Gas Turbines
From Thermal-FluidsPedia
The basic operation of a gas turbine is relatively simple. Air is drawn through a nozzle and compressed in a compressor to a very high pressure and temperature before entering a combustion chamber. Fuel is injected through a fuel injector into the combustion chamber where it mixes with the air and burns. Depending on the application, kerosene, natural gas, or jet fuel can be used. The product of combustion is expanded and runs a turbine that provides power. The shaft work can be used to propel a helicopter, provide thrust to a jet engine, drive a tank, or turn a generator and produce electricity (Figure 1).
The main advantages of gas turbines over gasoline and diesel engines are their relatively low emissions, very high power density (kW/m3) and specific power (kW/kg), multi-fuel capability, and smooth, vibration-free power delivery. New ceramic materials allow gas turbine operation at higher temperatures with efficiencies exceeding those of conventional engines by as much as 50%.
References
(1) Toossi Reza, "Energy and the Environment:Sources, technologies, and impacts", Verve Publishers, 2005
Further Reading
Tillman, D., Fuels of Opportunity: Characteristics and Uses In Combustion Systems, Academic Press, 2004.
Sorensen, K., Hydrogen and Fuel Cells: Emerging Technologies and Applications, Academic Press, 2005.
Dhameia, S., Electric Vehicle Battery Systems, Academic Press, 2001.
Hussain, I., Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: Design Fundamentals, CRC Press, LLC. 2003.
Jefferson, C.M., and Barnard, R. H., Hybrid Vehicle Propulsion, WIT Press, 2002.
Spelberg, D. The Hydrogen Energy Transition: Moving Toward the Post Petroleum Age in Transportation, Academic Press, 2004.
Fuel, Direct Science Elsevier Publishing Company, Fuel focuses on primary research work in the science and technology of fuel and energy fuel science.
Transportation Research Part C: Emerging Technologies, Direct Science Elsevier Publishing Company; this journal focuses on scholarly research on development, application, and implications in the fields of transportation, control systems, and telecommunications, among others.
Fuel Cells Bulletin, Direct Science Elsevier Publishing Company, Fuel Cells Bulletin is the leading source of technical and business news for the fuel cells sector.
International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Direct Science Elsevier Publishing Company, Quarterly journal covering various aspects of hydrogen energy, including production, storage, transmission, and utilization, as well as economical and environmental aspects.
External Links
US Department of Transportation (http://www.dot.gov).
US Department of Energy (http://www.doe.gov).
US Environmental Protection Agency (http://www.epa.gov).
National Energy Renewable Laboratory Hybrid Electric &Fuel Cell Vehicles (http://www.nrel.gov/vehiclesandfuels/hev).
FreedomCar (http://www.eere.energy.gov/vehiclesandfuels).