Identifying Faults in the Variable Geometry System of a Gas Turbine Compressor

The influence of faults in the variable geometry (variable stator vanes) system of multistage axial compressor on the performance of an industrial gas turbine is investigated. An experimental investigation has been conducted, by implanting such faults into an operating gas turbine. The faults examined are individual stator vane mistunings of different magnitudes and located at different stages. Fault identification is based on the aerothermodynamic measurement data and is achieved by employing two different techniques, namely adaptive performance modeling and monitoring the circumferential distribution of the turbine exit temperature. It is observed that the deviations of the health indices produced by an adaptive performance model form patterns that can be used to identify the faults. The patterns characterize both the kind and the magnitude of the fault. On the other hand, the turbine exit temperature profile is also influenced and its change can be used as additional information, to increase the confidence level of the diagnosis (contrary to customary practice, which expects temperatures profiles to reflect only burner or turbine malfunctions).

[1]  D. J. Marshall,et al.  Health Monitoring of Variable Geometry Gas Turbines for the Canadian Navy , 1989 .

[2]  K. Mathioudakis,et al.  Optimal measurement and health index selection for gas turbine performance status and fault diagnosis , 1992 .

[3]  A. P. Tarabrin,et al.  INFLUENCE OF AXIAL COMPRESSOR FOULING ON GAS TURBINE UNIT PERFOMANCE BASED ON DIFFERENT SCHEMES AND WITH DIFFERENT INITIAL PARAMETERS , 1998 .

[4]  K. Mathioudakis,et al.  Combination of Different Unsteady Quantity Measurements for Gas Turbine Blade Fault Diagnosis , 1991 .

[5]  K. Mathioudakis,et al.  Gas Turbine Component Fault Identification by Means of Adaptive Performance Modeling , 1990 .

[6]  G. R. Wood.  The Ruston Tornado: A 6 MW Gas Turbine for Industrial Application , 1981 .

[7]  K. Mathioudakis,et al.  Adaptive Simulation of Gas Turbine Performance , 1990 .

[8]  F. Carchedi,et al.  Design and Development of a 12:1 Pressure Ratio Compressor for the Ruston 6-MW Gas Turbine , 1982 .

[9]  Graeme L. Merrington,et al.  Fault Diagnosis in Gas Turbines Using a Model-Based Technique , 1993 .

[10]  A. G. Barker,et al.  Compressor Exit Conditions and Their Impact on Flame Tube Fuel Injector Flows , 1999 .

[11]  K. Mathioudakis,et al.  Processing of Circumferential Temperature Distributions for the Detection of Gas Turbine Burner Malfunctions , 1996 .

[12]  B. A. Woodyatt,et al.  Fault Signatures Obtained From Fault Implant Tests on an F404 Engine , 1992 .

[13]  N. Aretakis,et al.  Performance analysis of industrial gas turbines for engine condition monitoring , 2001 .