Required Skillsets
To overcome this challenge, SCITEK leveraged its extensive skill set, including:
- Anatomy of Small Gas Turbines: Detailed understanding of small gas turbines to disassemble and install numerous small sensors without affecting operation and performance.
- Engine Balance: Ensuring the engine remains balanced after reassembly.
- Instrumentation: Integrating instruments to measure fuel flow, thrust, and environmental parameters.
- Control and Data Acquisition: Developing a robust control and data acquisition system.
- Reliable Software Development: Creating control software capable of reliably starting the engine, a task particularly challenging for small gas turbines.
SCITEK’s Role
SCITEK identified the need for an affordable and versatile gas turbine test rig. The company was responsible for the design and manufacture of the mechanical and instrumentation components of the rig. SCITEK sourced engines from various suppliers to allow the test stand to be configured for different engine sizes based on customer requirements.
SCITEK stands out as the only company offering a heavily instrumented small gas turbine test stand, making it the preferred choice for this project.
Key Steps in Developing the Solution
- Mechanical Design: Tailoring the test stand to fit customer test cell configurations.
- Fuel Storage and Control: Ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
- Control System Design: Developing a sophisticated control system.
- Manufacturing: Producing the mechanical and electronic components.
- Commissioning: Assembling and testing the rig.
- Installation: Collaborating with the customer to install the rig at their facility.
- Handover and Training: Providing comprehensive training to ensure effective use of the rig.
Technologies and Methodologies
SCITEK relied on its extensive experience and expertise in small gas turbine technology, mechanical and electrical design, software development, manufacturing, and testing. Innovative approaches included the installation of small-sized instrumentation in a compact engine format.
Overcoming Challenges
One significant challenge was adapting the control system to accommodate various types of engines required by customers. SCITEK overcame this by leveraging its deep technical knowledge and flexible engineering practices to ensure compatibility and reliable operation across different engine models.
Conclusion
SCITEK Consultants Ltd. successfully developed a versatile and cost-effective gas turbine test rig that meets the needs of educational and research institutions. This project highlights SCITEK’s unique capabilities in mechanical design, instrumentation, and software development, solidifying its position as a leader in the field.
For more information or to discuss how SCITEK can assist with your engineering challenges, please contact us. We look forward to exploring how our expertise can benefit your projects.
