Integration of Condition Monitoring Technologies for the Health Monitoring of Gas Turbines

Abstract

Rapid advancements in gas turbine technology have created a need for advanced condition monitoring systems for critical applications of gas turbines. With a new generation of high temperature and high output engines (150–200 MW) the objectives of attaining a high availability and limiting degradation are of paramount importance. There are several condition monitoring techniques available to gas turbine users. Most publications tend to focus on a specific technique and do not address the need for integration of techniques. Several vibration problems that occur in gas turbines are manifestations of aerodynamic problems. To detect underlying problems of this nature, one is required to integrate performance, vibration and other condition monitoring data. This paper provides a comprehensive review of condition monitoring techniques and presents the thesis that for meaningful condition monitoring one requires the utilization of a variety of condition monitoring techniques coupled with an understanding of gas turbine design and its operational envelope. Case studies are provided to indicate the need for an integrated condition monitoring approach.