Fig. 4.1-1 Structure of ICR Gas Turbine WR-21
The Intercooled and Recuperated cycle (ICR) gas turbine WR-21 (22,000 kW class) in which the aero RB211 engine by RR is applied as the base engine, has been developed overseas under the contract with the US Navy (Royal and French navies are also participated). Fig. 4.1-1 shows the structure of WR-21. The test for the development engine has been conducted at the test house in Royal Navy, and the endurance test for 500 hours was completed in 1997. [Takafumi NAKAGAWA]
4.2 Turbochargers
The situation in 1997 of domestic turbocharger manufacturer is summarized below.
Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. produced 1,161 units of VTR type turbochargers with axial turbine. It includes 64 units of VTR4D series, which was designed for higher-pressure application than conventional VTR4E and 4 units of VTR4P series, which can be adopted for compressor pressure ratio up to 4. The required compressor pressure ratio for domestic diesel engine is gradually increasing similar to a tendency of the European engine builders. Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. also produced 1,636 units of RU and RH3 type turbochargers with radial turbine, which are about 20% larger than the production record of 1996. Especially the production of high efficiency type turbocharger RH3 is increased.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. produced 499 units of MET type turbochargers. 33 units were MET-SE series, i.e. MET83SE, MET66SE and MET45SE, which can be adopted for higher-pressure application than conventional MET-SD series. 14 units out of total 33 were applied for stationary power generating plants. The production of MET-SE series will be increased in the future. It is remarkable that an order for 8 units of MET42SH for the stationary power generating plant with compressor pressure ratio of 4 is placed. The contribution of the paper, "An Outline Review of MET Turbocharger Design Features and Improvements Achieved for User-Friendliness", was made for the 2nd Symposium on Marine Propulsion System, Athens.
Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. produced 75 units of NA 70, NA57 and NA48 turbochargers. The numbers of new turbocharger type NA70/T9, NA57/T9 and NA48/S are 12, 13 and 1 unit respectively. The production of high efficiency and high-pressure turbocharger is increasing on the market demand of high power rate of the diesel engines.
The lifetime of the compressor wheel made of aluminum alloy is a topic under the severe running conditions such as high peripheral speed and high suction air temperature. The investigation on aerodynamic design and/or the material of the compressor wheel might be necessary.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. produced 40 units of NA70, NA57, and NA48 turbochargers. The new turbocharger type NA70/T9, NA57/T9 and NA48/ S have the majority of the production and the numbers are 15, 8 and 16 units respectively.
Niigata Engineering Co., Ltd. produced 340 units of turbochargers, including 310 units of NR/R, 2 units of NA/T and 3 units of NR/S. The production of high efficiency and high-pressure turbocharger NR/S with radial turbine will be increased. [Takashi AKITA]
