Hydrogen Fuel Heat Source Using an Auxiliary Combustor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hydrogen-powered gas turbine engines require a starting heater to convert liquid hydrogen to a gaseous state for efficient combustion, which adds weight and electrical demand to the system.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an auxiliary combustor in the hydrogen fuel supply system to heat liquid hydrogen to a gaseous state, eliminating the need for separate starting and vent heaters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a starting heater is used to convert liquid hydrogen to gaseous state, then hydrogen can be efficiently mixed with air for combustion, but system weight and electrical demand increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen combustion efficiencyVSAvoidsystem weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the starting heater function with the auxiliary combustor, allowing the combustor to serve dual purposes: generating power and vaporizing liquid hydrogen. This integration eliminates the need for a separate starting heater, reducing system weight while maintaining hydrogen combustion efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary combustor is designed to perform multiple functions: it generates electrical power during normal operation and also serves as a starting heater to vaporize liquid hydrogen during engine startup. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated starting equipment, reducing overall system weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a starting heater is used to convert liquid hydrogen to gaseous state, then hydrogen can be efficiently mixed with air for combustion, but electrical demand increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen combustion efficiencyVSAvoidelectrical demand

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the starting heater function with the auxiliary combustor, allowing the combustor to vaporize liquid hydrogen during startup without requiring separate electrical heating elements. This integration significantly reduces the electrical demand required for hydrogen vaporization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary combustor uses its own combustion process to generate the heat needed for vaporizing liquid hydrogen, rather than relying on external electrical power sources. This self-service approach reduces electrical demand while maintaining combustion efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Temperature

If separate starting and vent heaters are used, then liquid hydrogen can be heated to gaseous state, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrogen phase changeVSAvoidheater system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the starting heater and vent heater functions into a single auxiliary combustor system. This consolidation reduces device complexity by eliminating multiple separate heating components while maintaining the ability to perform both starting and venting operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary combustor is designed as a universal heating device that can perform both starting (vaporization) and venting functions. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall system architecture by replacing multiple specialized heaters with one versatile component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Reduces system weight and electrical requirements by using the auxiliary combustor to convert liquid hydrogen to a gaseous state, enhancing engine startup efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

burning a portion of the gaseous hydrogen to produce the heat energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 2

a heat exchanger coupled to the combustor to use the heat energy of the combustor to heat liquid hydrogen in the pipeline

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

heat liquid hydrogen to change phase to a gaseous state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentUS12529338B1Heat source for hydrogen fuel supply system

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 GE AVIO SRL

AI summary

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for a heat source for a hydrogen fuel supply system of a turbine engine. An example apparatus includes a heat source configured to burn gaseous hydrogen to produce heat energy and a byproduct of combustion, a pipeline to transport gaseous hydrogen from a hydrogen supply to the heat source, a vent coupled to the heat source to vent excess gaseous hydrogen and the byproduct of combustion, and a heat exchanger coupled to the heat source to use the heat energy of the heat source to heat liquid hydrogen in the pipeline.