MTU Reports First Results From Clean Testing
(Source: MTU Aero Engines; issued March 30, 2005)
MUNICH, Germany --- The Clean technology demonstrator has surpassed MTU's expectations: at Stuttgart University's altitude test facility, MTU's components met and in part bested all objectives. The low-pressure turbine's efficiency came in more than one percentage point better than anticipated, reported MTU Aero Engines. The company has since presented the findings of its initial evaluation of the test data for its components.
The two Clean key components--the high-speed low-pressure turbine and the heat exchanger—came from MTU, as did the turbine center frame. The testing also involved novel materials and design variants. "We demonstrated that our high-speed low-pressure turbine was technologically fully mature," concluded Dr. Günter Wilfert, who oversees the Clean project at MTU.
The recuperator, too, ran as scheduled, complying with specifications. To minimize pressure losses on the hot gas side, plans are now to introduce design improvements MTU hopes to explore under future research programs. Also MTU's third component on the Clean project, the turbine center frame, proceeded through the test without a hitch, underscoring the design's functional integrity. Passing the tests also were an advanced honeycomb seal material, various design variants and alternative brush seal materials.
Under the aegis of Airbus Industrie, the Stuttgart tests also included studies to show whether the engine improvements actually yielded the hoped-for savings on the aircraft as a whole. The studies concluded that a recuperated engine indeed achieved the targeted fuel savings and complied with advanced NOx emission standards.
MTU Aero Engines ranks among the world's leading engine manufacturers and has carved out leadership positions in various engine technologies. It has major roles in significant national and international government- and EC-sponsored technology programs.
The EU-supported, MTU-managed Clean project was launched in collaboration with Snecma Moteurs, Volvo Aero, Avio and Eldim. The geared-turbofan concept with its high-speed low-pressure turbine is found also on the ATFI technology demonstrator, which is currently undergoing extensive testing. On this Advanced Technology Fan Integrator, MTU is closely partnering with Pratt & Whitney Canada, Pratt & Whitney and Avio.
-ends-