As the world seeks ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, researchers at Sandia National Laboratories say new 3D-printed superalloys can help power plants produce more electricity and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. We have shown that it can be reduced.
Sandia scientists collaborated with researchers at Ames National Laboratory, Iowa State University, and Bruker to create high-performance metal alloys or superalloys using 3D printers. The most advanced materials currently used in gas turbine machines. The discovery could have wide-ranging implications not only for the energy sector, but also for the aerospace and automotive industries, suggesting a new class of similar alloys waiting to be discovered.
Sandia scientist Andrew Custas said, “It shows that this material can access a previously unobtainable combination of high strength, light weight and elasticity at high temperatures.” I believe one is due to the additive manufacturing approach.”
The team published their findings in Applied Materials Today magazine.
A material that can withstand high temperatures, essential for turbines in power plants
According to the US Energy Information Administration, approximately 80% of US electricity comes from fossil fuels or nuclear power plants. Both types of facilities rely on heat to turn turbines that generate electricity. Power plant efficiency is limited by how hot metal turbine components are obtained. If the turbines can operate at higher temperatures, “more energy can be converted into electricity while reducing the amount of waste heat released into the environment,” said Sandia, who was not involved in the study. said Sal Rodriguez, a nuclear engineer at
In Sandia’s experiments, a new superalloy consisting of 42% aluminum, 25% titanium, 13% niobium, 8% zirconium, 8% molybdenum, and 4% tantalum outperforms many other high performance alloys at 800 degrees Celsius (1,472 degrees Fahrenheit). It has been shown to be stronger than alloys. Even the ones currently used in turbine components are even stronger when brought back to room temperature.
“So this is a win-win for more economical energy and the environment,” Rodriguez said.
The energy industry isn’t the only industry that could benefit from the findings of this study. Aerospace researchers are looking for lightweight materials that can withstand high temperatures. Additionally, Ames Lab scientist Nic Argibay said Ames and Sandia are partnering with industry to explore how such alloys can be used in the automotive industry.
“The electronic structure theory led by Ames Lab has allowed us to understand the atomic origin of these useful properties. We are now optimizing this new class of alloys to address manufacturing and scalability challenges.” said Argibay.
Original: New superalloy could cut carbon emissions from power plants
Than: Sandia National Laboratories | Ames National Laboratories | Iowa State University
