Patent · US Active

Enhanced efficiency turbine

US9059440B2 · kind B2 · utility

50Cited by
134References
41Claims
0Family size

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Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateSep 22, 2011
Grant dateJun 16, 2015
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 15, 2033

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02T90/40
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

Hydrocarbon fuel is sent to a reformer, which produces carbon and hydrogen. The hydrogen is sent to a fuel cell which uses it to generate electricity, and the electricity is used to actuate an electric motor that is coupled to an output shaft of a turbine to impart torque to the shaft. Additionally, hydrocarbon fuel can be provided to the turbine intake directly and/or carbon from the reformer can be mixed with steam from the fuel cell and sent to the turbine intake, in either case to impinge on the turbine blades and impart further torque to the output shaft.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.