Advanced Turbine Systems Program conceptual design and product development. Quarterly report, November 1993--January 1994

Abstract

This Quarterly Technical Progress Report covers the period November 1, 1993, through January 31, 1994, for Phase 11 of the Advanced Turbine Systems (ATS) Program by Solar Turbines Incorporated under DOE Contract No. DE-AC421-93MC30246. The objective of this program is to provide the conceptual design and product development plan for an industrial gas turbine system to operate at a thermal efficiency of 50 percent ({open_quotes}ATS50{close_quotes}) with future improvement to 60 percent ({open_quotes}ATS60{close_quotes}). During the prior quarter Solar`s ATS Engine Design Team characterized the intercooled and recuperated (ICR) gas turbine cycle in 1-spool, 2-shaft, and 2-spool 3-shaft arrangements. Fixed and variable geometry free power turbines were compared in both arrangements and sensitivity of all combinations to component performance was determined. Full- and part-load performance were compared over a range of ambient air temperatures. During the quarter just completed, the Team defined four unique and different physical arrangements of the gas turbine components outlined above. These three arrangements were then examined in terms of their ability to support Program goals of thermal efficiency, low emissions, increased reliability, availability and maintainability (RAM), and reduced cost of electrical power production. This work, together with preliminary specification of component cooling needs, suggested that earlier studiesmore » of the pressure ratio/firing temperature/thermal efficiency relationship should be re-visited. This accomplished, the effect of total cooling air bleed requirements on thermal efficiency was determined. This will lead to the selection of hot section material capability/cooling air requirements which are able to meet Program goals. As noted in the first quarterly report, where there are apparently conflicting data, later results should take precedence due to the continuing refinement of analytical models.« less