The 2-Stage Axial Turbine Test Facility “LISA”

Abstract

This paper describes the design and construction of a new two stage axial turbine test facility, christened “Lisa”. The research objective of the rig is to study the impact (relevance) of unsteady flow phenomena upon the aerodynamic performance, this being achieved through the use of systematic studies of parametric changes in the stage geometry and operating point. Noteworthy in the design of the rig is the use of a twin shaft arrangement to decouple the stages. The inner shaft carries the load from the first stage whilst the outer is used with an integral torque-meter to measure the loading upon the second stage alone. This gives an accurate measurement of the loading upon the aerodynamically representative second stage, which possesses the correct stage inlet conditions in comparison to the full two stage machine which has an unrealistic axial inlet flow at the first stator. A calibrated Venturi nozzle measures the mass flow at an accuracy of below 1%, from which stage efficiencies can be derived. The rig is arranged in a closed loop system. The turbine has a vertical arrangement and is connected through a gear box to a generator system that works as a brake to maintain the desired operating speed. The turbine exit is open to ambient pressure. The rig runs at a low pressure ratio of 1.5. The maximum Mach number at stator exit is 0.3 at an inlet pressure of 1.5 bar. The maximum mass flow is 14 kg/sec. Nominal rotor design speed is 3000 RPM. The tip to hub blade ratio is 1.29, and the nominal axial chord is 50 mm. The rig is designed to accommodate a broad range of measurement techniques, but with a strong emphasis upon unsteady flow methods, for example fast response aerodynamic pressure probes for time-resolved flow measurements. The first section of this paper describes the overall test facility hardware. This is followed by a detailed focus on the torque measurement device including stage efficiency measurements at operating conditions in Lisa. Discussion of measurement techniques completes the paper.

Unsteady Flow Physics and Performance of a One-and-1∕2-Stage Unshrouded High Work Turbine

“…The pressure drop across the turbine is stable within 0.3% for a typical measurement day. More information on the test rig can be found in Sell et al [21].…”

Sensitivity analysis on the impact of geometrical and operational variations on turbine hub cavity modes and practical methods to control them

“…The generator was also responsible for maintaining the rotational speed of the turbine, which was 45 Hz for all cases. For more details regarding the test facility, please refer to (Sell et al, 2001).…”

Sensitivity Analysis on the Impact of Geometrical and Operational Variations on Turbine Hub Cavity Modes and Practical Methods to Control them

“…The generator was also responsible for maintaining the rotational speed of the turbine, which was 45 Hz for all cases. For more details regarding the test facility, please refer to [14].…”