In view of the fast depleting fossil fuel reserves, the major thrust has now been laid upon the search for alternative and cost-effective energy sources. Compressed air is utilized as a working fluid for producing shaft work. The air may be compressed by using a natural energy source such as wind, hydraulic, and/or solar energy; thus, the availability of compressed air and its utilization in an air turbine is completely pollution free. This article deals with the mathematical modelling and performance evaluation of a small capacity compressed-air-driven vaned-type novel air turbine. The effect of expansion action and steady flow work of high-pressure air for varying injection angles in a turbine have been quantified and analysed here. The study shows that apart from the major role of expansion power, the steady flow power also has significant contribution in the total power output and varies from 32.4 to 1.5 per cent as injection pressure varies from 2 to 6 bar. It is also concluded that when parameters such as the injection angle is kept above 30° and the vane angle is fixed at either 45° or 60° (which means 8 to 6 vanes), then the expansion work becomes large and ultimately increases the total power output.
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