In 2020, the Proton-PM company (part of the NPO Energomash integrated structure of the Roscosmos State Corporation) tested 147 ground-based gas turbine engines, including 34 – with a capacity of 25 MW, 73 – GTU-16, 19 – GTU- 12 and 21 – GTU-10. A comparable volume is planned for this year. In 2019, Proton-PM confirmed the operability of 135 GTUs, and a year earlier – 112 units. The engines are tested in the interests of the Perm enterprises of the United Engine Corporation and are intended for facilities of gas transmission, gas production and energy companies in Russia.
The capacity of the complex is planned to be increased by purchasing additional equipment, including a plasma ignition device, a starter control unit, a torque meter and others. The enterprise also intends to manufacture a second adapter and one more set of adapter nozzles. Under the conditions of serial tests, this will allow to take characteristics of one engine and simultaneously work with another, thereby reducing the preparatory operations time.
I.O. Vadim Mitrofanov, director of the industrial engine program “UEC – Perm Motors”, emphasizes that Proton-PM has established itself as a reliable partner in testing ground engines, and highly appreciates the efforts of colleagues who seek to increase the throughput of the complex. In his opinion, this will help to ensure the rhythm of the process of production and testing of gas turbines.
The prospects of the Proton-PM test complex are associated with the organization of tests of an engine with a low-emission combustion chamber developed by UEC – Aviadvigatel. To this end, in 2021 – early 2022, it is planned to complete the design of individual bench systems, manufacture them, mount and carry out commissioning. The use of a new combustion chamber, which will be equipped with Gazprom facilities, will reduce harmful emissions into the atmosphere.