Monitoring of Aerodynamic Load and Detection of Stall in Multistage Axial Compressors

Abstract

The unsteady flow in a single-stage axial flow compressor at different operating conditions has been investigated with hot-wire and hot-film probes to find out the influence of the aerodynamic compressor load on the periodic fluctuations. These results are compared with measurements in the last stages of a multistage high-pressure compressor of a gas turbine for normal operation and under stall conditions. From the patterns of the frequency spectra of the measuring signals a parameter for the detection of the approach to the stability line of a compressor is derived. A method for the on-line monitoring of the aerodynamic load is presented. Based on these results a monitoring system has been developed. First experiences with this system, applied to two multistage compressors, are reported.