Thermodynamic modeling and analysis of ammonia injection pre-compressor cooling cycle: A novel scheme for high Mach number turbine engines. (1st August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lv, Chengkun; Xu, Haiqi; Quan, Fuxu; Chang, Juntao; Yu, Daren
• Is Part Of: Energy conversion and management. Volume 265(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-08-01
• Subjects: Ammonia -- Mass injection pre-compressor cooling -- High Mach number turbine -- Maximum operating Mach number -- Specific impulse/thrust; Direct energy conversion -- Periodicals; Energy storage -- Periodicals; Energy transfer -- Periodicals; Énergie -- Conversion directe -- Périodiques; Direct energy conversion; Periodicals; 621.3105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enconman.2022.115776
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0196-8904

Abstract

Highlights: Liquid ammonia replaces water as coolant for pre-compressor cooling. A novel ammonia injection pre-compressor cooling engine cycle is proposed. The operating Mach number envelope of the engine is expanded from 3.1 to around 3.5. The maximum Mach number limit for ammonia injection is investigated. Ammonia injection can provide greater specific thrust than water injection. Abstract: Mass injection pre-compressor cooling (MIPCC) is one of the significant technologies to extend the operating envelope of turbine engines. In this paper, a new high Mach number turbine scheme is proposed with liquid ammonia injection instead of water injection. The basic properties of ammonia, especially the boiling point, latent heat of vaporization and auto-ignition temperature, are introduced. To evaluate the engine performance, a thermodynamic model incorporating the ammonia mass injection pre-compressor cooling (Ammonia MIPCC) process is developed. The accuracy of the model is demonstrated by verifying the design point, operating line, and Ammonia MIPCC processes. Simulations show that the Ammonia MIPCC process is mainly suitable for extended operating Mach number envelopes. Ammonia injection should be avoided for normal operating conditions because it causes a decrease in specific impulse. Through liquid ammonia injection, the operating Mach number of the turbine engine is increased from 3.1 to about 3.5. Moreover, the maximum operating Mach number (MOM) limit of the Ammonia MIPCC engine is investigated. Pre-Compressor cooling requirements and combustor heat release limits jointly constrain the amount of ammonia injection, which prevents further expansion of the MOM. Furthermore, the Ammonia MIPCC engine has the advantage of greater specific thrust at the same Mach number compared to water injection, and with Mach numbers greater than 3.36, the Ammonia MIPCC engine has a specific impulse advantage. In general, the Ammonia MIPCC engine is an effective solution for a high Mach number turbine.