Set Up and Operational Experience With a Micro-Turbine Engine for Research and Education

Abstract

Set up and operation of a mid to large size gas turbine requires a significant investment in the engine and the test cell. The continuing cost of operation and maintenance is also substantial. Both the capital and operating costs are well outside the budget of many educational institutions, and small research centres. Micro-turbines, in particular engines used for model aircraft, are a viable alternative. Their capital costs are low and existing facilities can often be modified to support them. Micro-turbines are complete turbojets often utilizing a centrifugal compressor from a turbo-charger and an axial turbine. This work utilized a micro-jet engine commonly used to propel remote control aircraft. The engine has been set up for research into component degradation and as a laboratory for an upper year engineering course in turbomachinery. It is rated by the manufacturer to produce 150 N of thrust at 132,000 RPM. This paper examines some of the problems encountered in installing small total pressure and temperature probes in a micro engine. The entire test rig, including measurement of thrust and mass flow is presented. As well, the addition of a PC based control system is discussed. Operating data is presented and compared to larger engines to demonstrate the viability of this engine as a test bed. Some problems encountered in using an engine such as this beyond its normal operating envelope, along with some solutions, are presented.