Gas Turbine Research Centre to go operational

A new world-class Gas Turbine Research Centre is to start operations at Cardiff University, a facility for the investigation of gas turbine design fired by cleaner and more efficient turbine fuels

The new world-class Gas Turbine Research Centre is to start operations later this year at Cardiff University, providing South Wales with a facility for the investigation of gas turbine design fired by cleaner and more efficient turbine fuels for power generation and aircraft engines.

The Centre will house two major combustion testing rigs donated by technology company QinetiQ who selected Cardiff University as the recipient ahead of several other contenders.

Cardiff University School of Engineering and QinetiQ are currently re-commissioning the facility and training new operators, before commencing the first research programmes.

The facility is unique in several aspects of its design and operation, and is one of very few of its kind anywhere in the world.

In its previous operation by QinetiQ it has already claimed a number of world firsts that have shaped gas turbine development, and the current enhancements will greatly increase its capabilities.

In the future the Cardiff Gas Turbine Research Centre is intended for work ranging from research aimed at the improving the design of gas turbines through to testing of both liquid and gaseous fuels in the aviation and power generation sectors by the University and by companies on a commercial basis.

Research areas will include emissions and air quality, particulates and cloud formation and alternative fuels.

Researchers will also be able to look at new heat-resistant materials for sensors, heat recovery and development of laser diagnostics.

The facility consists of a Sector Combustor rig for internal gas sampling of sector or annular combustors and a High Pressure Combustor Rig for multi-channel gas analysis in the exhaust of a combustor at high pressure.

The test rigs can investigate combustion characteristics at inlet temperatures of more than 900 degrees Kelvin and pressures of up to 16 atmospheres.

A system for sampling gases within the combustor allows unique 3D capability for investigating pollutant formation, whilst a new optical 'quartz' section uses advanced laser systems to obtain data without the 'intrusion' of traditional probes.

This new facility complements another of the Cardiff team research strengths in novel gas turbine blade cooling, for which it won an international NATO award in 2002.

The University has already secured its first two contracts for the Centre.

The first is an EU programme in partnership with QinetiQ to test alternative liquid and gas fuels produced from biomass and waste gases, including methane, hydrogen mixtures, coal gasification products, and biofuels.

A second industrially-sponsored programme will study the formation of environmental pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons within the gas turbine combustor, facilitating improved computer models for optimised design capability.

The Cardiff GTRC is based at the ECM2 manufacturing research and development centre in Port Talbot.

The establishment of the Centre has also been supported by a GBP3.85m grant from the European Union Objective 1 Programme and GBP350,000 from the Knowledge Exploitation Fund of the Welsh Assembly Government.

A major launch event is planned for the centre later in the year.

Professor Phil Bowen, Chair in Energy Systems at the School of Engineering, said: "We are grateful to QinetiQ, the EU and the Welsh Assembly Government for helping bring a major research facility of international importance to Wales.

The Gas Turbine Research Centre will allow us to contribute towards global and local target emission reduction, whilst bringing benefits to the local economy.

We anticipate that over time GTC will act as a hub to a cluster of high-tech companies, attracted by its world-class facilities".

Welsh Assembly Government First Minister Rhodri Morgan said: "What is being created at ECM2 Port Talbot is truly a world class energy research resource.

It is already playing a key role in the testing and development of alternative energy sources and will become an increasingly important asset in the drive to reduce carbon emissions so as to combat global warming.

I am very pleased the Assembly Government has been able to help secure this for Wales, it helps to build up the critical mass of industry orientated researchers in Wales.

It will also benefit industries already based in Wales and could help attract a cluster of new research and development and production investment in the field of turbine and combustion technology.

Today's announcement is an absolute indication of our decision to acquire the Corus Steel Research Laboratories in Port Talbot five years ago when it became surplus to Corus requirements and then to refocus the complex of research facilities into a wider range of industrial research and development".

Kevin Brundish, Manager of the QinetiQ gas turbine technologies business said: "Cardiff University School of Engineering was selected as the recipient of the two combustion rigs because of its expertise in combustion, and optical measuring techniques.

We are pleased to be working closely with the university to re-commission the facility and look forward to future collaborative opportunities".

Cardiff University is recognised in independent government assessments as one of Britain's leading teaching and research universities.

Founded by Royal Charter in 1883, the University today combines impressive modern facilities and a dynamic approach to teaching and research.

The University breadth of expertise in research and research-led teaching encompasses: the humanities; the natural, physical, health, life and social sciences; engineering and technology; preparation for a wide range of professions; and a longstanding commitment to lifelong learning.

Cardiff is a member of the Russell Group of Britain's leading research universities.

Visit the University website at: www.cardiff.ac.uk.

Engineering has been taught at Cardiff since 1893.

Today, the School of Engineering is regarded as one of the top centres for engineering with teaching and research facilities ranked amongst the best in the British university system following a GBP35million refurbishment in recent years.

Staff members are active in most fields of engineering research.

These are split into three main groups: civil engineering; electrical, electronic and systems engineering; and mechanical engineering.

Its research has earned the highest ratings in government assessments.

Research expertise within mechanical engineering includes: control and dynamics; emissions, effluents and processes; energy; renewable energy; fluid power; materials; thermal fluids; and tribology.

In addition, the School hosts a number of officially designated specialist research centres.

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