Patent ID: 8016228

Claim:
A method of combining a fuel cell and a power recovery turbine to generate electrical power in an aircraft, the method comprising: chemically converting a portion of combustible fuel into electrical energy using the fuel cell coupled to a pressurized flow of air to generate direct current and alternating current; combusting an unutilized portion of fuel emitted by the chemical conversion of combustible fuel to electrical power to generate heated gas; using the heated gas to drive the power recovery turbine connected to a drive shaft; compressing a source of input oxidizing gas using a compressor mounted on the drive shaft; using the compressed oxidizing gas to help chemically convert the combustible fuel into electrical energy; using the heated gas to drive the power recovery turbine which is coupled to a generator to produce electrical energy; and recovering exhaust energy from the chemical conversion of combustible fuel into mechanical power; providing, via a first compressor powered by the mechanical power, pressurized source of conditioned cabin air providing, via a second compressor powered by the mechanical power, the pressurized flow of air for the fuel cell; and using a recovered exhaust waste to produce a water supply.