An Advanced Wave Rotor Design for Low-NOx Turbine Engines

A novel wave rotor topping cycle, which incorporates a Rich burn- Quick mix-Lean burn (RQL) combustor integrally coupled with a wave rotor, is proposed in this SBIR project. This cycle has the potential of significantly lower NOx levels than demonstrated RQL combustors, plus higher engine efficiency. In Phase 1, the feasibility of producing a NOx emission index of less than 2 while improving overall cycle efficiency will be evaluated using analytical methods. Potential wavecycles and combustion systems will be studied and promising designs will be selected based on approximate wave-cycle analysis and emissions estimates. 2-D CFD analysis of wave rotor flow will be performed to reveal important flow phenomena and help select the best design. 3-D numerical analysis of the combustor quick-mix section will be performed to show the feasibility of low NOx levels. Allison Gas Turbine Division, the selected sub-contractor, will assist in review/assessment of the designs. At the end of Phase I, the `best' wave cycle design and component configuration will be recommended for Phase II study, which will include both detailed simulation and experimental testing. If the design is successfully demonstrated in Phase II, there will be strong potential for application to new low-emission high performance supersonic and advanced subsonic aircraft engines.