Probe-based circumferential traverse system

Abstract

A traverse mechanism for measuring flow characteristics in a fluid flow path is provided. The traverse mechanism includes a rotating member configured to rotate 360 degrees in a circumferential direction about an axis. The traverse mechanism also includes a probe coupled to the rotating member. The probe extends in a radial direction through a portion of the rotating member into the fluid flow path relative to the axis. Rotation of the rotating member enables the probe to map or measure one or more flow characteristics in the fluid flow path 360 degrees in the circumferential direction about the axis.

Description

Background Art

[0001] The subject matter disclosed herein relates to traverse systems, and more particularly to circumferential traverse systems.

[0002] A traversing system including a probe is used to measure various flow characteristics in a flow field of a turbomachine (e.g., a gas turbine engine, a compressor, etc.) during testing (e.g., prototype testing). For example, total pressure, static pressure, temperature, flow angle, velocity components, and / or other flow characteristics can be obtained from the traversing system via mapping or measurement. However, existing traversing systems do not provide a full-area mapping mechanism. Specifically, existing traversing systems are limited in circumferential scanning (e.g., covering an area of ​​40 to 60 degrees in the circumferential direction). Typically, a setup of multiple probes and / or multiple mechanisms or systems is required to measure a 360-degree area. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The following summarizes certain embodiments that are comparable in scope to the initially claimed subject matter. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter, but rather, these embodiments are intended only to provide a brief overview of possible forms of the subject matter. Indeed, the subject matter may encompass various forms that may be similar or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0004] In a first embodiment, a traversing mechanism is provided for measuring flow characteristics in a fluid flow path. The traversing mechanism includes a rotating member configured to rotate 360 ​​degrees circumferentially about an axis. The traversing mechanism also includes a probe coupled to the rotating member. The probe extends radially relative to the axis through a portion of the rotating member into the fluid flow path. Rotation of the rotating member enables the probe to map or measure one or more flow characteristics in the fluid flow path 360 degrees circumferentially about the axis.

[0005] In a second embodiment, a traversing mechanism is provided for measuring flow characteristics in a fluid flow path of a portion of a turbine. The traversing mechanism includes a first flange, a second flange, and an annular plate disposed between the first and second flanges. The traversing mechanism also includes a gear disposed around the annular plate and configured to rotate the annular plate 360 ​​degrees around an axis in a circumferential direction relative to the first and second flanges upon actuation. The traversing mechanism also includes a probe coupled to the annular plate. The probe extends through a portion of the annular plate in a radial direction relative to the axis into the fluid flow path. Rotation of the annular plate enables the probe to map or measure one or more flow characteristics in the fluid flow path 360 degrees around the axis in a circumferential direction.

[0006] In a third embodiment, a traversing mechanism is provided for measuring flow characteristics in a fluid flow path. The traversing mechanism includes a fixed component and a rotating component, the rotating component being configured to rotate around an axis in a circumferential direction relative to the fixed component. The traversing mechanism also includes an anti-friction bearing system, which is arranged between the fixed component and the rotating component to facilitate rotation. The traversing mechanism also includes a sealing system, which is arranged between the fixed component and the rotating component to prevent fluid from leaking from the traversing mechanism. The traversing mechanism also includes a probe coupled to the fixed component. Rotation of the rotating component enables the probe to map or measure one or more flow characteristics in the fluid flow path 360 degrees around the axis in a circumferential direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present subject matter will be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like characters represent like parts throughout, and in which:

[0008] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a turbine having a probe-based traverse system (e.g., a circumferential traverse system);

[0009] Figure 2 Yes Figure 1 a cross-sectional side view of the illustrated embodiment of the turbine;

[0010] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a traversing mechanism of a circumferential traversing system;

[0011] Figure 4 It is captured within line 4-4 Figure 3 a cross-sectional side view of a portion of the traverse mechanism;

[0012] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a gear disposed around an annular plate of a traversing mechanism;

[0013] Figure 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a portion of a traversing mechanism having a probe;

[0014] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a traverse mechanism coupled to a portion of a turbine; and

[0015] Figure 8 is connected to Figure 7 Cross-sectional view of the traverse mechanism in a section of the turbine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] One or more specific embodiments of the subject matter of the present invention will be described below. In order to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation may be described in the specification. It should be understood that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, many implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as complying with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from implementation to implementation. Furthermore, it should be understood that such development work may be complex and time-consuming, but remains a routine task for design, fabrication, and manufacturing for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0017] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present subject matter, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0018] Embodiments of the present disclosure include a traversing mechanism or system (e.g., a circumferential traversing mechanism or system) that provides 360-degree circumferential motion of a probe. The traversing mechanism can be coupled to or along different components of a turbine (e.g., a gas turbine engine, a compressor, etc.) to measure or map flow characteristics. The traversing mechanism includes appropriate seals (e.g., anti-friction bearings, seals, etc.) so that a single probe coupled to the traversing mechanism can perform area mapping or measurement of an entire 360-degree area (e.g., in a circumferential direction relative to an axial point along a longitudinal axis). Specifically, flow characteristics, such as total pressure, static pressure, temperature, flow angle, velocity components, can be measured in a fluid flow path or fluid flow field around the entire 360-degree area. In certain embodiments, multiple probes can be coupled to the traversing mechanism.

[0019] Go to the attached figure, Figure 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a turbomachine 10 (eg, a gas turbine engine 11). For reference, the gas turbine engine 11 may be axially oriented in an axial direction 30 (eg, relative to a longitudinal axis 36 of the gas turbine engine 11, see Figure 2), radial directions 32 toward or away from a longitudinal axis 36, and circumferential directions 34 about the longitudinal axis 36. The disclosed turbine system 10 employs a probe-based traverse system (e.g., a circumferential traverse system) 13. As described in more detail below, the probe-based traverse system 13 enables mapping or measuring one or more flow characteristics in a fluid flow path or fluid flow field 360 about the axis in the circumferential direction 34. The flow characteristics may include total pressure, static pressure, temperature, flow angle, and / or velocity components. Although reference is made to a gas turbine engine in the following disclosure, the probe-based traverse system may be used with any turbomachine (e.g., a gas turbine engine, a steam turbine engine, a compressor, or any other type of rotating machine).

[0020] The gas turbine engine 11 can be driven using liquid or gaseous fuels such as natural gas and / or syngas. As depicted, one or more fuel nozzles 12 admit a fuel supply 14, partially mix the fuel with air, and distribute the fuel and air-fuel mixture to a combustor 16, where further mixing occurs between the fuel and air. The air-fuel mixture is burned in a chamber within the combustor 16, producing hot, pressurized exhaust gas. The combustor 16 directs the exhaust gas through a turbine 18 toward an exhaust outlet 20. As the exhaust gas passes through the turbine 18, it forces turbine blades to rotate a shaft 22 along the axis of the gas turbine engine 11. As shown, the shaft 22 is connected to various components of the gas turbine engine 11, including a compressor 24. The compressor 24 also includes blades coupled to the shaft 22. As the shaft 22 rotates, the blades within the compressor 24 also rotate, thereby compressing air from an air intake 26 through the compressor 24 and delivering the compressed air to the fuel nozzles 12 and / or combustor 16. The shaft 22 may also be connected to a load 28 , which may be a vehicle or a stationary load such as a generator in a power plant or a propeller on an aircraft. The load 28 may include any suitable device capable of being powered by the rotational output of the gas turbine engine 11 .

[0021] The probe-based traverse system 13 discussed below may be coupled to various components (e.g., the compressor 24, the turbine 18, etc.) of the gas turbine engine 11. For example, the probe-based traverse system 13 may be coupled between stages of the compressor 24, directly downstream of the compressor 24, between stages of the turbine 18, and / or directly downstream of the turbine 18 upstream of the exhaust outlet or stack.

[0022] Figure 2 Yes Figure 1A cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the gas turbine engine 11 is shown. The gas turbine engine 11 has a longitudinal axis 36. In operation, air enters the gas turbine engine 11 through the air intake 26 and is pressurized in the compressor 24. The compressed air is then mixed with gas for combustion within the combustor 16. For example, the fuel nozzles 12 can inject the fuel-air mixture into the combustor 16 at a suitable ratio to achieve optimal combustion, emissions, fuel consumption, and power output. The combustion produces pressurized hot exhaust gas, which then drives turbine blades 38 in the turbine 18 to rotate the shaft 22 and, therefore, the compressor 24 and the load. The rotation of the turbine blades 38 causes the shaft 22 to rotate, causing blades 40 (e.g., compressor blades) within the compressor 24 to draw in and pressurize the air received by the air intake 26.

[0023] Figure 3 and Figure 4 yes Figure 1 1 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a traversing mechanism 42 (e.g., a circumferential traversing mechanism) of a circumferential traversing system 13. The traversing mechanism 42 includes a first flange 44, a second flange 46, and an annular plate 48 (e.g., a rotating member or a center plate). The first flange 44 and the second flange 46 each include a flange portion 50 and a neck portion 52. The flange portions 50 of the flanges 44, 46 are coupled to and flanked by the annular plate 48. When the traversing mechanism 42 is coupled to a component of a turbine, the neck portion 52 and the inner surface of the annular plate 48 define a fluid flow path 54 through the traversing mechanism 42. The ends 56 of the flanges 44, 46 are each configured to couple to a component of a turbine. In certain embodiments, the flanges 44, 46 may form a portion of a turbine. The traversing mechanism 42 also includes a first clamping plate 58 and a second clamping plate 60. The clamping plates 58, 60 are coupled to and flank the flange portions 50 of the flanges 44, 46 to hold the flange portions 50 against or adjacent the annular plate 48 (e.g., the sides of the annular plate 48). Portions 62 of the clamping plates 58, 60 abut the annular plate 48 (e.g., the sides of the annular plate 48) and are coupled to the annular plate 48 via fasteners 64 (e.g., nuts and bolts).

[0024] The traversing mechanism 42 includes a gear 66 coupled to and configured to drive the annular plate 48 to rotate 360 ​​degrees about the axis 36 in the circumferential direction 34. As shown, the gear 66 and the annular plate 48 are separate pieces. In certain embodiments, the gear 66 and the annular plate 48 may be integral pieces. The flanges 44, 46 form a fixed component 68 of the traversing mechanism 42. The annular plate 48, the clamping plates 58, 60, and the gear 66 form a rotating component 70 of the traversing mechanism 42. The rotating component 70 rotates relative to the fixed component 68 in the circumferential direction 34. An actuating mechanism 72 (e.g., a gear, a motor such as a stepper motor, etc.) interfaces with the gear 66 (e.g., the teeth of the gear 66) and actuates or drives the rotation of the gear 66, and thereby actuates or drives the rotating component 70.

[0025] The traversing mechanism 42 further includes one or more probes 74. The number of the probes 74 can range from one to five or more. The probes 74 extend radially 32 through the annular member 48 into the fluid flow path 54. The probes 74 map or measure one or more flow characteristics in the fluid flow path 54. These flow characteristics may include total pressure, static pressure, temperature, flow angle, velocity component, and / or other flow characteristics. Rotation of the annular plate 48 rotates the probes 74 and enables a single probe 74 (or each probe 74) to map or measure (e.g., over a 360-degree area) one or more flow characteristics in the circumferential direction 34 about the axis 36.

[0026] The traversing mechanism 42 further includes a sealing system 76 and an anti-load system 78. The sealing system 76 prevents fluid from leaking through the traversing mechanism 42 (e.g., specifically the annular plate 48 and the flanges 44, 46 coupled thereto). The sealing system 76 includes a first sealing mechanism 80 disposed between the flange portion 52 of the first flange 44 and the annular plate 48, and a second sealing mechanism 82 disposed between the flange portion 52 of the second flange 46 and the annular plate 48. Each sealing mechanism 80, 82 includes at least one seal 84 (e.g., an O-ring). The number of seals 84 in each sealing mechanism 80, 82 can range from one to three or more seals 84. As shown, the first sealing mechanism 80 includes O-rings 86, 88 arranged concentrically (e.g., about the same axial point relative to the axis 36), with the O-ring 88 disposed radially closer to the fluid flow path 54 than the O-ring 86. Second sealing mechanism 82 includes O-rings 90, 92 concentrically arranged (e.g., about the same axial point relative to axis 36), with O-ring 92 disposed radially 32 closer to fluid flow path 54 than O-ring 90. O-rings 86, 88, 90, 92 extend 360 degrees in circumferential direction 34 about axis 36.

[0027] The anti-load bearing system 78 enables the rotating component 70 (e.g., the clamping plates 58, 60) to rotate relative to the stationary component 68 (e.g., the flange portions 52 of the flanges 44, 46) while reducing wear between the components 68, 70. The anti-load bearing system 78 includes a first set of bearings 94 (e.g., thermoplastic polymer O-rings, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) O-rings) disposed between the first clamping plate 58 and the flange portion 52 of the first flange 44. The anti-load bearing system 78 also includes a second set of bearings 96 (e.g., thermoplastic polymer O-rings, such as PTFE O-rings) disposed between the second clamping plate 60 and the flange portion 52 of the second flange 50. As shown, the number of bearings in each set of bearings can vary from one to three or more bearings. As depicted, the first set of bearings 94 includes O-rings 98, 100 in a concentric arrangement (e.g., about the same axial point relative to the axis 36), with O-ring 100 disposed radially 32 closer to the fluid flow path 54 than O-ring 98. The second set of bearings 96 includes O-rings 102, 104 in a concentric arrangement (e.g., about the same axial point relative to the axis 36), with O-ring 104 disposed radially 32 closer to the fluid flow path 54 than O-ring 102.

[0028] The controller 106 is communicatively coupled to (e.g., transmits data, receives, and gives instructions to) the actuator 72 and the probe 74 via a wired or wireless interface. The controller 106 can control the rotation of the annular plate 48 and, therefore, the probe 74 and the mapping and / or measurement of the probe 74. The controller 106 has a processor 108 and a memory 110 (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium / memory circuit system) communicatively coupled to the processor 108, the memory storing one or more sets of instructions (e.g., processor-executable instructions) that are implemented to perform operations related to the traverse system 13. More specifically, the memory 110 can include volatile memory such as random access memory (RAM), and / or non-volatile memory such as read-only memory (ROM), an optical drive, a hard drive, or a solid-state drive. In addition, the processor 108 can include one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), one or more general-purpose processors, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, the term processor is not limited to those integrated circuits known in the art as processors, but refers broadly to computers, processors, microcontrollers, microcomputers, programmable logic controllers, application specific integrated circuits, and other programmable circuits.

[0029] Figure 5is a perspective view of an embodiment of a gear 66 disposed about an annular plate 48 of the traversing mechanism. As depicted, the gear 66 is disposed 360 degrees circumferentially 34 about the outer edge of the annular plate 48. The gear 66 includes teeth 112 for engaging with an actuating mechanism (e.g., a motor, a gear, etc.), which drives the gear 66 to rotate and, thereby, the annular plate 48. The gear 66 also includes one or more ports 114 (aligned with corresponding ports on the annular plate 48) for receiving probes within the fluid flow path. The ports 114 are spaced 34 apart circumferentially about the gear 66. In some embodiments, a single port 114 for a single probe may be utilized. In other embodiments, multiple ports 114 for multiple corresponding probes may be utilized.

[0030] Figure 6 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a portion of a traversing mechanism 42 having a probe 74 (e.g., a single probe 74). As shown, the traversing mechanism is coupled to a component 116 of a turbine (e.g., a turbine). The probe 74 is disposed in the fluid flow path 54 via an annular plate 48. As shown, the flange 44 forms a portion of the component 116 of the turbine (e.g., a housing). An actuating mechanism 118 is coupled to the probe 74 to insert the probe 74 into the annular plate 48 and the fluid flow path 54 and to remove the probe from the annular plate 48 and the fluid flow path 54 in a radial direction 32. During rotation of the annular plate 48, the actuating mechanism is not coupled to the probe 74, thereby enabling the probe 74 to rotate circumferentially 34. In certain embodiments, the actuating mechanism 118 can rotate together with the probe 74.

[0031] Figure 7 and Figure 8 FIG2 is a diagram of traverse mechanism 42 coupled to a portion of turbine 120. As depicted, turbine 120 includes turbine wheel 122 and exhaust stack 124. As shown, flanges 44, 46 and annular plate 48 define a portion of fluid flow path 54. Additionally, flanges 44, 46 form a portion of turbine 120.

[0032] Technical effects of the disclosed embodiments include providing a traversing mechanism that enables one or more probes to circumferentially traverse a fluid flow path (e.g., a component of a turbine). This enables mapping or measuring one or more fluid flow characteristics around a 360-degree area within the fluid flow path using a single setup.

[0033] This written description uses examples to disclose the subject matter, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the subject matter, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the subject matter is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

[0034] The technology presented and claimed herein is cited and applied to material objects and specific examples of a practical nature which significantly advance the art and which are therefore not abstract, intangible or purely theoretical.

Claims

1. A traversing mechanism for measuring flow characteristics in a fluid flow path, comprising: a rotating member configured to rotate 360 ​​degrees around an axis in a circumferential direction; a first flange and a second flange coupled to and flanking the rotating member to define the fluid flow path, first and second clamping plates coupled to and flanking the first and second flanges and the rotating member, wherein the first and second clamping plates are configured to hold the first and second flanges adjacent to the rotating member; and a probe coupled to the rotating member, wherein the probe extends in a radial direction relative to the axis through a portion of the rotating member into the fluid flow path; The rotation of the rotating member enables the probe to map or measure one or more flow characteristics in the fluid flow path 360 degrees around the axis in the circumferential direction.

2. The traversing mechanism according to claim 1, comprising a first sealing mechanism and a second sealing mechanism, wherein the first sealing mechanism is provided between the first flange and the rotating member, and the second sealing mechanism is located between the second flange and the rotating member to prevent fluid from leaking from the traversing mechanism. 3 . The traversing mechanism according to claim 2 , wherein the first sealing mechanism and the second sealing mechanism each comprise at least one O-ring.

4. The traverse mechanism according to claim 1 comprises at least one anti-friction bearing, wherein the at least one anti-friction bearing is arranged between the first clamping plate and the first flange, and at least one anti-friction bearing is arranged between the second clamping plate and the second flange, wherein the anti-friction bearing is configured to facilitate the rotation of the first clamping plate, the rotating member and the second clamping plate relative to the first flange and the second flange.

5. The traverse mechanism of claim 4, wherein the anti-friction bearing comprises a polytetrafluoroethylene O-ring.

6. The traversing mechanism of claim 1, comprising gears disposed circumferentially around the rotating member, wherein actuation of the gears is configured to rotate the rotating member and the probe.

7. The traversing mechanism according to claim 6, comprising an actuating mechanism for actuating the rotation of the gear.

8. The traverse mechanism of claim 1, wherein the traverse mechanism is configured to be coupled to a portion of a turbine.

9. A traversing mechanism for measuring flow characteristics in a fluid flow path of a portion of a turbine, comprising: first flange; a second flange; an annular plate disposed between the first flange and the second flange; a gear disposed about the annular plate and configured to rotate the annular plate 360 ​​degrees about an axis in a circumferential direction relative to the first and second flanges when actuated; and a probe coupled to the annular plate, wherein the probe extends in a radial direction relative to the axis through a portion of the annular plate into the fluid flow path; Rotation of the annular plate enables the probe to map or measure one or more flow characteristics in the fluid flow path 360 degrees around the axis in the circumferential direction.

10. The traversing mechanism of claim 9, wherein the first flange comprises a first flange portion and a first neck portion, and the second flange comprises a second flange portion and a second neck portion, and wherein the first flange portion and the second flange portion are coupled to the annular plate, and the first flange portion and the second flange portion are configured to couple to the portion of the turbine.

11. The traversing mechanism according to claim 9, comprising a sealing system provided between the first and second flanges and the annular plate to prevent leakage of fluid from the traversing mechanism.

12. The traversing mechanism of claim 11, wherein the sealing system comprises a first set of O-rings disposed between the first flange and the annular plate and a second set of O-rings disposed between the second flange and the annular plate.

13. The traverse mechanism of claim 12, wherein the first set of O-rings includes a first O-ring and a second O-ring concentrically arranged relative to the axis, and the second set of O-rings includes a third O-ring and a fourth O-ring concentrically arranged relative to the axis.

14. The traverse mechanism of claim 9, comprising an anti-friction bearing system configured to facilitate rotation of a rotating member relative to the first and second flanges, the rotating member configured to rotate 360 ​​degrees about an axis in the circumferential direction.

15. The traversing mechanism of claim 14, comprising first and second clamping plates coupled to and flanking the first and second flanges.

16. The traverse mechanism of claim 15, wherein the anti-friction bearing system comprises a first set of thermoplastic polymer O-rings disposed between the first clamping plate and the first flange and a second set of thermoplastic polymer O-rings disposed between the second clamping plate and the second flange.

17. The traverse mechanism of claim 16, wherein the first set of thermoplastic O-rings includes a first thermoplastic O-ring and a second thermoplastic O-ring concentrically arranged relative to the axis, and the first set of thermoplastic O-rings includes a third thermoplastic O-ring and a fourth thermoplastic O-ring concentrically arranged relative to the axis.

18. A traversing mechanism for measuring flow characteristics in a fluid flow path, comprising: Fixed components; a rotating member configured to rotate about an axis in a circumferential direction relative to the stationary member; a first flange and a second flange coupled to and flanking the rotating component to define the fluid flow path, first and second clamping plates coupled to and flanking the first and second flanges and the rotating component, wherein the first and second clamping plates are configured to hold the first and second flanges adjacent the rotating component; an anti-friction bearing system disposed between the stationary component and the rotating component to facilitate rotation; a sealing system disposed between the fixed component and the rotating component to prevent fluid leakage from the traversing mechanism; and A probe is coupled to the stationary component, wherein rotation of the rotating component enables the probe to map or measure one or more flow characteristics in the fluid flow path 360 degrees around the axis in the circumferential direction.

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