Compressed air system

High-pressure air compressor system (25 kilograms per second; 45 bar; 12.5 megawatts)
The compressed air system at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) Cologne site can be used for various purposes thanks to its unique design, consisting of several compressors, compressed air storage systems and compressed air dryers.
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Supply infrastructure to the test benches
The compressed air system at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) Cologne site can be used for various purposes thanks to its unique design, consisting of several compressors, compressed air storage systems and compressed air dryers. The compressors’ extensive piping system allows for highly variable operation – in suction mode, cycle mode or compression mode – depending on what is required.
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Change-over valve
Change-over valve for 5- or 6-stage operation of the high-pressure air compressor system.
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The compressed air system at the German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) Cologne site can be used for various purposes thanks to its unique design, consisting of several compressors, compressed air storage systems and compressed air dryers. The compressors' extensive piping system allows for highly variable operation – in suction mode, cycle mode or compression mode – depending on what is required.

By using the compressors in parallel, the system can simulate operating conditions with low pressure (including negative pressure) and high flow volume. When the compressors are operated in series, the system can supply very high pressures. All of the compressors are designed to support the largest possible range of flow rates and pressures.

Strong air supply for wind tunnels and combustion chambers

The system is mainly used to supply the high-pressure combustion chamber test rigs at the DLR Institute of Propulsion Technology and the wind tunnels at the DLR Institute of Aerodynamics and Flow Technology. As such, this facility supports the institutes' diverse and growing body of research and associated challenges.

The Institute of Combustion Technology operates in connection with the high-pressure combustion chamber testing facilities at the Institute of Propulsion Technology and other media supply systems. For internal and external partners in the aviation and energy technology sectors, the Institute of Combustion Technology offers a unique testing infrastructure for researching combustion chambers under realistic operating conditions in terms of pressure and temperature in a range of performance classes.

Contact

Volker Speelmann

Head of Research Infrastructures
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Executive Board department for Innovation, Transfer and Research Infrastructure
Linder Höhe, 51147 Cologne

Martin Hirth

Site Manager
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Media Supply