The High Speed Research Compressor (HSRC) rig is a facility equipped and configured for compressor performance testing, but can easily be adapted to test various other rotational loads, such as turbomachinery components, pumps and generators.
The HSRC rig is powered by a Rolls Royce Gnome H1400-1 gas turbine engine is used as the prime mover for powering the rotational loads (currently a compressor). The engine is capable of producing 1.24 MW of power and it is coupled with the load through a frame that enables lubrication of the test article and control of the mass flow rate. The coupling frame also allows the connection of bespoke interfaces, so that different test articles can be coupled to the prime mover.
Summary of applications
The HSRC rig incorporates a great variety of instrumentation, capable of conducting complex measurements and performance analysis. The measurement array consists of pressure measurements (steady state and dynamic), flow swirl measurements, temperature, vibration measurements, torque and rotational speed. The infrastructure of the rig allows for thorough capture of the aerodynamic interface plane of every stage of the compressor, both circumferentially and radially. There is also capability of stall detection and tip clearance measurements, which can be expanded to other turbomachinery components as well. The facility includes a dedicated control room that has recently been renovated. Based on the current infrastructure, the instrumentation and experience, there is also potential for remote operation and monitoring of the facility, along with testing of novel FADEC systems for gas turbine engines.
Using the facility
The rig is currently engaged with the thorough performance testing of a compressor supplied by an engine manufacturer. A wide range of designs have been tested so far, through the last 10 years of the established relationship between the manufacturer and Cranfield.
