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Article
Publication date: 5 May 2015

Reza Aghaei tog and Abolghasem Mesgarpoor Tousi

This study aims to presenting an empirical model for partially admitted turbine efficiency. When the design mass-flow rate is too small that a normal full-admission design would…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to presenting an empirical model for partially admitted turbine efficiency. When the design mass-flow rate is too small that a normal full-admission design would give very-small blade height, it may be advantageous to use partial admission. The losses due to partial admission with long blades may be less than the losses due to leakage and low Reynolds-number of the full-admission turbines with short blades. The turbine efficiency is highly dependent on the degree of partial admission. The empirical model of turbine efficiency is necessary for simulation and analysis of dynamic performances of the turbine system. In this work, appropriate empirical loss correlations are introduced and a proper model is proposed for turbine efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

Experimental and numerical tests are conducted to evaluate the proposed model and the results are compared with the results of existing models. In this work, the effect of nozzles overlapping on the flow pattern is emphasized. Therefore, various models with different degrees of overlapping are simulated and their effects on the turbine efficiency are subsequently evaluated.

Findings

A suitable cubic polynomial expression for small axial supersonic turbine efficiency in experiments is suggested. The overlapping nozzles cause change in the flow pattern and the entropy distribution. Therefore, any change in the degree of overlapping of nozzles changes the efficiency of the turbine.

Research limitations/implications

In this work, time-consuming numerous experimental and numerical tests of the turbine are required.

Practical implications

Implication of a proper formula for a partially admitted turbine may result in enhanced prediction and dynamic performance evaluation of the test turbine.

Originality/value

A proper empirical model for a partially admitted supersonic turbine is introduced. This model is suitable for one blocked partially admitted turbine with Mach number between 1.2 and 1.8.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology: An International Journal, vol. 87 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 November 2021

Ahmed Ketata and Zied Driss

Variable geometry turbine (VGT), a key component of modern internal combustion engines (ICE) turbochargers, is increasingly used for better efficiency and reduced exhaust gas…

Abstract

Purpose

Variable geometry turbine (VGT), a key component of modern internal combustion engines (ICE) turbochargers, is increasingly used for better efficiency and reduced exhaust gas emissions. The aim of this study is the development of a new meanline FORTRAN code for accurate performance and loss assessment of VGTs under a wider operating range. This code is a useful alternative tool for engineers for fast design of VGT systems where higher efficiency and minimum loss are being required.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed meanline code was applied to a variable geometry mixed flow turbine at different nozzle vane angles and under a wide range of rotational speed and the expansion ratio. The numerical methodology was validated through a comparison of the predicted performance to test data. The maps of the mass flow rate as well as the efficiency of the VGT system are discussed for different nozzle vane angles under a wide range of rotational speed. Based on the developed model, a breakdown loss analysis was carried out showing a significant effect of the nozzle vane angle on the loss distribution.

Findings

Results indicated that the nozzle angle of 70° has led to the maximum efficiency compared to the other investigated nozzle vane angles ranging from 30° up to 80°. The results showed that the passage loss was significantly reduced as the nozzle vane angle increases from 30° up to 70°.

Originality/value

This paper outlines a new meanline approach for variable geometry turbocharger turbines. The developed code presents the novelty of including the effect of the vane radii variation, due to the pivoting mechanism of the nozzle ring. The developed code can be generalized to either radial or mixed flow turbines with or without a VGT system.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 39 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 July 2019

Peyman Maghsoudi, Sadegh Sadeghi, Qingang Xiong and Saiied Mostafa Aminossadati

Because of the appreciable application of heat recovery systems for the increment of overall efficiency of micro gas turbines, promising evaluation and optimization are crucial…

Abstract

Purpose

Because of the appreciable application of heat recovery systems for the increment of overall efficiency of micro gas turbines, promising evaluation and optimization are crucial. This paper aims to propose a multi-factor theoretical methodology for analysis, optimization and comparison of potential plate-fin recuperators incorporated into micro gas turbines. Energetic, exergetic, economic and environmental factors are covered.

Design/methodology/approach

To demonstrate applicability and reliability of the methodology, detailed thermo-hydraulic analysis, sensitivity analysis and optimization are conducted on the recuperators with louver and offset-strip fins using a genetic algorithm. To assess the relationship between investment cost and profit for the recuperated systems, payback period (PBP), which incorporates all the factors is used as the universal objective function. To compare the performance of the recuperated and non-recuperated systems, exergy efficiency, exergy destruction and corresponding cost rate, fuel consumption and environmental damage cost rates, capital and operational cost rates and acquired profit rates are determined.

Findings

Based on the results, optimal PBP of the louvered-fin recuperator (147 days) is slightly lower than that with offset-strip fins (153 days). The highest profit rate is acquired by reduction of exergy destruction cost rate and corresponding decrements for louver and offset-strip fins are 2.3 and 3.9 times compared to simple cycle, respectively.

Originality/value

This mathematical study, for the first time, focuses on introducing a reliable methodology, which covers energetic, exergetic, economic and environmental points of view beneficial for design and selection of efficient plate-fin recuperators for micro gas turbine applications.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 30 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 October 2018

Lingcheng Kong, Ling Liang, Jianhong Xu, Weisi Zhang and Weijun Zhu

Although the wind power industry has been booming in China during the last decade, the development of wind turbine aftermarket service is still lagging behind, which seriously…

Abstract

Purpose

Although the wind power industry has been booming in China during the last decade, the development of wind turbine aftermarket service is still lagging behind, which seriously affects the operational efficiency of wind farms. If wind turbine manufacturers get involved in the aftermarket, the service pricing policy will impact the profits of both the manufacturer and the wind farm. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss an optimal service pricing strategy in the wind turbine aftermarket and design a method to improve electricity generation efficiency through service contract design. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to decide the maintenance quantity and channel effort level, the authors design a normal Stackelberg game and an efficiency value-added revenue-sharing contract and discuss two kinds of revenue increment sharing models under situations, in which the supply chain’s leaders are the wind farm and the wind turbine manufacturer, respectively.

Findings

The results show that in either case, there exist optimal power generation revenue-sharing ratios that can maximize profit. At the same time, the authors outline an optimal service pricing policy, maintenance demand policy and channel service effort-level policy. The results summarize the influences of wind aftermarket services on wind farms’ and wind turbine manufacturers’ profit, which provides managerial insights into the process of manufacturing servitization.

Practical implications

The manufacturer’s channel effort level will influence the power generation increments very much, so the authors have developed a mechanism to stimulate the manufacturer improving the efficiency of aftermarket services.

Originality/value

Taking the power generation increment revenue as the profit increment function, the authors discuss the influence of service price on the profit increment of the wind farm and the wind turbine manufacturer and also consider the influence of service price on the wind farms maintenance quantity and wind turbine manufacturers channel effort level.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 119 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 March 2020

Benoit Picard, Mathieu Picard, Jean-Sébastien Plante and David Rancourt

The limited energy density of batteries generates the need for high-performance power sources for emerging eVTOL applications with radical operational improvement potential over…

Abstract

Purpose

The limited energy density of batteries generates the need for high-performance power sources for emerging eVTOL applications with radical operational improvement potential over traditional aircraft. This paper aims to evaluate on-design and off-design recuperated turbogenerator performances based on newly developed compression loaded ceramic turbines, the Inside-out Ceramic Turbine (ICT), in order to select the optimum engine configuration for sub-megawatt systems.

Design/methodology/approach

System-level thermal engine modeling is combined with electric generators and power electronics performance predictions to obtain the Pareto front between efficiency and power density for a variety of engine designs, both for recuperated and simple cycle turbines. Part load efficiency for those engines are evaluated, and the results are used for an engine selection based on a simplified eVTOL mission capability.

Findings

By operating with high turbine inlet temperature, variable output speed and adequately sized recuperator, a turbogenerator provides exceptional efficiency at both nominal power and part load operation for a turbomachine, while maintaining the high power density required for aircraft. In application with a high peak-to-cruise power ratio, such power source would provide eight times the range of battery-electric power pack and an 80% improvement over the state-of-the-art simple cycle turbogenerator.

Practical implications

The implementation of a recuperator would provide additional gains especially important for military and on-demand mobility applications, notably reducing the heat signature and noise of the system. The engine low-pressure ratio reduces its complexity and combined with the fuel savings, the system could significantly reduce operational cost.

Originality/value

Implementation of radically new ICT architecture provides the key element to make a sub-megawatt recuperated turbogenerator viable in terms of power density. The synergetic combination of a recuperator, high temperature turbine and variable speed electric generator provides drastic improvement over simple-cycle turbines, making such a system highly relevant as the power source for future eVTOL applications.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 92 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 1942

A. Meldahl

ALTITUDE supercharging of aeroplane engines by means of turbo‐blowers driven by exhaust‐gas turbines differs from ordinary charging of internal combustion engines because the…

Abstract

ALTITUDE supercharging of aeroplane engines by means of turbo‐blowers driven by exhaust‐gas turbines differs from ordinary charging of internal combustion engines because the process is much more accentuated. Whilst the output of stationary engines can be increased by 50 per cent, that of rail‐car engines by 80 per cent, by supercharging, an aeroplane engine, to give its full output at 12,000 m. altitude, has to be supercharged so as to give four times its output without supercharging. Thus altitude supercharging offers certain peculiarities.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 14 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Article
Publication date: 15 June 2021

Hakan Aygün

Usage of gas turbine engines has increased by day due to rising demand for military and civil applications. This case results in investigating diverse topics related to energy…

Abstract

Purpose

Usage of gas turbine engines has increased by day due to rising demand for military and civil applications. This case results in investigating diverse topics related to energy efficiency and irreversibility of these systems. The purpose of this paper is to perform a detailed entropy assessment of turbojet engines for different flight conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, for small turbojet engines used in unmanned aerial vehicles, parametric cycle analysis is carried out at (sea level-zero Mach (hereinafter phase-I)) and (altitude of 9,000 m- Mach of 0.7 (hereinafter phase-II)). Based on this analysis, variation of performance and thermodynamic parameters with respect to change in isentropic efficiency of the compressor (CIE) and turbine (TIE) is examined at both phases. In this context, the examined ranges for CIE is between 0.78 and 0.88 whereas TIE is between 0.85 and 0.95.

Findings

Increasing isentropic efficiency decreases entropy production of the small turbojet engine. Moreover, the highest entropy production occurs in the combustor in the comparison of other components. Namely, it decreases from 2.81 to 2.69 kW/K at phase-I and decreases from 1.44 to 1.39 kW/K at phase-II owing to rising CIE.

Practical implications

It is thought that this study helps in understanding the relationship between entropy production and the efficiency of components. Namely, the approach used in the current analysis could help decision-makers or designers to determine the optimum value of design variables.

Originality/value

Due to rising isentropic efficiencies of both components, it is observed that specific fuel consumption (SFC) decreases whereas specific thrust (ST) increases. Also, the isentropic efficiency of a compressor affects relatively SFC and ST higher than that of the turbine.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 93 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 1996

Riti Singh

Based on a lecture prepared as part of the celebration of Cranfield University's 50th anniversary. After briefly reviewing the early years, including Cranfield University's entry…

Abstract

Based on a lecture prepared as part of the celebration of Cranfield University's 50th anniversary. After briefly reviewing the early years, including Cranfield University's entry into this technology, discusses the nature of this industry, Some of the technology drivers, including environmental concerns, are examined to provide a background against which the development and the future of the industry can be considered. This is followed by a brief survey of some of the possible new civil aero gas turbine applications over the next 50 years, both the very likely and some curiosities. Finally, the changes that are likely to occur within the industry as a result of wider economic and political trends are considered, as well as the implications for those working within the industry. The development of the civil aero gas turbine has contributed, in large measure, to today's, US$ 300 billion civil aviation industry and is rightly seen as one of mankind's major engineering achievements. A single paper cannot do justice to this industry.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 68 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 February 2014

Reza Aghaei tog and Abolghasem Mesgarpoor Tousi

This paper is concerned with improving the flow pattern in the nozzle-rotor axial gap in impulse turbines using a genetic algorithm (GA) and 3D numerical analysis. The paper aims…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper is concerned with improving the flow pattern in the nozzle-rotor axial gap in impulse turbines using a genetic algorithm (GA) and 3D numerical analysis. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The appropriate model was used to estimate the turbine performance introduced in the beginning of the work. Then, the nozzle design parameters that are effective in the axial gap flow pattern are optimized using a non-linear optimization code. This code works based on the GA theory. Since the GA results are not conclusive, the selected cases were evaluated using 3D numerical analysis. For a detailed comparison of the flow pattern in initial and improved cases, a transient analysis was done. Experimental tests were performed in order to validate the work. For this purpose, the characteristic curves of the turbines were studied and compared with each other.

Findings

Improving the nozzle-rotor axial gap flow pattern leading to increase in the total-to-total efficiency of the turbine by more than two points.

Research limitations/implications

Partially injected flow forced to use the full model computational analysis.

Practical implications

Weight reduction in a feeding system.

Originality/value

New loss modeling method presented for partial admission condition.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology: An International Journal, vol. 86 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 February 2018

Siddharth Kulkarni, Craig Chapman, Hanifa Shah, Erika Anneli Parn and David John Edwards

This paper aims to conduct a comprehensive literature review in the tidal energy physics, the ocean environment, hydrodynamics of horizontal axis tidal turbines and bio-mimicry.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to conduct a comprehensive literature review in the tidal energy physics, the ocean environment, hydrodynamics of horizontal axis tidal turbines and bio-mimicry.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides an insight of the tidal turbine blade design and need for renewable energy sources to generate electricity through clean energy sources and less CO2 emission. The ocean environment, along with hydrodynamic design principles of a horizontal axis tidal turbine blade, is described, including theoretical maximum efficiency, blade element momentum theory and non-dimensional forces acting on tidal turbine blades.

Findings

This review gives an overview of fish locomotion identifying the attributes of the swimming like lift-based thrust propulsion, the locomotion driving factors: dorsal fins, caudal fins in propulsion, which enable the fish to be efficient even at low tidal velocities.

Originality/value

Finally, after understanding the phenomenon of caudal fin propulsion and its relationship with tidal turbine blade hydrodynamics, this review focuses on the implications of bio-mimicking a curved caudal fin to design an efficient horizontal axis tidal turbine.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, vol. 16 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

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