4. Aerodynamic Characteristics of Turbine Cascade at Low Reynolds Numbers
4. Aerodynamic Characteristics of Turbine Cascade at Low Reynolds Numbers
Recently, because of their relatively light weight and compact size for their output and compatibility with a wide variety of fuels, gas turbines have come to be used more often for cogeneration operation. Generally, the thermal efficiency of gas turbines can be improved by raising the turbine inlet temperature. However, the high inlet temperature causes low Reynolds number flows. As a result, flow separation from the blade surface and secondary vortices near the endwalls appear in the vicinity of the turbine section. The fundamental aerodynamic characteristics of linear turbine cascade and annular turbine cascade at low Reynolds numbers have been investigated toward improving turbine performance.
