The current work focuses on mission-based evaluation of a novel engine architecture arising from the conversion of a microturbojet to a microturbofan via introduction of a variable speed fan and bypass nozzle. The solution significantly improves maximum thrust by 260%, reduces fuel consumption by as much as 60% through maintaining the core independently running at its optimum, and enables a wider operational range, all the meanwhile preserving a simple single spool configuration. Particularly, the introduction of a variable-speed fan enables real-time optimization for both high-speed cruise and low-speed loitering. In order to characterize the performance of the adaptive cycle engine with increased number of controls (engine speed, gear ratio, bypass opening), a component map-based thermodynamic study is used to contrast it against other similar propulsion systems with incrementally reduced input variables. In the following, a shortest path-based optimization is conducted over the locally minimum fuel consumption operating points, based on a set of gradient driven connectivity constraints for changes in gear ratio and bypass nozzle area. The resultant state transition graphs provide global optimum for fuel consumption at a thrust range in a given altitude and Mach flight envelope. Then, the engine model is coupled to a flight mechanics solver supplied with a conceptual design for a representative multipurpose unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Finally, the associated mission benefits are demonstrated in surveillance and firefighting scenarios.
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January 2019
Research-Article
Mission Analysis and Operational Optimization of Adaptive Cycle Microturbofan Engine in Surveillance and Firefighting Scenarios
Michael Palman,
Michael Palman
Turbomachinery and Heat Transfer Laboratory,
Aerospace Engineering Department,
Technion—Israel Institute of Technology,
Technion, Haifa 3200003, Israel
e-mail: p.michael@campus.technion.ac.il
Aerospace Engineering Department,
Technion—Israel Institute of Technology,
Technion, Haifa 3200003, Israel
e-mail: p.michael@campus.technion.ac.il
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Boris Leizeronok,
Boris Leizeronok
Turbomachinery and Heat Transfer Laboratory,
Aerospace Engineering Department,
Technion—Israel Institute of Technology,
Technion, Haifa 3200003, Israel
e-mail: borisl@technion.ac.il
Aerospace Engineering Department,
Technion—Israel Institute of Technology,
Technion, Haifa 3200003, Israel
e-mail: borisl@technion.ac.il
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Beni Cukurel
Beni Cukurel
Turbomachinery and Heat Transfer Laboratory,
Aerospace Engineering Department,
Technion—Israel Institute of Technology,
Technion, Haifa 3200003, Israel
e-mail: beni@cukurel.org
Aerospace Engineering Department,
Technion—Israel Institute of Technology,
Technion, Haifa 3200003, Israel
e-mail: beni@cukurel.org
Search for other works by this author on:
Michael Palman
Turbomachinery and Heat Transfer Laboratory,
Aerospace Engineering Department,
Technion—Israel Institute of Technology,
Technion, Haifa 3200003, Israel
e-mail: p.michael@campus.technion.ac.il
Aerospace Engineering Department,
Technion—Israel Institute of Technology,
Technion, Haifa 3200003, Israel
e-mail: p.michael@campus.technion.ac.il
Boris Leizeronok
Turbomachinery and Heat Transfer Laboratory,
Aerospace Engineering Department,
Technion—Israel Institute of Technology,
Technion, Haifa 3200003, Israel
e-mail: borisl@technion.ac.il
Aerospace Engineering Department,
Technion—Israel Institute of Technology,
Technion, Haifa 3200003, Israel
e-mail: borisl@technion.ac.il
Beni Cukurel
Turbomachinery and Heat Transfer Laboratory,
Aerospace Engineering Department,
Technion—Israel Institute of Technology,
Technion, Haifa 3200003, Israel
e-mail: beni@cukurel.org
Aerospace Engineering Department,
Technion—Israel Institute of Technology,
Technion, Haifa 3200003, Israel
e-mail: beni@cukurel.org
Manuscript received June 22, 2018; final manuscript received June 25, 2018; published online September 14, 2018. Editor: Jerzy T. Sawicki.
J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power. Jan 2019, 141(1): 011010 (12 pages)
Published Online: September 14, 2018
Article history
Received:
June 22, 2018
Revised:
June 25, 2018
Citation
Palman, M., Leizeronok, B., and Cukurel, B. (September 14, 2018). "Mission Analysis and Operational Optimization of Adaptive Cycle Microturbofan Engine in Surveillance and Firefighting Scenarios." ASME. J. Eng. Gas Turbines Power. January 2019; 141(1): 011010. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4040734
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