DOMINANT TECHNOLOGIES IN “INDUSTRY 4.0”
Design, Modeling, and Construction of a Compact Gas Turbine Prototype for Educational and Experimental Applications
This study presents the design, modeling, and construction of a compact gas turbine prototype. The main goal is to combine theoretical thermodynamic analysis with practical mechanical realization, enabling visualization and study of the performance of a microgas turbine system for educational and research purposes. The design phase was carried out in SolidWorks, where each turbine component, including the compressor, combustion chamber, turbine, etc., were individually modeled to ensure dimensional accuracy and fit during assembly. The 3D model served as the basis for the production and assembly of the real parts of the prototype, built with machined metal components and mounted on a customized steel frame. The combustion and exhaust system was designed to ensure controlled fuel flow and safe ignition conditions, while the shaft was supported on precision bearings to minimize vibration and friction losses. The physical realization, combined with CAD modeling and thermodynamic cycle analysis, provides an excellent platform for studying the thermodynamics of the Brayton cycle, energy conversion efficiency, and heat transfer mechanisms in compact turbines. The study shows that interdisciplinary collaboration between mechanical design, thermodynamics, and practical realization can lead to the construction of a functional prototype for educational and research purposes, which can serve as a basis for experimental testing and further developments in the field of gas microturbines. Future work will include the integration of sensors for real-time data collection and the comparison of experimental performance with theoretical predictions.