Compressor Fouling Diagnostics and Prognostics in a Gas Turbine

In this study, an assessment of the performance of an industrial gas turbine during compressor fouling conditions is undertaken. The assessment is carried out through performance diagnostic and prognostic methods. The diagnostic technique identifies and isolates faults in the components of the gas turbine, and considers the health parameter of the compressor (efficiency). The remaining useful life of the compressor is estimated by a degradation model that also considers the compressor efficiency health index. Compressor efficiency is estimated using a gas turbine real-time executable digital-twin. The digital-twin is integrated within a gas turbine system operating in the field. Data processing of the compressor efficiency is required to obtain a meaningful trend of the compressor health index. Results demonstrate that the diagnostic and prognostic methods applied to the problem of compressor health parameter estimated by the digital-twin can be a powerful tool to initiate maintenance actions on associated axial compressors prior to significant performance deterioration.