StarRotor's Brayton cycle engine design and efficiency claims

Join the discussion
Registration is free. Ask a follow-up in this thread, or start your own.
Sign up Log in
13 replies · 9K views
Kenneth Mann
Messages
424
Reaction score
3
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
 

Discussion

Physics news on Phys.org
link rotted
 
The link works just fine!

KM
 
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.
 
Last edited:
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
 
A higher compression ratio is still better.

KM
 
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. :cool:
 
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
 
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.
 
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.
 
Last edited:
Wesley Hughes said:
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.
 
Balls! Can't believe I didnt notice that.
 
Wow! Has it been that long. I feel old.

KM