High Power Density Work Extraction from Turbofan Exhaust Heat

Paper in proceeding, 2015

Integration of steam and air bottoming cycles with a conventional transport category turbofan is discussed. A conceptual design of a turbofan with a steam bottoming cycle yielded a 5% efficiency improvement for realistic component performance, but the weight eliminated in principal all gain on an aircraft level. For an air bottoming cycle simplified core cycle simulations showed the potential for up to 8% efficiency improvement. A novel Exhaust Heated Bleed engine where the bottoming cycle is integrated with a conventional turbofan turbo machinery is proposed. Simulation of this engine for take-off, climb and cruise conditions shows a 3-7% efficiency benefit. A concept for an exhaust heat exchanger and a conceptual turbine design for the Bleed Turbine to convert the exhaust heat to shaft power are illustrated.