A gas turbine generator and a method of operating the same

Abstract

The application discloses a gas turbine generator, a starting motor, a compressor impeller and a first-stage turbine are coaxially installed on a hollow shaft in sequence; a ring-shaped combustion chamber and first-stage guide vanes are arranged between the compressor impeller and the first-stage turbine; external air is inhaled and compressed to the ring-shaped combustion chamber under the action of the compressor impeller, and the gas drives the first-stage turbine to rotate; a generator shaft penetrates through the inside of the hollow shaft, a double-row variable-speed stage turbine is installed at the rear end of the generator shaft, and the front end is arranged in the inside of a generator stator; adjustable guide vanes are arranged between the first-stage turbine and the double-row variable-speed stage turbine. The application further discloses a working method of the gas turbine generator, the first-stage turbine drives the compressor impeller to rotate, the external air is continuously inhaled and compressed to the ring-shaped combustion chamber under the rotating action of the compressor impeller, and the ring-shaped combustion chamber continuously generates the gas; the gas after the adjustable guide vanes drives the double-row variable-speed stage turbine to rotate, and drives the generator shaft to rotate. The application can effectively avoid vibration coupling and realize optimal efficiency matching.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a gas turbine generator and its operating method, belonging to the technical field of gas turbine generators. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, micro gas turbine generator technology has a wide range of applications and has been applied in weaponry such as tanks, radar, artillery vehicles, and missile systems. The most common structure in widely used micro gas turbine generator designs is a coaxial arrangement of the generator, gas turbine, and compressor. Because of this coaxial arrangement, vibrations caused by unstable combustion during operation directly affect the generator's output, and vibrations from the turbine, compressor, and generator shaft systems are easily coupled together. Furthermore, since all rotating components are on the same shaft system, the shaft inertia is large, resulting in high starting acceleration torque and slow start-up response. Under varying operating conditions, it is difficult for the turbine, generator, and compressor to all operate at their optimal efficiency points. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the above-mentioned defects and provide a gas turbine generator and its working method. This invention solves the technical problems in existing micro gas turbine generators, such as vibration coupling caused by all rotating parts being on the same shaft system and the difficulty in ensuring that the turbine, generator and compressor all operate at their optimal efficiency points. This invention can effectively avoid vibration coupling and achieve optimal efficiency matching.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0005] A gas turbine generator includes a main housing and a generator shaft, generator stator, starter motor, compressor impeller, hollow shaft, annular combustion chamber, first-stage guide vanes, first-stage turbine, adjustable guide vanes, and double-row multi-speed stage turbine disposed inside the main housing.

[0006] The starter motor, compressor impeller, and first-stage turbine are coaxially mounted on a hollow shaft from front to back. The starter motor is used to start the rotation of the hollow shaft; the hollow shaft, compressor impeller, and first-stage turbine rotate synchronously.

[0007] The annular combustion chamber and the first-stage guide vanes are located between the compressor impeller and the first-stage turbine, with the annular combustion chamber located in front of the first-stage guide vanes. An air inlet is provided on the casing of the entire unit. External air is drawn in through the air inlet and compressed into the annular combustion chamber under the rotation of the compressor impeller. The combustion gas generated in the annular combustion chamber is used to drive the first-stage turbine to rotate after being expanded and accelerated by the first-stage guide vanes.

[0008] The generator shaft passes through the interior of the hollow shaft. A single-stage double-row multi-speed turbine is installed at the rear end of the generator shaft. The front end of the generator shaft is located inside the generator stator. The generator shaft includes the generator rotor, which is located at the front end of the entire generator shaft.

[0009] Adjustable guide vanes are located between the first-stage turbine and the single-stage double-row multi-speed stage turbine to adjust the speed and direction of the gas exhaust after passing through the first-stage turbine.

[0010] A single-stage, double-row, multi-speed turbine is used to drive the generator shaft to rotate under the action of the exhaust gas after it has passed through adjustable guide vanes.

[0011] Furthermore, the generator shaft is supported inside the main housing by three bearings, which are located at the front, rear, and rear of the generator stator, respectively.

[0012] Furthermore, the annular combustion chamber and the first-stage guide vanes are fixedly mounted on the main casing;

[0013] The hollow shaft passes through the annular combustion chamber and the center of the first-stage guide vane;

[0014] The hollow shaft is supported inside the machine housing by bearings.

[0015] Furthermore, a fuel injector and an igniter are installed inside the annular combustion chamber;

[0016] The fuel injector is connected to the external fuel tank.

[0017] Furthermore, an air filter is installed at the air inlet of the entire housing.

[0018] Furthermore, the entire casing has at least one air inlet.

[0019] Furthermore, it also includes output terminals, a controller, and a fuel regulating valve;

[0020] The fuel regulating valve is located on the pipeline connecting the fuel injector and the external fuel tank. The output terminal is used to obtain the speed information of the generator shaft and output the speed information to the controller. The controller controls the fuel regulating valve and the adjustable guide vane according to the speed information, thereby realizing the control of the power of the gas turbine generator.

[0021] The above-mentioned method for operating a gas turbine generator is characterized by comprising:

[0022] The starter motor initiates the rotation of the hollow shaft, which in turn drives the compressor impeller to rotate.

[0023] External air is drawn in through the air inlet and compressed into the annular combustion chamber by the rotation of the compressor impeller;

[0024] After ignition in the annular combustion chamber, gas is generated. The gas expands and accelerates through the first-stage guide vanes, driving the first-stage turbine to rotate.

[0025] The rotation of the first-stage turbine drives the compressor impeller to rotate. External air is continuously drawn in through the air inlet and compressed into the annular combustion chamber under the rotation of the compressor impeller. The annular combustion chamber continuously produces combustion gas.

[0026] After the gas is discharged through the first-stage guide vane and the first-stage turbine, it reaches the adjustable guide vane, which adjusts the speed and direction of the gas.

[0027] The exhaust gas, after passing through the adjustable guide vanes, drives the single-stage double-row multi-speed turbine to rotate. The rotation of the single-stage double-row multi-speed turbine drives the generator shaft to rotate, outputting AC power.

[0028] Furthermore, once the output AC power has stabilized, the starter motor is turned off.

[0029] Furthermore, the gas turbine generator also includes output terminals, a controller, and a fuel regulating valve;

[0030] The fuel regulating valve is located on the pipeline connecting the fuel nozzle inside the annular combustion chamber to the external fuel tank. The output terminal is used to obtain the speed information of the generator shaft and output the speed information to the controller. The controller controls the fuel regulating valve and the adjustable guide vane according to the speed information to realize the control of the power of the gas turbine generator.

[0031] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least one of the following advantages:

[0032] (1) This invention creatively proposes a gas turbine generator, which separates the core turbine compressor shaft system and the turbine generator shaft system. The turbine compressor shaft system is only responsible for participating in the work of the combustion part to generate gas, while the turbine generator shaft system is only responsible for converting energy, converting the kinetic energy of the gas into AC electrical energy. There is no mechanical connection between the combustion part and the power generation part. A soft connection is achieved through the working medium gas. An adjustable guide vane is set in the middle to achieve the best efficiency matching.

[0033] (2) The turbine compressor shaft system of the present invention adopts a hollow structure design, and the turbine generator shaft system passes through the center of the turbine compressor shaft system. The turbine generator shaft system adopts a three-bearing support structure. This structure has a simple shaft system structure, small moment of inertia, can achieve fast start-up response, and is easy to adjust.

[0034] (3) The generator of the present invention is placed outside the compressor, which can effectively avoid the influence of the high temperature exhaust of the turbine on the generator stator. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a gas turbine generator according to the present invention;

[0036] In the diagram, 1-air filter, 2-generator shaft, 3-generator stator, 4-compressor impeller, 5-annular combustion chamber, 6-first-stage guide vane, 7-first-stage turbine, 8-adjustable guide vane, 9-single-stage double-row multi-speed turbine, 10, 0, 11, 14, 18, 20-rolling bearings, 12-fuel tank, 13-igniter, 15-fuel regulating valve, 16-fuel nozzle, 17-controller, 19-output terminal, 21-hollow shaft, 22-starter motor, 23-machine housing. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer and more explicit from the following detailed description.

[0038] The term “exemplary” as used herein means “serving as an example, embodiment, or illustration.” Any embodiment illustrated herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as superior to or better than other embodiments. Although various aspects of embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated otherwise.

[0039] This invention aims to provide a high-efficiency, power-adjustable gas turbine generator solution. The invention separates the core turbine compressor shaft system from the turbine generator shaft system. The turbine compressor shaft system is only responsible for participating in the combustion process to generate gas, while the turbine generator shaft system is only responsible for energy conversion, transforming the kinetic energy of the gas into alternating current electrical energy. There is no mechanical connection between the combustion and power generation parts; a flexible connection is achieved through the working medium, gas. Adjustable guide vanes are then incorporated in between to achieve optimal efficiency matching. The turbine compressor shaft system employs a hollow structure design, with the turbine generator shaft system passing through its center. The generator is positioned outside the compressor, and the turbine generator shaft system uses a three-bearing support structure. This structural design not only simplifies the shaft system structure and reduces rotational inertia, enabling rapid start-up response and easy adjustment, but also effectively avoids the impact of the high-temperature exhaust gas from the turbine on the generator stator.

[0040] The gas turbine generator of the present invention includes a generator shaft, a generator stator, a starter motor, a compressor impeller, a hollow shaft, an annular combustion chamber, a first-stage guide vane, a first-stage turbine, adjustable guide vanes, a single-stage double-row multi-speed turbine, and a complete machine housing. More specifically, it may also include an air filter, rolling bearings, a fuel tank, an igniter, a fuel injector, a fuel regulating valve, a controller, output terminals, etc.

[0041] In one specific embodiment, the core engine consists of a starter motor, compressor impeller, hollow shaft, an annular combustion chamber, fuel injector, igniter, first-stage guide vanes, and a first-stage turbine. This core engine converts the chemical energy of fuel into kinetic energy by burning fuel to produce high-temperature, high-pressure gas. The starter motor, compressor impeller, and first-stage turbine are coaxially mounted on the hollow shaft, rotating synchronously. The annular combustion chamber and first-stage guide vanes are installed between the compressor impeller and the first-stage turbine, and are fixed to the main casing. The hollow shaft passes through the center of the annular combustion chamber and the first-stage guide vanes. The fuel injector and igniter are installed inside the annular combustion chamber. The hollow shaft is mounted on the main casing via two rolling bearings. Its working principle is that the starter motor coaxially drives the compressor impeller and turbine to rotate at high speed. The compressor impeller draws in air from the environment through the air filter and compresses it into the annular combustion chamber. The fuel regulating valve regulates the flow of fuel in the fuel tank and delivers it to the fuel nozzle. After being injected into the annular combustion chamber, it mixes with the pressurized air and is then ignited by the igniter to start combustion and produce high-temperature and high-pressure gas. The high-temperature and high-pressure gas expands and accelerates through the first-stage guide vanes and drives the first-stage turbine to rotate. The first-stage turbine coaxially drives the compressor impeller to rotate, thereby continuously producing gas.

[0042] The turbine generator section comprises an air filter, generator shaft, generator stator, adjustable guide vanes, single-stage double-row multi-speed turbine, and output terminals. Its function is to convert the energy of high-temperature, high-pressure combustion gas into rotating mechanical work, which is then converted back into alternating current (AC) energy for external output. The air filter, mounted on the main casing, purifies and filters the air drawn into the unit from the environment through the compressor. The double-row multi-speed turbine is mounted on the extended section of the generator shaft. Figure 1 The left and right directions represent the front and rear directions of the generator, respectively. The extended section is the rear half of the generator shaft, passing through the middle of the hollow shaft. The generator stator and the double-row multi-speed stage turbine are located on both sides of the core engine section. The generator shaft is supported by a three-bearing structure, with two bearings installed on both sides of the generator stator and the third bearing installed on the outside of the double-row multi-speed stage turbine. The generator stator is installed on the outside of the compressor impeller. Its working principle is that the high-speed gas discharged from the first-stage turbine, after its velocity direction is adjusted by adjustable guide vanes, continues to drive the single-stage double-row multi-speed stage turbine. The single-stage double-row multi-speed stage turbine coaxially drives the generator shaft to rotate at high speed. The generator shaft rotates within the generator stator cavity, converting mechanical energy into alternating current electrical energy for output.

[0043] The control section consists of output terminals, controller, fuel regulating valve, etc. According to the set output requirements, the controller detects the output speed of the generator terminal and sends a control command to the fuel regulating valve to adjust the fuel injection quantity and the adjustable guide vane angle. The adjusted fuel is injected into the annular combustion chamber through the fuel nozzle to participate in the mixing and combustion, and finally realizes the control of the generator output performance, i.e., power.

[0044] The core engine, turbine generator, and control components are all installed within the main casing to form a unified whole. The casing also integrates the functions of the compressor guide vanes and volute, as well as the exhaust function of the entire machine.

[0045] The technical solution of this invention is particularly suitable for output power below 30kW, primarily using gasoline, kerosene, or alcohol-air mixtures, with the core engine and power unit operating at speeds above 60,000 rpm. This invention employs two independent shaft systems, with no mechanical connection between the first-stage turbine and the single-stage double-row multi-speed turbine. The core engine shaft system has fewer structural parts and lower rotational inertia, enabling rapid start-up response. The exhaust from the first-stage turbine, after its angle is adjusted via adjustable guide vanes, continues to drive the single-stage double-row multi-speed turbine for power generation, thus ensuring that both shaft systems operate at their optimal efficiency points.

[0046] Example:

[0047] The present invention provides one embodiment, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention.

[0048] The main components of the gas turbine generator in this embodiment include: an air filter 1, a generator shaft 2, a generator stator 3, a starter motor 22, a compressor impeller 4, a hollow shaft 21, an annular combustion chamber 5, a first-stage guide vane 6, a first-stage turbine 7, adjustable guide vanes 8, a double-row multi-speed turbine 9, rolling bearings (10, 11, 14, 18, 20), a fuel tank 12, an igniter 13, a fuel nozzle 16, a fuel regulating valve 15, a controller 17, an output terminal 19, and a complete housing 23, etc.

[0049] The core engine consists of a starter motor 22, compressor impeller 4, hollow shaft 21, annular combustion chamber 5, fuel nozzle 16, igniter 13, first-stage guide vanes 6, and first-stage turbine 7. Its function is to convert the chemical energy of fuel into the internal energy of the gas by burning fuel to produce high-temperature, high-pressure combustion gas. The starter motor 22, compressor impeller 4, and first-stage turbine 7 are coaxially mounted on the hollow shaft 21. The annular combustion chamber 5 and first-stage guide vanes 6 are installed between the compressor impeller 4 and the first-stage turbine 7. The hollow shaft 21 passes through the center of the annular combustion chamber 5 and the first-stage guide vanes 6. The fuel nozzle 16 and igniter 13 are installed inside the annular combustion chamber 5. The hollow shaft 21 is mounted on the main casing 23 via two rolling bearings 11 and 14. Its working principle is that the starter motor 22 coaxially drives the compressor impeller 4 and the first-stage turbine 7 to rotate at high speed. The compressor impeller 4 draws in air from the environment through the air filter screen 1 and compresses it into the annular combustion chamber 5. The fuel regulating valve 15 regulates the flow of fuel from the fuel tank 12 and delivers it to the fuel nozzle 16, which injects it into the annular combustion chamber 5 and mixes it with the pressurized air. The mixture is then ignited by the igniter 13 and begins to burn, producing high-temperature and high-pressure gas. The high-temperature and high-pressure gas expands and accelerates through the first-stage guide vane 6 and drives the first-stage turbine 7 to rotate. The first-stage turbine 7 coaxially drives the compressor impeller 4 to rotate, thereby continuously producing gas.

[0050] The turbine generator section consists of an air filter 1, a generator shaft 2, a generator stator 3, adjustable guide vanes 8, a single-stage double-row multi-speed turbine 9, and output terminals 19. This section converts the energy of high-temperature, high-pressure combustion gas into rotating mechanical work, which is then converted back into alternating current (AC) energy for external output. The air filter 1 is mounted on the main casing 23 to purify and filter the air drawn into the machine from the environment through the compressor impeller 4. The single-stage double-row multi-speed turbine 9 is mounted on the extended section of the generator shaft 2, which passes through the middle of the hollow shaft 21. The generator stator 3 and the single-stage double-row multi-speed turbine 9 are mounted on opposite sides of the core unit. The generator shaft 2 is supported by a structure of three rolling bearings 10, 18, and 20. Rolling bearings 20 and 18 are mounted on opposite sides of the generator stator 3, and the third rolling bearing 10 is mounted on the outer side of the double-row multi-speed turbine 9. The generator stator 3 is mounted on the outer side of the compressor impeller 4. Its working principle is that the high-speed gas discharged from the first-stage turbine 7 is adjusted in speed and angle by the adjustable guide vanes 8, and then continues to drive the single-stage double-row compound speed turbine 9 to rotate. The single-stage double-row compound speed turbine 9 coaxially drives the generator shaft 2 to rotate at high speed. The generator shaft 2 rotates in the generator stator 3 cavity to convert mechanical energy into AC electrical energy output.

[0051] The control section consists of output terminal 19, controller 17, fuel regulating valve 15, etc. According to the set output requirements, after the controller 17 detects the output parameters of generator terminal 19, it sends a control command to fuel regulating valve 15 and adjusts the fuel injection quantity and the angle of adjustable guide vane 8. The adjusted fuel is injected into the annular combustion chamber 5 through fuel nozzle 16 to participate in the mixing and combustion, and finally realizes the control of generator output performance.

[0052] The core engine, turbine generator, and control components are all installed inside the casing 23 to form a unified whole. The casing also integrates the functions of the compressor guide vanes and volute, as well as the exhaust function of the whole machine.

[0053] The present invention has been described in detail above with reference to specific embodiments and exemplary examples; however, these descriptions should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that various equivalent substitutions, modifications, or improvements can be made to the technical solutions and embodiments of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications and improvements fall within the scope of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0054] The contents not described in detail in this specification are common knowledge to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A gas turbine generator characterized by, It includes a complete housing (23) and a generator shaft (2), generator stator (3), starter motor (22), compressor impeller (4), hollow shaft (21), annular combustion chamber (5), first-stage guide vane (6), first-stage turbine (7), adjustable guide vane (8) and double-row multi-speed stage turbine (9) located inside the complete housing (23); The starter motor (22), compressor impeller (4) and first-stage turbine (7) are coaxially mounted on the hollow shaft (21) from front to back. The starter motor (22) is used to start the rotation of the hollow shaft (21); the hollow shaft (21), compressor impeller (4) and first-stage turbine (7) rotate synchronously. The annular combustion chamber (5) and the first-stage guide vane (6) are located between the compressor impeller (4) and the first-stage turbine (7). The annular combustion chamber (5) is located in front of the first-stage guide vane (6). An air inlet is provided on the casing (23). External air is drawn in through the air inlet and compressed into the annular combustion chamber (5) under the rotation of the compressor impeller (4). The gas produced by the annular combustion chamber (5) is used to drive the first-stage turbine (7) to rotate after being expanded and accelerated by the first-stage guide vane (6). The generator shaft (2) passes through the interior of the hollow shaft (21), and a single-stage double-row multi-speed turbine (9) is installed at the rear end of the generator shaft (2). The front end of the generator shaft (2) is located inside the generator stator (3). Adjustable guide vanes (8) are located between the first-stage turbine (7) and the single-stage double-row multi-speed turbine (9) to adjust the speed and direction of the gas discharged after passing through the first-stage turbine (7); The single-stage double-row multi-speed turbine (9) is used to drive the generator shaft (2) to rotate under the action of the gas discharged through the adjustable guide vanes (8).

2. A gas turbine generator according to claim 1, wherein, The generator shaft (2) is supported inside the housing (23) by three bearings, which are located in front of the generator stator (3), behind the generator stator (3), and behind the double-row multi-speed turbine (9).

3. A gas turbine generator according to claim 1 wherein, The annular combustion chamber (5) and the first-stage guide vane (6) are fixedly installed on the main body housing (23); The hollow shaft (21) passes through the center of the annular combustion chamber (5) and the first-stage guide vane (6); The hollow shaft (21) is supported inside the housing (23) by bearings.

4. A gas turbine generator according to claim 1 wherein, The annular combustion chamber (5) is equipped with a fuel nozzle (16) and an igniter (13); The fuel nozzle (16) is connected to the external fuel tank.

5. A gas turbine generator according to claim 1 wherein, An air filter (1) is provided at the air inlet of the main body housing (23).

6. A gas turbine generator according to claim 1 wherein, The housing (23) has at least one air inlet.

7. A gas turbine generator according to claim 4 wherein, It also includes an output terminal (19), a controller (17), and a fuel regulating valve (15); The fuel regulating valve (15) is located on the pipeline connecting the fuel nozzle (16) and the external fuel tank (12). The output terminal (19) is used to obtain the rotational speed information of the generator shaft (2) and output the rotational speed information to the controller (17). The controller (17) controls the fuel regulating valve (15) and the adjustable guide vane (8) according to the rotational speed information, thereby realizing the control of the power of the gas turbine generator.

8. A method of operating a gas turbine generator according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, include: The starter motor (22) starts the rotation of the hollow shaft (21), and the hollow shaft (21) drives the compressor impeller (4) to rotate; External air is drawn in through the air inlet and compressed into the annular combustion chamber (5) by the rotation of the compressor impeller (4); After the annular combustion chamber (5) is ignited, it produces gas. The gas expands and accelerates through the first-stage guide vane (6) and drives the first-stage turbine (7) to rotate. The rotation of the first-stage turbine (7) drives the compressor impeller (4) to rotate. Under the rotation of the compressor impeller (4), external air is continuously drawn in through the air inlet and compressed into the annular combustion chamber (5), and the annular combustion chamber (5) continuously generates combustion gas. After the gas is discharged through the first-stage guide vane (6) and the first-stage turbine (7), it reaches the adjustable guide vane (8), which adjusts the speed and direction of the gas. The gas discharged through the adjustable guide vane (8) drives the single-stage double-row multi-speed turbine (9) to rotate. The rotation of the single-stage double-row multi-speed turbine (9) drives the generator shaft (2) to rotate, and outputs AC power.

9. A method of operating a gas turbine generator as defined in claim 8 wherein, After the output AC power stabilizes, turn off the starter motor (22).

10. A method of operating a gas turbine generator as defined in claim 8 wherein, The gas turbine generator also includes an output terminal (19), a controller (17), and a fuel regulating valve (15); The fuel regulating valve (15) is located on the pipeline connecting the fuel nozzle (16) inside the annular combustion chamber (5) to the external fuel tank. The output terminal (19) is used to obtain the rotational speed information of the generator shaft (2) and output the rotational speed information to the controller (17). The controller (17) controls the fuel regulating valve (15) and the adjustable guide vane (8) according to the rotational speed information to realize the control of the gas turbine generator power.

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