Chapter 421 GT-15000 prototype ignition
These words are a bit heartbreaking.
After all, for Makarov, the Varyag was his last hope, the most powerful warship he built before retiring! He wanted to give the warship a good home.
He hoped all the time that this warship could be ready to sail across the ocean, but he also knew that this hope was becoming increasingly slim. Instead of letting this warship be dismantled into scrap metal, it would be like the nuclear-powered ship. Same, might as well sell it to Mingzhou Group.
Mingzhou Group was very helpful when dealing with nuclear power scrap iron, and Qin Tao also became Makarov's friend.
Now, Makarov's face showed a sad expression.
The best candidate was Asan, but they wanted him away in a big way. Now, even if they ask again, they won't want Varyag anymore.
The second target is the East, but it seems impossible now. People can produce it themselves and make more advanced products, so why buy their semi-finished products?
What other customers will you have next?
Europe is impossible. Those countries in Europe either don’t need it or they create it themselves. Looking around the world, they can’t find a third country!
"Of course, selling it to us is the worst option. After all, the price of scrap iron is too cheap, so if you have better options, you can try selling them to others." Qin Tao began to give them ideas: " I think the Rainbow Nation, Brazil, and Argentina are all possibilities, and you can lobby for them."
What is the possibility? Do these countries, each one poorer than the other, have such strength?
Those countries in the oil region are okay, but those countries do not have the strategic need for global deployment, and there is no need to buy aircraft carriers!
Makarov was completely depressed.
“Is there any other place you want to visit?” Qin Tao asked.
“We want to go to the Mingzhou Steel Plant, which is said to be able to produce steel with a capacity of one thousand megapascals.” Asnayev said.
This is a person who will not shed tears until he sees the coffin.
"One-thousand-megapascal steel is not stable. We can stably produce eight hundred-megapascal steel, and then select some better-quality steel that can reach one-thousand megapascals for use. I can take you to see it. look."
So, after breakfast, Qin Tao took them to the Mingzhou Iron and Steel Plant.
The scale of this steel plant is getting bigger and bigger, with blast furnaces standing everywhere and chimneys rising. On the production line, they saw the latest batch of high-strength steel produced. Looking at the test results, they were speechless.
That evening, they took a passenger plane back to Ermao Country. Qin Tao happily ran to find his father-in-law.
“Where is Makarov?” Wu Shengli asked curiously.
“Send away.”
“Leaving? We haven’t negotiated with them yet, why are we leaving so soon?”
"What are we talking about? The navy talks to them, that's 400 million US dollars, and I talk to them, 100 million is about the same." Qin Tao said.
Actually, Wu Shengli originally wanted to accompany him, but was rejected by Qin Tao. Qin Tao took Er Mao Yitong around and then deceived him away, just to prevent them from contacting the navy.
We must continue to let the old man dry!
“One hundred million?” Wu Shengli sighed: “That’s not a lot.”
"Twenty million is enough for the price on the surface, but it will cost a lot of money to do it behind the scenes." Qin Tao said: "This time, they have completely lost confidence. I think that within half a year, they He will definitely contact us and let us buy the warship at scrap metal price."
Going up directly and asking to buy scrap metal, it would be damned if you don’t get angry for two cents. Ah San was the first one to pounce, and ended up being asked for 2 billion U.S. dollars!
You can't be anxious about this kind of thing. You have to let Da Mao slowly see the status quo and recognize the reality, so that he can accept his fate.
“Within half a year, we still have to wait half a year.” Wu Shengli lamented.
“Yeah, there’s no point in being anxious. Our navy doesn’t have professional Aegis warships. We can’t rely on 054. We don’t have **** warships. Even if we get the Varyag back, we won’t be able to form a fleet.”
Qin Tao was also anxious and wished he could pull him up immediately. However, he had to eat in one bite, so he couldn't be in a hurry.
Hearing what Qin Tao said, Wu Shengli thought of something: "Our gas turbine imitation has made great progress. I heard that the first gas turbine has been imitated over there!"
"Really? So fast?" Qin Tao was also extremely excited: "Then let's go over and have a look?"
Facing the excited Qin Tao, Wu Shengli nodded solemnly: "Of course, I'm planning to go over and have a look."
Time has passed 95 years. On January 1 of this year, Qin Tao, Wu Shengli and others came to Ice City 703.
It is very cold here. In uninhabited places, the snow can even be one or two meters thick. However, House 703 is steaming.
Although it was a holiday, the scientific researchers did not rest. They were all excited about the big guy in front of them.
“Although our GT-15000 gas turbine is much larger than the LM2500 gas turbine in terms of volume, its performance is not worse than the LM2500, and its power is even better.”
“Yes, we have mastered all the materials and processes. We already have the ability to mass produce this gas turbine.”
Listening to everyone's words, Mr. Wen shook his head at the side: "Everyone, this is just the beginning. Although we have built it, we have not yet tested it. We don't know how reliable it is. Moreover, with its current power, , it can only drive a five-thousand-ton warship, and the output power is slightly worse."
“If two units are not enough, let’s get four units, which are enough to drive an eight thousand ton warship.” Someone next to me said.
Lao Wen smiled, knowing the mood of the big guy at this time.
At this moment, there was a rush of footsteps outside.
“Has it been built? It’s great. It has solved the problem of heart disease. In the future, our warships will be able to launch dumplings!”
"Mr. Qin?" Mr. Wen heard it immediately and turned to look outside.
Qin Tao, Wu Shengli, and all other naval officers followed. There were more than 20 people, and the team was very large.
"Mr. Qin, what brought you here?" Mr. Wen asked with a smile.
"What kind of wind? Of course it's the wind from gas turbines." Qin Tao said: "We dare not build destroyers on a large scale because there are not enough gas turbines. Now, we have finally built one ourselves!"
"Mr. Qin, at present we have only completed the imitation of the UGT-15000 gas turbine, and it has not yet been put on the test bench. The output power is scheduled to be 20 megawatts. We now name it GT-15000."
Just in front of the inlet blades of this gas turbine, there is a huge red baffle with large white letters written there: GT-15000.
This naming method is simple and direct.
"It is indeed a bit embarrassing to have an output power of 20 megawatts." Qin Tao nodded: "If you drive a six-thousand-ton warship, it will be difficult to reach a speed of more than 30 knots, especially now that our warships pay attention to seaworthiness and are getting wider and wider. .”
The speed of a warship is not only related to power, but also to the design of the hull. In the past, warships during World War II could achieve very good speeds even with low power. This was because the length-to-width ratio was large and the warship was slender. Now in order to improve In terms of seaworthiness, the aspect ratio of warships is getting smaller and smaller, and warships are getting wider and wider. Therefore, with the same displacement, the power required will become stronger and stronger.
Therefore, when the 052C was originally built, the UGT25000 was used, and the power was increased to 26.7 megawatts. Two units can push a warship of six to seven thousand tons, and four units can push a warship of more than 10,000 tons.
What now?
“Yes, this is just the beginning, we still need to improve it and increase its power.” Mr. Wen said.
After hearing what he said, an expert on the side said: "Gas turbines use a lot of aero-engine technology. If you want to improve it, we need the strong cooperation of our 430 factory. We hope that all the drawings can be handed over to us. , so we can better assist.”
Hearing this, Qin Tao showed a smile on his face: "Mr. Wen, this expert from the 430 factory is making fun of you."
Wu Shengli frowned, what do you mean by this, are you deliberately provoking?
The 703 Institute was originally researching marine steam turbines. Now it is transitioning to gas turbines. Many technologies are lacking. Therefore, in the development process of this engine, they not only united with the steam turbine factory in Bingcheng, but also united with the old district. The 430 factory.
The engine in front of me, the gas turbine part, was copied by the 430 factory.
We are all considered brothers, how can Qin Tao say that?
"Mr. Qin, that's not what we meant." The expert said: "Aero engines can affect the whole body, and the same is true for this kind of gas turbine. It is one thing for us to copy the original drawings. As long as there is a little improvement Changes may lead to unexpected situations, so we want a full set of drawings to better help research and development.”
“So, since you have requested a complete set of drawings, will you be responsible for any accidents that occur during the research and development process?”
This time, the other party stopped talking again.
Lao Wen seemed to understand what Qin Tao meant.
Factories in the country are both cooperating and competing. If a brother factory gets a complete set of drawings, will they use it for their own development?
"We have obtained a large amount of technical information, and now we have fully understood the technical information of UGT-15000. Therefore, it is our 703 office to be responsible for upgrading based on these technologies. If there is a problem, I will be responsible. "
At the beginning, when Qin Tao first met Wen Lao, it was also the same situation. There were so many people present, and everyone was afraid of being responsible for the evildoer. It was better for Wen Lao to stand up and let me take the responsibility!
Later, the machine was disassembled and the fault was found. Wen Laoyun was calm and relaxed.
Now, the same is true. For a project, someone must bear the overall responsibility!
Experts invited from Lao Maozi will have a new name when they come here. This will make it easier to carry out work and say goodbye to the past.
After Sergey from the Dawn Bureau came here, he also gave him a name. This name was given by Sergey himself, Mao Youwei, which means that he has made a difference since he came here. However, adding the previous name, Maybe there will be an antonym.
“He is leading a group of people to develop the GT-25000 gas turbine. He is not interested in our imitation.” Wen Xueyou said.
For the 703 Research Institute, the birth of the prototype is a breakthrough for the motherland’s naval gas turbines. This shows that domestic warships will have 20-megawatt gas turbines. However, for Sergey, it is nothing at all.
Those massive amounts of draft paper were all brought to Institute 703, where they were classified and analyzed. After Sergey came, he brought a lot of information, and with the contribution of Sergey as a designer, this engine was I copied it without any problems.
Sergey is concerned about the development of subsequent models. Before the disintegration of the Red Empire, Sergey was developing improved products. Now, he is even more focused on modifications.
Qin Tao nodded: "Let's go over and have a look later."
There is no rush yet.
"I think, with Mao Youwei leading the team and Wen Lao and the others, there won't be any problems with the modification plan, so our 430 factory doesn't have to worry about it." Qin Tao looked at the technician: " From now on, you can just help manufacture gas turbines according to the design drawings here. By the way, our domestic related technologies are also constantly developing. It is said that single crystal turbine blades are also being developed. If this technology can be used, it will be even better. alright."
The group of experts brought from the Rainbow Country should have stabilized and entered the field of research and development. I don’t know what the results of their research and development will be.
The expert nodded and made no more requests.
Qin Tao continued to look at the gas turbines: "The power is a bit awkward. Leader Wu, I think we can just install four gas turbines and build a warship of more than 8,000 tons. How about that?"
Two engines can drive a five-thousand-ton warship, but for an Aegis warship, this displacement is still very small.
The development of warships is gradually becoming larger. The larger the displacement, the more spacious the internal space.
Wu Shengli frowned a little after hearing Qin Tao's words.
Eight thousand tons, you really dare to think about it! Don’t you know that the larger the displacement, the higher the procurement cost? For the navy, it now not only needs quality, but also quantity. For the same money, building two ships will definitely play a greater role!
Fortunately, Qin Tao did not insist. He continued to put forward his own idea: "If the navy does not have high speed requirements, if we reduce the speed requirement of the new generation of air defense destroyers to about 28 knots, it is also possible to install two such engines. In this way, a warship with a displacement of more than 6,000 tons can carry 48 anti-aircraft missiles, which is enough."
Either use four units and increase the displacement to eight or nine thousand tons at the same time, or use two units and reduce the speed. These are the two methods. It depends on what the navy chooses.
Wu Shengli nodded: "Let's wait for the development of the 346 radar. After all, the testing of this gas turbine will take time."
Now, the prototype has been manufactured, but testing also takes time. Among other things, if it is just a durability test, it will take several months to continue until it reaches the design life.
So, these still need time. There is no need to consider the suggestions made by Qin Tao urgently for the time being.
“Now that it has been built, is it necessary to conduct an ignition test next?” Qin Tao asked.
“Yes, we will ignite the engine today.” Wen Xueyou said, “Now, let’s do the startup work!”
The gas turbine is placed in the test workshop, but the air intake and exhaust need to be connected to special channels. The gas turbine consumes a lot of oxygen. These pipes are also relatively thick, and there are various flow monitoring equipment inside. .
Following Wen Xueyou’s order, various preparations began quickly.
“The starting power has been supplied, the switch is in remote, and the starting alarm switch is reset.”
“The power supply to the auxiliary hydraulic oil pump has been turned on and is in the automatic state.”
…
Instructions were given one after another, and finally, everything was ready.
“Start the engine!”
As this command sounded, a technician pressed his hand on the start button.
The starter motor started to rotate, the roar of the turbine came, and the huge engine started to rotate. However, because it was installed on a special base, the vibration was not strong.
The turbine rotated faster and faster, and finally, Wen Xueyou gave the order to ignite.
Fuel is injected into the combustion chamber, pushing the turbine blades behind it, and the entire machine begins to run on its own power!
The starter motor is disengaged and the engine enters idle mode.
Successfully started!
“All instrument indicators are normal and the engine is running smoothly!”
“Increase power to ten megawatts!”
“Upgrade to twenty megawatts!”
“The test run was successful and the engine reached the design specifications!”
Other engines have to run at low power for a long time before they can speed up. However, the advantage of the gas turbine is that it can run at full power when it is turned on. At this time, everyone applauded when they heard that the rated power was reached.
In the design department, many people are still working.
Sergey heard something, stood up from the computer, walked to the window, looked at the test workshop over there, and saw the green smoke coming out of the chimney, and a smile appeared on his face.
He did not go to the test because he knew that the company here has mastered a full set of technologies and would not encounter any problems in production. The assembled gas turbines could also fully meet the design specifications.
There is no need for him to join in the fun. After all, a more powerful gas turbine is his goal.
He looked at the window for a few minutes and then returned to the computer again.
He was already excited when he got the calculator. Now, using these computers, he can greatly improve his design capabilities. Their improved designs have made rapid progress.
At this moment, the door was pushed open, and a cold wind blew in from the outside. Sergey couldn't help but turn his head and take a look, and then looked at the familiar figure in great surprise.
“Mr. Qin?”
“It’s me and the leaders of the navy who came here. We have finished the engine test run and are very satisfied. Come here to take a look.” Qin Tao said: “How is your modification research going?”
"In the past few years, we have been studying one after another. After coming here, the progress has been faster." Sergey said: "Currently, the design of the zero-level has been completed. According to computer simulation, there is no problem with matching. We will wait for the future Experimental verification.”
Qin Tao nodded. This zero-stage compressor is the main technology of UGT25000. As long as this is realized, the research and development will be half successful.
“At the same time, we also referred to the design of the LM2500 gas turbine and made some improvements, such as designing it into a split compressor casing and external fuel nozzles, so that on-site blade replacement and on-site hot parts maintenance can be performed.”
Although the door to the West has been closed, China has still obtained LM2500 gas turbines. In addition to four units used on warships, there is also a spare one. This gas turbine has been repeatedly referred to and studied by Sergey, and many of the advanced designs above have been used. on this modified product.
“Currently, we are still considering more advanced technologies, such as intercooling cycle. If this technology is added, the thermal efficiency and power can be greatly improved. The engine can reach the 30-megawatt level.”
As an expert in the field of gas turbine design, Sergey certainly hopes that his subordinates will have more advanced gas turbines.
Then we have to start from the technical principles.
The intercooling cycle is one of them.
Intercoolers are used in many cars. Of course, they are only available in turbocharged models. This is because the air becomes hot after compression, so the density becomes smaller. After passing through the intercooler, the air intake volume can be further increased. This increases engine power.
This idea also exists for gas turbines.
"Currently, the simplest way is to install an intercooler between its low-pressure compressor and high-pressure compressor so that the air is cooled before entering the high-pressure compressor with minimal modifications. However, currently there is no such method in the world. precedent."
“There is no precedent, we can create.” Qin Tao said: “As long as we think it is right, we must persist in doing it, so that we can reach the other side of success. Even if we may experience difficulties, we will move forward.”
Qin Tao fully supports this project because he knows that this road is feasible.
There is no precedent in other countries. This is a "high-power marine gas turbine with Chinese characteristics", not to mention 30 MW. After careful adjustment and matching, 40 MW can be realized. By then, two units can drive 8,000 MW. Ton of warships, that scene, just thinking about it is enough to look forward to.
"Yes, as long as you think there is potential, then go for it boldly." Wu Shengli also spoke: "Our navy will also give our full support."
The current GT-15000 can only be used in small batches for trial use. This modification is the most important. Increasing the power of this engine must of course be supported.
“Leader Wu, with your words, we will be more confident.” Wen Xueyou said from the side. At this time, he was also very excited.
Unconsciously, the sky outside gradually became dark.
“It’s evening, should we have a celebration banquet?” Qin Tao suggested.
“Mr. Qin, it’s only around four o’clock.” Wen Xueyou reminded.
The further north you go, the earlier it gets dark in winter.
“It’s New Year’s Day after all. Everyone has been busy all day, so it’s time to go and have fun.” Qin Tao said generously: “Let’s go and celebrate. Our Mingzhou Group will reimburse the expenses.”
“I think it’s okay, don’t be restrained, everyone can come and eat. Their Mingzhou Group is very rich,” Wu Shengli said.
(End of this chapter)