Smart Lube Systems for Gas Turbine Engines

Presently, the typical gas turbine based power generator relies on a large, expensive skid system to provide lubrication to the bearings. These skids consist of a large number of expensive components, many of which require maintenance that drives operating cost and creates environmental hazards. A smart lube system based on recently developed technology enables dramatic simplification and cost reduction of the skid system and significantly reduces oil consumption along with the frequency and cost of maintenance. Such a system would take advantage of the availability of advanced pump system controls and fluid nozzle technology to drastically reduce the quantity of oil required, and the resultant heat rejection. As a result, the sizes of reservoir, cooler, filter and piping are greatly reduced. The cost of components, support equipment and maintenance activities will also be reduced to a fraction of their present values.