Turbomachines are among the most powerful energy converters created by mankind. Unlike water turbines, thermal turbomachines use the energy released by a combustion process. Whether in power plants for electricity generation, in turbochargers for spark-ignition and diesel engines, or in jet engines for modern aeroplanes: the developers of turbomachines are always faced with the challenge of using the energy from the combustion process as efficiently as possible and thus further raising efficiency.

At more than 60%, the efficiency of combined cycle power plants is already very high. By 2050, developers want to increase this figure to 70%. One starting point here is further increasing the combustion temperature. However, higher temperatures also go hand-in-hand with stronger vibrations of the turbine blades. For this reason, FVV researchers are working on effective vibration damping measures in order to prevent damage to turbines and plants. Furthermore, the higher combustion temperatures pose new challenges when it comes to exhaust gas aftertreatment. They also have an effect on the materials used, as these have to withstand the temperatures on a sustained basis. Therefore, materials researchers are investigating the fracture, creep and fatigue behaviour of the metal materials used in turbines in numerous FVV projects.

In addition, the Turbomachinery planning group is working on further optimising gas turbines for aircraft engines. Alongside a higher pressure ratio of compressors and turbines and thus – once again – higher temperatures, this work focuses on improved aerodynamics and the use of lightweight materials. The pre-competitive research of the FVV is essential for achieving the ambitious goals: aircraft and turbine manufacturers have committed themselves to reducing emissions of carbon dioxide by 75%, nitrogen oxide by 90% and noise pollution by 65% by 2050.
 

PGT »Turbomachinery« is dedicated to the following topics:

• Efficiency of turbines and compressors
• Alternative fuels, hydrogen combustion
• Innovative operating fluids and coatings

And tackles the following lines of research / focuses:

• Aerodynamics of turbomachines
• Turbine and centrifugal and axial compressor as a complete system
• Blade cooling, secondary air systems
• Component stress, damage and failure mechanisms
• High-temperature materials and coating
• Additive manufacturing