Is StarRotor's Novel Engine Design the Future of Efficient Energy?

[Kenneth Mann]

I decided to try my hand at initiating a discussion. In particular, I'm interested in what others think about the rather novel (Brayton Cycle) engine design at (www.starrotor.com) and its claims? It's, in principle, the same type of continuous burn engine as in jet aircraft, but with somewhat simpler design and less requirement for exotic materials. Note in particular, their efficiency claims. If it works as planned, it might be interesting.

KM

 

[DaveC426913]

link rotted

 

[Kenneth Mann]

The link works just fine!

KM

 

[russ_watters]

Maybe its just for the prototype, but a 6:1 compression ratio means pretty low efficiency - worse than a regular car (otto cycle) engine. Regardless, they are still pretty early in the development. We'll need to wait and see. I'm definitely in favor of brayton cycle engines in cars if its feasible though.

 

[Kenneth Mann]

Actually I think that you're applying the limitations of an Otto cycle to the Brayton cycle. Gas turbines and jet engines have low compression ratios but high volume flows.

KM

 

[Kenneth Mann]

A higher compression ratio is still better.

KM

 

[monsi]

Interesting concept. I think it seems like it will eventually be quite feasible, if not soon. It would be cool to see this go into production.

 

[Wesley Hughes]

It looks pretty good. But hot gas is corosive. Also heat make things expand, which would spoil close fit. Lots of leakage! They don't have a prototype running, which tells you how hard it is. Pistons with piston rings is hard to beat! Wes Hughes

 

[J.ofalltrades]

Lets not forget the original rotor engine. Those are harder to beat, fewer moving parts = longer life. Plus better efficiency. Rotor engines have been in use for decades, the starrotor just looks like an American redesign. About time, too, sometimes we're pretty slow on the uptake.

 

[xxChrisxx]

Deleted previous message: As I'm talking rubbish and thinking of something else altogeher.

Interesting idea, the efficiency claims aren't outside the realm of possibility either.

 

[mgb_phys]

But hot gas is corosive. Also heat make things expand, which would spoil close fit. Lots of leakage!

Isn't a Brayton cycle isobaric?
The combustion chamber is open to the output turbine - there isn't anything to seal.

 

[stewartcs]

FYI...this thread is like 5 years old...LOL!

CS

 

[xxChrisxx]

Balls! Can't believe I didnt notice that.

 

[Kenneth Mann]

Wow! Has it been that long. I feel old.

KM