http://www.turbinetechnologies.com RSS feeds for Turbine Technologies 60 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/82/united-states-military-academy-west-point-receives-turnkey-educational-turbo-electric-generator#Comments 0 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=84&ModuleID=432&ArticleID=82 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=82&PortalID=0&TabID=84 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/82/united-states-military-academy-west-point-receives-turnkey-educational-turbo-electric-generator Turbine Technologies' staff returned from New York this week following a product delivery and training visit.  The Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering faculty and staff, from the prestigious United States Military Academy at West Point, welcomed our group onto campus for the commissioning of their new TurboGenTM training system", stated company President, Mike Kutrieb. The Chetek, WI designed and manufactured device allows Army cadets and future officers to gain valuable experience in the operation and analysis of energy related topics, along with data acquisition techniques and analysis.  First start up of the jet engine electrical generator at West Point Austin Bitney, a process automation technician with the company mentioned that “The campus is awe-inspiring and the history of West Point dates back to our countries founding.  Generals, astronauts and even U.S. Presidents are alumni.  Two American Presidents have been graduates of the US Military Academy- Ulysses S. Grant and Dwight David Eisenhower.  The President of the Confederate States of America, Jefferson Davis, was also a West Point Graduate.  I was excited and a little nervous to present my portion of the training.  I focused my presentation on methods of gathering and storing operational system data”.    Briefing Room at USMA West Point, NY discussing Turbine Technologies' TurboGen product Tom Kutrieb, responsible for product manufacturing and deliveries, mentioned that “Austin is a 2023 Chetek-Weyerhaeuser high school graduate and an academic honors graduate of CVTC’s Automation Engineering Technology program.  He recently joined Turbine Technologies and I’m extremely impressed with his abilities and work ethic.  Austin and I were talking on the flight home and had a laugh when we realized that all three on the trip are Chetek graduates, but only about 40 years apart.  This delivery is a milestone in that we now have product at the U.S. Air Force Academy, the United States Naval Academy, both East and West Coast Maritime academies and now with the United States Military Academy at West Point”. Austin Bitney, a Turbine Technologies' process automation technician, touring West Point and overlooking the scenic Hudson River Mike Kutrieb Tue, 26 Aug 2025 14:35:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:82 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/81/georgia-southern-university-utlizes-turbine-technologies-gas-turbine-engine-lab-to-investigate-alternative-fuel#Comments 0 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=84&ModuleID=432&ArticleID=81 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=81&PortalID=0&TabID=84 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/81/georgia-southern-university-utlizes-turbine-technologies-gas-turbine-engine-lab-to-investigate-alternative-fuel Dr. Valentine Soloui, Professor and Allen E. Paulson Distinguished Chair of the Automotive and Aerospace Combustion Laboratory at Georgia Southern University, was recently published by AIAA (American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics) for work he and his Mechanical Engineering graduate and undergrad students completed on the application of an IPK fuel, that was burned in a Turbine Technologies, Ltd.'s SR30 gas turbine engine.    According to the paper's abstract:  "The pollution from aerospace transportation is rapidly becoming the largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The FAA expects aviation emissions to almost triple by 2050, making the aerospace industry responsible for the release of approximately 25% of the global carbon dioxide budget. These aviation emissions, including CO2and NOx, as well as other GHGs, contribute to the destruction of ozone layer. Carbon dioxide emissions have a particularly negative effect on humans, leading to airway diseases especially in children and elderly. To combat the addition of further GHG emissions into the atmosphere, it is necessary to increase engine efficiency while reducing the NVH signature. Synthetic kerosene has a high potential for both commercial and military use due to their low soot emissions and their favorable balance of fuel properties. The purpose of this study is to investigate combustion, emissions and NVH produced by combustion of synthetic kerosene (IPK) in a drone single stage gas turbine. Electronic data acquisition systems, including microphones, accelerometers, load cells, Mie scattering for sprays characterization, a constant volume combustion chamber (CVCC) and a state of art FTIR emissions analyzer were employed to during this project on the IPK and the jet engine." Learn more about our educational lab products here.   Mike Kutrieb Wed, 06 Jan 2021 17:41:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:81 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/65/turbine-technologies-releases-new-steam-turbine-video#Comments 0 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=84&ModuleID=432&ArticleID=65 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=65&PortalID=0&TabID=84 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/65/turbine-technologies-releases-new-steam-turbine-video Electrical power production is an exciting career field.  The majority of the worlds electricity comes from facilities that have one thing in common:  They all boil water, produce steam, expand it through a bladed turbine wheel that causes it to spin and turn an electrical generator.  The process was invented by William Rankine.   Turbine Technologies' RankineCycler is a fully functional, data acquisition equipped, miniature power plant used by institutions worldwide to teach thermodynamics and power cycles.  Turbine Technologies released the following new video describing the features of this turnkey product.  To learn more, please visit:     Mike Kutrieb Thu, 18 Jun 2015 14:14:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:65 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/64/turbine-technologies-releases-new-truestructures-video#Comments 0 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=84&ModuleID=432&ArticleID=64 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=64&PortalID=0&TabID=84 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/64/turbine-technologies-releases-new-truestructures-video Are you interested in learning more about the science of structures? The design of aircraft wings, car bodies, bridges and sky scrapers are just a few real world examples of this field of study. Our "True Structures" product offers hands-on learning experiences that directly translate from the class room to new career opportunities. We've just released a few more details in this video:   Mike Kutrieb Mon, 08 Jun 2015 19:26:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:64 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/62/turbine-technologies-first-and-only-gas-turbine-engine-manufacturer-to-offer-electronic-models-to-enhance-education#Comments 0 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=84&ModuleID=432&ArticleID=62 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=62&PortalID=0&TabID=84 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/62/turbine-technologies-first-and-only-gas-turbine-engine-manufacturer-to-offer-electronic-models-to-enhance-education Turbine Technologies, Ltd. has recently announced the addition of a new software piece that will enhance the educational experience offered by our fully functioning gas turbine lab products (MiniLab and TurboGen).  "We're the only equipment manufacturer of a turnkey jet engine demonstrator that not only offers a complete data acquisition solution, but now also offers a software piece that entails electronic solid models of all aerodynamic flow components and their related material properties", said new business development manager Perry Kuznar, P.E.  This package will allow follow on analysis with F.E.A and C.F.D. tools and even more basic calculations like velocity vector diagrams.  As solid models, these files will also offer mass properties and be able to provide volume and component weights.   Toby Kutrieb, VP explains "We are uniquely positioned to offer these files because of the fact that we are the original designer and manufacturer of the SR30 turbojet engine.  Other providers of this type of equipment typically package surplus engine solutions, or even use hobby engines developed around automotive turbocharger parts and are therefore not privy to the actual design files".  For additional information, please click here. Mike Kutrieb Wed, 18 Jun 2014 15:11:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:62 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/61/oklahoma-state-university-institute-of-technology-praises-rankinecycler#Comments 0 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=84&ModuleID=432&ArticleID=61 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=61&PortalID=0&TabID=84 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/61/oklahoma-state-university-institute-of-technology-praises-rankinecycler Mike Kutrieb Mon, 16 Jun 2014 15:18:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:61 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/60/turbine-technologies-presents-in-house-use-of-multi-jet-wax-rapid-prototyping#Comments 0 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=84&ModuleID=432&ArticleID=60 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=60&PortalID=0&TabID=84 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/60/turbine-technologies-presents-in-house-use-of-multi-jet-wax-rapid-prototyping       Complimentary Live Webcast   Date: Thursday, June 5, 2014 Time: 11 AM EDT / 8 AM PDT 5 PM CET Duration: 1 hour Presenters: Buddy Byrum VP Product Management 3D Systems Toby Kutrieb Vice President Turbine Technologies Learn How Turbine Technologies Cuts Prototyping Time and Production Costs by 90% with MultiJet 3D Printing Explore how Turbine Technologies integrates ProJet® MultiJet Printing (MJP) technology to maximize iterative design by producing parts quickly, accurately and at a fraction of the costs associated with traditional manufacturing.  See how this turbine engine maker gets it right by 3D printing investment casting wax patterns to create an R&D process that doesn’t rely on expensive tooling. For over 25 years, family-owned Turbine Technologies has been the go-to provider of educational laboratory turbine equipment for college engineering departments and technical colleges. Kutrieb Research, Turbine Technologies’ spin-off company, makes small, advanced turbine engines for vehicles including UAVs and has successfully completed contracts for the likes of NASA, the United States Naval Research Laboratory, the US Air Force, and the US Army. In this live webcast, you'll learn: ProJet 3500 series' versatile range of plastic and wax 3D printing applications How Turbine Technologies shaves 5 weeks off development time and produces patterns at one-tenth of their previous costs How their 3D printing investment allows the company to expand their company offerings and services to build their brand and reputation REGISTER NOW (even if you can't make it, register anyway to get the recording) Mike Kutrieb Wed, 11 Jun 2014 14:35:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:60 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/57/ttl-offers-new-educational-coursework#Comments 0 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=84&ModuleID=432&ArticleID=57 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=57&PortalID=0&TabID=84 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/57/ttl-offers-new-educational-coursework TTL announces new curriculum offerings to enhance the educational value of its laboratory products.  Coursework for both the RankineCyclerTM (steam turbine system) and PumpLabTM (centrifugal pump and process control trainer) are now available. The PumpLab™ coursework entails a 4-book series that integrates theory with hands-on operation of an actual pump process control trainer.  For example, Book 1 of this series develops theory that supports the understanding of important issues related to centrifugal pumping, including;          The relationship of gravity and velocity          Pressure head          Pump impeller sizing          Fluid specific gravity and viscosity          System friction head          Suction head          Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH) and          Cavitation  This knowledge then serves as the foundation for operation and experimentation with TTL’s PumpLab™ trainer.  Books 3 and 4 are constructed similarly, but utilize the trainers’ vector drive and National Instruments data acquisition software to develop the theory and practice of process control.   The RankineCyclerTM Steam Turbine Power System curriculum follows a layout style and approach similar to that of the PumpLabTM.   It is the first book in a developing series on Power Production, combining classroom and lab work into an easy to follow educational resource.  Future Power Production offerings will focus on Gas Turbine and Wind Turbine Electrical Generation, as well as Gas Turbine Thrust Power.    For a preview of the PumpLab™ coursework, please visit:  The Controls Lab page (click on the “Technical Papers” tab). For a preview of the RankineCycler™ coursework, please visit: The Steam Turbine Lab page  (click on the “Technical Papers” tab).   Mike Kutrieb Fri, 13 Sep 2013 16:23:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:57 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/56/ttl-delivers-new-training-device-to-chippewa-valley-technical-college#Comments 0 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=84&ModuleID=432&ArticleID=56 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=56&PortalID=0&TabID=84 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/56/ttl-delivers-new-training-device-to-chippewa-valley-technical-college Turbine Technologies, Ltd. recently visited Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) to commission its first training device specifically developed to benefit vocational education.  Perry Kuznar, TTL’s Vice President stated:  “PumpLab™ is a new, hands-on learning device that’s actually three educational products in one.  The product uniquely illustrates principles related to centrifugal pumping, process control and modern data acquisition methods. Tim Tewalt, an Electromechanical Technology Instructor at CVTC will be using the system in their Electromechanical Technology Associate Degree Program.  The PumpLabTM was designed to offer-hands on training for centrifugal pumping and programmable process control.  CVTC has a number of courses this system will be used in, including; fluid power, programmable logic controllers, real-time data acquisition, and sensors.  Perry recalled some of the conversations he had with Tim and Mark Hendrickson, Dean of Manufacturing, while they were setting up the unit and going through its functions; “Tim was pretty enthused that he can cover a number of degree program topics with just one system.”  “He also liked how well everything was laid out for ease of use by the students”.  “Mark mentioned that their mission is to prepare students to work in industry—to teach skills to match industry needs”.  “He seemed pretty comfortable that PumpLab™ would deliver on that mission”.  “You could sense the turn-key convenience factor of the PumpLab™ was also important to these gentlemen as they were busily getting ready to welcome students back in a few days for the fall term”.  For additional product information, visit:  www.turbinetechnologies.com Pictured, from left to right:  CVTC Dean Mark Hendrickson, TTL VP Perry Kuznar and CVTC Instructor Tim Tewalt ### About Turbine Technologies, Ltd Turbine Technologies is a United States manufacturer of premier educational laboratory equipment. Our products offer engineering students unique learning opportunities via hands-on operation and observation of thermal fluid systems. Since 1988, Turbine Technologies has been partnering with faculty worldwide via the design and manufacture of turnkey educational devices that support educational objectives in science, technology, engineering and math. Our products offer real world experience in engineering and vocational technical disciplines.   About CVTC Chippewa Valley Technical College is part of the Wisconsin Technical College System located in the state of Wisconsin serving an eleven-county area. The largest campus is located in Eau Claire with major regional centers in Chippewa Falls, Menomonie, Neillsville and River Falls. The College is one of 16 WTCS colleges located throughout the state.​​ Mike Kutrieb Mon, 27 Aug 2012 18:22:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:56 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/53/wisconsin-state-representative-roger-rivard-visits-turbine-technologies#Comments 0 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=84&ModuleID=432&ArticleID=53 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=53&PortalID=0&TabID=84 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/53/wisconsin-state-representative-roger-rivard-visits-turbine-technologies   Wisconsin’s 75th District Representative, Roger Rivard, recently took time out of his busy schedule to visit Turbine Technologies, Ltd. (TTL) of Chetek, WI.   “Mr. Rivard’s visit allowed our group to familiarize him with our company and specifically to discuss future job creation opportunities at our facility”, stated Perry Kuznar, TTL VP.   Wolfgang Kutrieb, TTL founder and company president, thanked Mr. Rivard for his successful efforts in moving the district forward- specifically with his recent jobs creation bill that passed the Wisconsin Senate by a margin of 26-7.  Mr. Kutrieb went on to say that “Our family business has been operating in Chetek since 1978 and we’ve witnessed the impact, both positively and negatively, of the vision and actions of our political representatives.  We greatly appreciate the fact that Mr. Rivard comes from a small business background and that he shares our vision in job creation.    Our products ship to over 100 countries worldwide with an export rate that approaches 60%.  Our continued growth in this market sector will require additional investments and we look forward to a cooperative working relationship that will grow opportunities at our company and within this rural district.”     ###     About TTL       Turbine Technologies is an engineering and technology company that designs and manufactures educational laboratory equipment.  TTL products ship to engineering colleges and research institutions around the globe and are presently in operation at over 100 countries worldwide.  Visit:  www.turbinetechnologies.com       Mike Kutrieb Mon, 02 Jul 2012 17:18:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:53 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/34/bangkok-thailand-company-completes-turbojet-engine-operator-training#Comments 0 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=84&ModuleID=432&ArticleID=34 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=34&PortalID=0&TabID=84 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/34/bangkok-thailand-company-completes-turbojet-engine-operator-training Mr. Thanesvorn Siri-achawawath, Innovative Instruments Company’s sales manager, from Bangkok, Thailand recently completed turbojet engine operator training at Turbine Technologies’ facility in Chetek, Wisconsin.  "His visit to Wisconsin enables him to provide specific product support elements to Innovative Instruments’ university clients in Thailand”, stated Holly Buchman (Product Applications Specialist at Turbine Technologies, Ltd.).  Holly went on to mention that "Not only was his visit educational from the hands-on side of equipment operation, but it also allowed Thanesvorn to become familiar with our in-house design and manufacturing capabilities and to put names with faces.”  His tour included a brief overview of numerous unique aspects that included Turbine Technologies’ rapid prototyping lab, super-alloy foundry and engine test cells.   Perry Kuznar, Turbine Technologies’ VP, remarked “We’re looking forward to adding engineering educators from Thailand to our growing operator family. The first gas turbine lab delivery scheduled for Innovative Instruments is planned for the latter half of October, 2012 and will join units that are presently operating at the Royal Thai Air Force and the Civilian Aviation Center in Thailand.”   Pictured, from left to right:  Perry Kuznar, TTL VP, Mr. Thanesvorn Siri-achawawath of Innovative Instruments Tom Kutrieb, TTL engine specialist, Holly Buchman, TTL Product Applications Specialist.    Pctured above:  Turbine Technologies, Ltd.'s gas turbine engine test facility WindLab product demonstration Rapid Prototyping Lab tour        Mike Kutrieb Tue, 26 Jun 2012 18:39:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:34 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/49/abrasivejet-cutting-capability-added#Comments 0 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=84&ModuleID=432&ArticleID=49 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=49&PortalID=0&TabID=84 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/49/abrasivejet-cutting-capability-added Turbine Technologies, LTD has just finished installation, training and initial operation of a new computer-controlled, two-axis abrasivejet system for use in its aerospace engine development projects and for general machining in support of the educational products division. A machine manufactured by OMAX Corporation of Kent, Washington was selected and should provide the necessary capacity for the forseable future. Abrasivejet cutting is an advanced form of waterjet cutting. Water is pressurized to 55,000 psi and forced through a sapphire nozzle at 2,500 fps. Garnet abrasive is injected into this water stream, mixed in a ceramic mixing tube and discharged at 1,000 fps. This high-speed jet of water and abrassive is then directed at the material to be machined. The abrasivejet's cutting action is a grinding process using the forces and motion of the water rather than a solid grinding wheel. The abrasivejet process is ideally suited for extremely hard materials like those found in the Company's gas turbine engine products. Inconel sheet utilized in the engine combustion can is particularly difficult to cut or drill. The computer-controlled capabilities of the OMAX machine allows new combustion can designs to be downloaded directly and produced within minutes. This capability integrates well with the Company's other CNC machines and rapid prototyping tools. It greatly facilitates the design-production-testing cycle Turbine Technologies, LTD is known for. The machine works equally well with a variety of other hard material like glass and soft materials such as plastics and composites. There are essentially no materials that cannot be cut with the abrasivejet machine. Material thickness can range from thin sheet to solid blocks of 18" and more. Parts can be finish machined directly with the OMAX abrasivejet with tolerances better than 0.003". Mike Kutrieb Fri, 31 Aug 2007 14:40:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:49 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/42/major-facilities-acquisition-completed#Comments 0 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=84&ModuleID=432&ArticleID=42 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=42&PortalID=0&TabID=84 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/42/major-facilities-acquisition-completed   Company Quadruples Available Office, Production and Testing Space To better position itself for future growth, Turbine Technologies, LTD announced today the completion of a major facilities acquisition. The new property, located on seven acres immediately adjacent to the current facility, increases the Company's total office, production and testing space to 41,000 square feet. "We're very pleased to have completed this purchase," said Mike Kutrieb, VP of Turbine Technologies. "Our growth over the last year has been limited by the available space in our current building. Recent machine tool acquisitions, improvements to our existing small-engine test cells, raw materials buildup and an additional office build-out has consumed what little space we had left. This acquisition adds over 32,000 square feet to our total space giving us the opportunity for significant expansion." "Our first priority is to update our foundry equipment and capabilities. The existing foundry is rather dated and only allows a fraction of the throughput required of our near-term production goals. Last fall we purchased a new, solid-state induction furnace controller but simply did not have the space to integrate it into our existing foundry. With the new building, we not only have the room to get this modern system operational, but to also significantly improve the layout and therefore the efficiency of the entire investment casting process. Our turbine engine production capabilities will increase by an order of magnitude by this improvement alone." "Testing of our larger engines, those being developed for worldwide UAV usage have also been constrained due to limited space. With our current building, we had to move our test rigs outside for each engine run. Open space within the new building as well as that available in a secured, fenced yard will allow the opportunity to build permanent engine testing positions allowing for much more comprehensive performance and endurance evaluation. Untold efficiencies will be afforded through these permanent engine testing facilities." "Educational product work including new product development has also been limited due to existing space constraints. We've been looking to increase our engineering and production personnel for some time but simply haven't had the room to house them. The new building has nearly 5,000 square feet of office space alone thereby eliminating this limitation."  "We are very fortunate that this new facility is immediately adjacent to our present location on the Chetek airport. The transition into this new facility should be entirely seamless with no notice by our current customers and vendors. We're looking forward to an exciting year with many opportunities for growth and new product development. Turbine Technologies will no doubt benefit from this acquisition for years to come."           Mike Kutrieb Fri, 27 Jul 2007 21:29:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:42 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/48/dr-thomas-m-korb-joins-ttls-engineering-group#Comments 0 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=84&ModuleID=432&ArticleID=48 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=48&PortalID=0&TabID=84 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/48/dr-thomas-m-korb-joins-ttls-engineering-group Thomas M. Korb, Ph.D, PE, has joined the engineering department of Turbine Technologies, LTD as an Aerothermal Design Engineer. Dr. Korb's primary responsibilities will be research and development efforts related to gas turbine engines and implementation of new technologies and engineering tools used in the engine development process. Dr. Korb's research and the majority of his professional engineering experience have been in the technical fields of combustion, fluid mechanics, gas dynamics, and the thermo sciences. His doctoral research was an experimental study focused on the effect of metal-oxide structure and overall catalytic activity on gas-phase ignition of hydrogen-air mixtures by heated metallic surfaces. Dr. Korb has also been involved in research related to both gas turbine and Stirling engines. He was responsible for the commissioning, troubleshooting, and experimentally validating a Planar Laser Induced Fluorescence (PLIF) system designed to measure and spatially resolve fuel droplet size and mass distribution in the spray field of gas turbine fuel atomizers. The system was used to characterize the performance of several developmental gas turbine fuel atomizers for NASA's Advanced Subsonic Technology (AST) and Ultra Efficient Engine Technology (UEET) programs. Dr. Korb also conducted an experimental study for the Office of Naval Research (ONR) on gas turbine emissions reduction by combustion in porous media. In addition to traditional emissions measurements systems, advanced laser diagnostics tools were used to perform in-situ fuel spray characterization in an experimental gas turbine combustor operating at elevated pressures. In addition to his research experience, Dr. Korb has extensive engineering experience in the design, operation, and control of a variety of industrial combustion systems. Emissions reduction and combustion performance was the primary focus of most of this work. Mike Kutrieb Sat, 23 Jun 2007 14:27:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:48 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/41/truestructures-lab-launched#Comments 0 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=84&ModuleID=432&ArticleID=41 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=41&PortalID=0&TabID=84 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/41/truestructures-lab-launched Interest in Experimental Aviation Leads to New Student Lab Product As a lifelong aviation enthusiast and past president of an Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) regional chapter, Turbine Technologies Director of Sales and Marketing, Perry Kuznar, sought to combine his high-flying interests with a demonstrated educational need. "So many topics are required in today's engineering curricula, that it is difficult to get experience with problems that have direct application to industry. Lab classes are meant to stimulate thinking from a practical perspective, but so often the lab sessions are just contrived extensions of the lecture problems. Students should get extra credit for imagining that a Tinker-Toy collection of aluminum tubing and connector blocks are a 'bridge' for this lab and a 'high-tension tower' for the next." "As a member of the EAA and an active participant in several aircraft building projects, I saw how my fellow aviation enthusiasts were getting an exceptional education in the practical aspects of aircraft design, construction and testing by building their own airplanes. It occurred to me that this type of activity would have a natural application to engineering education. A lab or analytical study of a complete airplane project would be impractical, but focusing on a smaller portion would be possible. By selecting the right component to study, the opportunity would exist to study a broad array of typical engineering problems." Perry searched the aerospace industry exhaustively to find the right item for this lab. The goal was to find a structure that was easily dissected into its fundamental components for ease of analysis, yet obvious as to how the individual pieces worked as a structural whole. Additionally, the structure had to be designed and constructed according to accepted industry standards to convey real-world applicability. The ideal candidate was found in a popular sport aircraft tail surface. "An airplane wing contains essentially every type of structural member an engineer is likely to encounter in their career no matter what actual field of engineering they pursue: beams, webs, shear structures, fittings, fasteners - all resisting bending, torsional and shear loads, with indeterminate issues and difficulties such as access holes and so on. A wing could very well be a machine structure to a mechanical engineer, or say a bridge to a civil engineer. A complete wing though, while a perfect subject, would be just too big to get into a classroom. A tail surface, however, is nothing but a smaller wing - yet a very real subject, not a scaled model or imagined problem. My idea was to utilize the horizontal tail surface from an experimental airplane. Once instrumented, supported and given a way to apply a load, we had the True Structures Lab." The complete wing surface is equipped with 12 foil type strain gages in both linear and rosette configurations applied throughout the structure. A custom designed and exceptionally easy to use strain bridge controller assists in the data measurement process. Web based software simplifies the process of converting strain gage voltages to actual strain values. A manually controllable loading device imparts a force to the wing tip. The task of determining the stress condition from the applied load and resulting strains is left to the students as a lab exercise. Problems relating to deflection, acceptable material stress levels and resulting margins of safety are just a few examples of what can be studied with the TrueStructures Lab. Adding additional strain gages is a straightforward process and can be accomplished at any time with the lab. "I'm hoping that by utilizing a real airplane part, a real example of aerospace engineering, that the students will become more interested and more engaged with what they are studying. The wing structure presents almost limitless lab opportunities. Of course, we've made the TrueStructures Lab extensible. Strain gages can be added at any time. Countless opportunities exist just in the study of experimental technique, strain gage principles and the practical aspects of stress/strain measurement. The usual simple beam and tube are provided to prepare the students for the more challenging problems encountered with the wing itself." "Our in-house engineering staff has had a lot of fun putting this product together, with all of them wishing they had such a device when they were students. It's actually pretty exciting to see the theory come alive as you operate the load wheel and see the strain increasing." Turbine Technologies, LTD will begin taking orders for the TrueStructures Lab on May 2nd with deliveries to begin in late summer. Complete with everything needed to begin teaching immediately, the TrueStructures Lab includes a sample lab procedure and background information on strain gages and strain measurement fundamentals. More information on the product is available on the Turbine Technologies, LTD web site. Mike Kutrieb Wed, 02 May 2007 21:13:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:41 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/38/rapid-prototyping-capability-accelerates-investment-casting-process#Comments 0 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=84&ModuleID=432&ArticleID=38 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=38&PortalID=0&TabID=84 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/38/rapid-prototyping-capability-accelerates-investment-casting-process Engine development and manufacturing relies heavily on the use of superalloy materials in temperature critical components such as turbine blades and associated vanes. Turbine Technologies is unique in that it has the ability to cast these materials in-house utilizing its own vacuum investment casting foundry. The Company has traditionally designed and manufactured specialty molds to produce the wax investments required of the casting process. Mold making is time consuming and expensive, particularly when frequent design changes are necessary. The Company has just completed a major investment in a relatively new technology that should prove to accelerate the casting process for current and future development work. The process employs a special polymer resin that serves as the investment and can be consummed by high-heat much like wax. To form the resin into the shape of the desired part, a rapid prototyping sterolithography apparatus, otherwise known as an SLA machine, is used to generate a full-scale, 3-dimensional model of the desired part. Engineering CAD models can be downloaded directly into the SLA machine to create this part. The actual build process requires only a few short hours and then the part is ready for shell building just as would be done with a wax investment. The time savings afforded by not having to create wax investments in considerable. Several different design geometries can be produced simultaneously with the SLA machine allowing multiple part iterrations to be created in a single casting run. This greatly accelerates the engine component development process and allows various concepts to be tested in a short period of time. Mike Kutrieb Wed, 01 Feb 2006 21:39:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:38 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/47/father-son-collaborate-on-research-paper-featuring-rankinecycler#Comments 0 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=84&ModuleID=432&ArticleID=47 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=47&PortalID=0&TabID=84 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/47/father-son-collaborate-on-research-paper-featuring-rankinecycler   Paper to be Presented at Upcoming 2005 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition   The father-son team of Philip and Andrew Gerhart are nearing completion of their critical research paper entitled "Laboratory-Scale Steam Power Plant Study - RankineCycler Effectiveness as a Learning Tool and its Component Losses" to be presented at the upcoming 2005 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition hosted in Portland, Oregon, June 12th through the 15th. The paper reflects the Gerhart's experience utilizing the RankineCycler in their respective junior and senior level thermodynamics lab classes. Despite being separated by hundreds of miles, Philip, the Dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Evansville in Evansville, Indiana and Andrew, an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, MI and director of the school's Thermal Science Laboratory, have proven the advantages of mutual collaboration in the teaching usage of their RankineCyclers. Having taken delivery of their individual laboratory units just months apart, the two have been able to develop and refine their academic curriculums in conjunction with one another, building upon each other's unique experiences and curriculum requirements. The first part of the paper is dedicated to measuring their success at utilizing the RankineCycler for undergraduate thermodynamic teaching. To do this, a student survey was developed and distributed at both schools to gain feedback on the RankineCycler and its use in the thermodynamics laboratories. A quantitative analysis of the survey as well as comments from the students showed that the RankineCycler contributed positively to student success in their required thermodynamic classes. To further enhance the students' experience with the RankineCycler, the Gerharts next set out to better understand the RankineCycler's performance and to identify those areas that could potentially complicate student analysis of the Rankine cycle. A detailed parametric study of the RankineCycler was conducted. Utilizing the temperature and pressure values measured by the RankineCycler data acquisition system, the Gerharts examined the performance characteristics specific to the RankineCycler while performing problems typical of student required analysis such as efficiency calculations. Their research included areas for additional analysis and detailed study of the RankineCycler. Specific component analysis, the determination of an optimum operating point and the development of a method to measure actual steam flow are all areas scheduled for further work. The Gerharts recently visited Turbine Technologies, LTD factory to observe RankineCycler manufacture and to obtain some additional design information for the completion of their paper. They also had the opportunity to evaluate other laboratory equipment for potential inclusion in their current labs.  The paper is scheduled for presentation at the ASEE Conference on Wednesday, June 15th during session "3133: Energy Projects and Laboratory Ideas" from 7:00 - 8:15 am in the Oregon Convention Center room D137.   Mike Kutrieb Wed, 01 Jun 2005 14:18:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:47 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/39/onetouch-eases-turbine-engine-operation#Comments 0 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=84&ModuleID=432&ArticleID=39 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=39&PortalID=0&TabID=84 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/39/onetouch-eases-turbine-engine-operation System Automates, Monitors MiniLab™ Gas Turbine Power System To further enhance MiniLab™ Gas Turbine Power System operation, Turbine Technologies, LTD is introducing the OneTouch™ Gas Turbine Auto Start System. What was once an involved procedure of manipulating several switches at critical times has now been simplified through the touch of a button. "As simple and reliable as jet engines are, their operation can be rather intimidating," said Tom Kutrieb, VP of Engine Manufacturing at Turbine Technologies. "The proper procedures, executed in the right order, and with regard to certain critical parameters are necessary to start any turbine engine. Failure to follow the correct steps may lead to a poorly running or possibly damaged engine. The OneTouch automatically performs both the start sequencing and engine monitoring functions of the MiniLab's SR-30 engine, relieving the operator of these tasks." The OneTouch™ system is a fully integrated, microprocessor based controller designed to precisely manage all aspects of MiniLab™ operation without compromising the main objective of engineering education. "A recent survey of our current MiniLab operators confirmed that the MiniLab system is a valuable tool for the study of gas turbine theory and operation. Unfortunately, some colleges and universities perceive the MiniLab to be a little too valuable in that only a few, designated individuals are actually allowed to run the unit," Mr. Kutrieb said. "The true educational value of the MiniLab is diminished if the operator becomes preoccupied with basic systems monitoring. With the OneTouch, anyone can run the engine, experience the noise and excitement of a jet engine firsthand and fully concentrate on data gathering or other educational goals without directly having to worry about engine operational limits." Operation of the MiniLab™ with the OneTouch™ is intuitive and straightforward. A green start button commences the start operation. System status is provided via an operator display screen on the main instrument panel. The system can be stopped at any time by pressing the easily recognized, red stop button. Electronic monitoring ensures all temperature and RPM limits are maintained. If any parameter is exceeded, the OneTouch™ system commands a safe and immediate shutdown of the engine. The operator is then alerted to the cause. The OneTouch™ system records all start/stop cycles and total engine run time. Other diagnostic functions determine system parameters such as fuel and oil level. Both hardware and software of the OneTouch™ is designed to be extensible, making incorporation of additional features and future enhancements an easy affair. The OneTouch™ is now standard on all production MiniLab™ systems. An upgrade package is also available for current MiniLab™ operators. Mike Kutrieb Wed, 11 May 2005 20:49:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:39 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/36/navy-beats-army-triumphs-over-isabel#Comments 0 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=84&ModuleID=432&ArticleID=36 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=36&PortalID=0&TabID=84 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/36/navy-beats-army-triumphs-over-isabel Future Aviators, Engineers Learn with Miniature Turbojet On September 18, 2003, Hurricane Isabel, a level five hurricane, made landfall on the North Carolina coastline. Five hours later, the hurricane had tracked northwest and was releasing a deluge on the grounds of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis. The rain and accompanying storm surge of the Severn River left much of the campus under eight feet of water. Also under water was a newly delivered Turbine Technologies MiniLab Gas Turbine Power System, still in its delivery crate. While the Navy and some 400 contractors were rebuilding the Academy grounds and classrooms, Turbine Technologies was preparing a new MiniLab. "As the remnants of Isabel were sliding across the Great Lakes and into Canada, Turbine Technologies staff was in contact with Naval Academy officials to get the MiniLab returned to our facility for damage assessment," said Todd Gaines, Product Applications Specialist at Turbine Technologies. "We anticipated the worst, considering that the unit was submerged in salt water." Although an initial assessment suggested the unit could be repaired, the decision was made to remanufacture the MiniLab as if it were a new production unit. Working with Professor Martin Cerza of the Academy's Mechanical Engineering Department and Professor Maido Saarlas of the Aerospace Engineering Department, Turbine Technologies expedited construction and testing of a new MiniLab. By mid May of 2004, the Naval Academy took delivery of their "second" new MiniLab Gas Turbine Power System and safely stored it away on high ground awaiting the completion of repairs to the laboratory facilities where it would eventually be used. With Hurricane Isabel a distant memory, midshipmen, faculty and staff at the Academy finally had a chance this week to fire up their MiniLab for the first time. Beating Hurricane Isabel, the Army and frigid temperatures, midshipmen from the Naval Academy get a chance to operate their new MiniLab Gas Turbine Power system during its inaugural run Because there was still some work to be done to the gas turbine lab facilities at the Academy, the unit could not be operated in its intended location. The training technician from Turbine Technologies suggested that the unit simply be rolled to an adjacent door for the first run. Despite frigid temperatures, the midshipmen did just that and the unit was up and running. Academy instructors and lab techs were given instruction on the unit's operation and usage in preparation for future academy mechanical and aerospace engineering classes. Those interested in using the MiniLab for research were also briefed. Anyone else who braved the cold temperatures was given the opportunity to be amongst the first to operate the unit. As training was nearing completion, one enthusiastic midshipman wanted to know "…whether army had one of these?" The training technician smiled and remarked, "No…. not yet. You beat them again." Satisfied, the midshipmen nodded and hurried off to another assignment. The Naval Academy's MiniLab Gas Turbine Power System joins the ranks of over 15 other MiniLab systems used for teaching and research at service academies and military installations around the world. Mike Kutrieb Thu, 27 Jan 2005 21:14:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:36 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/35/second-gas-turbine-arrives-in-singapore#Comments 0 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=84&ModuleID=432&ArticleID=35 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=35&PortalID=0&TabID=84 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/35/second-gas-turbine-arrives-in-singapore The tiny island nation of Singapore recently took delivery of its second MiniLab Gas Turbine Power System. Temasek Engineering School, a division of Temasek Polytechnic, operated their jet engine for the first time today. Temasek Engineering follows Ngee Ann Polytechnic, which purchased a MiniLab System earlier this year. Mr. Chia Kwee Heng of the Department of Mechatronics Engineering at Temasek initiated the purchase of the MiniLab system for usage in their mechatronic and electrical engineering, ECTM and continuing education programs (pictured second from right).                                           The mechatronic and electrical engineering programs at Temasek include a "cluster option" in aerospace engineering and aerospace electronics. This program, unique to Temasek, allows students to specialize in a particular field of study such as electrical engineering while getting a firm grounding in topics specific to aerospace and aerospace electronics. Operation of the MiniLab System will expose these students to typical aerospace practice while affording them significant hands on operational experience that would be difficult to achieve in a more traditional academic manner. Temasek's ECTM program works in a similar manner in that it gives first year students a broad exposure to engineering topics in Electronics, Telecommunications, Computer Engineering and Microelectronics. The MiniLab will be used to stress real world applications within these study areas permitting entering students a better understanding of these specific disciplines before committing to a diploma track. Continuing education programs will also benefit through the hands on aspect.  Graduates from Temasek go on to work in a variety of industries. Knowledge and experience gained through operation and study of the MiniLab will serve these students well as they begin their careers in engineering.   Mike Kutrieb Tue, 18 Jan 2005 19:07:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:35 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/51/five-axis-machining-arrives-at-turbine-technologies#Comments 0 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=84&ModuleID=432&ArticleID=51 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=51&PortalID=0&TabID=84 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/51/five-axis-machining-arrives-at-turbine-technologies Conceptual Geometry to Finished Hardware in a Matter of Hours   To expand its capabilities and further facilitate rapid product development, Turbine Technologies completed installation of its recently purchased five-axis CNC milling machine.  "We are excited to begin operation of this new tool in our efforts to further development of light, gas turbine engines for both commercial and military applications," said Mike Kutrieb, VP of Turbine Technologies. "Gas turbines are fundamentally simple machines with inherently complex components. The centrifugal flow compressor utilized in our SR-30 engine is a good example of this. With complex aerodynamic shapes, undercuts and difficult angles throughout, the compressor presents significant manufacturing challenges. Compromises often result between the conceptual design and the manufactured reality owing to these difficulties. With the five-axis capabilities, we will be able to take an optimized CAD design and produce the end hardware exactly as intended. The opportunities this presents in research and development, prototyping and design optimization cannot be overstated. Essentially, we'll be able to produce any conceivable geometry and out of any modern materials as our next generation engine designs warrant."  Company technicians have completed a comprehensive, hands-on training session on the machine at Haas. Prototype parts are already taking shape on the machine as Turbine Technologies' machinists become more proficiant with its use. Additional training is scheduled to further acquaint development staff with the machine's operation and capabilities. The VF-2TR adds to the company's compliment of machine tools and manufacturing equipment including CNC turning, EDM and vacuum investment casting facilities. In addition to engine development work, the mill will be utilized for new educational product prototyping, tooling development and mold making.       Mike Kutrieb Wed, 29 Dec 2004 15:59:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:51 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/43/university-of-wisconsin-promotes-technology-transfer-with-turbine-technologies#Comments 0 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=84&ModuleID=432&ArticleID=43 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=43&PortalID=0&TabID=84 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/43/university-of-wisconsin-promotes-technology-transfer-with-turbine-technologies Ceramic Laser Machining, Real-Time Sensor Applications Examined to Further Gas Turbine Engine Performance Exploring collaborative research and practical technology transfer opportunities, the University of Wisconsin - Madison sent six distinguished professors and members of the Chancellor's staff to Chetek, Wisconsin to visit with engineers and managers from Turbine Technologies. The UW - Madison team was particularly interested in the company's line of small gas turbine engines manufactured for education and research purposes, as well as unmanned aerial vehicle and distributed power applications, and was seeking ideas as to how to practically apply current University research projects to relevant gas turbine problems. "Turbine Technologies has always sought out and employed advanced technologies, particularly within our gas turbine applications," said Mike Kutrieb, VP of Turbine Technologies. "We spend a considerable amount of time in research and development in an attempt to extract every bit of performance from our engines. When the University of Wisconsin - Madison requested a visit to view our progress and discuss specific technology transfer opportunities, we were more than eager to meet with them." Among the UW - Madison visitors was Professor Frank Pfefferkorn, a graduate of Purdue University doing cutting-edge research in ceramic material manufacturing techniques. Directing UW - Madison's Laser-Assisted Multi-Scale Manufacturing Laboratory, Professor Pfefferkorn has published numerous papers describing work relating to the use of lasers for ceramic machining. Professor Pfefferkorn discussed his work in depth and examined several engine components that could benefit from his research efforts.   University of Wisconsin- Madison faculty stop for a picture following a close examination of Turbine Technologies' MiniLab Gas Turbine Power System during their visit to discuss research and technology transfer opportunities  Mr. Kutrieb remarked, "Turbine Technologies is well versed in high-temperature, precision vacuum investment casting of conventional stainless steels and Super Alloys. Our efforts in engine optimization have brought us within the practical temperature limits of these materials. For this reason, we've become particularly interested in ceramics and are committing substantial resources to determining effective ways of utilizing these materials to allow higher gas turbine operating temperatures and the efficiencies those operating realms afford. Professor Pfefferkorn's work is extremely exciting and indicative of the direction we wish to move." Professor Patrick Farrell, Director of the Engine Research Center at the UW - Madison described the scope of his work relating to engine combustion and current sensor technology used to measure those processes. The Engine Research Center, a U.S. Army Center of Excellence, is a major research and educational institution investigating the fundamentals and applications of internal combustion engines. Turbine Technologies' engineers, working under a recently awarded U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command Research and Development contract focusing on small gas turbine performance, were particularly interested in Professor Farrell's ideas and work relating to real-time measurement of internal engine operating parameters. Also present were Professor Gregory Nellis, Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering - Massachusetts Institute of Technology, working on gas bearing supported turbomachinery, and Professor Riccardo Bonazza, Ph.D. Aeronautics - California Institute of Technology, currently doing research on shock wave suppression. Dean Lawrence Casper and Chancellor's Office Director Allen Dines further met with company representatives to promote the University's overall research capabilities and to offer such services to Turbine Technologies in its work of advancing small gas turbine performance.     Mike Kutrieb Wed, 15 Dec 2004 22:44:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:43 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/50/congressman-david-obey-praises-vision-of-turbine-technologies#Comments 0 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=84&ModuleID=432&ArticleID=50 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=50&PortalID=0&TabID=84 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/50/congressman-david-obey-praises-vision-of-turbine-technologies Turbine Technologies hosted United States Congressman David Obey, Wisconsin Senator Bob Jauch and Wisconsin Representative Mary Hubler and thanked them for their assistance in securing a U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command research and development contract. The contract, awarded in September, requires Turbine Technologies to evaluate its PT-30 light turboshaft engine for use in Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (TUAV) applications. TUAVs are finding increasing application in military roles deemed too dangerous for military personnel. TUAVs typical of the type that could utilize the PT-30 engine are presently deployed in the skies over Afghanistan and Iraq. "Turbine Technologies sincerely appreciates Congressman Obey's efforts in helping secure this important development contract," said Turbine Technologies Vice President Mike Kutrieb. "We look forward to showcasing our capabilities and contributing to the government's efforts to utilize TUAVs for dangerous or difficult missions." Obey, Jauch and Hubler toured Turbine Technologies' facilities and met with various employees. In addition to reviewing progress on the PT-30 development, Congressman Obey was briefed on Turbine Technologies educational product division and given the opportunity to try his hand at operating several products used throughout the country and around the world for engineering education and scientific research. Obey said he would continue to make sure people in key places were aware of Turbine Technologies' capabilities in order to promote the business around the country and the world.       Pictured above, from left to right:  Mike Kutrieb, Wolfgang Kutrieb, State Senator, Bob Jauch, State Representative Mary Hubler and Congressman David Obey Mike Kutrieb Fri, 29 Oct 2004 14:44:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:50 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/45/new-engineering-program-generates-excitement-with-turbine-technologies-rankinecycler#Comments 0 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=84&ModuleID=432&ArticleID=45 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=45&PortalID=0&TabID=84 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/45/new-engineering-program-generates-excitement-with-turbine-technologies-rankinecycler Working Professionals Seeking Bachelor's Degree Learn on Miniature Power plant The University of Wisconsin - Fox Valley and the University of Wisconsin - Platteville have collaborated to offer a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering on the UW - Fox Valley campus in Menasha, WI. This program is primarily aimed at technicians who would like to earn a bachelor's degree and engineering professionals looking to add or refresh skills. The University's selection of Turbine Technologies RankineCycler Steam Power System will help in educating these non-traditional students. UW - Platteville educators and staff dedicated the RankineCycler unit during a visit to the UW - Fox Valley Campus. Kurt Rolle, chair of the UW - Platteville Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering and distinguished author of the internationally acclaimed textbook Thermodynamics and Heat Power, said the RankineCycler Steam Power System will help students bridge the gap between theoretical classroom instruction and real-world applications. "This fits right in with our hands-on approach," Rolle said. "We could do a virtual one of these real easy, but it would still only be virtual. Would you rather drive your car or sit in your office and virtually do it?" With the lab unit, students will be able to run a number of experiments related to power generation and real-world thermodynamic principles. The size of a small office desk, the portable system replicates all major components of a full-scale powerplant. At the UW - Fox Valley collaborative, students can receive a fully accredited bachelor's of science degree from UW - Platteville. The program moved into a brand new building in December 2003, replete with four engineering classrooms and laboratories. Program advisor Jill Gordee said fluid dynamics and thermal fluid design courses will benefit from the steam turbine system, an integral part of their budding laboratory. In only its third year, the UW - Platteville mechanical engineering program at UW - Fox Valley is poised for expansion. "We continue to attract area students and business people to our program," Gordee said. "This year we project having more than 120 students. We continually grow each year." Meghan B. Adams of the UWP Daily Pioneer News Contributed to this Story     Mike Kutrieb Tue, 25 May 2004 13:34:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:45 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/40/active-turbine-blade-tip-measurement#Comments 0 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=84&ModuleID=432&ArticleID=40 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=40&PortalID=0&TabID=84 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/40/active-turbine-blade-tip-measurement Universite de Liege Professor Modifies Small Turbojet for Research   Olivier Leonard of the Universite de Liege in Belgium completed a visit to Turbine Technologies' factory where he participated in the modification and testing of an engine specifically for experimentation. Recognizing the usefulness of the SR-30 Turbojet as a jet engine research platform, Professor Leonard requested a particular modification to further his work in advancing jet engine testing and operational measurement techniques. Utilizing a stock SR-30 from the Universite de Liege's MiniLab Gas Turbine Power System, a series of modifications were engineered that allowed the mounting of a specialized linear capacitive distance sensor. This sensor was positioned in such a way that an active measurement could be made of turbine blade tip distances during operation of the engine. "We worked together with Dr. Leonard to engineer a safe modification to his engine that would permit the type of measurements he was after," said Tom Kutrieb, Turbine Technologies' Director of Engine Manufacturing. "The initial idea was raised almost a year ago, but because of the school's heavy usage of the engine and Dr. Leonard's busy schedule, it was only now that we've had the opportunity to make the modifications. The sensor installed was considered so valuable and essential to Dr. Leonard's research that he personally delivered it and was on hand to observe and test its installation."   In just a few days, the modifications were complete and the engine was installed in Turbine Technologies' test cell for initial trials and to calibrate the sensor. Professor Leonard provided a signal-conditioning unit that interfaced directly with the equipment in the company's test cell. With the engine under power, instrumentation showed the sensor to be working properly and that useful data would be available. Even after a short test run, it was apparent that turbine blade growth due to thermal expansion would be easily measured with the sensor and signal conditioner. Professor Leonard is the Director of Turbine Propulsion Research at Liege. He has co-authored several papers on the development of new measurement methodologies that enable robust real time detection of faulty measurements through statistical means, and to suppress these faults during the test. Automatic learning methods such as artificial neural networks are also being studied for application and matching to the developed robust validation procedures. The end goal is to develop an efficient way to identify which sensor may be contributing faulty data during engine tests in real time rather than during data reduction well after the test is completed. The SR-30 engine factors prominently in the development of these methods because of acquisition cost, operating economy and ease of operation. "Turbine Technologies usually discourages operator modifications of engines. However, when accomplished with factory approval and used in a controlled research setting, the engine is ideally suited for studies such as those being conducted by Dr. Leonard. We welcome such opportunities and like to use his work as an interesting example of what the SR-30 and MiniLab Gas Turbine System are capable of in a research setting," remarked Mr. Kutrieb. Professor Leonard holds an SR30 Cutaway Model while determining where to install the active turbine blade tip clearance sensor.  "I had quite a successful week in Chetek!" said Professor Leonard following the installation and test of the measurement system   Mike Kutrieb Fri, 16 Apr 2004 21:00:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:40 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/70/no-nox-water-and-fuel-mix-well#Comments 0 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/RssComments.aspx?TabID=84&ModuleID=432&ArticleID=70 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/DesktopModules/DnnForge%20-%20NewsArticles/Tracking/Trackback.aspx?ArticleID=70&PortalID=0&TabID=84 http://www.turbinetechnologies.com/news/articletype/articleview/articleid/70/no-nox-water-and-fuel-mix-well Kettering University fired up a Turbine Technologies' SR30 jet engine last week looking for better emissions from commercial jet engines.   Kettering University fired up a SR30 gas turbine jet engine last week looking for better emissions from commercial jet engines. Researchers hope that improvements to the fuel through the use of an additive will help the environment. Project manager Homayun Navaz, associate professor of Mechanical Engineering, will take the findings and his hopes for a Phase II study to Cleveland in mid-December. Co-principal investigator is Greg Davis, professor of Mechanical Engineering. "The results of our testing at Kettering look promising," Navaz said. "We are asking NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio, to fund the work into the second phase and continue our testing at their facilities on a larger scale jet engine. "The main idea," Navaz said, "is to reduce the amount of nitrogen oxide (NOx) that is usually produced in jet fuels during burning. The release of NOx into the atmosphere has a long-term effect on the environment, because it causes the depletion of the ozone layer. The focus of the project was to test some new fuels manufactured by Lubrizol Corp." Navaz put together a team of specialists, including Davis, to look at new fuels and test a fuel additive called purinox, which can reduce NOx without losing performance. The testing included a secret ingredient: water! The water was encapsulated in little soap bubbles and suspended through the fuel. Testing at Kettering's test cell lab measured thrust, NOx, air/fuel ratio, and revolutions per minute. "There was a reduction in NOx emissions," Davis said, "but the dramatic difference was a 50 percent reduction in unburned hydrocarbons (or partially burned fuel) from the engine. We didn't expect that difference. That was a surprise," he added. Davis noted that using an additive improved NOx emissions without losing performance. "That's the advantage," he said. "You improve the fuel so you don't need a new jet or new engine. That's what NASA is intrigued with." Navaz will meet with NASA officials in about two weeks. If the project moves forward, the next set of tests may take place at commercial test sites, probably in Ohio. Written by Pat Mroczek (810) 762-9533 pmroczek@kettering.edu   Mike Kutrieb Mon, 02 Dec 2002 22:47:00 GMT f1397696-738c-4295-afcd-943feb885714:70