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engine and a compound engine? Has the latter any advantages over a turbocharged engine or gas turbine?
AIn its simplest form a compound engine comprises a standard type of diesel engine which acts as a gasifier and feeds a power turbine. In this case the diesel takes the place of the combustion chamber and compressor of a gas turbine and all the torque produced is derived from the output shaft of the power turbine.
In another type of compound engine. the output shaft of the diesel is geared to a radialflow compressor which acts as a supercharger and also to a radial-flow exhaust turbine. The output of the turbine is fed back to the output shaft of the diesel, which continues to provide some of the torque.
It has been claimed that the simple form of compound engine described would be more efficient than a gas turbine but less efficient than a diesel. Some authorities consider that the second type would afford a great improvement in specific power and weight and that its efficiency would be better than that of a conventional diesel.