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Abstract

An apparatus (100) for generation of mechanical and electrical power. Ramjet type thrust modules (102a, 102b) operate at supersonic speeds (preferably Mach 3 to 4) at the distal or tip ends (116a, 116b) of a low aerodynamic drag rotor (106). Rotor (106) is affixed at a hub means (114) to a power output means including central rotating upper (104a) and lower (104b) shaft portions. Rotor (106) is a structural member which transmits the thrust generated by the thrust modules (102a, 102b) to the shaft portions (104a, 104b). The ramjet thrust modules (102a, 102b) capture and compress a supplied free air stream, which is mixed with and oxidizes a convenient liquid or gaseous fuel such as natural gas from fuel supply means (103). Combustion gases expand to create thrust to rotate the thrust modules (102a, 102b), which are constrained by the rotor (106), to rotates about the axis defined by the shaft (104a, 104b) at supersonic thrust module velocities, producing shaft energy. Escaping exhaust gases (160) may be cooled by passing them through an enthalpy extraction section (162) to heat a secondary heat transfer fluid (166). If the secondary heat transfer fluid (166) is water, the steam may be used directly for its thermal energy, or the steam sent to a steam turbine to produce additional shaft energy. Combustion gases (160) may also be directed through a reaction turbine (1002) to utilize remaining kinetic energy to generate shaft energy. The apparatus and method is particularly useful for generation of electrical and mechanical power at substantially improved efficiency rates when compared to conventional, prior art power plants.

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