Optimization of processes and systems as well as the lifetime of the entire plant and its components (OptiSysKom)
Motivation
Gas turbine-based energy conversion plants are the backbone of the energy transition, whether in the combined cycle process or in heat-led CHP plants. Due to the high flexibility potential (e.g. start and stop cycles, part load operation, off-design operation) and the high efficiency of the combined process, gas turbines contribute to compensate the fluctuating generation from the steadily increasing share of renewable energies. In today's turbomachinery, the required flexibility is accompanied by higher wear, large efficiency losses in the partial load range and a shortened service life.
Together with the project partners, work package 3.1 "Production and aerodynamic testing of additively manufactured alloys for novel turbine blades" from work package 3: "Integral system optimization for CO2 reduction" is worked on by IKDG. In this context, the challenges of turbomachinery operation in combination with renewables as well as stability, lifetime and efficiency in fluctuating load-following operation are investigated in depth.
The task of the IKDG is the experimental investigation of the additively manufactured (3D printed) turbine blades. Work package 3.1.4 "Design of blade test rig" and work package 3.1.5 "Experimental analysis of flow field and blade vibrations" are worked on.
Methods
The test turbine used has various measurement levels for pressure and temperature as well as a speed and torque measurement for aero- and thermodynamic performance evaluation and for measuring the flow field.
A tip timing measurement system is used to determine vibration modes and nodal diameters on the blades under investigation.
Funding
The project is realized as part of the Research AssociationArbeitsgemeinschaft Turbomaschinen (AG Turbo) and funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) over a period of 4 years.