Dresser-Rand Team: Claire Dudek, Bailey Vaillancourt, Julieanna Niu
2015-2016: In collaboration with Dresser-Rand, this student team designed a movable inlet guide vane (MIGV) system for the centrifugal compressor test rig located at the Dresser-Rand facility in Olean, NY. MIGVs are one method for controlling the flow that enters the impeller of the compressor, and thus enable more flexibility in the test conditions and performance of the test rig.
After establishing the key design requirements, the team conducted a comprehensive concept generation and selection process for the vane turning mechanism. The team then refined the selected design idea through mathematical analyses and 3D printed prototypes and modified it for straightforward assembly. The team also selected a control mechanism from currently available technology, and integrated the vane turning mechanism and control mechanism together. The team prepared an FMEA and manufacturing tolerance analysis for the system and verified that their proposed solution met the design requirements.
The team delivered their CAD drawings, a 3D printed prototype, a bill of materials and cost estimates, an assembly manual, and recommendations for further development to their Dresser-Rand liaisons.