Fundamental study on the use of MAX phase as material in micro turbines
WHAT IS THE CHALLENGE?The interior parts of gas turbines which are highly exposed to heat and mechanical stress, are normally manufactured of special nickel alloys. Efficiency as high as possible is desired but without sacrificing the necessary mechanical strength and safety. High efficiency reduces fuel consumption and thus reduces running expenses and in most cases the discharging of greenhouse gases.The efficiency has a strong relation to the speed of the turbine blades and to the highest occurring gas temperature. As a consequence limiting factors for the efficiency are the strength of the material and its ability to withstand high temperatures. The higher the latter, the higher the efficiency.
HOW CAN THE PROJECT CONTRIBUTE TO A SOLUTION?
By using an alternative material for the parts of the gas turbine with the highest temperatures,
today’s highest temperatures possibly could be elevated by about 100 degrees centigrade which would elevate the efficiency by about one percent meaning a fuel saving of 2-3 percent. This corresponds to a saving of tenth of millions cubic metres of oil equivalents gas and heating oil per year in the world, in the production of electricity.
The proposed alternative material is MAX-phase, a new material with the formula TiAlC.
WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THE RESULTS?
First of all power companies using gas turbines. Secondly their customers buying electricity.
And finally all those not favoured by global warming and by diminishing reserves of crude oil and natural gas, which includes most people.
