Wave-Rotor-Enhanced Gas Turbine Engines

Abstract

The benefits of wave rotor topping in small (300- to 500-kW [400- to 700-hp] class) and intermediate (2000- to 3000-kw [3000- to 4000-hp] class) turboshaft engines, and large (350- to 450-kN [80,000- to 100,000-lbf] class) high-bypass-ratio turbofan engines are evaluated. Wave rotor performance levels are calculated using a one-dimensional design/analysis code. Baseline and wave-rotor-enhanced engine performance levels are obtained from a cycle deck in which the wave rotor is represented as a burner with pressure gain. Wave rotor topping is shown to enhance the specific fuel consumption and specific power of small- and intermediate-sized turboshaft engines significantly. The specific fuel consumption of the wave-rotor-enhanced large turbofan engine can be reduced while it operates at a significantly reduced turbine inlet temperature. The wave-rotor-enhanced engine is shown to behave off-design like a conventional engine. Discussion concerning the impact of the wave rotor/gas turbine engine integration identifies technical challenges.