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Experimental Campaign Tests on Ultra Micro Gas Turbines, Fuel Supply Comparison and Optimization

Author

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  • Roberto Capata

    (Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Roma “Sapienza”, 00184 Roma, Italy)

  • Matteo Saracchini

    (Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Roma “Sapienza”, 00184 Roma, Italy)

Abstract

The increasing demand for miniaturized radio-controlled vehicles inspired the following research. The uses of these unmanned miniaturized/micro vehicles range from aero-modeling to drones for urban control and military applications too. The common characteristic of these vehicles is the need for a light and compact propulsion system. The radio-controlled (RC) turbines for modeling are ideally suited for this purpose, guaranteeing the necessary thrust with compactness and lightness. This device is a miniaturized turbojet, and it is generally composed of three basic elements: compressor, combustion chamber and turbine. The main goal of the paper is to evaluate the turbojet performance for considering the possibility of its use as a range extender in a hybrid vehicle. Considering the total volume constraints, it will be important to evaluate the specific fuel consumption. Also from the environmental point of view, the possibility of feeding the device with gas has been considered and, consequently, the needed device modifications performed. The test bench has been realized and assembled at the University Department Laboratory. Several different experimental configurations are reproduced and reported here, to obtain performance maps. The experiments results have been compared to previous tests results, as well as numerical simulations. Therefore, it has been possible to make a comparison between the two different fuels. The results show that this device can be used as a range extender for a hybrid vehicle. Moreover, the various tests have shown that, acting on the control unit, it is possible to feed the device with gas (mixture of propane and butane), obtaining a further benefit from the economic point of view. Surely, an in-depth study of the turbine management logic would produce a further advantage in terms of fuel consumption.

Suggested Citation

  • Roberto Capata & Matteo Saracchini, 2018. "Experimental Campaign Tests on Ultra Micro Gas Turbines, Fuel Supply Comparison and Optimization," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-17, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:11:y:2018:i:4:p:799-:d:138877
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Schiffmann, J. & Favrat, D., 2010. "Design, experimental investigation and multi-objective optimization of a small-scale radial compressor for heat pump applications," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 35(1), pages 436-450.
    2. Roberto Capata & Enrico Sciubba, 2015. "Experimental Fitting of the Re-Scaled Balje Maps for Low-Reynolds Radial Turbomachinery," Energies, MDPI, vol. 8(8), pages 1-15, July.
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    Cited by:

    1. Marcin Wołowicz & Piotr Kolasiński & Krzysztof Badyda, 2021. "Modern Small and Microcogeneration Systems—A Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-47, February.
    2. Khaoula Derbel & Károly Beneda, 2020. "Sliding Mode Control for Micro Turbojet Engine Using Turbofan Power Ratio as Control Law," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-23, September.
    3. Nicola Menga & Akhila Mothakani & Maria Grazia De Giorgi & Radoslaw Przysowa & Antonio Ficarella, 2022. "Extreme Learning Machine-Based Diagnostics for Component Degradation in a Microturbine," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-22, October.
    4. Wenjiao Qi & Qinghua Deng & Yu Jiang & Qi Yuan & Zhenping Feng, 2018. "Disc Thickness and Spacing Distance Impacts on Flow Characteristics of Multichannel Tesla Turbines," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(1), pages 1-25, December.
    5. Roberto Capata, 2018. "Urban and Extra-Urban Hybrid Vehicles: A Technological Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(11), pages 1-38, October.
    6. Heyu Wang & Kai Hong Luo, 2023. "Aerothermal Performance and Soot Emissions of Reacting Flow in a Micro-Gas Turbine Combustor," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(7), pages 1-19, March.

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