Ramgen Power Systems-Supersonic Component Technology for Military Engine Applications
Abstract
Ramgen Power Systems, Inc. (RPS) is currently developing two high efficiency gas turbine engine concepts to create two entirely new gas turbine engines. The superior efficiency results from: (1) high pressure shock wave compression and supersonic expansion phenomena that produce high component efficiencies and (2) a unique configuration that minimizes flow stream turning losses throughout the engine. The RPS engine concept can be configured as a high-pressure ratio simple-cycle design for propulsion applications or as a low-pressure ratio recuperated engine. The RPS engine can be applied to a mobile power plant (such as military propulsion system for future combat systems), to a stationary power generator (such as a standalone power-only mode device), or to a fuel cell in a hybrid configuration. This paper presents the development of the RPS gas turbine technology and potential applications to the two specific engine cycle configurations, i.e., an indirect fuel cell / RPS turbine hybrid-cycle, and a simple-cycle turbine. The system promises a Specific Fuel Consumption (SFC) equal to or better than the SFC of current reciprocating diesel engines in this size range, but with a 10:1 weight reduction and a 4:1 improvement in time between overall maintenance. This represents a potential 2:1 increase in fuel efficiency at full power over existing gas turbines in this size range.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA482178
Entities
People
- Chang W. Sohn
- Franklin H. Holcomb
- Gunnar Tamm
- Karen Belshaw
- Peter Baldwin
- Robert C. Steele
- Shawn Lawlor