| HEART4EV | This project is in progress |
| High Efficiency Advanced Recuperated Turbine-Generator for Electric Vehicles |
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Context Gas turbines have for 40 years been offered as potential alternatives to the conventional reciprocating internal combustion engine. Unfortunately with the rapidly advancing reciprocating engine technology being used to reduce emissions and improve efficiency, and the poor part load efficiency of gas turbines, the alternative has never really been viable. However in a hybrid vehicle gas turbines can be used at their peak efficiency continuously, and the part load condition can be met with the system batteries. In this mode of operation the gas turbine should offer superior efficiency and lower emissions compared with a reciprocating engine. The current limitation of this technology is a reliable, low cost, high effectiveness air to air heat exchanger referred to as a recuperator. This recovers energy from the high turbine exhaust gas temperature and uses it to pre-heat the incoming air. Aims Research current recuperator technology. Establish baseline performance and life of current recuperator technology Evaluate recuperator and gas turbine integration concepts to minimise internal losses, maximise recuperator performance, minimise gas turbine/recuperator installation envelope and minimise installation thermal radiation losses. Design and produce prototype recuperators that exceed the current state of art performance, size and cost. Method An extensive search of current recuperator technology papers, journals and patents has been conducted. Several current technology recuperators have been obtained for evaluation. Recuperator integration concepts are currently being reviewed. The basic recuperator design has been completed. Integration issues are being thoroughly investigated. The low cost production techniques for the new recuperator are being reviewed and concurrently designed. Benefits The programme will result in the UK having a world leading low cost, durable and highly effective recuperator to market worldwide. This will be an enabling technology for future HEV drive train programmes, and will hopefully establish the recuperated microturbine as a true alternative to reciprocating internal combustion engines. Participants Bowman Power Systems Ltd Centrax Ltd University of Sussex |
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