Systems and methods for generating power using a combustion source

A power generation system comprising:

• a pulse detonation engine configured to detonate fuel and oxidizer mixtures, the pulse detonation engine including a combustion chamber having a fuel inlet, an oxidizer inlet, and an ignition source;
• a linear power generator configured to generate power responsive to detonations that occur within the combustion chamber of the pulse detonation engine, the linear power generator including a working chamber and a drive piston disposed within the working chamber, the drive piston being configured to linearly travel along a length of the working chamber;
• a divergent nozzle formed by an inner wall, wherein the divergent nozzle links the combustion chamber of the pulse detonation engine with the working chamber of the linear power generator and expands exhaust gas expelled from the combustion chamber, wherein the divergent nozzle gradually increases in cross-sectional area to increase the thermodynamic efficiency of the system;
• and
• a passive exhaust flap having a pivot point about which the passive exhaust flap can pivot, the passive exhaust flap being configured to automatically open and close during operation of the power generation system to enable exhaust gases to exit the working chamber of the linear power generator, wherein the passive exhaust flap aligns with the inner wall of the divergent nozzle when closed.