variavel0=<b>OSVALDO JOSÉ VENTURINI</b> - osvaldo@iem.efei.br UNIFEI
<b>SEBASTIÃO VARELLA</b> - varella@iem.efei.br UNIFEI
<b>Abstract.</b> In the present work, is considered the use of an intermittent constant volume combustion system as a design alternative to increase the efficiency and specific power of small gas turbines. Such constant volume combustion systems produce a greater effective energy in the end-state gas than do constant pressure combustion systems. The effects of the mass flow, pressure and temperature variations, due to the intermittent combustion, are analyzed by a model that considers a one-dimensional unsteady flow, and the effects associated with friction, heat transfer and compressibility of the gases in the ducts connecting compressor, combustion chambers and turbine. A finite difference method is employed to solve the system of partial differential equations, which governs this unsteady flow. Conclusions are presented showing the increase in efficiency and specific power of small gas turbines, due to the use of the proposed intermittent combustion system, and evidencing the potential of these small gas turbines for electric power generation.
<b>Keywords.</b> gas turbine, Holzwarth, pulsating combustion, constant volume.