Evaporative Compressor Cooling for NOx Suppression and Enhanced Engine Performance for Naval Gas Turbine Propulsion Plants
Abstract
The present paper presents a new concept, in naval propulsion plants, to decrease NOx production and increase specific power with a water fog (droplet spray) injected (WFI) directly into the inlet of the engine compressor. The simulated performance of a simple-cycle gas turbine engine using WFI is reported. The paper describes the computer model developed to predict compressor performance resulting from the evaporation of water passing through the stages of an axial flow compressor. The resulting effects are similar to those of an intercooled compressor, without the complications due to the addition of piping, heat exchangers, and the requirement for a dual spool compressor. The effects of evaporative cooling on compressor characteristics are presented. These results include compressor maps modified for various water flow rates as well as estimates of the reductions in compression work and compressor discharge temperature. These modified compressor performance characteristics are used in the engine simulation to predict how a WFI engine would perform under various water injection flow rates. Estimates of increased output power and decreased air flow rates are presented.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA363242
Entities
People
- Donald T. Knauss
- Herman B. Urbach
- Michael R. Sexton
Organizations
- Virginia Military Institute