System and method for power production using a hybrid helical detonation device

A method of generating electric power using an electric power generating system, wherein the system comprises:

• a pulsed detonation engine comprising a plurality of hybrid helical detonation tubes, which receive fuel and air and provide combustion exhaust;
• a turbine which receives the combustion exhaust and provides rotational energy;
• a generator which receives torque from the turbine and generates electric power;
• and a digital controller configured (a) to determine a number of the plurality of hybrid helical detonation tubes that are active, (b) to adjust the number of the plurality of hybrid helical detonation tubes that are active in response to power demands, and (c) to take any of the plurality of hybrid helical detonation tubes offline for maintenance, while maintaining operation of the pulsed detonation engine, and wherein the method comprises:
• injecting fuel and air into the pulsed detonation engine;
• combusting the fuel and air in at least one of the plurality of hybrid helical detonation tubes of the pulsed detonation engine so as to produce combustion exhaust, and outputting the combustion exhaust to the turbine;
• converting the combustion exhaust to torque in the turbine;
• driving the generator stage using the torque from the turbine;
• and
• outputting electric power from the generator.