Method of air-flow measurement and active operating limit line management for compressor surge avoidance
US6364602B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 6, 2000 |
| Grant date | Apr 2, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 6, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF04D27/02
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A transfer function between the inlet air-flow consumed by a Gas Turbine engine, and the engine parameters of speed, pressure ratio, and Inlet Guide Vane (IGV) angle is described. An active compressor Operating Limit Line (OLL) management strategy that leverages this improved flow measurement transfer function is also described. The improved flow measurement capability afforded by the transfer function permits a deterioration in flow rate caused by compressor fouling to be detected. Using the deterioration in flow rate as a proxy for compressor fouling, a degraded surge boundary associated with fouling can be predicted, using a transfer function between degradation of air-flow along operating line and degradation of surge line. In combination, the inventive improvements in flow measurement and operating line management afford added compressor surge protection across the operating range, while permitting the attainment of elevated pressure ratios associated with high thermodynamic efficiency and output.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.