Performance assessment and comparison of a catalytic steam reforming enhanced closed-brayton-cycle power generation system for hypersonic vehicles

Hypersonic vehicles as next-generation aircraft have broad applications, but existing technologies of onboard power generation are hardly applicable due to the change of engines. In this research, a catalytic steam reforming enhanced closed-Brayton-cycle power generation system based on is developed. This system combines the closed Brayton cycle (CBC) and catalytic steam reformed fuel vapor turbine (CSRFVT) to supply electric power. The zero-dimensional models of CBC and the CSRFVT are established to evaluate system performance. Results indicate the products with a water content of 30% have the strongest working ability, which can reach 330 kJ/kg. Moreover, the thermal efficiency and electric power of the parallel arrangement are higher than that of the series arrangement. Besides, the lower pressure of water is beneficial to the electric power. However, the difference in electric power between various pressures is less than 1 kW. In addition, under the same heat absorption, the total electric power of the system based on fuel and water is higher, and the former's outlet temperature of cooling channels is lower. The maximum total electric power of the novel system is about 120 kW. This research provides an innovative technical solution for the power generation of hypersonic vehicles.