Modular, hybrid power system
US5589758A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 7, 1993 |
| Grant date | Dec 31, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 7, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T50/60
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A power system provides various levels of electrical power at various radio frequencies to specific input locations of a neutral particle beam accelerator system. Both the power system and the accelerator system are mounted on a space platform. The power system includes separate modules mounted on two hinged members of the platform. The modules utilize turbines, generators and fuel cells to provide the needed electrical power which is amplified to the desired levels required by the accelerator system. In addition, a fuel cell is utilized to power a pulse drive motor to drive the generators during turbine start up in order to provide high voltage output power during the start up. A regenerator produces hydrogen and oxygen from the water effluent produced by the fuel cells and the combustors which powers the turbines thereby recycling the fuel and working fluid and consequently making the power system generally non-contaminating and fuel efficient. A thermal management subsystem circulates hydrogen through both the accelerator and power systems, and the hydrogen is utilized as both a coolant and a fuel/working fluid for power production thereby enhancing the energy efficiency of the …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.