Trevor Kramer

Thesis Summary

Traditional gas turbine power plants or turbogenerators (TG) operate with approximately 20-40% fuel-to-electric conversion efficiency and generate a considerable amount of carbon emissions. The inability to convert a majority of the energy stored in the fuel to electricity is one of the reasons why the efficiency is not higher. To convert more energy stored in the fuel to electricity, modifications or alternative methods need to be implemented. A proposed solution is to incorporate Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) technology into the gas turbine power cycle to more efficiently utilize the chemical energy stored in the fuel. This solution will also be carbon neutral due to the choice of BIO LNG as the fuel and the lower emissions due to the fuel cell. SOFCs are electrochemical devices that can generate electricity when supplied a flow of an oxidizer and a fuel. The most common oxidizer and fuel combination is air and hydrogen, respectively. Incorporating the SOFC into the gas turbine creates a new SOFC Gas Turbine (SOFC-GT) hybrid cycle that has increased efficiency due to more chemical energy in the fuel being converted to electrical energy. To aid in the design of an SOFC-GT hybrid cycle, significant SOFC testing must be completed. At Tennessee Technological University, we have designed, built, and commissioned a pressurized SOFC test stand to complete the extensive testing process to map the performance of an SOFC in conditions that mimic that of an SOFC-GT hybrid system. This power generation system can be used in many different applications, but the main application being considered is to power a 737 size, blended wing electric aircraft. Simulation of the system in the aircraft during flight conditions is also being performed to improve the design concept. This project is supported by the Department of Energy’s ARPA-E REEACH program.

Previous Work Experience

Interned 2 years at a structural engineering company, LJB inc. where he assisted with design and 3D modeling of davit and other structural anchoring assemblies. Assisted professional engineers in completing engineering drawings for component prototypes to be manufactured and tested.

Ohio Space Grant Consortium Summer Internship program with Special Power Sources focusing on developing a successful pressurized testing environment for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells. Developed initial SOFC test stand commissioning requirements and completed initial testing of a single SOFC tube, 50 W pressurized test stand. Involved work in experimental set up, data acquisition, and simple component modeling.  

Education

BS, Mechanical Engineering, Wright State University in Dayton Ohio