The Concept PATMI: A Breakthrough in High-Efficient Low-Emissions Thermo-Mechanical Power Generation, Leading to the Rapid Decarbonization of the Energy Sector

Abstract The PATMI concept (Power Amplifying Thermo-Mechanical Inverter) focuses on producing AC electricity thermo-mechanically with rotational generators, even if DC electricity is produced within the system. This is achieved by powering the compressors in a Brayton-based cycle with a motor instead of mechanically coupling the compressors to the turbines. This approach could provide the next generation of thermal power plants with high efficiency, leading to low-emissions power generation in the foreseeable future. This work illustrates that a solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC) recuperated gas turbine (GT) hybrid cycle could be modified such that the fuel cell-generated electricity is used to drive the compressor with a minimal efficiency loss over the original SOFC-GT cycle. Comparisons herein show an efficiency change of only 2.9 percentage points for 100% rotational power. Further, maximizing the portion of the power generated to the main power grid by rotary generators eliminates many issues related to inertia-less electronic inverters, bolstering voltage and frequency control during the transition to a renewable energy sector. The approach presented could enable higher part-load power generation efficiencies as well.