HYBRID RADIANT ENERGY AIRCRAFT ENGINE

摘要

Hybrid aircraft propulsion systems are disclosed comprising an electrically driven ducted fan, a peripheral duct or enclosure, a combustion-produced source of radiant energy, radiant energy receivers or cold mirrors, and thermophotovoltaic or thermoelectric cell energy converters. An electric motor drives a partially or completely duct enclosed fan. Downstream and within the duct enclosure, radiant energy emitters irradiated receiver fins and thermophotovoltaic cells or thermoelectric cells. The receiver fins heat and expand the fan air, and the thermophotovoltaic cells or thermoelectric cells convert the radiant energy into electrical energy which is available to charge batteries and energize the fan motor. Thrust is provided via the acceleration of air by the fan and by the acceleration of air due to heat driven expansion.

主权项

1. A hybrid radiant energy aircraft engine, comprising:
an electric motor driven tubeaxial fan; a peripheral duct enclosing operating components; an electric motor to drive the fan; at least two radiant energy-receiver fins located downstream from the fan and located with their major dimensions parallel to airflow; at least one radiant energy radiator configured to deliver radiant energy; optionally, at least one cold mirror; optionally, at least one heat exchanger for preheating; and at least one thermophotovoltaic cell, at least one thermoelectric cell or a combination thereof positioned to receive a portion of the radiant energy; wherein the radiant energy radiator is combustion driven; wherein the tubeaxial fan directs air past the radiant energy-receiver fins; wherein the radiant-energy receiver fins heat the downstream fan air thereby expanding the downstream fan air, increasing the pressure of the downstream fan air, or a combination thereof; wherein optional preheating of the combustion air is provided via at least one heat exchanger; wherein the thermophotovoltaic cells or thermoelectric cells or combination thereof convert a portion of the radiant energy into electrical energy; wherein that electrical energy is available to power the fan motor and to charge batteries and for other auxiliary uses; and wherein thrust produced is the result of any combination of acceleration of air due to the action of the fan and expansion of the fan air due to heating.