Benefits and Challenges of Pressure-Gain Combustion Systems for Gas Turbines

Abstract

This article discusses benefits and challenges of Pressure-Gain Combustion Systems for Gas Turbines. The article also highlights that one approach to substantially improve gas turbine thermal efficiency is to replace the nearly constant pressure combustion process with some form of pressure-gain heat release such as either a constant volume or detonative mode of combustion. These systems commonly possess some form of rotating inlet valve design to control the filling process for an annular array of combustors and maintain the appropriate amount of inlet isolation. Although evaluation of turbine life and performance needs to continue, turbine efficiencies approaching values comparable to those of steady-state operation have been reported. The article concludes that the collaborative efforts, such as listed in the article, are ultimately required in times of reduced funding for continued technology development. Even with the risks and challenges associated with this technology, a high payoff potential exists with hybrid gas turbine architectures.