Three-Shaft Automotive Turbine-Transmission Systems of the KTT Type—Performance and Features

The three-shaft KTT system, a new concept in the field of vehicular gas turbines, is described. It consists of an integrated turbine-transmission system. Major engineering advances are incorporated with improvements in overall engine-transmission performance. This, in turn, improves the fuel economy, simplicity, weight, and first cost of the whole power system. A new principle is described for achieving both rapid acceleration and deceleration. The KTT system approach, because of reduced stresses, also makes possible earlier use of low-cost ceramics in high-temperature rotors. The improvements embodied in the KTT system make it possible for a gas-turbine power system of this type to seriously compete with present diesel power plants. When developed to its full potential, such a turbine package can surpass diesel capabilities by a wide margin.