CONCEPTUAL GAS TURBINE HYBRID ENGINE DESIGN FOR HIGH SPEED RAIL LOCOMOTIVE PROPULSION
Abstract
The modern experimental jet train developed by Bombardier Transportation was designed to partner with the present day electrified Acela high speed trains. The Jet train would provide transportation to areas (Rural etc.), as well as transcontinental capabilities to existing towns and cities where electrified propulsion units are not feasible. The Bombardier Jet Train utilizes petroleum-based fuel, diesel engine power, and multiple turboshaft engines, for higher speeds. The Pratt and Whitney PW150 engine design parameters will be used to develop the Conceptual Hybrid Turbo Shaft Engine (CHTS).
The newer Conceptual Hybrid Turbo Shaft Engine (CHTS) should increase engine performance, lower specific fuel consumption, and extend traveling distance by at least 12 percent. The CHTS will be capable of operating at altitudes of at least 6000 feet, with the least amount of degradation in performance. The (CHTS) design shall incorporate a Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMES) Coil, which will reduce trip time and improve fuel efficiency. Modeling of the CHTS is based on four design engineering criteria; Design, Development, Test and Evaluation (DDT&E). The design phase is dictated by customer (Civilian), functional requirements (Environmental adaptability, structural integrity, performance output, fuel efficiency, horsepower, thrust and vehicle integration etc.).
The development phase involves developing the prototype to include computer aided design (CAD) drawings, applied engineering principles (Thermodynamics, heat transfer, fluid mechanics, mechanics of materials, machine design, turbomachinery etc.), and manufacturing techniques. Testing phase requires
evaluating the prototype’s ability to perform to design specifications, as outlined by customer requirements. This involves using testing facilities (Engine test bed, wind tunnel, data measuring equipment, etc.), and appropriate test software, to extrapolate data that validates design
performance specifications. This phase probably represents the most important criteria of this
modeling concept; since if the output data doesn’t represent the design specifications then the
development stage of the prototype must be re-evaluated. The final phase involves evaluating (Quality real time performance, etc.), within an operational environment (Public/Private transportation etc.). Time frames (One to two years etc.) may be required to fully evaluate the prototype’s operational integrity. Upon successful prototype evaluation, the prototype model is used as a baseline to produce and manufacture, the final operational system.