A COMPARISON OF GAS TURBINE CONCEPTS PROPOSED FOR AUTOMOBILES

One program sponsored by the Department of Energy (DOE) is reported, involving advanced gas turbines suitable for automobiles with high fuel economy, low exhaust gas emissions, and the ability to operate on alternative fuels. In government-supported research and development in automotive gas turbines dating back to 1972, two contracts were awarded in late 1979. The DOE program is aimed at providing fuel economy 30% above a 1984 automobile powered with a conventional spark ignition engine; exhaust gas and noise emissions meeting strict Federal standards; capability of burning alternate and nonpetroleum fuels; and ability to be mass-produced in the early 1980's. The AiResearch/Ford contract team has proposed a single-shaft gas turbine using high-temperature ceramic components. A drive train using a split-path differential reduction gear and a variable stator torque converter coupled to a production four-speed transmission (fourth gear ratio of 0.67) will be developed in conjunction with the engine. The power train, to be designed for a 1984 Ford rear-wheel drive automobile similar to the 1980 Fairmont, is expected to achieve a combined EPA fuel economy of 36 mpg. Salient features of the engine include minimum case temperature and heat loss, symmetrical ceramic components, variable compressor inlet guide vanes, air-lubricated foil bearing at the hot end, and variable combustor geometry based on a design proven to have low emissions. The General Motors' Detroit Diesel Allison/Pontiac Division contract team has proposed an automotive gas turbine with a power train to be designed for a 1984 Pontiac Phoenix front-wheel drive automobile. Fuel economy comparable to the Ford Fairmont (36 mpg) is expected when operating on similar fuel. Key elements of the General Motors project which required development are small ceramic components, low flow/variable geometry/efficient aerodynamic components, and affordability as a production design. Selected design concepts resulting from study contracts preceding the advanced gas turbine program are noted.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Also published in HS-028 833 (SAE-SP-465), "Advanced Gas Turbine Systems for Automobiles," Warrendale, Pennsylvania, 1980, p 59-68. Presented at SAE Congress and Exposition, Detroit, 25-29 February 1980.
• Corporate Authors:

  Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)

  400 Commonwealth Drive
  Warrendale, PA  United States  15096
• Authors:
  • Mercure, R A
• Publication Date: 1980

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 10 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Air quality management; Alternate fuels; Automobiles; Ceramic materials; Design; Development; Exhaust gases; Fuel conservation; Gas turbines; Noise control; Power trains; Production; Research; Turbine engines; Vehicle drive systems
• Identifier Terms: Ford Motor Company; General Motors Corporation
• Uncontrolled Terms: Mass production; Research and development
• Old TRIS Terms: Exhaust emission control
• Subject Areas: Design; Energy; Research; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00391490
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: SAE 800191, HS-028 839
• Files: HSL, USDOT
• Created Date: Dec 30 1984 12:00AM