Novel Combined-Cycle Turbine Engine with Water Harvesting

A novel combined-cycle turbine engine with water harvesting capability is proposed for development into a commercially viable product. The semi-closed engine combined with a vapor absorption refrigeration cycle is ideally suited to water extraction from the exhaust. Water extraction occurs in a portion of the cycle that has high pressure, low temperature and a near stoichiometric exhuast stream, all of the conditions for optimum water extraction. In addition, the proposed engine cycle has a low thermal signature due to low temperature exhaust and ultra-low emission of NOx and CO. The cycle efficiency is high, as is power density. The proposed Phase II effort bulids on a highly successfull Phase I effort. Feasibilty of the proposed cycle was clearly demonsrtated with design code analysis and experimental demonstration of water extraction from a semi-closed cycle demonstrator. The Phase II effort will experimentally demonstrate reduced emissions (thermal and polutant), improved cycle efficiency, and water extraction. A simulation code will be completed to predict the performance of protoype designs. A preliminary prototype production for a commercial design will also be generated. Testing will be performed at the University of Florida. Analytical and design support will be provided by Concepts-NREC.