Hydrogen turboexpander for use in an aviation propulsion system
US12359623B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 9, 2024 |
| Grant date | Jul 15, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 9, 2044 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF05D2260/213
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An aircraft propulsion system includes a gas turbine engine, a hydrogen-exhaust heat exchanger, and a hydrogen turboexpander. The hydrogen-exhaust heat exchanger is disposed relative to a turbine exhaust section so that a flow of exhaust gas exiting the engine is in communication with the hydrogen-exhaust heat exchanger. The hydrogen-exhaust heat exchanger changes a flow of liquid hydrogen to gaseous hydrogen. The hydrogen turboexpander has parallel first and second rotor shafts within a housing that includes a first and second rotor shaft cavities. The first rotor shaft and the first rotor shaft cavity define a first rotor shaft fluid flow path (RSFFP). The second rotor shaft and the second rotor shaft cavity define a second RSFFP. The first RSFFP is in series with the second RSFFP between an inlet port and an exit port. The exit port is in fluid communication with the combustor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.