Mechanical Engineering Senior Design

The Turbinators

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logo14_fall25The Turbinators

Problem statement

Gas Brayton cycles are attractive power conversion systems for advanced energy conversion from high-temperature heat sources. For expected turbine inlet temperatures of greater than 500’C, the cycles offer high plant efficiency and simple operation. sCO2 Brayton cycles can have efficiencies higher than traditional Rankine superheated steam cycles (approaching 50%) by utilizing the low specific volume of fluid near the critical pressure to reduce the back work ratio (BWR) of the cycle. To advance these technologies and test components (typically heat exchangers) requires a high-temperature, high-pressure compressor. Past piston compressors have been used to achieve these conditions, however, they suffer from the fact that the fluid has to be cooled to room temperature before being compressed to high-pressure and reheated for testing . The goal of this project will be to design, build, and test a high-speed motor-driven compressor similar to an automotive supercharger that is capable of generating flows up to 0.12 kg/s and differential pressures of 350 kPa. This will bypass the need of heat exchanging the fluid back down to room temperature.

Team membersteam14_fall25

Garrison Peak – communicator
Reuben Merren – facilitator
Noah Greenfeld – accountant
Thomas Doughty – admin

Client

Mark Anderson
UW – Mechanical Engineering