Assessment of converting approach to efficient design of micro-turboprop engines

Abstract

The design, manufacture and experiment of a shaft power unit for converting a micro-turbojet engine to a micro-turboprop in the class of less than 20 kW with the aim of obtaining maximum shaft power were described in this study. For this purpose, a Wren100 micro-turbojet engine was used as the gas generator, and the specifications of its outflow were measured. The optimal configuration of the inter-stage diffuser, which was an annular S-type diffuser, was selected based on its small total pressure drop and outlet flow uniformity. The power turbine was a single stage axial turbine that was designed based on the fixed nozzle angle assumption without any taper or twist in its stator. The turbine rotor was a bladed disk (Blisk) in which its unique blade profiles were designed based on the Wilson method. Subsequently, the shaft power unit was completed by designing and manufacturing an exhaust complex and gearbox. Finally, the micro-turboprop engine was tested with an overloading propeller. The results show a significant increase in the extracted power, an acceptable efficiency of the power turbine, and a significant reduction in the Specific Fuel Consumption (SFC) compared to other engines that use similar gas generators.