Open AccessExperimental Tests on a Pre-Heated Combustion Chamber for Ultra Micro Gas Turbine Device: Air/Fuel Ratio Evaluation
Author(s) -
Roberto Capata,
Kliton Kylykbashi,
Alfonso Calabria,
Mario Di Veroli
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1947-3931
pISSN - 1947-394X
DOI - 10.4236/eng.2016.811071
Subject(s) - combustion chamber , automotive engineering , turbine , combustion , internal combustion engine , electricity generation , gas compressor , nuclear engineering , mechanical engineering , thrust specific fuel consumption , process engineering , fuel efficiency , engineering , environmental science , power (physics) , chemistry , physics , organic chemistry , quantum mechanics
Current portable power generators are mainly based on internal combustion engine since they present higher values of efficiency comparing to other engines; the main reason why internal combustion engine is not convenient for micro power generation (5 - 30 kW) is because of their heaviness. Micro and ultra micro gas turbine devices, based on a micro compressor and a micro turbine installed on the same shaft, are more suitable for this scope for several reasons. Micro turbine systems have many advantages over reciprocating engine generators, such as higher power density (with respect to size and weight), extremely low emissions and few, or just one, moving part. Those designed with foil bearings and air-cooling operate without oil, coolants or other hazardous materials. Micro turbines also have the advantage of having the majority of their waste heat contained in their relatively high temperature exhaust. Micro turbines offer several potential advantages compared to other technologies for small-scale power generation, including: a small number of moving parts, compact size, lightweight, greater efficiency, lower emissions, lower electricity costs, and opportunities to utilize waste fuels. The object of this study is the experimental tests on a stand-alone gas turbine device with a pre-heated combustion chamber (CC), to validate the fuel consumption reduction, compared to an actual and commercial device, used on air models