Research And Testing Facilities (Test Rigs)

The research and testing facilities of the Lab have been used for execution of experimental studies in the frame of Research Projects funded by Industry as well as the EU. Examples of experimental studies performed are: 3-D flow mapping of high speed compressor cascades, study of radial compressor performance in the presence of faults, study of the dynamic behavior of a small gas turbine, testing for optimization of centrifugal fans, testing advanced high speed radial compressors.

These facilities include low and high-speed rigs:

Low-Speed Section

The low speed facilities are the following:

i) Test stand for industrial small blowers. In this facility blower characteristics are derived by following DIN 24163 standard and ANSI/AMCA standard 210-99.

ii) Linear cascade tunnel. In this facility the performance characteristics of linear compressor or turbine blades are extracted. Also, a detailed study of the flow field can be performed.

iii) A contra- rotating compressor test rig.

iv) Gas Meter Calibration Unit

High-Speed Section

On the other hand, besides the low speed facilities available, there exist high speed facilities to support the experimental research and design work of LTT/NTUA.

i) A compressor test rig that can accommodate both axial and radial compressors, either in a 750 kW/24000 rpm or in a 400 kW/80000 rpm arrangement for extracting flow and performance characteristics

ii) An axial and radial “cold” turbine facility in a 420 kw/80000 rpm arrangement. This facility can accommodate turbines and compressor tests or whole gas turbine tests up to this speed and power.

iii) A turbocharger test facility for detailed measurements in order to extract compressor and turbine flow characteristics of a turbocharger.

iv) A transonic peripheral cascade test rig with, rotating hub, particularly customized for detailed tip clearance studies