Method and apparatus for the model-based monitoring of a turbomachine

Abstract

The method for the model-based monitoring of a turbomachine by means of a monitoring unit which receives relevant process parameters of the turbomachine, carries out calculations on the basis of these parameters and, as a result, determines one or more state values, by means of which the state of the turbomachine can be assessed, the calculations of the state values being carried out on the basis of one or more physical models of at least one subsystem of the turbomachine, wherein the at least one subsystem is an axial bearing of the turbomachine, and the one or more state values are selected from the axial thrust force, the axial bearing load and the axial shaft attitude.

1 . A method for the model-based monitoring of a turbomachine by means of a monitoring unit which receives relevant process parameters of the turbomachine, carries out calculations on the basis of these parameters and, as a result, determines one or more state values, by means of which the state of the turbomachine can be assessed, the calculations of the state values being carried out on the basis of one or more physical models of at least one subsystem of the turbomachine, wherein the at least one subsystem is an axial bearing of the turbomachine, and the one or more state values are selected from the axial thrust force, the axial bearing load and the axial shaft attitude. 
     
     
         2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the physical models are based on conservation equations for energy, mass, momentum and/or forces. 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1  or  2 , wherein the method is carried out online during the operation of the turbomachine on the basis of continuously and/or discontinuously determined relevant process parameters. 
     
     
         4 . The method according to one of  claims 1  to  3 , wherein the turbomachine is a turbocompressor, in particular a multistage turbocompressor. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to one of  claims 1  to  4 , wherein a protective device of the turbomachine is checked on the basis of at least one calculated state value. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to one of  claims 1  to  5 , wherein historical relevant process parameters which are detected in the past and are stored in a data storage system are used additionally for the calculations. 
     
     
         7 . An apparatus for the model-based monitoring of a turbomachine, comprising a monitoring unit with a calculation unit and with an assessment unit, the monitoring unit being prepared for receiving relevant process parameters from the turbomachine, calculations being capable of being carried out in the calculation unit on the basis of these parameters and, as a result, one or more state values being capable of being determined, and the state of the turbomachine being capable of being assessed in the assessment unit on the basis of the state values, the monitoring unit being set up in such a way that the calculations can be carried out on the basis of one or more physical models of at least one subsystem of the turbomachine, wherein the at least one subsystem is an axial bearing of the turbomachine. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein the monitoring unit is implemented completely or partially on a computer installation, and the apparatus comprises, furthermore, means for transferring the relevant process parameters from the turbomachine to the monitoring unit. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus according to  claim 8 , wherein the means comprise a system for the storage and processing of the relevant process parameters, in particular an operating data information system. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus according to  claim 7 , wherein the monitoring unit is implemented completely or partially in the form of function blocks in a process management system.