US 2026/0139623 A1 · PORTABLE GAS TURBINE HEATER

Abstract

A lightweight and portable heating unit produces heated air which is substantially breathable due to the burn efficiency of the unit. Fuel consumption is lower than known heating units. The disclosed unit incorporates micro turbine technology and a novel starting arrangement which relies on brushless DC motors coupled to a fan/turbine hybrid rotor which, after starting the unit, generate electrical power to sustain operation of the unit without the need for additional power input. The heating unit utilizes a dual inlet air filter system which minimizes the risk of dust and debris entering the system. The heating unit also provides a nozzle housing which utilizes incoming fuel to not only maintain service temperature but also to preheat the fuel prior to combustion. An additional feature of the present invention is the provision of an ejector which operates without the need for a fan or other complicated mechanical support system while efficiently providing dilution air.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A gas turbine heater comprising:

a plenum;
a fresh air inlet attached to the plenum, wherein the fresh air inlet has a long axis;
a compressor to which the plenum is attached;
a combustor to which the compressor is attached
a turbine attached to the compressor;
a hot air pipe attached to the turbine;
a fan/generator unit in coaxial alignment with the long axis of the air inlet, the fan/generator unit being a combination of a fan and a generator integrally combined into a single unit, the single unit being selectively operable so as to run as either a fan or a generator;
and
an external power source selectively operable to provide electrical power to the gas turbine when the fan/generator unit is operating as a fan.

6 more elements

The method of operating a gas turbine heater, the method comprising:

forming a gas turbine heater which includes a program controller, an external power supply for initially operating the heater, a plenum, a fresh air inlet attached to the plenum, a compressor to which the plenum is attached, a combustor to which the compressor is attached, the combustor includes a first end and a second end and wherein a fuel nozzle is attached to the first end, a turbine attached to the compressor and to the second end of the combustor, a hot air pipe attached to the turbine, and a fan/generator unit positioned in the fresh air inlet, the fan/generator unit being a combination of a fan and a generator integrally combined into a single unit, the single unit being selectively operable so as to run as either a fan or a generator, the air inlet has a long axis, the fan/generator unit being in coaxial alignment with the long axis of the air inlet, the fresh air inlet further including a mass air flow sensor and a throttle body for regulating air flow;
closing the throttle body to block air flow through the fresh air inlet;
engaging the coaxial fan/generator unit to function as a fan and generates air flow which drives the compressor;
upon reaching a pre-designated speed, the mass air flow sensor identifies the operating condition which causes fuel to enter the combustor through the fuel nozzle;
igniting the fuel entering the combustor, the ignition of the fuel causing the turbine to rotate;
when the turbine achieves a certain rotational speed, the coaxial fan/generator ceases operation as a fan and switches to operation as a power generator by way of the air flow being drawn through the fresh air inlet;
and
displacing the external power supply by operation of the coaxial fan/generator as a power generator.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Portable gas turbine heater

Life of this patent

Portable gas turbine heater

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20