Degradation Effects on Industrial Gas Turbines

This paper provides a discussion on how degradation develops and affects the performance of the gas turbine. Because the function of a gas turbine is the result of the fine-tuned cooperation of many different components, the emphasis of this paper is on the gas turbine and its components as a system. Therefore, the interaction of components is studied in detail. An engine model is subjected to various types of degradation, and the effect on operating parameters is studied. The focus is on three areas: How does component degradation impact the operating points of the engine compressor, how does component degradation impact full load and part load gas turbine performance characteristics, and how does component degradation impact measurable engine operating parameters. Experimental data are provided that supports the theoretical conclusion. Parameters that indicate levels of degradation are outlined, thus providing guidance for condition monitoring practice.