Quasiturbine> Product> QT5LSC Pneum.

 

Pneumatic is used everywhere: It is safe, needs little maintenance, lasts long...
An integration research and demonstration product.

Quasiturbine QT5LSC  Pneumatic
(A 5 liters displacement per revolution)
+/- 80 % pressure flow energy conversion efficiency
Pre-Commercial Motor

COMPLETE and RUNNING!
Sales for 8900 US$ (see purchase order at the bottom of the page)
 We ship air freight worldwide.
 (Custom exempted within North America NAFTA zone).

Note: At this time, the manufacturer limit its role in supplying engine prototypes,
and do not get much involved into engine system integration.
Engine application projects are customer achievements. Example:
12 volts Electric Generator at www.pureinvention.com/apuq/APUQGeneratricePneumatique.htm 

Product Description

The  QT5LSC Pneumatic research application unit is a scale up of the QT.6LSC motor where all dimensions have been doubled. Each chamber has a 600 cc maximum volume, and the motor expands 8 chambers per revolution:

Displacement: Total = 8 x 600 cc = 5 liters intake per revolution.
Cylindrical outside about 16" (~40.6 cm) in diameter excluding peripherals.
Thickness 5" (~12.7 cm) excluding shaft and peripherals.
The casing and rotor are made of metal (no aluminum at this time).
Power shaft: 1 1/2-inch (~3.81 cm) diameter throughout.
2 intake ports 1" male NPT pipe threads.
2 exhaust ports 2" male NPT pipe threads.
Weight (all metal) about 150 pounds (70 Kg).
Simple in-line lubrication.
A silencer may be suitable for some demonstrations.
Not to be used as compressor.

Present typical limitations under proper lubrication:
     - Intake pressure: 60 psi (4 bar) peak.
     - Revolution: 500 rpm.
     - Temperature: Near room temperature.
     - Torque (2009 version and later):
             Up to 250 N-m (200 pound-foot) peak (with no gearbox).
     - Power 12 kW (15 HP) peak
     - Pressure flow energy conversion efficiency: +/- 80 %
       (optimum across the range - no off-peak penalty)
     - Load factor: Exceed the 20 % standard for automobile.

Theoretical Output Power Extrapolation: Pressure increases both the rpm and the torque. Since the power is proportional to the product of rpm  X  torque, the power output is roughly proportional to the square of the pressure.  Increasing the pressure by 3 fold would then increase the power by 9 times!  (15 kW at 4 bar would theoretically become 140 kW at 12 bar  - or  -  25 HP at 60 psi would theoretically become 240 HP at 200 psi). This is of course outside the operational range of the present machines...

Possible applications: In mining industries, for air vehicle (air car) and as rotary expander for gas or in thermal systems.


Quasiturbine QT5LSC pneumatic
Usable with intake pressure from 1 to 60 psi (4 bar) peak!

Notice: This product is custom made and not yet in mass production.
It is offer for institutional and corporate application researches and demonstrations
and is not intended at this time for private individual retail sale.
Among the new emerging technologies like
hybrids, hydrogen, fuel cell, PV solar, in-wheel motor, power windmill, nuclear thermal...
the Quasiturbine is by far the least expensive innovation to familiarize with!

Youtube Video Channel Quasiturbine (including 10 years old video!)

Typical Characteristics

QT5LSC theoretical main characteristics can be approximated from 3 parameters:

  • Instantaneous maximum torque for 2 opposed working chambers is 64 + 64 = 130 N-m / bar (3.2 + 3.2  = 6.4 pound-foot / psi). The average torque is 65 % of the instantaneous maximum, which is 84 N-m / bar (4.0 pound-foot / psi) differential effective pressure through the motor, assuming no truncated intake);

  • The RPM revolution within reasonable range and the intake geometric flow (600 cc x 8 chambers per revolution x rpm, assuming no truncated intake);

  • The power output which is proportional to the product: Torque X rpm.

Typical value given as indication only. May vary from one QT to another.


QT.6LSC (shown here) without the differential and the central shaft.
Quasiturbine Model QT5LSC has a volume of 600 cc per chamber,
and swept 8 chambers per revolution (4 on the top, 4 on the bottom),
which totalized 4,8 liters per revolution.

The following graph is from measurements at 500 rpm and under 60 psi (4 bar).

Needs to apply 3 - 5 psi at intake to obtain the 500 rpm free rotation.
The pressure in addition to the theoretical torque curve accounts for :
flow restriction pressure drop at intake port, exhaust back pressure, friction and leaks.
The geometric Intake flow at 500 rpm is 2,5 cubic meter per minute.

Efficiency indication (optimum across the range - no off-peak penalty) : Each « specific energy conversion task » can be characterized by an « efficiency coefficient » (Electrical example: thermal or hydraulic source, generator production, distribution network, storage, applications...). « Pressure flow energy conversion » (see definition below) is one task the Quasiturbine accomplishes efficiently from pressurized gas (or steam) source. These graphs give an indication (not a measurement) of the pressure flow energy conversion efficiency: (power or torque obtained) divided by the (power or torque which could be obtained) +/- 80 %. The slope difference indicate that this ratio is constant in the range. Improved solutions exist awaiting mass production...

Theoretical Output Power Extrapolation: Pressure increases both the rpm and the torque. Since the power is proportional to the product of rpm  X  torque, the power output is roughly proportional to the square of the pressure.  Increasing the pressure by 3 fold would then increase the power by 9 times!  (15 kW at 4 bar would theoretically become 140 kW at 12 bar  - or  -  25 HP at 60 psi would theoretically become 240 HP at 200 psi). This is of course outside the operational range of the present machines...

Electric Generator

See the PTO Generator considered by APUQ on their website at
www.pureinvention.com/apuq/APUQGeneratricePneumatique.htm

QT5LSC - Raw Data (Approximated)

This is intended as approximated guidelines for those who would like to make their own calculations for the pneumatic rotary expander applications:

Small diam. = 13 5/8 inches
Large diam. = 10 5/8 inches
Average radius generating torque = 6 1/16"
Internal rotor thickness = 4 inches
Internal Stator circumference = 40 inches
Each maximum chamber volume = 600 cc
Displacement total 2 circuits per revolution = 4,8 liters (8 chambers in 2 circuits)
Average geometric 2 circuits pressurized flow rate = 0,0048 x RPM (in m3/min)
Geometric compression ratio = near 10:1 (not a measured value)
Internal effective pressure < Pressure apply at intake
    (due to restriction at intake and the exhaust back pressure)
Average total 2 circuits Torque = 4 pounds-foot per effective internal psi pressure
Average tangential Flow velocity = 0,05 x RPM (in feet/sec)
                   (RPM = 500 -> V flow < 3% air sound speed)
Flow obstruction sequence for each chamber circuit (linear interpolation):
    Minimum line: 1 inch diam. pipe tubing
    Intake port opening (per chamber) 5/16" x 1 1/2" x L= 1/4" (more is optional)
    Chamber average flow section 3/8" x 4" x L= 10"
    Exhaust port opening (per chamber) 5/8" x 2 1/2" x L= 1/4" (4 times the intake)
    Exhaust opens to atmosphere, gas collector manifolds are not provided.
Frictions, leaks, gas and oil viscosities and turbulences reduce performances.
Power is proportional to the torque and the RPM, of course!

Pneumatic Power

A positive displacement pneumatic or steam motor can be ideally represented (case without truncating the intake) by a piston in an infinitely long cylinder, in which case the power is proportional to the product of the pressure time the flow.
(Attention: The flow rates use in the following equations are not normalized to the standard atmospheric pressure)

Power (HP) = Pressure (psi) X Flow (cfm) / 229        (cfm = cubic feet/min.)
                                               (As an example: 1 HP = 10 cfm at 22.9 psi)
or (1 m3 / min = 35.3 cfm):
Power (kW) = Pressure (bar) X Flow (m3/min) X 1.70
                                               (As an example: 1 kW = 0.294 m3/min at 2 bar)

QT5LSC Flow = 5 liters X rpm (in liter/min) = 0.105 X rpm (in cfm)

If the intake pressure increases, the flow (rpm) increases also, such that generally the engine power increases as the square of the pressure.

Remember that there could be a significant difference between the pressure applied at the engine intake and the actual pressure into the engine chambers. Also, efficiency of all engines falls in the free spinning regime, where the torque load demand is too low (or rpm demand too high) to extract all the machine power. Furthermore, no engine is 100 % efficient. Conventional turbine or piston engines are driven by similar pressure-flow relation (case without truncating the intake). Relative to the pressure flow energy conversion role of the Quasiturbine, the efficiency (not an absolute efficiency, nor is the piston efficiency when discarding the energy spent in fuel refining and transportation) is given by the (power or torque obtained) divided by the (power or torque which could be obtained according to these formula).

Free spinning (no load) in the 0 to 500 rpm range of a well run-in QT5LSC unit is typically given by:

QT5LSC Free spinning (rpm) = 100 X Pressure (psi) = 1500 X Pressure (bar)
(Maximum engine power is produced at about half of the free spinning rpm)

Feed Line Capacity

Flow velocity near a piston valve is always impressive, and it is not different with the Quasiturbine intake ports. To sustain 500 rpm in a 5 liters displacement QT5LSC, the intake flow rate must be (5 liters X 500 rpm) = 2.5 m3 / min.. Knowing that a 1 inch diam. tubing contains 0.5 liters / meter long, this correspond to a flow velocity in the tube of :

(2500 liters / min.) / (0.5 liter / m)  =  85 m / s or 300 km / h

Could be half, considering that the Quasiturbine has 2 intakes which could be feed individually. Velocity near the intake ports will be even higher. Consequently, such a relatively small tubing must be quite short (or act as a limiting safety factor to protect the unit?). This shows that a proper feed line design capacity must not be under minded to achieve a good system integration, with special attention in matching the end of the feed line with a damper tank for optimum load under fluctuating flow. Notice that once the pressurized fluid gets into the engine, the flow velocity reduces to match the tangential rotor speed, which is:

(engine perimeter = 1 m) X 500 rpm = 8.5 m / s = 30 km / h

and flow speed increases again into the exhaust, which must show minimum restriction.

Remark on Pneumatic Efficiency

Unfortunately, most current compressors are not design for 20 - 60 psi output, which make them running at only a fraction of their nominal power when feeding a low pressure Quasiturbine. For this reason, compressor must generally be oversized to sustain experimentation, or the system must have an important air reservoir.

The Quasiturbine efficiency is theoretically the one of a positive displacement engine with a geometric compression ratio of about 10:1, running without intake cut-off (a device could be installed eventually, see www.quasiturbine.com/EProductQTCutOffValve.htm).

Remember that the Engine Power is proportional to the TORQUE time the RPM. Power is zero at maximum torque (because rpm is then zero), and Power is also zero at free spinning rpm (because the output torque is then zero). Maximum Engine Power is near midway, when the rpm is "half the free spinning rpm", and the torque "half the maximum zero rpm torque". Running in excess of "half the free spinning rpm" requires a high air/steam flow for little torque and power output, a non-efficient engine regime which must be avoid.

Quasiturbines are supply without intake synchronization valve or cut-off device, which can be installed by the buyer looking for high efficiency overall system. An high efficiency pneumatic/steam motor does not guaranty the high efficiency of the entire system. All gas heat up during compression and cool down during relaxation. The cooling effect must not be underestimated. As an example, a typical 200 bar (atm.) cylinder empty adiabatically (without thermalization to ambient temperature) gives at the end an air so cold that its volume is then a 1/4 of that of the air once back to the ambient temperature (isothermal relaxation). In those temperature conditions at the entrance of a pneumatic motor, the efficiency can be catastrophically low and the lubricant solidified, which increases considerably the internal engine friction... Generally, the reversibility of the "compression - relaxation" cycle reduces with an increase in pressure, which favors for high efficiency consideration the use of the lowest design pressure possible. The measurement of the exhaust temperature gives generally a good indication of the efficiency, since the minimum of energy lost into the environment corresponds to an exhaust temperature equal (neither inferior, nor superior) to the ambient temperature. This condition can be achieve by a slight heating (solar) of the gas before its entry into the pneumatic motor.

In the case of very high pressure gas tank, not only one wants to harvest the energy actually in the pressurized air tank, but also take advantage of the energy amplification possible from using available external heat. On one side it is not efficient to make a too important pressure drop into one expander because the adiabatic cooling will strongly reduce the pushing pressure, and the exhaust gas will be thrown out at valuable high pressure. On the other side, using a regulator will dissipate pressure energy, but will allows the reduced pressure gas to be thermalized, such as to run the expander with much less adiabatic cooling and less gas pressure energy thrown at exhaust. Both methods are compromises. Multi-stages with heat input is hardware intensive, but the best way to get the most mechanical energy out of a high pressure gas tank with an external available heat source...

The Quasiturbine can further make internal gas expansion if the dominant restriction is made to be at the intake, such that the flow is not sufficient to keep the internal pressure at the level of the pressure intake line. This internal expansion can then be done without any synchronization valve. Efficiency increases as the involved gas pressure is lower. Since the Quasiturbine rotates from pressure as low as 1/10 of atmosphere (bar) (one psi !), the Quasiturbine is well adapted to high efficiency system... For very high air tank pressure drop (not necessarily suitable with this unit), an intake air heating coil in hot water would be necessary to prevent freezing of the oil within the Quasiturbine.

Steam - Hydraulic Notice

This is a pneumatic motor only. Steam Quasiturbine has provision for thermal expansions and special solution for corrosion that are not incorporated in the pneumatic Quasiturbine. For this reason, the pneumatic unit must be running at room temperature, and no steam operation should be attempted. Similarly, pneumatic version must not be use with incompressible fluid (liquid hydraulic mode).

(The following are non-tested possibilities...)

Switching Air Motor-Compressor

Turning in reverse a Quasiturbine air motor will make it act as a compressor (not efficiently if not properly design for that role). However, the direction of rotation can be keep the same, if both exhausts are plug by a small check valve line taking the exhaust pressure exit as the compressor output. Then, to prevent the air motor intake two lines to be vacuumed, a check valve on them allowing-in atmospheric air will suffice. This kind of switching motor-compressor mode without changing the direction of rotation is useful for application like windmill back up pneumatic air storage or vehicle breaking energy recovery device.

Possible Applications

Gas Pipeline Pressure Energy Recovery - Rotary Pressure Expander
What about an "energy recovery rotary pressure regulator" ? An interesting application of the pneumatic Quasiturbine is to recover the pipeline high pressure energy at local distribution stations. Instead of using a conventional pressure regulator (an energy dissipative device), a pneumatic Quasiturbine will rotate under the pressure differential and the flow will be controlled by the rpm, i.e. the torque applied on the Quasiturbine shaft. It does act as a dynamic active rotary valve. This way, the Quasiturbine can transform the pressure differential into useful mechanical work to run pump, compressor, ventilator, electricity generator or locally convert the energy in high grade heat (better than pre-heating the gas before that same "rotary expander", to avoid any residual condensation as done with conventional regulators). Substantial heat is now given to conventional expansion valve in pure lost, while heat given to the gas at the intake of a rotary expander is essentially all recovered in mechanical energy or electricity. Because conventional turbines can not be widely modulated in rpm and load, they are not suitable for gas flow and pressure control, while the Quasiturbine is essentially a closed valve at zero rpm, and has high efficiency at all torque and all flow rpm. With such a system, any heat added before the Quasiturbine expands the gas and increases the available volumetric flow with the result that this heat is converted in mechanical energy with a very high efficiency. All experimental demonstration has to be done only by gas experts and under all current rules and regulations. Ignoring gas expansion and considering only the gas pressure flow, a 36 inches diam. gas pipeline at 700 psi carry typically a pressure power in excess of 30 MW - 25 millions of pound-ft/sec - of zero pollution pure mechanical energy almost totally recoverable through Quasiturbines in the heart of cities and industrial parks. This is tens of giant windmills on kW-h basis!. A survey (M. Dehli, GWF Gas-Erdgas 137/4, p.196, 1996) showed that in Germany alone, the potential for utilizing this pressure in 1996 was 200-700 MW, and the gas consumption has increased since then... See the pipeline technical paper and the Quasiturbine Rotary Expander.

Enhance efficiency of LNG liquefaction cycle. Adsorption Refrigeration Engineering Thermal Physics. Conventional pressure regulators make all the gas to expand from the constant high pressure side, and the gas pressure-kinetic energy at the needle is converted into undesirable heat, reducing accordingly the amount of cold produced. The Quasiturbine rotary expander allow for individual chamber to expand at a variable reduced pressure during expansion, and such reduces the gas kinetic energy transformation into destructive heat. Furthermore, the Quasiturbine recuperates mechanically the gas differential pressure energy, which can be used to run more compressors and make more cold... A double energy efficiency gains! A single Quasiturbine in tubo-pump (tubo-compressor) mode could have one circuit used as rotary expander while the other is used to compress back some of the expanded gas. This offers great enhancement of thermodynamic cooling machine, and specially in high power LNG - Liquid Natural Gas liquefaction stations. Of course, this efficiency enhancement is also available for more modest cooling system and air conditioning equipments. With Quasiturbine rotary expander, the efficiency of a gaseous only (like dry air) system reaches almost the efficiency of a phase change liquid-gaseous system, and sophisticated phase change chemical products often environmentally unwelcome are not anymore needed. See Quasiturbine Rotary Expander.

Low Pressure Modulated Power Station
Solar radiation varies greatly during the day while most engine keep their optimum efficiency at design power only. Because the Quasiturbine (steam or pneumatic) keeps it high efficiency on a large power range, it is well suitable for modulated (from source or demand) power production like solar, windmill, ocean wave station... where the pressure is generally low, and efficiency critical!

A 10 second vehicle Power Booster. Originally, hybrid was intended for efficiency increase, not for performance increase. More and more vehicles use 2 engines not for fuel savings, but to increase acceleration performance: As a 10 seconds Power Booster, benefiting a government grant! In this regards, the Quasiturbine QT5LSC pneumatic with an onboard air tank and compressor could eventually provide hundreds of additional HP for 10 seconds, and make an unbeatable acceleration Quasiturbine Hybrid vehicle... the market seem to ask for? Many others applications require high power bursts, like in smooth landing parachuting (with fast line-winding in less than 10 seconds).

ORC (Organic Rankine Cycle)

Engine suitable for ORC (Organic Rankine Cycle) in Solar, Geothermal and Waste Heat Recovery.

Condition of Operation

It is the buyer and/or operator responsibility to comply with all applicable national
and local laws and rules, including those on security and pressurized products.

  • It is the buyer and/or operator responsibility to comply with all applicable national and local laws and rules, including those on security and pressurized products.

  • Familiarize yourself well beforehand with the Quasiturbine technology (see the associated site at: www.quasiturbine.com ).

  • Intended for near ambient temperature intake air (be careful not to run a supply air compressor for a too long period, which could overheat the intake air).

  • For optimum performance, the feed line must be well balanced between the two intake ports, which must be done by ending the line passed the 2 T by an accumulator (buffer) tank (minimum 20 liters), on which the pressure gage can be located.

  • Always make it turns gradually (without abrupt acceleration).

  • In break-in phase, reposition the rotor away of a dead spot before each start, by turning the central shaft.

  • Always ensure that the rotor is adequately lubricated (pneumatic tool oil only). (Never use oil with additive like antifriction, because large air flow or steam oxidized the oil and precipitate the additives in glue like product fatal to the Quasiturbine operation). The best is oil injection within one of the intake port using a small pulsed pump (electrical or pneumatic). A convenient way is to keep the oil reservoir pressurized slightly over the QT intake pressure, and to simply control the oil flow through a needle valve.

  • Simplified differential periodically requires grease on the central shaft flat section.

  • Ensure that the hoses and fasteners (particularly the flexible ones) are of quality and well anchored.

  • Use a good pressure regulator to limit the maximum pressure and place a pressure gauge close to the engine intake.

  • It is recommended not to exceed 500 RPM and/or 4 bars (60 psi) at the pressure gauge when under load, half without load. No free running at more than 20 psi, and for short period only.

  • Avoid flow restriction at exit.

  • The use of a tachometer (with magnetic pick up, like the one used on bicycle ?) is cheap and also recommended.

  • Once in use, the engine will progressively break-in and rotate better and better,
    periodically dismantlement may require little break-in every time...

  • Never exceed the recommended limits.

  • Intake air must be reasonably clean and near ambient temperature.

  • Not be used in reverse as compressor.

  • Silencer could be used (not supplied) with some effect on efficiency.

Safety Precautions

  • It is the buyer and/or operator responsibility  to comply with all applicable national and local laws and rules,  including those on security and pressurized products.

  • Must be operated under the constant supervision of qualified adults.

  • Anchor the unit well on a table before each start-up.

  • Never exceed the limits and suggested conditions of operation.

  • Wearing safety glasses, mask and fastened hair is recommended.

  • The demonstration room must be well ventilated.

  • Check the tightening of the bolts and adapters. Be aware of the rupture
    or the decoupling of any of the flexible hoses.

  • Have a distant valve at hand to cut the air/nitrogen flow as needed.

  • Particularly during breaking-in under compressed air, it can happen that the rotor stops at a dead point, and refuses to turn when the pressure is applied. This situation is unstable and call for urgent pressure release. In absence of pressure, slightly turn the rotor with the central shaft and pressurize it again...

  • During the demonstration, nothing should approach the central zone of the rotor; make observations at a distance of 50 cm (20 po.) or more.

  • Always remain vigilant and careful!

Sale Details

GENERALITIES

  • Sale and operation are restricted to adults only.

  • Use for integration research and demonstration
    (commercial use is not recommended).

  • This product is is not yet certified.

  • Pneumatic air-nitrogen only (less than 4 bar - 60 psi),
    no steam conversion attempt must be made (could be dangerous).

  • Additional parts of replacement can be ordered by owners.

CONDITIONS

  • The Purchasers understand it is a prototype, and release the manufacturer from all responsibilities relative with the use.

  • Sold without tested specification.

  • Guarantee of the manufacturer is limited to the replacement of the defective parts.

  • The purchasers must have read the present page as part of the purchase order agreement and invoice, and declare themselves satisfied with it.

  • Sales done FOB Montréal, Québec Canada.

  • The present document and conditions must be transferred to the chain of future owners of the unit.

  • If there is intellectual propriety risk, the manufacturer can simply refund and not deliver.

PRICE AND SHIPPING

  • The price includes the applicable local sale taxes if required, but not the shipping costs.

  • The insurances and customs fees are the responsibility of the purchaser.

  • As possible, shipping will be made in the 8 weeks following the reception of the deposit, or according to the production capability of the moment (to be notified when ordering).

  • Failure of the buyer to make final payment or take delivery of the unit within 3 months of the  notice of completion will be interpreted as an abandon of the product without compensation.

Purchase Order (PO) Form

For ordering a Quasiturbine QT5LSC Pneumatic
(pre-commercial)

To : Quasiturbine Chainsaws
Casier/Code/Porte 2804 - 3535 Papineau
Montréal Québec H2K4J9
514-527-8484  Fax: 514-527-9530
Associated website : www.quasiturbine.com

Quasiturbine model QT5LSC Pneumatic
(pre-commercial unit) with simplified central differential and shaft
(facultative intake cut off valve and silencer not included),
is intended for integration research and demonstration.
To be use only under competent supervision.
Guaranty is limited to the replacement of defective parts.

Sale done FOB Montréal, Québec Canada
Price including Canadian local sale taxes when applicable
but not the shipping
and custom fees (NAFTA Exempted? # 8413.81):       8900 US$
Money rate conversion at http://fr.finance.yahoo.com/m3

The associated web page
www.quasiturbine.com/EProductQT600SCPneumatic.htm
is an integral part of the present purchase order
and constitute the terms and conditions accepted by the buyer.

__________________________________
Authorized Officer                               Date: ______________

Company Name: __________________________

Shipping address: _________________________

________________________________________

Phone: ______________________     Fax: _______________________

www.___________________________

email:__________________________

Package:
Weight: 120 kg / 260 pounds;
Size: 60 cm X 60 cm X 52 cm high / 24 X 24 X 20 inches height

Email the form to info@quasiturbine.com or fax to 514-527-9530.
An invoice will follows with payment instructions.
(Terms: 50 % on invoice, the balance 10 days before shipping).

QUASITURBINE TRONÇONNEUSES

Manufacturer under a privileged QT-Rotors supply license agreement
Casier/Code/Porte 2804, 3535 Ave Papineau, Montréal Québec H2K 4J9 CANADA
(514) 527-8484      Fax (514) 527-9530
Associated website www.quasiturbine.com   info@quasiturbine.com

Subject to changes without notice - January 7, 2009