Rotary Expander Engine Development Program.

摘要

This paper describes some results and the status of a program to develop a 250 hp(186 kW) rotary expander engine for use with an external combustion source or in a closed cycle power system. In the first phase of the program, parts from a Curtiss-Wright RC1-60 internal combustion engine were combined with a new housing, end plates and a set of rotary valves to produce the first rotary expander, the RE1-60. The RE1-60 was tested at a maximum power output of 155 hp(116 kW) at 4800 rpm when supplied with combustion gas at 1000 F(538 C) and 600 psia(4.14 MPa). Details of the RE1-60 and test results are presented. The second rotary expander, the RE1-11, was designed with the expander's kinematics similar to that of Wankel's earlier engines; the main shaft/eccentric is stationary while the rotor and housing rotate. Power take-off occurs from the housing. Compared to the RE1-60 this kinematic change eliminates two balance weights and a fly wheel, and permits location of the valves closer to the expander's working chamber. Details of the RE1-11 design are given in the paper along with solutions to some challenging casting and fabrication problems. The current status of the RE1-11 fabrication program and plans for half-power testing are summarized. (Author)