# US 6,973,792 B2 · Method of and apparatus for a multi-stage boundary layer engine and process cell

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- Number: US 6,973,792 B2
- Document ID: US6973792B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 10/676,827
- Filed: 2003-10-02
- Published: 2005-08-04
- Granted: 2005-12-13
- Earliest claimed: 2002-10-02
- Inventors: Kenneth Hicks
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US6973792B2

## CPC

- F01D 1/36: using fluid friction
- B82Y 30/00: Nanotechnology for materials or surface science, e.g. nanocomposites
- B33Y 80/00: Products made by additive manufacturing
- F05D 2300/143: Platinum group metals, i.e. Os, Ir, Pt, Ru, Rh, Pd
- F05D 2300/21: Oxide ceramics
- Y02T 50/60: Efficient propulsion technologies, e.g. for aircraft
- F01D: NON-POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, e.g. STEAM TURBINES (machines or engines for liquids F03; non-positive displacement pumps F04D)
- B82Y: SPECIFIC USES OR APPLICATIONS OF NANOSTRUCTURES; MEASUREMENT OR ANALYSIS OF NANOSTRUCTURES; MANUFACTURE OR TREATMENT OF NANOSTRUCTURES
- B33Y: ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING, i.e. MANUFACTURING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL [3D] OBJECTS BY ADDITIVE DEPOSITION, ADDITIVE AGGLOMERATION OR ADDITIVE LAYERING, e.g. BY 3D PRINTING, STEREOLITHOGRAPHY OR SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING
- F05D: INDEXING SCHEME FOR ASPECTS RELATING TO NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, GAS-TURBINES OR JET-PROPULSION PLANTS
- Y02T: CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION

## Abstract

A multi-staged boundary layer engine and process cell, (based on the effect known as adhesion and viscosity) which achieves high thermal efficiencies and high mechanical power output for use in the power generation, geothermal, energy recovery, solar, transportation, hydrogen production, desalinating water and hydroelectric fields. The design is novel with a dovetail attachment of the disc packs, allowing lower stress and allowing the use of next generation materials such as ceramics, composites and nanocomposites to improve the maximum temperature and the maximum RPM of the engine, thereby producing more horsepower and torque. In addition, this invention includes multi-stage vacuum, an external combustion chamber and condenser stages to improve the vortex flow through the primary disc pack cell. This engine will also encompass a closed loop cycle for ultimate efficiencies. This invention will also include the use of catalysts and/or electrical polarities applied to the disc pack and the disc pack/casing respectively to achieve low NOx and also to achieve process cell capability for applications such as desalinization and hydrogen generation.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A boundary layer turbine, comprising:
a housing, formed to create a cavity therein;
at least one inlet port, wherein the inlet port is coupled to the housing;
at least one outlet port, wherein the outlet port is coupled to the housing;
a shaft, comprised of two ends, wherein at least one end of the shaft extends outside the housing, and at least a portion of the shaft extends within the housing;
a plurality of discs with at least one hole at or near the center thereof,
an exhaust cone, mounted at or near the center of the plurality of discs, wherein the exhaust cone includes at least one vacuum release tube; and,
a mounting means, wherein the mounting means connects the plurality of discs to the shaft using a dovetail connection.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The boundary layer turbine of claim 1, wherein the plurality of discs are in physical contact with each other.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The boundary layer turbine of claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of discs are etched such that at least one channel is formed between the discs.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The boundary layer turbine of claim 1, wherein the mounting means uses an internal dovetail connection to connect the plurality of discs to the shaft.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The boundary layer turbine of claim 1, wherein the shape of the exhaust cone is controllable.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The boundary layer turbine of claim 1, wherein the discs are made of a ceramic material.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The boundary layer turbine of claim 1, wherein the discs are coated with a ceramic material.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The boundary layer turbine of claim 1, wherein the discs are coated with a catalyst.

### Claim 9 (depends on 8)

The boundary layer turbine of claim 8, wherein the catalyst is Platinum.

### Claim 10 (depends on 8)

The boundary layer turbine of claim 8, wherein the catalyst is an alloy comprised of a combination of at least Nickel and Tin.

### Claim 11 (depends on 1)

The boundary layer turbine of claim 1, wherein the surface of the plurality of discs have been etched.

### Claim 12 (depends on 1)

The boundary layer turbine of claim 1, wherein six inlet ports are used.