Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants
Université de Sherbrooke
$461,591.00
Development of a high-efficiency multifuel small-scale turbo generator for low-cost distributed ground combined heat and power
FY 2015-16
Summary
Ceragy is a company founded in Sherbrooke to manufacture engines with ceramic components based on technologies licensed from the Université de Sherbrooke (UdS). The Ceragy engine has the potential to cut greenhouse gas emissions by offering high-efficiency distributed power at low cost with both conventional fuels and biofuels. High thermal efficiency is enabled by key technologies derived from the UdS Rim-Rotor Rotary Ramjet Engine (R4E) that allows high combustion temperature, namely compression-loaded ceramic blades wrapped in a carbon-fiber rim-rotor and a compact low-NOx rotating combustor taking advantage of buoyancy-driven flame propagation. Using the R4E technology in a two-stage recuperative Brayton cycle, the Ceragy engine is projected to achieve an efficiency of 50 % at a cost below 500 $/kW. This increased efficiency results in a fuel consumption reduction of 30 % when compared to state-of-the-art conventional small-scale gas turbines for the Combined Heat-and-Power (CHP) market.
The objective of the proposed research project is to optimize the Ceragy engine high-temperature components to achieve high thermal efficiency for distributed CHP with conventional fuels and biofuels. Fundamental and applied research will be carried on the key novel elements of the Ceragy engine to maximize combustion temperature, namely the combustor, turbine, and recuperator. Findings will be integrated and tested in three engine prototypes. In parallel, Ceragy will design the engine for manufacturing, conduct field tests and prepare manufacturing during years 2 to 4 to launch engine production in year 5.
If successful, the research will provide Ceragy with a clear edge over other manufacturers of small-scale distributed power generation units. This research will also propel Ceragy to become a world-leader engine manufacturer here in Canada (Sherbrooke, Québec), thereby hiring and training many Canadian highly-qualified personnel for the design, testing and assembly of the Ceragy engine.
Program
Collaborative Research and Development Grants
Recipient
Location
Quebec, Canada
Recipient Type
Academia
Type
Grant
Source
NSERC's Awards Data
As published
Application id
477320-2014
Name nom
Brouillette, Martin
Department département
Génie mécanique
Organization id
68
Institution établissement
Université de Sherbrooke
Province en
Québec
Province fr
Québec
Country en
CANADA
Country fr
CANADA
Fiscal year exercice financier
2015
Competition year année de concours
2014
Award amount
461591
Program id
CRDPJ
Program name en
Collaborative Research and Development Grants
Program name fr
Subventions de recherche et développement coopérative
Group en
Research partnerships programs
Group fr
Programmes de partenariat
Committee code
141
Committee name en
University/Industry
Committee name fr
Universités/industrie
Area of application code
305
Area of application group en
Energy resources
Area of application group fr
Ressources d'énergie
Area of application en
Energy storage and conversion
Area of application fr
Stockage et transformation de l'énergie
Research subject code
2300
Research subject group en
Fuel and energy technology
Research subject group fr
Combustibles et technologie de l'énergie
Research subject en
Fuel and energy technology (economic geology, use 4003)
Research subject fr
Combustibles et technologie de l'énergie (géologie économique, utiliser 4003)
Partie
1
Nb partie
4
Application title
Development of a high-efficiency multifuel small-scale turbo generator for low-cost distributed ground combined heat and power
Keyword
NSERC
Application summary
Ceragy is a company founded in Sherbrooke to manufacture engines with ceramic components based on technologies licensed from the Université de Sherbrooke (UdS). The Ceragy engine has the potential to cut greenhouse gas emissions by offering high-efficiency distributed power at low cost with both conventional fuels and biofuels. High thermal efficiency is enabled by key technologies derived from the UdS Rim-Rotor Rotary Ramjet Engine (R4E) that allows high combustion temperature, namely compression-loaded ceramic blades wrapped in a carbon-fiber rim-rotor and a compact low-NOx rotating combustor taking advantage of buoyancy-driven flame propagation. Using the R4E technology in a two-stage recuperative Brayton cycle, the Ceragy engine is projected to achieve an efficiency of 50 % at a cost below 500 $/kW. This increased efficiency results in a fuel consumption reduction of 30 % when compared to state-of-the-art conventional small-scale gas turbines for the Combined Heat-and-Power (CHP) market.
The objective of the proposed research project is to optimize the Ceragy engine high-temperature components to achieve high thermal efficiency for distributed CHP with conventional fuels and biofuels. Fundamental and applied research will be carried on the key novel elements of the Ceragy engine to maximize combustion temperature, namely the combustor, turbine, and recuperator. Findings will be integrated and tested in three engine prototypes. In parallel, Ceragy will design the engine for manufacturing, conduct field tests and prepare manufacturing during years 2 to 4 to launch engine production in year 5.
If successful, the research will provide Ceragy with a clear edge over other manufacturers of small-scale distributed power generation units. This research will also propel Ceragy to become a world-leader engine manufacturer here in Canada (Sherbrooke, Québec), thereby hiring and training many Canadian highly-qualified personnel for the design, testing and assembly of the Ceragy engine.
