Post by electrobes on Jan 2, 2021 11:25:18 GMT -5
Hello everyone,
So like many of you, when I first learned heard about Turbines, I got sucked in so hard I've done nothing but non-stop reading and learning more about the subject. To be frank, the particular subject area I'm interested in (Micro Gas Turbo-generators) is a lot harder than I thought it would be in terms of gaining information for a newbie like me. I have some questions that I'd appreciate y'all (Who are far more experienced than I) to basically ground me to reality about whether it's actually possible to do, or what I can expect.. and maybe even some suggestions or other ideas to pursue. In short, I'm in the beginning process of building a hybrid Reverse Trike (two wheels in front, one in the back) with a body designed after the F-35 Fighter Jet. It's basically an experimental project to both play and learn with. I want to use a turbine coupled with a generator to produce the electrical power for both the limited batteries (For initial acceleration) and directly to the electric motor, plus some other power systems.
Reading around the internet for the past couple weeks I'd like to build a CHP unit (If I am meaning that correctly): car/truck Turbocharger (Biggest one I can find), combustion chamber, recuperator, cooling, and all that plus (possibly) a secondary steam turbine (Using the exhaust heat from the primary turbine) as an additional smaller powerplant. Thus far I think the closest configuration build would be very similar to Tech Ingredients (Youtuber) "Catching Fire - Refining the Jet" video... though to be fair there is a lot in this forum I need to read (Other builds) that might be better to replicate.
A quick background is that I am a hobbyist metal worker who recently got into automobiles/mechanics. I have welders (TIG, MIG, Stick), many grinding machines, tube roller, large compressor with tools, large metal cutting horizontal bandsaw and so much more). I love tinkering with just about anything and after finishing up some honey-to-do list projects, plus some other tool restoration projects, I am finally able to fully concentrate on making a vehicle I have in mind.
My questions so far are the following:
- Can I use a car/truck turbocharger(s) and create a DIY turbo-generator? I'd like to use a turbo for several reasons like using a variety of fuels, the lower weight to power ratio versus other powerplants, the jet noise to accompany the jet-design of the vehicle is a fun extra. I have found some prototypes out on the internet from big companies, and I think one production run of this very same idea (i.e. Capstone c30 HEV, very powerful and very expensive.. those air bearings are nice!) but not much more than that.
- If it's possible/semi-feasible to make a Turbo-generator via a car/truck turbo charger, what kind of electrical power could I realistically expect when coupled to a generator? 5kW? 10kW? More? Less? Also, assuming this can work, what generator end would you recommend (high rpm? or should I gear it down so a normal generator end can be attached?) This would be helpful so I know what kind of electric motor power to expect and whether it would even be able to move the reverse trike!
- Has someone already done this (Turbocharger - generator)? It'd be awesome to see what progress/realities there are with something like this.
- If this idea is a no-go realistically-speaking, what would you recommend? Just stick with a purely electrical (battery) system?
I hope this post makes sense, and I really appreciate any comments, suggestions, and ideas y'all have!
So like many of you, when I first learned heard about Turbines, I got sucked in so hard I've done nothing but non-stop reading and learning more about the subject. To be frank, the particular subject area I'm interested in (Micro Gas Turbo-generators) is a lot harder than I thought it would be in terms of gaining information for a newbie like me. I have some questions that I'd appreciate y'all (Who are far more experienced than I) to basically ground me to reality about whether it's actually possible to do, or what I can expect.. and maybe even some suggestions or other ideas to pursue. In short, I'm in the beginning process of building a hybrid Reverse Trike (two wheels in front, one in the back) with a body designed after the F-35 Fighter Jet. It's basically an experimental project to both play and learn with. I want to use a turbine coupled with a generator to produce the electrical power for both the limited batteries (For initial acceleration) and directly to the electric motor, plus some other power systems.
Reading around the internet for the past couple weeks I'd like to build a CHP unit (If I am meaning that correctly): car/truck Turbocharger (Biggest one I can find), combustion chamber, recuperator, cooling, and all that plus (possibly) a secondary steam turbine (Using the exhaust heat from the primary turbine) as an additional smaller powerplant. Thus far I think the closest configuration build would be very similar to Tech Ingredients (Youtuber) "Catching Fire - Refining the Jet" video... though to be fair there is a lot in this forum I need to read (Other builds) that might be better to replicate.
A quick background is that I am a hobbyist metal worker who recently got into automobiles/mechanics. I have welders (TIG, MIG, Stick), many grinding machines, tube roller, large compressor with tools, large metal cutting horizontal bandsaw and so much more). I love tinkering with just about anything and after finishing up some honey-to-do list projects, plus some other tool restoration projects, I am finally able to fully concentrate on making a vehicle I have in mind.
My questions so far are the following:
- Can I use a car/truck turbocharger(s) and create a DIY turbo-generator? I'd like to use a turbo for several reasons like using a variety of fuels, the lower weight to power ratio versus other powerplants, the jet noise to accompany the jet-design of the vehicle is a fun extra. I have found some prototypes out on the internet from big companies, and I think one production run of this very same idea (i.e. Capstone c30 HEV, very powerful and very expensive.. those air bearings are nice!) but not much more than that.
- If it's possible/semi-feasible to make a Turbo-generator via a car/truck turbo charger, what kind of electrical power could I realistically expect when coupled to a generator? 5kW? 10kW? More? Less? Also, assuming this can work, what generator end would you recommend (high rpm? or should I gear it down so a normal generator end can be attached?) This would be helpful so I know what kind of electric motor power to expect and whether it would even be able to move the reverse trike!
- Has someone already done this (Turbocharger - generator)? It'd be awesome to see what progress/realities there are with something like this.
- If this idea is a no-go realistically-speaking, what would you recommend? Just stick with a purely electrical (battery) system?
I hope this post makes sense, and I really appreciate any comments, suggestions, and ideas y'all have!
