Enhanced efficiency turbine

摘要

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.

主权项

1. A system comprising:
at least one reformer assembly receiving hydrocarbon fuel and outputting hydrogen from as first output and product depleted of hydrogen from a second output separate from the first output outputting hydrogen; at least one fuel cell receiving hydrogen from the first output of the reformer but not being connected to the second output of the reformer, the fuel cell providing a first energy output and an output of exhaust; product from the second output of the reformer being directed into a receiver such that the receiver receives both the exhaust from the fuel cell and the product from the second output of the reformer.