Gas Turbine Engine Application in Transit Coaches.

摘要

This report presents an investigation of gas turbine engine application in transit coaches that was conducted as part of the Transbus Program to determine the viability of the gas turbine engine as a potential power source for transit coaches. The state of development of the gas turbine engine as a vehicular power source is described. An in-depth survey and evaluation was conducted of gas turbine engine manufacturers to determine the suitability of these engines for installation in transit coaches. Only one product is developed to a state where volume production can be seriously considered. This engine is described in detail and a comprehensive cost/benefit analysis was performed of this engine installed in a contemporary transit coach fleet. The results of the analysis and evaluation indicate that while current engines are not economically justifiable the gas turbine engine is potentially superior to the diesel engine when fully developed with planned improvements scheduled for the near time frame. Recommendations are also presented to demonstrate early production turbine engines in a small fleet of transit coaches in revenue service.