Ceramic Turbine Engine Demonstration Project: A Summary Report

Honeywell Engines, Systems & Services has successfully addressed critical concerns that are slowing commercialization of structural ceramics in gas turbines. The U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) sponsored Ceramic Turbine Engine Demonstration Project (CTEDP) had the mission of advancing ceramic gas turbine component technology toward commercialization. The thrust of the program was to “bridge the gap” between ceramics in the laboratory and near-term commercial heat engine applications. Most of this mission has been achieved. The 331-200[CT] auxiliary power unit (APU) test bed featured ceramic first-stage nozzles and blades. Fabrication of ceramic components provided manufacturing process demonstration scale-up to the minimum levels needed for commercial viability. Through this program, design methods refinement and the development of new design methods unique to ceramic turbine components have been supported and validated in rig and development engine testing. Over 6800 hours of on-site endurance tests demonstrated component reliability. Additional field testing in APUs onboard commercial aircraft and stationary industrial engines has been initiated and will continue beyond completion of this program.