A Comparison of Gas Turbine Concepts Proposed for Automobiles

With the passage of the Automotive Propulsion Research and Development Act of 1978 (Public Law 95–238), the government has made funding available to supplement industry in long term-high risk Research and Development (R&D) on advanced automotive propulsion systems. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), which had a number of on-going programs in alternative automotive powertrains, has been chartered to carry out the intent of the Act.

One of the programs sponsored by DOE has been in Advanced Gas Turbines (AGT) suitable for automobiles with high fuel economy, low exhaust gas emissions and the ability to operate on alternative fuels. This program is the outgrowth of government supported R&D in automotive gas turbines dating back to 1972. It is currently in the beginning phase of two major contracts awarded in late 1979.

This paper traces the history of these efforts and compares the AGT design concepts proposed by the two teams comprised of AiResearch/Ford and General Motors’ Detroit Diesel Allison/Pontiac Divisions. Also, compared are four selected design concepts resulting from study contracts which preceeded the AGT program.