Abstract
Today’s energy systems increasingly use various types of microturbines to produce electricity. A specific feature of such machines is a high-speed rotor, whose rotational speed can be higher than 100,000 rpm. Failure-free operation of highspeed microturbine rotors requires both special design and high precision during the manufacturing process. What is more, proper procedures must be followed during run-up and coast-down phases; and also, dedicated diagnostic systems have to be used. This article discusses the experimental research conducted on a 2.5 kW vapour microturbine that operated in a prototypical combined heat and power plant. A series of measurements was carried out to evaluate the dynamic performance of the machine during normal operation. After the appearance of certain defects in the rotating system, it was necessary to perform a new series of measurements in order to assess the dynamic properties of the machine. The measurements results obtained in the form of vibration velocity spectrums made it possible to define diagnostic symptoms corresponding to particular defects. Similar diagnostic symptoms can occur during the operation of this class of turbomachines.
Highlights
In modern electric power systems, distributed energy sources are playing an increasingly important role because these systems allow to efficiently produce thermal and electrical energy on a small scale from locally-available resources [3]
As for vapour microturbines, their rotors are powered by the vapour of the working medium, which circulates in a closed cycle and is heated using an external heat source [12]
The microturbine was designed for small organic Rankine cycle (ORC) cogeneration systems, which can be used in single-family houses to produce heat and electricity
Summary
In modern electric power systems, distributed energy sources are playing an increasingly important role because these systems allow to efficiently produce thermal and electrical energy on a small scale from locally-available resources [3]. The results of vibration measurements of fluid-flow machines make it possible to make structural changes to these machines or their support systems, which can lead to an improvement in their dynamic performance It is quite common for large steam turbines to be the subject of research for both scientists and engineers who are involved in the construction and operation of turbomachines. The shaft is supported by two radial-axial gas bearings, constantly powered by the vapour of HFE-7100, which is the low-boiling working medium that powers the fluid flow system of the microturbine. It is of utmost importance that bearings ensure stable operation of the rotor; at the same time, the vibration level should be as low as possible This is important in the case of high rotational speeds where rotor loads are higher and the lubricant flow can cause unstable bearing operation. The same conclusion can be drawn with respect to the experimental research presented in the part of the article
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