Hybrid electric-combustion power plant

United States Patent

Manikowski, Jr. et al.

[19]

US005899175A [ii] Patent Number: [45] Date of Patent:

5,899,175 May 4,1999

[21]

[22]

[51] [52] [58]

[56]

Appl. No.: 08/819,581
Filed: Mar. 14, 1997

Int. CI. F02B 43/08

U.S. CI 123/3; 123/DIG. 12

Field of Search 123/3, DIG. 12

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Primary Examiner—-John T. Kwon

Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Morrison & Foerster LLP

This is a procedure for producing power and a hybrid power generation unit for practicing such a process. In particular, the procedure uses a thermal or catalytic cracker to partially crack or partially pyrolyze a liquid petroleum fuel to produce a gaseous stream containing hydrogen (and perhaps methane or other short-chain hydrocarbons) and a liquid hydrocarbon intermediate fuel. The hydrogen is then used in a fuel cell to produce electricity which then used in a linear or rotary electric motor. The intermediate liquid fuel is then fed to an internal or external combustion engine for further production of mechanical power. Most preferred of the combustion engines is one running on an Atkinson cycle.

34 Claims, 3 Drawing Sheets