OPTIMIZATION OF PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS OF GAS TURBINE

USING TAGUCHI BASED GREY RELATION ANALYSIS

Saira Alam1,*, Younis Jamal1, Asad Naeem Shah1 Mustabshirha Gul2, and Asad Raza
Gardazi2
1

Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology Lahore-54000, Pakistan

Department of Mechanical Engineering, UCE&T Bahauddin Zakariya University Multan- 60000, Pakistan.

Abstract: This study is mainly based on the technique of Taguchi method with grey relational
analysis (GRA) for optimizing the multiple performance input parameters of Gas turbine. Such
techniques are normally used for conversion of multiple-objectives problem into a single
objective by using Taguchi based Grey relational analysis. The influence of process parameters
such as inlet temperature, type of air inlet filters, and machine rotor rpm on power, heat rate,
specific fuel consumption (SFC) and thermal efficiency is addressed in the study. Through this
technique an optimal setting of input performance parameters was obtained as performance
index. Orthogonal array (OA) L9 (34) was selected as Design of experiment (DOE), so nine
experiments were performed in this way. Subsequently, the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio and the
analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed to find the best input process parameter levels,
and to analyze the effect of these parameters on power, heat rate, SFC and thermal efficiency.
The main objective was to increase the thermal efficiency and horse power, and to decrease
SFC and heat rate. During the study, air inlet temperature of 84F, turbine speed of 14400 rpm
and cartridge filter were found to be an optimal input parametric combination at which the
desired output effects were achieved. Moreover, analysis of variance (ANOVA) based results
revealed that air inlet temperature of 72.9% was predominant parameter among the other optimal
parameters showing a dominant impact on the output parameters of Gas turbine. Finally, a
confirmatory test with optimal levels of selected input parametric combination was carried out to
validate the results, and to illustrate the effectiveness of the Taguchi based GRA optimization
method.
Keywords: Gas turbine, Optimization, Orthogonal array, Grey relational analysis, Taguchi method
________________________________________________________________________________________________

Corresponding Authors e-mail address: saira.alam865@gmail.com

Abbreviations
Horse Power

HP

Grey Relational Grade

GRG

Heat Release

HR

Grey Relational Coefficient

GRC

Thermal Efficiency

th

Quality Loss Function

QLF

Specific Fuel Consumption

SFC

Analysis of variance

ANOVA

Design of Experiments

DOE

Degree of Freedom

DOF

Orthogonal Array

OA

Grey Relational Analysis

GRA

INTRODUCTION:
Gas Turbines have broad range of applications in industry, which are generally used to
provide electrical energy and mechanical power mainly in natural gas sector for the services as
prime movers for pipeline compression, gas lifting, gathering of gas, boosting of gas, etc. [12].Gas turbine used as mechanical driver is more efficient than the steam turbine [3]. The prime
objective of a Gas Turbine is to run at optimal parameters to give maximum efficiency by
utilizing the lower fuel consumption during operations in the prevailing environmental
conditions [4].
There are a lot of ways to increase gas turbine output. Some significant methods include
control of humidity, air inlet temperature and air filtration systems as well as filter type. Such
techniques have great influence on the thermal efficiency heat rate, fuel consumption and
operational availability. Hosseini et al. [5] have reported that inlet temperature, humidity and
pressure drop have dominant effect on the performance of the gas turbine owing to the air inlet
cooling system, particularly with evaporative cooling system [5].
Air quality entering the gas turbine depends upon the filtration systems, and thus erroneous
choice of filters can have catastrophic consequences. Filter-effectiveness creates less fouling and
less deterioration, which is the key to maintain the higher efficiency and power, as output power

of a gas turbine depends on inlet air temperature and cleanliness [6]. Mohapatra and Sanjay [7]
showed that some variables such as ambient temperature, compressor pressure ratio, compressor
inlet temperature, turbine inlet temperature and relative humidity have predominant effects on
performance of gas turbine plant. Moreover, commercial methods used for inlet air cooling have
also been reported to be effective in improving the efficiency of an existing gas turbine [8].
The presence of foreign objects may cause the engine deteriorations including compressor
erosion and degradation of turbine components, fouling of compressor airfoils, and corrosion.
Hard foreign objects are removed by proper filters which may further influence engine horse
power, engine temperature and thermal efficiency. So a gas turbine is equipped with a
sophisticated complex air filter systems for the proper filtration of the contaminations of the
system. Such filters are made up of different media including paper, cellulose, fiber, membrane
and glass. Each of them offers its own filtration capacity, performance and life depending on
environments and applications [9-10].
Researchers have shown that gas turbine performance is affected by the health of the
compressor and that environmental conditions affect the output of axial air flow compressor of
gas turbine dictated by air inlet quality of compressor. Performance deterioration of a compressor
can be compensated by its washing. Both on-line and off-line washings of a compressor have
revealed pleasant effects on the gas turbine performance [11-12]. Moreover, ambient inlet air
temperature, relative humidity and types of fuels have direct impact on gas turbine plants. The
decrease in ambient inlet air temperature increases the net output and efficiency of a plant. Also,
the turbines operating on natural gas emit lesser pollutants as compared to those running on
conventional fuels [13]. Dundas [14] analyzed and optimized the gas turbine through variation of
different gas turbine cycles, involving important parameters such as pressure ratio and
temperature.
The optimization and thermodynamic study of the gas turbine have been reported by some
researchers in different modern optimization techniques to minimize the SFC at cruise
conditions, capital and maintenance costs, as well as to maximize the performance, efficiency
and specific thrust. Such optimization approaches consist of a genetic algorithm and a modular
gas turbine simulation tool keeping in view the growing demands of maximum efficiency with
reducing fuel consumption [17-21]. Although a lot of optimized techniques are available to
predict the combination of optimal parameters to improve the required output results and better

economic performance, Taguchi-based GRA is expected to be more effective and efficient for
such purpose [23-24].
Gul et al. [25] carried out multi-variable optimization technique to maximize engine torque,
brake power, heat release, and injection pressure by utilizing orthogonal array design of Taguchigrey relational analysis, and pointed out the influence of input parameters on particular response
characteristics. Karnwal et al. [26] have used the Taguchi based Grey Relation Analysis for
improving diesel engine brake thermal efficiency with low emissions. Similarly, multi-response
Grey-Taguchi optimization techniques have also been used in CNC turning process [27, 36],
casting process [28], machining and milling processes [23, 29-31], submerged arc welding [33]
and energy management systems [34].
Though Taguchi based methods have been vastly used in developing of industrialized
sectors [35, 37], but their applications to scrutinize the optimum parameters and thus to evaluate
performance of a gas turbine are in infancy. The purpose of this research is to reduce the specific
fuel consumption, heat rate and to increase thermal efficiency of the gas turbine. Presently, no
such technique except Grey-Taguchi method is available which may simultaneously be used to
solve and convert multiple-objective parameters into singular and optimized output parameters
of gas turbine
1. Materials and Methods
1.1 Experimental Setup:
In current study, experiments were conducted on two shafts Gas Turbine Model No: T4502.GT consisting of axial compressor, annular combustor liner, mixed flow two stage turbine
(GP), and mixed flow single stage gas turbine (PT).The axial flow air compressor consists of
eleven stages as shown in the Fig 1.

Figure 1. Schematic diagram of test bench

The GP and PT are not mechanically coupled to each other, GP runs independent of the PT,
and PT runs due to the exhaust of the GP. The other performance specification of the Gas
Turbine is given in the Table1.
Table 1. Performance specification of the Gas Turbine
Configuration

Specifications

Fuel

Gas

Liquid

NGP RPM

15000

15000

NPT RPM

15500

15500

Minimum Horse Power

3902

3785

Heat Rate

9629 BTU/Hp-hr

9736 BTU/Hp-hr

Minimum compression Ratio

8.6

8.6

Compressor Mass flow

37.5

37.5

In Gas turbine both liquid as well as Gas can be used as fuel but in this study Natural Gas
was used as fuel is used at pre set temperature and pressure. The experiments were performed on
the performance testing facility of the SNGPL Multan, Pakistan. The PT was coupled with

dynamometer through flexible coupling fully equipped with the instrumentation gadgetry as well
as mechanical equipments. Dynamometer is used for the torque measurement which is then used
for the calculation of the horse power of the Gas Turbine. The load variation on the power
turbine during experimentation was done with the pressurized water controlled through pressure
control valve impinging on dynamometer. Fuel control valve was used for measuring, and thus
controlling the supply of the fuel during ramping and accelerating of the engine. For the
measurement of gas turbine speed in rpm, magnetic picks were hanged on OEM at recommended
location of MPU to send signals in terms of frequency to control the system for subsequent
calculation.

Figure 2. Schematic diagram of test bench

In Fig. 2 station 1 indicates the location of measuring the air inlet filters differential in
which there is an alarm setting mechanism through PLC, in order to observe the filter health. For
the control of the air inlet ambient temperature, air inlet cooling techniques were adopted and
thus evaporative cooling system was installed in the air inlet system. Station 2 shows the inlet of
the compressor, while station 3 is the exhaust of the axial flow compressor. The combustible
gases enter into the turbines (GP+PT) at station 4, and finally the exhaust of the gas turbine is
released at location 5. Table.3 shows the experimental activities carried out by varying the filter
type and rpm of machine which were increased and decreased continuously according to the
need for defined ambient temperature. Air inlet temperature was controlled trough evaporative

cooling system to make essential modification for hot climate, as air inlet temperature is the
primary parameter which affects the performance characteristics of the machine [38, 39].
Following instruments were used during the experimentation.
Pressure Transmitter
Thermocouples, RTD
Pressure Gauges
Lube oil Flow meters
Fuel flow meters

1.2 Grey-Taguchi Methodology

The Grey-Taguchi method categorizes the important factors which compose the best
contributions to the variation. The output parameters depend on several input factors. So GreyTaguchi is applied to design and perform the experiments for the assessment of output responses
without running the process at all possible combinations of given input values. The GreyTaguchi method determines the correlations among actual and desired experimental data and
converts numerous quality characteristics into single grey relational grade (GRG) [29]. It allows
knowing the optimal combination of parameters which may affect the performance of gas
turbine.
The optimal design parameters affecting the gas turbine performance are determined and
then are controlled easily. The no of levels of the input parameters to be varied is required to be
specified. Increase in no of levels also increases the no of experiments to be performed. Input
parameters used in this study are ambient temperature, gas turbine speed and types of air inlet
filters.

Table 2. Experimental Factor and Factor Levels

Level

Output to be observed

Control
Variables

Code

HP

Temp(F)

84

60

56.6

th

Speed(RPM)

15000

14700

14400

Filter Types

Conical

Barrier

Cartridge

SFC
Heat Rate

The purpose to use the Taguchi method was to choose the suitable orthogonal array OA in
order to investigate the all parameter at three levels. Three factors were assigned to definite
column in the OA for analyzing the main effects. An OA was used for the DOE on the basis of
L9 (33). Table 3 shows the L9 (33) OA for the experimental work.
Table 3. Orthogonal Array L9 (33)
Run No

Table 4 shows Experimental values for the four outputs and these are taken for optimization
in accordance with DOE.
Table 4. Design of Experiments
Temp

Run No

Speed

Type of Filters

OA

T1

OA

Speed

OA

Filter Type

84

15000

Conical

84

14700

Cartridge

84

14400

Barrier

60

15000

Cartridge

60

14700

Barrier

60

14400

Conical

56.6

15000

Barrier

56.6

14700

Conical

56.6

14400

Cartridge

1.3 Normalization of Experimental Data/Statistical Analysis:-

As the main objective of current work is to increase the thermal efficiency and horse Power
keeping the heat rate as well as SFC at their minimum values, so experimental data was
normalized by using higher the better & smaller the better criteria [36].
The considered criterion was completed with respect to better quality aspect of interest
[37]. So S/N ratio for the quality characteristics (higher the better) was formulated as follows.

10 log[ 1n in1

1
s2 i

(i)

Whereas si the assessment signs of the Power and thermal efficiency to the ith time and n is the
repeated experiment number. As SFC and heat rate are the smaller the better quality
characteristics hence calculation of the Smaller the better is formulated as

10 log[ ni in1 s 2i ]

(i)

Actual origin of series and series for evaluation as S o and Si (l) =1, 2, 3, t

where t= No of

experiment to be considered respectively Where l=1, 2, 3.u and no of observation is u.

If the desired objective is to maximize the outputs then the normalization of original sequence is
given as follows.

Si* (l )

S i (l ) S i (l )
max S i (l ) min S i (l )

(ii)

For the objective to minimize the output then smaller the better criterion is as follows,

Si* (l )

max S i (l ) S i (l )
max S i (l ) min S i (l )

(ii)

Now smaller the better is as under,

(a)
(a)
(l ) S
(l )
i
i
S (l )
i
(a)
( a)
max S
(l ) min S
(l )
i
i
max S

S (l ) 1- S i

i
Target Value= OT.

( a)

(ii)

(l ) OT max* max S (l ) OT * OT min S (l )

i
i

(iii)

(a)
(l )
i
S (l )
i
(a )
S
(l )
i
S

(iv)

Equation (iii) depicts original series sequence.

Where S i

l is the actual series S i l the series after data giving out max

biggest value of S i

a
& min S i l the lesser value of S i

S i a l the

As the experimentation was performed on the basis of Gray relational analysis, the GRG for
analyzing the most effective parameter formulation of grey relational coefficient (GRC) is
related as follows:

max

max
oi ( k )

min

0 1

(v)

As min and max are the minimum and maximum values of oj ( k ) sequences. oj ( k ) difference
between the original values and the estimated normalized values of data are quality loss function.
The quality loss function is used to investigate whether a certain feature is lying among a given
exact limits or not.

oi (l )

= Quality Loss [ S l S (l ) ]

Y l 1.00
i

Then GRG is the average of GRC corresponding to the given responses. The overall multiple
response characteristic of a process depends on the calculated GRG, given as follows

in1 i 1
n

1.4 Analysis of variance (ANOVA).

The ANOVA was performed to find out the numerical implication of the performance
affecting optimizing parameters. The results were examined to establish the primary effects of all
the factors, and thus are tabulated by the sum of the squared deviations from the total mean of

the OGRG. It is revealed that input parameter with larger F-value has a significant effect on
multiple output responses.
ANOVA is performed after the analysis of results to approximate the most significant input
parameters which are tabulated on the basis of mentioned formulation. F-value shows the most
significant effect of input parameter on the outputs. [32].

DOF n 1; n number of levels 3.

yi
SST yi 2
n
SSA

A12 A22 A32

3

Where SSA is sum of square of each of factor.

SSE SST SSA SSB SSC SSE Error sum of square
SSE SST SSA SSB SSC SSE Error sum of square

SS

3
)
N ( ) 2
p
i
i 1

SSp is sum of square of process parameters

MSS

Individual sum of square

D.O.F

F value

SS
MSS
p

*100
MSS % Contribution SS
e
T

2. Results and Discussions.

2.1 Output Response based on OA

Table 5 representing the results obtained after experimentation carried out on the basis of
DOE Orthogonal Array. Nine experiments were performed by taking three input variable with
the three different levels to tabulate the output parameters i.e. Horse Power, Heat Rate, SFC and
Thermal efficiency.
Table 5. Experimental Results
Orthogonal Array
Run No
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

A
1
1
1
2
2
2
3
3
3

B
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3

C
1
2
3
2
3
1
3
1
2

Horse
Power

Heat Rate

SFC

th

3725
3629
3850
3501
3436.8
3590
4102
3780
3629

9284
9212
9165
9782
9594
9440
9300
9245
9145

37.5
35.1
36.3
40.1
38.25
37.03
35.67
34.02
36.9

27.41
27.6
28
26.01
25.52
26.7
27.35
26.5
27.83

The experimental results show the output response, which are changing with input
parameters such as ambient temperatures. With the increase of ambient temperature air inlet
density reduces that reduces the mass flow rate and ultimately causes the reduction in horse
power and thermal efficiency [38]. When air inlet filters were replaced, the changes in inlet
pressure of the gas turbine were observed due to the different efficiencies of air inlet filters. This
loss in the input pressure reduces thermal efficiency and increases the SFC. There was loss of
inlet pressure due to selection of inefficient air filters which in turn decreased the density and air
inlet mass. The decreased mass flow rate further reduced the output power and output pressure of
axial compressor. As the exhaust pressure remained unchanged, so the gas turbine pressure ratio
decreased, and ultimately thermal efficiency was also reduced. The decrease in horse power
means the reduction in fuel flow and heat rate caused by the behavioral changes of cartridge
filter. This pressure loss has the same effect as lower barometric pressure. It reduces air inlet
mass, compressor discharge pressure, shaft horse power, and fuel flow rate. Moreover, it has a
secondary effect of making the inlet pressure lower than the exhaust pressure, thus reducing the
engine pressure ratio as well.
The lower pressure ratio causes the reduction in both horse power and thermal efficiency. A
reduction of 1% in engine inlet pressure due to barometric pressure causes exactly a 1%

reduction in output air inlet mass, shaft horse power, compressor discharge pressure, and fuel
flow. However, a reduction of 1% in engine inlet pressure due to inlet duct pressure loss causes a
1% loss of thermal efficiency and almost 2% reduction in power [Give reference please]. Inlet
pressure loss lowers the pressure (and thus the density and mass flow rate) at the air inlet. The
lower mass flow rate lowers output power and compressor discharge pressure, but the exhaust
pressure remains unchanged so the engine pressure ratio and thus thermal efficiency are lowered.
Higher air inlet temperature causes effect on power to be reduced due to low mass flow rate, and
results in increase in fuel consumption and heat rate.
2.2 Grey Taguchi Method
2.2.1 Grey relational generation
As experimental results consist of the different units/dimensions, their comparative analysis
cannot be made. So, it becomes necessary to convert them into non-dimensional values so Grey
relational generation is made [24]. Table 6 shows S/N ratio values in which first two columns
show the higher the better, while negative values of last two columns indicate the characteristics
of smaller the better for the heat rate and SFC.
Table 6. Multi Response S/N Ratio

Experiment No:

Power

Thermal
efficiency

Heat Rate

SFC

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

71.423
71.196
71.709
70.884
70.723
71.102
72.260
71.550
71.196

28.758
28.818
28.943
28.303
28.138
28.530
28.739
28.465
28.890

-79.355
-79.287
-79.243
-79.809
-79.640
-79.499
-79.370
-79.318
-79.224

-31.481
-30.906
-31.198
-32.063
-31.653
-31.371
-31.046
-30.635
-31.341

Average and variance analyses were taken to optimize the performance affecting
parameters. Analysis was performed on the basis of higher the better and smaller the better
criteria for maximizing and minimizing the output parameters such as thermal efficiency, horse

power, heat rate and specific fuel consumption. Normalization of the experimental output data in
comparable units is done through Grey relational generation. [30]

Table 7. Grey Relation Generation of Output Responses

Larger-the-better (Xi*)
Power

Smaller-the-better (Xi*)

Thermal Efficiency

Heat Rate

SFC

0.4332

0.7620

0.7817

0.4276

0.2889

0.83870

0.8948

0.8223

0.6211

0.9686

0.625

0.0965

0.1975

0.2951

0.3042

0.2303

0.4758

0.5368

0.5049

0.7379

0.7566

0.7286

0.5159

0.3951

0.8430

0.2889

0.9314

0.5263

Table 7 shows the range between 0 and 1 which means that normalization of data lies
between the same ranges, and thus the value closer to 1 indicates the better performance.
2.2.2 Evaluation of GRC and Average GRG.
A Grey relational coefficient (GRC) has the ability to build up a relation between the actual
series of sequence and series of sequence formed during the Grey relational generation of the
output normalized data. Grey relational Coefficient is calculated from quality loss function
(QLF). QLF is the direct measure of the level of variation between the original sequences and
comparable sequences [25, 29]
For the optimization there is specific target which needs to be achieved. The target is a
specified upper and lower limit, with the focal point to be the middle point. Table 8 showing the
QLF is measure of level of variation, smaller value indicating an approach towards an ideal
target with smaller loss. So Taguchi QLF gives a good way to analyze the costs associated with

variability even within the limits, and thus leads to the reduction of variability of engine output
characteristics to a specific target value.

Table.8 Taguchi QLF ( ) of each Response

Power

Thermal
Efficiency

HR

SFC

0.5667

0.2379

0.2182

0.5723

0.7110

0.1612

0.1051

0.1776

0.3788

0.0313

0.375

0.9034

0.8024

0.7048

0.6957

0.7696

0.5241

0.4631

0.4950

0.2620

0.2433

0.2713

0.4840

0.6048

0.1569

0.7110

0.06854

0.4736

Conversion of multi objective cases to single objective case can be made through GRC
which is further used to determine the performance affecting parameters [29]
Table 9. Grey Relation Coefficient

Power

Thermal
Efficiency

HR

SFC

0.4687

0.6775

0.6961

0.4662

0.4128

0.7560

0.8261

0.7378

0.5689

0.9409

0.5714

0.3562

0.3839

0.3333

0.3333

0.3333

0.3333

0.4149

0.4181

0.3937

0.4881

0.5191

0.5024

0.6560

0.6726

0.6481

0.5080

0.4525

0.7610

0.4128

0.8794

0.5135

Based on OA and Grey relational coefficient, Grey relational grade is calculated. GRG is
required to give a combination which would be acceptable for all the output parameters to be at
their optimum level. A higher GRG corresponds to a parametric combination closer to the
optimal values, and thus leads to a better performance level [25]. It indicates that the
experimental result is closer to the ideally normalized value.
Table10. OA And Grey Relational Grade

GRG

Run #

T1

Run #

Speed

Run #

Filter Type

0.577

84

15000

Conical

0.683

0.770

0.351705738

0.374951797

0.47590415

0.494230691

0.680425666

0.701451529

84
84
60
60
60
56.6
56.6
56.6

2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3

14700
14400
15500
14700
14400
15000
14700
14400

2
3
2
3
1
3
1
2

Cartridge
Barrier
Cartridge
Barrier
Conical
Barrier
Conical
Cartridge

Statically delta (difference b/w highest and Lowest value) in Grey-Taguchi method
determine the most influencing factor in which most significant factors are classified, and then
multipurpose-optimization problems are shifted into single equivalent optimization problem[25].
2.2.3 Calculation of average GRG.
The effect of input parameters on GRG at different levels is independent of the others
because the experimental design is orthogonal. An average GRG deals with the various types of
parametric combinations to find out the best one, which will give the desired output results

simultaneously. This average GRG calculated for each level of input parameter gives the most
significant level in accordance with multiple responses as summarized in Table 11.

Table 11. Average Grey Relational Grade

Levels

Factors

Sr No:

0.676

0.474

0.577

0.400

0.579

0.578

0.625

0.649

0.546

Delta

0.276

0.174

0.0323

Rank

Figure 3. Graph between average GRG and level of factor

Above graphical response of average GRG of every input parameter at different selected
levels shown in Fig. 3 is used for the selection of best combination of input factors. This

graphical representation gives the information about the more influence of input parameter on
the output results. As the highest point on the graph is temperature rather than speed and air inlet
filter which indicates that inlet temperature is more important and sensitive parameter and thus is
ranked at position 1 in Table 11. It has been proved practically that air inlet temperature is most
significant factor for the process parameters of Gas Turbine [22]. Consequently, the optimal
parametric combination at which the desired output results can be obtained is given as: (A1, B3,
C2 ) = 84 as a temperature, 14400 rpm as a speed, and Barrier as a filter type level.
Air inlet ambient temperature of 84F, GT speed of 14400 rpm and use of cartridge filter
is the optimal combination at which gas turbine offers maximum efficiency and more horse
power, together with decreased heat rate and SFC.

2.3. ANOVA ANALYSIS

Table 12 shows ANOVA analysis, which is performed on statistical problem solving tool
called Minitab 16. This show the most significant factor in the form of relative percentage of
influencing factors to the variation of output results, and thus interprets the most significant input
parameter of optimal combination [32].
Table.12 ANOVA ANALYSIS

Levels
2

DOF

0.67920

0.40085

0.625369

Sum of
square
(SS)
0.1307840

0.47437

0.57954

0.64922

0.57783

0.57884

0.54500

Factors

Error

Total

Mean
square (MSS)

F-value

Contribution (%)

0.0653920

0.0326960

72.8615%

0.0464891

0.0232445

0.011622

25.899%

0.0022233

0.0011116

0.0005558

1.23868%

0.1794966

0.0897483

0.0448741

100%

From ANOVA analysis, Table 12 reveals that the factor A Air inlet temperature with
72.9% is the most significant factor for the optimization of Gas turbine, while turbine speed

contributes 25.9% to optimization. Air inlet filter shares only about 1.2% in optimization of GT,
which has obviously very limited impact on performance of turbine.

Figure 4. ANOVA analysis of optimal combination

2.4 Confirmation of Experimentation

After identifying the optimal level of input parameters the main step was to verify and
validate the responses using the obtained process parameters [40]. A1B3C2 optimal parameters
were used for the confirmation of experiment. Results obtained from the experiment are shown
in Table 13. These results show that a combination of Temperature of 84F and speed of 14400
rpm along with cartridge filters offers sufficient power. With the increase in speed, the power
also increases because air inlet ambient temperature is lower which means air entering the axial
flow compressor is dense and has large air volume. From the ANOVA analysis it is clear that the
optimal parameter air inlet filter has very minimum impact, while the cartridge filter causes no
pressure losses, thus pressure ratio as a whole remained same leading to no significant impact on
thermal efficiency of turbine. Gas Turbine is not consuming the much fuel due to the lower
ambient temperature. It is evident that Grey-taguchi method improves multiple responses in the
Optimization of gas turbine performance parameters.

Table 13.Validation of Taguchi Analysis Via Experimentation

Control
Factors

Input
parameter

A1
B3

84
14400

C2

Cartridge

Experimental output
POWER

Heat Rate

SFC

Thermal efficiency

3990Hp

9130 BTU/hp-hr

35lbm/hp-hr

27.78

3. Conclusion
In this study, grey-Taguchi method was applied to optimize the performance parameters
of Gas turbine. The impact of process parameters including inlet temperature, type of air inlet
filters and rotor speed on power, heat rate, SFC and thermal efficiency was investigated.
Following are the key findings of the study:

Taguchi method can be recommended in a sense to optimize the multi objective

response variable to single objective solution in gas turbine industry.

DOE was based on L9 OA after that calculation of GRG based on GRC converted
multi objective variable into single objective response which also showed ranked
wise impact of optimal input parameters

ANOVA analysis revealed that Air inlet filters has only 1.2% impact on the
performance of Gas Turbine, which are due to the differential of air inlet filters
counts.

The experimental result showed that the most significant factor is air inlet ambient
temperature with 72.9 % influence on the optimization.

Average GRG was established to convert multi objective variable into single
objective variable and optimal combination of multi response was obtained in
terms of 84F, 14400 rpm and cartridge filter. The said combination is expected to

achieve the optimized performance in terms of higher thermal efficiency, higher

horse power and lower heat rate SFC.

ANOVA analysis confirmed that air inlet temperature was the most significant
factor with 72.9% contribution, while speed was found to be the secondary factor
a contribution of 25. 9% to the optimization.

Experimental validation was performed through the input optimized parameter

resulted from GRG method.

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