Abstract: A power system for an aircraft includes a solid oxide fuel cell system which generates electric power for the aircraft and an exhaust stream; and a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the exhaust stream of the solid oxide fuel cell to a heat requiring system or component of the aircraft. The heat can be transferred to fuel for the primary engine of the aircraft. Further, the same fuel can be used to power both the primary engine and the SOFC. A heat exchanger is positioned to cool reformate before feeding to the fuel cell. SOFC exhaust is treated and used as inerting gas. Finally, oxidant to the SOFC can be obtained from the aircraft cabin, or exterior, or both.

Abstract: A power system for an aircraft includes a solid oxide fuel cell system which generates electric power for the aircraft and an exhaust stream; and a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the exhaust stream of the solid oxide fuel cell to a heat requiring system or component of the aircraft. The heat can be transferred to fuel for the primary engine of the aircraft. Further, the same fuel can be used to power both the primary engine and the SOFC. A heat exchanger is positioned to cool reformate before feeding to the fuel cell. SOFC exhaust is treated and used as inerting gas. Finally, oxidant to the SOFC can be obtained from the aircraft cabin, or exterior, or both.

Abstract: A power system for an aircraft includes a solid oxide fuel cell system which generates electric power for the aircraft and an exhaust stream; and a heat exchanger for transferring heat from the exhaust stream of the solid oxide fuel cell to a heat requiring system or component of the aircraft. The heat can be transferred to fuel for the primary engine of the aircraft. Further, the same fuel can be used to power both the primary engine and the SOFC. A heat exchanger is positioned to cool reformate before feeding to the fuel cell. SOFC exhaust is treated and used as inerting gas. Finally, oxidant to the SOFC can be obtained from the aircraft cabin, or exterior, or both.

Abstract: A fuel based thermal management system according to the present invention includes a fuel stabilization system which permits the fuel to exceed the traditional coking temperatures. An air-to-fuel heat exchanger operates as an environmental control system (ECS) pre-cooler such that the heat from the engine compressor bleed air is rejected into the fuel to maintain engine operating efficiency.

Abstract: A cooling system for a gas turbine engine includes a fuel deoxygenator for increasing the cooling capacity of the fuel. The fuel deoxygenator removes dissolved gases from the fuel to prevent the formation of insoluble deposits. The prevention of insoluble deposits increases the usable cooling capacity of the fuel. The increased cooling capacity of the deoxygenated fuel provides a greater heat sink for cooling air used to protect engine components. The improved cooling capacity of the cooling air provides for increased engine operating temperatures that improves overall engine efficiency.