Manufacturing of CMC Combustor Liners for Gas Turbine Generators

The use of ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) would permit higher efficiency power generation for the stationary gas turbine engines used in electricity production. However, current CMC systems do not meet the long cycle life requirements (greater than100,000 hours). This project will develop and fabricate high-yield yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) and Refractory Alloyed YAG (RAYAG) structural ceramic fibers and matrices. In Phase I, pre-ceramic polymer chemistry was used to develop high temperature oxide ceramic fibers. These fibers were shown to withstand temperatures up to 1600C. Phase II will optimize and develop these new ceramic fibers for commercialization. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Improving the thermodynamic efficiency of gas turbine generators through the use of CMCs should save nearly 300 billion BTU a year in natural gas, and save over $1.3 billion dollars per year for utility customers.