The Diesel Engine in Association with the Gas Turbine

Abstract

On the basis that the future development of the diesel engine is inevitably dependent upon its association with a gas turbine, this paper explores three known methods by which the association between the engine and the gas turbine may be achieved, namely, turbocharging, compounding, and the gas generator. Potential performances attainable from these three arrangements for both 2-cycle and 4-cycle engines with and without charge cooling are derived by methods which are explained, and it is demonstrated that high specific power outputs become possible at high air-manifold pressures without exceeding established limitations for maximum cylinder pressure, piston temperature, or turbine inlet temperature. The characteristics and limitations of the three alternative arrangements are compared and the conclusion is drawn that a highly supercharged 2-cycle engine used as a gas generator feeding a power turbine would provide an efficient and versatile power unit.