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.

Abstract: 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.