Cycle Optimisation Using an Advanced, Real Engine Performance Prediction Model
A whole gas-turbine engine model has been developed incorporating all of the key turbomachinery aerothermal relationships. The aim of the model has been to predict trends in gas-turbine performance with a high degree of confidence that they reflect real engine design limitations. Simple cycles, recuperated, inter-cooled, and inter-cooled recuperated cycles can be assessed across a wide of range of operating parameters. The model is spreadsheet-based with additional macro programming. The major part of it is concerned with establishing representative overall turbine characteristics. A non-integer number of stages is determined as a function of technology level inputs. Individual stage geometry features are derived allowing the calculation of the coolant requirements and efficiencies. The results of various studies are presented for a number of cycle types. The resulting trends are believed to be sensible because of the realistic turbine features. Confidence in the method is established by the modelling of a number of existing industrial gas turbines.