CERES :: Browsing by Author "Pachidis, Vassilios"

Browsing by Author "Pachidis, Vassilios"

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Open Access
Achieving rotorcraft noise and emissions reduction for 'Clean Sky' - The measurement of success
(2015-12-31) Smith, Chrissy; Pachidis, Vassilios; Castillo Pardo, Alejandro; Gires, Ezanee; Stevens, Jos; Thevenot, Laurent; d'Ippolito, Roberto
This paper describes the work done and strong interaction between Cranfield University as member of the Technology Evaluator (TE) team , Green Rotorcraft (GRC) Integrated Technology Demonstrator (ITD) and Sustainable and Green Engine (SAGE) ITD of the Clean Sky Joint Technology Initiative (JTI). The aim of Clean Sky is to develop and integrate new and innovative technologies that will hel p meeting the emission and noise reduction targets set by the Advisory Council for Aviation Research and Innovation in Europe (ACARE) for aircraft of next generation. The GRC and SAGE ITDs are responsible for developing new helicopter airframe and engine t echnologies respectively, whilst the TE has the distinctive role of assessing the environmental impact of these technologies at single flight (mission), airport and Air Transport System levels (ATS). Cranfield University as a member of the TE is responsibl e for the mission trajectory definition and for conducting the environmental performance assessments . The assessments reported herein have been performed by using a GRC - developed multi - disciplinary simulation framework called PhoeniX (Platform Hosting Oper ational and Environmental Investigations for Rotorcraft) that comprises various computational modules. These modules include a rotorcraft performance code (EUROPA), an engine performance and emissions simulation tool (GSP) and a noise prediction code (HELE NA). PhoeniX can predict the performance of a helicopter along a prescribed 4D trajectory offering a complete helicopter mission analysis. In the context of the TE assessments reported herein, three helicopter classes are examined, namely a Twin Engine Lig ht (TEL) configuration, for Emergency Medical Service (EMS) and Police missions, and a Single Engine Light (SEL) configuration for Passenger/Transport missions, and a Twin Engine Heavy (TEH) configuration for Oil & Gas missions. The different technologies assessed reflect three simulation points which are the ‘Baseline’ Year 2000 technology, ‘Reference’ Y2020 technology, without Clean Sky benefits, and finally the ‘Conceptual’, reflecting Y2020 technology with Clean Sky benefits. The results of this study i llustrate the potential that incorporated technologies possess in terms of improving performance and gas emission metrics such as fuel burn, CO2, NOx as well as the noise footprint on the ground.
Open Access
Aeroacoustic simulation of rotorcraft propulsion systems.
(Cranfield University, 2019-11) Vouros, Stavros; Pachidis, Vassilios
Rotorcraft constitute air vehicles with unique capabilities, including vertical take- off and landing, hover and forward/backward/lateral flight. The efficiency of rotorcraft operations is expected to improve rapidly, due to the incorporation of novel technologies into current designs. Moreover, enhanced or even new capabilities are anticipated after the introduction of advanced fast rotorcraft configurations into the future fleet. The forecast growth in rotorcraft operations is essentially associated with an expected increase in adverse environmental impact. With respect to the forthcoming rotorcraft aviation advancements, regulatory and advisory bodies, as well as communities, have focused their attention on reducing pollutant emissions and acoustic impact of rotorcraft activity. Consequently, robust and computationally efficient noise modelling approaches are deemed as prerequisites towards quantifying the acoustic impact of present and future rotorcraft activity. Ultimately, these approaches need to cater for unique operational conditions encompassed by modern rotorcraft across designated flight procedures. Additionally, individual variations of key design variables need to be resolved, in the context of design or operational optimisation, targeted at noise mitigation. This work elaborates on the development and application of a robust and computationally efficient methodology for the aeroacoustic simulation of rotorcraft propulsion systems. A series of fundamental modelling methods is developed for the prediction of helicopter rotor noise at fully-integrated operational level. An extensive validation is carried out against existing experimental data with respect to prediction of challenging aeroacoustic phenomena arising from complex aerodynamic interactions. The robustness of the deployed method is confirmed through a cost-effective uncertainty analysis method focused on aerodynamic sources of uncertainty. A set of generalised modelling guidelines is devised for the case of not available input parameters to calibrate the aerodynamic models. The aspect of multi-disciplinary optimisation of rotorcraft at aircraft level in terms of maximising the potential benefits of novel technologies is also tackled within this work. A holistic schedule of optimal active rotor morphing control is derived, offering simultaneous mitigation of pollutant emissions and acoustic impact across a wide range of the helicopter flight envelope. Finally, the developed noise prediction method is incorporated into an operational-level optimisation algorithm, demonstrating the potential of active rotor morphing with respect to reduction of ground-noise impact. The contribution to knowledge arising from the successful completion of this work comprises both the development of methodologies for helicopter aeroacoustic analysis and the derivation of guidelines and best practices for morphing rotor control. Specifically, a generic operational-level simulation approach is developed which effectively advances the state-of-the-art in mission noise prediction. New insight is provided with respect to the impact of wake aerodynamic modelling uncertainty on the robustness of noise predictions. Moreover, the aeroacoustic aspects of a novel morphing rotor concept are explored and quantifications with respect to the trade-off between environmental and noise disciplines are offered. Finally, a generalised set of optimal rotor control guidelines is derived towards achieving the challenging environmental goals set for a sustainable future rotorcraft aviation.
Open Access
Aerodynamic performance of an un-located high-pressure turbine rotor
(Cambridge University Press, 2017-07-13) Pawsey, Lucas; Rajendran, David John; Pachidis, Vassilios
The rotor sub-assembly of the high-pressure turbine of a modern turbofan engine is typically free to move downstream because of the force imbalance acting on the disc and blades following an un-located shaft failure. This downstream movement results in a change in the geometry of the rotor blade, tip seals and rim/platform seals because of the interaction of the rotor sub-assembly with the downstream vane sub-assembly. Additionally, there is a change in the leakage flow properties, which mix with the main flow because of the change in engine behaviour and secondary air system dynamics. In the present work, the changes in geometry following the downstream movement of the turbine, are obtained from a validated friction model and structural LS-DYNA simulations. Changes in leakage flow properties are obtained from a transient network source-sink secondary air system model. Three-dimensional Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes simulations are used to evaluate the aerodynamic effect from the inclusion of the leakage flows, tipseal domains, and downstream movement of the rotor for three displacement configurations (i.e. 0, 10 and 15 mm) with appropriate changes in geometry and leakage flow conditions. It is observed from the results that there is a significant reduction in the expansion ratio, torque and power produced by the turbine with the downstream movement of the rotor because of changes in the flow behaviour for the different configurations. These changes in turbine performance parameters are necessary to accurately predict the terminal speed of the rotor using an engine thermodynamic model. Further, it is to be noted that such reductions in turbine rotor torque will result in a reduction of the terminal speed attained by the rotor during an un-located shaft failure. Therefore the terminal speed of the rotor can be controlled by introducing design features that will result in the rapid rearward displacement of the turbine rotor.
Open Access
Aeroelastic simulation of rotorcraft propulsion systems
(2017) Castillo Pardo, Alejandro; Pachidis, Vassilios
A close relationship between the aerospace technology level and the capability to model and simulate the physics involved during the flight has been identified throughout the aviation history. The continuous improvement in physical and mathematical models has provided a further understanding of the behaviour of the different components along with the complete vehicle. As a result, the performance modelling has experienced a large improvement. The aviation industry, which is characterised by the use of cutting edge technology, requires large investments when new concepts are introduced. The application of high fi delity simulation tools reduces considerably the investment carried out prototyping and testing. This fact is also applicable to the rotorcraft industry, where a continuous increase in the employment of helicopters has been observed throughout the last decades, expecting a sharp growth within the next 20 years. The forecasted growth in the number of helicopter operations along with the increasing concern about the environmental impact of aviation, lead the governmental bodies to set up a number of goals to reduce the carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and noise emissions. Three paths were identified to reduce the environmental impact and meet the proposed goals. The fi rst one is the reduction in the number of operations. However, a sharp growth in the number of helicopter operations is expected. The second one is the optimisation of the flight procedures. Nevertheless, the potential improvement is limited. The third one is the introduction of a quieter and more,efficient type of rotorcraft. There exist two new rotorcraft con figurations which show enough potential to be studied. These are the tilt-rotor and compound helicopter. Both designs improve the cruise performance using auxiliary lift and propulsive systems, while they still exploit the vertical flight capability of helicopters. Nevertheless, the lack of reliable high fi delity models has made their development long and highly expensive. Within this context, the necessity of a simulation framework able to simulate and predict the detailed performance of novel rotorcraft con figurations is highlighted. The present work aims to lay the foundations of this comprehensive rotorcraft code by developing a computational framework for the aeroelastic simulation of propulsion systems. The tool is characterised by a high fi delity level able to predict the highly unsteady loads at a low computational cost. The fi rst characteristic makes this tool suitable for the design stage and noise calculations; whilst the second one enables its integration into multidisciplinary optimisation procedures. The development of this framework has required a considerable contribution to the knowledge in different areas of study, these included: structural dynamics, in flow aerodynamics, blade aerodynamics, aeroelasticity, and computational acceleration techniques. The individual models have been integrated into a cost efficient aeroelastic simulation framework, which has been extensively validated with experimental data. Very good and in some cases excellent correlation with the experimental measurements has been observed. The main contribution of this work has been the successful development of a computational framework for the aeroelastic simulation of rotorcraft propulsion systems. It accurately simulates and predicts the aerodynamic flow field and the unsteady loads generated by the rotor and transferred to the fuselage. It is easily expandable to account for interactions with other rotors, auxiliary lift surfaces, and fuselage bodies. The simulation tool estimates high fidelity low and high frequency aerodynamic loading, which enables the calculation of impulsive noise emissions. The framework computes accurate predictions of rotor power required, which enables its use as a validation tool for lower order models. The developed framework approximates the third level of Padfi eld's hierarchical paradigm, providing detailed aeroelastic information necessary for design purposes. The additions of parallel computing and an acceleration scheme results in a highly computationally effcient tool suitable for optimisation methodologies. Moreover, a considerable contribution has been made in terms of modelling of: coupled modal characteristics, aeroelastic simulation; computational enhancements of in flow models and investigation of the effect of the fuselage aerodynamic interference and coupled flexible blade modelling.
Open Access
Ammonia for civil aviation: a design and performance study for aircraft and turbofan engine
(Elsevier, 2024-04-06) Sasi, Sarath; Mourouzidis, Christos; Rajendran, David John; Roumeliotis, Ioannis; Pachidis, Vassilios; Norman, Justin
The 2050 net zero targets for aviation to decarbonize the industry means that solutions need to be delivered that can help achieve those targets. Transitioning to zero carbon aviation fuel is an effective solution to achieve those targets. This research article aims to highlight the potential design and performance implications of using Ammonia as a zero-carbon fuel for civil aviation through a retrofit case study conducted for an Airbus A350-1000 equivalent aircraft. The impacts on both turbofan design and aircraft payload-range capability are presented. A feasibility study of using Ammonia as a Hydrogen carrier for civil aviation is also presented. The turbofan design impacts, and payload range capability are assessed using Cranfield University’s in-house gas turbine performance tool TURBOMATCH and NASA FLOPS respectively. A 3-point turbofan cycle design strategy is utilized for redesigning turbofan engine cycles using Ammonia as a fuel. Ammonia fuel conditioning assessment is made using REFPROP to investigate its impact on turbofan design. Utilizing pure Ammonia as an aircraft fuel can provide significant turbofan redesign opportunities. Fuel conditioning assessment revealed that for a 430 kN thrust class engine, 2.1 MW of thermal power is required to condition Ammonia fuel at take-off. As a result, various strategies to condition the fuel and its significant impact on turbofan design are presented indicating fuel conditioning as a major design driver for Ammonia fuelled turbofan engines in the future. Although upon initial preliminary assessment, Ammonia utilized as a Hydrogen carrier showcased potential by providing additional mission range capability when compared to a pure Ammonia burning aircraft, the significant thermal energy required to crack (decompose) Ammonia into Hydrogen highlighted the challenges at aircraft mission level and Hydrogen turbofan design implications. It is found that energy requirement (power) to crack Ammonia into Hydrogen are significant which is approximately an order of magnitude higher than Ammonia fuel conditioning itself.
Open Access
Analytical modeling of rotating stall and surge
(Cranfield University, 2014-03) Zoppellari, Serena; Pachidis, Vassilios; Rowe, Arthur; Brown, Steve
The life and performance of axial compressors are limited by the occurrence of instabilities such as rotating stall and surge. Indeed, in the course of the design phase a great effort is usually devoted to guarantee an adequate safety margin from the region of instabilities’ onset. On the other hand, during its operating life, an axial compressor can be subjected to several conditions that can lead to the inception of stall and its dynamics. A few examples of possible stall causes, for the specific case of an axial compressor embedded in an aircraft engine, are inlet flow distortion, engine wear or shaft failure. The shaft failure case can be seen as an exception, as a matter of fact, after this event surge is a desirable outcome since it can potentially decelerate the over-speeding turbine by reducing the mass flow passing through the engine. The possible occurrence of surge and stall should be predicted and controlled in order to avoid severe damage to the compressor and its surroundings. A lot of research has been carried out in the past years to understand the inception and development of stall to achieve the capability for predicting and controlling this severe phenomenon. Nonetheless, this problem is still not well understood and unpredictable outcomes are still a great concern for many axial compressor’s applications. The lack of knowledge in what concerns inception and development of stall and surge reflects in a lack of tools to investigate, predict and control these unstable phenomena. The tools available to study stall and surge events are still not highly reliable or they are very time consuming as 3D CFD simulations. The doctoral research described herein, aimed at the investigation of the rotating stall phenomenon and the derivation of the compressor characteristic during this unstable condition. Following a detailed analysis of the tools and techniques available in the public domain and the identification of their limitations, the development of a FORTRAN through-flow tool was the methodology chosen. A distinctive feature of the developed tool is the independency from steady state characteristics which is a limitation for the majority of the available tools and its computational efficiency. Particular attention was paid to capture various viscous flow features occuring during rotating stall through the selection and implementation of appropriate semiempirical models and correlations. Different models for pressure loss, stall inceptions and stall cell growth/ speed were implemented and verified along with different triggering techniques to achieve a very close to reality simulation of the overall phenomenon, from stall inception to full development. lel compressors’ technique that allows the correct modeling of asymmetric phenomena. The methodology implemented has proved promising since several simulations were run to test the tool adopting different compressor geometries. Verifications were performed in terms of overall compressor performance, with simulations in all the three possible operating regions (forward, stall and reverse flow), in order to verify the tool’s capability in predicting the compressor characteristics. In terms of flow field, the ability to capture the right circumferential trends of the flow properties was checked through a comparison against 3D CFD simulations. The results obtained have demonstrated the ability of the tool to capture the real behavior of the flow across a compressor subjected to several different unstable conditions that can lead to the onset of phenomena such as rotating stall, classic and deep surge. Indeed, the tool has shown ability to tackle steady and transient phenomena characterized by asymmetric and axis-symmetric flow fields. This document provides several examples of investigations emphasizing the flexibility of the developed methodology. As a matter of fact, within this dissertation, many examples can be found on the effect of the plenum size, on the different transient phenomena experienced by the compressor when subjected to multiple regions of inlet distortion instead of a localized region of low or high flow, on the differences between temporary and stationary inlet disturbances and so on. This document describes in detail the methodology, the implementation of the tool, its verification and possible applications and the recommended future work. The work was funded by Rolls-Royce plc and was carried out within the Rolls-Royce UTC in Performance Engineering at Cranfield as three-year Ph.D. program that started in October 2010.
Open Access
Assessment of engine operability and overall performance for parallel hybrid electric propulsion systems for a single-aisle aircraft
(American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 2022-01-04) Kang, Sangkeun; Roumeliotis, Ioannis; Zhang, Jinning; Broca, Olivier; Pachidis, Vassilios
This paper aims to assess the gas turbine operability and overall hybrid electric propulsion system (HEPS) performance for a parallel configuration applied to a 150 passenger single-aisle aircraft. Two arrangements are considered: one where the low-pressure (LP) shaft is boosted and one where the high-pressure (HP) shaft is boosted. For identifying limits in the hybridization strategy, steady-state and transient operation are considered, and the hybridization effect on compressor operability is determined. Having established the electric power on-take limits with respect to gas turbine operation, the systems performance at aircraft level is quantified for the relevant cases. Different power management strategies (PMS) are applied for the two arrangements and for different power degrees of hybridization. The results indicate that despite the fact that pollutant emission and fuel consumption may improve for hybrid propulsion, this comes at the cost of reduced payload and operability margins. Boosting the LP shaft may give the highest engine performance benefits but with a significant weight penalty, while the LP compressor system operability is negatively affected. On the other hand, boosting the HP shaft provides lower engine performance benefits but with smaller weight penalty and with less operability concerns.
Open Access
Assessment of engine operability and overall performance for parallel hybrid electric propulsion systems for a single-aisle aircraft
(American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 2021-09-16) Kang, Sangkeun; Roumeliotis, Ioannis; Zhang, Jinning; Pachidis, Vassilios; Broca, Olivier
This paper aims to assess the gas turbine operability and overall hybrid electric propulsion system performance for a parallel configuration applied to a 150 passenger single-aisle aircraft. Two arrangements are considered: one where the low pressure shaft is boosted and one where the high pressure shaft is boosted. For identifying limits in the hybridization strategy steady state and transient operation are considered and the hybridization effect on compressor operability is determined. Having established the electric power on-take limits with respect to gas turbine operation the systems performance at aircraft level is quantified for the relevant cases. Different power management strategies are applied for the two arrangements and for different power degrees of hybridization. The results indicate that despite the fact that pollutant emission and fuel consumption may improved for hybrid propulsion, this comes at the cost of reduced payload and operability margins. Boosting the low pressure shaft may give the highest engine performance benefits but with a significant weight penalty, while the low pressure compressor system operability is negatively affected. On the other hand boosting the high pressure shaft provides lower engine performance benefits but with smaller weight penalty and with less operability concerns.
Open Access
Assessment of hydrogen fuel for rotorcraft applications
(Elsevier, 2022-09-19) Saias, Chana Anna; Roumeliotis, Ioannis; Goulos, Ioannis; Pachidis, Vassilios; Bacic, Marko
This paper presents the application of a multidisciplinary approach for the preliminary design and evaluation of the potential improvements in performance and environmental impact through the utilization of compressed (CGH2) and liquefied (LH2) hydrogen fuel for a civil tilt-rotor modelled after the NASA XV-15. The methodology deployed comprises models for rotorcraft flight dynamics, engine performance, flight path analysis, hydrogen tank and thermal management system sizing. Trade-offs between gravimetric efficiency, energy consumption, fuel burn, CO2 emissions, and cost are quantified and compared to the kerosene-fuelled rotorcraft. The analysis carried out suggests that for these vehicle scales, gravimetric efficiencies of the order of 13% and 30% can be attained for compressed and liquid hydrogen storage, respectively leading to reduced range capability relative to the baseline tilt-rotor by at least 40%. At mission level, it is shown that the hydrogen-fuelled configurations result in increased energy consumption by at least 12% (LH2) and 5% (CGH2) but at the same time, significantly reduced life-cycle carbon emissions compared to the kerosene counterpart. Although LH2 storage at cryogenic conditions has a higher gravimetric efficiency than CGH2 (at 700 bar), it is shown that for this class of rotorcraft, the latter is more energy efficient when the thermal management system for fuel pressurization and heating prior to combustion is accounted for.
Open Access
Assessment of hydrogen gas turbine-fuel cell powerplant for rotorcraft
(Elsevier, 2023-12-11) Baena Mejıas, Rafael; Saias, Chana Anna; Roumeliotis, Ioannis; Pachidis, Vassilios; Bacic, Marko
Conventional turboshaft engines are high power density movers suffering from low efficiency at part power operation and producing significant emissions. This paper presents a design exploration and feasibility assessment of a hybrid hydrogen-fueled powerplant for Urban Air Mobility (UAM) rotorcraft. A multi-disciplinary approach is devised comprising models for rotorcraft performance, tank and subsystems sizing and engine performance. The respective trade-offs between payload-range and mission level performance are quantified for kerosene-fueled and hybrid hydrogen tilt-rotor variants. The effects of gas turbine scaling and fuel cell pressurization are evaluated for different hybridization degrees. Gas turbine scaling with hybridization (towards the fuel cell) results in up to 21% benefit in energy consumption relative to the non-scaled case with the benefits being more pronounced at high hybridization degrees. Pressurizing the fuel cell has shown significant potential as cell efficiency can increase up to 10% when pressurized to 6 bar which translates to a 6% increase in overall efficiency. The results indicate that current fuel cells (1 kW/kg) combined with current hydrogen tank technology severely limit the payload-range capability of the tilt-rotor. However, for advanced fuel cell technology (2.5 kW/kg) and low ranges, hybrid powerplant show the potential to reduce energy consumption and reduce emissions footprint.
Open Access
Assessment of the effect of environmental conditions on rotorcraft pollutant emissions at mission level
(American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 2017-08-17) Ortiz-Carretero, Jesús; Castillo Pardo, Alejandro; Pachidis, Vassilios; Goulos, Ioannis
It is anticipated that the contribution of rotorcraft activities to the environmental impact of civil aviation will increase in the forthcoming future. Due to their versatility and robustness, helicopters are often operated in harsh environments with extreme ambient conditions and dusty air. These severe conditions affect not only the engine operation but also the performance of helicopter rotors. This impact is reflected in the fuel burn and pollutants emitted by the helicopter during a mission. The aim of this paper is to introduce an exhaustive methodology to quantify the influence of the environment in the mission fuel consumption and the associated emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx). An Emergency Medical Service (EMS) and a Search and Rescue (SAR) mission were used as a case study to simulate the effects of extreme temperatures, high altitude and compressor degradation on a representative Twin-Engine Medium (TEM) weight helicopter, the Sikorsky UH-60A Black Hawk. A simulation tool for helicopter mission performance analysis developed and validated at Cranfield University was employed. This software comprises different modules that enable the analysis of helicopter flight dynamics, powerplant performance and exhaust emissions over a user defined flight path profile. The results obtained show that the environmental effects on mission fuel and emissions are mainly driven by the modification of the engine performance for the particular missions simulated. Fluctuations as high as 12% and 40% in mission fuel and NOx emissions, respectively, were observed under the environmental conditions simulated in the present study.
Open Access
Assessment of the performance boundaries of very low specific thrust direct-drive turbofan engines at aircraft level for EIS 2025
(GPPS Chania20, 2020-09-07) Kissoon, Sajal; Zhang, Fan; Mourouzidis, Christos; Roumeliotis, Ioannis; Pachidis, Vassilios
Within the past decade, concerns over the environmental impact of civil aviation have pushed the research community towards the development of more efficient propulsion technology, which delivers a lower carbon and NOx footprint. The current progress achieved in the various specialised disciplines creates the need to redefine the performance barrier achievable by 2025 state-of-the-art aero-engines. This paper summarises some of the latest advancements within the gas turbine research community on the performance modelling and analysis of very low dspecific thrust direct-drive turbofan engines for EIS 2025. Engine and aircraft performance models were used to predict the extent of fuel burn reduction at aircraft level that could be achieved by reducing the engine specific thrust level , increasing operating pressure and temperature levels and applying technology factors representing a step beyond current state-of-the-art. The models represented modern three-spool direct-drive turbofans powering a typical A350XWB-type aircraft. The outputs of the engine design of experiments (DoE) exercise resulted in three most promising candidates. Targeting EIS in 2025, the final optimum design showed 14.81% block fuel improvement for a representative long (7000nm) range mission, accompanied by 30.9% penalty on engine weight. These results propose that with current technology level, at the lower end of the specific thrust range, there is still available design space for the direct-drive turbofan architecture
Open Access
Assessment of thermo-electric power plants for rotorcraft application
(ASME, 2019-10-01) Roumeliotis, Ioannis; Mourouzidis, Christos; Zafferetti, Mirko; Deniz, Unlu; Broca, Olivier; Pachidis, Vassilios
This paper assesses a parallel electric hybrid propulsion system utilizing simple and recuperated cycle gas turbine configurations. An adapted engine model capable to reproduce a turboshaft engine steady state and transient operation is built in Simcenter Amesim and used as a baseline for a recuperated engine. The transient operation of the recuperated engine is assessed for different values of heat exchanger effectiveness, quantifying the engine lag and the surge margin reduction which are results of the heat exchanger addition. An oil and gas mission of a twin engine medium helicopter has been used for assessing the parallel hybrid configuration. The thermo-electric system brings a certain level of flexibility allowing for better engine utilization, thus firstly a hybrid configuration based on simple cycle gas turbine scaled down from the baseline engine is assessed in terms of performance and weight. Following the recuperated engine thermo-electric power plant is assessed and the performance enhancement is compared against the simple cycle conventional and hybrid configurations. The results indicate that a recuperated gas turbine based thermo - electric power plant may provide significant fuel economy despite the increased weight. At the same time the electric power train can be used to compensate for the reduced specific power and potentially for the throttle response change due to the heat exchanger addition.
Open Access
Body-force and mean-line models for the generation of axial compressor sub-idle characteristics
(Cambridge University Press, 2020-07-07) Righi, Mauro; Ferrer-Vidal, Espana-Heredia Luis; Pachidis, Vassilios
This paper describes the application of low-order models to the prediction of the steady performance of axial compressors at sub-idle conditions. An Euler body-force method employing sub-idle performance correlations is developed and presented alongside a mean-line approach employing the same set of correlations. The low-order tools are used to generate the characteristic lines of the compressor in the locked-rotor and zero-torque windmilling conditions. The results are compared against steady-state operating points from three-dimensional (3D) Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. The accuracy of the low-order tools in reproducing the results from high-fidelity CFD is analysed, and the trade-off with the computational cost of each method is discussed. The low-order tools presented are shown to offer a fast alternative to traditional CFD which can be used to predict the performance in sub-idle conditions of a new compressor design during early development stages
Open Access
Characterisation of turbine behaviour for an engine overspeed prediction model
(Elsevier, 2017-11-28) Pawsey, Lucas; Rajendran, David John; Pachidis, Vassilios
This paper focuses on the characterisation of turbine overspeed behaviour to be integrated into an engine overspeed model capable of predicting the terminal speed of the high pressure turbine (HPT) in the event of a high pressure shaft failure. The engine considered in this study features a single stage HPT with a shrouded contra-rotating rotor with respect to the single stage intermediate pressure turbine (IPT). The HPT performance is characterised in terms of torque and mass flow function for a range of expansion ratios at various non-dimensional rotational speeds (NH), up to 200% of the design value. Additionally, for each HPT expansion ratio and NH, the change in capacity of the downstream IPT, for different IPT non-dimensional rotational speeds (NI), also needs to be characterised due to the extremely positive incidence angle of the flow from the upstream rotor. An automated toolkit is developed to generate these characteristic maps for both the HPT and IPT. An unlocated high pressure shaft failure will result in rearward movement of the rotor sub-assembly. This causes changes in the rotor tip and rim seal regions, and in the rim seal leakage flow properties. Therefore, in the present work, a high fidelity characterisation of turbine behaviour with the inclusion of tip and rim seals is carried out at three different displacement locations, 0 mm, 10 mm and 15 mm, to improve terminal speed estimation. Furthermore, there is a possibility of damage to the tip seal fins of the HPT rotor due to unbalance in the spool that may result in contact between the rotor aerofoil tip and the casing. Consequently, another set of characteristics are generated with damaged tip fins at each displacement location. It is observed from the characteristics that the torque of the HPT rotor decreases with increasing NH. The HPT mass flow function initially decreases and then increases with an increase in NH. The IPT mass flow function initially remains similar and then decreases with increase in NH above values of 150%. The HPT rotor torque and IPT mass flow function decrease with rearward movement of the HPT rotor sub-assembly for all values of NH. With worn tip seal fins all parameters mentioned previously are lower than in the nominal undamaged case. The high fidelity characterisation of turbines that follows the sequence of events after a shaft failure, as described in this work, can provide accurate predictions of terminal speed and thus act as a tool for testing design modifications that can result in better management and control of the over-speed event.
Open Access
A characteristic-based 1D axial compressor model for stall and surge simulations
(American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), 2023-09-09) Kissoon, Sajal; Righi, Mauro; Pawsey, Lucas; Pachidis, Vassilios; Tunstall, Richard; Roumeliotis, Ioannis
A low-order unsteady one-dimensional axial compressor and combustor model has been developed at Cranfield University as part of a larger unsteady gas turbine engine model, with the ability to simulate compressor stall and surge. The flow is resolved using the 1D unsteady Euler equations and source terms are used to model bleed extraction (and addition), pressure losses, and heat and work exchange. Species tracking is used in the combustor part of the model, using a semi-coupled approach, to keep track of the combustion products and unburnt fuel in the main gas path. The equations are solved using a Roe Approximate Riemann Solver, modified to handle the high magnitude, transient source terms necessary for this simulation. The performance of the compressor during the transient surge event is described by a set of compressor characteristics, including reverse flow and rotating stall regions, obtained from a validated 3D throughflow code, ACRoSS. To replicate the exact response of multi-stage compressors, stage-by-stage characteristics are used during reverse flow. The low-order method presented is successfully verified against ACRoSS for a high-power surge event of a coupled IPC and HPC configuration. The rate at which the total pressure at the outlet of the HPC collapses was calculated to be within 1%. This approach presents a faster alternative to high-fidelity CFD and can be used to investigate the compressor stall behaviour within minutes during the early design phase.
Open Access
Characterization of axial compressor performance at locked rotor and torque-free windmill conditions
(Elsevier, 2020-04-28) Ferrer-Vidal, Luis E.; Iglesias-Pérez, Alejandro; Pachidis, Vassilios
Prediction of aero-engine performance in the sub-idle regime is becoming increasingly important. Performance prediction tools rely on component maps to enable system-level simulations. Methods to obtain compressor sub-idle maps have traditionally relied on low-order extrapolations, but the continued development of robust turbomachinery numerical methods suggest that these tools may be sufficiently robust to allow improved performance predictions at these challenging off-design conditions. In this work, an axial compressor rig is used to obtain locked rotor and windmill performance characteristics which are then compared against results from Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. This paper assesses the capability of steady state RANS CFD as a tool for the prediction of sub-idle compressor performance and helps delineate the minimal modelling fidelity required to obtain sufficiently accurate performance models. The multi-stage performance of axial compressors at locked rotor and at the zero-torque windmilling condition are discussed. Windmilling multi-stage compressors are found to operate with the front stages compressing the flow and the last stages expanding to satisfy the power balance. The torque-free windmilling behavior of axial compressors can be described non-dimensionally, allowing limited numerical simulations to be used to build sub-idle performance models.
Open Access
Comparative assessment of fouling scenarios in an axial flow compressor
(American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 2020-12-05) Templalexis, Ioannis; Pachidis, Vassilios; Azamar, Hasani
It is commonly accepted that fouling degrades severely axial compressor performance. Deposits build up as operating hours sum up, causing a decrease in the compressor's delivery pressure, efficiency and flow capacity. Researchers have also concluded that compressor susceptibility to fouling depends on many factors, such as atmospheric conditions, air quality, filtration system, the size and design of the compressor, etc. The current study identifies four basic operating scenarios which refer to the same compressor, in order to put forward a comparative assessment as to how incoming air quality would affect compressor performance. SOCRATES, an in-house, streamline curvature-based through-flow tool, in conjunction with a detailed, fully customizable fouling empirical model, conceived based on flow physics and relevant experimental data, is used to qualify and quantify, compressor degradation with time.
Open Access
Comparative assessment of fouling scenarios in an axial flow compressor (Conf)
(American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 2021-01-11) Templalexis, Ioannis; Pachidis, Vassilios; Hasani, Azamar
It is commonly accepted that fouling degrades severely axial compressor performance. Deposits build up throughout the compressor’s operating life, causing a decrease in its delivery pressure, efficiency and flow capacity. Researchers have also concluded that the presence of wet contaminants and/or high air humidity, plus the quality of air filtration systems, have a far greater impact on fouling rates, than engine specific fouling susceptibility factors [1]. The size of airborne particles ingested into the engine is primarily controlled by the presence of a filtration system. On the other hand, the particle deposition rate and the fouling patterns formed on the blade surfaces are greatly affected by the “stickiness” of the blade surfaces which in turn is affected by the moisture level of the incoming air. Compressor geometry, size and operating point would affect far less the rate of contaminants built up on the wetted surfaces and they would affect even less the exact location on compressor walls and blade surfaces. The current study identifies four basic operating scenarios which refer to the same compressor, in order to put forward a comparative assessment as to how the factors mentioned above, affect the compressor performance through the fouling mechanism. Scenarios were formed out of the possible combinations regarding the presence of a filtration system and the level of humidity. These were: i) Filtered - dry air, ii) Filtered - humid air, iii) Unfiltered - dry air, and iv) Unfiltered - humid air. These scenarios will eventually reproduce four completely different situations regarding the quality of the incoming air and subsequently, four different fouling regimes for the compressor operating downstream. Data to support the impact of each reported incoming air condition on compressor wetted surfaces, are based on experimental findings collected from a thorough literature review. A fixed operating period was set for all cases. Prescribed requirements of the computational tool selected to build the compressor model were; i) low computational power since several runs had to be performed in order to cover the assumed time period, and ii) ability to introduce the imprint of various fouling patterns on compressor blades, into the performance of the compressor. SOCRATES, an in-house two-dimensional, streamline curvature-based, through-flow computational tool, meets these requirements and it was used for this study. A fully customizable empirical model, recently introduced in the code, takes into account various aspects of fouling such as the surface roughness level, the flow blockage and the altered deviation angle at the exit of the blade row. A coverage factor was introduced which takes into account the location and the extent of fouling onto the blade surfaces.
Open Access
Considerations on axial compressor bleed for sub-idle performance models
(American Society of Mechanical Engineers, 2021-01-11) Roig Tió, Ferran; Ferrer-Vidal, Luis E.; Azamar Aguirre, Hasani; Pachidis, Vassilios
The trend towards increased bypass ratio and reduced core size in civil aero-engines puts a strain on ground-start and relight capability, prompting renewed interest in sub-idle performance modelling. While a number of studies have looked at some of the broad performance modelling issues prevalent in this regime, the effects that bleed can have on sub-idle performance have not been addressed in the literature. During start-up and relight, the unknown variation in bleed flows through open handling bleed valves can have a considerable impact on the compressor’s operating line. This paper combines experimental, numerical and analytical approaches to look at the effect that sub-idle bleed flows have on predicted start-up operating lines, along with their effect on compressor characteristics. Experimental whole-engine data along with a purpose-built core-flow analysis tool are used to assess the effect of bleed model uncertainty on engine performance models. An experimental rig is used to assess the effects of reverse bleed on compressor characteristics and measurements are compared against numerical results. Several strategies for the generation of sub-idle maps including bleed effects are investigated.