High Turbine Inlet Temperature Compact Turbogenerator

Locust USA proposes using a breakthrough high temperature refractory alloy (RMPEA) from DOE Ames to significantly increase (+83%) the mass flow specific power output of a single spool turbogenerator creating the M3HT turbogenerator power unit. Using existing know-how from our successful microturbine designs including ancillary components such as our Electronic Engine Controller (EEC) and single spool turbogenerators with a range of power from 3 to 40 kW. Locust will scale the design to the required 20 kW (T) & 25 kW (O) at sea level 50 C conditions. An existing high speed permanent magnet generator will be scaled and modified to produce the required 270 Vdc while a compact SiC based rectifier and voltage regulator will be included. Two rotor bearing support systems will be explored. One based on hybrid rolling element bearings using air cooling and drip oil misting lubrication based on the very successful LTS series of Locust single shaft turboalternators which have demonstrated over 600 hours of operation and over 200 starts without needing overhaul or showing signs of damage. The second will be based on reduced scale Xdot gas foil bearing technology from  a Phase II NAVY STTR VTOL turbogenerator, where Locust USA is currently performing the engine system design. The Locust proprietary EEC will be modified for a better fit in the required envelope and the control laws adapted to the M3HT machinery. The M3HT power unit will:Operate with most heavy fuels (Jet A, JP8, JP5, JP10, Biodiesel, Diesel)Specific Power (Max System Power/Total Weight [System+Fuel+Oil]) ~1.0 kW/kgFuel Consumption (JP10): Sea Level 50C: 164 ml/min, 10 k ft/5C: 135 ml/minGas Foil Air Bearings or Hybrid Bearings with open loop lubricationElectronic Engine Control with CANBus and full authority digital controlFull system in a 17.5 cm diameter by 48.5 cm long cylinder with the inlet and exhaust in opposite ends and a CG aligned with the cylinder centerline.Overall System Volume: 0.0066 m3 (53% of target 0.0125 m3)Have a 20 kW (T)/25 kW (O) 270 VDC regulated output.