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US 9,797,309 B2Granted
Hafnium turbine engine and method of operation
OwnerDavid J. Podroginventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A device powered by a method of heating a gas by directing X-rays at a mass of hafnium 178 to induce gamma rays. The gamma rays are directed at a heat exchanging apparatus, resulting in a stream of heated gas. This process powers a Hafnium gas turbine engine capable of providing shaft power or thrust to mechanical devices.
Claims15
A hafnium-powered vehicle comprised of a hafnium turbine engine, wherein the hafnium turbine engine is comprised of:
- an X-ray machine,
- a mass of hafnium 178Hfm2 isomer,
- at least one compressor,
- a heat exchange apparatus,
- and at least one gas turbine,
- wherein the X-ray machine and the mass of hafnium 178Hfm2 isomer, are configured to operate as a single, integrated unit such that X-rays from the X-ray machine will directly strike the mass of hafnium 178Hfm2 isomer when the X-ray machine is activated,
- wherein the at least one compressor is configured to direct a flow of gas from an intake of the at least one compressor, where the flow of gas originates, and direct the flow of gas through the at least one compressor towards the heat exchange apparatus,
- wherein the heat exchange apparatus is a physically integrated part of the engine, and
- wherein the heat exchange apparatus is configured to receive the flow of gas from the at least one compressor through the heat exchange apparatus,
- and wherein the mass of hafnium 178Hfm2 isomer is configured such that gamma rays from the mass of hafnium 178Hfm2 isomer are capable of striking the heat exchange apparatus approximately perpendicular to the flow of gas through the heat exchange apparatus, thereby heating the gas as it flows within the heat exchange apparatus,
- and wherein the heat exchange apparatus is configured to direct the flow of heated gas towards the gas turbine to drive the gas turbine.
8 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.