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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 433 records · Page 24

Study of an advanced General Aviation Turbine Engine (GATE)

The best technology program for a small, economically viable gas turbine engine applicable to the general aviation helicopter and aircraft market for 1985-1990 was studied. Turboshaft and turboprop engines in the 112 to 746 kW (150 to 1000 hp) range and turbofan engines up to 6672 N (1500 lbf) thrust were considered. A good market for new turbine engines was predicted for 1988 providing aircraft are designed to capitalize on the advantages of the turbine engine. Parametric engine families were defined in terms of design and off-design performance, mass, and cost. These were evaluated in aircraft design missions selected to represent important market segments for fixed and rotary-wing applications. Payoff parameters influenced by engine cycle and configuration changes were aircraft gross mass, acquisition cost, total cost of ownership, and cash flow. Significant advantage over a current technology, small gas turbine engines was found especially in cost of ownership and fuel economy for airframes incorporating an air-cooled high-pressure ratio engine. A power class of 373 kW (500 hp) was recommended as the next frontier for technology advance where large improvements in fuel economy and engine mass appear possible through component research and development.

Gill, J. C.↗

Low-cost directionally-solidified turbine blades, volume 1

A low cost process of manufacturing high stress rupture strength directionally-solidified high pressure turbine blades was successfully developed for the TFE731-3 Turbofan Engine. The basic processing parameters were established using MAR-M 247 and employing the exothermic directional-solidification process in trial castings of turbine blades. Nickel-based alloys were evaluated as directionally-solidified cast blades. A new turbine blade, disk, and associated components were then designed using previously determined material properties. Engine tests were run and the results were analyzed and compared to the originally established goals. The results showed that the stress rupture strength of exothermically heated, directionally-solidified MAR-M 247 turbine blades exceeded program objectives and that the performance and cost reduction goals were achieved.

Sink, L. W.↗

Laminated turbine vane design and fabrication

A turbine vane and associated endwalls designed for advanced gas turbine engine conditions are described. The vane design combines the methods of convection cooling and selective areas of full coverage film cooling. The film cooling technique is utilized on the leading edge, pressure side, and endwall regions. The turbine vane involves the fabrication of airfoils from a stack of laminates with cooling passages photoetched on the surface. Cold flow calibration tests, a thermal analysis, and a stress analysis were performed on the turbine vanes.

Hess, W. G.↗

Ceramics for the advanced automotive gas turbine engine - A look at a single shaft design

A single-shaft regenerative design with a single-stage radial turbine is analyzed in terms of achievable fuel economy for the cases of both limited and unlimited turbine tip speed and regenerator inlet temperature. The 100-hp engine for a 3500-lb automobile is designed to use gasoline. Fuel economy data and operating parameters are presented for different values of turbine inlet temperatures, and turbine stress estimates and ceramic design stress estimates are discussed.

Nosek, S. M.↗

Control of wind turbine generators connected to power systems

A unique simulation model based on a Mode-O wind turbine is developed for simulating both speed and power control. An analytical representation for a wind turbine that employs blade pitch angle feedback control is presented, and a mathematical model is formulated. For Mode-O serving as a practical case study, results of a computer simulation of the model as applied to the problems of synchronization and dynamic stability are provided. It is shown that the speed and output of a wind turbine can be satisfactorily controlled within reasonable limits by employing the existing blade pitch control system under specified conditions. For power control, an additional excitation control is required so that the terminal voltage, output power factor, and armature current can be held within narrow limits. As a result, the variation of torque angle is limited even if speed control is not implemented simultaneously with power control. Design features of the ERDA/NASA 100-kW Mode-O wind turbine are included.

Hwang, H. H.↗

Large wind turbine generators

The large wind turbine portion of the Federal Wind Energy Program consists of two major project efforts: (1) the Mod-0 test bed project for supporting research technology, and (2) the large experimental wind turbines for electric utility applications. The Mod-0 has met its primary objective of providing the entire wind energy program with early operations and performance data. The large experimental wind turbines to be tested in utility applications include three of the Mod-0A (200 kW) type, one Mod-1 (2000 kW), and possibly several of the Mod-2 (2500 kW) designs. This paper presents a description of these wind turbine systems, their programmatic status, and a summary of their potential costs.

Thomas, R. L.↗

Tungsten fiber reinforced FeCrAlY - A first generation composite turbine blade material

General and composite turbine blade material requirements are examined to identify a specific tungsten fiber reinforced superalloy (TFRS) having, in addition to strength, the desired combination of other material properties needed in turbine blades. Experimental data indicated that a thoriated tungsten fiber reinforced FeCrAlY matrix composite should have the stress-rupture, creep, tensile, fatigue, and impact strengths required for turbine blades operating from 1250 to 1370 K. Fabrication and design concepts are developed to demonstrate the feasibility of fabricating a hollow TFRS turbine blade at reasonable cost.

Petrasek, D. W.↗

Utility operational experience on the NASA/DOE Mod-OA 200 kW Wind Turbine

The Mod-OA 200 kW Wind Turbine was designed and fabricated by the Lewis Research Center of the NASA under the direction of the U.S. Department of Energy. The project is a part of the Federal Wind Energy Program and is designed to obtain early wind turbine operation and performance data while gaining initial experience in the operation of large, horizontal axis wind turbines in typical utility environments. On March 6, 1978, the Mod-OA wind turbine was turned over to the Town of Clayton Light and Water Plant, Clayton, NM, for utility operation and on December 31, 1978 the machine had completed ten months of utility operation. This paper describes the machine and documents the recent operational experience at Clayton, NM.

Glasgow, J. C.↗

Fundamental mechanisms that influence the estimate of heat transfer to gas turbine blades

Heat tranfer problems in aircraft gas turbines required for improved prediction of turbine blade or vane gas-side heat transfer are examined. Estimates of the heat transfer from the gas to vanes or rotating blades are uncertain due to the complexity of the heat transfer processes, since the gas flow is three dimensional with complex secondary viscous flow patterns that interact with the endwalls and blade surfaces. In addition, upstream disturbances, stagnation flow, curvature effects, and flow acceleration complicate the thermal transport mechanisms in the boundary layers. The thermal state and flow characteristics of the hot gases that enter the turbine blade row, analytical methods for calculating the gas-side heat transfer to turbine blades, and flow phenomena such as stagnation, curvature effects, acceleration, secondary flows, and transition that influences local heat transfer rates are discussed.

Graham, R. W.↗

Regenerative superheated steam turbine cycles

PRESTO computer program was developed to analyze performance of wide range of steam turbine cycles with special attention given to regenerative superheated steam turbine cycles. It can be used to model standard turbine cycles, including such features as process steam extraction, induction and feedwater heating by external sources, peaking, and high back pressure. Expansion line efficiencies, exhaust loss, leakages, mechanical losses, and generator losses are used to calculate cycle heat rate and generator output. Program provides power engineer with flexible aid for design and analysis of steam turbine systems.

Fuller, L. C.↗

Large wind turbines: A utility option for the generation of electricity

The wind resource is such that wind energy generation has the potential to save 6-7 quads of energy nationally. Thus, the Federal Government is sponsoring and encouraging the development of cost effective and reliable wind turbines. One element of the Federal Wind Energy Programs, Large Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine Development, is managed by the NASA Lewis Research Center for the Department of Energy. There are several ongoing wind system development projects oriented primarily toward utility application within this program element. In addition, a comprehensive technology program supporting the wind turbine development projects is being conducted. An overview is presented of the NASA activities with emphasis on application of large wind turbines for generation of electricity by utility systems.

Robbins, W. H.↗

Installation and checkout of the DOE/NASA Mod-1 2000-kW wind turbine generator

The paper describes the DOE/NASA Mod-1 wind turbine generator, its assembly and testing, and its installation at Boone, North Carolina. The paper concludes with performance data taken during the initial tests conducted on the machine. The successful installation and initial operation of the Mod-1 wind turbine generator has had the following results: (1) megawatt-size wind turbines can be operated satisfactorily on utility grids; (2) the structural loads can be predicted by existing codes; (3) assembly of the machine on top of the tower presents no major problem; (4) large blades 100 ft long can be transported long distances and over mountain roads; and (5) operating experience and performance data will contribute substantially to the design of future low-cost wind turbines.

Puthoff, R. L.↗

Wingtip-Vortex Turbine Lowers Aircraft Drag

Turbine captures some of energy lost in aircraft wingtip vortexes. Wing-tip vortex turbine operates in crossflow of the lift-induced vortex; i.e., flow not parallel to the flightpath. Each turbine blade generates a force as a result of angle of attack between blade and nonstreamwise local flow. Turbine converts lost vortex energy to rotational energy and reduces induced drag.

Patterson, J. C. J.↗

Cold-air investigation of first stage of 4-1/2-stage, fan drive turbine with average stage-loading factor of 4.66

The design procedure and the development of the blading geometry for the 4 and 1/2 stage turbine are discussed. Results obtained with the first stage, operated as a single stage turbine, are presented. A free vortex design meets the design requirements without incurring problems such as excessive turning, negative reaction, or high Mach number. Cold air tests of the single stage turbine showed that the turbine developed design work (stage loading factor of 5.26) at an efficiency of 0.86, which was the efficiency predicted by a reference method. The mass flow at this condition was 0.88, which occurred at design speed and a pressure ratio of 1.407, corresponding to a stage loading factor of 4.35. The efficiency at this condition was 0.003 higher than that predicted by the reference method.

Whitney, W. J.↗

Analytical design of an advanced radial turbine

The aerodynamic and mechanical potential of a single stage ceramic radial inflow turbine was evaluated for a high temperature single stage automotive engine. The aerodynamic analysis utilizes a turbine system optimization technique to evaluate both radial and nonradial rotor blading. Selected turbine rotor configurations were evaluated mechanically with three dimensional finite element techniques. Results indicate that exceptionally high rotor tip speeds (2300 ft/sec) and performance potential are feasible with radial bladed rotors if the projected ceramic material properties are realized. Nonradial rotors reduced tip speed requirements (at constant turbine efficiency) but resulted in a lower cumulative probability of success due to higher blade and disk stresses.

Large, G. D.↗

Progress in Protective Coatings for Aircraft Gas Turbines: A Review of NASA Sponsored Research

Problems associated with protective coatings for advanced aircraft gas turbines are reviewed. Metallic coatings for preventing titanium fires in compressors are identified. Coatings for turbine section are also considered, Ductile aluminide coatings for protecting internal turbine-blade cooling passage surface are also identified. Composite modified external overlay MCrAlY coatings deposited by low-pressure plasma spraying are found to be better in surface protection capability than vapor deposited MCrAlY coatings. Thermal barrier coating (TBC), studies are presented. The design of a turbine airfoil is integrated with a TBC, and computer-aided manufacturing technology is applied.

Merutka, J. P.↗

Evaluation of present thermal barrier coatings for potential service in electric utility gas turbines

The resistance of present-day thermal barrier coatings to combustion gases found in electric utility turbines was assessed. The plasma sprayed coatings, both duplex and graded types, were primarily zirconia-based, although a calcium silicate was also evaluated. Both atmospheric burner rig tests and high pressure tests (135 psig) showed that several present-day thermal barrier coatings have a high potential for service in gas turbines burning the relatively clean GT No. 2 fuel. However, coating improvements are needed for use in turbines burning lower grade fuel such as residual oil. The duplex ZrO2.8Y2O3/NiCrA1Y coating was ranked highest and selected for near-term field testing, with Ca2SiO4/NiCrA1Y ranked second. Graded coatings show potential for corrosive turbine operating conditions and warrant further development. The coating degradation mechanisms for each coating system subjected to the various environmental conditions are also described.

Bratton, R. J.↗

Assessment of steam-injected gas turbine systems and their potential application

Results were arrived at by utilizing and expanding on information presented in the literature. The results were analyzed and compared with those for simple gas turbine and combined cycles for both utility power generation and industrial cogeneration applications. The efficiency and specific power of simple gas turbine cycles can be increased as much as 30 and 50 percent, respectively, by the injection of steam into the combustor. Steam-injected gas turbines appear to be economically competitive with both simple gas turbine and combined cycles for small, clean-fuel-fired utility power generation and industrial cogeneration applications. For large powerplants with integrated coal gasifiers, the economic advantages appear to be marginal.

Stochl, R. J.↗