Impact insert with spring element for hot gas path components

Abstract

The present invention discloses an impact insert (180) for a HGP component (122), which may include a hollow body (190) having a longitudinal extent, an outer surface (192), and inner surfaces (184, 194). The hollow body (190) may include: a first sidewall (200); a second sidewall (202) that is adjacent to the first sidewall (200) at a first end (204, 232) of each, and the second sidewall (202) is capable of moving flexibly relative to the first sidewall (200). A spring element (210) is adjacent to a second end (212, 252) of each of the first sidewall (200) and the second sidewall (202), and extends along at least a portion of the longitudinal extent of the hollow body (190) and extends into the hollow body (190) between the first sidewall (200) and the second sidewall (202). The spring element (210) biases the sidewalls (200, 202) from a compressed position of the hollow body (190) to an expanded position. Cooling channels (220) pass between the outer surface (192) and the inner surfaces (184, 194) of the hollow body (190) in both sidewalls (200, 202).

Description

Background Art

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to turbomachinery and, more particularly, to an impingement insert for a hot gas path (HGP) component that includes a spring element that allows its hollow body to move between a compressed position and an expanded position.

[0002] An impingement insert or sleeve includes a hollow body that has cooling channels in its walls that allow coolant to be delivered through the cooling channels to impinge or strike on a surface to be cooled. The impingement insert is used in various HGP components in turbomachinery to increase the cooling performance of the cooling circuits therein. One metric of the cooling performance of the insert is the Z / D parameter, which is the ratio of the distance D between the insert and the inner surface of the HGP component to the diameter D of the cooling channels (holes) in the impingement insert. The Z / D parameter value of the insert is typically designed to be within a desired range that results in better cooling performance. One challenge with impingement inserts is positioning the impingement insert within a cavity in a formed HGP component and also positioning the insert close enough to allow high cooling performance, i.e., observed through a lower Z / D parameter. One approach includes providing the impingement insert in multiple flexible longitudinal sections to make it easier to insert them into the HGP component. However, having to position and join multiple insert sections together in sequence or joining them to the HGP component increases the complexity, time, and cost of manufacturing. The flexible impingement insert sections also do not provide an abutting element around their perimeter (i.e., laterally (in cross-section)), which can detract from the cooling performance at their discontinuities. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides an impingement insert for a hot gas path (HGP) component, the impingement insert including: a hollow body having a longitudinal extent, an outer surface, and an inner surface, the hollow body further including: a first sidewall; a second sidewall that abuts the first sidewall at a first end of each, the second sidewall being configured to be movably flexible relative to the first sidewall; and a spring element that abuts a second end of each of the first sidewall and the second sidewall, the spring element extending along at least a portion of the longitudinal extent of the hollow body and extending into the hollow body to be located between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, the spring element biasing the first sidewall and the second sidewall from a compressed position of the hollow body to an expanded position of the hollow body; and a plurality of cooling channels in at least the first sidewall and the second sidewall, the plurality of cooling channels passing between the outer surface and the inner surface of the hollow body.

[0004] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a hot gas path (HGP) component, comprising: a component body having a hollow cavity therein; an impact insert for being installed in the hollow cavity, the impact insert comprising: a hollow body having a longitudinal extent, an outer surface and an inner surface, the hollow body further comprising: a first sidewall; a second sidewall adjacent to the first sidewall at a first end of each, the second sidewall being configured to be movable flexibly relative to the first sidewall; and a spring element adjacent to a second end of each of the first sidewall and the second sidewall, the spring element extending along at least a portion of the longitudinal extent of the hollow body and extending into the hollow body to be located between the first sidewall and the second sidewall, the spring element biasing the first sidewall and the second sidewall from a compressed position of the hollow body to an expanded position of the hollow body; and a plurality of cooling channels in at least the first sidewall and the second sidewall, the plurality of cooling channels passing between the outer surface and the inner surface of the hollow body.

[0005] Exemplary aspects of the present disclosure are designed to address the problems described herein and / or other problems not discussed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] These and other features of the present disclosure will be more readily understood from the following detailed description of various aspects of the present disclosure in conjunction with the drawings depicting the various embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein:

[0007] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an exemplary gas turbine system is shown.

[0008] Figure 2 Shows that can be associated with Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary gas turbine assembly with three-stage nozzles that can be used with the GT system in

[0009] Figure 3 A perspective view of a turbine rotor blade of the type that can employ an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0010] Figure 4 A perspective view of a turbine nozzle or blade of the type that can employ an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0011] Figure 5 A top view of an HGP component including an impact sleeve having a spring element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0012] Figure 6 A perspective view of an impact insert having a spring element according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0013] Figure 7 Shows Figure 6Top view of the impact insert.

[0014] Figure 8 Shows Figure 6 Side view of the impact insert.

[0015] Figure 9 Shows an enlarged top partial cross-sectional view of a spring element according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 10 Shows an enlarged top partial cross-sectional view of a spring element according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 11 Shows an enlarged side partial cross-sectional view of a closure for an impact insert in a compressed position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 12 Shows an enlarged side partial cross-sectional view of a closure for an impact insert from Figure 11 in an extended position according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 13 Shows a top view of a cover for an impact insert according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 14 Shows a top view of a cover for an impact insert according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 15 Shows a top view of an impact insert in a compressed position for insertion into an HGP component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 16 Shows a top view of an impact insert and an HGP component from Figure 15 in an extended (and installed) position in an HGP component according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] It should be noted that the drawings of the present disclosure are not necessarily drawn to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the present disclosure and should not therefore be considered as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In the drawings, like numbers represent like elements between the drawings. Detailed Description

[0024] As an initial matter, in order to clearly describe the present disclosure, it will be necessary to select certain terms when referring to and describing relevant machine components within, for example, a turbine. In doing so, where possible, common industry terms will be used and adopted in a manner consistent with their accepted meanings. Unless otherwise indicated, such terms should be given a broad interpretation consistent with the context of the present application and the scope of the appended claims. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that several different or overlapping terms may typically be used to refer to a particular component. An object that may be described herein as a single part may include multiple components and in another context be referred to as being composed of multiple components. Alternatively, an object that may be described herein as including multiple components may elsewhere be referred to as a single part.

[0025] In addition, several descriptive terms may be regularly used herein, and it should prove helpful to define these terms at the beginning of this section. Unless otherwise indicated, these terms and their definitions are as follows. As used herein, "downstream" and "upstream" are terms indicating direction relative to the direction of fluid flow, such as the working fluid passing through a turbine GT system, or for example the air flow through a burner or coolant through one of the component systems of a turbine. The term "downstream" corresponds to the direction of fluid flow, and the term "upstream" refers to the direction opposite to the flow. In the absence of any additional particularity, the terms "front" and "back" refer to directions, where "front" refers to the front end or compressor end of the GT system, and "back" refers to the back end or turbine end of the GT system. It is often necessary to describe parts that are at different radial positions relative to a central axis. The term "radial" refers to movement or position perpendicular to the axis. In such cases, if a first component resides closer to the axis than a second component, it will be stated herein that the first component is "radially inward" or "inner" of the second component. On the other hand, if a first component resides farther from the axis than a second component, it may be stated herein that the first component is "radially outward" or "outer" of the second component. The term "axial" refers to movement or position parallel to the axis. Finally, the term "circumferential" refers to movement or position around the axis. It should be understood that such terms may be applied relative to the central axis of the turbine.

[0026] In addition, several descriptive terms may be regularly used herein, as described below. The terms "first", "second", and "third" may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to denote the position or importance of the individual components.

[0027] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It will be further understood that when used in the specification, the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. "Optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequent described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and the description includes instances where the event occurs and instances where it does not occur.

[0028] In the case where an element or layer is referred to as being "open", "engaged", "disengaged", "connected to" or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly thereon, engaged to, connected to or coupled to the other element or layer, or there may be intervening elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly thereon", "directly engaged to", "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between", "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent", etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0029] As described above, the present disclosure provides an impact insert for an HGP component and an HGP component including the impact insert. The impact insert (which may also be referred to as an impact sleeve) includes a hollow body having a longitudinal extent, an outer surface, and an inner surface. The hollow body may include a first sidewall and a second sidewall, the first sidewall being adjacent to the second sidewall at a first end of each. The second sidewall is capable of moving flexibly relative to the first sidewall. A spring element is adjacent to a second end of each of the first sidewall and the second sidewall and extends along at least a portion of the longitudinal extent of the hollow body. The spring element also extends into the hollow body between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The spring element biases the sidewalls from a compressed position of the hollow body to an expanded position. Cooling channels pass between the two sidewalls between the outer surface and the inner surface of the hollow body. The impact insert is laterally compressible and / or flexible such that it can be compressed, inserted into a hollow cavity in a formed HGP component, and released to conform to the shape of the hollow cavity and be fixed in place. The impact insert extends along the entire length of the hollow cavity in the HGP component, i.e., it is not segmented, so that its insertion is a one-step operation. Additionally, the impact inserts are adjacent in the lateral direction (i.e., in a circumferential cross-section) to avoid creating regions with poor cooling performance.

[0030] Figure 1A schematic illustration of an exemplary machine in the form of a turbine 90 is shown, which may include hot gas path (HGP) components that include impact inserts according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In the example shown, turbine 90 includes a gas turbine (GT) system 100 that includes a compressor 102 and a combustor 104. Combustor 104 includes a combustion zone 105 and a fuel nozzle assembly 106. GT system 100 also includes a turbine 108 and a common compressor / turbine shaft 110 (sometimes referred to as rotor 110). In one embodiment, GT system 100 is an MS7001FB GT system (sometimes referred to as the 9FB GT system), which is commercially available from General Electric Company, Greenville, S.C. The present disclosure is not limited to any particular GT system and may be implemented with other GT systems, including, for example, the MS7001FA (7FA), MS9001FA (9FA) GT system models of General Electric Company.

[0031] In operation, air flows through compressor 102 and compressed air is supplied to combustor 104. Specifically, compressed air is supplied to fuel nozzle assembly 106, which is integral with combustor 104. Assembly 106 is in fluid communication with combustion zone 105. Fuel nozzle assembly 106 is also in fluid communication with a fuel source ( Figure 1 not shown in the figure) and directs fuel and air to combustion zone 105. Combustor 104 is ignited and the fuel is burned. Combustor 104 is in fluid communication with turbine 108 so that the thermal energy of the gas flow is converted into mechanical rotational energy. Turbine 108 is rotatably coupled to rotor 110 and drives the rotor. Compressor 102 is also rotatably coupled to shaft 110. In the illustrative embodiment, there are multiple combustors 104 and fuel nozzle assemblies 106.

[0032] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary turbine 108 with three stages of nozzles that may be used with the Figure 1 GT system 100 in the figure is shown. Turbine 108 includes stationary vanes 112. Stationary vanes 112 are held in turbine assembly 108 by a radially outer platform 114 and a radially inner platform 116. Stationary vanes 112 may include one or more circumferentially spaced airfoils 156 ( Figure 4 ). Rotating blades 120 are coupled to rotor 110 and extend between rows of stationary vanes 112. As will be further described, combustion gases are directed by stationary vanes 112 against rotating blades 120 to rotate rotor 110.

[0033] Figure 3 andFigure 4 An exemplary HGP component 122 of the GT system 100 is shown in which an impact insert according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be employed. Figure 3 A perspective view of a turbine rotor blade 130 of a type in which embodiments of the present disclosure can be employed is shown. The turbine rotor blade 130 includes a root 132 through which the rotor blade 130 is attached to the rotor 110( Figures 1 to 2 ). The root 132 may include a dovetail that is configured to be installed in a corresponding dovetail slot in the periphery of the rotor disk. The root 132 may also include a shank that extends between the dovetail and a platform 134 that is disposed at the junction of the airfoil 136 and the root 132 and defines a portion of the inner boundary of the flow path through the turbine 108. It should be understood that the airfoil 136 is the active component of the rotor blade 130 that intercepts the flow of the working fluid and causes the rotor disk to rotate. As can be seen, the airfoil 136 of the rotor blade 130 includes a concave pressure side (PS) outer wall 140 and a circumferentially or laterally opposed convex suction side (SS) outer wall 142 that axially extend between opposite leading edges 144 and trailing edges 146, respectively. The outer walls 140 and 142 also extend in the radial direction from the platform 134 to an outer tip 148.

[0034] Figure 4 A perspective view of a stationary nozzle or vane 150 of a type in which embodiments of the present disclosure can be employed is shown. The stationary vane 150 includes an outer platform 152 through which the stationary vane 150 is attached to the housing of the turbine. The outer platform 152 may include any presently known or later developed mounting configuration for installation in a corresponding mounting in the housing. The stationary vane 150 may also include an inner platform 154 for positioning between the platforms 134( Figure 2 and Figure 3 ) of adjacent turbine rotor blades 120, 130( Figure 3 ). The platforms 152, 154 define respective portions of the outer and inner boundaries of the flow path through the GT system 100. It should be understood that the airfoil 156 is the active component of the stationary vane 150 that intercepts the flow of the working fluid and directs it toward the turbine rotor blade 130( Figure 3 ). As can be seen, the airfoil 156 of the stationary vane 150 includes a concave pressure side (PS) outer wall 160 and a circumferentially or laterally opposed convex suction side (SS) outer wall 162 that axially extend between opposite leading edges 164 and trailing edges 166, respectively. The outer walls 160 and 162 also extend in the radial direction from the platform 154 to the platform 152.

[0035] As understood in the art, impact inserts can be used, for example, in the HGP component 122 of the GT system 100 to distribute cooling fluid to the HGP component. The HGP component 122 can include, for example, rotating blades 130 or stationary vanes 150 and / or their airfoils 136, 156. Figure 5 A schematic view of an exemplary HGP component 122 is shown, which includes a hollow cavity 172 in its component body 170 (e.g., in either of the airfoils 136, 156 ( Figure 3 and Figure 4 )). That is, the HGP component 122 includes a component body 170 having a hollow cavity 172 therein, and an impact insert 180 is positioned in the hollow cavity. Generally, a coolant (such as air or vapor) is supplied to the interior of the impact insert 180 and exits through cooling channels ( Figure 5 not shown therein). The exiting coolant impinges on the inner surface 184 of the HGP component 122 and cools the HGP component. In the case where the HGP component includes airfoils 136, 156, it can include a hollow cavity 172 therein that extends for most of its length. Embodiments of the impact insert 180 according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied, for example, to the hollow cavities 172 in the airfoils 136, 156 ( Figure 3 and Figure 4 ). As will be described, the hollow body 190 abuts in the chordwise direction of the airfoil (i.e., in the circumferential cross-section of the airfoil). Although the teachings of the present disclosure will be described with respect to the GT system 100, rotating blades 120, 130 and stationary vanes 112, 150 and their airfoils 136, 156, it should be emphasized that the teachings are not limited to these applications. Embodiments of the impact insert 180 according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to a variety of other applications, all of which are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figures 6 to 8 Various views of an impact insert 180 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure are shown. Figure 6 A perspective view of an impact insert 180 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, Figure 7 a top view of the impact insert is shown, and Figure 8 a side view of the impact insert is shown. The impact insert 180 includes a body having a longitudinal extent L (only Figure 8) A hollow body 190 with an outer surface 192 and an inner surface 194. The longitudinal extent L can be any length necessary for the operation of a particular impact insert 180, depending on its function. The impact insert 180 can have a length L to match the length of the hollow cavity 172 in the component body 170 (e.g., in a blade or vane). In this regard, the use of the impact insert 180 allows for a one-step operation of inserting the impact insert into the HGP component. The hollow body 190 can also include a first sidewall 200 and a second sidewall 202. The second sidewall 202 abuts the first sidewall 200 at a first end 204 of each. That is, at the first end 204, the first sidewall 200 and the second sidewall 202 do not have a seam or joint therebetween. As shown, the first sidewall 200 and the second sidewall 202 are angled relative to each other and can each have a shape similar to the parallel inner surface 184 of the hollow cavity 172 of the HGP component 122. The sidewalls 200, 202 are configured to be able to move flexibly relative to each other. That is, the first sidewall 200 and the second sidewall 202 can bend relative to each other (e.g., toward each other) without breaking. The hollow body 190 also includes a spring element 210 that abuts a second end 212 of each of the first sidewall 200 and the second sidewall 202. The second ends 212 of the sidewalls are spaced apart from each other such that the spring element 200 can extend along at least a portion of the longitudinal extent L of the hollow body 190 ( Figure 6 ). In the example shown, the spring element 210 extends along the entire length of the hollow body 190, but this is not necessary in all cases. The spring element 210 also extends into the hollow body 190 to be located between the first sidewall 200 and the second sidewall 202. That is, the spring element 210 extends between the sidewalls 200, 202, along with its inward extension into the hollow body 190. The spring element 210 extending into the hollow body 190 between the first sidewall 200 and the second sidewall 202 provides a smaller, more compact footprint for the impact insert and makes it easier to insert into the HGP component 122.

[0037] As Figures 6 to 8 shown, the impact insert 180 can also include a plurality of cooling channels 220 in at least the first sidewall 200 and the second sidewall 202. The cooling channels 220 pass between the outer surface 192 and the inner surface 194 of the hollow body 190. The cooling channels 220 allow coolant to pass through the hollow body 190 to impinge on the inner surface 184 of the hollow cavity 172 in the component body 170 of the HGP component 122 ( Figure 5 ). Any number, shape, size, or arrangement of cooling channels 220 can be provided.

[0038] The spring element 210 biases the first sidewall 200 and the second sidewall 202 from a compressed position of the hollow body 190, asFigure 11 and Figure 15 biased to an extended position of the hollow body 190 (as shown in Figures 5 to 8 , Figures 12 to 14 and Figure 16 ). The spring element 210 can include any currently known or later developed spring capable of withstanding the environment of the HGP component 122 and providing sufficient force F2 ( Figure 12 ) to expand the first sidewall 200 and the second sidewall 202. In one embodiment, as shown in Figures 5 to 8 , Figures 11 to 16 , the spring element 210 includes a V-shaped spring 214 having a tip 216 of the V-shaped spring extending into the hollow body 190 between the first sidewall 200 and the second sidewall 202. In other examples, as shown in the enlarged top view partial cross-sectional views of Figure 9 and Figure 10 , the spring element 210 can have a sinusoidal shape with any number of waves, such as having two peaks (the W shape in Figure 9 ) or more peaks ( Figure 10 ). Other shapes of the spring element 210 are also possible.

[0039] As best shown in Figure 6 and Figure 8 , the impact insert 180 can also include a plurality of supports 224 on the outer surfaces 192 of the first sidewall 200 and the second sidewall 202 of the hollow body 190. The supports 224 can position the hollow body 190 relative to the inner surface 184 ( Figure 5 ) of the hollow cavity 172 of the HGP component 122 and can contribute to heat transfer. Any number of supports 224 operable to position the impact insert 180 relative to the inner surface 184 ( Figure 5 ) or provide the desired heat transfer can be used. The supports 224 can have any desired shape configured to position the insert relative to the inner surface 184 ( Figure 5 ) and / or provide the desired heat transfer, such as fins, pins, and / or chevrons, etc.

[0040] As shown in Figure 5 , Figure 7 , Figures 11 to 16 , the impact insert 180 can also include a closure 230 on the first end 232 ( Figures 11 to 12 ) of the hollow body 190. Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the end of the hollow body 190 in the compressed position, and Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the end of the hollow body 190 in the extended position. As shown in Figure 5 and Figure 7As best shown, the closure member 230 may include a solid portion 234 for closing a first portion 236 of a first end 232 of the hollow body 190 and leaving a second portion 238 of the first end 232 of the hollow body 190 open. The closure member 230 may be coupled to the first end 232 in any presently known or later developed manner (e.g., welded, additively manufactured together, etc.). The closure member 230 may be shaped to match the shape of the first portion 236 between the first sidewall 200 and the second sidewall 202, e.g., partially shaped to resemble the circumferential cross-section of an airfoil. The closure member 230 may have any shaped edge 240 that, together with the remaining edges of the first sidewall 200 and the second sidewall 202, defines the open second portion 238. Additionally, the edge 240 of the closure member 230 may be shaped and positioned to allow the open second portion 238 to provide sufficient space for the movement of the spring element 210. In this regard, as Figure 11 and Figure 12 shown, an end 246 of the spring element 210 adjacent to the first end 232 of the hollow body 190 moves freely within the (open) second portion 238 of the first end 232 of the hollow body 190 that is not closed by the closure member 230, i.e., when the spring element 210 moves between the extended position and the compressed position. In Figure 5 and Figure 7 , the edge 240 is linear, but for example in Figure 13 , the edge 240 is V-shaped, and in Figure 14 , the edge 240 is curved. Figure 11 and Figure 12 show that the solid portion 234 of the closure member 230 may be configured to flex with the first sidewall 200 and the second sidewall 202 of the hollow body 190 as the sidewalls move between the extended position of the hollow body 190 (as shown in Figure 12 ) and the compressed position of the hollow body 190 (as shown in Figure 11 ). As shown, the solid portion 234 may bend outward from the hollow body 190 to accommodate compression, but this may not be necessary in all cases. The solid portion 234 may be configured to flex in any presently known or later developed manner, e.g., made of a flexible metal, formed with a slight bend, slotted, or otherwise structured to accommodate flexing. The solid portion 234 may also be configured to bend inward into the hollow body 190. In the extended position shown in Figure 12 , the solid portion 234 may be substantially planar.

[0041] The impact insert 180 may also optionally include any presently known or later developed cover 250. The impact insert 180 may also be without a cover. The cover 250 may be provided for connection to the inner surface 184 of the hollow cavity 172 near the end of the hollow cavity to seal or reduce leakage from the outer surface 192 of the hollow body 190 (Figure 8 ) the outflow at the end of the space between the inner surface 184 of the hollow cavity 172 of the HGP component 122 Figure 5 ) The cover 250 can also be used to space the impact insert from the inner surface 184 of the hollow cavity 172. For example, as Figure 6 and Figure 8 shown. The cover 250 can extend laterally outwardly on the second end 252 of the hollow body 190 opposite the first end 232 Figure 6 ) of the hollow body 190. The cover 250 is configured to be coupled to the HGP component 122. For example, it has an internal shape for matching the hollow body 190 at its ends. The cover 250 can be coupled to the hollow body 190, for example, by welding. The cover 250 can be a flexible member that includes a gap 254 defined therein at the location of the spring element 210 to provide a certain flexibility. That is, the cover 250 may not be continuous where the spring element 210 is present, for example, to allow the spring element 210 to move and to allow the cover 250 to flex when the hollow body 190 is compressed. The gap 254 can have any size capable of providing the desired flexibility. In Figure 13 In another embodiment shown, the impact insert 180 can include a triangular cover 258 fixed above the spring element 210, for example, welded together once the insert is in place in the HGP component 122. In Figure 14 In another embodiment shown, the cover 250 can include a plurality of spaced slots 256 therein that allow the cover to flex but can be welded to a fixed position once the impact insert 180 is in place in the HGP component 122.

[0042] See Figure 11 、 Figure 12 、 Figure 15 and Figure 16 , in operation, the impact insert 180 can be forced into the compressed position by applying a force F1, as Figure 11 and Figure 15 shown. In the compressed position, the side walls 200, 202 of the hollow body 190 move closer together. The cover 250 can also flex and be compressed, as Figure 11 shown. As Figure 15 shown, in the compressed position, the hollow body 190 can be inserted into the hollow cavity 172 of the HGP component 122. The impact insert 180 can extend along the entire longitudinal extent of the hollow cavity 172, which allows the entire impact insert 180 to be inserted in one step and avoids having to position multiple impact insert parts. The impact insert 180 also avoids having to couple multiple impact insert parts, as may be required in a conventional arrangement. Once inserted into the hollow cavity 172 of the HGP component 122, the force F1( Figure 11and 15 ) is movable, thereby allowing the spring element 210 to move the impact insert 180 to an extended position (as Figure 12 and Figure 16 shown). In the extended position as Figure 16 shown, the hollow body 190 of the impact insert 180 expands to engage the inner surface 184 of the hollow cavity 172 of the HGP component 122. The support member 224( Figure 6 and Figure 8 ) positions the impact insert 180 at a desired distance from the inner surface 184. Once in place, the impact insert 190 can be coupled to the HGP component 122, for example, by welding (e.g., spot welding) the impact insert 180 and / or the cover 250 (when provided) to the HGP component 122.

[0043] The impact insert 180, the closure 230, and / or the cover 250 can be made by any currently known or later developed process (e.g., stamping and welding, additive manufacturing, etc.).

[0044] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an impact insert and an HGP component including the impact insert, which provide improved cooling performance by positioning the insert closer to the inner surface of the HGP component (e.g., the airfoil inner wall). By having an expandable flexible insert, the insert can be easily inserted but ultimately closer to the target inner surface, thereby allowing for a greater cooling effect with less coolant flow and a better Z / D parameter value.

[0045] As used throughout the specification and claims, approximate language may be used to modify any quantitative representation that can permit variation without resulting in a change in the basic function associated with it. Thus, a value modified by one or more terms such as "about," "approximately," and "substantially" is not limited to the specified exact value. In at least some instances, the approximate language may correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value. Throughout this and the entire specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and / or interchanged, such ranges are identified and include all subranges subsumed therein, unless the context or language indicates otherwise. "About" applied to a particular value in a range applies to both values, and may indicate + / - 10% of one or more of the stated values, unless otherwise dependent on the precision of the instrument used to measure the value.

[0046] All corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of the means or step-plus-function elements in the following claims are intended to include any structures, materials, or acts for performing the functions in conjunction with other claimed elements that are particularly claimed. The description of the present disclosure has been given for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the disclosed form. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the present disclosure in various embodiments with various modifications that are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims

1. An impingement insert (180) for a hot gas path (HGP) component (122), the impingement insert (180) comprising: A hollow body (190) having a longitudinal extent, an outer surface (192), and inner surfaces (184, 194), the hollow body (190) further comprising: a first side wall (200), a second side wall (202) adjoining the first side wall (200) at each first end (204, 232), the second side wall (202) being configured to be flexibly movable relative to the first side wall (200), and a spring element (210) adjacent a second end (212, 252) of each of the first side wall (200) and the second side wall (202), the spring element (210) extending along at least a portion of the longitudinal extent of the hollow body (190) and into the hollow body (190) to be located between the first side wall (200) and the second side wall (202), the spring element (210) biasing the first side wall (200) and the second side wall (202) from a compressed position of the hollow body (190) to an expanded position of the hollow body (190); a plurality of cooling channels (220) in at least the first sidewall (200) and the second sidewall (202), the plurality of cooling channels (220) passing between the outer surface (192) and the inner surface (184, 194) of the hollow body (190); and A closure member (230) on a first end (204, 232) of the hollow body (190), the closure member (230) including a solid portion (234) for closing a first portion (236) of the first end (204, 232) of the hollow body (190) and leaving a second portion (238) of the first end (204, 232) of the hollow body (190) open.

2. The impingement insert (180) of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of supports (224) on the outer surfaces (192) of the first and second sidewalls (200, 202) of the hollow body (190) to position the hollow body (190) relative to the inner surfaces (184, 194) of the hollow cavity (172) of the HGP component (122).

3. The impingement insert (180) of claim 2, wherein in the compressed position, the hollow body (190) is insertable into the hollow cavity (172) of the HGP component (122), and in the expanded position, the hollow body (190) expands to engage the inner surface (184, 194) of the hollow cavity (172) of the HGP component (122).

4. The impact insert (180) according to claim 1, wherein the end (246) of the spring element (210) adjacent the first end (204, 232) of the hollow body (190) is free to move within the second portion (238) of the first end (204, 232) of the hollow body (190) that is not closed by the closure member (230).

5. The impact insert (180) of claim 4, wherein the solid portion (234) of the closure member (230) is configured to flex with the first side wall (200) and the second side wall (202) of the hollow body (190) as the first side wall (200) and the second side wall (202) move between the expanded position of the hollow body (190) and the compressed position of the hollow body (190).

6. The impingement insert (180) of claim 4, further comprising a cover (250) extending laterally outwardly on a second end (212, 252) of the hollow body (190) opposite the first end (204, 232) of the hollow body (190), the cover (250) being configured to couple to the HGP component (122).

7. The impingement insert (180) of claim 6, wherein the cover (250) includes a plurality of spaced apart slots (256) therein.

8. The impact insert (180) of claim 6, wherein the cover (250) includes a gap (254) defined therein at the location of the spring element (210).

9. The impact insert (180) of claim 6, wherein the cover (250) further comprises a triangular cover (258) mounted over the spring element (210).

10. The impact insert (180) of claim 1, wherein the spring element (210) comprises a V-shaped spring (214) having a tip (216) of the V-shaped spring extending into the hollow body (190) between the first side wall (200) and the second side wall (202).

11. The impingement insert (180) of claim 1, wherein the HGP component (122) includes an airfoil (136) having a hollow cavity (172) therein, and wherein the hollow bodies (190) are contiguous in a chordwise direction of the airfoil (136).

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