Extracting Power and Cooling from Gas Turbine Engine Exhaust Navy SBIR FY2010.3 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.3 Topic No.: N103-229 Topic Title: Extracting Power and Cooling from Gas Turbine Engine Exhaust Proposal No.: N103-229-0623 Firm: Mechanical Solutions, Inc. 11 Apollo Drive Whippany, New Jersey 07981-1423 Contact: Thomas Walter Phone: (518) 320-8552 Web Site: www.mechsol.com Abstract: The widespread use of gas turbine engines for shipboard propulsion and electric power generation offers an increasingly significant opportunity utilize their high temperature exhaust. Effectively harnessed, benefits range from reduced onboard fuel storage and increased sailing distance to reduced need for tankers and fewer underway replenishments. Mechanical Solutions, Inc. (MSI) proposes a novel approach that will result in compact, closed cycle system that provides additional electric power, increased cooling, or an adjustable combination of both. A single high-speed rotating machine, with oil-free, process lubricated bearings in a hermetically sealed package forms the heart of a system that will be lightweight and small in size. Successful development of this technology will help meet the demand for more electric power and more cooling on modern combatants and support vessels. The MSI system is well suited for backfit to the existing fleet, and it can be easily integrated into the design of future ship classes. The Phase II goal is to provide a prototype heating and/or cooling system. MSI's initial assessment of a thermodynamic cycle using the Navy's standard working fluid shows good results. Our Phase I work will verify the feasibility of our approach against a definitive set of heat removal specifications. Benefits: A compact power generation/cooling system will directly impact the efficiency and fuel consumption of marine gas turbines, thereby saving costs, improving the environment, and lessening reliance on oil. In addition, current and future demands for increased power and cooling on today's and tomorrow's Navy ships can be met with little or no additional fuel burn and only modest increase in shipboard hardware. As a hermetically sealed device the proposed turbomachine will essentially be maintenance-free. Other savings include reduced power consumption, and lower thermal image. This technology could be used any branch of the military or in commercial/industrial applications with waste heat and requirements for a reduced size power generation and/or cooling system. With minor modification, the turbomachine can be applied to other applications ranging from industrial gas turbines to medical, pharmaceutical and food installations. Return