A comparison of the total weight and bulk of in-line naval gas turbine engines of differing degrees of complexity 1

Abstract

The effect is investigated of progressively increasing the complexity of gas turbine engines for naval application. The bases of comparison are:— the weight and bulk of the plant plus the fuel for a given operating schedule, plant layout in a typical ship, and size of deck openings.

The weights and sizes of each of the four basic power plants considered are estimated from detailed design studies. Each complete power plant consists of a cruising and a boosting engine, and where possible, the engine components form in-line arrangements. An operating schedule of the ship is taken typical of medium sized naval vessels.

It is concluded that, of the plants considered, the double-compound intercooled plant with heat exchange used on the cruising engine, yields the least value of (plant plus fuel) weight, and size of deck openings. The single-compressor-engined plant gives the shortest machinery length, though this plant is among the worst as regards overall bulk and size of deck openings.

Of the double-compound-engined plants considered, that without intercooling and heat exchange is the worst as regards total weight, bulk and size of deck openings.