Surrogate Model Based Diagnostics for the GEnx-1B Turbofan Engine

Over the years, aero engines have evolved into the efficient turbofans present on commercial airliners today. Although these engines are very reliable, they still experience degradations in performance and reductions in component health. The degradation affects the operation of the engine, which can be measured using the pressure, temperature,...

A systematic approach for modelling modern turbofan engines

Engine maintenance needs to be planned timely and strategically. This can only be done if the health of the engine can be predicted, which requires an accurate engine performance model. Developing such a model is becoming increasingly challenging, due to the reduced number of sensors in modern gas turbines. Besides this, a lot of data is...

Development of a diagnostics model for the GEnx-1B turbofan engine using on-wing performance data

Gas path analysis (GPA) plays a major role in turbofan condition monitoring. GPA uses thermodynamic engine models to identify deterioration of individual turbofan components. The accuracy of GPA results depends on the quality of the engine models. Turbofan performance is influenced by secondary performance parameters, which include variable...

Turbofan Condition Monitoring using Evolutionary Algorithm based Gas Path Analysis: at KLM Engine Services

In this thesis, a hybrid Gas Path Analysis (GPA) tool is developed for next-generation turbofan engine condition monitoring purposes at KLM Engine Services. The main drawback of these new engines is that fewer gas path sensors are installed. However, this is compensated by a greater quantity in-flight data, including information on bleed valves,...

Humidity Effects on Turbofan Performance: in a MRO context

Engine performance diagnostics play a major role in keeping track of gas turbine condition and performance and identification of possible errors or faults. One of the key performance indicators used in engine performance diagnostics is the Hot Day Exhaust Gas Temperature Margin (EGTM). Ambient humidity affects the EGTM, however humidity is not...

Test-cell & On-wing Turbofan Performance Comparison at KLM Engine Services

After maintenance, turbofan engines are subjected to a performance acceptance test in an indoor test-cell to demonstrate that corrected performance thresholds are met. The same indicators are also monitored after on-wing installation. Despite corrections for operation conditions, differences are observed between test-cell and subsequent on-wing...

Gas Path Analysis on the GEnx-1B at KLM Engine Services

Modern gas turbines are complex and expensive machines, requiring specialised maintenance to keep them in working order. Maintenance takes places at specialised shops such as KLM Engine Services (KLM ES). Part of KLM Engineering & Maintenance (KLM E&M), KLM ES provides maintenance ser- vices to aircraft engines belonging both to KLM and...

Investigation of a semi-closed cycle small gas turbine for high altitude UAV propulsion

Current unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are limited in operating altitude and endurance by the maximum attainable performance of small gas turbine engines. While improvements in the cycle thermal efficiency can be obtained through the introduction of heat exchangers, the consequent increase in engine weight partially offsets the benefits gained...

Development Of A Preliminary Lifing Analysis Tool For The F135-PW-100 Engine

In the near future the Royal Netherlands Air Force will replace their fleet of F-16’s with the F-35. In the past the NLR has aided the Air Force with life cycle and deterioration analysis work on the F100-PW-220 engine, which powers the F-16. Understanding the physical system of the engine allows for on-condition maintenance. The same is...

Advanced Condition Monitoring for Organic Rankine Cycle Systems

Transitioning to cleaner sources of energy and improving the efficiency of power generators are crucial in combating global warming. Organic Rankine Cycles (ORC) when coupled to heat emitting power generators allows for waste heat recovery; thus increasing the engine overall efficiency and reducing atmospheric pollution. Additionally,...

Transient modelling and analysis of the OP16 gas turbine in GSP

With the current trend towards flexible engine operation with high efficiency and low emissions, dynamic modelling of gas turbines has become critical to ensure safe and acceptable engine performance. Dynamic models are essential for design and development of control systems and for analysis of transient manoeuvres that are impractical to test....

Aerodynamic Design Optimization of the MTT Radial Micro Turbine

Micro turbines are touted to become the prime system for the combined heat and power(CHP) applications in light of their significant advantages in terms of performance, size, costs and reduced CO2 emissions [1]. Micro Turbine Technology B.V. (MTT) is currently developing a 3KW recuperated micro turbine for such applications. Commercially...

Gas Turbine Diagnostics Based on Gas Path Analysis

Better availability ensures economic operation of the gas turbine, saving in the order of millions. One step towards such an approach is to develop real-time monitoring methods. Real-time monitoring allows users to monitor the performance of the gas turbine and ensure proper functioning of the engine. Moreover changes in gas path components can...

Gas path analysis for the MTT micro turbine

Gas turbine diagnostics is as old as the gas turbine itself. Over the years, performance based diagnostics allowed for a shift from time-based maintenance to more economical condition based maintenance playing a fundamental role in enhancing the availability and reliability of gas turbines. By monitoring the condition of the engine over time,...

Exploration of the Potential of Civil Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Powered by Micro Gas Turbine Propulsion System

Civil Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are outnumbered compared to the military equivalents. They could however be of great value to various organizations, companies and the general public. They currently seem to be on the verge of a breakthrough. An interesting technology that could help increase the flight performance of civil UAVs is the micro...

An exploration into the potential of microturbine based propulsion systems for civil Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

A Master Thesis Research has been undertaken with the goal of investigating the potential of micro gas turbines as propulsion system of choice for small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) used in civil applications. The UAV market is likely to develop great economic and technological importance on a near future because of the wide variety of...

Conceptual Design and Simulation of a Microturbine: An Electric Car Range Extender Application

The microturbine seems to be a viable option for implementation into Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) systems. A microturbine was constructed in the Gas Turbine Simulation software GSP in order to assess its viability for a low-power range extender. Due to the small magnitude of the turbine, scale effects need to be incorporated into the...