Comparison of Recuperator Alloy Degradation in Laboratory and Engine Testing

Conference · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 2008

OSTI ID:1003275

Pint, Bruce A ^[1]; More, Karren Leslie ^[1]; Trejo, Rosa M ^[1]; Lara-Curzio, Edgar ^[1]

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1. ORNL

In order to increase the efficiency of advanced microturbines, durable alloy foils are needed for their recuperators to operate at 650-700 C. Prior work has demonstrated that water vapor in the exhaust gas causes more rapid consumption of Cr from austenitic alloys, leading to a reduction in lifetime for the thin-walled components in this application. New commercial alloy foils are being tested in both laboratory tests in humid air and in the exhaust gas of a modified 60 kW microturbine. Initial results are presented for a commercial batch of 80 {micro}m alloy 120 foil. The Cr consumption rates in laboratory testing were similar to those observed in previous testing. The initial results from the microturbine indicate a faster Cr consumption rate compared to the laboratory test, but longer term results are needed to quantify the difference. These results will help to verify a Cr consumption model for predicting lifetimes in this environment based on classical gas transport theory.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL); High Temperature Materials Laboratory (HTML)
• Sponsoring Organization: EE USDOE - Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EE)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-00OR22725
• OSTI ID: 1003275
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English