Modular turbine housing

Abstract

System comprising: a turbomachine; a setup platform arranged above the turbomachine via a plurality of support feet (80); and a modular housing (100) arranged around the turbomachine, comprising: a first plurality of walls (110, 120) connected to a plurality of the support feet (80) of the furnishing platform; the first plurality of walls (110, 120) comprises a plurality of pivotable plates (130); a second plurality of walls (170, 180) connected to a plurality of the support feet (80) of the furnishing platform; the second plurality of walls (170, 180) has an access opening (210) provided therein; and wherein the furnishing platform comprises a roof (220) of the modular housing (100).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application and the resulting patent relate generally to casings for gas turbines and the like, and more particularly relate to modular, flat-pack casings integrated into an adjacent inlet filter system platform or other type of structure. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] US 2004 / 0040313 A1 describes a system comprising a gas turbine and a casing arranged around the gas turbine. The casing has pivoting plates to allow access to the gas turbine. Grooves may be provided on a base-like underside of the casing to allow the casing to be lifted with the forks of a forklift.

[0003] Noise enclosures for gas turbines and other types of turbomachinery should generally be large enough to allow sufficient access for personnel to work on both sides of the machine. However, the desired size may exceed an unacceptable transport limit, so shipping a complete enclosure can be very expensive and time-consuming. In addition, assembling an enclosure from individual components in the field can also be expensive and time-consuming due to aspects such as harsh weather and field labor. In particular, erecting the enclosure in the field requires steel structure construction, the laying of lines, ducts, pipes, and the like. In addition, field variability in the components concerned must be considered and addressed. The enclosure and the components arranged therein must be tested and quality checked in the field.

[0004] Therefore, there is a desire for an improved casing for gas turbines and other types of turbomachinery. Preferably, the modular casing should enable conventional, cost-effective delivery, while also providing simplified field assembly and adequate personnel access in a cost-effective design, with the casing being able to accommodate all relevant turbine components. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The present invention relates to a gas turbine system comprising a modular housing according to the features of claim 1.

[0006] The gas turbine system may further include an inlet filter housing disposed on the filter housing platform.

[0007] The plurality of walls of any system mentioned above may include a plurality of pivotable panels.

[0008] The plurality of walls of any system mentioned above may have one or more access openings arranged therein.

[0009] The majority of walls of any of the above-mentioned systems may have a flat-pack configuration for delivery.

[0010] The modular casing of the gas turbine system features: a first plurality of walls connected to a plurality of feet of the furnishing platform; the first plurality of walls comprises a plurality of pivotable panels; a second plurality of walls connected to the plurality of feet of the furnishing platform; the second plurality of walls has an access opening therein; and wherein the furnishing platform has a roof for the modular housing.

[0011] The first plurality of walls of the modular enclosure may include a pair of side walls.

[0012] The first plurality of walls of any modular enclosure mentioned above may include a frame having a plurality of pivotable panels attached thereto.

[0013] The plurality of pivoting panels of any modular enclosure mentioned above may have one or more doors arranged thereon.

[0014] The second plurality of walls of any modular enclosure mentioned above may include a first half, a second half, and an access opening disposed therebetween.

[0015] The access opening of any modular housing mentioned above may be sized to accommodate a shaft of the turbomachine.

[0016] The first plurality of walls and the second plurality of walls of any above-mentioned housing may have a flat-pack configuration for delivery.

[0017] The first plurality of walls and the second plurality of walls of any above-mentioned enclosure may include a sound-damping material.

[0018] Any enclosure mentioned above may further include an equipment rack having a load disposed thereon adjacent to the first plurality of walls or the second plurality of walls.

[0019] Any modular enclosure mentioned above may further include an equipment base disposed adjacent to the first plurality of walls or to the second plurality of walls.

[0020] The equipment base of any modular enclosure mentioned above may have one or more equipment enclosures arranged thereon.

[0021] The equipment platform of any modular housing mentioned above may include a filter housing platform.

[0022] Any modular enclosure mentioned above may further include an inlet air plenum and an exhaust manifold disposed within the modular enclosure.

[0023] The present invention also relates to a method for constructing a gas turbine system with a modular housing around a turbomachine according to the features of claim 10.

[0024] These and other features and improvements of the present application and the resulting patent will become apparent to one skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings and the appended claims. SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a gas turbine showing a compressor, a combustor, a turbine, and a load. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a gas turbine disposed on an inlet filter system and an exhaust system. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a modular housing as described herein and which is used around the gas turbine of Fig. 2 is arranged. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a partially assembled modular housing of Fig. 3, which is arranged around the gas turbine. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the modular housing of Fig. 3, which is arranged around the gas turbine. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the modular housing of Fig. 3, arranged around the gas turbine, with an equipment rack and an equipment base arranged adjacent thereto. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] With reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the several views, Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a gas turbine 10, as may be used herein. The gas turbine 10 may include a compressor 15. The compressor 15 compresses an incoming air stream 20. The compressor 15 transports the compressed air stream 20 to a combustor 25. The combustor 25 mixes the compressed air stream 20 with a pressurized fuel stream 30 and ignites the mixture to produce an exhaust gas stream 35. Although only a single combustor 25 is shown, the gas turbine may include any number of combustors 25. The exhaust gas flow 35 is fed to a turbine 40. The exhaust gas flow 35 drives the turbine 40 to produce mechanical power. The mechanical power generated in the turbine 40 drives a compressor 15 via a shaft 45 and an external load 50, such as an electrical generator or the like.In addition, gas turbines 10 with multiple shafts or the like may also be used. In such a configuration, the turbine 40 may be divided into a high-pressure section that drives the compressor 15 and a low-pressure section that drives the load 50. Other configurations may also be used herein.

[0026] The gas turbine 10 may utilize natural gas, liquid fuels, various types of syngas, and / or other types of fuels. The gas turbine 10 may be one of several different gas turbines offered by the General Electric Company of Schenectady, New York, including, but not limited to, the LM2500, LM6000 aero-derivative gas turbines, a Series 7 or Series 9 heavy-duty gas turbine, or the like. The gas turbine 10 may have various configurations and may utilize other types of components. Other types of gas turbines may be used herein. Various gas turbines, other types of turbines, and other types of power generation devices may also be used in combination herein.

[0027] Fig. 2 shows a gas turbine 10 arranged between an inlet filter system 55 and an exhaust system 60. The inlet filter system 55 includes an inlet air plenum 65 disposed at the compressor 15. The inlet filter system 55 may also include an inlet filter housing 70. The inlet filter housing 70 may have a number of filters disposed therein to filter the inlet air flow 20. The inlet filter system 55 may direct the flow to the compressor 15 via the inlet air plenum 65. The inlet filter system 55 and its components may have any size, shape, or configuration.

[0028] The inlet filter housing 70 may be arranged on a filter housing platform 75. The filter housing platform 75 may extend above the gas turbine over a number of support feet 80. Any number of support feet 80 may be used herein. The filter housing platform 75 and the support feet 80 may have any size, shape, or configuration. The support feet 80 may be made of structural steel or the like. Other positions near the gas turbine 10 may also be contemplated herein.

[0029] The exhaust system 60 may include an exhaust manifold 85. The exhaust manifold 85 may communicate with the turbine 40 and a flow of exhaust gases. The exhaust manifold 85 may lead to an exhaust duct 90. The exhaust duct 90 may be disposed on the filter housing platform 75 or elsewhere. The exhaust duct 90 may discharge the flow of exhaust gases and / or provide heat exchange with other streams as appropriate. The exhaust system 60 and its components may have any size, shape, or configuration. The gas turbine 10 may be disposed on a base 95. The base 95 may have any size, shape, or configuration. Other components and other configurations may also be used herein.

[0030] Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of a modular housing 100 as described herein and disposed on the gas turbine 10. The modular housing 100 may include a first sidewall 110 and an opposite second sidewall 120. The sidewalls 110, 120 may be arranged substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the shaft 45. The sidewalls 110, 120 may include a number of sidewall panels 130 disposed on a sidewall frame 140. The sidewall panels 130 may be connected to the frame 140 and / or to each other via a number of hinges 150 or the like. Other types of pivoting and / or connecting devices may be used herein. Any number of sidewall panels 130 may be used herein in any size, shape, or configuration. One or more of the sidewall panels 130 may include a personnel door 160 disposed therein.The personnel door 160 can allow personnel access into the modular enclosure 100. Other types of access can be provided herein. The sidewall panels 130 can also be opened about the hinges 150 or other features to allow expanded access, for example, during the replacement or overhaul of a gas turbine. Panels 130 with different sized doors and other openings can be used. The panels 130 can be used on one side or the other. In addition, specially designed panels 130 can be shipped directly to the assembly site to accommodate assembly site-specific variations. Other components and other configurations can be used herein.

[0031] The modular housing 100 may also include a first end wall 170 and an opposite second end wall 180. The end walls 170, 180 may be arranged substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis of the shaft 45. The first end wall 170 may or may not have access openings or the like arranged therein. The second end wall 180 may include a first half 190, a second half 200, and an access opening 210 formed therein. The access opening 210 is sized and configured to allow the shaft 45 (as well as a coupling and / or coupling retainer) to extend therethrough to a load 50 or other type of device. The end walls 170, 180 may have any size, shape, or configuration. Other components and other configurations may also be used herein.

[0032] As in Fig. 3, the walls 110, 120, 170, 180 may be detached during delivery and utilize a flat-pack delivery configuration 215. When using the term "flat-pack delivery configuration," it is meant that the walls and other illustrated structures lie substantially flat and are stacked upon one another for delivery. Fig. 4 shows the modular housing 100 mounted around the gas turbine 10 with the sidewall panels 130 on the second sidewall 120 open to allow access to the gas turbine 10. Fig. Figure 5 shows the modular housing 100 disposed around the gas turbine 10 with the sidewall panels 130 closed for a self-contained gas turbine system 225. Other components and other configurations may be used herein.

[0033] During use, the side walls 110, 120 and the end walls 170, 180 can be transported in the flat-pack delivery configuration 215, thus complying with standard permissible cargo transport limits. The side walls 110, 120 and the end walls 170, 180 can be mounted at the installation site around the gas turbine 10. The side walls 110, 120 and the end walls 170, 180 can be attached to the support feet 80 of the filter housing platform 75. Under this condition, the filter housing platform 75 can serve as the roof 220 of the modular housing 100. The electrical and mechanical subsystems may be disposed beneath the filter housing platform 75 and / or may be pre-mounted on any of the walls 110, 120, 170, 180 of the modular housing 100 with electrical and / or mechanical quick-release interface means.These systems may include, but are not limited to, enclosure fire systems and instruments, fire protection lines and nozzles, pressure instruments, temperature instruments, or the like. The filter enclosure platform 75 may also include ventilation ducts, flow detectors, and dampening devices for adequate ventilation of the modular enclosure 100.

[0034] The walls 110, 120, 170, 180 can be connected to each other, to the support feet 80, and to the filter housing platform 75 via a number of sealing devices. The sealing devices can provide an airtight seal to allow for positive or negative pressure within the housing 100. The walls 110, 120, 170, 180 can have sound-damping materials embedded therein to reduce the sound pressure levels emanating from the gas turbine 10. The end walls 170, 180 can be sufficiently wide so that the modular housing 100 provides adequate access on both sides of the gas turbine 10 for maintenance personnel and the like.

[0035] The modular housing 100 therefore provides simplified access while utilizing a flat-pack delivery configuration 215. Furthermore, by integrating the modular housing 100 with the filter housing platform 75 and its support feet 80, the conventional support structure typically required for a filter housing and a separate turbine housing can be eliminated, providing a more compact and optimized layout with reduced wiring requirements. Furthermore, pre-installing and / or pre-wiring the electrical and mechanical components can further reduce overall field labor and variability. In particular, electrical and mechanical components can now be installed and tested in the factory, reducing troubleshooting efforts in the field. The modular housing 100 thus provides sufficient maintenance space with reduced transportation, installation, and commissioning costs.

[0036] Fig. Figure 6 illustrates the use of modular housing 100 with an adjacent equipment rack 230. Equipment rack 230 may include load 50, which may be driven by shaft 45. Load 50 may be any type of device driven by shaft 55 or the like. The combination of modular housing 100 and equipment rack 230 therefore provides a fully integrated gas turbine engine assembly, including air filtration therein.

[0037] The modular enclosure 100 may also be used with an equipment base 240. The equipment base 240 may include equipment enclosures 250 or the like for arranging electrical and mechanical components therein. The equipment base 240 and the equipment enclosures 250 may have any size, shape, or configuration. The equipment base 240 may have the electrical and mechanical components disposed thereon, positioned opposite or in communication with the filter housing platform 75 or any of the walls 110, 120, 170, 180 of the modular enclosure 100. The mechanical and electrical equipment may be disposed within an equipment enclosure 250 or elsewhere via quick-release couplings or the like. Other components and other configurations may also be used herein.

[0038] It is to be understood that the foregoing description relates only to specific embodiments of the present application and the resulting patent. Numerous changes and modifications may be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the general spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims and their equivalents.

[0039] The present application provides a modular enclosure for use with a facility platform and a fluid machine. The modular enclosure may include a first plurality of walls connected to a plurality of feet of the facility platform and a second plurality of walls connected to the feet of the facility platform. The first plurality of walls may include a plurality of pivoting panels. The second plurality of walls may include an access opening therein. The facility platform may provide a roof for the modular enclosure. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS: 10 gas turbines 15 Compressor 20 air 25 Combustion chamber 30 Fuel 35 exhaust 40 turbines 45 Wave 50 load 55 Inlet filter system 60 exhaust system 65 Inlet air plenum 70 Inlet filter housing 75 filter housing platform 80 support feet 85 exhaust manifold 90 exhaust hood 95 bases 100 Modular Housing 110 First side wall 120 Second side wall 130 side wall panels 140 frames 150 joints 160 staff doors 170 First end wall 180 Second end wall 190 First Half 200 Second Half 210 Access opening 215 Flat-pack delivery format 220 roof 225 Gas turbine system 230 Equipment rack 240 equipment sockets 250 housings

Claims

[1] System comprising: a turbomachine; a setup platform arranged above the turbomachine via a plurality of support feet (80); and a modular housing (100) arranged around the turbomachine, comprising: a first plurality of walls (110, 120) connected to a plurality of the support feet (80) of the furnishing platform; the first plurality of walls (110, 120) comprises a plurality of pivotable plates (130); a second plurality of walls (170, 180) connected to a plurality of the support feet (80) of the furnishing platform; the second plurality of walls (170, 180) has an access opening (210) provided therein; and wherein the furnishing platform comprises a roof (220) of the modular housing (100). [2] The system of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of walls comprises a pair of side walls (110, 120) and / or a frame (140) having a plurality of pivotable plates (130) attached thereto. [3] The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of pivotable panels (130) includes one or more doors thereon and / or wherein the second plurality of walls includes a pair of end walls (170, 180). [4] A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second plurality of walls (170, 180) comprises a first half (190), a second half (200) and an access opening (210) disposed therebetween. [5] The system of any preceding claim, wherein the first plurality of walls (110, 120) and the second plurality of walls (170, 180) have a flat-pack configuration (215) for delivery. [6] The system of any preceding claim, further comprising an equipment rack (230) having a load mounted thereon and disposed adjacent to the first plurality of walls (110, 120) or the second plurality of walls (170, 180). [7] The system of any preceding claim, further comprising an equipment base (240) disposed adjacent to the first plurality of walls (110, 120) or the second plurality of walls (170, 180), the equipment base (240) preferably having one or more equipment enclosures (250) disposed thereon, and the equipment platform preferably comprising a filter enclosure platform (75). [8] The system of any preceding claim, further comprising an inlet air plenum (65) and an exhaust manifold (85) disposed within the modular housing (100). [9] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the turbomachine is a gas turbine (10) and the device platform is a filter housing platform (75). [10] A method of setting up a system according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising: Transporting the walls (110, 120, 170, 180) of the modular housing (100) in a flat-pack configuration (215); Arranging the setup platform around the turbomachine; Arranging mechanical and / or electrical components on the facility platform; Attaching the walls (110, 120, 170, 180) of the modular housing (100) to a plurality of the support feet (80) of the furnishing platform; and Housing the turbomachine by means of the walls (110, 120, 170, 180) of the modular housing (100).

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