Variable geometry in miniature gas turbine for improved performance and reduced environmental impact

Abstract

A miniature gas turbine (MGT) is proposed as a promising future energy source. Increasingly stringent requirements related to harmful combustible gas emissions and a trend towards improved energy generation efficiency drive the quest for new MGT technologies. Variable geometry systems are promising due to enhanced heat management and flow control. Variable combustor cooling and dilution holes together with the variable area nozzle (VAN) system allow for the improvement of gas turbine performance and reduction in pollutant emissions. The proposed systems are based on hot-section geometry changes, in which the size of the combustion chamber holes and turbine nozzle angle can be adjusted. Component and module experimental research were performed at the Warsaw University of Technology, on an MGT test stand. A significant decrease in fuel consumption (up to 47% reduction) and harmful nitrogen oxide emission reduction (NO–by 78% and NO2–by 82%) were achieved. These results are related to combustor turbine inlet temperature (TIT) increase up to 1230 K. The tests of the variable geometry systems have also shown an impact on gas turbine power and specific fuel consumption.