Current Status of CGT302 (Progressing to Final Phase)

In Japan, a 300kW Ceramic Gas Turbine (CGT) Research and Development program was begun in 1988 as a part of “the New Sunshine Project” promoted by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). The final target of this program is to achieve 42% thermal efficiency at 1350°C turbine inlet temperature (TIT). Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (KHI) has been taking part in this program developing the CGT302 (a regenerative two-shaft CGT) with Kyocera Corporation (KC) and Sumitomo Precision Products Co., Ltd. (SPP). Now the final phase of the Pilot CGT is underway. By the end of the fiscal year 1995, the CGT302 achieved 33.1% thermal efficiency at 1200°C TIT, and remarkably low NOx emissions using a premixed lean combustor equipped with a variable air valve. By January 1997, thermal efficiency was increased to 37.0% at 1282°C and fairly low NOx was recorded at 1250°C. The engine rotational speeds were reduced to avoid foreign object damage (FOD). Accordingly, the compressor, gas generator turbine (GGT), and power turbine (PT) blade airfoils were redesigned. Engine tests have been ongoing to accumulate total engine operating time and thereby confirm measured performance, access durability, and identify needed areas of improvement.Copyright © 1997 by ASME