Shock Compression

 What Is It?
 Flight Applications of Shock Compression
 The Rampressor - Ramgen's Compression Technology
 The Rampressor Competitive Advantages
 Ramgen's Technology Development Focus
 RAM 1 Proof of Concept
 RAM 2 CFD Validation

Ramgen's Technology Development Focus

Technology development efforts are focused on increasing the rotor tip speed and the development of application specific performance prediction codes. Through the use of advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics “CFD” methods, coupled with the Rampressor test results, Ramgen has been able to refine and validate its performance prediction tools.  This has enabled Ramgen to investigate the use of its proprietary shock compression technology in a broad range of applications.

The current Rampressor is focused on a 10:1 compression ratio on air as a method to validate its performance codes. These tests are currently underway and will serve as the basis to reach agreement with the DOE on a formal statement of work for the $11.0 million CO2 compressor demonstration project.

The CO2 compressor is a nominal two-stage 100:1 (100 bar) compression ratio, featuring a matched pair of 10:1 compression stages with an intercooler located between the stages. As can be seen from the above Opportunity Matrix, a two-stage CO2 compressor will operate at approximately 1,600 ft/sec tip speed. This is considerably less than the Rampressor being tested which is designed to operate at 2100 ft/sec.

Although there are quite a number of interesting compressor applications that require high compression ratios, either dictated by the application or as the result of a de-staging initiative, Ramgen is focused is concentrating its efforts on the CO2 compressor due to the enormity of the market potential for Carbon Capture & Storage as the principal method to mitigate global warming.