Hybrid fuel-cell electric-combustion power system using complete pyrolysis

Abstract

This is a procedure for producing mechanical power and a hybrid power generation unit for practicing such a process. In particular, the procedure uses a thermal or catalytic cracker to crack or to pyrolyze (partially or completely) a liquid or gaseous petroleum fuel to produce a primary gaseous stream primarily containing hydrogen (and likely methane or other short-chain hydrocarbons). The hydrogen may be used in a fuel cell to produce electricity, which electricity is used in a linear or rotary electric motor. In the preferred procedure, the residuum of the pyrolyzed feedstock is laid down in the reactor. A regeneration step is used to remove that residuum and produce a carbon monoxide-rich gas which then may be introduced to an internal or external combustion engine for further production of mechanical power. Most preferred of the combustion engines is one having high thermal efficiency. This combination of pyrolysis, fuel cell, and high efficiency heat engine results in a procedure and device which is significantly more efficient in terms of utilizing the energy present in the feedstock hydrocarbon fuel. Additionally, under high temperature operation when the fuel to the engine is a carbon monoxide-rich gas, the emissions from the system will be substantially lower than for conventional power systems. Finally, when some portion of the process heat required by the pyrolysis and de-coking operations is obtained from waste heat from the engine, an increase in the total thermal content of the fuel can be realized, further increasing the overall fuel economy of the hybrid system.