The modernisation and construction of the new scientific and research infrastructure at the Military University of Technology and the Warsaw University of Technology for the requirements of joint numerical and experimental research on aviation turbine engines.
Project No. POIG.02.02.00-14-022/09 was co-financed from the ERDF within the Operational Programme Innovative Economy 2007-2013, Priority 2. Infrastructure R&D, Measure 2.2, Support for the development of research infrastructure of scientific entities.
Timeframe for execution at the Institute of Aviation: 01/05 – 31/12/2015
Project Manager: Rafał Kajka, PhD Eng.
Project was carried out by a Consortium in the following composition:
- The Military University of Technology (Consortium Leader)
- The Warsaw University of Technology (Partner)
- The Institute of Aviation (Partner)
The main goals of the Project were:
- maximising the scientific and research potential in the field of turbine engine testing and extending the deployment of the technical and human resources of Polish scientific establishments in the aviation sector by the energy sector;
- increasing the possibilities for commercialisation of the developed technologies and competitiveness in the scope of the performed tests and research;
- creation of a scientific and research base for the dynamically developing Polish industry from the General Aviation and energy sector with the possibility of harnessing the possible research synergies between the mentioned sectors and the human resources in both domains.
The objective of the Institute of Aviation was the establishment of a Gas Turbine Center for the development of gas turbine repair technologies and a Vacuum Chamber designed for testing turbine engine rotors with a power output of around 40 MW.
Research on the development of repair technologies of gas turbines for the power industry will be conducted within the Gas Turbine Center in order to prepare final designs presenting the repair and reconditioning of selected elements or components of the modules. Particular emphasis will be placed in the course of the conducted research processes on the rotor as a key component of a gas turbine. This requires the building of a Vacuum Chamber for testing turbine engine rotors with a generated power level of around 40 MW.
Research work on high performance turbines used in the aviation and energy industry will be conducted in the Vacuum Chamber. Research on the rotor as a key gas turbine element will play an important role. The necessity of maintaining the highest safety standards is an critical in this type of research work.
The tests and research conducted in the Gas Turbine Center will also include tests verifying the impact of prolonged use on the technical condition of devices and their capacity for further operation as well as the validation procedure of existing repairs. Thanks to the construction of the warehouse with lifting cranes and trolleys, it will be possible to demonstrate a wide range of technologies, machinery and equipment and conduct trainings on the assembly and disassembly of turbine components. Additionally, the new Vacuum Chamber will enable the conduct of advance research on high performance turbines (ca. 40 MW) which are used in both the aviation as well as the energy sector.