Method and apparatus for compressor control and operation in industrial gas turbines using stall precursors

• Main Authors: Yeung, Chung-hei (Simon), Schirle, Steven M, Prasad, Jonnalagadda Venkata Rama (JVR)
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 14.01.2003

This invention relates to non-intrusive techniques for monitoring the health of rotating mechanical components. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling the performance of an axial flow compressor or a gas turbine by detecting precursors to rotating stall and surge. An apparatus for monitoring the health of a compressor including at least one sensor operatively coupled to measure the dynamic pressure of gases flowing through the compressor, a processing system coupled to at least one sensor, the processor system recording and processing the measurements made by at least one sensor. The apparatus further includes a comparator that compares the sensor measurements with predetermined baseline values, and a real-time controller coupled to the comparator, the controller initiating corrective actions to prevent a compressor surge if the sensor measurements deviate from the predetermined baseline values.