Introduction and Commissioning of the New Darmstadt Transonic Compressor Test Facility

Abstract

With the well-known Transonic Compressor Darmstadt (TCD) in operation since 1994, profound knowledge in designing and operating a sophisticated test-rig is available at the Institute of Gas Turbines and Aerospace Propulsion of TU Darmstadt. During this period, TCD has been subject to a vast number of redesigns within different measurement campaigns (see [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8]). To expand the capabilities and ensure a sustainable process of compressor research, a new test facility was designed and built by the institute. The new test rig Transonic Compressor Darmstadt 2 (TCD2) features increased power for higher pressure ratios and higher mass-flow, a state of the art control system, increased flexibility towards different compressor geometries and modern data acquisition hardware and software. Following the successful commissioning of the test-rig in March 2018, a first measurement campaign has been conducted. Early test results regarding aerodynamic performance and aeroelastic effects of the test compressor are presented together with a detailed overview of test-rig infrastructure and control systems as well as the test compressor and the measurement hardware.

Commissioning of a transonic compressor test rig for the investigation of vigv-induced asymmetric inflow conditions

“…Safe operation and continuous monitoring of the rotor in the presence of distorted inflow is ensured by a total of 16 strain gauges applied on the rotor blades, as well as a tip timing system that is also used to monitor tip clearance. More information about the rig and the measurement systems is given by Kunkel et al (2019), and the traversable instrumentation is described in further detail by Werner et al (2022).…”

Investigation of surge in a 1.5-stage transonic axial compressor

“…During the first measurement campaign comprehensive measurements were conducted, including steady-state and transient tests as well as multiple maneuvers beyond the stability limit. A detailed overview concerning test rig capabilities, performance and instrumentation as well as results of steady data analyses was elaborated by Kunkel et al (2019).…”

Transonic Comrpessor Darmstadt – Open Test Case

“…). Based on years of experience, also a second state-of-the-art transonic compressor test facility (Kunkel et al (2019)) has been developed and commissioned.…”