University of Notre Dame Turbomachinery Lab

The nation’s largest university turbomachinery lab was constructed on the site of Studebaker Motor Company in South Bend, IN.

Location

South Bend, IN

Industry

Central Energy & Utilities

Services Provided

Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Utility Generation & Distribution

Challenge

The University of Notre Dame commissioned KFI Engineers to design the entire mechanical and electrical power distribution system for their new turbomachinery laboratory.

Approach

New 10MVA substation, relay protection, and 6MVA of regenerative braking from test cell turbines to be paralleled back into the medium voltage bus
15,900 HP of compressors and vacuum pumps, with custom-designed ductwork, silencers, and safety features able to accommodate mach 0.3 and vacuums approaching 4 psia, and capable of moving over 40 lbm/s of air
Closed-circuit, 3600-ton mechanical cooling system
Compressed air temperatures of up to 1200°F
Procurement of all major electrical gear and mechanical equipment
Design of cooling plant station control system
Complete process project management and scheduling

Outcome

This research turbomachinery testing facility advances the technology of large gas turbines used in aircraft, power plants, and oil and gas industry applications.