Toshio Nagashima, Professor
Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Just as we presently enjoy a lap-top computer and cell phones for personal use, our ubiquitous society in the near future would ensure individual management of energy devices for electricity, air conditioning and transport, which all in all could profoundly expand the freedom of our social activities. The battery, though convenient and good in specific output [W/kg], is not satisfactory with respect to specific energy [W-hr/kg] for longer use of the above mobile info-communication devices, not to mention about inadequate application for actuating robots and UAV propulsion. Whilst, the fuel cells, typically DMFC and PEFC, are able to keep continuing use for a longer period, but their specific output may be poor and unsuitable for mobile compactness. Internal combustion engines, which are good in both specific output and energy because of fuel chemical property, are advantageous for miniaturization.
The present research program aims to establish a technical data base for designing further extremes of miniature gas turbine system, that is, thermal, fluid dynamic and structural integrability, as well as the performance prediction and improvement in major components like compressor, turbine and combustor, in addition, newly a wave rotor, that requires more precise and advanced knowledge about non-adiabatic and low Re number flows, fuels and mixing to result in stable micro flame, bearings and seal to sustain over-million rpm rotation, manufacture tolerance, ultra-compact motor and electric generator. |
Chisachi Kato, Professor