Development and Testing of a Novel Centrifugal Gas Turbine Design: Combustor Development and Load Testing

2007 ◽  
Author(s):  
Klaus Brun ◽  
Ryan S. Gernentz
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Output Power ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Radial Flow ◽  
Performance Testing ◽  
Combustion Stability ◽  
Maximum Output ◽  
Load Testing ◽  
Impulse Turbine ◽  
Turbine Design

A novel centrifugal gas turbine design was developed and prototype tested. The research effort consisted of the design, development, and full prototype testing of a 50 HP centrifugal gas turbine. The novelty of the centrifugal gas turbine concept is that it is based on a radial flow gas turbine consisting of a centrifugal compressor and impulse turbine mounted on the same side of a rotating wheel. The radial flow-vaned combustor is mounted on the wheel’s stationary shroud; consequently, there is no 180-degree flow turning required as in conventional radial flow gas turbines. This very simple and rugged gas turbine concept has the following major advantages: • Single rotating component (i.e., mechanically simple and compact gas turbine). • Portability. • Short axial span. • High tolerance to injection of particulate matter. • Simple construction; low manufacturing costs. This project included the conceptual design, structural and aerodynamic analysis, performance prediction modeling, detailed design, prototype fabrication, test rig instrumentation, compressor/turbine characterization, rotordynamic signature, combustor design, combustor testing, controls implementation, light-off testing, no-load testing, and performance testing of the gas turbine. Design analyses that were performed included 1-D thermodynamics, finite element structural and thermal, rotordynamic, 2-D blade path optimization, and 3-D Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Testing of all individual gas turbine elements (compressor, combustor, and turbine) as well as the entire assembly was completed. Tests showed that stable gas turbine combustion was achieved up to 26,000 RPM. The gas turbine reached self-sustaining power at 21,000 RPM and 405°C firing temperature. Thus, the centrifugal gas turbine concept was demonstrated to function properly and to achieve positive power output. However, the design output power was not achieved because of combustion stability range limitations at speeds above 20,000 RPM. Maximum output power achieved was 1.4 kW at 23,000 RPM. Recommendations are provided to overcome these operational limitations in the next model centrifugal gas turbine.

scholarly journals Feasibility of a Helium Closed-Cycle Gas Turbine for UAV Propulsion

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 28
Author(s):  
Emmanuel O. Osigwe ◽  
Arnold Gad-Briggs ◽  
Theoklis Nikolaidis
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Pressure Ratio ◽  
Low Noise ◽  
Closed Cycle ◽  
Propulsion Systems ◽  
Component Design ◽  
Readiness Level ◽  
Aerial Vehicle ◽  
Turbine Design

When selecting a design for an unmanned aerial vehicle, the choice of the propulsion system is vital in terms of mission requirements, sustainability, usability, noise, controllability, reliability and technology readiness level (TRL). This study analyses the various propulsion systems used in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), paying particular focus on the closed-cycle propulsion systems. The study also investigates the feasibility of using helium closed-cycle gas turbines for UAV propulsion, highlighting the merits and demerits of helium closed-cycle gas turbines. Some of the advantages mentioned include high payload, low noise and high altitude mission ability; while the major drawbacks include a heat sink, nuclear hazard radiation and the shield weight. A preliminary assessment of the cycle showed that a pressure ratio of 4, turbine entry temperature (TET) of 800 °C and mass flow of 50 kg/s could be used to achieve a lightweight helium closed-cycle gas turbine design for UAV mission considering component design constraints.

Guidance on Conducting Tests of Inlet Chiller Systems Installed in GT Inlets

2005 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terry B. Sullivan ◽  
Michael Giampetro
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Air Conditioning ◽  
Performance Testing ◽  
Project Team ◽  
Plant Performance ◽  
Timely Manner ◽  
Turbine Inlet ◽  
Plant Equipment ◽  
Conditioning Equipment

This paper provides comprehensive methodology on testing inlet chiller systems that are used for Gas Turbine Inlet Air Conditioning. It will serve as a guiding document for the Inlet Chiller Project Team formed by PTC 51, “Combustion Turbine Inlet Air Conditioning Equipment” for use in scripting that code’s section on Inlet Chiller Performance Testing. This paper shows the conceptual similarities that can be drawn between inlet chiller and overall plant performance testing, as well as detailing the pertinent test scopes and boundaries, identifying expected test objectives, and listing the applicable test boundary parameters to be used for correction. Addressing an industry need, this paper also offers guidance on testing these components / systems at conditions different than design. Current equipment code committees, such as ASME PTC 22 on Gas Turbines, and ASME PTC 46 on Overall Plant Performance Testing, have concluded that inlet air conditioning equipment must be out of service while testing the major plant equipment. This would require the inlet chilling system to be tested separately. This requirement dictates that a technically-sound method of inlet chiller testing be codified in a timely manner.

scholarly journals Industrial Gas Turbine Uprates: Tips, Tricks and Traps

1997 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. L. Ragland
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Output Power ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Customer Value ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Pressure Ratio ◽  
Original Design ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Industrial Gas Turbine ◽  
Cycle Efficiency

After industrial gas turbines have been in production for some amount of time, there is often an opportunity to improve or “uprate” the engine’s output power or cycle efficiency or both. In most cases, the manufacturer would like to provide these uprates without compromising the proven reliability and durability of the product. Further, the manufacturer would like the development of this “Uprate” to be low cost, low risk and result in an improvement in “customer value” over that of the original design. This paper describes several options available for enhancing the performance of an existing industrial gas turbine engine and discusses the implications for each option. Advantages and disadvantages of each option are given along with considerations that should be taken into account in selecting one option over another. Specific options discussed include dimensional scaling, improving component efficiencies, increasing massflow, compressor zero staging, increasing firing temperature (thermal uprate), adding a recuperator, increasing cycle pressure ratio, and converting to a single shaft design. The implications on output power, cycle efficiency, off-design performance engine life or time between overhaul (TBO), engine cost, development time and cost, auxiliary requirements and product support issues are discussed. Several examples are provided where these options have been successfully implemented in industrial gas turbine engines.

Optimum stage design in axial-flow gas turbines

2002 ◽  
Vol 216 (6) ◽  
pp. 433-445 ◽  
Author(s):  
K V J Rao ◽  
S Kolla ◽  
Ch Penchalayya ◽  
M Ananda Rao ◽  
J Srinivas
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Axial Flow ◽  
Sensitivity Analyses ◽  
Multiple Objective ◽  
Stage Design ◽  
Effective Dimensions ◽  
On Line ◽  
Turbine Design ◽  
Root Stress

This paper proposes the formulation and solution procedures in the stage optimization of the effective dimensions of an axial-flow gas turbine. Increasing the stage efficiency and minimizing the overall mass of components per stage are the common objectives in gas turbine design. This multiple objective function, with important constraints like natural frequency limits, root stress values, and tip deflection in blades, constitutes the overall optimization problem. The problem is solved by using a modified nonlinear simplex method with a built-in user interactive program that helps in on-line modifications of parameters other than variables in the problem. Results are presented with single objective and multiple objective criteria, including sensitivity analyses about the optimum point.

Fuel Flexible Rich Catalytic Lean Burn System for Low BTU Fuels

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandeep K. Alavandi ◽  
Shahrokh Etemad ◽  
Benjamin D. Baird
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Energy Content ◽  
Methane Content ◽  
Combustion Stability ◽  
Turbine Engines ◽  
Gas Turbine Engines ◽  
Waste Streams ◽  
Lean Burn ◽  
Process Waste

Limited fuel resources, increasing energy demand, and stringent emission regulations are drivers to evaluate process off-gases or process waste streams as fuels for power generation. Often these process waste streams have low energy content and their operability in gas turbines leads to issues such as unstable or incomplete combustion and changes in acoustic response. Due to above reasons, these fuels cannot be used directly without modifications or efficiency penalties in gas turbine engines. To enable the use of the wide variety of ultra-low and low Btu fuels in gas turbine engines, a rich catalytic lean burn (RCL®) combustion system was developed and tested in a subscale high pressure (10 atm.) rig. Previous work has shown promise with fuels such as blast furnace gas (BFG) with Lower Heating Value (LHV) of 3.1 MJ/Nm3 (85 Btu/scf). The current testing extends the limits of RCL® operability to other weak fuels by further modifying and improving the injector to achieve enhanced flame stability. Fuels containing low methane content such as weak natural gas with an LHV of 6.5 MJ/Nm3 (180 Btu/scf) to fuels containing higher methane content such as landfill gas with an LHV of 21.1 MJ/Nm3 (580 Btu/scf) were tested. These fuels demonstrated improved combustion stability with an extended turndown (defined as the difference between catalytic and non-catalytic lean blow out) of 140°C–170°C (280°F–340°F) with CO and NOx emissions lower than 5 ppm corrected to 15% O2.

Development of the PGT 25 High Efficiency Gas Turbine: Part 3 — Experimental Program and Testing

1984 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Lacitignola ◽  
E. Valentini
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Engine Performance ◽  
Experimental Methods ◽  
Experimental Program ◽  
Load Testing ◽  
Testing Program ◽  
Full Load ◽  
Engine Testing ◽  
Turbine Design

This paper presents a review of the engineering testing program related to development of the PGT-25 gas turbine. The experimental methods employed and their capability of providing information for the tuning of the engine and its parts are discussed. Testing has continuously supported turbine design and development; integration of analytical and experimental procedures has proven to be efficient for successful final engine testing. Full load testing, using well developed instrumentation, has made it possible to know actual component behavior and engine performance in steady and transient states, over the entire speed and power range. The reliability of the machine has been assessed through the results of these tests.

Evolution of Gas Turbines Auxiliary Systems Designed for Reliability

1993 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacek Misiowiec ◽  
Tim McElwee ◽  
Sal DellaVilla
Keyword(s):  
Power Systems ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Operational Reliability ◽  
Design Approach ◽  
Design For Reliability ◽  
Design Evolution ◽  
Low Nox Combustion ◽  
Design Characteristics ◽  
Turbine Design

Gas turbine design evolution and practice is driven by industry demand for increased output and improved operating efficiencies. New aerothermal design characteristics require a focus on improved materials and coatings, and cooling techniques. As environmental issues continue to confront the industry, Dry Low NOx combustion system designs represent a significant opportunity for meeting new emissions requirements. These issues represent opportunity for significant technology improvements and industry driven advances. However, just as important is the design evolution of the Control and Auxiliary systems which support the gas turbine. Historically, these support systems, as demonstrated by the Operational Reliability Analysis Program (ORAP), are typically the primary drivers of plant Availability and Reliability. Following a rigorous “Design for Reliability” approach provides opportunities for ensuring that the design meets three critical requirements: starting reliability, a minimum of unit shutdowns during operating demand periods and ease of maintenance. The design approach for the Control and Auxiliary systems for new turbine design (product improvement) therefore provides an opportunity for developing a uniform and standardized approach which continues to focus on Reliability, Availability, and Maintainability. This design approach also provides opportunities for improved field installation and reduced cycle time, a major benefit for the end user. This paper will describe the “Design for Reliability” approach followed by ABB Power Generation, Inc., and supported by Strategic Power Systems, Inc.® (SPS) for the GT11N2 auxiliary systems. The extension of the ORAP system for auxiliary systems will be discussed as the approach for monitoring unit Availability and Reliability, maintaining configuration control, and for promoting continuous improvement.

Gas Turbine Part Load Performance Testing: Comparison of Test Methodologies

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas P. Schmitt ◽  
Herve Clement
Keyword(s):  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Guide Vane ◽  
Performance Testing ◽  
Load Level ◽  
Combined Cycle ◽  
Inlet Guide Vane ◽  
Performance Guarantee ◽  
Part Load ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages

Current trends in usage patterns of gas turbines in combined cycle applications indicate a substantial proportion of part load operation. Commensurate with the change in operating profile, there has been an increase in the propensity for part load performance guarantees. When a project is structured such that gas turbines are procured as equipment-only from the manufacturer, there is occasionally a gas turbine part load performance guarantee that coincides with the net plant combined cycle part load performance guarantee. There are several methods by which to accomplish part load gas turbine performance testing. One of the more common methods is to operate the gas turbine at the specified load value and construct correction curves at constant load. Another common method is to operate the gas turbine at a specified load percentage and construct correction curves at constant percent load. A third method is to operate the gas turbine at a selected load level that corresponds to a predetermined compressor inlet guide vane (IGV) angle. The IGV angle for this third method is the IGV angle that is needed to achieve the guaranteed load at the guaranteed boundary conditions. The third method requires correction curves constructed at constant IGV, just like base load correction curves. Each method of test and correction embodies a particular set of advantages and disadvantages. The results of an exploration into the advantages and disadvantages of the various performance testing and correction methods for part load performance testing of gas turbines are presented. Particular attention is given to estimates of the relative uncertainty for each method.

Combustion Chamber Steam Injection for Gas Turbine Performance Improvement During High Ambient Temperature Operations

2008 ◽  
Vol 130 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdallah Bouam ◽  
Slimane Aissani ◽  
Rabah Kadi
Keyword(s):  
Ambient Temperature ◽  
Combustion Chamber ◽  
Gas Turbine ◽  
Gas Turbines ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Pressure Ratio ◽  
Performance Testing ◽  
Steam Injection ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Gas Turbine Cycle

The gas turbines are generally used for large scale power generation. The basic gas turbine cycle has low thermal efficiency, which decreases in the hard climatic conditions of operation, so the cycles with thermodynamic improvement is found to be necessary. Among several methods shown their success in increasing the performances, the steam injected gas turbine cycle (STIG) consists of introducing a high amount of steam at various points in the cycle. The main purpose of the present work is to improve the principal characteristics of gas turbine used under hard condition of temperature in Algerian Sahara by injecting steam in the combustion chamber. The suggested method has been studied and compared to a simple cycle. Efficiency, however, is held constant when the ambient temperature increases from ISO conditions to 50°C. Computer program has been developed for various gas turbine processes including the effects of ambient temperature, pressure ratio, injection parameters, standard temperature, and combustion chamber temperature with and without steam injection. Data from the performance testing of an industrial gas turbine, computer model, and theoretical study are used to check the validity of the proposed model. The comparison of the predicted results to the test data is in good agreement. Starting from the advantages, we recommend the use of this method in the industry of hydrocarbons. This study can be contributed for experimental tests.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document