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Gas Turbine Research Establishment
Located in Bengaluru, the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) is a laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation. In addition to conducting research on the development of gas turbines, the institute has also developed marine gas-turbines.
About the GTRE
Located in Bengaluru, the Gas Turbine Research Establishment is part of the Defense Research and Development Organisation. It conducts research on advanced gas-turbine sub-systems. It has facilities for full-scale engine tests and mechanical analysis. It has expertise in vibration engineering, materials engineering, heat transfer, and friction.
The first indigenously developed centrifugal type gas turbine engine of 1000 kg thrust was tested in 1961. It was type certified as airworthy in December 1973. The Central Institute of Aviation Motors also verified the performance of the engine.
GTRE carries out research on engine components, control systems, annular combustors, transonic compressors, and catlytic ignition systems. It is also working on a new 4.25 kN thrust turbofan engine.
Gas turbines are used for generating electricity and mechanical energy. They operate in an aggressive environment, making precise controls necessary to run.
Kaveri Marine Gas Turbine
DRDO, the Defence Research and Development Organisation, is working on a marine gas turbine called Kaveri. The engine is a two spool, bypass turbofan engine. This engine has a complete annular combustor with an air blast atomiser.
Kaveri is designed to have an overall pressure ratio of 27:1. This pressure ratio will allow the engine to sustain super cruise manoeuvres for advanced combat aircraft. The engine will have a air mass flow of 78 kg per spool. The engine will be able to generate shaft power for Indian naval ships. The engine has a three stage transonic fan and a six stage transonic compressor.
Kaveri is being developed in two forms: an aero engine and a marine gas turbine. The Kaveri aero engine was designed for the Tejas light combat aircraft programme. The engine was developed at a cost of over Rs 3000 crores.
GTX 37-14U engine design and development
Several years ago, India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) set up the Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) in Bangalore. The primary mission of the research establishment is to develop aero gas turbines for military aircraft. It also conducts research on combustion research and variable-geometry compressors.
GTRE is currently working on two engine programs. The first is the 4.25 kN thrust turbofan engine for a future long range cruise missile system. The second engine program is a 52 kilonewton dry variant of the Kaveri aerospace engine.
The GTX-35 is a large redesigned turbojet with an annular combustor. It is designed to be used for powering a future production fighter. It is estimated to cost $2.7-$2.9 million. The engines are partially sponsored by India’s Ministry of Defence.
The GTX-35 is also undergoing tests in the Russian Federation. It is expected to undergo 250 hours of high altitude simulations and other tests with prototypes.
Mechanical Design Assurance for gas turbines and turbo-compressors
Several gas turbine and turbo-compressor manufacturers offer different types of equipment. These can be used in various industries. Some of the main applications are in the oil and gas industry, chemical plants, and power generation.
During the past several years, advanced gas turbine technologies have made it possible to use these turbines in various power sectors. These applications have made it possible to produce clean energy. Moreover, they have also contributed to cleaner power generation in recent years.
The ADNOC LNG facility has five gas turbines driving centrifugal compressors. The facility’s management is implementing advanced technical improvements to assure sustainable operations. In addition, the facility is engaged in a root cause analysis to determine what caused the turbines to fail.
During the Root Cause Analysis, the team engaged the turbine manufacturer to perform the required analysis. After the turbine manufacturer was able to identify the root cause, ADNOC LNG completed implementations and enhancements. The team also studied the broken surfaces in the turbines to identify the origin of the blade liberation. This study revealed that the turbines suffered from Axial Compressor Blade Stress Corrosion. Using finite element predictions, the team was able to determine the high stress locations and the correction factors.
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