Session: 01-08 Whole Engine Performance and Novel Concepts II

Paper Number: 103947

103947 - Aircraft Engine Performance Augmented by Wet Compression 

In order to ensure environmental protection, the Advisory Council of Aviation Research in Europe (ACARE) has set long-term targets in its ‘Flightpath 50’ aviation report, regarding the NO_x, CO₂ and noise reduction. The specific targets include a reduction of 75%, 90% and 65% for the corresponding emissions, for the year 2050 as compared to a reference aircraft and engine, with Entry-Into-Service (EIS) technologies of 2000. To attain these ambitious targets, radical improvements are required on the propulsion side, which is mainly dominated by the jet engine. However, the currently available technologies are close to reaching their technological limits in terms of minimum core size and material technologies.

A potential option for radical improvements could emerge from land-based technologies already applied in the energy sector, by making use of advanced thermodynamic cycles such as wet compression and humidification, in aircraft engines. However, due to the added weight penalty and complexity of the modified operating cycle, such use has not yet been attained.

Considering the above, this work presents a systematic study to identify and assess the effects of wet compression stage conditioning in aeroengines, based on thermodynamic analyses. For this purpose, similar techniques found in the literature are firstly reviewed. The performance of a modern two-spool turbofan engine variant residing in the 130-150 kilonewtons of thrust range is then modeled. To include humidification effects, a 0D evaporation model is then developed to account for water’s vapor saturation pressure as well as its latent heat of vaporization. The effects of injecting water, jet-fuel and hydrogen at take-off are then compared and a sensitivity analysis is undertaken. The results verify that earlier stage injection for water is more effective per mass injected for every fluid used. Moreover, comparing the three fluids for the same amount of mass injected, hydrogen shows its increased potential regarding both thrust augmentation and emissions’ reduction. Finally, an error propagation analysis is performed for key parameters such as injection temperature and relative humidity of ambient air. 

Presenting Author: Vasilis G. Gkoutzamanis Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Presenting Author Biography: Dr. Vasilis Gkoutzamanis holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece. He is a Lecturer in Aircraft Engines at the same department, focusing on hybridization of futuristic propulsion concepts and thermal management systems, based on various cooling media. He has experience in component conceptual and detailed design, model integration as well as power management strategies of hybrid power and propulsion systems. Moreover, he has prior knowledge of operational and infrastructural cost analysis as part of his PhD, entitled ‘Energy integration in hybrid power and propulsion systems. Dr. Gkoutzamanis is also leading several national and international research projects.

Authors:

Vasilis G. Gkoutzamanis Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Michalis K. Psaropoulos Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Anestis I. Kalfas Aristotle University of Thessaloniki