Research
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.
Research priorities:
Aerospace scientist Dr. Dirk Hilberg almost pursued a career at a freight forwarding company. Now he organises research projects in future technologies, both for his employer, Rolls-Royce, as well as at FVV. He is convinced that there is more than one way forward in life. But at some point, decisions have to be made.
Read moreChristopher Steinwachs, the Deputy President of the FVV, explains the role that gas turbines and other turbomachinery play in the energy mix of the future. Steinwachs is responsible for the global production network of hot gas components in gas turbines at Siemens Energy.
Read moreMinuscule manufacturing tolerances can cause blades in turbomachinery to vibrate increasingly during operation. Researchers in Hanover have investigated the phenomenon, and have thus paved the way for even more efficient turbines.
Read moreModel-based calculation tools are for early design evaluation. They can only be used in a meaningful way if thermodynamic processes can be represented realistically, for which a sufficiently deep understanding is required. For this reason, the processes at the plain bearings and the heat flow mechanisms within a passenger car turbocharger were investigated within the framework of the FVV project “Thermally influenced TC bearing friction” (FVV No. 1238) at the Leibniz University Hannover (LUH) and the Clausthal University of Technology (TUC).
Read moreTurbocharging is known to be a well-established technology for an engine’s efficiency and power output by forcing extra compressed air into the combustion chamber. The centrifugal loads, necessary flow deflections, unsteady pressure fluctuations, and structural temperature gradients put a high strain on rotating components. Additionally, those components are prone to high-cycle fatigue. The Chair of Structural Mechanics and Vehicle Vibrational Technology at the BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg investigated the impact of manufacturing tolerances on the vibrational behavior of several turbine and compressor impellers. Finally, it is shown that intentional mistuning can lead to significantly lower stresses.
Read moreProjects of Planning Group T »Turbomachinery«
DNS-driven development of predictive LES models for gas turbine emissions
THEMISInfluence of purge flow on secondary flow and efficiency of a 1,5 turbine stage with 3D passage design
THEMISRobust evaluation of fracture deformation parameters to use the creep ductility within advanced lifetime assessment concepts –Evaluation concept development and realisation
THEMISSystem efficiency optimal compressor design for PEM fuel cells in mobile applications
THEMISCoordinator:
Dr. Dirk Hilberg
Rolls-Royce Germany
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