Systems and methods for controlling temperature in a support pedestal for use with a gas turbine engine

Abstract

The invention is entitled "System and method for controlling temperature in a support pedestal for use with a gas turbine engine." The invention provides a pedestal temperature control system (136) for use with a rotating machine (100) positioned between the rotating machine and a pedestal. The pedestal temperature control system includes a thermal shield (144), a thermal blanket (146) positioned below the thermal shield, and an air gap (148) at least partially defined by the thermal shield and the thermal blanket. The thermal shield, the thermal blanket, and the air gap are oriented to facilitate maintaining a temperature of the pedestal supporting the rotating machine below a maximum rated operating temperature of the pedestal.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] The technical field of this disclosure relates generally to gas turbine engines, and more specifically, to controlling the temperature of a support substrate used with a gas turbine engine.

[0002] The energy extracted from the airflow in the turbine is used to power the mechanical load of at least some known rotating machines. Specifically, at least some known rotating machines include a compressor section, a combustor section, and a turbine section arranged in a series configuration. The compressor section compresses air for combustion with fuel within the combustor section, and the turbine section extracts energy from the combustion gases produced in the combustor section. The combustor section and the turbine section radiate heat from the combustion gases. The heat generated within the combustor section and the turbine section can be radiated from the rotating machine to the base that supports the rotating machine.

[0003] At least some known turbine support substrates are manufactured with a maximum rated operating temperature, which represents the highest operating temperature at which the substrate is rated to support rotating machinery. However, with the installation of modifications or replacements, for example, at least some rotating machines can radiate sufficient heat to raise the operating temperature of the substrate above the maximum rated operating temperature. Therefore, it is desirable to design a system for maintaining the temperature of the substrate below the maximum rated operating temperature. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one aspect, a base temperature control system for use with a rotating machine is provided. The base temperature control system is positioned between the rotating machine and a base supporting the rotating machine. The base temperature control system includes a heat shield, a heat insulation package positioned below the heat shield, and an air gap defined at least partially by the heat shield and the heat insulation package. The heat shield, the heat insulation package, and the air gap are oriented to facilitate maintaining the temperature of the base supporting the rotating machine below the highest rated operating temperature of the base.

[0005] In another aspect, a rotating machine is provided. The rotating machine includes a compressor, a burner, a substrate, and a substrate temperature control system. The compressor is configured to compress an inlet airflow. The burner is configured to receive the inlet airflow and a fuel flow, and to generate heat by burning the fuel sulfur together with the airflow. The heat is radiated from the rotating machine. The substrate is configured to support the rotating machine. The substrate temperature control system is located between the rotating machine and the substrate. The substrate temperature control system includes a heat shield, a heat insulation package positioned below the heat shield, and an air gap defined at least partially by the heat shield and the heat insulation package. The heat shield, the heat insulation package, and the air gap maintain the temperature of the substrate below the substrate's maximum rated operating temperature.

[0006] In another aspect, a method is provided to replace an existing rotating machine supported by a support system with a new rotating machine. The support system includes a base, a plurality of vertical supports, a plurality of horizontal supports, and a plurality of base pads supporting the plurality of horizontal supports, all mounted on the base. The method includes removing the existing rotating machine from the support system. The method also includes installing a base temperature control system within the support system. The base temperature control system includes a heat shield, a heat insulation pack, and an air gap defined at least partially by the heat shield and the heat insulation pack. The method further includes mounting the new rotating machine on the support system such that the base temperature control system is located between the support system and the new rotating machine. During operation, the new rotating machine radiates heat toward the base, and the heat shield, the heat insulation pack, and the air gap maintain the temperature of the base below the maximum rated operating temperature of the base. Attached Figure Description

[0007] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of this disclosure will be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same characters denote the same parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary rotating machine supported by a base;

[0009] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic end view of the rotating machine shown;

[0010] Figure 3 Is with Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the heat shield used in conjunction with the rotating machine shown;

[0011] Figure 4 Is with Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of the heat insulation package used in conjunction with the rotating machine shown; and

[0012] Figure 5 It is Figure 1 The flowchart illustrates an exemplary method for replacing an existing rotating machine supported by a base with a rotating machine.

[0013] Unless otherwise specified, the accompanying drawings provided herein are intended to illustrate features of embodiments of this disclosure. These features are believed to be applicable to various systems including one or more embodiments of this disclosure. Therefore, the drawings are not intended to include all conventional features known to those skilled in the art for practicing the embodiments disclosed herein. Detailed Implementation

[0014] In the following specification and claims, several terms will be referenced, and these terms shall be defined as having the following meanings.

[0015] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references.

[0016] Unless otherwise indicated, approximate language as used herein, such as “generally,” “substantially,” and “about,” indicates, as will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art, that such modified terms may apply only to approximations, not absolute or perfect degrees. Therefore, values ​​modified by one or more terms (such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially”) are not limited to the specified precise values. In at least some cases, approximate language may correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value. Scope limitations can be identified herein and throughout the specification and claims. Unless otherwise indicated by context or language, these scopes may be combined and / or interchanged, and include all subscopes contained herein.

[0017] In addition, unless otherwise indicated, the terms “first,” “second,” etc., are used merely as markers in this document and are not intended to impose any order, position, or hierarchical requirements on the items referred to by these terms. Furthermore, for example, a reference to an item “second” does not require or exclude the existence of an item such as “first” or a lower number, or an item such as “third” or a higher number.

[0018] As used herein, the terms "axial" and "axially" refer to a direction and orientation extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rotating machine. Furthermore, the terms "radial" and "radially" refer to a direction and orientation extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rotating machine. Additionally, as used herein, the terms "circumferential" and "circumferentially" refer to a direction and orientation extending in an arc around the longitudinal axis of the rotating machine. Further, as used herein, the term "upstream" refers to the front end or inlet end of the rotating machine, and the term "downstream" refers to the rear end or outlet end of the rotating machine. When discussing fluid flow through components, the initial direction of fluid flow is described as "upstream," and the direction followed by the fluid flow is described as "downstream."

[0019] The methods and systems described herein relate to systems and methods for maintaining or controlling the temperature of a substrate used to support a rotating machine in order to favorably keep the substrate below its maximum rated operating temperature. More specifically, in an exemplary embodiment, a gas turbine engine includes a compressor, a combustor, and a turbine arranged in a series flow arrangement. The compressor directs air to the combustor, and the combustor burns the fuel stream together with the air to generate heat. At least some of the heat is radiated from the rotating machine toward the substrate supporting the rotating machine. Therefore, during operation, the temperature of the substrate rises. However, using the systems and methods described herein, the temperature of the substrate can be maintained below its maximum rated operating temperature. The maximum rated operating temperature is the highest operating temperature of a substrate that is rated to support a rotating machine.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the substrate temperature control system described herein includes a heat shield and a heat insulation package, the heat insulation package being positioned such that an air gap is at least partially defined between the heat shield and the heat insulation package. Therefore, in the exemplary embodiment, the substrate temperature control system is a layered insulation system arranged to facilitate maintaining the substrate temperature below the maximum rated operating temperature during operation of the rotating machine. More specifically, the heat shield and the heat insulation package each transfer heat via conduction, while the air gap facilitates convective heat transfer. Thus, the substrate temperature control system resists heat transfer using both convection and conduction mechanisms.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the rotating machine is supported by a support system comprising multiple vertical supports, multiple horizontal supports, multiple base pads, and a base. At least some known existing rotating machines can be replaced with newer or different rotating machines operating at higher operating temperatures. The higher operating temperature of the replaced rotating machine can raise the temperature of the base above its maximum rated operating temperature. However, to facilitate temperature control of the existing base, the base temperature control system described herein can be installed within the new or existing support system without altering the existing base. Therefore, the base temperature control system described herein enables the replacement of existing rotating machines with newer or different rotating machines without substantially altering the existing base, thereby reducing capital costs and construction time.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary rotating machine 100 (i.e., a turbine), and more specifically, a turbine engine. In an exemplary embodiment, the rotating machine 100 is a gas turbine engine. Alternatively, the rotating machine can be any other turbine engine and / or rotating machine, including but not limited to steam turbine engines, gas turbine fan aircraft engines, other aircraft engines, wind turbines, compressors, or pumps. In an exemplary embodiment, the gas turbine engine 100 includes an intake section 102, a compressor section 104 coupled downstream of the intake section 102, a combustor section 106 downstream of the compressor section 104, a turbine section 108 downstream of the combustor section 106, and an exhaust section 110 downstream of the turbine section 108. The turbine section 108 is coupled to the compressor section 104 via a rotor shaft 112.

[0023] It should be noted that, as used herein, the term "coupled" is not limited to direct mechanical, thermal, electrical, and / or fluid communication connections between components, but may also include indirect mechanical, thermal, electrical, and / or fluid communication connections between multiple components. In an exemplary embodiment, burner section 106 includes a plurality of burners 114. Burner section 106 is coupled to compressor section 104 such that each burner 114 is in fluid communication with compressor section 104. Rotor shaft 112 is also coupled to load 116, such as, but not limited to, generators and / or mechanical drive applications. In an exemplary embodiment, each of compressor section 104 and turbine section 108 includes at least one rotor assembly 118 coupled to rotor shaft 112.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the rotating machine 100 also includes a support system 130, which includes a base 132, a plurality of supports 134, and a base temperature control system 136. The base 132 is a foundation or support structure on which the rotating machine 100 rests. Specifically, in an exemplary embodiment, the base 132 is a concrete pad supporting the rotating machine 100. More specifically, in an illustrated embodiment, the base 132 is a reinforced concrete pad that includes reinforcing materials such as, but not limited to, steel bars. In alternative embodiments, the base 132 can be any other support structure enabling the rotating machine 100 to operate as described herein, including but not limited to metal bases present in offshore building structures or ships or other industrial facilities, on the ground, and / or any other support structures.

[0025] The substrate 132 has a maximum rated operating temperature, representing the highest rated operating temperature at which the substrate 132 can support the rotating machine 100. Specifically, the maximum rated operating temperature is the highest temperature that the substrate 132 can have when safely supporting the rotating machine 100. The material used to make the substrate 132 at least partially determines the maximum rated operating temperature. In an exemplary embodiment, the substrate 132 is a concrete pad supporting the rotating machine 100.

[0026] During operation, intake section 102 directs inlet air 120 to compressor section 104. Compressor section 104 compresses the inlet air 120 to a higher pressure and then discharges compressed air 122 toward combustor section 106. Compressed air 122 is directed to combustor section 106, where it mixes with fuel (not shown) and burns to produce high-temperature combustion gases 124. Combustion gases 124 are directed downstream to turbine section 108 and impinge on turbine blades (not shown), where thermal energy is converted into mechanical rotational energy, which drives rotor assembly 118 to rotate about longitudinal axis 126. Typically, combustor section 106 and turbine section 108 are referred to as the hot gas section of turbine engine 100. If the rotating machine 100 is a gas turbine as part of a combined cycle power plant, exhaust gas 128 is then discharged through exhaust section 110 to the ambient atmosphere or a steam turbine (not shown).

[0027] When the burner 114 and turbine section 108 operate and are exposed to combustion gases 124, at least some heat radiates from the burner 114 and turbine section 108 toward the base 132. At least some known rotating machine 100 radiates sufficient heat to raise the temperature of the base 132 above its maximum rated operating temperature. Over time, continued operation of the base 132 at temperatures above its maximum rated operating temperature may weaken the structural strength of the base 132. Positioning the base temperature control system 136 between the base 132 and the rotating machine 100 helps to insulate the base 132 from radiated heat, thereby helping to keep the temperature of the base 132 below its maximum rated operating temperature.

[0028] Figure 2 This is an end view of the rotating machine 100 and the support system 130. The support system 130 includes a base 132, support members 134, and a base temperature control system 136. In an exemplary embodiment, the support member 134 includes a plurality of horizontal support beams 138, a plurality of vertical support beams or a base plate 140, and a plurality of base pads 142. The horizontal support beams 138 directly support the rotating machine 100 and are connected to the base 132 via the vertical support beams 140. The base pads 142 are positioned below and support the horizontal support beams 138. In an exemplary embodiment, the horizontal support beams 138 and the vertical support beams 140 include I-beam supports. In an alternative embodiment, the horizontal support beams 138 and the vertical support beams 140 can be any other type of support that enables the support system 130 to operate as described herein.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment, the substrate temperature control system 136 includes a heat shield 144 and a heat insulation package 146. Additionally, in an exemplary embodiment, the horizontal support beam 138, base pad 142, heat shield 144, and heat insulation package 146 are oriented such that an air gap 148 is at least partially defined between them. The heat shield 144, heat insulation package 146, and air gap 148 facilitate the insulation of the substrate 132 from heat radiated from the rotating machine 100. Specifically, the arrangement of the heat shield 144, heat insulation package 146, and air gap 148 facilitates preventing the temperature of the substrate 132 from rising above its maximum rated operating temperature during operation of the rotating machine 100.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, a heat shield 144 is located between adjacent horizontal support beams 138 and forms the top insulation layer of the base temperature control system 136. More specifically, an air gap 148 is located below the heat shield 144 and forms the middle insulation layer or intermediate insulation layer of the base temperature control system 136. An insulation package 146 is positioned below the air gap 148 and extends above the base 132. In an exemplary embodiment, the insulation package 146 forms the lower insulation layer of the base temperature control system 136. The heat shield 144 and the insulation package 146 each transfer heat by conduction, while the air gap 148 transfers heat by convection. The combination of convective and conductive heat transfer in the base temperature control system 136 facilitates control of heat transfer from the rotating machine 100 to the base 132, thereby facilitating the maintenance of the temperature of the base 132 below its maximum rated operating temperature during operation of the rotating machine 100.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the heat shield 144. In an exemplary embodiment, the heat shield 144 includes an upper layer 150, a middle layer 152, and a lower layer 154. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper layer 150 and the lower layer 154 are made of stainless steel sheet, and the middle layer 152 is formed of an insulating material. In an exemplary embodiment, the insulating material may include glass fiber, mineral wool, cellulose, natural fibers, polystyrene, polyurethane, vermiculite, perlite, and / or any other insulating material or combination of materials that enables the heat shield 144 to operate as described herein. In an alternative embodiment, the upper layer 150, the middle layer 152, and the lower layer 154 are formed of any material that enables the heat shield 144 to operate as described herein. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper layer 150 and the lower layer 154 each have a first thermal conductivity, and the middle layer 152 has a second thermal conductivity greater than the first thermal conductivity. The associated materials can be variably selected to ensure that the first and second thermal conductivityes are conducive to maintaining the temperature of the substrate 132 below its highest rated operating temperature during operation of the rotating machine 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second thermal conductivityes are between about 0.01 W / mK and about 0.5 W / mK.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, the horizontal support beam 138, base pad 142, heat shield 144, and heat shield 146 are oriented to at least partially define an air gap 148. The size and orientation of the air gap 148 are configured such that airflow from the source 149 is guided through the air gap 148 to an outlet (not shown). Before the airflow is guided to the outlet, it cools a portion of the heat radiated through the heat shield 144. Therefore, the air gap 148 facilitates the removal of heat radiated by the rotating machine 100 to the base temperature control system 136, thereby reducing the amount of heat introduced into the base 132. More specifically, the air gap 148 transfers heat via convection, thereby reducing the amount of heat transferred from the rotating machine 100 to the base 132. Therefore, it is advantageous to maintain the temperature of the base 132 below its maximum rated operating temperature during operation of the rotating machine 100.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, the source 149 of the airflow into the air gap 148 is a ventilation system for housing the rotating machine 100. In an alternative embodiment, the source 149 of the airflow into the air gap 148 can be any other source that enables the air gap 148 to operate as described herein. Additionally, in an alternative embodiment, the air gap 148 can be a duct or other conduit extending between the heat shield 144 and the heat shield 146, rather than being defined by the horizontal support beam 138, the base pad 142, the heat shield 144, and the heat shield 146, and the air gap is oriented to guide the airflow as described herein.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the insulation package 146. In an exemplary embodiment, the insulation package 146 includes an insulation material 156 and a protective layer 158 encapsulating the insulation material 156. In an exemplary embodiment, the insulation material 156 may include glass fiber, mineral wool, cellulose, natural fibers, polystyrene, polyurethane, vermiculite, perlite, and / or any other insulation material or combination of materials that enables the insulation package 146 to operate as described herein. In an exemplary embodiment, the protective layer 158 includes a metallic protective layer (i.e., a stainless steel protective layer) that facilitates shielding the insulation material 156 from environmental influences. In an alternative embodiment, the protective layer 158 may be formed of any material that enables the insulation package 146 to operate as described herein. In an exemplary embodiment, the insulation package 146 has a thermal conductivity between about 0.01 W / mK and about 0.5 W / mK.

[0035] In exemplary embodiments and as Figure 2As shown, the heat shield 144 has a height of 160, the heat insulation pack 146 has a height of 162, and the air gap 148 has a height of 164. In an exemplary embodiment, the height of the heat shield 160 is between about 1 mm and about 500 mm. Specifically, in an exemplary embodiment, the height of the heat shield 160 is about 45 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the height of the heat insulation pack 162 is between about 1 mm and about 500 mm. Specifically, in an exemplary embodiment, the height of the heat insulation pack 162 is about 35 mm. In an exemplary embodiment, the height of the air gap 164 is between about 1 mm and about 500 mm. Specifically, in an exemplary embodiment, the height of the air gap 164 is about 100 mm.

[0036] During operation of the rotating machine 100, combustion gases 124 heat the burner 114 and turbine section 108 to the point that heat radiates from the rotating machine 100 toward the base 132. A base temperature control system 136, positioned between the base 132 and the rotating machine 100, facilitates the insulation of the base 132 from the heat radiated from the machine 100. Specifically, although heat radiates toward the heat shield 144, the heat shield 144 helps limit the amount of heat transferred to the base 132. Airflow within the air gap 148 reduces the temperature of a portion of the heat radiated through the heat shield 144. More specifically, the airflow absorbs a portion of the heat radiated through the heat shield 144 and directs any absorbed heat to the exhaust of the air gap 148. Therefore, the air gap 148 helps reduce heat transfer from the rotating machine 100 through the base temperature control system 136 to the base 132. The heat shield 146 further reduces the temperature of any heat radiated through the air gap 148. Therefore, the substrate temperature control system 136 maintains the temperature of the substrate 132 below the maximum rated operating temperature.

[0037] The combined heat shield 144, heat insulation package 146, and air gap 148 effectively limit the amount of heat transferred from the rotating machine 100 to the substrate 132. Specifically, the heat shield 144 and heat insulation package 146 each effectively limit the amount of heat transferred by conduction, while the air gap 148 effectively limits the amount of heat transferred by convection. Therefore, the substrate temperature control system 136 transfers heat through both convection and conduction, and effectively limits the amount of heat transferred by both convection and conduction mechanisms. The combination of convective and conductive heat transfer effectively limits the amount of heat transferred from the rotating machine 100 to the substrate 132, and maintains the temperature of the substrate 132 below its maximum rated operating temperature during operation of the rotating machine 100.

[0038] At least some existing rotating machines 100 do not radiate sufficient heat to raise the temperature of the base 132 above its maximum rated operating temperature during operation. However, newer or replacement rotating machines 100 may have higher operating temperatures and radiate sufficient heat to raise the temperature of the base 132 above its maximum rated operating temperature during operation. At least some power generation facilities can be upgraded from existing rotating machines 100 to newer or replacement rotating machines 100 to generate more electricity. Existing rotating machines 100 may be removed from the base 132, and new or replacement rotating machines 100 (including new support systems 130) may be positioned on the existing base 132.

[0039] Before installing the new rotating machine 100 onto the new support system 130, a base temperature control system 136 is installed within the new support system 130 to facilitate maintaining the temperature of the base 132 below its maximum rated operating temperature during operation of the rotating machine 100. That is, the new support system 130 is modified to include the base temperature control system 136 to facilitate maintaining the temperature of the base 132 below its maximum rated operating temperature during operation of the rotating machine 100. More specifically, the base temperature control system 136 is installed on the existing base 132 and within the new support system 130 without replacing or modifying the existing base 132 and / or the new support system 130. Therefore, the base temperature control system 136 enables the replacement of the existing rotating machine 100 with the new rotating machine 100 without replacing or modifying the existing base 132, thereby reducing construction costs.

[0040] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of an exemplary method 500 for replacing an existing rotating machine supported by a support system with a newer or different rotating machine. The support system 130 used with the existing rotating machine 100 includes a base 130 and a plurality of vertical supports 140, a plurality of horizontal supports 138, and a plurality of base pads 142 supporting the horizontal supports 138, all mounted on the base 130. Method 500 includes removing the existing rotating machine from the support system 502. Method 500 also includes installing a base temperature control system 504 within the support system between the rotating machine and the base. The base temperature control system includes a heat shield, a heat insulation pack, and an air gap defined at least partially by the heat shield and the heat insulation pack. Method 500 also includes installing the replacement (new) rotating machine 506 onto the support system. When the new rotating machine radiates heat toward the base, the heat shield, the heat insulation pack, and the air gap help maintain the temperature of the base below the base's maximum rated operating temperature.

[0041] Optionally, method 500 may also include operating a new rotating machine. Method 500 may also include guiding an airflow through an air gap ( Figure 5 (Not shown in the image). Airflow facilitates the removal of heat from the base temperature control system. Removal 502 of the existing rotating machine may further include removing multiple horizontal supports, multiple vertical supports, and multiple base pads from the existing base, and installing multiple new horizontal supports, multiple new vertical supports, and / or multiple new base pads on the existing base. Installation of the base temperature control system 506 within the support system between the rotating machine and the base may further include installing a heat insulation package on the base and installing a heat insulation shield above the heat insulation package, such that the heat insulation shield and the heat insulation package at least partially define an air gap. Installation of the base temperature control system 506 within the support system between the rotating machine and the base may further include installing a heat insulation shield between multiple horizontal supports, such that the horizontal supports and base pads at least partially define an air gap.

[0042] The systems and methods described above relate to systems and methods for maintaining the temperature of the base of a rotating machine below a maximum rated operating temperature. More specifically, in an exemplary embodiment, a gas turbine engine includes a compressor, a combustor, and a turbine arranged in a series flow arrangement. The compressor directs air to the combustor, and the combustor burns the fuel stream together with the air to generate heat. At least some of the heat is radiated from the rotating machine toward the base supporting the rotating machine. Therefore, the temperature of the base rises during operation. However, using the systems and methods described herein, the temperature of the base can be maintained below a maximum rated operating temperature. The maximum rated operating temperature is the highest operating temperature that the base is rated to be able to support the rotating machine.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the substrate temperature control system described herein includes a heat shield and a heat insulation package, the heat insulation package being positioned such that an air gap is at least partially defined between the heat shield and the heat insulation package. Therefore, in the exemplary embodiment, the substrate temperature control system is a layered insulation system arranged to facilitate maintaining the substrate temperature below the maximum rated operating temperature during operation of the rotating machine. More specifically, the heat shield and the heat insulation package each transfer heat via conduction, while the air gap facilitates convective heat transfer. Thus, the substrate temperature control system resists heat transfer using both convection and conduction mechanisms.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, the rotating machine is supported by a support system comprising multiple vertical supports, multiple horizontal supports, multiple base pads, and a base. At least some known existing rotating machines can be replaced with newer or different rotating machines operating at higher operating temperatures. The higher operating temperature of the replaced rotating machine can raise the temperature of the base above its maximum rated operating temperature. However, to facilitate temperature control of the existing base, the base temperature control system described herein can be installed within the new or existing support system without altering the existing base. Therefore, the base temperature control system described herein enables the replacement of existing rotating machines with newer or different rotating machines without substantially altering the existing base, thereby reducing capital costs and construction time.

[0045] Additionally, an exemplary technical effect of the systems and methods described herein includes at least one of the following: (a) maintaining the temperature of the substrate below the substrate's highest rated operating temperature; (b) guiding airflow through an air gap within the substrate temperature control system; and (c) removing heat from the substrate temperature control system.

[0046] The foregoing has described in detail exemplary embodiments of systems and methods for maintaining the temperature of the substrate of a rotating machine below its maximum rated operating temperature. The system and method are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather components of the system and / or steps of the method may be used independently and separately from other components and / or steps described herein. For example, the method may also be used in combination with other rotating machines and is not limited to practices employing only gas turbine engines as described herein. Rather, exemplary embodiments may be implemented and used in conjunction with many other rotating machine applications.

[0047] While specific features of the various embodiments of this disclosure may be shown in some figures and not in others, this is merely for convenience. Based on the principles of the embodiments of this disclosure, any feature of any other figure may be referenced and / or claimed in conjunction with any feature of the other figures.

[0048] This written description uses examples to disclose embodiments of this disclosure, including best practices, and also enables any person skilled in the art to practice embodiments of this disclosure, including making and using any device or system and performing any combined methods. The patentable scope of the embodiments described herein is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that would occur to a person skilled in the art. Such other examples are contemplated within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A base temperature control system (136) for use with a rotary machine (100), the base temperature control system positioned between the rotary machine and a base (132) supporting the rotary machine, the base temperature control system comprising: a thermal shield (144) including an upper layer (150), a middle layer (152), and a lower layer (154), wherein the middle layer (152) includes a thermal insulation material; a thermal blanket (146) positioned below the thermal shield and including a second thermal insulation material (156) and a protective layer (158) encapsulating the second thermal insulation material (156); an air gap (148) at least partially defined by the thermal shield and the thermal blanket, wherein the thermal shield, the thermal blanket, and the air gap are oriented to facilitate maintaining a temperature of the base supporting the rotary machine below a maximum rated operating temperature of the base; wherein the air gap (148) is defined between the thermal shield and the thermal blanket.

2. The base temperature control system (136) of claim 1, wherein the air gap (148) is configured to direct a flow of air therethrough.

3. The base temperature control system (136) of claim 1, wherein the upper layer (150) and the lower layer (154) each include a stainless steel steel plate.

4. The base temperature control system (136) of claim 1, wherein the upper layer (150) and the lower layer (154) have a first thermal conductivity, and the middle layer (152) has a second thermal conductivity greater than the first thermal conductivity.

5. The base temperature control system (136) of claim 4, wherein the first thermal conductivity is between 0.01 W / m-K and 0.5 W / m-K.

6. The base temperature control system (136) of claim 4, wherein the second thermal conductivity is between 0.01 W / m-K and 0.5 W / m-K.

7. A rotary machine (100) comprising: a compressor (104) configured to compress an inlet air flow; a combustor (106) configured to receive the inlet air flow and a fuel flow and generate heat by combusting the fuel flow with the air flow, wherein the heat radiates away from the rotary machine; a base (132) configured to support the rotary machine; and a base temperature control system (136) positioned between the rotary machine and the base, the base temperature control system comprising: a thermal shield (144) including an upper layer (150), a middle layer (152), and a lower layer (154), wherein the middle layer (152) includes a thermal insulation material; a thermal blanket (146) positioned below the thermal shield and including a second thermal insulation material (156) and a protective layer (158) encapsulating the second thermal insulation material (156); an air gap (148) at least partially defined by the thermal shield and the thermal blanket, wherein the thermal shield, the thermal blanket, and the air gap are oriented to facilitate maintaining a temperature of the base supporting the rotary machine below a maximum rated operating temperature of the base. an air gap (148) defined at least in part by the heat shield and the heat wrap, wherein the heat shield, the heat wrap, and the air gap maintain a temperature of the base below a maximum rated operating temperature of the base; wherein the air gap (148) is defined between the heat shield and the heat wrap.

8. The rotating machine (100) of claim 7, wherein the base (132) includes a plurality of vertical supports (140), a plurality of horizontal supports, and a plurality of base pads (142) supporting the plurality of horizontal supports (138), the air gap (148) is defined at least in part between one of the heat shield (144) and the heat wrap (146), and at least in part between the heat shield and the plurality of horizontal supports (138).

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