Ramjet engine for power generation

Abstract

A ramjet engine power generator. Supersonic ramjets are provided along a portion of the circumference of a low aerodynamic drag rotor. The rotor is affixed at a central hub to a rotating shaft. The rotor acts as a structural member which transmits to the shaft the thrust generated by the ramjets. In the preferred embodiment, a ramjet inlet captures and compresses an inlet air stream by utilizing the rotor edge profile, the confining strakes which are affixed on the rotor adjacent the thrust module, and an adjacent peripheral and preferably stationary housing sidewall. The compressed air inlet stream provides oxygen for mixing with a fuel, such as natural gas, other suitable hydrocarbons, or hydrogen. The fuel is oxidized in the ramjet combustion chamber(s) to produce expanding combustion gases. Such combustion gases escape by acting against the ramjet outlet throat, adjacent strake structures and the adjacent peripheral housing sidewall, rotating the ramjet at supersonic velocities, and producing shaft energy. A helical strake effectively separates the incoming fuel air mixture from the outgoing combustion gases. In one embodiment, the strake further includes a plurality of cooling orifices which allow passage through the strake of cooling gas, and also reducing boundary layer thickness, thus reducing drag.