Abstract: A gas compressor based on the use of a driven rotor having an axially oriented compression ramp traveling at a local supersonic inlet velocity (based on the combination of inlet gas velocity and tangential speed of the ramp) which forms a supersonic shockwave axially, between adjacent strakes. In using this method to compress inlet gas, the supersonic compressor efficiently achieves high compression ratios while utilizing a compact, stabilized gasdynamic flow path. Operated at supersonic speeds, the inlet stabilizes an oblique/normal shock system in the gasdyanamic flow path formed between the gas compression ramp on a strake, the shock capture lip on the adjacent strake, and captures the resultant pressure within the stationary external housing while providing a diffuser downstream of the compression ramp.

Abstract: A trapped vortex combustor for gas turbine engines. An annular combustor housing is provided having a plurality of inlet centerbodies disposed along a helical axis. The inlet centerbodies include a leading edge structure, opposing sidewalls, a pressurizable cavity, and a rear wall. Inlet centerbodies cooperate with adjacent structure and an aft bluff body to define a trapped vortex cavity combustion chamber for mixing an inlet fluid and burning fuel to form hot combustion gases. Mixing is enhanced by utilizing struts adjacent to the rear wall to create eddies in the fluid flow, and by injecting fuel and/or air in opposition to swirl created by the bulk fluid flow. Hot combustion gases are utilized in a turbine for extraction of kinetic energy, or in heat exchange equipment for recovery of thermal energy. High combustion efficiencies and less than 10 ppm emissions of oxides of nitrogen and of carbon monoxide are achieved.

Abstract: A rotary ramjet engine. A rotary ramjet engine is provided operating with a very low axial flow component. The engine has a closely housed rotor and shaft mounted for rotary motion with respect to an engine case. A plurality of ramjet combustors are provided at the periphery of the rotor, and a set of spaced apart helical strakes are provided extending outward from the surface portion of the rotor toward the interior wall of the engine case, less a running clearance therefrom. A centerbody is provided for each ramjet inlet. The centerbody is disposed along a helical axis parallel to the strakes, and includes a leading edge structure, opposing sidewalls, and a shaped cavity, and a rear end wall. Each set of strakes cooperate to define, rearward of the rear end wall of each inlet centerbody, a combustion chamber for mixing therewithin and inlet fluid and burning fuel therein to form hot combustion gases therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for generation of mechanical and electrical power. Ramjet type thrust modules (102a, 102b) operate at supersonic speeds (preferably Mach 3 to 4) at the distal or tip ends (116a, 116b) of a low aerodynamic drag rotor (106). Rotor (106) is affixed at a hub means (114) to a power output means including central rotating upper (104a) and lower (104b) shaft portions. Rotor (106) is a structural member which transmits the thrust generated by the thrust modules (102a, 102b) to the shaft portions (104a, 104b). The ramjet thrust modules (102a, 102b) capture and compress a supplied free air stream, which is mixed with and oxidizes a convenient liquid or gaseous fuel such as natural gas from fuel supply means (103). Combustion gases expand to create thrust to rotate the thrust modules (102a, 102b), which are constrained by the rotor (106), to rotates about the axis defined by the shaft (104a, 104b) at supersonic thrust module velocities, producing shaft energy.

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.

Abstract: A method of generating power. Ramjet structural components to provide inlet compression, a combustion chamber, and an outlet nozzle are provided at one or more circumferentially spaced locations along the periphery of a low aerodynamic drag rotor. Ramjet compression occurs by impingment of an inlet air stream between a rotating inlet structure and an adjacent stationary wall. The compressed air inlet stream provides oxygen for mixing with a fuel, such as natural gas, other suitable hydrocarbons, or hydrogen, which is supplied to the ramjet combustion chamber(s). Fuel is oxidized in the combustion chamber(s) to produce expanding combustion gases. Such gases escape out through a nozzle formed between a rotating outlet structure and a stationary wall. The ramjet operates at supersonic velocities, and preferably in excess of Mach 2.0, to produce shaft energy. The rotor rotates about an axis defined by an output shaft.

Abstract: A novel, improved method and apparatus for generation of mechanical and electrical power. Thrust module(s) is(are) provided on a low aerodynamic drag rotor. The rotor is affixed at a central hub to a shaft, and rotates about an axis defined by the shaft. The rotor acts as a structural member which transmits the thrust generated by the thrust module(s) onto the central power output shaft. In the preferred embodiment the thrust modules are ramjet engines, and the ramjet inlet captures and compresses an impinging inlet air stream. The compressed air stream thus provides oxygen for mixing with a fuel which is supplied to the ramjet thrust modules from a convenient fuel source such as natural gas. The fuel is oxidized in the thrust module(s) to produce combustion gases. The gases expand, and the exhaust flow creates thrust. The thrust motivates the ramjet engine to rotate at supersonic velocities, producing shaft energy.

Abstract: A ramjet engine power generator. Supersonic ramjets are provided at the distal ends of a low aerodynamic drag rotor. The rotor is affixed at a central hub to a shaft, and rotates about an axis defined by the shaft. The rotor acts as a structural member which transmits to the shaft the thrust generated by the ramjets. In the preferred embodiment, a partially shrouded ramjet inlet captures and compresses an impinging inlet air stream by utilizing inlet structures and an adjacent housing sidewall. The compressed air inlet stream provides oxygen for mixing with a fuel, such as natural gas, other suitable hydrocarbons, or hydrogen, which is supplied to the novel, preferably replaceable ramjet combustion chamber(s). Fuel is oxidized in the combustion chamber(s) to produce expanding combustion gases. Such gases escape out through a partially shrouded nozzle, acting against three outlet structures and an adjacent housing sidewall, rotating the ramjet at supersonic velocities, and producing shaft energy.

Abstract: A method of generating power. Ramjet structural components to provide inlet compression, a combustion chamber, and an outlet nozzle are provided at one or more circumferentially spaced locations along the periphery of a low aerodynamic drag rotor. Ramjet compression occurs by impingment of an inlet air stream between a rotating inlet structure and an adjacent stationary wall. The compressed air inlet stream provides oxygen for mixing with a fuel, such as natural gas, other suitable hydrocarbons, or hydrogen, which is supplied to the ramjet combustion chamber(s). Fuel is oxidized in the combustion chamber(s) to produce expanding combustion gases. Such gases escape out through a nozzle formed between a rotating outlet structure and a stationary wall. The ramjet operates at supersonic velocities, and preferably in excess of Mach 2.0, to produce shaft energy. The rotor rotates about an axis defined by an output shaft.

Abstract: A modular power plant apparatus, and method of power plant assembly. An inlet air module is provided on feet which are mounted on self centering rugged linear roller guides which are linearly displaceable along a track. When the fuel-air mixing module is retracted along the roller track, the main engine housing is pivoted on an engine stand, to position the output shaft upward. An exhaust bearing plate is removable from the main rotor housing, to allow the rotating element to be removed. When exposed, hot section elements can be inspected, repaired, and replaced.

Abstract: Fuel air mixing apparatus, and a method for design and operation of fuel-air mixing apparatus. An axial inlet air fan provides inlet air to an annular passageway having therein fuel supply structures through which fuel such as low pressure natural gas is injected. Vortex generators on the fuel supply structures create vortices to mix the inlet air with the injected fuel. Mixing is provided according to a pre-selected formula to control the ratio of transverse momentum to axial momentum, to thoroughly mix the fuel and the air, so as to provide a uniformly mixed inlet gas stream. This stream is fed to an unshrouded ramjet inlet which captures and compresses the mixed inlet gas stream by utilizing inlet structures and an adjacent housing sidewall structure. Fuel is oxidized in the combustion chamber(s) to produce expanding combustion gases.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for generation of mechanical and electrical power. Ramjet type thrust modules (102a, 102b) operate at supersonic speeds (preferably Mach 3 to 4) at the distal or tip ends (116a, 116b) of a low aerodynamic drag rotor (106). Rotor (106) is affixed at a hub means (114) to a power output means including central rotating upper (104a) and lower (104b) shaft portions. Rotor (106) is a structural member which transmits the thrust generated by the thrust modules (102a, 102b) to the shaft portions (104a, 104b). The ramjet thrust modules (102a, 102b) capture and compress a supplied free air stream, which is mixed with and oxidizes a convenient liquid or gaseous fuel such as natural gas from fuel supply means (103). Combustion gases expand to create thrust to rotate the thrust modules (102a, 102b), which are constrained by the rotor (106), to rotates about the axis defined by the shaft (104a, 104b) at supersonic thrust module velocities, producing shaft energy.

Abstract: A ramjet engine power generator. Supersonic ramjets are provided at the distal ends of a low aerodynamic drag rotor. The rotor is affixed at a central hub to a shaft, and rotates about an axis defined by the shaft. The rotor acts as a structural member which transmits to the shaft the thrust generated by the ramjets. In the preferred embodiment, a partially shrouded ramjet inlet captures and compresses an impinging inlet air stream by utilizing inlet structures and an adjacent housing sidewall. The compressed air inlet stream provides oxygen for mixing with a fuel, such as natural gas, other suitable hydrocarbons, or hydrogen, which is supplied to the novel, preferably replaceable ramjet combustion chamber(s). Fuel is oxidized in the combustion chamber(s) to produce expanding combustion gases. Such gases escape out through a partially shrouded nozzle, acting against three outlet structures and an adjacent housing sidewall, rotating the ramjet at supersonic velocities, and producing shaft energy.

Abstract: A method of generating power. Ramjet structural components to provide inlet compression, a combustion chamber, and an outlet nozzle are provided at one or more circumferentially spaced locations along the periphery of a low aerodynamic drag rotor. Ramjet compression occurs by impingment of an inlet air stream between a rotating inlet structure and an adjacent stationary wall. The compressed air inlet stream provides oxygen for mixing with a fuel, such as natural gas, other suitable hydrocarbons, or hydrogen, which is supplied to the ramjet combustion chamber(s). Fuel is oxidized in the combustion chamber(s) to produce expanding combustion gases. Such gases escape out through a nozzle formed between a rotating outlet structure and a stationary wall. The ramjet operates at supersonic velocities, and preferably in excess of Mach 2.0, to produce shaft energy. The rotor rotates about an axis defined by an output shaft.