Abstract
In the framework of the European research project LEMCOTEC, a section was devoted to the further optimization of the recuperation system of the Intercooled Recuperated Aero engine (IRA engine) concept, of MTU Aero Engines AG. This concept is based on an advanced thermodynamic cycle combining both intercooling and recuperation. The present work is focused only on the recuperation process. This is carried out through a system of heat exchangers mounted inside the hot-gas exhaust nozzle, providing fuel economy and reduced pollutant emissions. The optimization of the recuperation system was performed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) computations, experimental measurements and thermodynamic cycle analysis for a wide range of engine operating conditions. A customized numerical tool was developed based on an advanced porosity model approach. The heat exchangers were modeled as porous media of predefined heat transfer and pressure loss behaviour and could also incorporate major and critical heat exchanger design decisions in the CFD computations. The optimization resulted in two completely new innovative heat exchanger concepts, named as CORN (COnical Recuperative Nozzle) and STARTREC (STraight AnnulaR Thermal RECuperator), which provided significant benefits in terms of fuel consumption, pollutants emission and weight reduction compared to more conventional heat exchanger designs, thus proving that further optimization potential for this technology exists.
Highlights
The enhancement of aero engine performance and the reduction of fuel consumption and pollutant emissions have always been the focal point of intense engineering optimization efforts for both environmental and economic reasons
The main activities regarding the incorporation of heat recuperation in aero engines, performed in the EU funded LEMCOTEC research project are presented
These activities were focused on the further optimization of the heat exchangers of the recuperation system of the Intercooled Recuperated Aero engine (IRA engine) concept, which was developed by MTU Aero
Summary
The enhancement of aero engine performance and the reduction of fuel consumption and pollutant emissions have always been the focal point of intense engineering optimization efforts for both environmental and economic reasons. As air traffic is growing at an annual rate of 5% and global awareness regarding environmental issues arises, the necessity to improve the efficiency of aero engines becomes constantly more intense and evident. These projects have been mainly aiming at the design of innovative aero engine concepts for achieving improved performance, reduced fuel consumption and reduced pollutant emissions, promoting the fulfillment of year 2020. CO2innovation and 80% ininNO x emissions, compared to the in CO and in NO emissions, compared to the year levels, as mentioned in [1,2]. x
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