Active stabilization of surge in axial flow compressor using optimal LQR control approach

This paper describes the active stabilization of surge in axial flow compressors using optimal LQR control approach. In this study, the compression system is modeled using a stage-by-stage nonlinear modeling based on the conservation equations of mass, momentum and energy. By linearizing the compressor flow model at each steady state point, the small perturbation system matrices are obtained and the unstable region for the compressor flow is then identified using an eigenvalue analysis. The results obtained using this approach are also compared with experimental data in order to demonstrate the ability of the method. Finally, an optimal LQR controller is designed based on the developed model in order to stabilize the compressor flow beyond the surge point. The results obtained using a computer simulation show the effectiveness of the approach where the unstable compressor flow is stabilized using actively controlled bleed actuation.