Turbojet Engine
Generation 1 (prototype)
How it
works
This is a working turbojet engine that I built with my friend Stewart. It
uses a diesel truck turbocharger as the core of the engine. The engine is
fired by propane, which is burned inside a steel combustion chamber. The hot
combustion gases exit this chamber and turn the turbine portion of the turbocharger,
which in turn causes the compressor portion of the turbocharger to supply
fresh air to the combustion chamber. This process accelerates and creates
a high pressure combustion process that makes energy in the form of hot gases
exiting the exhaust of the turbocharger. These hot gases create thrust. The
engine is started using an electric leaf blower that spins the turbocharger
up to speed in order to provide combustion air. The support systems used to
run the engine consist of:
Ignition
system
This is a high voltage transformer that creates a spark to ignite the propane
during startup. Currently, an oil burner ignition system is being used to
ignite the propane.
Lubrication
system
The turbocharger needs lubrication which is provided by an oil pump, tank,
filter, and cooler, along with a pressure regulator and gauge. The oil pump
is made from an automotive power steering pump connected to a 110 volt table
saw motor. The tank is made of PVC pipe and holds 2 quarts of oil. The filter
is a high capacity inline autmotive fuel filter. We are currently using Mobil
1 0W-30 synthetic oil, at a working pressure of 35 PSI.
Fuel delivery
system
Propane is metered and injected into the combustion chamber. The propane is
regulated by a welding type regulator mounted on top of a 20 lb propane tank.
It is then piped to the combustion chamber where it is injected with a homemade
nozzle.
Future improvements will include an electronic engine management system, a nozzle to direct exhaust gases, and self-sustaining operation (no 120V power needed for oil system). An kerosene afterburner may also be incorporated into the exhaust gas nozzle.
Videos (windows media format):