Hydrogen Hybrid Cycle System
Patent Number: US 12092021 Grant Date: 2024-09-17 Filing Date: 2022-10-31
Overview
Filed on October 31, 2022 and granted on September 17, 2024, this patent describes a hydrogen-driven closed-loop power cycle that converts the heat from near‑stoichiometric H2/O2 combustion into mechanical work via steam‑injected turbines. Inventors based in Canyon, TX, and an applicant based in San Antonio, TX developed a system architecture that pairs a combustion re‑heater with a multi‑temperature heat recovery steam generator and steam‑water mixer to produce controllable generated steam while using cooling steam or pressurized water to protect the combustion chamber. The claim scope emphasizes system‑level integration—including phase management for hydrogen and oxygen, multi‑stage steam injection and reheating, and flexible feedwater/steam routing—to improve cycle efficiency and operational flexibility without relying on conventional air compressors.
The prosecution underscores thoughtful claim drafting that distinguishes from prior art by eliminating compressor stages and by capturing multi‑temperature steam recovery and mixer subsystems that support safe, high‑temperature combustion and turbine compatibility.
Key Features
- Closed‑loop H2/O2 combustion producing high‑temperature generated steam for steam‑injected turbines
- Multi‑temperature heat recovery steam generator and steam‑water mixer for optimized cooling and reheating
- Hydrogen/oxygen phase management and impurity tolerance for practical deployment
- Configurable multi‑stage turbines with reheating and bypass options
This patent positions the technology as a low‑emission, scalable power option for utilities, locomotives, and industrial CHP applications and highlights the firm’s technical drafting strength in energy conversion innovations.
Invention Details
Abstract: A hydrogen hybrid cycle system configured to convert heat into mechanical work by burning a H2 and an O2. The hydrogen hybrid cycle system comprises a H2 source, an O2 source, a combustion chamber, a first steam injected gas turbine, a load, a heat recovery steam generator and a water pump. The H2 source provides the H2 to the combustion chamber. The O2 source provides the O2 to the combustion chamber. The combustion chamber burns portions of the H2 and the O2. The hydrogen hybrid cycle system burns the H2 and the O2 at or near stoichiometry in the combustion chamber. The hydrogen hybrid cycle system cools the combustion chamber with at least one of a cooling steam and a water.
Summary of the Invention: A hydrogen hybrid cycle system configured to convert heat into mechanical work by burning a H2 and an O2. Said hydrogen hybrid cycle system comprises a H2 source, an O2 source, a combustion chamber, a first steam injected gas turbine, a load, a heat recovery steam generator and a water pump. Said H2 source provides said H2 to said combustion chamber. Said O2 source provides said O2 to said combustion chamber. Said combustion chamber burns portions of said H2 and said O2. Said hydrogen hybrid cycle system burns said H2 and said O2 at or near stoichiometry in said combustion chamber. Said hydrogen hybrid cycle system cools said combustion chamber with at least one of a cooling steam and a water. Said combustion chamber creates a generated steam. Said generated steam turns said first steam injected gas turbine. Said first steam injected gas turbine is coupled said load.
A power generation method for producing useful work through said hydrogen hybrid cycle system includes following stages, or components: a combustion step, a steam generation step, a driving turbine step, a generating power step, a generating cooling steam step and a cooling stream for combustion step. Said combustion step comprises receiving said H2 in said combustion chamber, receiving said O2 in said combustion chamber, and burning portions of said H2 and said O2 in said combustion chamber. Said steam generation step comprises cooling said combustion chamber with said cooling steam and said water, and generating said generated steam. Said driving turbine step comprises driving said first steam injected gas turbine with said generated steam. Said generating power step comprises generating said cooling steam with said heat recovery steam generator, and delivering said cooling steam from said heat recovery steam generator to said combustion chamber through one or more cooling steam passages. Said generating cooling steam step comprises cooling said combustion chamber with said cooling steam.
Patent Document
Related: Energy & Hydrogen Technology | Mechanical Engineering | Thermal Systems | Canyon, Texas | San Antonio, Texas | Shannon Warren, Patent Attorney