Smart Turbomachinery

Turbomachines are responsible for most of the worlds power production. Most are powered by fossil fuels. The need to reduce carbon emissions requires us to improve the efficiency of the energy conversion process. The Whittle Laboratory is heavily engaged in improving the efficiency of jet engines and gas turbines for power production by improving the aerodynamic performance of the component parts. A more novel way that we can make turbomachinery more efficient and thus environmentally friendly is to improve how we monitor its performance and to use the information to adjust the operating conditions. We are looking at the development of micro-sensor technology-there is no room for anything larger in a modern jet engine.
Micro- sensors could be used to feedback information about the wear of components allowing operating conditions to be changed to maximise efficiency.

E-mail

Telephone: +44 1223 3 37588

Fax: +44 1223 3 337596

Secretary: +44 3 337581

Other environment related projects:

Noise reduction

CO₂ emissions