Theoretical and Practical Aspects of the Application of Resonant Combustion Chambers in Gas Turbines

Abstract

This paper discusses theoretical and experimental work carried out to determine the feasibility of a pressure-gain combustion system for gas turbines. Fundamental principles involved in the design of resonant combustors are considered and potential improvements in gas turbine performance are calculated by means of a piston-cylinder analogy. The results indicate that significant improvements in overall thermal efficiency and specific power output can be expected at relatively low pressure ratios but that these improvements become less effective at higher pressure ratios due to the influence of increased compressor delivery temperatures. The results of experimental work on a multiple combustor configuration show that the theoretical performance appears to be attainable and that, subject to further development work, resonant combustion chambers could be utilized to improve gas turbine performance.