Abstract An integrated plasmatron-turbine system which is capable of producing and utilizing clean burning hydrogen-rich gas is provided. The system may be incorporated into vehicles, stationary turbines, and the like to reduce emissions. The system may also be used to generate electricity in a power generating station. The system includes a plasmatron which reforms fuel into a hydrogen-rich gas and a turbine driven by the hydrogen-rich gas jet from the plasmatron. The turbine converts the heat and kinetic energy of the hydrogen-rich gas into electricity using an alternator. The alternator provides electricity to the plasmatron and may also be used to charge a battery for plasmatron initiation. Additional electricity may be used for other needs of the vehicle or stationary turbine. The hydrogen-rich gas can then utilized as clean burning fuel in a combustor coupled into the same turbine, in a second turbine or in an internal combustion engine.
An integrated plasmatron-turbine system comprising: a plasmatron configured to receive hydrocarbon fuel and reform the hydrocarbon fuel into a hydrogen-rich gas; a turbine connected to the plasmatron and configured to receive the hydrogen-rich gas from the plasmatron, the turbine further configured to convert energy in the hydrogen-rich gas, prior to combustion to produce mechanical power; and a generator connected to the turbine and configured to produce electricity from the mechanical power produced by the turbine.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
75 words
An integrated plasmatron-turbine system comprising: a plasmatron configured to receive hydrocarbon fuel and reform the hydrocarbon fuel into a hydrogen-rich gas; a turbine connected to the plasmatron and configured to receive the hydrogen-rich gas from the plasmatron, the turbine further configured to convert energy in the hydrogen-rich gas, prior to combustion to produce mechanical power; and a generator connected to the turbine and configured to produce electricity from the mechanical power produced by the turbine.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The integrated plasmatron-turbine system of claim 1, wherein the hydrocarbon fuel comprises gasoline.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The integrated plasmatron-turbine system of claim 1, wherein the hydrocarbon fuel comprises diesel fuel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The integrated plasmatron-turbine system of claim 1, wherein the hydrocarbon fuel comprises natural gas.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The integrated plasmatron-turbine system of claim 1, wherein the hydrocarbon fuel comprises methanol.