Exergy Analysis of a Pulse Detonation Power Device

A comparison between the deflagration and detonation combustion modes applied to a pulsed detonation power generation device (PDPD) is studied. This comparison enables a distinction to be made as to the advantages of the detonation mode under certain circumstances. An exergy analysis of a pulse detonation engine designed for power production using methane (CH4) and propane (C3H8) is presented. The exergetic efficiencies are also compared for different design parameters such as the cycle frequency and the detonation tube length. Because the detonation wave propagating from the closed-end of a tube comprises a sharp front followed by a Taylor expansion, causing a pressure, temperature and density decay, an average approximation for these properties was adopted for the present thermodynamic analysis. The results show that detonation is the more efficient mode of combustion for power production when applied to the PDPD.