Electrical Energy Recovery from Gas Turbine Exhaust

Thermionic, thermoelectrica nd thermo-photovoltaic direct heat-to-electric power conversion technologies are to be considered for the auxiliary power requirements of gas turbine-powered rotocraft. These converters will comprise a bottoming cycle deriving source heat from the propulsion turbine exhaust. Various concepts and configurations of these direct conversion technolgoies will be explored and analyzed. The most promising feasible conceptual designs will be compared. The comprison will evaluate issues concerning power-to-weight ratio, specific fuel consumption and integration and interaction with the propulsion turbine. Also considered will be packaging, materials, conrols, power conditioning, reliability and cost. A preliminary design of the most viable concept will culminate the Phase I effort along with comparative system performance data relative to a baseline system.