Vapor generating system and apparatus

Abstract

A vapor generating device includes a fluid channel extending between a first end and a second end of the vapor generating device, a plurality of first fluid passages extending between the first end and the second end, and a plurality of second fluid passages extending between the first end and the second end. The plurality of first fluid passages is between the fluid channel and the plurality of second fluid passages. The vapor generating apparatus also includes a fluid chamber adjacent to the second end and configured to receive a first fluid, and a separator adjacent to the first end and in fluid communication with the fluid channel, the plurality of first fluid passages, and the plurality of second fluid passages. The fluid chamber is in fluid communication with the fluid channel and the plurality of first fluid passages.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a turbine engine including a steam system. Background Art

[0002] A turbine engine generally comprises a fan and a core section arranged in flow communication with each other. A combustor is arranged in the core section to generate combustion gases for driving a turbine in the core section of the turbine engine.

[0003] The turbine engine may also include a steam system to extract steam from the combustion gases. The extracted steam may drive a steam turbine connected to a turbine of the turbine engine. However, a steam system that improves the separation of steam from the liquid flowing through the steam system is desirable. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] A full and enabling disclosure of the present disclosure, including the best mode thereof, to one of ordinary skill in the art is set forth in the specification with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0005] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a turbine engine according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0006] Figure 2 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a turbine engine and steam system with a heat transfer system.

[0007] Figure 3 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1-2 Schematic diagram of the steam generation system of a turbine engine.

[0008] Figure 4A According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 3 A perspective detailed view of a separator of a steam generation system.

[0009] Figure 4B According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 4A Cross-sectional view of a separator of a steam generating system.

[0010] Figure 4C According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 4B Detailed cross-sectional view of a separator of a steam generation system.

[0011] Figure 5A According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure Figures 4A-4C A perspective view of one of the multiple separation channels of a separator.

[0012] Figure 5B According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 5A Rear perspective view of multiple separation paths.

[0013] Figure 6A According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 3 A three-dimensional diagram of the steam generation system.

[0014] Figure 6B According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 6A Cross-sectional view of a steam generation system.

[0015] Figure 7A is a perspective view of a steam generating system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 7B According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 6A Cross-sectional view of a steam generation system.

[0017] Figure 8A According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1-2 A perspective view of another steam generation system of a turbine engine.

[0018] Figure 8B According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 8A Cross-sectional view of a steam generation system.

[0019] Figure 8C According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 8A Cross-sectional view of a steam generation system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The detailed description uses numerical and letter designations to refer to features in the drawings. Like or similar designations in the drawings and the description have been used to refer to like or similar parts of the disclosure.

[0021] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Furthermore, unless expressly stated otherwise, all embodiments described herein should be considered exemplary.

[0022] The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0023] The term "at least one" in a context such as "at least one of A, B, and C" means only A, only B, only C, or any combination of A, B, and C.

[0024] The term "at least one" in a context such as "at least one of A, B, and C" means only A, only B, only C, or any combination of A, B, and C.

[0025] The term "turbine engine" refers to an engine having a turbine as all or part of its power source. Example turbine engines include turbofan engines, turboprop engines, turbojet engines, turboshaft engines, etc., as well as hybrid-electric versions of one or more of these engines.

[0026] The term "combustion section" refers to any heat addition system for a turbomachine. For example, the term combustion section may refer to a section that includes one or more of a deflagration combustion assembly, a rotating detonation combustion assembly, a pulse detonation combustion assembly, or other suitable heat addition assemblies. In certain example embodiments, the combustion section may include an annular combustor, a can combustor, a tubular combustor, a trapped vortex combustor (TVC), or other suitable combustion systems, or a combination thereof.

[0027] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to relative directions of fluid flow in a fluid path. For example, "upstream" refers to the direction from which the fluid is flowing, and "downstream" refers to the direction toward which the fluid is flowing.

[0028] As used herein, the terms "axial" and "axially" refer to directions and orientations extending substantially parallel to the centerline of a gas turbine engine. Furthermore, the terms "radial" and "radially" refer to directions and orientations extending substantially perpendicular to the centerline of a gas turbine engine. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms "circumferential" and "circumferentially" refer to directions and orientations extending in an arc about the centerline of a gas turbine engine.

[0029] As used herein, the "bypass ratio" of a turbine engine is the ratio of bypass air passing through the bypass path of the turbine engine to core air passing through the core inlet of the turbine engine's turbine. For example, the bypass ratio is the ratio of bypass air 62 entering the bypass airflow passage 56 to core air 64 entering the turbine 16.

[0030] Unless otherwise indicated herein, the terms "coupled," "fixed," "attached," and the like refer to both direct coupling, fixing, or attachment as well as indirect coupling, fixing, or attachment through one or more intermediate components or features.

[0031] As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to indicate the position or importance of each component.

[0032] For the purposes of the following description, the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "lateral," "longitudinal," and their derivatives shall relate to the embodiment as it is oriented in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the embodiments may assume various alternative variations unless expressly indicated to the contrary. It should also be understood that the specific devices shown in the drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Accordingly, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics associated with the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting.

[0033] As used herein, the term "complementary" with respect to two radii of curvature means that the two radii of curvature are equal, or that the larger of the two radii of curvature is no more than 10% larger than the smaller of the two radii of curvature.

[0034] As used herein, the term "adjacent" when referring to two walls and / or surfaces means that the two walls and / or surfaces are in contact with each other, or that the two walls and / or surfaces are separated only by one or more non-structural layers, and the two walls and / or surfaces are in a series contacting relationship with the one or more non-structural layers (e.g., a first wall / surface contacts the one or more non-structural layers, and the one or more non-structural layers contact the second wall / surface).

[0035] The present disclosure generally relates to a turbine engine including a steam system. Within the steam system, steam is separated from a liquid. In some exemplary embodiments, the steam system includes a heat exchanger for separating the steam from the liquid. For example, the heat exchanger may include a separator, such as an inertial separator, for separating the liquid from the steam.

[0036] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a turbine engine 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] In at least one example embodiment, turbine engine 10 includes a steam system 100. Figure 1 As shown, the turbine engine 10 has an axial direction A (extending parallel to the longitudinal centerline axis 12 ) and a radial direction R perpendicular to the axial direction A. Generally, the turbine engine 10 includes a fan section 14 and a turbine 16 disposed downstream of the fan section 14 .

[0038] The turbine 16 includes a housing 18 that is generally tubular and defines an annular core inlet 20. Figure 1As shown schematically, casing 18 encloses, in serial flow relationship: a compressor section 21, which includes a supercharger or low-pressure compressor ("LPC") 22, followed downstream by a high-pressure compressor ("HPC") 24; a combustor 26; a turbine section 27, which includes a high-pressure turbine ("HPT") 28, followed downstream by a low-pressure turbine ("LPT") 30; and one or more core exhaust nozzles 32. A high-pressure ("HP") shaft 34, or spool, drivingly connects HPT 28 to HPC 24 so that HPT 28 and HPC 24 rotate in unison. HPT 28 is drivingly coupled to HP shaft 34 so that HP shaft 34 rotates when HPT 28 rotates. A low-pressure ("LP") shaft 36 drivingly connects LPT 30 to LPC 22 so that LPT 30 and LPC 22 rotate in unison. LPT 30 is drivingly coupled to LP shaft 36 so that LP shaft 36 rotates when LPT 30 rotates. The compressor section 21 , the combustor 26 , the turbine section 27 , and one or more core exhaust nozzles 32 together define a working gas flow path 33 .

[0039] for Figure 1 In the embodiment depicted in FIG, fan section 14 includes a fan 38 (eg, a variable pitch fan) having a plurality of fan blades 40 coupled to a disk 42 in a spaced-apart manner. Figure 1 As depicted in FIG, fan blades 40 extend generally outwardly from disk 42 in a radial direction R. Each fan blade 40 is rotatable relative to disk 42 about a pitch axis P by virtue of fan blades 40 being operably coupled to actuator 44, which is configured to collectively and in unison change the pitch of fan blades 40. Fan blades 40, disk 42, and actuator 44 together are rotatable about longitudinal centerline axis 12 via fan shaft 45, which is powered by LP shaft 36 across a power gearbox (also referred to as gearbox assembly 46). Gearbox assembly 46 is Figure 1 The gearbox assembly 46 includes a plurality of gears for adjusting the speed of the fan shaft 45 and, therefore, the speed of the fan 38 relative to the LP shaft 36 .

[0040] Still refer to Figure 1In the exemplary embodiment, the disk 42 is covered by a rotatable fan hub 48 that is aerodynamically shaped to facilitate airflow through the plurality of fan blades 40. In addition, the fan section 14 includes an annular fan casing or nacelle 50 that circumferentially surrounds the fan 38 and / or at least a portion of the turbine 16. The nacelle 50 is supported relative to the turbine 16 by a plurality of circumferentially spaced outlet guide vanes 52. In addition, a downstream section 54 of the nacelle 50 extends over an outer portion of the turbine 16 to define a bypass airflow passage 56 therebetween. One or more core exhaust nozzles 32 may extend through the nacelle 50 and be formed therein. In the exemplary embodiment, the one or more core exhaust nozzles 32 include one or more discrete nozzles spaced circumferentially about the nacelle 50. Other arrangements of the core exhaust nozzles 32 may be used, including, for example, a single core exhaust nozzle in an annular or partially annular configuration about the nacelle 50.

[0041] During operation of turbine engine 10, a volume of air 58 enters turbine engine 10 through nacelle 50 and / or inlet 60 of fan section 14. As air 58 passes through fan blades 40, a first portion of air (bypass air 62) is directed or channeled into bypass airflow passage 56, and a second portion of air (core air 64) is directed or channeled into an upstream section of working gas flow path 33, or more specifically, into annular core inlet 20. The ratio between the first portion of air (bypass air 62) and the second portion of air (core air 64) is referred to as the bypass ratio. In some embodiments, the bypass ratio is greater than 18:1, achieved by steam system 100, as described in further detail below. The pressure of core air 64 is increased by LPC 22, generating compressed air 65, which is directed through HPC 24 and further compressed before being directed into combustor 26. In combustor 26, compressed air 65 is mixed with fuel 67 and combusted to generate combustion gases 66 (combustion products). One or more stages may be used in each of the LPC 22 and the HPC 24, with each subsequent stage further compressing the compressed air 65. The compression ratio of the HPC 24 is greater than 20:1, preferably in the range of 20:1 to 40:1. The compression ratio is the ratio of the pressure of the last stage of the HPC 24 to the pressure of the first stage of the HPC 24. The steam system 100 is capable of achieving a compression ratio greater than 20:1, as described in further detail below.

[0042] Combustion gases 66 are directed into and expanded through HPT 28, where a portion of the thermal and / or kinetic energy from combustion gases 66 is extracted via sequential stages of HPT rotor blades 70 coupled to HP shaft 34 and HPT stator vanes 68 coupled to casing 18, thereby rotating HP shaft 34 and thereby supporting operation of HPC 24. Combustion gases 66 are directed into and expanded through LPT 30. Here, a second portion of the thermal and / or kinetic energy is extracted from combustion gases 66 via sequential stages of LPT rotor blades 74 coupled to LP shaft 36 and LPT stator 72 coupled to casing 18, thereby rotating LP shaft 36 and thereby supporting operation of LPC 22 and rotation of fan 38 via gearbox assembly 46. One or more stages may be used in each of HPT 28 and LPT 30. The HPC 24 having a compression ratio in the range of 20:1 to 40:1 enables the HPT 28 to have a pressure expansion ratio in the range of 1.5:1 to 4:1 and enables the LPT 30 to have a pressure expansion ratio in the range of 4.5:1 to 28:1.

[0043] The combustion gases 66 are then directed through one or more core exhaust nozzles 32 of the turbine 16 to provide propulsive thrust. While the core air 64 flows through the working gas flow path 33, the bypass air 62 is directed through the bypass airflow passage 56 before being discharged from the fan bypass nozzle 76 of the turbine engine 10, also providing propulsive thrust. The HPT 28, the LPT 30, and the one or more core exhaust nozzles 32 at least partially define a hot gas path 78 for directing the combustion gases 66 through the turbine 16.

[0044] As described above, compressed air 65 (core air 64) is mixed with fuel 67 in combustor 26 to generate a fuel and air mixture, and burns to generate combustion gases 66 (combustion products). Fuel 67 can include any type of fuel for a turbine engine, such as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), JetA or other hydrocarbon fuels including biofuels. Fuel 67 can also be a hydrogen-based fuel (H2). Although hydrogen-based fuels can include a mixture with hydrocarbon fuels, the fuel 67 used herein is preferably unmixed and is referred to herein as hydrogen fuel. In some embodiments, hydrogen fuel can include substantially pure hydrogen molecules (i.e., diatomic hydrogen). Fuel 67 can also be a cryogenic fuel. For example, when using hydrogen fuel, hydrogen fuel can be stored in a liquid phase at cryogenic temperatures.

[0045] Turbine engine 10 includes a fuel system 80 for providing fuel 67 to combustor 26. Fuel system 80 includes a fuel tank 82 for storing fuel 67 therein and a fuel delivery assembly 84. Fuel tank 82 may be located on an aircraft (not shown) to which turbine engine 10 is attached. Figure 1 A single fuel tank 82 is shown in FIG. 2 , but fuel system 80 may include any number of fuel tanks 82 as desired. A fuel delivery assembly 84 delivers fuel 67 from fuel tank 82 to combustor 26 . Fuel delivery assembly 84 includes one or more lines, conduits, pipes, tubes, etc. configured to carry fuel 67 from fuel tank 82 to combustor 26 . Fuel delivery assembly 84 also includes a pump 86 to direct the flow of fuel 67 through fuel delivery assembly 82 to combustor 26 . Steam injected directly into combustor 26 or upstream of combustor 26 adds mass flow to core air 64, resulting in less core air 64 being required to produce the same amount of work through turbine section 27 . In this manner, pump 86 pumps fuel 67 from fuel tank 82 through fuel delivery assembly 84 and into combustor 26 . Fuel system 80 , and more specifically, fuel tank 82 and fuel delivery assembly 84 , may serve together or individually as a fuel source for combustor 26 .

[0046] In some embodiments, for example, when the fuel 67 is hydrogen fuel, the fuel system 80 includes one or more vaporizers 88 (shown by dashed lines) and a metering valve 90 (shown by dashed lines) in fluid communication with the fuel delivery assembly 84. In this example, the hydrogen fuel is stored as liquid hydrogen fuel in the fuel tank 82. The one or more vaporizers 88 heat the liquid hydrogen fuel flowing through the fuel delivery assembly 84. The one or more vaporizers 88 are positioned in the flow path of the fuel 67 between the fuel tank 82 and the combustor 26 and are located downstream of the pump 86. The one or more vaporizers 88 are in thermal communication with at least one heat source, such as waste heat from the turbine engine 10 and / or from one or more systems (not shown) of the aircraft. The one or more vaporizers 88 heat the liquid hydrogen fuel and convert the liquid hydrogen fuel into gaseous hydrogen fuel within the one or more vaporizers 88. The fuel delivery assembly 84 directs the gaseous hydrogen fuel into the combustor 26.

[0047] A metering valve 90 is positioned downstream of the one or more vaporizers 88 and the pump 86. The metering valve 90 receives hydrogen fuel in a substantially complete gaseous phase or a substantially complete supercritical phase. The metering valve 90 provides a fuel flow to the combustor 26 in a desired manner. More specifically, the metering valve 90 provides a desired volume of hydrogen fuel at, for example, a desired flow rate to a fuel manifold that includes one or more fuel injectors that inject the hydrogen fuel into the combustor 26. The fuel system 80 may include any components for supplying the fuel 67 from the fuel tank 82 to the combustor 26 as needed.

[0048] Turbine engine 10 includes a steam system 100 in fluid communication with one or more core exhaust nozzles 32 and fan bypass nozzles 76. Steam system 100 extracts steam from combustion gases 66 as they flow through steam system 100, as described in further detail below.

[0049] Figure 1 The turbine engine 10 depicted in FIG. 1 is provided as an example only. In other exemplary embodiments, the turbine engine 10 may have any other suitable configuration. For example, in other exemplary embodiments, the fan 38 may be configured in any other suitable manner (e.g., as a fixed-pitch fan) and may also be supported using any other suitable fan frame configuration. Furthermore, in other exemplary embodiments, any other suitable number or configuration of compressors, turbines, shafts, or combinations thereof may be provided. In still other exemplary embodiments, aspects of the present disclosure may be incorporated into any other suitable turbine engine (e.g., a turbofan engine, a propfan engine, and / or a turboprop engine).

[0050] Figure 2 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1 Schematic diagram of a turbine engine 10 and a steam system 100 with a heat transfer system 200. The turbine engine 10 is Figure 2 are shown schematically in the figure, and some components are shown in the figure. Figure 2 Not shown.

[0051] In at least one example embodiment, the steam system 100 includes a boiler 202, a condenser 204, a water separator 206, a water pump 208, and a steam turbine 210. The boiler 202 is a heat exchanger that vaporizes liquid water from a water source to generate steam or water vapor, as described in further detail below. Therefore, the boiler 202 is a steam source. In particular, the boiler 202 is an exhaust-water heat exchanger. The boiler 202 is connected to the hot gas path 78 ( Figure 1 ) and is positioned downstream of the LPT 30. The boiler 202 is also in fluid communication with a water pump 208, as described in further detail below. The boiler 202 may include any type of boiler or heat exchanger for extracting heat from the combustion gases 66 as the liquid water and combustion gases 66 flow through the boiler 202 and vaporizing the liquid water into steam or water vapor.

[0052] The condenser 204 is a heat exchanger that further cools the combustion gases 66 as they flow through the condenser 204, as described in further detail below. In particular, the condenser 204 is an air-to-exhaust heat exchanger. The condenser 204 is in fluid communication with the boiler 202, and in this embodiment, the condenser 204 is positioned within the bypass airflow channel 56. However, the condenser 204 can be positioned elsewhere and thermally connected to other cooling sources, such as thermally connected to the fuel 67 to transfer heat to the fuel 67, particularly when the fuel 67 is a low-temperature fuel (such as hydrogen fuel). The condenser 204 can include any type of condenser for condensing water from the exhaust (e.g., the combustion gases 66).

[0053] The water separator 206 is in fluid communication with the condenser 204 for receiving the cooled exhaust gas (combustion gases 66) having condensed water entrained therein. The water separator 206 is also in fluid communication with one or more core exhaust nozzles 32 and a water pump 208. The water separator 206 comprises any type of water separator for separating water from the exhaust gas. For example, the water separator 206 may comprise a cyclonic separator that uses vortex separation to separate water from air. In such an embodiment, the water separator 206 generates a cyclonic flow within the water separator 206 to separate the water from the cooled exhaust gas. Figure 2 , the water separator 206 is schematically depicted as being located in the nacelle 50, but the water separator 206 may be located elsewhere within the turbine engine 10, for example, radially inward of the nacelle 50, closer to the turbine 16. The water separator 206 may be driven to rotate by one of the engine shafts, such as the HP shaft 34 or the LP shaft 36. As described above, the boiler 202 receives liquid water from a water source to generate steam or water vapor. Figure 2 In the depicted embodiment, the condenser 204 and the water separator 206 , individually or collectively, are the source of water for the boiler 202 .

[0054] A water pump 208 is in fluid communication with the water separator 206 and the boiler 202. The water pump 208 is in fluid communication with the condenser 204 via the water separator 206. The water pump 208 can be any suitable pump, such as a centrifugal pump or a positive displacement pump. The water pump 208 directs the separated liquid water through the boiler 202, where it is converted back into steam. This steam is transported through a steam turbine 210 and then injected into the working gas flow path 33, such as into the combustor 26.

[0055] In operation, combustion gases 66 (also referred to as exhaust) flow from the LPT 30 into the boiler 202. The combustion gases 66 transfer heat to water 274 (e.g., water 274 in liquid form) within the boiler 202, as described in further detail below. The combustion gases 66 flow into the condenser 204. The condenser 204 condenses water 274 (e.g., water 274 in liquid form) from the combustion gases 66. The bypass air 62 flows through the bypass airflow passage 56 and flows through or through the condenser 204, extracting heat from the combustion gases 66, cooling the combustion gases 66, and condensing water 274 from the combustion gases 66 to generate an exhaust-water mixture 270. The bypass air 62 exits the turbine engine 10 through the fan bypass nozzle 76 to generate thrust, as described in detail above. Therefore, the condenser 204 can be positioned in the bypass airflow passage 56.

[0056] The exhaust-water mixture 270 flows into the water separator 206. The water separator 206 separates water 274 from the exhaust of the exhaust-water mixture 270 to generate separated exhaust gas 272 and water 274. The exhaust gas 272 exits the turbine engine 10 through one or more core exhaust nozzles 32 to generate thrust, as described in detail above. Thus, the boiler 202, condenser 204, and water separator 206 also define the hot gas path 78 (see FIG. Figure 1 ) for directing the combustion gases 66, the exhaust-water mixture 270, and the exhaust gas 272 through the steam system 100 of the turbine engine 10.

[0057] The water pump 208 passes through one or more water lines (such as Figure 2 The water 274 (e.g., water 274 in liquid form) is pumped by the boiler 202 (as indicated by the arrows pointing to the water 274 in the boiler 202), and the water 274 flows through the boiler 202. As the water 274 flows through the boiler 202, the combustion gas 66 flowing through the boiler 202 transfers heat to the water 274, causing the water 274 to vaporize and generate steam 276 (e.g., steam). The steam turbine 210 includes one or more stages of steam turbine blades (not shown) and a steam turbine stator (not shown). The steam 276 is passed through one or more steam lines (e.g., Figure 2 Steam 276 in the steam turbine 210 (as indicated by the arrows) flows from the boiler 202 into the steam turbine 210, causing the steam turbine blades of the steam turbine 210 to rotate, thereby generating additional work in an output shaft (e.g., one of the core shafts) connected to the turbine blades of the steam turbine 210.

[0058] As described above, the turbine 16 includes a shaft (also referred to as a core shaft) that couples the various rotating components of the turbine 16 and other thrust-generating components, such as the fan 38. Figure 1In the illustrated turbine 16, these core shafts include an HP shaft 34 and a LP shaft 36. A steam turbine 210 is coupled to one of the core shafts of the turbine 16, such as the HP shaft 34 or the LP shaft 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the steam turbine 210 is coupled to the LP shaft 36. As steam 276 flows from the boiler 202 through the steam turbine 210, the kinetic energy of the gas is converted by the steam turbine 210 into mechanical work in the LP shaft 36. The reduced temperature steam (such as steam 278) exiting the steam turbine 210 is injected into the working gas flow path 33, such as into, upstream of, or downstream of the combustor 26. The steam 278 flows from the steam turbine 210 to the working gas flow path 33 via one or more steam lines. The steam 278 injected into the working gas flow path 33 adds mass flow to the core air 64, so that less core air 64 is required to generate the same amount of work by the turbine section 27. In this way, the steam system 100 extracts additional work from the heat in the exhaust that would otherwise be wasted. The steam 278 injected into the working gas flow path 33 is in the range of about 20% to about 50% of the mass flow through the working gas flow path 33 .

[0059] The steam turbine 210 may have a pressure expansion ratio in the range of 2:1 to 6:1. The pressure expansion ratio is the ratio of the pressure at the inlet of the steam turbine 210 to the pressure at the outlet of the steam turbine 210. When the steam system 100 recovers approximately 70% of the water 274 and converts the water 274 into steam 276, the steam turbine 210 may contribute approximately 25% of the power to the LP shaft 36 (or HP shaft 34). The steam turbine 210 has a pressure expansion ratio in the range of approximately 2:1 to approximately 6:1, the LPT 30 has a pressure expansion ratio in the range of approximately 4.5:1 to approximately 28:1, and the steam 278 contributes approximately 20% to approximately 50% of the mass flow through the working gas flow path 33. The steam turbine 210 expands the steam 276, thereby reducing the energy of the steam 278 exiting the steam turbine 210, and reducing the temperature of the steam 278 to approximately the compressed air 65 discharged from the HPC 24 (see Figure 1 This configuration enables the steam 278 to reduce hot spots in the combustor 26 that are created by the combustion of the fuel (e.g., particularly when the fuel is supercritical hydrogen or gaseous hydrogen).

[0060] The steam 278 injected into the working gas flow path 33 also enables the HPT 28 to have a greater energy output with fewer stages of the HPT 28, compared to an HPT without the benefit of the present disclosure. For example, the additional mass flow of steam 278 from passing through the turbine section 27 helps produce a greater energy output. In this way, due to the higher mass flow (resulting from the steam injection) exiting the combustor 26, the HPT 28 may have only one stage capable of sustainably driving a higher number of stages of the HPC 24 (e.g., 10, 11, or 12 stages of the HPC 24). The steam 278 injected into the working gas flow path 33 enables the HPT 28 to have only one stage driving multiple stages of the HPC 24 without reducing the amount of work produced by the HPT 28, while also reducing the weight of the HPT 28 and improving the efficiency of the HPT 28, compared to an HPT without the benefit of the present disclosure.

[0061] Due to the added mass flow from steam 276, the required core air 64 (see Figure 1 ) is less, the compression ratio of the HPC 24 can be increased compared to an HPC without the benefit of the present disclosure. In this way, the HPC 24 has a compression ratio greater than about 20:1. In some embodiments, the compression ratio of the HPC 24 is in the range of about 20:1 to about 40:1. Therefore, the compression ratio of the HPC 24 is increased, thereby improving the thermal efficiency of the turbine engine 10 compared to an HPC and turbine engine without the benefit of the present disclosure. In addition, due to the increased mass flow provided in the turbine 16 by the steam 276, 278 injected into the turbine 16, the HPC 24 can have a reduced throat area. Therefore, the HPC 24 has a reduced size (e.g., outer diameter) and reduced weight compared to a turbine engine without the benefit of the present disclosure.

[0062] In some embodiments, the HPC stator blades of at least two stages of the HPC 24 are variable stator blades that are controlled to pitch about a pitch axis to change the pitch of the HPC stator blades. In some embodiments, the HPC 24 includes a valve that is controlled to open to discharge a portion of the compressed air 65 from the HPC 24 (see Figure 1 ) of the HPC 24. The one or more compressor bleed air valves are preferably located between the fourth stage of the HPC 24 and the last stage of the HPC 24. The HPC stator vanes, which are variable stator vanes, and the one or more compressor bleed air valves help balance the air flow (e.g., compressed air 65) through the stages of the HPC 24. Combined with the steam 278 injected into the working gas flow path 33, this balance enables the number of stages of the HPC 24 to include ten to twelve stages, so that the compression ratio is greater than about 20:1, and preferably in the range of about 20:1 to about 40:1.

[0063] The additional work extracted by the steam system 100 and the steam 278 injected into the working gas flow path 33 can reduce the turbine 16 ( Figure 1 ) size, thereby increasing the bypass ratio of turbine engine 10. In this manner, the bypass ratio of turbine engine 10 is greater than about 18:1, preferably within the range of about 18:1 to about 100:1, more preferably within the range of about 25:1 to about 85:1, and most preferably within the range of about 28:1 to about 70:1. In this manner, steam system 100 may achieve an increased bypass ratio compared to a turbine engine without the benefit of the present disclosure, wherein turbine engine 10 may move a greater mass of air through bypass, thereby reducing the pressure ratio of fan 38 and increasing the efficiency of turbine engine 10.

[0064] The turbine engine 10 may also include an engine controller 220. The engine controller 220 is configured to operate various aspects of the turbine engine 10, including, in this embodiment, the water pump 208, the fuel bypass valve 214, the selector valve 228, the first heater 232, the second heater 234, and the third heater 236. The engine controller 220 may be a full authority digital engine control (FADEC). In this embodiment, the engine controller 220 is a computing device having one or more processors 222 and one or more memories 224. The processor 222 may be any suitable processing device, including but not limited to a microprocessor, a microcontroller, an integrated circuit, a logic device, a programmable logic controller (PLC), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and / or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The memory 224 may include one or more computer-readable media, including but not limited to non-transitory computer-readable media, computer-readable non-volatile media (e.g., flash memory), RAM, ROM, a hard drive, a flash drive, and / or other memory devices.

[0065] The memory 224 can store information accessible by the processor 222, including computer-readable instructions that can be executed by the processor 222. The instructions can be any set of instructions or sequence of instructions that, when executed by the processor 222, cause the processor 222 and the engine controller 220 to perform operations. In some embodiments, the instructions can be executed by the processor 222 to cause the processor 222 to perform any operations and functions for which the engine controller 220 is configured, as will be further described below. The instructions can be software written in any suitable programming language or can be implemented in hardware. Additionally and / or alternatively, the instructions can be executed in logically and / or virtually separate threads on the processor 222. The memory 224 can also store data that can be accessed by the processor 222.

[0066] The technology discussed herein refers to computer-based systems, actions taken by computer-based systems, information sent to computer-based systems, and information sent from computer-based systems. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the inherent flexibility of computer-based systems allows for various possible configurations, combinations, and divisions of tasks and functions between and within components. For example, the processing discussed herein can be implemented using a single computing device or multiple computing devices working in combination. Databases, memories, instructions, and applications can be implemented on a single system or distributed across multiple systems. Distributed components can operate sequentially or in parallel.

[0067] For various reasons, when the fuel 67 ( Figure 1 ) before being injected into the combustor 26. For example, some fuels, such as hydrocarbon-based fuels, may be heated to prevent freezing or for performance advantages. Other fuels, such as cryogenic fuels, may be heated and vaporized (converted from a liquid state, in which the cryogenic fuel is stored, to a vapor state for combustion) before being injected into the combustor 26. As described above, the embodiments discussed herein utilize a heat transfer system to transfer heat from the turbine engine 10 and use that heat to help heat the fuel 67. More specifically, in the embodiments discussed herein, water 274 is used as a heat transfer fluid to transfer heat from the steam system 100 to the fuel 67 in the fuel system 80. The following discussion relates to cryogenic fuels, and more specifically, to hydrogen fuels, but the heat transfer systems discussed herein may be applicable to other fuel systems.

[0068] Fuel tank 82 is configured to hold hydrogen fuel at least partially in a liquid phase and to provide hydrogen fuel to fuel delivery assembly 84 substantially entirely in a liquid phase (e.g., entirely in a liquid phase). Fuel tank 82 has a fixed volume and contains a certain volume of hydrogen fuel in a liquid phase (e.g., liquid hydrogen fuel). Because fuel tank 82 provides hydrogen fuel to fuel delivery assembly 84 substantially entirely in a liquid phase, the volume of liquid hydrogen fuel in fuel tank 82 decreases, and the remaining volume in fuel tank 82 is composed of, for example, hydrogen substantially entirely in a gaseous phase (gaseous hydrogen). As used herein, the term "substantially entirely" used to describe the phase of hydrogen fuel means that at least 99% (by mass) of the described portion of the hydrogen fuel is in that phase, such as at least 97.5%, such as at least 95%, such as at least 92.5%, such as at least 90%, such as at least 85%, or such as at least 75% (by mass) of the described portion of the hydrogen fuel is in that phase.

[0069] In order to store hydrogen fuel in liquid phase basically completely, hydrogen fuel is stored in fuel tank 82 at very low (cryogenic) temperature, therefore, fuel tank 82 may also be referred to as cryogenic fuel tank in this article. For example, hydrogen fuel can be stored in fuel tank 82 at about -253 degrees Celsius (20 Kelvin) or lower temperature under atmospheric pressure, or at other temperature and pressure, to maintain hydrogen fuel basically completely in liquid phase. In some embodiments, hydrogen fuel can be stored in fuel tank 82 at about -259 degrees Celsius (about 14 Kelvin) to about -243 degrees Celsius (about 30 Kelvin), and more preferably, at a temperature of about -253 degrees Celsius (about 20 Kelvin) to about -243 degrees Celsius (about 30 Kelvin). In order to store hydrogen fuel in liquid phase, fuel tank 82 low temperature storage and maintenance hydrogen, and can be a cryostat. Therefore, fuel tank 82 can be, for example, a double-walled tank, including an inner container (for example, an inner cryogenic liquid tank) and an outer container (for example, a vacuum container). The inner container may be positioned within the outer container, wherein a gap is formed between the inner container and the outer container. To provide thermal insulation for the inner container, the gap may be in a vacuum state. For example, the gap may include void space or may be a completely void space, but alternatively, the gap may include multi-layer insulation (MLI), such as aluminized polyester film (e.g., aluminized polyester film). ).

[0070] Figure 2 The illustrated turbine engine 10 includes a heat transfer system 200 that can be used to transfer heat from the steam system 100 to the fuel system 80. The heat transfer system 200 includes a fuel heat exchanger 211 that is fluidly connected to the fuel delivery assembly 84. The fuel heat exchanger 211 of this embodiment is a fuel / water heat exchanger, and when the fuel 67 flows from the fuel tank 82 to the combustor 26, the fuel 67 absorbs (receives) heat from the water 274 of the steam system 100 and is heated. In some example embodiments, the fuel heat exchanger 211 can be one of the vaporizers 88 described above. In addition, the fuel heat exchanger 211 can be in addition to the vaporizer 88. The fuel heat exchanger 211 can be any suitable heat exchanger, including, for example, a plate heat exchanger or a tubular heat exchanger, such as a shell and tube heat exchanger. Therefore, the fuel heat exchanger 211 includes a fluid flow path for the heat transfer fluid.

[0071] There may be situations where it is undesirable to heat the fuel 67 with water 274 or to remove heat from the water 274. Such conditions include startup, as discussed further below, when the water 274 is not hot enough to flow through the fuel heat exchanger 211 and heat the fuel 67. Therefore, the fuel system 80 of this embodiment includes a fuel bypass line 215 (e.g., a fuel bypass flow path) that fluidly connects a portion of the fuel delivery assembly 84 upstream of the fuel heat exchanger 211 with a portion of the fuel delivery assembly 84 downstream of the fuel heat exchanger 211, thereby bypassing the fuel heat exchanger 211. Thus, the fuel system 80 is selectively operable to redirect the fuel 67, or a portion thereof, and bypass the fuel heat exchanger 211. The fuel bypass line 215 includes a fuel bypass valve 214 located in the fuel bypass line 215 and the fuel delivery assembly 84. Fuel bypass valve 214 is operable to open and direct fuel 67 through fuel bypass line 215, bypassing fuel heat exchanger 211. Thus, fuel bypass valve 214 selectively operates fuel system 80 to bypass fuel heat exchanger 211. Fuel bypass valve 214 may be any suitable valve, including a three-way valve. Fuel bypass valve 214 may also be a flow control valve (e.g., a proportional control valve) that directs a portion of fuel 67 and / or controls the flow of fuel 67 through fuel heat exchanger 211 and fuel bypass line 215. Fuel bypass valve 214 may be any suitable valve, including, for example, an electrically operable valve, a hydraulically operable valve, or a pneumatically operable valve. When fuel bypass valve 214 is hydraulically operable, the hydraulic fluid may be a suitable fluid of turbine engine 10, including, for example, fuel 67, lubricating oil, etc.

[0072] Heat transfer system 200 includes a heat transfer loop 225 that thermally couples condenser 204 to fuel heat exchanger 211 to transfer heat from condenser 204 to fuel heat exchanger 211. More specifically, water 274 flows through heat transfer loop 225 to transfer heat from condenser 204 to fuel heat exchanger 211. Heat transfer loop 225 includes a supply line 230. Supply line 230 is fluidly connected to a line that transports water 274 between water pump 208 and boiler 202. Thus, supply line 230 is fluidly connected downstream of water pump 208 and upstream of boiler 202. As described above, water pump 208 directs separated liquid water 274 through boiler 202. Due to the position of water pump 208 relative to supply line 230, water pump 208 can also be used to direct water 274 through heat transfer system 200. Thus, water 274 flows from the water pump 208 through the supply line 230 to the fuel heat exchanger 211 .

[0073] Although the exhaust-water mixture 270 has been cooled to a sufficiently low temperature to condense water from the combustion gases 66, the temperature of the water 274 may still be relatively high, such as approximately 100 degrees Fahrenheit (100°F) (approximately 38 degrees Celsius (38°C)) to approximately 212 degrees Fahrenheit (212°F) (approximately 100 degrees Celsius (100°C)), or approximately 150 degrees Fahrenheit (150°F) (approximately 66 degrees Celsius (66°C)) to approximately 212 degrees Fahrenheit (212°F) (approximately 100 degrees Celsius (100°C)). Such temperatures are still higher than the temperature of the fuel 67, particularly when the fuel is a cryogenic liquid fuel (such as hydrogen fuel) stored at a cryogenic temperature in the fuel tank 82. Therefore, as the water 274 flows through the fuel heat exchanger 211, heat from the water 274 is transferred from the water 274 to the fuel 67, and the fuel 67 absorbs heat from the water 274. Thus, the fuel 67 is heated and may be vaporized by the heat from the water 274 , and the water 274 is cooled.

[0074] From the fuel heat exchanger 211, water 274 flows back to the boiler 202, where it can be heated in the manner described above to form steam 276. Thus, the heat transfer system 200 includes a return line 226 through which water 274 flows from the fuel heat exchanger 211 and into the boiler 202. Figure 2 , the return line 226 is shown as being fluidly connected to the boiler 202 , but alternatively, the return line 226 may be fluidly connected to a water line upstream of the boiler 202 , such as a water line directly connecting the water pump 208 to the boiler 202 .

[0075] Water 274, which has been cooled by fuel 67, can be preheated before flowing into boiler 202. A preheating heat exchanger can be located in return line 226 to preheat water 274. In this embodiment, the preheating heat exchanger is condenser 204. Heat transfer system 200 includes an intermediate return line 226 that fluidly connects fuel heat exchanger 211 to the flow path within condenser 204, and return line 226 fluidly connects the flow path of condenser 204 to boiler 202. Thus, water 274 can be preheated by combustion gases 66 flowing through condenser 204 before being introduced into boiler 202.

[0076] The heat transfer loop 225 is selectively operable so that the heat transfer loop 225 can be isolated or so that only a portion of the water 274 flows through the heat transfer loop 225. The heat transfer loop 225 includes a selector valve 228 located in the water line between the water pump 208 and the boiler 202. The selector valve 228 is operable to open and direct the water 274 through the supply line 230 and to the fuel heat exchanger 211. The selector valve 228 can be any suitable valve, including a three-way valve. The selector valve 228 can also be a flow control valve (e.g., a proportional control valve) that directs a portion of the water 274 and / or controls the flow of the water 274 through the heat transfer loop 225. As with the fuel bypass valve 214 described above, the selector valve 228 can be an electrically, hydraulically, or pneumatically operable valve.

[0077] Water 274 serves as the heat transfer medium for the heat transfer loop 225 of this embodiment. To avoid freezing of the water 274, the heat transfer system 200 includes a plurality of heaters, including a first heater 232, a second heater 234, and a third heater 236. Any suitable heater may be used, including, for example, one or more electrical resistance heaters, catalytic heaters, or combustors. In some environments, startup of the turbine engine 10 may occur at cold temperatures (e.g., as low as minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit (-40°F) (minus 40 degrees Celsius (-40°C))). At startup, the turbine engine 10, and more specifically, the combustor 26, have not yet begun operation and, therefore, the hot gas path 78 ( Figure 1 ) are closer to ambient conditions. When the components of the steam system 100 and / or the heat transfer system 200 are at these cold temperatures, the water 274 within the steam system 100 and the heat transfer system 200 may freeze when the water 274 comes into contact with these components. To avoid such freezing, the heaters 232, 234, 236 are used to increase the temperature of these components to above the freezing point of water (32 degrees Fahrenheit (32°F) (0 degrees Celsius (0°C))), such as 35 degrees Fahrenheit (35°F) (1 degree Celsius (1°C)) to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (50°F) (10 degrees Celsius (10°C)). The first heater 232 can be located in the fuel heat exchanger 211 and used to increase the temperature of the fuel heat exchanger 211. The second heater 234 can be located in the water separator 206 and used to increase the temperature of the water separator 206. The third heater 236 can be located in the condenser 204 and used to increase the temperature of the condenser 204.

[0078] One or more temperature sensors (e.g., first temperature sensor 240, second temperature sensor 242, third temperature sensor 244, and fourth temperature sensor 246) can be used with heaters 232, 234, and 236 to provide input for operating heaters 232, 234, and 236, thereby heating components as described above. Second temperature sensor 242 can be located within fuel heat exchanger 211 and used to detect the temperature of fuel heat exchanger 211. Second temperature sensor 242 can be communicatively coupled to first heater 232, thereby providing input for operating first heater 232 based on the temperature sensed by second temperature sensor 242. Similarly, fourth temperature sensor 246 can be located within condenser 204 and used to detect the temperature of condenser 204. Third heater 236 can be operated based on the temperature sensed by fourth temperature sensor 246 to increase the temperature of condenser 204. Thus, first heater 232 and third heater 236 can be operated to increase the temperature of fuel heat exchanger 211 and third heater 236, respectively, thereby increasing the temperature of these components, as described above.

[0079] When the temperatures of the fuel heat exchanger 211 and the condenser 204 have increased sufficiently, water 274 can be circulated through the water line connecting the water separator 206 to the boiler 202 and the heat transfer loop 225. Water 274 can initially be heated within the water separator 206 by the second heater 234. A first temperature sensor 240 can be located in the supply line 230 to determine the temperature of the supply line 230 and the water 274 flowing therein. Similarly, a third temperature sensor 244 can be located in the water line downstream of the water separator 206 and upstream of the boiler 202 to determine the temperature of the water line and the water 274 flowing therein. The second heater 234 located in the water separator 206 can be used to increase the temperature of the water separator 206 and the water 274 before flowing through the steam system 100 and the heat transfer system 200. Thus, the first and third temperature sensors 240, 244 can be used to monitor the temperature of the water 274 and provide input for operating the heaters 232, 234, and 236 based on these temperatures.

[0080] When fuel 67 is a cryogenic fuel, during startup operations, fuel 67 may be directed through fuel bypass line 215 to avoid cooling fuel heat exchanger 211 and counteract the effects of first heater 232. As the temperature of water 274 increases (as detected by, for example, first temperature sensor 240), fuel bypass valve 214 may be operated to slowly introduce fuel 67 into fuel heat exchanger 211.

[0081] Due to potential subfreezing temperatures, the method of starting turbine engine 10 may begin with the steam injection system shut down. Fuel bypass valve 214 may be positioned to bypass fuel heat exchanger 211 and direct fuel 67 through fuel bypass line 215. Selector valve 228 is also positioned to direct water 274 to boiler 202 and bypass heat transfer loop 225. Turbine engine 10 is started with water pump 208 shut down. Turbine engine 10 is brought to idle speed using, for example, a starter motor. The temperature of fuel heat exchanger 211 is measured using second temperature sensor 242. If the temperature of fuel heat exchanger 211 is not above the heater threshold temperature, first heater 232 is used to heat fuel heat exchanger 211 to the aforementioned temperature. Preferably, the heater threshold temperature is greater than the freezing temperature of water (e.g., greater than 32 degrees Fahrenheit (32°F) (0 degrees Celsius (0°C))), such as 35 degrees Fahrenheit (35°F) (1 degree Celsius (1°C)) to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (50°F) (10 degrees Celsius (10°C)). If (or once) the temperature of the fuel heat exchanger 211 reaches the heater threshold temperature, the water pump 208 and / or the selector valve 228 are adjusted (controlled) to allow at least some of the water 274 to be delivered through the heat transfer loop 225.

[0082] Once the water 274 flowing through the fuel heat exchanger 211 is above a minimum threshold, as measured by the first temperature sensor 240, the fuel bypass valve 214 is used to regulate (e.g., control) the flow of fuel 67 into the fuel heat exchanger 211. The fuel bypass valve 214 can be used to regulate the fuel 67 to maintain the water 274 above the minimum threshold temperature. Prior to introducing the fuel 67 into the fuel heat exchanger, the water 274 is preferably at least about 80 degrees Fahrenheit (80°F) (about 26 degrees Celsius (26°C)) to prevent flash freezing of the water 274. Thus, the minimum threshold can be, for example, about 80 degrees Fahrenheit (80°F) (about 26 degrees Celsius (26°C)) or higher, for example, about 80 degrees Fahrenheit (80°F) (about 26 degrees Celsius (26°C)) to about 160 degrees Fahrenheit (160°F) (about 71 degrees Celsius (71°C)). The temperature at the inlet of the fuel heat exchanger 211 is about 160 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Fahrenheit) (about 71 degrees Celsius (71 degrees Celsius)) or less, minimizing the possibility of foil boiling at altitude. As the temperature of the water 274 increases due to operation of the turbine engine 10, the selector valve 228 and / or the water pump 208 can be controlled to increase the flow of water 274 through the heat transfer system 200 to a maximum position. As the flow of water 274 through the heat transfer loop 225 increases, the fuel bypass valve 214 can be used to regulate the flow of fuel 67 into the fuel heat exchanger 211. The flow of water 274 and the flow of fuel 67 increase until the turbine engine 10 reaches full idle operation.

[0083] Once the combustor 26 is producing combustion gases 66, the condenser 204 and the water separator 206 flow the hot combustion gases 66 therethrough, thereby providing heat to these components. During a startup sequence, particularly when the turbine engine 10 has been exposed to subfreezing temperatures while shut down, the second heater 234 and the third heater 236 can be used to heat the water separator 206 and the condenser 204, respectively, to a temperature above the freezing point of water (approximately 32 degrees Fahrenheit (32°F)), such as approximately 35 degrees Fahrenheit (35°F) (approximately 1 degree Celsius (1°C)) to approximately 50 degrees Fahrenheit (50°F) (approximately 10 degrees Celsius (10°C)). Therefore, the method of starting the turbine engine 10 can also include measuring the temperature of the condenser 204 using a fourth temperature sensor 246. If the temperature of the condenser 204 is not above the heater threshold temperature (as described above), the condenser 204 is heated to the above-mentioned temperature using the fourth temperature sensor 246. If (or once) the temperature of the condenser 204 reaches the heater threshold temperature, the turbine engine 10 can be started, such as by igniting the fuel 67 in the combustor 26. Once the combustor ignition has occurred, the second heater 234 and the third heater 236 can be turned off. In some embodiments, a third temperature sensor 244 positioned in the water line fluidly connecting the water separator 206 to the water pump 208 can be used to control the second heater 234 during the startup sequence and determine when to turn off the second heater 234.

[0084] The method of shutting down turbine engine 10 may include decelerating turbine engine 10 to ground idle thrust. Fuel bypass valve 214 is positioned to bypass fuel 67 around fuel heat exchanger 211 and through fuel bypass line 215. Selector valve 228 is positioned to bypass heat transfer loop 225 and direct water 274 directly to boiler 202. Water pump 208 is shut down. With water pump 208 shut down, combustion gases 66 continue to flow through hot gas path 78, allowing condenser 204 and water separator 206 to dry at temperatures above freezing. Once dry, pump 86, which pumps fuel 67 from fuel tank 82 through fuel delivery assembly 84, can be shut down to shut down turbine engine 10.

[0085] As described above, engine controller 220 is configured to operate various aspects of turbine engine 10, including, in this embodiment, the components described in the above method. Thus, in some embodiments, engine controller 220 is configured to perform the steps of the above method. More specifically, for example, processor 222 may execute a sequence of instructions stored in memory 224 to operate turbine engine 10 in the manner described above.

[0086] Figure 3 According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1-2 Schematic diagram of a steam generation system of a turbine engine 10.

[0087] In at least one example embodiment, the steam system 100 of the turbine engine 10 includes a steam generating device or system, such as a heat exchanger assembly 300. For example, the heat exchanger assembly 300 may be a heat exchanger assembly as described above with respect to Figure 2 The boiler 202 is described as being incorporated into the steam system 100. The heat exchanger assembly 300 may include a first fluid channel 305, a plurality of first fluid passages 310, and a plurality of second fluid passages 315. Each of the first fluid channel 305, the plurality of first fluid passages 310, and the plurality of second fluid passages 315 extends between a first end 301 and a second end 302 opposite the first end 301 of the heat exchanger assembly 300. Additionally, each of the first fluid channel 305, the plurality of first fluid passages 310, and the plurality of second fluid passages 315 may include a plurality of tubes or conduits extending between the first end 301 and the second end 302.

[0088] In at least one example embodiment, the first fluid channel 305, the plurality of first fluid passages 310, and the plurality of second fluid passages 315 are arranged in a stacked relationship. For example, the plurality of first fluid passages 310 may be between the first fluid channel 305 and the plurality of second fluid passages 315. Furthermore, the first fluid channel 305 may be adjacent to a first side 321 of the heat exchanger assembly 300, and the plurality of second fluid passages 315 may be adjacent to a second side 322 of the heat exchanger assembly 300, opposite the first side 321.

[0089] In at least one example embodiment, the heat exchanger assembly 300 includes a fluid chamber 320 configured to store a first fluid. The first fluid can be a liquid, such as water. The fluid chamber 320 can be adjacent to the second end 302 of the heat exchanger assembly 300 and be in fluid communication with the first fluid channel 305 and the plurality of first fluid passages 310, as will be described in more detail below. Additionally, the heat exchanger assembly 300 can include an inlet nozzle 323 in fluid communication with the fluid chamber 320. The inlet nozzle 323 can function as an ejector by creating an area of ​​low static pressure near the inlet nozzle 323 in order to draw liquid from the first fluid channel 305 into the fluid chamber 320. Additionally, the inlet nozzle 323 can be configured to deliver a first fluid, such as water 274, to the fluid chamber 320 of the heat exchanger assembly 300, as described above with respect to Figure 2 discussed.

[0090] In at least one example embodiment, the plurality of first fluid passages 310 receive the first fluid from the fluid chamber 320. The plurality of first fluid passages 310 are configured to heat the first fluid as it travels from the second end 302 toward the first end 301 through the plurality of first fluid passages 310. For example, the heat exchanger assembly 300 can be in fluid communication with the working gas flow path 33 and configured to receive the combustion gas 66. The combustion gas 66 flows through the heat exchanger assembly 300 and transfers heat to the first fluid (such as water 274) flowing through the plurality of first fluid passages 310 to generate the second fluid (such as steam 276), as described above with respect to Figure 2 Furthermore, the plurality of first fluid passages 310 are configured to heat the first fluid (water 274) to generate a gas-vapor mixture. For example, the gas-vapor mixture includes water 274 and steam 276. In at least one example embodiment, the gas-vapor mixture may be greater than or equal to approximately 90% (by mass) vapor (such as steam 276).

[0091] In at least one example embodiment, the heat exchanger assembly 300 includes a separator 325 adjacent to the first end 301. The separator 325 can be in fluid communication with the first fluid channel 305, the plurality of first fluid passages 310, and the plurality of second fluid passages 315. The separator 325 is configured to separate the second fluid from the first fluid. For example, the separator 325 can include an inertial separator, as described below with respect to Figures 5A-5B The second fluid may include vapor or steam, such as steam 276, as discussed in greater detail.

[0092] The second fluid and any remaining amount of the first fluid enter the separator 325 from the plurality of first fluid passages 310. The remaining amount of the first fluid is conveyed from the separator 325 to the first fluid channel 305. The first fluid channel 305 is configured to direct the first fluid to the fluid chamber 320, where the first fluid can be recirculated through the heat exchanger assembly 300. In at least one example embodiment, the first fluid channel 305 includes a wicking material. The wicking material can be disposed at least partially along the length of the first fluid channel 305. The wicking material is configured to direct the first fluid within the first fluid channel 305 to the fluid chamber 320. In at least one example embodiment, the wicking material comprises a mesh, a sintered metal, or other porous material.

[0093] The second fluid exits the separator 325 and travels to the plurality of second fluid passages 315. The heat exchanger assembly 300 may include a second fluid inlet 330 adjacent to the first end 301. The second fluid inlet 330 may be configured to receive the second fluid and deliver the second fluid to the plurality of second fluid passages 315. The second fluid may be heated within the plurality of second fluid passages 315. For example, the heat exchanger assembly 300 may be in fluid communication with the working gas flow path 33 and receive the combustion gas 66. The combustion gas 66 flows through the heat exchanger assembly 300 and transfers heat to the second fluid within the plurality of second fluid passages 315. The second fluid travels through the plurality of second fluid passages 315 to a second fluid outlet 335 adjacent to the second end 302. A second fluid (such as steam 276) may be directed from the second fluid outlet 335 of the heat exchanger assembly 300 to the steam turbine 210, as described above with respect to Figure 2 discussed.

[0094] Figure 4A According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 3 Detailed perspective view of separator 325 of heat exchanger assembly 300. Figure 4B According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 4A FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of separator 325 of heat exchanger assembly 300 . Figure 4C According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 4B Detailed cross-sectional view of separator 325 of heat exchanger assembly 300.

[0095] In at least one example embodiment, the separator 325 of the heat exchanger assembly 300 includes a plurality of separation passages 400 extending between a first separator side 401 and a second separator side 402 opposite the first separator side 401. For example, the first separator side 401 may be adjacent to the first end 301 of the heat exchanger assembly 300, and the second separator side 402 may be adjacent to the plurality of first fluid passages 310. The plurality of separation passages 400 are in fluid communication with the plurality of first fluid passages 310. The plurality of separation passages 400 may include a plurality of tubes or conduits extending between the first separator side 401 and the second separator side 402. In at least one example embodiment, the number of the plurality of separation passages 400 may be the same as the number of the plurality of first fluid passages 310. In some additional example embodiments, the plurality of separation passages 400 may be integrally formed with the plurality of first fluid passages 310.

[0096] In at least one example embodiment, the separator 325 of the heat exchanger assembly 300 includes a separation chamber 405 adjacent to the first separator side 401. The separation chamber 405 is in fluid communication with the plurality of separation passages 400. For example, Figures 4B-4CAs shown, each of the plurality of separation passages 400 defines a plurality of fluid openings 408 around a periphery of the plurality of separation passages 400 adjacent to the first separator side 401. The plurality of fluid openings 408 are configured to fluidly couple the plurality of separation passages 400 with the separation chamber 405. The plurality of fluid openings 408 may include a plurality of perforations or slits disposed in a periphery of each of the plurality of separation passages 400.

[0097] refer to Figures 4B-4C , the separation chamber 405 is also configured to be in fluid communication with the first fluid channel 305. For example, the first fluid is configured to exit each of the plurality of separation passages 400 through the plurality of fluid openings 408 and flow from the separation chamber 405 into the first fluid channel 305. Furthermore, the periphery of the first fluid channel 305 can define at least one inlet opening, such as a first fluid inlet 410, adjacent to the first end 301 and in fluid communication with the separation chamber 405.

[0098] In at least one example embodiment, the heat exchanger assembly 300 includes a second fluid channel 415. The second fluid channel 415 may extend vertically adjacent to the first end 301 of the heat exchanger assembly 300. For example, the second fluid channel 415 may be adjacent to the first end 301 of the first fluid channel 305, the separator 325, and the plurality of second fluid passages 315. The second fluid channel 415 is in fluid communication with the separator 325 and the plurality of second fluid passages 315. More specifically, the second fluid channel 415 is in fluid communication with the plurality of separation passages 400 and the plurality of second fluid passages 315 to provide a fluid path for the second fluid to travel from the plurality of separation passages 400 to the plurality of second fluid passages 315. Additionally, the second fluid channel 415 is fluidically isolated from the separation chamber 405 and the first fluid channel 305. This fluid isolation prevents the first fluid from entering the second fluid channel 415, thereby preventing the first fluid from entering the plurality of second fluid passages 315.

[0099] In at least one example embodiment, the separator 325 is configured to separate a first fluid and a second fluid entering the separator 325 from the plurality of first fluid passages 310. For example, each of the plurality of separation passages 400 defines a first fluid path 420 and a second fluid path 425. Figure 4C , the first fluid enters the plurality of separation passages 400 from the plurality of first fluid passages 310 adjacent the second separator side 402. A first fluid path 420 for the first fluid extends from the second separator side 402 toward the first separator side 401, through the plurality of fluid openings 408, through the separation chamber 405, and into the first fluid channel 305 via the first fluid inlet 410. The first fluid can return to the fluid chamber 320 via the first fluid channel 305, as described above with respect to Figure 3 discussed.

[0100] refer to Figure 4B , the second fluid enters the plurality of separation passages 400 from the plurality of first fluid passages 310 adjacent to the second separator side 402. The plurality of separation passages 400 are configured to separate the second fluid from the first fluid, as will be described below with respect to Figures 5A-5B The second fluid flows along the second fluid path 425 from the second separator side 402 toward the first separator side 401, exits the plurality of separation passages 400 through the second fluid outlet 430 adjacent to the first separator side 401, flows into the second fluid channel 415, and enters the plurality of second fluid passages 315. The second fluid can be delivered to the second fluid outlet 335 via the plurality of second fluid passages 315, as described above with respect to Figure 3 Descriptive.

[0101] Figure 5A According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure Figures 4A-4C A perspective view of one of the multiple separation channels 400 of the separator 325. Figure 5B According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 5A A rear perspective view of one of the plurality of separation passages 400.

[0102] In at least one example embodiment, each of the plurality of separation passages 400 includes a base portion 500 adjacent to the second separator side 402 and a tapered surface or tapered portion 505 adjacent to the first separator side 401. For example, the diameter of the base portion 500 can be constant from the second separator side 402 to the tapered portion 505, and the diameter of the tapered portion 505 can decrease from the base portion 500 to the first separator side 401. The tapered portion 505 collects water vapor, such as steam 276. The periphery of the tapered portion 505 of each of the plurality of separation passages 400 can define a plurality of fluid openings 408. Additionally, the tapered portion 505 can define a second fluid outlet 430 adjacent to the first separator side 401. The second fluid outlet 430 is in fluid communication with the plurality of separation passages 400.

[0103] In at least one example embodiment, the separator 325 comprises an inertial separator. In such an embodiment, a plurality of vanes 510 are disposed in each of the plurality of separation passages 400, adjacent to the second separator side 402. For example, the plurality of vanes 510 may be circumferentially disposed about a separator hub 515. The separator hub 515 and the plurality of vanes 510 may define a cyclone 518, which is disposed in each of the plurality of separation passages 400, adjacent to the second separator side 402. The plurality of vanes 510 are configured to add swirl to the first and second fluids entering the plurality of separation passages 400 from the plurality of first fluid passages 310, thereby separating the first fluid from the second fluid. The plurality of vanes 510 also promotes coalescence of smaller droplets into larger droplets, which may improve the liquid separation process within the separator 325.

[0104] In operation, a first fluid, such as water 274, enters the fluid chamber 320 and flows through the plurality of first fluid passages 310. Figure 2 , the fluid chamber 320 can receive water 274 from a water source (such as one or both of the condenser 204 and the water separator 206). Within the plurality of first fluid passages 310, the first fluid undergoes convective boiling, converting a portion of the first fluid (water 274) into a second fluid (steam 276). More specifically, only a portion of the first fluid is converted into the second fluid. For example, the boiling process is incomplete because not all of the water 274 within the plurality of first fluid passages 310 contacts the interior surfaces of the plurality of passages to evaporate into vapor and form steam 276. Therefore, the flow entering the second separator side 402 of the separator 325 is a gas-liquid mixture.

[0105] As described above, the separator 325 separates the second fluid (steam 276) from the first fluid (water 274). The steam 276 flows to the plurality of second fluid passages 315. Within the plurality of second fluid passages 315, the steam 276 is further heated. For example, the energy transferred to the plurality of second fluid passages 315 heats the steam 276 to a temperature above the saturation temperature (superheat), so that minimal heat energy flows to the evaporating liquid because the steam 276 has been separated from the water 274. Figure 2 Steam 276 may be discharged from the plurality of second fluid passages 315 to the steam turbine 210 via the second fluid outlets 335 and then injected into the working gas flow path 33 , such as into the combustor 26 .

[0106] Figure 6A According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 3 A perspective view of a heat exchanger assembly 300 is provided. Figure 6B According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 6A FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a heat exchanger assembly 300 .

[0107] In at least one example embodiment, the turbine engine 10 includes a heat exchanger assembly 300 disposed in the air flow path. For example, the heat exchanger assembly 300 may be disposed in Figure 1-2 In such an embodiment, the heat exchanger assembly 300 may be positioned between the casing 18 and the nacelle 50 of the turbine engine 10. Furthermore, the heat exchanger assembly 300 may be incorporated into the steam system 100 of the turbine engine 10 as a boiler 202, as described above with respect to Figure 2 Descriptive.

[0108] In at least one example embodiment, the heat exchanger assembly 300 includes a plurality of plates 600. Figures 6A-6B As shown, the heat exchanger assembly 300 may include an annular heat exchanger disposed in the bypass airflow channel 56. In such an embodiment, a plurality of plates 600 may be circumferentially disposed within the bypass airflow channel 56. Each of the plurality of plates 600 may include a first fluid channel 305, a plurality of first fluid passages 310, a plurality of second fluid passages 315, and a separator 325, as described above with respect to Figure 3 The first fluid channels 305 of each of the plurality of plates 600 may be adjacent to the housing 18, and the plurality of second fluid passages 315 of each of the plurality of plates 600 may be adjacent to the nacelle 50. Thus, the plurality of first fluid passages 310 of each of the plurality of plates 600 may be between the first fluid channels 305 and the plurality of second fluid passages 315.

[0109] refer to Figure 6B , the heat exchanger assembly 300 defines a plurality of fluid passages 605 between the plurality of plates 600. The plurality of fluid passages 605 can be in fluid communication with the steam system 100. For example, the heat exchanger assembly 300 can be combined as a boiler 202, such as Figure 2 As shown, the plurality of fluid passages 605 can be configured to receive the combustion gas 66. The combustion gas 66 flows through the plurality of fluid passages 605 and transfers heat to the first fluid and the second fluid flowing through the plurality of first fluid passages 310 and the plurality of second fluid passages 315, as described above with respect to Figure 2-3 discussed.

[0110] Figure 7A is a perspective view of a steam generating system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7B According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 6A Cross-sectional view of a steam generation system.

[0111] The steam generating system (such as heat exchanger assembly 700) can be used in the same manner as described above with respect to Figures 6A-6BThe exemplary heat exchanger assembly 300 discussed above may be constructed in a similar manner. For example, the heat exchanger assembly 700 may be disposed within an airflow path (such as the bypass airflow path 56) of the turbine engine 10. In such an embodiment, the heat exchanger assembly 700 may be between the casing 18 and the nacelle 50 of the turbine engine 10. Furthermore, the heat exchanger assembly 700 may be incorporated into the steam system 100 of the turbine engine 10 as the boiler 202, as described above with respect to FIG. Figure 2 Descriptive.

[0112] In at least one example embodiment, the heat exchanger assembly 700 includes a plurality of plates 705. Figures 7A-7B As shown, the plurality of plates 705 can be arranged in a stacked relationship. For example, the plurality of plates 705 can be stacked between a first side 711 of the heat exchanger assembly 700 and a second side 712 opposite the first side 711. The first side 711 can be adjacent to the housing 18, and the second side 712 can be adjacent to the nacelle 50.

[0113] In at least one example embodiment, the plurality of plates 705 include a first fluid channel 305, a plurality of first fluid passages 310, and a plurality of second fluid passages 315. More specifically, the first fluid channel 305 may include at least one of the plurality of plates 705 positioned adjacent to the first side 711, the plurality of second fluid passages 315 may include one or more of the plurality of plates 705 adjacent to the second side 712, and the plurality of first fluid passages 310 may include one or more of the plurality of plates 705 between the plurality of plates 705 including the first fluid channel 305 and the plurality of second fluid passages 315. Although Figures 7A-7B One of the plurality of plates 705 is shown for the first fluid channel 305 and two of the plurality of plates 705 are shown for each of the plurality of first fluid passages 310 and the plurality of second fluid passages 315, but it should be understood that the heat exchanger assembly 700 may include any number of the plurality of plates 705 for the first fluid channel 305, the plurality of first fluid passages 310, and the plurality of second fluid passages 315.

[0114] refer to Figure 7B The heat exchanger assembly 700 defines a plurality of fluid passages 710 between the plurality of plates 705. The plurality of fluid passages 710 can be in fluid communication with the steam system 100. For example, the heat exchanger assembly 700 can be combined as a boiler 202, such as Figure 2 As shown, the plurality of fluid passages 710 can be configured to receive the combustion gas 66. The combustion gas 66 flows through the plurality of fluid passages 710 and transfers heat to the first fluid and the second fluid flowing through the plurality of first fluid passages 310 and the plurality of second fluid passages 315, as described above with respect to Figure 2-3 discussed.

[0115] In at least one example embodiment, the heat exchanger assembly 700 may include a plurality of heat exchanger assemblies. In such an embodiment, the plurality of heat exchanger assemblies 700 may be circumferentially disposed within and around the bypass airflow passage 56.

[0116] Figure 8A According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1-2 A perspective view of another steam generating system of turbine engine 10 is shown. Figure 8B According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 8A Cross-sectional view of a steam generation system. Figure 8C According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 8A Cross-sectional view of a steam generation system.

[0117] In at least one example embodiment, the steam generating system of the steam system 100 includes a heat exchanger assembly 800. The heat exchanger assembly 800 may be similar to the heat exchanger assembly described above with respect to Figure 3-5B For example, the heat exchanger assembly 800 includes at least a plurality of separation passages 400 and a plurality of second fluid passages 315, which may be similar to or similar to the exemplary heat exchanger assembly 300 discussed above. Figure 3-5B The plurality of separation passages 400 and the plurality of second fluid passages 315 are discussed. Furthermore, in some example embodiments, the heat exchanger assembly 800 may be used in place of the heat exchanger assembly 300.

[0118] In at least one example embodiment, the heat exchanger assembly 800 includes a plurality of separation passages 400 extending between a first separator side 401 and a second separator side 402. The plurality of separation passages 400 may be similar to or similar to those described above with respect to Figures 4A-5B Multiple separation pathways discussed. Figures 8B-8C Each of the plurality of separation passages 400 includes a cyclone 518 disposed adjacent to the second separator side 402 and a tapered portion 505 adjacent to the first separator side 401. The cyclone 518 includes a plurality of blades 510 extending circumferentially around the separator hub 515. The cyclone 518 is configured to add swirl to the vapor-liquid mixture (such as a first fluid and a second fluid) received from the plurality of first fluid passages 310 so that the first fluid and the second fluid can be at least partially separated. For example, a first fluid (such as water 274) in the form of droplets can flow radially outward toward the inner wall of the plurality of separation passages 400. The first fluid in the form of droplets or liquid films formed by the swirl can be discharged into the fluid cavity 805 through the plurality of fluid openings 408 defined by the tapered portion 505 of the plurality of separation passages 400. For example, each of the plurality of fluid openings 408 is in fluid communication with the fluid cavity 805.

[0119] In at least one example embodiment, a fluid cavity 805 is adjacent to the first separator side 401 and is defined between the tapered portions 505 of each of the plurality of separation passages 400. The fluid cavity 805 is in fluid communication with a reboiler cavity 810 adjacent to the first separator side 401. The reboiler cavity 810 can form a leading edge of the heat exchanger assembly 800, such that the fluid cavity 805 is between the reboiler cavity 810 and the plurality of separation passages 400. In addition, a plurality of fluid cross paths 815 can be defined between the fluid cavity 805 and the reboiler cavity 810. A first fluid (such as droplets) can flow from the fluid cavity 805 to the reboiler cavity 810 via the plurality of fluid cross paths 815. For example, the plurality of fluid cross paths 815 can include a wicking material for guiding the first fluid from the fluid cavity 805 to the reboiler cavity 810.

[0120] In at least one example embodiment, the number of the plurality of fluid cross-paths 815 is the same as the number of the plurality of separation passages 400. For example, at least one of the plurality of fluid cross-paths 815 can be associated with each of the plurality of separation passages 400. In other example embodiments, the plurality of fluid cross-paths 815 can be between the tapered portions 505 of each of the plurality of separation passages 400. For example, one of the plurality of fluid cross-paths 815 can be between the tapered portions 505 of two adjacent ones of the plurality of separation passages 400, such that the number of the plurality of fluid cross-paths 815 is one less than the number of the plurality of separation passages 400.

[0121] The second fluid is discharged from the second fluid outlets 430 of the plurality of separation passages 400 into the vapor chamber 820. The vapor chamber 820 can be adjacent to the first separator side 401. More specifically, the vapor chamber 820 can be between the fluid chamber 805 and the reboiler chamber 810. In addition, a plurality of fluid cross paths 815 can be at least partially disposed in the vapor chamber 820 and fluidically isolated from the vapor chamber 820. Furthermore, the vapor chamber 820 is in fluid communication with the plurality of second fluid passages 315 via a vapor manifold 825. The vapor manifold 825 defines a fluid channel through which the second fluid or vapor can flow from the vapor chamber 820 to the plurality of second fluid passages 315.

[0122] In at least one example embodiment, the reboiler cavity 810 is configured to heat a first fluid received from the fluid cavity 805 via a plurality of fluid cross paths 815. For example, the combustion gases 66 are configured to flow through the heat exchanger assembly 800 in a manner similar to the heat exchanger assembly 300, as described above with respect to FIG. Figure 2Because the reboiler cavity 810 is adjacent to the first separator side 401, forming the leading edge of the heat exchanger assembly 800, the combustion gases 66 contact the reboiler cavity 810 and transfer heat to the first fluid therein. Thus, the first fluid is heated within the reboiler cavity 810, generating a second fluid, such as steam 276.

[0123] refer to Figures 8B-8C The reboiling chamber 810 defines a tortuous path through which the first fluid and the second fluid flow. For example, a plurality of baffles 830 may be provided in the reboiling chamber 810. Figures 8B-8C As shown, the plurality of baffles 830 may be disposed in an alternating arrangement defining a tortuous path. The tortuous path defined between the plurality of baffles 830 is configured to increase the residence time of the liquid within the reboiler chamber 810 and enhance droplet coalescence.

[0124] In at least one example embodiment, the reboiler chamber 810 generates a liquid-vapor mixture comprising a first fluid and a second fluid. The liquid-vapor mixture is discharged from the reboiler chamber to a mist eliminator 835. Figures 8A-8C As shown, the mist eliminator 835 can be between the reboiler chamber 810 and the vapor chamber 820. In at least one example embodiment, the mist eliminator 835 comprises a porous pad. In some additional example embodiments, the mist eliminator 835 comprises a porous structure formed of a plurality of wires.

[0125] The mist eliminator 835 is configured to collect liquid droplets. For example, the mist eliminator 835 collects and captures the first fluid from the liquid-vapor mixture to prevent the first fluid from flowing to the vapor manifold 825, while allowing the second fluid to pass through the mist eliminator 815 to the vapor manifold 825. In addition, a wicking material can be at least partially disposed within the reboiler chamber 810 to guide the first fluid from the mist eliminator 835 to the reboiler chamber 810.

[0126] The second fluid discharged from the reboiler chamber 810 and the demister 835 is combined with the second fluid discharged from the vapor chamber 820 in the vapor manifold 825. The second fluid can flow from the vapor manifold 825 into the plurality of second fluid passages 315 so that the second fluid is further heated to a superheated level as described above. Figure 2 The second fluid (steam 276 ) may be discharged from the plurality of second fluid passages 315 to the steam turbine 210 via the second fluid outlets 335 and then injected into the working gas flow path 33 , such as into the combustor 26 .

[0127] Further aspects are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses:

[0128] A steam generating device comprises: a fluid channel extending between a first end and a second end of the steam generating device; a plurality of first fluid passages extending between the first end and the second end; a plurality of second fluid passages extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the plurality of first fluid passages are arranged between the fluid channel and the plurality of second fluid passages; a fluid chamber adjacent to the second end and configured to receive a first fluid, wherein the fluid chamber is fluidly connected to the fluid channel and the plurality of first fluid passages; and a separator adjacent to the first end and fluidly connected to the fluid channel, the plurality of first fluid passages and the plurality of second fluid passages; wherein the fluid channel is configured to receive the first fluid from the separator; and wherein the plurality of second fluid passages are configured to receive a second fluid from the separator.

[0129] The steam generating apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein: the plurality of first fluid passages are configured to heat the first fluid; and the separator is configured to separate the first fluid and the second fluid.

[0130] A steam generating device according to any preceding clause, wherein: the plurality of first fluid passages are configured to heat the first fluid to generate a gas-vapor mixture comprising the first fluid and the second fluid; and the gas-vapor mixture is greater than or equal to 90% (by mass) vapor.

[0131] A steam generating apparatus as described in any preceding clause, wherein: the first fluid comprises a liquid; and the second fluid comprises steam.

[0132] A steam generating device according to any preceding clause, wherein: the fluid channel includes a first fluid channel; the separator is adjacent to the first end and the plurality of first fluid passages; and the separator includes: a plurality of separation passages, the plurality of separation passages extending between a first separator end and a second separator end, the first separator end being adjacent to the first end and the second separator end being adjacent to the plurality of first fluid passages, and a separation chamber, the separation chamber being adjacent to the first separator end and being in fluid communication with the plurality of separation passages.

[0133] A steam generating apparatus as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein: the separator is in fluid communication with the fluid channel via the separation chamber; and the separator is in fluid communication with the second plurality of fluid passages via a second fluid channel adjacent the first end.

[0134] The steam generating device of any preceding clause, further comprising a wicking material disposed in the separation chamber, the wicking material being configured to direct the first fluid from the separation chamber to the fluid channel.

[0135] A steam generating apparatus according to any preceding clause, wherein: a plurality of vanes are circumferentially disposed within the separator adjacent the second separator end; and each of the plurality of separation passages defines a plurality of openings adjacent the first separator end, the plurality of openings being in fluid communication with the separation chamber.

[0136] A steam generating device according to any preceding clause, wherein: the separator includes at least one first fluid path, the at least one first fluid path flowing from the second separator end to the first separator end, through the plurality of openings, and to the first fluid channel; and the separator includes at least one second fluid path, the at least one second fluid path flowing from the second separator end to the first separator end and to the plurality of second fluid passages.

[0137] The steam generating apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein each of the plurality of separation passages comprises a tapered surface adjacent the second separator end, the tapered surface comprising the plurality of openings.

[0138] The steam generating apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein the first fluid channel defines at least one inlet opening adjacent the first end, the at least one inlet opening fluidly coupling the separator and the first fluid channel.

[0139] The vapor generating device of any preceding clause, further comprising a wicking material disposed in the first fluid channel, the wicking material being configured to direct the first fluid within the first fluid channel to the fluid chamber.

[0140] A steam generating apparatus as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the first fluid channel, the plurality of first fluid passages and the plurality of second fluid passages are arranged in a stacked relationship.

[0141] The steam generating apparatus of any preceding clause, further comprising an inlet nozzle fluidly coupled to the fluid chamber, the inlet nozzle being configured to deliver the first fluid to the fluid chamber.

[0142] A steam generating device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the separator includes: a plurality of separation passages, the plurality of separation passages extending between a first separator end and a second separator end, the first separator end being adjacent to the first end, and the second separator end being adjacent to the plurality of first fluid passages; a fluid chamber, the fluid chamber being fluidly connected to the plurality of separation passages and being configured to receive the first fluid; a reboiling chamber, the reboiling chamber being adjacent to the first separator end; a vapor chamber, the vapor chamber being fluidly connected to the plurality of separation passages and being configured to receive the second fluid, the vapor chamber being between the fluid chamber and the reboiling chamber; and a plurality of fluid cross-channels, the plurality of fluid cross-channels being arranged in the vapor chamber and being configured to fluidly connect the plurality of separation passages and the reboiling chamber.

[0143] A steam generating device according to any preceding clause, wherein: the separator includes at least one first fluid path flowing from the multiple separation passages, the fluid chamber, the multiple fluid cross-channels and the reboiling chamber; and the separator includes at least one second fluid path flowing from the multiple separation passages to the steam chamber.

[0144] The steam generating apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein the separator further comprises a vapor manifold in fluid communication with the reboiler chamber and the vapor chamber, the vapor manifold being configured to discharge the second fluid to the plurality of second fluid passages.

[0145] The steam generating apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein the separator further comprises a demister in fluid communication with the reboiler chamber and the steam manifold, the demister configured to prevent the first fluid from flowing toward the steam manifold.

[0146] The steam generating apparatus of any preceding clause, wherein the separator further comprises a wicking material disposed in the reboiler chamber, the wicking material being configured to direct the first fluid from the demister to the reboiler chamber.

[0147] A turbine engine comprising: a turbine including a compressor section, a combustion section, and a turbine section in a serial flow order and together defining a working gas flow path; a steam system operable with the turbine; and a heat exchanger in fluid communication with the steam system, wherein the heat exchanger comprises: a fluid channel extending between a first end and a second end of the heat exchanger, a plurality of first fluid passages extending between the first end and the second end, a plurality of second fluid passages extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the plurality of first fluid passages are between the fluid channel and the plurality of second fluid passages, a fluid chamber adjacent the second end and configured to receive a first fluid, wherein the fluid chamber is in fluid communication with the fluid channel and the plurality of first fluid passages, and a separator adjacent the first end and in fluid communication with the fluid channel, the plurality of first fluid passages, and the plurality of second fluid passages.

[0148] The turbine engine of any preceding clause, wherein: the fluid channel is configured to receive the first fluid from the separator; and the plurality of second fluid passages are configured to receive a second fluid from the separator.

[0149] The turbine engine of any preceding clause, wherein: the plurality of first fluid passages are configured to heat the first fluid; and the separator is configured to separate the first fluid and the second fluid.

[0150] A turbine engine according to any preceding clause, wherein: the plurality of first fluid passages are configured to heat the first fluid to generate a gas-vapor mixture comprising the first fluid and the second fluid; and the gas-vapor mixture is greater than or equal to 90% (by mass) vapor.

[0151] A turbine engine as described in any preceding clause, wherein: the first fluid comprises a liquid; and the second fluid comprises a vapor.

[0152] A turbine engine according to any preceding clause, wherein: the separator is adjacent to the first end and the plurality of first fluid passages; and the separator includes: a plurality of separation passages extending between a first separator end and a second separator end, the first separator end being adjacent to the first end and the second separator end being adjacent to the plurality of first fluid passages, and a separation chamber adjacent to the first separator end and in fluid communication with the plurality of separation passages.

[0153] A turbine engine according to any preceding clause, wherein: the fluid channel includes a first fluid channel; the separator is in fluid communication with the first fluid channel via the separation chamber; and the separator is in fluid communication with the plurality of second fluid passages via a second fluid channel adjacent the first end.

[0154] The turbine engine of any preceding clause, further comprising a wicking material disposed in the separation chamber, the wicking material configured to direct the first fluid from the separation chamber to the first fluid channel.

[0155] A turbine engine according to any preceding clause, wherein: a plurality of buckets are circumferentially arranged within the separator, adjacent the second separator end; and each of the plurality of separation passages defines a plurality of openings adjacent the second separator end, the plurality of openings being in fluid communication with the separation chamber.

[0156] A turbine engine according to any preceding clause, wherein: the separator includes at least one first fluid path, the at least one first fluid path flowing from the second separator end to the first separator end, through the plurality of openings, and to the fluid channel; and the separator includes at least one second fluid path, the at least one second fluid path flowing from the second separator end to the first separator end and to the plurality of second fluid passages.

[0157] The turbine engine of any preceding clause, wherein each of said plurality of separation passages comprises a tapered surface adjacent said second separator end, said tapered surface comprising said plurality of openings.

[0158] The turbine engine of any preceding clause, wherein the first fluid channel defines at least one inlet opening adjacent the first end, the at least one inlet opening fluidly coupling the separator and the first fluid channel.

[0159] The turbine engine of any preceding clause, further comprising a wicking material disposed in the first fluid channel, the wicking material being configured to direct the first fluid within the first fluid channel to the fluid chamber.

[0160] A turbine engine as in any preceding clause, wherein the first fluid channel, the plurality of first fluid passages, and the plurality of second fluid passages are arranged in a stacked relationship.

[0161] The turbine engine of any preceding clause, further comprising an inlet nozzle fluidly coupled to the fluid chamber, the inlet nozzle configured to deliver the first fluid to the fluid chamber.

[0162] A turbine engine as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the heat exchanger comprises an annular heat exchanger arranged circumferentially within the turbine engine.

[0163] The turbine engine of any preceding clause, wherein: the plurality of second fluid passages are adjacent a nacelle of the turbine engine; and the fluid channel is opposite the plurality of second fluid passages.

[0164] A turbine engine as claimed in any preceding clause, wherein the heat exchanger comprises a plurality of heat exchangers arranged circumferentially within the turbine engine.

[0165] A turbine engine according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the separator comprises: a plurality of separation passages extending between a first separator end and a second separator end, the first separator end being adjacent to the first end and the second separator end being adjacent to the plurality of first fluid passages; a fluid cavity in fluid communication with the plurality of separation passages and configured to receive the first fluid; a reboiling cavity adjacent to the first separator end; a steam cavity in fluid communication with the plurality of separation passages and configured to receive the second fluid, the steam cavity being between the fluid cavity and the reboiling cavity; and a plurality of fluid cross-channels disposed within the steam cavity and configured to fluidly couple the plurality of separation passages and the reboiling cavity.

[0166] A turbine engine according to any preceding clause, wherein: the separator includes at least one first fluid path flowing from the plurality of separation passages, the fluid cavity, the plurality of fluid intersection channels and the reboiler cavity; and the separator includes at least one second fluid path flowing from the plurality of separation passages to the vapor cavity.

[0167] The turbine engine of any preceding clause, wherein the separator further comprises a vapor manifold in fluid communication with the reboiler cavity and the vapor cavity, the vapor manifold being configured to discharge the second fluid to the plurality of second fluid passages.

[0168] The turbine engine of any preceding clause, wherein the separator further comprises a demister in fluid communication with the reboiler chamber and the steam manifold, the demister configured to prevent the first fluid from flowing toward the steam manifold.

[0169] The turbine engine of any preceding clause, wherein the separator further comprises a wicking material disposed in the reboiler cavity, the wicking material being configured to direct the first fluid from the demister to the reboiler cavity.

[0170] This written description uses examples to disclose the present disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the present disclosure, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. If such other examples include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims, such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A steam generating device, characterized in that: include: a fluid channel extending between a first end and a second end of the steam generating device; a plurality of first fluid passages extending between the first end and the second end; a plurality of second fluid passages extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the plurality of first fluid passages are disposed between the fluid channel and the plurality of second fluid passages; a fluid chamber adjacent the second end and configured to receive a first fluid, wherein the fluid chamber is in fluid communication with the fluid channel and the plurality of first fluid passages; as well as a separator adjacent the first end and in fluid communication with the fluid channel, the plurality of first fluid passages, and the plurality of second fluid passages; wherein the fluid channel is configured to receive the first fluid from the separator; and The plurality of second fluid passages are configured to receive a second fluid from the separator.

2. The steam generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that in: The plurality of first fluid passages are configured to heat the first fluid; and The separator is configured to separate the first fluid and the second fluid.

3. The steam generating device according to claim 2, characterized in that in: The plurality of first fluid passages are configured to heat the first fluid to generate a gas-vapor mixture comprising the first fluid and the second fluid; and The gas-vapor mixture is greater than or equal to 90% (by mass) vapor.

4. The steam generating device according to claim 1, wherein in: the separator being adjacent the first end and the plurality of first fluid passages; and The separator comprises: a plurality of separation passages extending between a first separator end adjacent to the first end and a second separator end adjacent to the plurality of first fluid passages, and A separation chamber is adjacent to the first separator end and is in fluid communication with the plurality of separation passages.

5. The steam generating device according to claim 4, characterized in that in: The fluid channel includes a first fluid channel; the separator is in fluid communication with the first fluid channel via the separation chamber; and The separator is in fluid communication with the plurality of second fluid passages via a second fluid channel adjacent the first end.

6. The steam generating device according to claim 4, characterized in that in: a plurality of vanes circumferentially disposed within the separator adjacent the second separator end; and Each of the plurality of separation passages defines a plurality of openings adjacent the first separator end, the plurality of openings being in fluid communication with the separation chamber.

7. The steam generating device according to claim 6, characterized in that in: The separator includes at least one first fluid path flowing from the second separator end to the first separator end, through the plurality of openings, and to the fluid channel; and The separator includes at least one second fluid path flowing from the second separator end to the first separator end and to the plurality of second fluid passages.

8. The steam generating device according to claim 1, wherein in, The fluid channel, the plurality of first fluid passages, and the plurality of second fluid passages are arranged in a stacked relationship.

9. The steam generating device according to claim 1, wherein Further included is an inlet nozzle fluidly coupled to the fluid chamber, the inlet nozzle configured to deliver the first fluid to the fluid chamber.

10. A turbine engine, characterized in that: include: a turbomachine including a compressor section, a combustion section, and a turbine section in serial flow order and together defining a working gas flow path; a steam system operable with the turbine; as well as a heat exchanger in fluid communication with the steam system, wherein the heat exchanger comprises: a fluid channel extending between a first end and a second end of the heat exchanger, a plurality of first fluid passages extending between the first end and the second end, a plurality of second fluid passages extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the plurality of first fluid passages are between the fluid channel and the plurality of second fluid passages, a fluid chamber adjacent the second end and configured to receive a first fluid, wherein the fluid chamber is in fluid communication with the fluid channel and the plurality of first fluid passages, and A separator is adjacent the first end and is in fluid communication with the fluid channel, the plurality of first fluid passages, and the plurality of second fluid passages.

Images