Method and apparatus for power generation using rotating ramjets

Abstract

A novel, improved method and apparatus for generation of mechanical and electrical power. Thrust module(s) is(are) provided on a low aerodynamic drag rotor. The rotor is affixed at a central hub to a shaft, and rotates about an axis defined by the shaft. The rotor acts as a structural member which transmits the thrust generated by the thrust module(s) onto the central power output shaft. In the preferred embodiment the thrust modules are ramjet engines, and the ramjet inlet captures and compresses an impinging inlet air stream. The compressed air stream thus provides oxygen for mixing with a fuel which is supplied to the ramjet thrust modules from a convenient fuel source such as natural gas. The fuel is oxidized in the thrust module(s) to produce combustion gases. The gases expand, and the exhaust flow creates thrust. The thrust motivates the ramjet engine to rotate at supersonic velocities, producing shaft energy. Escaping exhaust gases may be cooled by passing them through a heat exchanger to capture a portion of the available enthalpy by heating a secondary heat transfer fluid. 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.