Development of a 50-kW, Low-Emission Turbogenerator for Hybrid Electric Vehicles Free

This paper describes the development of a low-emission, 50-kW turbine-driven generator called a turbogenerator. It gives a detailed description of the key design features that benefit hybrid electric vehicles driven in various driving cycles. Although the turbogenerator is designed for hybrid electric vehicles, other applications such as standby and primary electric power generation will benefit from its characteristics. These include very-low-exhaust emissions, low cost, high reliability, high fuel efficiency, compact design, and low noise levels. The turbogenerator is relatively unique in that the turbine wheel, compressor impeller, and electrical generator are all mounted on a single, common shaft which is supported on air bearings. These features eliminate the need for both the gearbox and oil lubrication commonly found on conventional automotive and gas turbine engines. AlliedSignal developed the 50-kW turbogenerator for Ford Motor Company under the DOE Hybrid Electric Vehicle Propulsion Program. The turbogenerator is designed to fit into the engine compartment of a Mercury Sable. AlliedSignal originally proved this innovative concept in an APU development program for the U.S. Army. The unit developed for that program has accumulated over 600 hours of operation in laboratory and Army vehicle tests.