Managing Maintenance and Operational Availability of Gas Turbine Propelled Naval Ships Through Advanced Engine Fault Diagnostics

A marine engineer is often confronted with the problem of repairs/maintenance at sea. However, an advance warning of the impending problem can greatly help in scheduling maintenance more efficiently by storing appropriate spares and positioning suitable expertise. The ability to predict the remaining operational life of marine gas turbine engines is considered as an essential requirement for future generation diagnostic systems. Engine deterioration modeling provides the means to estimate economic implications of engine degradation, essential for operational and logistics planning. This paper presents the development of a performance analysis and advanced engine fault diagnostics model for the Rolls-Royce Intercooled-Recuperated WR-21 gas turbine using Artificial Intelligence techniques. It also shows how these innovative solutions have the potential to influence the maintenance philosophy and optimal composition of crew.