Turboshaft Engine

A turboprop engine uses thrust to turn a propeller. As in a turbojet, hot gases flowing through the engine rotate a turbine wheel that drives the compressor. The gases then pass through another turbine, called a power turbine. This power turbine is coupled to the shaft, which drives the propeller through gear connections.

A turboshaft is similar to a turboprop engine, differing primarily in the function of the turbine shaft. Instead of driving a propeller, the turbine shaft is connected to a transmission system that drives helicopter rotor blades; electrical generators, compressors and pumps; and marine propulsion drives for naval vessels, cargo ships, high speed passenger ships, hydrofoils and other vessels.

The engine is based on an unmodified automotive turbocharger that could be replaced at any time with an off the shelf T3/T4 turbo. Repair to this turbine would cost a fraction that of a commercial engine.

The power turbine design is centered around a low-speed single stage axial flow turbine wheel that is made from mild steel. No exotic alloys were used to create the power turbine assembly. Although the power output is very low compared to a commercial unit, it still has it’s place as a useful research tool.

The GR-5A engine had it’s humble beginning as the GR-1 Turbojet Engine.  The GR-1 project forged the basis for the GR-1 combustor design which made cooler engine operation possible. The low temperature gas produced by the GR-1 made the implementation of the slow-speed free turbine possible.

 The 650 watt on-board alternator supplies all of the current needed to run the ECU, oil pump and sensors. The alternator also charges the external battery used to start the GR-5A.

The remote panel used to control the GR-5A was developed with a universal purpose in mind. The panel incorporates a standardized control system that not only communicates with the GR-5A but will connect to future engine designs as well. The control wiring was truncated to twelve conductors as most of the control operations are performed by the engine’s ECU (electronic control unit).

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