The use of microturbines as an energy converter for motor transport

Abstract

At this stage of the development of vehicles with a combined power plant, one of the areas of development is the study of the introduction of a low-power gas turbine engine, the so-called microturbine, as a converter of thermal energy into mechanical. This solution has numerous positive aspects related to its fuel consumption, small dimensions, high efficiency, as well as a number of performance indicators. In this case, the vehicle is also equipped with a high-speed generator with the goal of converting the mechanical energy of the microturbine into electrical energy. This ensures the microturbine operation in a given range on the characteristic of optimal fuel consumption. The article contains an analysis of the use of microturbine generators in vehicles; some constructive solutions are considered as well. An overview of vehicles with microturbine generators and their comparison with traditional internal combustion engines is given. The movement of the vehicle is carried out by one or several traction motors. More than ten developments of motor vehicles using the microturbine as an additional source of energy for vehicles with traction electric drive are already known in the world, including MiTRE (Microturbine Range Extender). Among such vehicles, one can name the Trolza "Ecobus" buses, Delta Hypercar supercar, Isuzu NPR trucks, Mack Truck, Kenworth.