Pulse-Powered Turbine Engine Concept Implementing Rotating Valve Timing System: Numerical CFD Analysis

The paper presents the pulse-powered turbine engine concept with implemented rotating valve timing system. The engine stands out a big energy efficiency and simple construction. A characteristic feature, and at the same time the main assumption, of the presented engine concept is the isochoric combustion process, which takes place in a stationary combustion chambers. The engine works according to Humphrey’s thermodynamic cycle, which has a larger energy efficiency than the Brayton-Joule cycle that serves as the basis for classical turbine engines. The operation of investigated engine concept requires consecutive stages of preparation of high-pressure gases and supplying the turbine with these gases. The engine is powered by pulses, completely different than classical turbine engines, which are continuously powered. A realization of pulse powering requires the use of a valve timing system. It is crucial element of the presented engine concept, and has a decisive impact on its effective operation. The effectiveness of different valve timing systems was investigated by means of computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analysis. The analysed various intermediate valve timing concepts have led to the development of innovative rotating valve timing system, which seems to resolve many problems addressed in the beginning of the article.