Mapping Efficiency of a Pulsing Flow-Driven Turbine

Abstract

Abstract Pressure gain combustion (PGC) shows potential to increase the cycle efficiency of conventional gas turbine engines (GTEs) if used in place of the steady combustor. However, a turbine driven by pulsing flow experiences a decrease in efficiency. An experimental rig was built to compare a steady flow-driven turbine with a pulsing flow-driven turbine. The pressure pulse was a full annular, sinusoidal pressure pulse. The experimental data showed a decrease in turbine efficiency and pressure ratio. The pressure pulse amplitude and not the frequency was discovered to be the cause for the decrease in turbine efficiency for the current experimental setup. The decrease in turbine efficiency was mapped with turbine pressure ratio and corrected amplitude to demonstrate how the efficiency of a turbine under pulsing flow conditions could be mapped.