Performance Analysis of Pulse Detonation Micro Gas Turbines Under Typical Operating Conditions

Considering the benefits of pulse detonation combustion, including low entropy increase, high cycle thermal efficiency, and self-pressurization, a performance calculation model for a pulse detonation micro gas turbine was established using methane as fuel. The study primarily investigated the impact of component parameters, ambient conditions, and load on the power generation efficiency, work capacity, and heat consumption rate of micro gas turbines. The calculation results demonstrated that, compared with traditional micro gas turbines based on isobaric combustion, pulse detonation combustion could significantly enhance the thermodynamic performance of micro gas turbines under various conditions. The power generation efficiency of the pulse detonation cycle initially increased and then decreased as the compressor pressure ratio increased, with the optimal pressure ratio being lower than that of the isobaric cycle. The influence of ambient temperature on the performance of pulse detonation micro gas turbines was significantly greater than that of ambient pressure and humidity. The pulse detonation micro gas turbine could leverage its performance advantages when operating at higher loads. Under the specified operating conditions, the pulse detonation cycle exhibited a power generation efficiency of 35.04%, a unit power of 320.73 kW/(kg/s), and a fuel consumption rate of 0.2044 kg/(kW·h), all of which were significantly higher than those of the isobaric cycle. The results further emphasized the superior performance of the pulse detonation micro gas turbine and provided theoretical support for the development of the gas turbine power generation field.