REGENERATIVE GAS-TURBINES AT MAXIMUM POWER-DENSITY CONDITIONS

A new kind of power analysis has recently been presented which is base d on the maximization of the power density and predicts smaller and mo re efficient non-regenerative Joule-Brayton engines than those designe d at maximum power. In this paper we apply the power density maximizat ion method to regenerative gas turbines using a theoretical framework where the optimal operating conditions of the heat engine are expresse d in terms of the isentropic efficiencies of the compressor and turbin e and of the heat exchanger efficiency. It is shown that, unlike non-r egenerative results, real regenerative gas turbines are less efficient at maximum power density conditions than at maximum power conditions.