turbine in microturbine generator for aircraft?

I googled, but there's not much infor. about converting the turbine in
the microturbine generator for aircraft use. So I am tossing my idea
here. The Capstone's microturbine generator looks very neat. The
generator has 60kw output, and the turbine itself should have higher
output, enough for a two-seater and it's light,very light.
http://www.capstoneturbine.com/
So how do you think about the idea?

Thank you.

Shin

"Shin Gou" wrote in message
ups.com...
I googled, but there's not much infor. about converting the turbine in
the microturbine generator for aircraft use. So I am tossing my idea
here. The Capstone's microturbine generator looks very neat. The
generator has 60kw output, and the turbine itself should have higher
output, enough for a two-seater and it's light,very light.
http://www.capstoneturbine.com/
So how do you think about the idea?

Thank you.

Shin



A pretty feeble attempt at SPAM.

So how do you think about the idea?
You really don't want to know.

Larry

Shin Gou wrote...

I googled, but there's not much infor. about converting the turbine in
the microturbine generator for aircraft use.

Probably for good reason - it sure doesn't look like it's
suitable for airplane propulsion without *significant*
modifications. Electrical power? Maybe, but it's got a long
way to go before I replace my ND alternator ($100 a pop).

enough [power output] for a two-seater...

A two-seater *what*? The thing doesn't even appear to
have a PTO shaft or provisions for one and the exhaust
outlet is completely unsuitable for thrust. Other than
that I suppose it's OK.

Dave 'all thrust, no vector' Hyde

Thanks for the input. I see. So seems the microturbine used in
generators have inherent problems to be converted to use on aircraft.
Thank you.

Those "air bearings" probably work well on a stationary generator, but
I'll bet they bottom out with any bumps or gyro forces. Speaking of
micro turbines, I read an article somewhere about a new gas turbine
being developed to power cell phones. There may yet be a future for
affordable gas turbine powerplants for aircraft--how long before someone
comes up with a gas turbine electric hybrid car?

Shin Gou wrote:

I googled, but there's not much infor. about converting the turbine in
the microturbine generator for aircraft use. So I am tossing my idea
here. The Capstone's microturbine generator looks very neat. The
generator has 60kw output, and the turbine itself should have higher
output, enough for a two-seater and it's light,very light.
http://www.capstoneturbine.com/
So how do you think about the idea?

Thank you.

Shin


--
John Kimmel


GET YER STINKING PAWS OFF ME YOU DAMN DIRTY APE!

Stealth Pilot wrote:

On 19 Dec 2004 11:15:02 -0800, "Shin Gou" wrote:

Thanks for the input. I see. So seems the microturbine used in
generators have inherent problems to be converted to use on aircraft.
Thank you.

the thing that kills these as an idea is the fuel consumption.
a continental O-200 burns about 20 litres per hour.
a jabiru 2200 burns about 13 litres per hour.

the small fadec turbine that aeromodellers use burns about 60 litres
per hour for just 15lbs thrust.

afaik the KR2 powered by a turbine was built wet everywhere (fuel
tanks placed everywhere) and had an endurance of just 18 minutes.

not a practical idea without some serious reengineering.
Stealth (pistons!) Pilot


I guess my math is wrong they spec 350ml per minute for the 30lb thrust unit
which works out to 21 litres and hour. Sounds a bit fishy but who knows.
5.5 gal/hour for 30lbs thrust, maybe!
John

"John Kimmel" wrote in message
...
There may yet be a future for
affordable gas turbine powerplants for aircraft--how long before someone
comes up with a gas turbine electric hybrid car?

Never say never, but... I don't expect to see it in my lifetime. Small
turbines have bad fuel specifics. In stationary use, things improve greatly if
you can find a use for the waste heat. In the case of airplanes, turbines have
size and weight advantages that help to offset their thirstiness. Cars are a
whole 'nuther matter.

Vaughn

On Mon, 20 Dec 2004 09:10:05 GMT, John Kimmel
wrotD:

Those "air bearings" probably work well on a stationary generator, but
I'll bet they bottom out with any bumps or gyro forces.

Don't know if this engine would work or not, but air bearings are very
common in the turbines of air cycle machines used on many aircraft and
are much more reliable than the old traditional have-to-lube-it
bearings they used to use. An ACM generates loads of water that was
always getting into the oil. These turbines typically rotate at a much
higher speed than any engine.

On 19 Dec 2004 11:15:02 -0800, "Shin Gou" wrote:

Thanks for the input. I see. So seems the microturbine used in
generators have inherent problems to be converted to use on aircraft.
Thank you.

the thing that kills these as an idea is the fuel consumption.
a continental O-200 burns about 20 litres per hour.
a jabiru 2200 burns about 13 litres per hour.

the small fadec turbine that aeromodellers use burns about 60 litres
per hour for just 15lbs thrust.

afaik the KR2 powered by a turbine was built wet everywhere (fuel
tanks placed everywhere) and had an endurance of just 18 minutes.

not a practical idea without some serious reengineering.
Stealth (pistons!) Pilot

"John" wrote in message
...
Stealth Pilot wrote:

On 19 Dec 2004 11:15:02 -0800, "Shin Gou" wrote:

Thanks for the input. I see. So seems the microturbine used in
generators have inherent problems to be converted to use on aircraft.
Thank you.

the thing that kills these as an idea is the fuel consumption.
a continental O-200 burns about 20 litres per hour.
a jabiru 2200 burns about 13 litres per hour.

the small fadec turbine that aeromodellers use burns about 60 litres
per hour for just 15lbs thrust.

afaik the KR2 powered by a turbine was built wet everywhere (fuel
tanks placed everywhere) and had an endurance of just 18 minutes.

not a practical idea without some serious reengineering.
Stealth (pistons!) Pilot


I guess my math is wrong they spec 350ml per minute for the 30lb thrust
unit
which works out to 21 litres and hour. Sounds a bit fishy but who knows.
5.5 gal/hour for 30lbs thrust, maybe!
John

If that works out to 1.1 lb/lbf/hr sfc that does sound a bit fishy. Kinda
low for one of these little screamers, IMO. I talked to Bob Carlton a couple
of weeks ago, he does the Silent Wings air show act with the two AMT engines
on the Silent motorglider. _Very_ cool stuff. He's got two 45 lbf AMT-USA's
and he's burning 20 gals/hr total (both engines) at 100% N1.