OXIDIZING FUEL IN MULTIPLE OPERATING MODES

摘要

A fuel oxidizer system is operated in a first operating mode. In the first operating mode, a mixture that includes fuel from a fuel source is compressed in a compressor of the fuel oxidizer system; the fuel of the compressed mixture is oxidized in a reaction chamber of the fuel oxidizer system; and the oxidized fuel is expanded to generate rotational kinetic energy. The fuel oxidizer system is operated in a second operating mode. In the second operating mode, fuel from the fuel source is directed to bypass the compressor, and the fuel that bypassed the compressor is oxidized in the reaction chamber.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
operating a fuel oxidizer system in a first operating mode, comprising:
directing fuel from a fuel source to a compressor;compressing a mixture comprising the fuel in the compressor to produce a compressed mixture comprising the fuel;oxidizing the fuel of the compressed mixture in a reaction chamber to produce a first oxidation product; anddirecting the first oxidation product to a turbine; andexpanding the first oxidation product in the turbine to generate rotational kinetic energy; and operating the fuel oxidizer system in a second operating mode, comprising:
directing fuel from the fuel source to the reaction chamber by bypassing the compressor;oxidizing the fuel in the reaction chamber to produce a second oxidation product; anddirecting the second oxidation product to an exhaust path by bypassing the turbine.