recuperator and a combustor. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the transferring step is performed in a combustor. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the transferring step is performed between a combustor and a high pressure turbine. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the transferring step is performed between a high pressure turbine and a low pressure turbine. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the transferring step is performed between a low pressure turbine and a free power turbine. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the transferring step is performed upstream of a hot side of a recuperator. 9. The method of claim 2, wherein the heat storage element has the following characteristics: a density of at least about 1,800 kg/m3;a heat capacity of at least about 400 J/kg-K; anda melting temperature in excess of a maximum temperature in the combustor. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the heat storage element is at least one of graphite, boron nitride, boron carbide, silicon carbide, silicon dioxide, magnesium oxide, tungsten carbide, alumina, a Kanthal alloy, and an Inconel alloy. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein, during an extended period of regenerative braking, a first portion of the pressurized working fluid is passed through a cold side of a recuperator and a second portion of the pressurized working fluid bypasses the recuperator. 12. A method, comprising: receiving electrical energy from a regenerative braking system;converting at least a portion of the received electrical energy into thermal energy;transferring, directly and/or indirectly, the thermal energy to a pressurized working fluid to form a heated pressurized working fluid, wherein said transferring is performed between a cold side of a recuperator and a combustor; andintroducing the heated pressurized working fluid into at least one turbine to propel a vehicle. 13. A method, comprising: receiving electrical energy from a regenerative braking system;converting at least a portion of the received electrical energy into thermal energy;transferring, directly and/or indirectly, the thermal energy to a pressurized working fluid to form a heated pressurized working fluid;introducing the heated pressurized working fluid into at least one turbine to propel a vehicle;wherein the regenerative braking system comprises a mechanical-to-electrical conversion device, which is at least one of a synchronous or asynchronous alternator, a generator, a permanent magnet machine, a direct current (“DC”) generator, a switched reluctance machine, and a traction motor, and a DC bus and further comprising: when the vehicle brakes, engaging the mechanical-to-electrical conversion device to generate the electrical energy, andstoring the thermal energy in a heat storage element in thermal communication with the pressurized working fluid; andwherein the heat storage element has the following characteristics: a density of at least about 1,800 kg/m3,a heat capacity of at least about 400 J/kg-K, anda melting temperature in excess of a maximum temperature in the combustor. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the heat storage element is at least one of graphite, boron nitride, boron carbide, silicon carbide, silicon dioxide, magnesium oxide, tungsten carbide, alumina, a Kanthal alloy, and an Inconel alloy. 15. A method, comprising: receiving electrical energy from a regenerative braking system;converting at least a portion of the received electrical energy into thermal energy;transferring, directly and/or indirectly, the thermal energy to a pressurized working fluid to form a heated pressurized working fluid;introducing the heated pressurized working fluid into at least one turbine to propel a vehicle; andwherein, during an extended period of regenerative braking, a first portion of the pressurized working fluid is passed through a cold side of a recuperator and a second portion of the pressurized working fluid bypasses the recuperator.