Kyocera high-temperature silicon nitride SN-282 rotors for gas turbine engine

(03/07/2009)

Kyocera Industrial Ceramics Corporation has announced that it has delivered high-temperature silicon nitride SN-282 rotors to a nationally recognized gas turbine engine (GTE) research and development laboratory, which is developing a three-kilowatt GTE-powered electrical generator.

Kyocera’s SN-282 ceramic material is the rotor material of choice for the manufacturer’s miniature gas turbine engine due to its exceptional creep resistance at high temperatures and Kyocera's capability to mass-produce ceramic components in complex net shapes for cost-sensitive markets.

SN-282’s high-temperature properties allow for a progressive engine design that does not require rotor blades to have embedded cooling-air channels - a structural element that traditionally presents manufacturing complications and dramatically increases production costs.

Additionally, the higher operating temperature permitted by ceramic creates significant gains in thermal efficiency. As a result, Kyocera expects the ceramic-equipped GTE to provide a competitive alternative to the internal-combustion engine. The ceramic-equipped GTE will compete with, or beat, small gasoline engines on fuel economy — while providing the superior longevity and reliability of a gas turbine.

Demand for portable three-kilowatt generators for use in land and air applications is expected to grow significantly over the next 10 years.

Related categories:  Energy saving technologies