Exergy analysis of a turboprop engine at different flight altitude and speeds using novel consideration

Abstract

Abstract In this study, exergy efficiency calculations of a turboprop engine were performed together with main performance parameters such as shaft power, specific fuel consumption, fuel flow, thermal efficiency etc., for a range of flight altitude (0–14 km) and flight speeds (0–0.6 Mach). A novel exergy efficiency formula was derived in terms of specific fuel consumption and it is shown that these two parameters are inversely proportional to each other. Moreover, a novel exergy efficiency and thermal efficiency relation was also derived. The relationship showed that these two parameters are linearly proportional to each other. Exergy efficiency of the turboprop engine was found to be in the range of 23–33%. Thermal efficiency of the turboprop engine was found to be around 25–35%. Exergy efficiency is higher at higher speeds and altitude where the specific fuel consumption is lower. Conversely, exergy efficiency of the engine is lower for lower speeds and altitude where the specific fuel consumption is higher.