DoE Advanced Ceramic Microturbine
In July 2001, Ingersoll-Rand began work on this program. Its objective was to introduce ceramic hot section components into the IR family of microturbines to permit higher operating temperatures and hence improved efficiency. The IR microturbine product line combines a novel application of industrial turbocharger equipment, our commercially successful recuperator, and proven industrial gas turbine design practices. The objective of the joint development program is to combine the high production success of the Si{sub 3}N{sub 4} turbocharger rotors, largely from Japan, with the IR turbocharger-based microturbines. The IR 'Ceramic Microturbine' (CMT) program has been configured to use the most practical ceramic rotor, considering size, geometry, proven manufacturing methods, and physical material limitations Performance predictions indicate that 36% LHV electric conversion efficiency could be attained at a Turbine Inlet Temperature (TIT) of nominally 1000 C. The initial 72kW engine is being designed to have comparable life and costs to our current product The package power rating is expandable to 100kW with this equipment by slightly increasing pressure ratio flow and TIT. This program was initially planned as five major tasks In Task 1 a comprehensive analysis of the state of the art ceramics and their applicability to microturbines was performed Milestone I was achieved with the joint DoE/IR decision to concentrate on our 70kW microturbine, with elevated turbine inlet temperature and pressure ratio,. This preserved the ability of the engine to utilize the standard IR recuperator and the majority of the microturbine subassemblies, A commercialization report, projecting the market size, was also completed as part of this task. Task 2's detailed design of the special hot-section components has been completed,. The two critical milestones, No.3 and No.4, associated with the detailed design of the monolithic silicon nitride turbine rotor and the release of the purchase order for this critical component were accomplished in Task 2. Task 3 focused on the design and release of the other non-ceramic components, including the gas generator turbine housing, the power turbine and housing, the combustor, and a new compressor section On September 4, 2002, Milestone No.4 was completed with a Detailed Design Review of the 72 kW 'Ceramic Microturbine'. The customer's concurrence at that design review triggered the release of critical components for manufacturing (Milestone 5). In Task 4, the principle components of the CMT were fabricated and delivered to our Portsmouth facility Manufacturing was mostly completed with the exception of the final machining of the GT and PT housings, the machining of the compressor diffuser, and the fabrication of the compressor cover.
- Research Organization:
- Ingersoll Rand Company
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- DOE Contract Number:
- FC26-00CH11059
- OSTI ID:
- 937514
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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