The research and development of a unique combustion engine is presented. The engine converts the thrust from ramjet modules located on the rim of a disk into shaft torque, which in turn can be used for electrical power generation or mechanical drive applications. A test program was undertaken that included evaluation of the pre-prototype engine and incorporation of improvements to the thrust modules and supporting systems. Fuel mixing studies with vortex generators and bluff body flame holders demonstrated the importance of increasing the shear-layer area and spreading angle to augment flame volume. Evaluation of flame-holding configurations (with variable fuel injection methods) concluded that the heat release zone, and therefore combustion efficiency, could be manipulated by judicious selection of bluff body geometry, and is less influenced by fuel injection distribution. Finally, successful operation of novel fuel and cooling air delivery systems have resolved issues of gas (fuel and air) delivery to the individual rotor segments. The lessons learned from the pre-prototype engine are currently being applied to the development of a 2.8MW engine.
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ASME Turbo Expo 2002: Power for Land, Sea, and Air
June 3–6, 2002
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Conference Sponsors:
- International Gas Turbine Institute
ISBN:
0-7918-3606-1
PROCEEDINGS PAPER
The Development of the Ramgen Engine Combustion System
Blake C. Chenevert,
Blake C. Chenevert
Ramgen Power Systems, Bellevue, WA
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Donald W. Kendrick,
Donald W. Kendrick
Ramgen Power Systems, Bellevue, WA
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Ben Trueblood,
Ben Trueblood
Ramgen Power Systems, Bellevue, WA
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Jon Tonouchi,
Jon Tonouchi
Ramgen Power Systems, Bellevue, WA
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Shawn P. Lawlor,
Shawn P. Lawlor
Ramgen Power Systems, Bellevue, WA
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Robert C. Steele
Robert C. Steele
Ramgen Power Systems, Bellevue, WA
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Blake C. Chenevert
Ramgen Power Systems, Bellevue, WA
Donald W. Kendrick
Ramgen Power Systems, Bellevue, WA
Ben Trueblood
Ramgen Power Systems, Bellevue, WA
Jon Tonouchi
Ramgen Power Systems, Bellevue, WA
Shawn P. Lawlor
Ramgen Power Systems, Bellevue, WA
Robert C. Steele
Ramgen Power Systems, Bellevue, WA
Paper No:
GT2002-30084, pp. 491-500; 10 pages
Published Online:
February 4, 2009
Citation
Chenevert, BC, Kendrick, DW, Trueblood, B, Tonouchi, J, Lawlor, SP, & Steele, RC. "The Development of the Ramgen Engine Combustion System." Proceedings of the ASME Turbo Expo 2002: Power for Land, Sea, and Air. Volume 1: Turbo Expo 2002. Amsterdam, The Netherlands. June 3–6, 2002. pp. 491-500. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/GT2002-30084
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