Early surge detection in a mGT plant coupled with large volumes

Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Genoa, Italy

^* Corresponding author: carlo.niccolini@edu.unige.it

Abstract

The present work features post-processing methods applied to vibro-acoustic data acquired from a T100 micro gas turbine (mGT) plant coupled with different volume interposed plenums. Such experimental campaign was conducted by relying on a test bench developed at the University of Genoa for hybrid systems emulation. Nonetheless, the obtained results can be generalized to all advanced cycles in which a mGT is coupled with further external elements which cause an increase of plant overall volume size. Since in this case a 100 kW mGT was employed, the interposed vessel was placed between heat recovery system outlet and combustor inlet, such as in common cases relevant to small size plants.

Post-processing techniques carried out on acoustic and vibrational measurements can make available innovative diagnostic tools and predictive solutions by relying on appropriate instability indicators which are defined basing only on microphone and accelerometer experimental data.

The main results presented in this work are relevant to rotating stall and incipient surge proper identification. Such investigation has been performed to increase the knowledge about such dangerous compressor working conditions; indeed, energy systems characterized by significant interposed volumes coupled with centrifugal compressors feature issues relevant to structural damaging due to surge and rotating stall.