NT-PU37
The above renderings show the PU37 coupled to the J07-NT TurboJet.
Objectives:
- To build a reliable, stand alone, free turbine power unit that can recover thermodynamic energy from any suitable turbine gas producer like the J07-NT-XX TurboJet and convert it to electrical power.
- To provide a test bed for future gas generator (TurboJet) development.
This is it! The PU37 is the result of years of carefull study and consideration of how to effectively drive a generator with an automotive turbocharger. We have considered high speed direct drive systems like the TA30-NT-XX. We designed the NT-RT30 in an attempt to avoid the difficulties with high speed machinery, and we have even tried a belt drive system as used on T98-NT-XX just to see how long a belt might last at super high speeds.
Our current thinking is "KISS" The PU37 uses a diesel power unit turbine that has a helical pinion rather than a compressor wheel. We use this pinion do drive a large bull gear directly mounted on the geneator shaft. The machiney is far from simple, but we have done our best to keep everything as basic as we can.
The PU37 is a demand displacement machine that is designed to be grid-tied. This eliminates difficulties in speed and frequency regulation as the generator will be locked in phase with the power gird. Future versions could be off-grid capable with the addition of suitable speed controller equipment.
The lubrication and cooling system are self contained, the oil pump runs directly off the main shaft.
The following photos tell the story of our progress so far...
This is how to build a prototype gearbox without casting.
We welded the plates with 3/32 Flux Core, super stong and stiff.
This is how the parts looked after anealing and blanchard grinding.
We milled the pilot bores, dowel and bolt holes plus ribs on our Mitsubishi M-V60.
Milling NT-PU37 gearbox.
Checking the cutter for the custom bull gear. Note the trick compression coupling.
We static balanced the bull gear for 3,600 RPM operation.
Thanks to carefull measuring and precision machining, the parts fit perfectly!
This is the turbine power unit, notice the helical pinion gear.
This video shows the PU37 being tested for the first time with compressed air.
Remaining steps are to finish the lubrication system and testing. We have aquired a Siemens VFD speed controller that we will use to drive the generator to run the gears in and check for vibration.
Contact mark@nye.ca for more information.
