Real-time simulation of a COGAG naval ship propulsion system

The paper describes the approach used in developing a real-time Gas Turbine (GT) thermodynamic modular model, based on physical laws and validated by comparison with experimental results. In the model each gas turbine component (i.e. compressor, turbine, combustor) is modelled in a specific module, by means of time dependent momentum, energy and mass equations, non linear algebraic equations and performance correlations. Specific devices are used in order to reduce the calculation time. The gas turbine simulator has been included in the real-time simulation model of the new aircraft carrier 'Cavour' propulsion plant, characterized by a combined gas turbine and gas (COGAG) configuration. The simulation results of typical and critical ship manoeuvres (slam start and acceleration) are presented.