Project Title:

Compressor Stall Avoidance and Alleviation

01.03-0333
910417
Compressor Stall Avoidance and Alleviation
Scientific Research Associates, Inc.
P.O. Box 1058
Glastonbury
CT
06033
John P.
Kreskovsky
203-659-0333
LeRC
NAS3-26334
005

01.03-0333
910417

Abstract:

Compressor Stall Avoidance and Alleviation
This project addresses development of a system for avoiding and controlling compression
system instabilities in gas turbine engines. Phase I will assess the feasibility
of analyzing engine data to identify a stall precursor in the time scales required
for real-time corrective action. The precursor is a growing small-amplitude traveling
wave. When no precursor is identified, a backup stall detection system and active
control system would be used. Phase I will include a feasibility assessment, development
of real-time software, demonstration of the procedure on existing data for stall
without inlet distortion, and a plan for high-speed component testing. Phase II will
develop the hardware and software for stall avoidance and demonstrate and evaluate
the innovation through an existing component test program. The project will demonstrate
that real-time, stall precursor detection and active control can be used for stall
avoidance to significantly improve engine operability.
A detection/control system for use in avoiding compressor instabilities will significantly
reduce current compressor stall margins and requirements thereby providing a important
gas-turbine technology that will be marketed to gas-turbine manufacturers. The signal
analysis technology will be marketed for other applications.
compressor instability, compressor stall, precursor, real-time, software