Condition monitoring and diagnostic aspects of gas turbine transient response

Abstract

Most engine health monitoring systems used for land based systems are based on steady state operation. Diagnostic analysis has traditionally been conducted under steady state conditions with on-line systems tending to concentrate on map based performance diagnostics using pattern analysis, fault matrices or expert systems. Transient analysis is a relatively a new technique and is being applied to some aeroengines. There is significant diagnostic content in turbine startup and shutdown data and in data obtained during power or speed changes. This data can be captured if an automatic on-line system is employed. This paper provides an overview of the use of both performance and mechanical transient analysis as a means to detect gas turbine problems. The paper covers the need for transient analysis and covers transient analysis techniques. Examples and a discussion of how transient analysis can be integrated within an existing on-line monitoring system is made.