Drain valve assembly

Abstract

Methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture are disclosed for variable bleed valve assemblies. An example variable bleed valve assembly includes a variable bleed valve (VBV) gate corresponding to a bleed port and a first coordination ring, the VBV gate coupled to the first coordination ring, the first coordination ring moved in a circumferential direction between a first position and a second position, causing the VBV gate to move between the first position and the second position.

Description

Discharge valve assembly Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to turbine engines, and more specifically to various exhaust valve assemblies. Background Technology

[0002] Turbine engines are one of the most widely used power generation technologies, commonly used in aircraft and power generation applications. A turbine engine typically comprises a fan and a core arranged in a flow-through configuration. The turbine engine core typically includes, in series flow sequence, a compressor section, a combustion section, a turbine section located on the same axis as the compressor section, and an exhaust section. Generally, a casing or outer shell surrounds the turbine engine core. Attached Figure Description

[0003] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example gas turbine engine in which the examples disclosed herein can be implemented.

[0004] Figure 2 is an illustration of an example variable discharge valve port, for which the examples disclosed herein can be implemented.

[0005] Figures 3A and 3B show an example housing for a compressor, including an example variable discharge valve port, for which the examples disclosed herein can be implemented.

[0006] Figures 4A and 4B show example variable discharge valve assemblies constructed according to the teachings of this disclosure.

[0007] Figures 5A and 5B show partial radial views of the example variable discharge valve assembly of Figures 4A and 4B in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0008] Figures 6A and 6B show another example of a variable discharge valve assembly constructed according to the teachings of this disclosure.

[0009] Figures 7A and 7B show partial circumferential views of example variable discharge valve assemblies of Figures 6A and 6B constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0010] Figure 8 is a diagram of an example variable discharge valve assembly of Figures 6A-6B, 7A-7B and / or 9A-9B constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0011] Figures 9A and 9B show example variable discharge valve assemblies of Figures 6A and 6B constructed according to the teachings of this disclosure.

[0012] Figures 10A and 10B show another example variant of a variable discharge valve assembly constructed according to the teachings of this disclosure.

[0013] Figures 11A and 11B show partial radial views of example variable discharge valve assemblies of Figures 10A and 10B in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0014] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example method for actuating variable discharge valve assemblies (such as those VBV assemblies in Figures 4A-11B).

[0015] These figures are not to scale. Instead, the thickness of layers or regions may be magnified in the figures. Although layers and regions with clear lines and boundaries are shown in the figures, some or all of these lines and / or boundaries may be idealized. In reality, boundaries and / or lines may be unobservable, mixed, and / or irregular. Generally, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the figures and the accompanying written description to refer to the same or similar parts. As used herein, indicating that any part (e.g., layer, film, region, area, or plate) is on (e.g., positioned, located, disposed on, or formed on, etc.) another part in any way indicates that the referred part is in contact with other parts, or that the referred part is above other parts, with one or more intermediate parts located therebetween. As used herein, unless otherwise stated, connection references (e.g., attachment, coupling, connection, and joining) may include intermediate members between elements referred to by connection references and / or relative movement between those elements. Therefore, a connection reference does not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected and / or have a fixed relationship with each other. As used in this article, the statement that any part is "in contact" with another part is defined as meaning that there is no intermediate part between the two parts.

[0016] Unless otherwise expressly stated, descriptors such as “first,” “second,” and “third” are used herein without assigning or otherwise indicating any meaning of priority, physical order, listing arrangement, or any other order, but merely as labels and / or arbitrary names to distinguish elements in order to facilitate understanding of the disclosed examples. In some examples, the descriptor “first” may be used to refer to an element in the detailed description, while different descriptors (e.g., “second” or “third”) may be used in the claims to refer to the same element. In such cases, it should be understood that such descriptors are used only to clearly identify those elements that may, for example, otherwise share the same name.

[0017] As used throughout this specification and claims, approximate language is used to modify any quantitative representation that may allow for variation without altering the underlying function associated with it. Therefore, values ​​modified by one or more terms (e.g., “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially”) are not limited to the specified precise values. In some examples used herein, the term “substantially” is used to describe a relationship between two parts within three degrees of said relationship (e.g., substantially collinear within three degrees of linearity, substantially perpendicular within three degrees of verticality, substantially identical within three degrees of parallelism, substantially flush within three degrees of flushness, etc.).

[0018] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to the relative directions of fluid flow within a fluid flow path. For example, "upstream" refers to the direction from which fluid flows, while "downstream" refers to the direction towards which fluid flows. Various terms are used herein to describe the orientation of features. Typically, figures are annotated with reference to the axial, radial, and circumferential directions of the vehicle associated with the feature, force, and moment. Figures are typically annotated with a set of axes including the axial axis A, radial axis R, and circumferential axis C.

[0019] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof, and specific examples that can be practiced are shown by way of illustration. These examples are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the subject matter, and it should be understood that other examples may be utilized. Therefore, the following detailed description is provided to describe exemplary embodiments and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the subject matter described in this disclosure. Certain features from different aspects of the following description may be combined to form yet another new aspect of the subject matter discussed below. Detailed Implementation

[0020] A turbine engine, also referred to herein as a gas turbine engine, is an internal combustion engine that uses atmospheric air as the kinetic fluid. In operation, atmospheric air enters the turbine engine via a fan and flows through the compressor section, where one or more compressors progressively compress (e.g., pressurize) the air until it reaches the combustion section. In the combustion section, the pressurized air combines with fuel and ignites to create a high-temperature, high-pressure gas stream (e.g., hot combustion gas) before entering the turbine section. The hot combustion gas expands as it flows through the turbine section, causing the rotating blades of one or more turbines to rotate. The rotating blades of the turbines produce spool work output, powering the corresponding compressor. A spool is a combination of a compressor, shaft, and turbine. Turbine engines typically include multiple spools, such as high-pressure spools (e.g., HP compressor, shaft, and turbine) and low-pressure spools (e.g., LP compressor, shaft, and turbine). However, in additional or optional examples, a turbine engine may include one or more spools.

[0021] During the low-speed operation of a turbine engine (e.g., during startup and / or shutdown), the engine balance is adjusted. In many cases, the spool needs a delay to adapt (e.g., time to adjust the rotational speed for the new balance). However, the compressor cannot stop producing compressed air for fuel combustion during operation. This can result in the turbine ceasing to generate the power to rotate the compressor, thus causing the compressor itself to stop compressing air. Therefore, throttling variations can lead to compressor instability, such as compressor stall and / or compressor surge. Compressor stall is a condition where aerodynamic stall of the rotor blades within the compressor causes abnormal airflow. Compressor stall slows or stagnates the air flowing through the compressor. In some cases, interruptions in airflow as it passes through the various stages of the compressor can cause compressor surge. Compressor surge refers to a stall that results in an interruption of airflow through the compressor (e.g., complete interruption, majority interruption, partial interruption, etc.).

[0022] Variable discharge valves (VBVs) are often integrated into compressors to improve efficiency and limit potential stall. A VBV allows a turbocharged engine to exhaust from the compressor section of the turbocharger during operation. An example VBV assembly includes a VBV port (e.g., an opening, exhaust channel, etc.) in the compressor housing, which opens via actuation of the VBV door. In other words, the VBV is configured as a door that opens to provide an exhaust flow path to discharge compressed air between the turbocharger (e.g., the low-pressure compressor) of the gas turbine and the core engine compressor. For example, the VBV door might be actuated during speed-speed mismatch between the LP spool and the HP spool. During start-up or shutdown, the HP spool can rotate at a lower speed than the LP spool. Opening the VBV port allows the LP spool to maintain its speed while reducing the amount of air flowing through the axial compressor by directing some airflow to the turbocharger exhaust region. Therefore, the VBV door allows the LP spool (e.g., the turbocharger) to operate on a lower operating line and further away from potential instability or stall conditions.

[0023] When the VBV is in the closed position, the VBV door may not be flush with the compressor housing, resulting in a primary flow path from the discharge chamber opening into the compressor. This can lead to aerodynamic performance loss and / or flow-induced cavity oscillations in the primary flow path. Furthermore, current VBV assemblies include numerous components to actuate the VBV and discharge compressed air. This diversity of components adds unnecessary weight to the VBV design and may occupy more space than required. Additionally, including extra components can increase the cost of the VBV assembly. Therefore, a new VBV assembly is needed to address the aforementioned issues.

[0024] The examples disclosed herein enable the manufacture of VBV components that improve the aerodynamic performance and / or efficiency of turbine engines. Some examples implement VBV components in which the surface of the VBV door is flush with the housing wall when the VBV door is in the closed position. Therefore, some examples eliminate or otherwise reduce the volume of the exhaust chamber. Some examples enable lighter VBV components that occupy less space. Therefore, some examples improve aerodynamic efficiency and minimize or otherwise reduce aeroacoustic excitation in the exhaust chamber.

[0025] The examples disclosed herein enable the manufacture of various VBV components. In some examples, sliding doors are used to move VBVs between closed and open positions. Some examples include coordination rings (e.g., actuation rings, discharge rings, etc.) for simultaneously actuating multiple VBV doors (e.g., blocking doors). In some examples, multiple coordination rings are used such that a subset of VBV doors can be actuated simultaneously. Some examples implement partial actuation of VBV doors (e.g., partially opening and / or closing VBV doors).

[0026] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, in which the same numerals denote the same elements throughout, FIG1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example high-bypass turbofan gas turbine engine 110 (“turbofan engine 110”). Although the example shown is a high-bypass turbofan engine, the principles of this disclosure are also applicable to other types of engines, such as low-bypass turbofan engines, turbojet engines, turboprop engines, etc. As shown in FIG1, the turbofan engine 110 defines a longitudinal or axial centerline axis 112 extending through it for reference. FIG1 also includes an annotated direction diagram with reference to the axial direction A, the radial direction R, and the circumferential direction C. Generally, as used herein, the axial direction A is a direction extending generally parallel to the centerline axis 112, the radial direction R is a direction extending orthogonally outward from the centerline axis 112, and the circumferential direction C is a direction extending concentrically about the centerline axis 112.

[0027] Generally, the turbofan engine 110 includes a core turbine or gas turbine engine 114 located downstream of a fan section 116. The core turbine 114 includes a generally tubular outer casing 118 defining an annular inlet 120. The outer casing 118 may be formed from a single casing or multiple casings. The outer casing 118 surrounds, in series flow relationship, a compressor section having a supercharger or low-pressure compressor 122 (“LP compressor 122”) and a high-pressure compressor 124 (“HP compressor 124”), a combustion section 126, a turbine section having a high-pressure turbine 128 (“HP turbine 128”) and a low-pressure turbine 130 (“LP turbine 130”), and an exhaust section 132. A high-pressure shaft or spool 134 (“HP shaft 134”) drivesably connects the HP turbine 128 and the HP compressor 124. A low-pressure shaft or spool 136 (“LP shaft 136”) drivesably connects the LP turbine 130 and the LP compressor 122. The LP shaft 136 can also be coupled to the fan spool or shaft 138 of the fan section 116. In some examples, the LP shaft 136 is directly coupled to the fan shaft 138 (e.g., direct drive configuration). In an optional configuration, the LP shaft 136 may be coupled to the fan shaft 138 via a reduction gear 139 (e.g., indirect drive or gear drive configuration).

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, fan section 116 includes a plurality of fan blades 140, which are coupled to and extend radially outward from fan shaft 138. An annular fan housing or nacelle 142 circumferentially surrounds at least a portion of fan section 116 and / or core turbine 114. Nacelle 142 may be supported relative to core turbine 114 by a plurality of circumferentially spaced outlet guide vanes 144. Furthermore, a downstream section 146 of nacelle 142 may surround an external portion of core turbine 114 to define a bypass airflow passage 148 therebetween.

[0029] As shown in Figure 1, during operation of the turbofan engine 110, air 150 enters the inlet portion 152 of the turbofan engine 110. A first portion 154 of the air 150 flows into a bypass airflow passage 148, while a second portion 156 of the air 150 flows into the inlet 120 of the LP compressor 122. One or more successive stages of the LP compressor stator blades 170 and the LP compressor rotor blades 172 coupled to the LP shaft 136 progressively compress the second portion 156 of the air 150 flowing through the LP compressor 122 and then direct it to the HP compressor 124. Next, one or more successive stages of the HP compressor stator blades 174 and the HP compressor rotor blades 176 coupled to the HP shaft 134 further compress the second portion 156 of the air 150 flowing through the HP compressor 124. This compresses the air 158 to the combustion section 126, where it mixes with fuel and burns to provide combustion gases 160.

[0030] Combustion gas 160 flows through HP turbine 128, from which one or more successive stages of HP turbine stator blades 166 and HP turbine rotor blades 168 coupled to HP shaft 134 extract a first portion of kinetic and / or thermal energy. This energy extraction supports the operation of HP compressor 124. Combustion gas 160 then flows through LP turbine 130, from which one or more successive stages of LP turbine stator blades 162 and LP turbine rotor blades 164 coupled to LP shaft 136 extract a second portion of thermal and / or kinetic energy. This energy extraction causes LP shaft 136 to rotate, thereby supporting the operation of LP compressor 122 and / or the rotation of fan shaft 138. Combustion gas 160 then exits core turbine 114 through its exhaust section 132. Turbine frame 161 with a cowling assembly is located between HP turbine 128 and LP turbine 130. Turbine frame 161 serves as a support structure, connecting the rear bearing of the high-pressure shaft to the turbine housing, and forming an aerodynamic transition duct between HP turbine 128 and LP turbine 130. The fairing forms the flow path between the high-pressure turbine and the low-pressure turbine, and can be formed using metal castings (e.g., nickel-based cast metal alloys).

[0031] Along with the turbofan engine 110, the core turbine 114 serves a similar purpose and is exposed to a similar environment as in land-based gas turbines and turbojet engines, where the ratio of the first portion 154 of air 150 to the second portion 156 of air 150 is less than that of the turbofan and the ductless fan engine in which the fan section 116 lacks a nacelle 142. In each of the turbofan engine, turbojet engine, and ductless engine, a reduction gear (e.g., reduction gear 139) can be included between any shaft and spool. For example, reduction gear 139 is disposed between the LP shaft 136 and the fan shaft 138 of the fan section 116.

[0032] As described above with respect to Figure 1, turbine frame 161 is located between HP turbine 128 and LP turbine 130 to connect the rear bearing of the high-pressure shaft to the turbine housing and to form an aerodynamic transition duct between HP turbine 128 and LP turbine 130. Therefore, air flows through turbine frame 161 between HP turbine 128 and LP turbine 130.

[0033] Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of an example compressor 200 for a turbine engine (e.g., the turbofan engine 110 of Figure 1), including an example LP compressor (e.g., a supercharger) stage 202 and an example HP compressor stage 204. Figure 2 shows the example compressor 200 at a transition point 206 between the supercharger stage 202 and the HP compressor stage 204. The compressor 200 includes an example housing 208. In the example shown in Figure 2, the housing 208 surrounds the supercharger stage 202 and the HP compressor stage 204. In additional or optional examples, the supercharger stage 202 and the HP compressor stage 204 have different housings 208 connected via a linkage mechanism. The housing 208 surrounds the rotor blades 210 of the compressor 200. In operation, the rotor blades 210 rotate, pushing air downstream. The housing 208 defines an example mainstream flow path 212 (e.g., a first flow path) for airflow through the compressor 200 (e.g., and the turbofan engine 110).

[0034] Figure 2 illustrates an example VBV port (e.g., channel, opening, duct, etc.) 214 that defines an example discharge flow path (e.g., secondary flow path) 216. The discharge flow path 216 includes an example VBV port outlet 218. In many VBV assemblies, a VBV door 220 and a corresponding VBV actuation system 222 are located near the VBV port outlet 218. The VBV actuation system 222 moves the VBV door 220 (e.g., a barrier door, etc.) to a position covering the VBV port outlet 218, closing the VBV port 214 to prevent airflow through the discharge flow path 216. The VBV actuation system 222 may include levers (e.g., bell cranks, etc.) and linkages, which increases the weight and cost of the VBV assembly and occupies unnecessary space. In some examples, such a VBV assembly, when in the closed position, results in an example discharge chamber 224, which may disrupt airflow as air flows through the main flow path 212. For example, the discharge chamber 224 may cause acoustic resonance, which can lead to compressor instability.

[0035] Advantageously, the examples disclosed herein eliminate the VBV actuation system 222 to increase available space and reduce the weight of the VBV assembly. Some examples disclosed herein include an example VBV door clearance where the VBV actuation system 222 is located (not shown in conjunction with Figure 2; shown in example views of Figures 4A and 4B). The VBV door clearance allows the VBV door 220 to slide in and out between an open and closed position to eliminate or otherwise reduce the volume of the discharge chamber 224. For example, the VBV door clearance may allow the VBV door 220 to remain flush with the housing 208 in the closed position, thereby eliminating and / or limiting the influence of the discharge chamber 224 on the mainstream flow path 212.

[0036] Figures 3A and 3B show partial cross-sectional views of an example housing (e.g., housing 208 of Figure 2) for a compressor (e.g., compressor 200 of Figure 2) used in a turbine engine (e.g., turbofan engine 110 of Figure 1 and / or Figure 2). Housing 208 surrounds compressor 200 at a transition point 206 between turbocharger stage 202 and HP compressor stage 204. Therefore, housing 208 includes one or more integrated VBV ports 214. For example, housing 208 may include 8 to 18 VBV ports 214. In some examples, the number of VBV ports 214 integrated into housing 208 may correspond to the number of struts in turbofan engine 110. In some examples, VBV ports 214 are machined into housing 208. In some examples, VBV ports 214 are integrated into housing 208 by an additive manufacturing process.

[0037] Figure 3A is a radial cross-sectional view of an example outer surface 302 of housing 208. As shown in Figure 3A, a plurality of VBV ports 214 are circumferentially spaced around housing 208 at substantially the same axial and radial locations. Figure 3B is a circumferential cross-sectional view of housing 208 along line AA of Figure 3A. An example thickness 304 of housing 208 extends from an example inner surface 306 of housing 208 to the outer surface 302 of housing 208. As shown in Figure 3B, the VBV ports 214 extend through the thickness 304 of housing 208. Typically, the VBV assembly is integrated into housing 208, defining a variable discharge valve.

[0038] In some examples, the VBV component includes an example controller (not shown in the examples disclosed herein). The controller may be configured to monitor compressor 200 to identify speed-speed mismatch between booster stage 202 and HP compressor stage 204. For example, the controller may identify a mismatch between the spools of booster stage 202 and HP compressor stage 204. The controller may be a monitoring circuit controlled by a person and / or an electronic computing device such as a computer. In response to identifying a speed-speed mismatch, the controller may be configured to actuate the VBV component. For example, the controller may cause the actuator to move the VBV component between a closed position and an open position to allow air to escape from booster stage 202 (e.g., via VBV port 216). The controller may be configured to cause the actuator to move the VBV component from an open position to a closed position to prevent air from escaping from booster stage 202.

[0039] Various example VBV components based on the teachings of this disclosure are described in further detail below. The examples disclosed below apply to an example compressor 200 of an example turbofan engine 110 as described in Figures 2, 3A, and 3B. Thus, the examples disclosed below include an example housing 208 defining a mainstream flow path 212 and an example VBV port 214 defining an example discharge flow path 216. However, it should be understood that the examples disclosed herein can be implemented in one or more compressors (such as high-pressure compressors, low-pressure compressors, etc.). Furthermore, the examples disclosed herein can be implemented on compressors having various configurations (such as including one or more VBV ports, compressor stages, etc.). Furthermore, the examples disclosed herein can be applied to various turbine engines, such as multi-spindle turbine engines, turboshaft engines, turbine engines with a single compressor section, etc. The examples disclosed below may include a controller to determine the actuation of the VBV components disclosed herein.

[0040] Figures 4A and 4B are schematic diagrams of an example VBV assembly 400 constructed according to the teachings of this disclosure. The example VBV assembly 400 is positioned radially outward from an example housing 208 and includes one or more VBV ports 214. Each VBV port 214 defines an exhaust flow path 216 that allows exhaust gas to escape from the turbocharger stage 202. The VBV assembly 400 includes at least one example VBV door 402 coupled to an example coordination ring 404 (e.g., an actuation ring). The VBV door 402 is configured to cover the VBV port 214 in a closed position. The coordination ring 404 is configured to move the VBV door 402 from a first position to a second position to expose the VBV port 214, allowing air to escape from the turbocharger stage 202. Any number of VBV doors 402 may be included. For example, the number of VBV doors 402 may correspond to the number of VBV ports 214 (e.g., 8 to 24 VBV doors). In some examples, multiple VBV ports 214 may share a VBV door 402. Therefore, some examples have a different number of VBV gates 402 than VBV port 214. VBV assembly 400 is configured to close the VBV port 214 radially inward from VBV port 214. Therefore, VBV assembly 400 includes an example VBV gate gap 406. In some examples, a coordination ring 404 is operatively coupled to an example actuator 408 (e.g., via an example actuator rod 410). The example actuator 408 may be a linear actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, a power screw, etc.

[0041] The example VBV assembly 400 of Figures 4A and 4B includes an example bell crank 412 (e.g., and / or another intermediate device). The bell crank 412 is an assembly having two linked points connected at a pivot point (e.g., at the ends of each arm). The bell crank 412 is configured to change the direction of force by means of angle. For example, an L-shaped bell crank 412 with a 90-degree angle can transfer an axial tension on the first arm of the bell crank 412 to a radial tension on the second arm by rotating the arm about a pivot point (e.g., example fixed pivot point 414). However, it should be understood that the bell crank 412 can be configured to have any angle between 0 degrees and 360 degrees. The direction of force transmission can vary depending on the angle.

[0042] In the examples shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the bell crank 412 is positioned radially outward from the example housing 208. In some examples, the bell crank 412 may be positioned at an angle relative to the example coordinating ring 404. The example bell crank 412 includes three example connection points: an example fixed pivot point 414, an example VBV gate point 416, and an example actuation point 418. The example fixed pivot point 414 is connected to the turbofan engine 110 such that the bell crank 412 can pivot about the fixed pivot point 414. The fixed pivot point 414 can be connected to the turbofan engine 110 using a stationary connection point of the turbofan engine 110 (such as a wall extending radially outward from the housing 208). In the examples shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the coordinating ring 404 is operatively coupled to the example VBV gate point 416 of the bell crank 412. The upstream end of the VBV gate 402 is coupled to the coordinating ring 404. Actuation point 418 is operatively connected to actuator 408 via example actuator rod 410.

[0043] In operation, actuator 408 moves between a first position (e.g., the closed position in FIG. 4A, where airflow is blocked from entering VBV port 214) and a second position (e.g., the open position in FIG. 4B, where airflow can move into VBV port 214). In some examples, actuator 408 moves in an axial direction. In some examples, actuator 408 moves in an axial-radial direction. However, actuator 408 may be configured to move in other directions that enable VBV assembly 400 to open and / or close VBV port 214. The movement of actuator 408 from the first position to the second position pulls bell crank 412 via actuator rod 410, which pivots about a fixed pivot point 414. As bell crank 412 pivots about the fixed pivot point 414, bell crank 412 pulls coordinating ring 404, which moves coordinating ring 404 from the first position to the second position in the circumferential / axial component direction. The movement of the coordinating ring 404 from a first (e.g., closed) position to a second (e.g., open) position causes the VBV door 402 to move from the first position to the second position. In other words, the actuator 408 pivots the bell crank 412 about a fixed pivot point 414, which pulls and / or pushes the coordinating ring 404 and the VBV door 402. To move toward the open position, the VBV door 402 slides circumferentially / axially upward from the VBV door gap 406.

[0044] To move the VBV assembly 400 to a first position, the actuator 408 moves from a second position to the first position, causing the bell crank 412 to pivot about a fixed pivot point 414, thereby generating a thrust on the coordinating ring 404. The thrust on the coordinating ring 404 causes it to move from the second position to the first position along its circumferential / axial component, which applies a thrust to the VBV door 402. The thrust on the VBV door 402 causes it to slide toward a first (e.g., closed) position through the VBV door gap 406. While moving toward the closed position, the VBV door 402 moves downstream in a circumferential / axial direction. In operation, the VBV assembly 400 can move toward a partially open position and / or a partially closed position. That is, the VBV door 402 can be actuated to partially open and / or partially close.

[0045] The VBV assembly 400 of Figures 4A and 4B can be configured in various arrangements. In some examples, a single actuator 408 is operatively coupled to a single bell crank 412, which is operatively coupled to a single coordinating ring 404, which operatively and circumferentially links each VBV gate 402 of the VBV assembly 400. In some examples, the coordinating ring 404 may be operatively coupled to multiple bell cranks 412 and / or actuators 408. In some such examples, multiple bell cranks 412 and / or actuators 408 move simultaneously to provide additional force to move the actuators 408 and VBV gates 402. In some examples, the VBV assembly 400 includes more than one coordinating ring 404, each coordinating ring 404 having a corresponding actuator 408 and bell crank 412. In some such examples, each coordinating ring 404 may be operatively and circumferentially linked to multiple VBV gates 402. In other words, some examples enable a subset of VBV gates 402 to be linked and actuated through different coordination rings 404. In some examples, the VBV gates 402 extend circumferentially around the coordination ring 404, such that a single coordination ring 404 and a single VBV gate 402 can cover multiple VBV ports 214. In some examples, the VBV gates 402 extend circumferentially around the coordination ring 404 to cover fewer than all VBV ports 214. Some such examples may include more than one coordination ring 404, each coordination ring 404 having VBV gates 402 covering one or more VBV ports 214.

[0046] Figures 5A and 5B show partial radial-inward views of the example VBV assembly 400 of Figures 4A and 4B. In some examples, the VBV assembly 400 includes a plurality of VBV gates 402 coupled to a coordinating ring 404 and circumferentially spaced. In the examples shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the VBV gates 402 are configured to cover a plurality of VBV ports 214. In some examples, more than one VBV gate 402 is coupled to the coordinating ring 404, each VBV gate 402 corresponding to more than one VBV port 214. The coordinating ring 404 is operatively coupled to an example bell crank 412 and an example actuator 408. Figures 5A and 5B illustrate the circumferential / axial movement of the coordinating ring 404 and the VBV gates 402.

[0047] Figure 5A shows an example VBV assembly 400 in the closed position. In the closed position, the coordinating ring 404 is axially downstream relative to the coordinating ring 404 in the open position. In operation, the actuator 408 pulls the bell crank 412, which pulls the coordinating ring 404 about a fixed pivot point 414. This force causes the coordinating ring 404 to move upstream in the example circumferential / axial direction to move the coordinating ring 404 from the closed position to the open position. The movement of the coordinating ring 404 pulls the VBV door 402 out of the example VBV door gap (not shown) in the circumferential / axial upstream direction.

[0048] Figure 5B shows an example VBV assembly 400 in the open position. In the open position, the coordinating ring 404 is axially upstream relative to the coordinating ring 404 in the closed position. In operation, the actuator 408 actuates the bell crank 412, which pushes the coordinating ring 404 around the actuation point 418. This force causes the coordinating ring 404 to move circumferentially / axially downstream to move the coordinating ring 404 from the open position to the closed position. The movement of the coordinating ring 404 pushes the VBV door 402 circumferentially / axially downstream into an example VBV door gap (not shown).

[0049] The VBV assembly 400 in Figures 4A-4B and 5A-5B can be configured in various additional or optional arrangements. In some examples, the VBV assembly 400 includes more than one coordination ring 404, each coordination ring 404 having a corresponding actuator 408. In such examples, each coordination ring 404 can operatively and circumferentially link multiple VBV gates 402. In other words, some examples enable a subset of corresponding VBV gates 402 to be linked and actuated via different coordination rings 404.

[0050] Additional and / or optional example VBV components and / or configurations are disclosed below. The example VBV components disclosed below are similar to VBV component 400 of Figures 4A and 4B. Therefore, details of the components (e.g., housing 208, VBV port 214, VBV gate 402, coordinating ring 404, example actuator 408, etc.) are not repeated in conjunction with Figures 6A-12. Furthermore, the same reference numerals used for the structures shown in Figures 2-5B are used for similar or identical structures in Figures 6A-12. Similar to Figures 2-5B, the example below is integrated into the housing 208 of the compressor 200, which defines the main flow path 212 for airflow through the turbofan engine 110.

[0051] Figures 6A and 6B are schematic diagrams of another example VBV assembly 600 constructed according to the teachings of this disclosure. The example VBV assembly 600 is positioned radially outward from an example housing 208 and includes one or more VBV ports 214. The VBV assembly 600 includes at least one example VBV gate 402 coupled to an example coordination ring 404. The coordination ring 404 is configured to move the VBV gate 402 from a first position to a second position to expose the VBV port 214, thereby allowing air to escape from the booster stage 202. The example coordination ring 404 is configured to simultaneously actuate multiple VBV gates 402.

[0052] In the examples shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the coordinating ring 404 moves in a circumferential direction. In some examples, the coordinating ring 404 moves in an axial direction (as shown in Figures 9A and 9B). In some examples, the coordinating ring 404 is operatively coupled to an example actuator 408 (e.g., via an example actuator rod 410 and an example connecting arm 602). The actuator 408 can be positioned in any position that enables the actuator to move the coordinating ring 404 in the circumferential and / or axial directions. In some examples, the coordinating ring 404 is operatively coupled to more than one actuator 408. For example, the coordinating ring 404 can be operatively coupled to a first actuator 408 and a second actuator 408, wherein the second actuator 408 is an additional and / or optional actuator 408 that can be used as a backup actuator 408.

[0053] In operation, the VBV component 600 moves between a first position (e.g., the closed position in FIG. 6A, thereby preventing airflow into the VBV port 214) and a second position (e.g., the open position in FIG. 6B, thereby allowing airflow into the VBV port 214). That is, the actuator 408 moves between the first and second positions, causing the coordination ring 404 to move between the first and second positions (e.g., circumferentially). The movement of the coordination ring 404 from the first position to the second position causes the VBV door 402 to move from a first (e.g., closed) position to a second (e.g., open) position. To move toward the open position, the VBV door 402 slides circumferentially to expose the VBV port 214.

[0054] To move VBV component 600 to a first position, actuator 408 moves from a second position to the first position, causing coordination ring 404 to move from the second position to the first position (e.g., in the circumferential direction). This movement causes VBV door 402 to slide circumferentially toward a first (e.g., closed) position, covering VBV port 214 in the process. In operation, VBV component 600 can move toward a partially open position and / or a partially closed position. That is, VBV door 402 can be actuated to partially open and / or partially close.

[0055] The VBV assembly 600 of Figures 6A and 6B can be configured in various additional or optional arrangements. In some examples, the VBV assembly 600 includes more than one coordination ring 404, each coordination ring 404 having a corresponding actuator 408. In such examples, each coordination ring 404 can operatively and circumferentially link multiple VBV gates 402. In other words, some examples enable a subset of corresponding VBV gates 402 to be linked and actuated via different coordination rings 404. Furthermore, the coordination rings 404 can be actuated in any manner that allows the coordination rings 404 to move in a circumferential or axial direction.

[0056] Figures 7A and 7B are partial circumferential views of the example VBV assembly 600 of Figures 6A and 6B. As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the example VBV door 402 is coupled to an example coordinating ring 404, which surrounds the example housing 208. In the examples shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the coordinating ring 404 (e.g., and VBV door 402) moves circumferentially around the housing 208. In operation, the coordinating ring 404 of Figures 7A and 7B remains in substantially the same axial and radial position.

[0057] Figure 7A shows the VBV component 600 in a first (e.g., closed) position (e.g., as shown in Figure 6A). Figure 7B shows the VBV component 600 in a second (e.g., open) position (e.g., as shown in Figure 6B). In operation, the coordination ring 404 moves circumferentially from the first position in Figure 7A toward the second position in Figure 7B.

[0058] Figure 8 is a partial view of the VBV assembly 600 of Figures 6A-6B, 7A-7B, and / or 9A-9B. The coordinating ring 404 may be made of metal or composite material. For example, the coordinating ring 404 may be made of titanium. In some examples, the coordinating ring 404 is made of thermoplastic or organic composite material, such as polymer, bismaleimide, or polyimide composite. Multiple VBV doors 402 are connected to the coordinating ring 404 via an example linkage 802. In some examples, the linkage 802 may include at least one fastener, such as a screw, bolt, etc. In some examples, the linkage 802 is a weld. In some examples, the linkage 802 includes rivets and / or adhesive bonding. The VBV doors 402 may be made of composite material.

[0059] Figures 9A and 9B illustrate an example VBV assembly 600 of Figures 6A, 6B, and / or Figure 8. The VBV assembly 600 includes at least one example VBV gate 402, an example coordination ring 404, and an example actuator 408. In the examples shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the VBV assembly 600 is configured to move in an axial direction.

[0060] In operation, the VBV assembly 600 moves between a first position (e.g., the closed position in FIG. 9A, thereby preventing airflow into the VBV port 214) and a second position (e.g., the open position in FIG. 9B, thereby allowing airflow into the VBV port 214). That is, the actuator 408 moves between the first and second positions, causing the coordination ring 404 to move between the first and second positions (e.g., axially). The movement of the coordination ring 404 from the first position to the second position causes the VBV door 402 to move from a first (e.g., closed) position to a second (e.g., open) position. To move toward the open position, the VBV assembly 600 slides axially to expose the VBV port 214. In some examples, the VBV assembly 600 slides axially upstream of the VBV port 214. In other examples, the VBV assembly 600 slides axially downstream of the VBV port 214.

[0061] To move the VBV assembly 600 to a first position, the actuator 408 moves from a second position to the first position, causing the coordinating ring 404 to move axially from the second position to the first position. This movement causes the VBV door 402 to slide axially toward a first (e.g., closed) position, covering the VBV port 214 in the process. In operation, the VBV assembly 600 can move toward a partially open position and / or a partially closed position. That is, the VBV door 402 can be actuated to partially open and / or partially close.

[0062] Figures 10A and 10B illustrate another example VBV assembly 1000 constructed according to the teachings of this disclosure. VBV assembly 1000 includes an example coordination ring 404, at least one example VBV gate 402 coupled to the coordination ring 404, and an example actuator 408 (not shown). An example housing 208 includes at least one VBV port 214 defining a discharge flow path 216. VBV assembly 1000 is similar to VBV assembly 600 of Figures 6A-6B to 9A-9B. However, VBV assembly 1000 is configured to close the VBV port 214 radially inward from the VBV port 214. Therefore, VBV assembly 1000 includes an example VBV gate gap 406.

[0063] In the examples shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the coordination ring 404 is radially outwardly positioned from the example housing 208 and upstream of the VBV port 214. In some examples, the coordination ring 404 may be positioned at another location, such as downstream of the VBV port 214. The VBV door 402 is radially outwardly positioned from the example housing 208. In the open position, the VBV door 402 is positioned circumferentially adjacent to the VBV port 214.

[0064] Figure 10A shows a VBV door 402 vertically coupled to the coordinating ring 404. In such an example, the VBV door 402 may not be flush with the wall of the housing 208, resulting in an exhaust chamber 224. Figure 10B shows a VBV door 402 coupled to the coordinating ring 404 at an angle of 1002. In some such examples, the angle 1002 causes the VBV door 402 to be flush with or substantially flush with the wall of the housing 208 in the closed position. For example, a substantially flush relationship may be within 3 degrees of flush. However, the angle 1002 may be any angle that does not cause the VBV door 402 to extend beyond the housing 208. That is, the VBV door 402 may be positioned to prevent airflow through the VBV port 214 in the closed position. Although not shown in the examples shown in Figures 10A and 10B, an actuator 408 is operatively coupled to the example coordinating ring 404. The actuator 408 may be positioned in any position that allows the actuator to move the coordinating ring 404 in the circumferential direction.

[0065] Figures 11A and 11B show partial radially inward views of the example VBV assembly 1000 of Figures 10A and 10B. Figures 11A and 11B show a plurality of VBV gates 402 coupled to a coordinating ring 404 and circumferentially spaced. The coordinating ring 404 is operatively coupled to an actuator 408 (not shown in the example views of Figures 11A and 11B, but shown in the example views of Figures 6A and 6B). Figures 11A and 11B illustrate the circumferential movement of the coordinating ring 404 and the VBV gates 402.

[0066] Figure 11A shows an example VBV assembly 1000 in the closed position. In the closed position, the coordinating ring 404 is in substantially the same axial and radial position as the coordinating ring in the open position.

[0067] In operation, actuator 408 moves between a first position (e.g., a closed position where airflow is blocked from entering VBV port 214) and a second position (e.g., an open position where airflow can enter VBV port 214). The movement of actuator 408 from the first position to the second position causes coordination ring 404 to move circumferentially from the first (closed) position to the second (open) position. The movement of coordination ring 404 causes VBV gate 402 to slide circumferentially away from VBV port 214 from the first position toward the second position. In other words, actuator 408 causes coordination ring 404 and the corresponding VBV gate 402 to slide between the first and second positions. To move toward the open position, VBV gate 402 slides circumferentially away from VBV port 214.

[0068] Figure 11B shows an example VBV assembly 1000 in the open position. To move the VBV assembly 1000 back to the closed position, actuator 408 moves from a second position to a first position, causing the coordinating ring 404 to move in a circumferential direction opposite to the circumferential direction that moved the coordinating ring to the open position. This movement causes the VBV door 402 to slide circumferentially toward the first (closed) position. In operation, the VBV assembly 1000 can move toward a partially open position and / or a partially closed position. That is, the VBV door 402 can be actuated to partially open and / or partially close.

[0069] Figure 11B also shows an example circumferential VBV port length 1102, an example circumferential VBV gate length 1104, and an example circumferential gap length 1106. The circumferential VBV port length 1102 is the length of VBV port 214 in the circumferential direction. The circumferential VBV gate length 1104 is the length of VBV gate 402 in the circumferential direction. The circumferential VBV port length 1102 is equal to or less than the circumferential VBV gate length 1104. That is, if the circumferential VBV gate length is not greater than the circumferential VBV port length 1102, it must be at least equal to the circumferential VBV port length 1102 in order to cover VBV port 214 in the closed position. In some examples, VBV gate 402 does not include a uniform length in the axial direction. For example, the VBV gate may be tilted in length, having a greater length toward the coordination ring 404. In such an example, the minimum VBV gate length 1104, if not greater than the circumferential VBV port length 1102, will be at least equal to the circumferential VBV port length 1102 to cover VBV port 214 in the closed position. In such an example, the VBV gate length 1104 may be tilted toward a longer VBV gate length.

[0070] The circumferential spacing length 1106 is greater than or equal to the circumferential VBV gate length 1104. That is, the circumferential spacing length 1106 must be at least the same size as the circumferential VBV gate length 1104, so that the VBV gate 402 does not overlap with more than one VBV port 214. Furthermore, this configuration allows the VBV gate 402 to be positioned where it does not cover any VBV port.

[0071] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating an example method 1200 for controlling example VBV components (e.g., VBV components 400, 600, 1000). In some examples, method 1200 begins at block 1202, where a controller monitors the compressor (e.g., compressor 200) of a turbine engine (e.g., turbine engine 110) to identify speed-speed mismatch between the turbocharger stage (e.g., turbocharger stage 202) and the high-pressure compressor stage 204 (e.g., an HP compressor). The controller may be a monitoring circuit controlled by a person and / or by an electronic computing device such as a computer. Speed-speed mismatch may occur during throttling changes in turbine engine 110, such as during the start-up and / or shutdown of turbine engine 110.

[0072] At block 1204, the controller determines whether a speed-speed mismatch has been identified. If the answer to block 1204 is no, control proceeds back to block 1202, where the controller continues to monitor compressor 200. If the answer to block 1204 is yes, control proceeds to block 1206. At block 1206, the controller actuates the variable discharge valve to exhaust from the booster stage 202 by moving the coordination loop (e.g., coordination loop 404) and the corresponding VBV door (e.g., VBV door 402) from a first (e.g., closed) position to a second (e.g., open) position. At block 1208, the controller shuts off VBV assemblies 400, 600, and 1000 by moving the coordination loop 404 and the corresponding VBV door 402 from the second (e.g., open) position to the first (e.g., closed) position.

[0073] The example VBV assemblies 400, 600, and 1000 disclosed above have various features. In some examples, a sliding door (e.g., VBV door 402) is used to open and / or close VBV port 214. In some examples, VBV door 402 slides through VBV door gap 406. In some examples, VBV door 402 is flush with housing 208 in the closed position. Therefore, in some examples, the discharge chamber 224 is closed in the closed position. VBV door 402 can move in various axial and / or circumferential component directions. Some examples enable VBV assemblies 400, 600, and 1000 to move a subset of VBV door 402 between open and closed positions.

[0074] Although each of the example VBV components 400, 600, and 1000 disclosed above has certain features, it should be understood that a particular feature of one example VBV component 400, 600, or 1000 is not necessarily specific to that example. Rather, any feature depicted above and / or in the accompanying drawings may be combined with any example to complement or substitute for any other feature of those examples. A feature of one example is not mutually exclusive with a feature of another example. Rather, the scope of this disclosure includes any combination of any features. The features of the example VBV components 400, 600, and 1000 disclosed above may be combined, divided, rearranged, omitted, eliminated, and / or implemented in any other way.

[0075] "Comprising" and "including" (and all their forms and tenses) are used herein as open-ended terms. Therefore, whenever a claim uses any form of "comprising" or "including" (e.g., including, comprising, having, etc.) in the preamble or in any type of claim statement, it should be understood that additional elements, terms, etc., may be present without exceeding the scope of the corresponding claim or statement. As used herein, the phrase "at least" is open-ended when used as a transitional term, for example, in the preamble of a claim, as is the case with the terms "comprising" and "including". The term "and / or", when used, for example, in the form of, for example, A, B, and / or C, refers to any combination or subset of A, B, C, such as (1) A alone, (2) B alone, (3) C alone, (4) A and B, (5) A and C, (6) B and C, or (7) A and B and C. As used herein in the context of describing structures, components, items, objects, and / or things, the phrase "at least one of A and B" is intended to refer to any implementation including (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing structures, components, items, objects, and / or things, the phrase "at least one of A or B" is intended to refer to any implementation including (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. As used herein in the context of describing the conduct or execution of processes, instructions, actions, activities, and / or steps, the phrase "at least one of A and B" is intended to refer to any implementation including (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing the conduct or execution of processes, instructions, actions, activities, and / or steps, the phrase "at least one of A or B" is intended to refer to any implementation including (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B.

[0076] As used herein, singular references (e.g., “a,” “an,” “first,” “second,” etc.) do not exclude plural. As used herein, the term “a” or “an” refers to one or more of those objects. The terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more,” and “at least one” are used interchangeably herein. Furthermore, although listed separately, multiple means, elements, or method actions can be implemented by, for example, the same entity or object. Moreover, while individual features may be included in different examples or claims, these may be combined, and inclusion in different examples or claims does not imply that the combination of features is impractical and / or disadvantageous.

[0077] As can be understood from the foregoing, example systems, apparatuses, and articles of art capable of manufacturing advantageous VBV components have been disclosed. The examples disclosed herein actuate a VBV door flush with the housing in the closed position, thereby eliminating the exhaust chamber. The examples disclosed herein actuate a VBV door that limits the influence of the exhaust chamber on the mainstream airflow. The examples disclosed herein enable the manufacture of various VBV components configurable for specific turbine engines. Therefore, the examples disclosed herein can improve the operability and efficiency of turbine engines, achieve aerodynamic benefits, and improve stall margin.

[0078] Further aspects of this disclosure are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses:

[0079] Example 1 includes an apparatus comprising: a variable discharge valve (VBV) gate associated with a VBV discharge port; and a first coordination ring to which the VBV gate is coupled, the first coordination ring being movable in a circumferential direction between a first position and a second position to move the VBV gate between the first position and the second position.

[0080] Example 2 includes any of the devices described in the preceding clauses, and further includes an actuator coupled to a first coordinating ring to move the first coordinating ring between a first position and a second position.

[0081] Example 3 includes any of the devices described in the preceding clauses, wherein the first coordinating ring moves in an axial direction between a first position and a second position.

[0082] Example 4 includes any of the devices described in the preceding clauses, wherein the VBV gate slides between a first position and a second position.

[0083] Example 5 includes any of the devices described in the preceding clauses, wherein the first position is a closed position and the second position is an open position.

[0084] Example 6 includes any of the preceding clauses of the apparatus, further including a plurality of VBV gates corresponding to a plurality of VBV emission ports, wherein a VBV gate of the plurality of VBV gates is associated with a corresponding VBV emission port of the plurality of VBV emission ports, and the plurality of VBV gates are circumferentially spaced and connected to a first coordination ring.

[0085] Example 7 includes any of the preceding clauses of the apparatus, wherein a plurality of VBV gates are positioned behind a plurality of VBV discharge ports.

[0086] Example 8 includes any of the preceding clauses of the apparatus, wherein a plurality of VBV gates includes a plurality of first portions of a plurality of VBV gates and a plurality of second portions of a plurality of VBV gates, the first portions of the plurality of VBV gates being operatively coupled to a first coordination ring, the apparatus further comprising: a second coordination ring, the second portions of the plurality of VBV gates being operatively coupled to the second coordination ring; and a second actuator, the second actuator being operatively coupled to the second coordination ring, the second actuator being moved between a first position and a second position to move the second coordination ring between the first position and the second position, thereby moving the second portions of the plurality of VBV gates between the first position and the second position.

[0087] Example 9 includes a turbine engine comprising: a housing having an inner surface and an outer surface defining a flow path for the turbine engine, the housing having a plurality of exhaust slots; and a variable exhaust valve system comprising: a plurality of VBV gates corresponding to the plurality of exhaust slots; and an exhaust ring having VBV gates of the plurality of VBV gates coupled to the exhaust ring, the exhaust ring being circumferentially movable between a closed position and an open position to move the VBV gates between the closed position and the open position.

[0088] Example 10 includes any of the preceding clauses of the turbine engine, wherein in the closed position, the VBV doors of the plurality of VBV doors cover the corresponding exhaust channels of the plurality of exhaust channels.

[0089] Example 11 includes any of the preceding clauses of the turbine engine, wherein in the closed position, the VBV gate is substantially flush with the flow path.

[0090] Example 12 includes any of the preceding clauses of the turbine engine, wherein, in the open position, the VBV doors of the plurality of VBV doors at least partially expose the corresponding exhaust channels of the plurality of exhaust channels.

[0091] Example 13 includes any of the preceding clauses of the turbine engine, wherein the emission ring moves in the circumferential-axial component direction between a closed position and an open position to move the VBV gate between the closed position and the open position.

[0092] Example 14 includes any of the preceding clauses of the turbine engine, and further includes an actuator that moves the emission ring between a closed position and an open position.

[0093] Example 15 includes any of the preceding clauses of a turbocharger engine, wherein the emission ring is a first emission ring, and wherein a plurality of VBV gates include first portions of a plurality of VBV gates and second portions of a plurality of VBV gates, the first portions of the plurality of VBV gates being coupled to the first emission ring, the turbocharger engine further including: a second emission ring, the second portions of the plurality of VBV gates being coupled to the second emission ring; and a second actuator operatively coupled to the second emission ring, the second actuator being movable between a closed position and an open position to move the second emission ring between the closed position and the open position, thereby moving the second portions of the plurality of VBV gates between the closed position and the open position.

[0094] Example 16 includes any of the preceding clauses of the turbine engine, and further includes an intermediate device positioned between the exhaust ring and the actuator, the intermediate device being operatively coupled to the actuator at a first end and operatively coupled to the exhaust ring at a second end.

[0095] Example 17 includes any of the preceding clauses of the turbine engine, wherein the actuator moves between an open position and a closed position to move an intermediate device between an open position and a closed position, thereby moving the exhaust ring and a plurality of VBV doors between an open position and a closed position.

[0096] Example 18 includes any of the preceding clauses of a turbine engine, wherein the intermediate device is a bell crank.

[0097] Example 19 includes any of the preceding clauses of a turbine engine, wherein the VBV doors of the plurality of VBV doors slide between a closed position and an open position.

[0098] Example 20 includes a method comprising: monitoring the compressor of a turbine to identify a speed-speed mismatch between a turbocharger stage and a high-pressure stage; in response to identifying the speed-speed mismatch between the turbocharger stage and the high-pressure stage, actuating a variable discharge valve (VBV) to exhaust gas from the turbocharger stage by moving a coordinating ring having at least one VBV door from a first position to a second position; and closing the VBV to stop exhaust gas from the turbocharger stage by moving the coordinating ring having at least one VBV door from the second position to the first position.

[0099] Although certain example systems, apparatuses, and articles of manufacture are disclosed herein, the scope of this patent is not limited thereto. Rather, this patent covers all systems, apparatuses, and articles of manufacture that fall fully within the scope of the claims of this patent.

[0100] The appended claims are incorporated herein by reference in the detailed description, wherein each claim is an independent embodiment of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A device in a turbine engine, characterized in that, The turbine engine defines a longitudinal centerline axis and an axial direction parallel to the longitudinal centerline axis, as well as a circumferential direction concentric around the centerline axis. The device includes: a first variable emission valve, i.e., a first VBV gate; a second VBV gate, the second VBV gate being circumferentially spaced relative to the first VBV gate; and a first coordinating ring, the first coordinating ring being movable between a first position and a second position, each of the first VBV gate and the second VBV gate being connected to the first coordinating ring such that when the first coordinating ring moves from the first position to the second position, the first VBV gate and the second VBV gate are moved from the first position to the second position, the first position of the first coordinating ring and the first VBV gate and the second VBV gate being axially downstream and circumferentially rotated relative to the second position of the first coordinating ring and the first VBV gate and the second VBV gate, the first VBV gate being oriented within a first gap defined within the first VBV emission port in both the first position and the second position; the second VBV gate being oriented within a second gap defined within the second VBV emission port in both the first position and the second position.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes an actuator coupled to the first coordinating ring to move the first coordinating ring between the first position and the second position.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first position is the closed position, and the second position is the open position.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a third VBV gate, which is circumferentially spaced relative to the first VBV gate and the second VBV gate.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first gap is defined within the wall of the first VBV gate and positioned near the housing that defines the main flow path of the turbine engine.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first coordination ring can be moved to a third position to move the first VBV gate and the second VBV gate to the third position, wherein the third position of the first VBV gate and the second VBV gate is located axially upstream of the first position and axially downstream of the second position.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The third VBV gate is oriented within the third gap defined within the third VBV emission port in both the first and second positions, and the third VBV gate is circumferentially spaced from the second VBV gate.

8. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second gap is defined within the wall of the second VBV door and positioned near the housing.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first coordination ring and the first VBV gate are connected to form an angle between them, and the angle between the first coordination ring and the first VBV gate is the same in the first position and the second position.

10. A turbine engine defining a longitudinal centerline axis, an axial direction parallel to the longitudinal centerline axis, and a circumferential direction concentric with the longitudinal centerline axis, characterized in that, The turbine engine includes: a housing defining a flow path for the turbine engine, the housing having a plurality of exhaust slots circumferentially spaced apart from each other; and a variable exhaust valve-VBV system including: each of a plurality of VBV gates associated with a first position, each of the plurality of VBV gates movable to a second position axially downstream and circumferentially rotatable relative to the first position, wherein each VBV gate is movable within a corresponding exhaust slot of the plurality of exhaust slots such that the plurality of VBV gates are positioned relative to the corresponding exhaust slot in the first position and the second position; wherein each exhaust slot of the plurality of exhaust slots includes a corresponding wall and a gap defined in the wall, each VBV gate being positioned within the corresponding exhaust slot via the corresponding gap; and an exhaust ring to which the plurality of VBV gates are coupled, the exhaust ring moving from the first position to the second position and rotating axially downstream and circumferentially, such that the plurality of VBV gates move from the first position to the second position.

11. The turbine engine according to claim 10, characterized in that, The first position is the open position, the second position is the closed position, and in the closed position, the corresponding VBV door of the plurality of VBV doors covers the corresponding exhaust slot of the plurality of exhaust slots.

12. The turbine engine according to claim 11, characterized in that, In the closed position, the plurality of VBV gates are substantially flush with the flow path.

13. The turbine engine according to claim 10, characterized in that, It further includes a first actuator coupled to the emission ring, the first actuator causing the emission ring to move between the first position and the second position.

14. The turbine engine according to claim 13, characterized in that, It further includes a second actuator, and the first actuator and the second actuator are coupled to the emission ring to move the emission ring between the first position and the second position.

15. The turbine engine according to claim 13, characterized in that, The device further includes an intermediate device positioned between the exhaust ring and the actuator, the intermediate device being operatively coupled to the first actuator at a first end and operatively coupled to the exhaust ring at a second end.

16. The turbine engine according to claim 15, characterized in that, The intermediate device is a bell-shaped crank.

17. The turbine engine according to claim 15, characterized in that, The first actuator is configured to move between the first position and the second position to move the intermediate device between the first position and the second position, thereby moving the emission ring and the plurality of VBV gates between the first position and the second position.

18. The turbine engine according to claim 10, characterized in that, The emission ring can be moved to a third position so that the plurality of VBV gates can be moved to the third position, which is axially positioned between the first position and the second position.

19. A method for controlling VBV components, characterized in that, include: Monitoring the compressor of a turbocharger engine to identify speed-speed mismatch between the turbocharger stage and the high-pressure stage, the turbocharger engine defining a longitudinal centerline axis and an axial direction parallel to the longitudinal centerline axis and a circumferential direction concentric about the longitudinal centerline axis, the turbocharger engine including a device comprising: a first variable emission valve (VBV) gate; a second VBV gate circumferentially spaced relative to the first VBV gate; and a first coordinating ring movable between a first position and a second position, each of the first VBV gate and the second VBV gate being coupled to the first coordinating ring such that when the first coordinating ring moves from the first position to the second position, the first VBV gate and the second VBV gate move from the first position to the second position; actuating the device according to identification, the actuation comprising moving the first coordinating ring having the first VBV gate and the second VBV gate coupled thereto axially and circumferentially from the first position to the second position, thereby exhausting exhaust in the first VBV emission port and the second VBV emission port, the first VBV gate being oriented within a wall defined in the first VBV emission port. Within a first gap, the first VBV door is able to slide within the first VBV emission port through the first gap, and the second VBV door is oriented within a second gap defined in the wall of the second VBV emission port, allowing the second VBV door to slide within the second VBV emission port through the second gap. The first VBV door oriented in the first gap is in a first position and a second position, and the second VBV door oriented in the second gap is in a first position and a second position. When the first VBV door and the second VBV door are in the first position, they are in a first axial position and a first circumferential position, while when they are in the second position, they are in a second axial position and a second circumferential position. The first axial position is located axially downstream of the second axial position, and the first circumferential position is circumferentially rotated relative to the second circumferential position. The first VBV emission port and the second emission port are closed by moving the first coordinating ring axially and circumferentially from the second position to the first position to stop exhaust from the first VBV emission port and the second emission port.

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