Naval Engine Improvement through Water Injection

A feasibility analysis of a modified Naval engine with both water extraction and water injection is proposed. The modifications would implement the Regenerative Feedback Turbine Engine (RFrE), invented by Coleman Engine Corporation as a method of achieving high efficiency over a broad power range while reducing emissions significantly and, very important for a multi-deck ship, reducing the flow of air and exhaust by a factor of three. In addition, the IR signature would be substantially diminished, and the engine compactness would be similar to a simple-cycle gas turbine. Preliminary calculations show a high potential for producing fresh water directly from the engine. Trade studies are to be made on the effect on performance and emissions of injecting the self-produced water into the high pressure portion of the engine. The net effect of this type of modified engine on ship architecture and mission capability will be assessed.