Instrumented Test Stand for Performance Evaluation of a Small Turbojet Engine

Result code in IS VaVaI

<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F68407700%3A21220%2F25%3A00386514" target="_blank" >RIV/68407700:21220/25:00386514 - isvavai.cz</a>

Result on the web

—

DOI - Digital Object Identifier

—

Result language

angličtina

Original language name

Instrumented Test Stand for Performance Evaluation of a Small Turbojet Engine

Original language description

This functional sample represents a fully operational experimental test stand designed for measurement, diagnostics, and performance evaluation of a small turbojet engine in thrust 100N - 500N. The system integrates an instrumented modular engine (H20PRO) equipped with additional thermodynamic and pressure sensors, an electronic control unit (ECU/EIU), a high-accuracy fuel system, and data acquisition hardware. The stand enables measurement of key cycle parameters—including total temperature T3, total/static pressures P3, P4, P5, rotor speed, fuel flow, vibration signatures, and exhaust gas temperature—to support research, education, and development of advanced engine control strategies. The platform is intended for research and teaching at CTU in Prague, providing students with hands-on experience in gas turbine operation, system integration, and experimental methods. The solution enables controlled steady-state and transient engine operation, data logging, and analysis for model validation, performance calculations, and development of digital control systems (ECU/FADEC).

Czech name

—

Czech description

—

Type

G_funk - Functional sample

CEP classification

—

OECD FORD branch

20304 - Aerospace engineering

Project

<a href="/en/project/EF16_019%2F0000826" target="_blank" >EF16_019/0000826: Center of Advanced Aerospace Technology</a><br>

Continuities

P - Projekt vyzkumu a vyvoje financovany z verejnych zdroju (s odkazem do CEP)<br>S - Specificky vyzkum na vysokych skolach

Publication year

2025

Confidentiality

S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů

Internal product ID

12203-0005-ModularJetEngine

Numerical identification

12203-0005

Technical parameters

The functional sample consists of an instrumented small turbojet engine H20PRO integrated into a dedicated experimental test stand designed for performance evaluation, data acquisition, and educational demonstrations. Technically, the system is based on a single-shaft turbojet engine equipped with a centrifugal compressor, annular combustor, and a single-stage axial turbine, capable of delivering a maximum thrust of approximately 200 N at rotor speeds up to 125,000 RPM. The engine uses hybrid ceramic bearings and operates on Jet A-1 or Diesel with a prescribed oil mixture. Its dimensions (length ~280 mm, diameter 111 mm) and low mass of roughly 1.6–1.8 kg allow safe mounting on a compact but rigid stand equipped with a certified containment system. The engine is instrumented with additional thermodynamic sensors, including redundant K-type thermocouples at the compressor exit (T3), static/total pressure ports downstream of the compressor (P3), in the combustor/turbine inlet region (P4), and in the exhaust section (P5). These sensors feed a dedicated data acquisition system capable of recording pressures, temperatures, rotor speed, fuel flow, and vibration indicators, while the Electronic Interface Unit (EIU) ensures closed-loop engine control via CAN bus, analog input, or RC/PWM interfaces. The test stand integrates all necessary subsystems: a high-pressure fuel pump with filtration, PTFE fuel lines rated for elevated temperature, an ejector-type stainless-steel exhaust duct, forced ventilation for thermal management, and a modular mounting interface enabling safe engine operation during steady-state and transient experiments. The entire measurement chain—from sensors through amplifiers to the DAQ unit—is designed for sampling rates of 1–10 kHz, enabling detailed cycle analysis, combustion stability evaluation, and validation of aerodynamic and thermodynamic engine models. Thanks to the modular architecture, the stand supports development and testing of advanced control algorithms (ECU/FADEC), including automated startup, shutdown, overspeed and overtemperature protection, and fuel control strategies.

Economical parameters

The functional sample is a cost-effective alternative to small jet engine test rigs, built from modular components with a total material cost of roughly 80–150 thousand CZK, depending on the sensor suite and data acquisition hardware. Major cost items include the instrumentation of the H20PRO engine, the fuel system, stainless-steel exhaust and containment parts, and data logging modules. Thanks to its compact size, low fuel consumption (~540 g/min) and modest power needs (12 V, up to 30 A), operating costs are minimal, enabling frequent use in teaching and research. The stand requires only standard laboratory utilities, and maintenance remains low due to the brushless starter and pump, reliable ignition, and simple lubrication. Overall, the system offers an efficient, safe and affordable platform for measuring key thermodynamic parameters, validating models and providing hands-on educational experience.

Application category by cost

—

Owner IČO

68407700

Owner name

České vysoké učení technické v Praze, FS, Centrum leteckého a kosmického výzkumu

Owner country

CZ - CZECH REPUBLIC

Usage type

V - Výsledek je využíván vlastníkem

Licence fee requirement

A - Poskytovatel licence na výsledek požaduje licenční poplatek

Web page

—