Full-scale testing has continued at the US Navy’s Gas Turbine Systems Engineering Complex. The test complex, which is based on the US Navy’s DDG-51 class propulsion plant, has fully transitioned from the construction phase to the testing phase. A complete LM 2500-based propulsion train exists, as well as an electrical generation, distribution and control system. The purpose of this paper is to provide an update to last year’s test report, and to document the new tests and systems integration tasks that have taken place.
Particular areas to be discussed include:
- electrical system design, installation and testing
- crew training and integrated plant operations
- full-scale casualty control exercises
- integration and testing of an Auxiliary Power Unit
- control system upgrades and communication testing
At the time that this paper is being written, final design approval has been given to move a second 2500 kW gas turbine generator to the test site. This will be a cogeneration system, since it has a waste heat recovery system installed in the exhaust system. The paper describes the plans for integrating this system into the gas turbine complex. The proposed electrical system test plan is also discussed.
The paper concludes by outlining the component and system testing programs that are planned for the future. The future tests represent a continuing commitment to land based test sites and full scale integration testing.
Testing at the U.S. Navy’s Gas Turbine Systems Engineering Complex: Part II
