Project Title:

An Advanced Wave Rotor Design for Low-NOx Turbine Engines

CFD Research Corp.
3325 Triana Blvd.
Huntsville, AL 35805

93-1  01.02   6576    __      AMOUNT REQUESTED $70,000

An Advanced Wave Rotor Design for Low-NOx Turbine Engines

Abstract:

A novel wave rotor topping cycle, which incorporates a Rich burn-
Quick mix-Lean burn (RQL) combustor integrally coupled with a wave
rotor, is proposed in this SBIR project. This cycle has the
potential of significantly lower NOx levels than demonstrated RQL
combustors, plus higher engine efficiency. In Phase 1, the
feasibility of producing a NOx emission index of less than 2 while
improving overall cycle efficiency will be evaluated using
analytical methods. Potential wavecycles and combustion systems
will be studied and promising designs will be selected based on
approximate wave-cycle analysis and emissions estimates. 2-D CFD
analysis of wave rotor flow will be performed to reveal important
flow phenomena and help select the best design. 3-D numerical
analysis of the combustor quick-mix section will be performed to
show the feasibility of low NOx levels. Allison Gas Turbine
Division, the selected sub-contractor, will assist in
review/assessment of the designs.
At the end of Phase I, the `best' wave cycle design and component
configuration will be recommended for Phase II study, which will
include both detailed simulation and experimental testing. If the
design is successfully demonstrated in Phase II, there will be
strong potential for application to new low-emission high
performance supersonic and advanced subsonic aircraft engines.

The final products of this project include: 1) a wave
rotor/combustor design that can be incorporated into a gas turbine
engine to advance performance and reduce emissions, and 2) a design
methodology for advanced low emission combustion and core engine
technology utilizing a wave rotor. These products are of growing
interest to manufacturers of gas turbine engines for supersonic,
advanced subsonic and industrial applications.

wave rotor, gas turbine, NOx, cycle efficiency, CFD, pressure
exchanger, emissions, combustor