Effects of intercooling and recuperation on turbofan engine performance

An overall performance simulation model of the intercooled recuperative aero-engine was built, and an overall performance simulation program was developed. Then, analysis of the effects of intercooling and recuperation on the thermodynamic cycle parameters and performance parameters of the turbofan engine can be carried out. The result indicates that the turbofan engine performance can be improved with the proper use of intercooling and recuperation. With the same thermodynamic cycle parameters, the thermal efficiency and the net thrust is larger, while the specific fuel consumption is lower. To gain the same performance, lower overall pressure ratio and lower bypass ratio can be chosen for the intercooled recuperative aero-engine.