Active temperature control for generator in power train

Abstract

To provide a device and method for active temperature control over a power generator in a power train.SOLUTION: An apparatus includes a temperature sensor (242) configured to monitor a temperature of a generator component of a power train assembly. The power train assembly (200) includes a power train component in thermal communication with a cooling fluid and mounted on the same shaft as the generator component. A controller (240) is coupled to the temperature sensor (242) and a heat exchange circuit (232) for adjusting a temperature of the cooling fluid. The controller (240) calculates a target temperature for the generator component based on a target thrust bearing parameter or a target vibration parameter for the power train assembly (200) and adjusts a delivery of the cooling fluid to the power train component based on a difference between the monitored temperature and the target temperature.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates to turbomachinery and, more particularly, to an apparatus and method for active temperature control of an electrical generator in a powertrain. [Background technology]

[0002] Gas turbines, steam turbines and generators are commonly used as part of the powertrain structure of power plants. In some types of power plants, a gas turbine can be used in combination with a generator to complete the powertrain of the plant. In a power plant, a compressor having multiple rows of rotor blades and stator vanes compresses air and delivers it to a combustor where the compressed air is mixed with fuel. In the combustor, the compressed air and fuel are combusted to produce combustion products (a hot air-fuel mixture) that expand through the blades of a turbine.

[0003] Powertrains with a generator located between two turbines (usually a gas turbine and a steam turbine) may have clutches that allow operation in simple and combined cycle modes. In this configuration, multiple thrust bearings (e.g., one for each turbine) and clutches are configured to compensate for differential axial expansion and contraction of the shaft lines between the thrust bearings after clutch engagement. After the turbines begin steady-state operation, further expansion and contraction of the generator shaft (e.g., due to ambient and plant cooling water temperature fluctuations) can change the thrust loads on the thrust bearings, especially if they occur at loads less than those required for clutch compression or expansion. Additionally, transient temperature fluctuations can increase the number of clutch slip events. A generator shaft exposed to the generator cooling medium and having a relatively long length can be subjected to daily temperature fluctuations of about 10-20°C, for example, which can cause axial length changes of about 1-3 mm or more. This situation can significantly affect the loads on the thrust bearings and increase the wear and temperature of one or more bearings. Additionally, these loads and expansions can affect powertrain vibrations, especially when compared to baseline driving characteristics, where vibrations due to high axial clutch loads are significant. Summary of the Invention

[0004] All aspects, embodiments and features listed below may be combined in any manner technically possible.

[0005] An aspect of the disclosure provides an apparatus including a temperature sensor configured to monitor a temperature of a generator component of a powertrain assembly, the powertrain assembly including a powertrain component in thermal communication with a cooling fluid and mounted on the same shaft as the generator component; and a controller coupled to the temperature sensor and a heat exchange circuit for regulating a temperature of the cooling fluid, the controller configured to calculate a target temperature of the generator component based on a target thrust bearing parameter or a target vibration parameter of the powertrain assembly, and to adjust a supply of cooling fluid to the powertrain component based on a difference between the monitored temperature and the target temperature.

[0006] Another aspect of the disclosure includes any of the aspects described above, wherein the controller is configured to regulate the supply of cooling fluid by increasing or decreasing the amount of cooling fluid supplied to or extracted from the generator components via the variable flow pump.

[0007] Another aspect of the disclosure includes any of the aspects described above, wherein the controller is configured to regulate the supply of cooling fluid by increasing or decreasing the amount of cooling fluid routed from the return conduit to the entry conduit via the variable flow valve.

[0008] Another aspect of the disclosure includes any of the aspects described above, wherein the controller is configured to regulate the supply of cooling fluid by regulating a mixing valve that diverts a portion of the cooling fluid exiting the heat exchange circuit to the generator components.

[0009] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the aspects described above, wherein the controller is configured to regulate the supply of cooling fluid by regulating a temperature of a wet surface cooler in the heat exchange circuit.

[0010] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the aspects described above, wherein the controller is configured to regulate a supply of cooling fluid through an auxiliary heat exchanger in the heat exchange circuit.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the aspects described above, wherein the controller is further configured to calculate a target temperature based on a target axial length or a target thermal expansion of the shaft.

[0012] An aspect of the disclosure provides a system including a powertrain assembly having a generator component and a powertrain component mounted on the same shaft, a temperature sensor configured to monitor a temperature of the generator component, a heat exchange circuit in thermal communication with the generator component, the heat exchange circuit configured to cool the generator component with a cooling fluid, and a controller coupled to the temperature sensor and the heat exchange circuit, the controller configured to calculate a target temperature of the generator component based on a target thrust bearing parameter or a target vibration parameter of the powertrain assembly, and adjust a supply of cooling fluid to the powertrain component based on a difference between the monitored temperature and the target temperature.

[0013] Another aspect of the disclosure includes any of the aspects described above, wherein the controller is configured to regulate the supply of cooling fluid by increasing or decreasing the amount of cooling fluid supplied to or extracted from the generator components via the variable flow pump.

[0014] Another aspect of the disclosure includes any of the aspects described above, wherein the controller is configured to regulate the supply of cooling fluid by increasing or decreasing the amount of cooling fluid routed from the return conduit to the entry conduit via the variable flow valve.

[0015] Another aspect of the disclosure includes any of the aspects described above, wherein the controller is configured to regulate the supply of cooling fluid by regulating a mixing valve that diverts a portion of the cooling fluid exiting the heat exchange circuit to the generator components.

[0016] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the aspects described above, wherein the controller is configured to regulate the supply of cooling fluid by regulating a temperature of a wet surface cooler in the heat exchange circuit.

[0017] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the aspects described above, wherein the controller is configured to regulate a supply of cooling fluid through an auxiliary heat exchanger in the heat exchange circuit.

[0018] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the aspects described above, wherein the controller is further configured to calculate a target temperature based on a target axial length or a target thermal expansion of the shaft.

[0019] An aspect of the present disclosure provides a method that includes monitoring a temperature of a generator component of a powertrain assembly, the powertrain assembly including a powertrain component in thermal communication with a cooling fluid and mounted on the same shaft as the generator component; calculating a target temperature of the generator component based on a target thrust bearing parameter or a target vibration parameter of the powertrain assembly; and adjusting a supply of cooling fluid to the powertrain component based on a difference between the monitored temperature and the target temperature.

[0020] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the aspects described above, wherein adjusting the supply of cooling fluid includes increasing or decreasing an amount of cooling fluid supplied to or extracted from the generator component via a variable flow pump.

[0021] Another aspect of the disclosure includes any of the aspects described above, wherein adjusting the supply of cooling fluid includes reducing an amount of cooling fluid routed from the return conduit to the entry conduit via the variable flow valve.

[0022] Another aspect of the disclosure includes any of the aspects described above, wherein the step of regulating the supply of cooling fluid includes regulating a mixing valve to divert a portion of the cooling fluid exiting the heat exchange circuit to the generator components.

[0023] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the aspects described above, wherein the step of regulating the supply of cooling fluid includes regulating a temperature of the cooling fluid via a wet surface cooler or an auxiliary heat exchanger in the heat exchange circuit.

[0024] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes any of the aspects described above, wherein calculating the target temperature is based on a target axial length of the shaft or a target thermal expansion coefficient.

[0025] Two or more aspects described in this disclosure, including those described in the Summary of the Invention, may be combined to form an embodiment not specifically described herein. Two or more aspects described in this disclosure, including those described in the Summary of the Invention, may be combined to form an embodiment not specifically described herein.

[0026] The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] These and other features of the present disclosure may be better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which set forth various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional gas turbine (GT) engine for a powertrain assembly. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a powertrain assembly and interconnected components of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of thermal growth and thrust forces acting on a powertrain assembly and monitored by an embodiment of the present disclosure during operation. [Figure 4] 2 is an exemplary flow diagram of a method of operation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of active temperature control hardware for cooling fluid in a powertrain according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of active temperature control hardware for cooling fluid in a powertrain according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 7]FIG. 2 is a block diagram of active temperature control hardware for cooling fluid in a powertrain according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of active temperature control hardware for cooling fluid in a powertrain according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of active temperature control hardware for cooling fluid in a powertrain according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of active temperature control hardware for cooling fluid in a powertrain according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of active temperature control hardware for cooling fluid in a powertrain according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of active temperature control hardware for cooling fluid in a powertrain according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of active temperature control hardware for cooling fluid in a powertrain according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of active temperature control hardware for cooling fluid in a powertrain according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 15] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of active temperature control hardware for cooling fluid in a powertrain according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] It should be noted that the drawings in the present disclosure are not necessarily drawn to scale. The drawings are merely illustrative of exemplary aspects of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In the drawings, like reference numerals represent like elements between multiple drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] First, in order to clearly explain the technical content of this disclosure, it is necessary to select terms when referring to and describing relevant machine components in turbomachinery. Wherever possible, terms common in the art will be used consistent with their ordinary meaning. Unless otherwise noted, such terms should be interpreted broadly within the context of this application and the appended claims. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a component will often be referred to using several different or overlapping terms. What is described as a single component in this specification may be described as consisting of multiple components in another context. Alternatively, what is described as including multiple components in one place in this specification may be described as a single component in another place.

[0030] Additionally, certain descriptive terms are used repeatedly in this specification and it may be useful to define these terms at the beginning of this section. These terms and their definitions are as follows, unless otherwise specified: As used herein, the terms "downstream" and "upstream" are directional terms with respect to a fluid flow (such as the flow of a working fluid through a turbine engine, or the flow of air through a combustor or coolant through one of the turbine's subsystems). The term "downstream" corresponds to the direction in which the fluid flows, and the term "upstream" refers to the opposite direction of the flow (i.e., the direction from which it flows). The terms "forward" and "aft" refer to directions not further specified, with "forward" referring to the forward or compressor end of the engine and "aft" referring to the aft section of the turbomachine.

[0031] It is often necessary to describe parts located at different radial positions relative to the central axis. The term "radial" refers to movement or position perpendicular to the axis. For example, if a first part is closer to the axis than a second part, the first part is described herein as being "radially inward" or "proximal to the central axis" of the second part. Conversely, if a first part is located farther from the axis than the second part, the first part is described herein as being "radially outward" or "distal to the central axis" of the second part. The term "axial" refers to movement or position parallel to the axis. Finally, the term "circumferential" refers to movement or position about the axis. As will be appreciated, such terms are applied relative to the central axis of the turbine.

[0032] Furthermore, certain descriptive terms are used repeatedly in this specification, as described below: The terms "first," "second," and "third" are used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another, and do not denote the location or importance of the individual components.

[0033] The terms used herein are merely for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and are not intended to limit the disclosure. In this specification, the singular means the plural, unless otherwise clear from the context. Furthermore, in this specification, the terms "comprises," "includes," and / or "has" refer to the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, components, and / or parts, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, components, parts, and / or groups thereof. The terms "optionally" or "optionally" refer to the event or circumstance described following the term that may or may not occur, and such a description encompasses the occurrence and non-occurrence of the event.

[0034] When a component or layer is referred to as being "on," "engaged with," "connected to," or "coupled to" another component or layer, it may be directly on, engaged with, connected to, or coupled to the other component or layer, or there may be intervening components or layers. In contrast, when a component is referred to as being "directly on," "directly engaged with," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another component or layer, there are no intervening components or layers. Other terms used to describe relationships between components (e.g., "between" and "directly between," "adjacent" and "directly adjacent," etc.) are to be interpreted similarly. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed items.

[0035] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary machine including a turbomachine operable for use in a powertrain assembly to which the teachings of the present disclosure may be applied. FIG. 1 illustrates a turbomachine in the form of a combustion turbine or gas turbine (GT) engine 100 (hereinafter "GT engine 100"). The GT engine 100 includes a compressor 102 and one or more combustors 104 disposed with a compressor discharge casing 107 defining a plenum 109 that receives compressed air from the compressor 102. Fuel nozzles in the combustors 104 deliver fuel and air to a combustion chamber 106 to generate high temperature and pressure combustion gases. The GT engine 100 also includes a GT turbine 110 (i.e., an expansion turbine or turbine section) and a common compressor / turbine shaft 111 (hereinafter "rotor 111").

[0036] In one embodiment, the GT engine 100 may be commercially available from GE Vernova, Cambridge, Massachusetts. The present disclosure is not limited to any GT system and may be implemented with other engines, including, for example, other GE Vernova HA, F, B, LM, GT, TM, and E class engine models, as well as engine models from other manufacturers. Additionally, the teachings of the present disclosure are not necessarily applicable to any particular turbomachine, but may also be applied to other types of turbomachines, such as steam turbines, jet engines, compressors, turbofans, and the like. More importantly, the teachings of the present disclosure are not necessarily applicable to turbine assemblies within a GT engine, but may be applied to substantially any type of industrial machine or other turbine that may operate to mechanically drive a generator as described herein. Thus, the description of the GT engine 100, and in particular the GT turbine 110 of the GT engine 100, is merely illustrative and not limiting.

[0037] 1 and 2, and as described herein, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a powertrain assembly (hereinafter also simply referred to as "assembly") 200 that includes a generator 202 mounted on a shaft 111. Sub-components, subsystems, and / or other parts of the generator 202, such as windings, generator shaft sections, stator sections, etc., are individually or collectively known as "generator components." The assembly 200 includes various powertrain components mounted on the shaft 111 along with the generator 202, as described herein, each of which may be in thermal communication with one or more types of cooling fluid. The generator 202 is located between two turbines (e.g., the GT turbine 110 and the steam turbine 210 of the GT engine 100), although other arrangements are possible. The assembly 200 includes a clutch 212 between the generator 202 and one turbine (e.g., the steam turbine 210), allowing operation in simple cycle (only one turbine operating) and combined cycle (both turbines operating) modes. In this configuration, assembly 200 includes multiple thrust bearings 214 and clutch 212 to compensate for differential axial expansion and contraction of shaft 111 between thrust bearings 214 after mechanical engagement of clutch 212. Clutch 212 may accommodate changes in axial length of shaft 111, for example, by acting as a splined gear coupling in addition to a selectively engageable clutch. In this case, sliding of clutch 212 may occur via torque transfer teeth (not shown) in clutch 212. While generator 202 itself may be considered a "powertrain component" in various embodiments of the present disclosure, other powertrain components may include any of the various operating components shown in FIG. 2 and / or other FIGs. 2 and may include devices included in and / or coupled to assembly 200.

[0038] Once the turbines 110, 210 of the assembly 200 begin to operate at steady state, further expansion and contraction of the shaft 111 (e.g., due to fluctuations in ambient and plant cooling water temperatures) may cause the thrust loads on one or more thrust bearings 214 to change, especially if such changes are smaller than the frictional sliding coefficient of the clutch 212. Furthermore, transient temperature fluctuations within the assembly 200 may be accompanied by undesirable slippage of the clutch 212. The shaft 111, exposed to the generator cooling medium and having a relatively long length, may be subjected to temperature fluctuations of, for example, about 10-20° C. daily, which may result in an axial length change of about 1-3 mm or more. This situation may significantly increase one or more thrust bearing loads on various parts of the assembly 200, increasing the wear and temperature of the bearings 214. Furthermore, such loads and expansions may affect powertrain vibrations, especially if the vibrations due to the axial clutch loads are large.

[0039] In addition to the axial length of the generator shaft, the length of the shaft 111 in the assembly 200 may vary as a result of other variables, including, but not limited to, lubricant temperature, ambient air temperature, collector housing air temperature, steam path temperature, steam seal temperature, turbine compressor temperature, and the like. These variations and vibrations may lead to increased thrust bearing loads, especially in an assembly 200 that operates with only one shaft 111. Additionally, these variables may affect equipment behavior resulting in less consistent and predictable operation. Using one parameter to offset changes in another parameter may result in significantly reduced cycles and excessive loading of certain parts of the assembly 200. Additionally, an assembly 200 with a particular component-coolant combination (e.g., an air-cooled condenser) may experience greater cooling fluid temperature changes elsewhere, driving greater daily variations in gas temperature in the generator 202. Examples of thermal variations and one or more mechanical forces experienced by the assembly 200 are shown in detail in FIG. 3 and described further herein.

[0040] As described herein, various components within assembly 200 may be cooled to control thrust, vibration, and / or other operating characteristics of assembly 200. Assembly 200 may include steam turbine 210 on shaft 111, and various subcomponents of steam turbine 210 may be cooled independently and / or in combination. Steam turbine 210, in the configuration shown, may include low pressure (LP) component 222, intermediate pressure (IP) component 224, and high pressure (HP) component 226, as known in the art. LP component 222, IP component 224, and HP component 226 of the steam turbine may all be coupled and / or arranged to rotate shaft 111 to produce mechanical work and / or drive generator 202 and / or other components. Certain components of steam turbine 210, such as HP component 226 and IP component 224, may be mechanically coupled via one or more thrust bearings 214. The one or more thrust bearings 214 may be specially configured to support the varying axial loads within the steam turbine 210 under various conditions, and the one or more thrust bearings 214 may couple other components of the assembly 200 other than the HP component 226 and the IP component 224. The GT turbine 110 of the GT engine 100 may similarly be mechanically coupled to the generator 202 on the shaft 111 via the thrust bearing 214.

[0041] In the assembly 200, the GT engine 100, the generator 202, the clutch 212, and / or the steam turbine 210 may be cooled by various types of cooling infrastructure. These cooling mechanisms may rely on one or more cooling fluid sources 230 coupled to a heat exchange circuit 232 that provides a flow of cooling fluid (e.g., air, hydrogen, water, etc.) for cooling the components and / or sections thereof. At least a portion of the heat generated by the loss of operation is removed in the cooling circuit components in the heat exchange circuit 232 that are supplied with a cooling fluid (e.g., air, water, glycol, and / or other cooling fluid from another cooling fluid source 230). The heat exchange circuit 232 may include other coolant delivery / return infrastructure, may use and / or directly supply cooling water for the assembly 200 from cooling water, and / or may rely on a liquid-liquid heat exchanger (or other heat exchange system) cooled by the plant cooling water. Thus, the one or more cooling fluid sources 230 may represent multiple cooling sources having the same or different cooling fluids and / or similar or different temperatures when supplied. Thus, the heat exchange circuit 232 may use a first coolant to directly cool a component, a second coolant to absorb heat from the first coolant (via a coolant loop), and / or any combination of other types of coolants and / or coolant temperatures.

[0042] A conventional powertrain heat exchange circuit may be configured to operate only at full capacity, providing a continuous flow of unregulated coolant to keep cooled components at the lowest possible temperature. In conventional systems, the temperature of the coolant delivered to the generator may also depend on the plant cooling water and / or ambient coolant temperature. An embodiment of the present disclosure differs from conventional thermal management infrastructure by using one or more types of coolant for active control of the axial thermal expansion of the contracting shaft 111 during steady state operation, which may further improve mechanical performance. That is, an embodiment of the assembly 200 uses the heat exchange circuit 232 in combination with the controller 240 and / or other hardware to control the expansion, thrust force, etc. of the shaft 111 by adjusting the amount of cooling fluid provided from one or more cooling fluid sources 230. By considering thrust bearing and / or vibration parameters in the powertrain assembly 200, an embodiment of the present disclosure allows for a more consistent output at steady state operation. Additionally, controller 240 may select and / or vary target temperatures for generator 202 to achieve particular performance goals when considering parameters of thrust bearing 214 (e.g., thrust load), vibration of shaft 111, etc. Embodiments of the present disclosure may, in some cases, control the cooling of powertrain assembly 200 such that shaft 111 has a steady, unchanging temperature and does not experience significant thermal expansion or contraction cycles with continued operation. In other cases, one or more target temperatures for various portions of powertrain assembly 200 may be varied over time, for example, by manual selection by an operator, by automatic determination by controller 240 taking into account other system changes (e.g., lubricant condition, steam temperature, air temperature, gas turbine thrust load, steam turbine thrust load, vibration, etc.), and / or by a combination of these approaches.

[0043] FIG. 3 illustrates how thermal expansion and compression can affect the thrust or other mechanical properties of the assembly 200 during operation. Changes in load, operating mode, etc. affect the temperature of various components within the assembly 200, particularly the thrust bearings 214. The effect of temperature changes on each thrust bearing 214 may depend on where each thrust bearing 214 is located in the assembly 200. The non-limiting illustration of FIG. 3 shows an example of a temperature increase causing thermal expansion of metal components in one or more thrust bearings 214 in the assembly 200. The temperature increase causes an inward axial expansion of the GT engine 100 components as well as an inward expansion of the shaft 111 to which the GT engine 100 is mounted. Similarly, the temperature increase causes an inward axial expansion of the shaft 111 in the steam turbine 210 and an inward axial expansion of the casing housing the steam turbine 210. The inward axial expansion of the shaft 111 and / or other components will affect thrust forces on the thrust bearings 214, i.e., reaction forces on the thrust bearings 214 as the shaft 111 and / or other components expand inwardly. Each thrust bearing 214 may experience an outward axial force in the opposite direction of thermal growth. These axial forces are additive during operation to existing thrust forces caused by aerodynamic loads ("GT loads") in the GT engine 100 and steam forces generated in the steam turbine 210. While embodiments of the present disclosure actively control the temperature within the assembly 200 to address these combined thrust forces, conventional systems do not account for any additional thrust forces caused by thermal expansion or compression.

[0044] 2, an embodiment of assembly 200 includes a temperature sensor 242 (e.g., a thermometer, a thermocouple, and / or any other temperature sensing device now known or later developed) for monitoring the temperature at one or more locations within generator 202. As the powertrain operates, temperature sensor 242 monitors the temperature of one or more generator 202 components, such as some or all of the generating components of the generator, a portion of the shaft to which the generator is mounted, the stator windings, and / or other portions of generator 202 where the temperature can be measured.

[0045] The controller 240 may interact with the heat exchange circuit 232 via a flow regulator 244 (e.g., a valve, pump, and / or device for controlling the flow of a fluid as described herein) to affect the amount of one or more cooling fluids provided to the assembly 200. The controller 240 may include a computing device and / or any other control system now known or later developed, and may be coupled to the temperature sensor 242 by a wireless and / or wired connection to receive data therefrom. The controller 240 may also be coupled to various portions of the heat exchange circuit 232, including the flow regulator 244 therein. The flow regulator 244 may include one or more devices now known or later developed for controlling the temperature of one or more fluids by adjusting the flow rate, composition ratio, and / or other operating parameters of the fluids therein, as described herein.

[0046] The generator 202 may be coupled to or include a temperature sensor 242 at the outlet of its cooler, in a chamber with a slightly lower outlet temperature, and / or may be structurally integrated with the temperature sensor 242. The temperature of the generator 202 monitored by the temperature sensor 242 may be transmitted to the controller 240 via the plant control software, which may adjust the flow regulator 244 with reference to the temperature of the generator 202 and the mechanical properties of the shaft 111. Compared to a control system that may directly monitor various mechanical properties of the shaft 111, the temperature obtained from the temperature sensor 242 may be used to indirectly identify thrust bearing parameters, vibrations, and / or other properties of the shaft 111. The controller 240 provides control logic for calculating target temperatures to achieve desired shaft 111 properties (e.g., target axial length at which one or more thrust bearings 214 reach a set upper temperature limit (or axial load), thermal expansion, etc.) during operation. The controller accordingly adjusts the amount of cooling fluid supplied to various portions of the assembly 200 to indirectly affect these shafts 111 via the temperature of the assembly 200 .

[0047] 2 and 4, FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a methodology that may be implemented by an embodiment of the assembly 200 (FIG. 2). Process P1 of the present disclosure may include operating the assembly 200 such that the GT engine 100 and the steam turbine 210 together drive the generator 202 via the shaft 111. As the assembly 200 continues to operate in process P1, the temperature within the assembly 200 (and thus the temperature of the thrust bearing 214) may change, such as due to changes in load, environmental conditions, and / or mechanical conditions of the components. To account for other variables such as changes in thrust load on the thrust bearing 214 and / or vibrations of the components within the assembly 200, process P2 may include monitoring the temperature of the generator 202 with a temperature sensor 242. The temperature sensor 242 may be located at various locations within the generator 202 as described herein, and one or more of the temperature sensors 242 may be included (or excluded) from monitoring the temperature of the generator 202 in process P2.

[0048] In process P3, controller 240 may calculate target temperatures for components of assembly 200 based on one or more of a desired amount of axial thrust on thrust bearing 214, a desired amount of mechanical vibration in assembly 200, and the like. The calculations in process P3 may derive one or more desired temperatures in generator 202 from known, measured, or estimated thermal expansion in portions of assembly 200. Thermal expansion may be measured using, for example, the total or partial length of shaft 111, the temperature of shaft 111 in generator 202, the amount of force applied against clutch 212 and / or thrust bearing 214, and / or other measurable variables indicative of characteristics of shaft 111 during operation. Vibration parameters of assembly 200 may include, for example, speed, acceleration, vibration frequency, and / or other measurable characteristics of assembly 200 and / or its components. Vibration parameters of assembly 200 may be measured via accelerometers and / or other sensors in assembly 200 or coupled to controller 240. In more sophisticated calculations, the controller 240 increases or decreases the calculated target temperature based on relevant quantities (e.g., load on the GT engine 100, net steam power from the steam turbine 210, whether the assembly 200 is in a steady state or transient operating mode, lubricant oil condition, steam temperature, air temperature, gas turbine thrust load, steam turbine thrust load, vibration, etc.) and current or estimated values ​​of such quantities. In some cases, the calculation of the target temperature in process P3 may include independently modifying the calculated target temperature (e.g., manually or via an additional computing device in communication with the controller 240) to further account for thermal expansion and / or stresses on the shaft or properties of other mechanical components of the powertrain assembly. In process P4, the controller 240 may adjust the flow of one or more cooling fluids through the heat exchange circuit 232 (e.g., by adjusting the position of one or more flow regulators) based on the difference between the temperatures monitored by one or more temperature sensors 242 and the desired values ​​of these temperatures calculated in process P3.Thus, adjusting the cooling flow in process P4 can raise or lower the temperature within the generator 202 by controlling the amount of cooling fluid within the generator 202, affecting the thrust force on the thrust bearing 214 and / or vibration of other components of the assembly 200.

[0049] As described herein, the controller 240 may include any of a variety of formulas, simulation models, look-up tables, etc., for calculating one or more target temperatures in process P3. For example, the controller may calculate the target temperatures based on target thrust bearing loads on one or more thrust bearings 214 at one or more selected positions of the powertrain assembly (e.g., positions to maintain thrust bearing loads for one or more particular load cells in the GT engine 100). Additional operating characteristics used by the controller 240 to calculate the one or more target temperatures may include component temperatures external to the generator 202 (e.g., temperatures of the thrust bearings 214, temperatures within the GT engine 100 and / or steam turbine 210, etc.) and / or other quantities from which temperatures or thermal expansion within the assembly 200 may be derived.

[0050] With reference to the various examples shown in Figures 5-15, various types of heat exchange circuits 232 may interact or couple with the assembly 200 and the controller 240 for active temperature control within the assembly 200. The embodiments of the assembly 200 shown in Figures 5-15 may include heat exchange circuits 232 having various combinations of multiple cooling fluids, such as plant cooling water, ambient air, river water, etc., where the circuit 252 carries a first (sealed) cooling fluid to absorb heat from the generator 202 and a second line 256 carries a second (unsealed) cooling fluid provided from the cooling fluid source 230 to absorb heat from the first cooling fluid. However, the embodiments of the present disclosure may also be applied to assemblies 200 having only one type of cooling fluid and / or assemblies 200 having more than two types of cooling fluid by adding or removing subcircuits in the heat exchange circuit 232 for the additional type or types of cooling fluid.

[0051] FIG. 5 illustrates an example in which the heat exchange circuit 232 of the assembly 200 includes a generator heat exchanger 250 and a set of first coolant transmission lines ("first lines") 252 for transferring a first cooling fluid (e.g., a sealed coolant such as glycol, hydrogen, etc.) between the generator heat exchanger 250 and an intermediate heat exchanger 254. In yet another example, the first lines 252 may be coupled to other heat exchangers (not shown) for powertrain components other than the generator 202. Within the generator heat exchanger 250, the first cooling fluid is in thermal communication with the generator 202 and absorbs heat therefrom. The first lines 252 circulate the first cooling fluid to the intermediate heat exchanger 254 where the first cooling fluid exchanges heat with a second (unsealed) cooling fluid (e.g., plant cooling water, air, one or more ambient fluids, and / or other examples described herein). A set of second coolant transmission lines ("second lines 256") transmit one or more second cooling fluids from the cooling fluid source 230 to the intermediate heat exchanger 254 or vice versa. One or more flow regulators 244 (e.g., "variable flow pumps" or alternatively valves or other controllable flow mechanisms) may be operatively coupled to the controller 240 to allow active flow control of the one or more first cooling fluids in the first lines 252. By increasing the flow rate through the flow regulators 244, more heat can be absorbed from the generator 202 at the generator heat exchanger 250. By decreasing the flow rate through the flow regulators 244, less heat can be absorbed from the generator 202 at the generator heat exchanger 250. The first cooling fluid is kept at a desired low temperature by transferring heat to one or more second cooling fluids as it passes through the intermediate heat exchanger 254. The first cooling fluid absorbs heat from the generator 202 and then transfers the absorbed heat to the second cooling fluid via the intermediate heat exchanger 254. The second line 256 may itself also include a flow regulator 244 for controlling the flow of the second cooling fluid therethrough.

[0052] 5, the flow regulator 244 includes a "constant flow pump" for maintaining a single continuous flow rate between the cooling fluid source 230 and the intermediate heat exchanger 254. Thus, the flow regulator 244 in the second line 256 does not necessarily need to be coupled to the controller 240. In yet another embodiment, all of the flow regulators 244 in the assembly 200 may be coupled to the controller 240. The flow regulator 244 maintains a constant flow rate of the second cooling fluid in the second line 256, while the flow regulator 244 allows variable flow control for the first cooling fluid in the first line 252. Thus, the flow regulator 244 in the first line 252 controls the amount of heat exchange between the first and second cooling fluids. As described herein, the controller 240 may monitor one or more temperatures within the generator 202, calculate a target temperature for the generator 202 based on a target thrust bearing parameter or a target vibration parameter of the assembly 200, and adjust the supply of one or more cooling fluids to the generator heat exchanger 250 via one or more flow regulators 244 based on a difference between the one or more monitored temperatures within the generator 202 and the one or more target values. In further embodiments described herein, other types of flow regulators 244 (e.g., pressure / flow control valves) and / or additional cooling components are used to control the flow of one or more cooling fluids in thermal communication with the generator 202 to adjust the temperature within the generator 202 to affect related variables, such as thermal expansion, one or more vibration parameters, and / or mechanical stresses.

[0053] 6 illustrates yet another example of an assembly 200 in which the second cooling fluid in the second line 256 is circulated through one or more flow regulators 244 operably coupled to the controller 240, but the one or more flow regulators 244 in the first line 252 are not operably coupled to the controller 240. In such an example, the flow regulator 244 in the first line 252 may be a constant flow pump or similar mechanism for providing a constant fluid flow rate, while the flow regulator 244 in the second line 256 may be a variable flow pump or similar adjustable fluid flow mechanism. In other words, this embodiment of the assembly 200 allows for the flow of one or more cooling fluids in the second line 256 to be controlled, but the flow of one or more cooling fluids in the first line 252 is not controllable. The controller 240 may adjust the flow of the one or more second cooling fluids to control the amount of unsealed cooling fluid extracted from and / or returned to the cooling fluid source 230. This, in turn, allows the one or more second cooling fluids to absorb a variable flow rate of heat from the one or more first cooling fluids in the intermediate heat exchanger 254, even when the first cooling fluid flows substantially continuously through the generator heat exchanger 250. The controller 240 remains operable for active control of the one or more cooling fluids in thermal communication with the generator 202 to affect one or more thrust bearings 214 (FIGS. 2, 3), vibration, and / or other physical properties of the assembly 200.

[0054] 7-9 show additional examples of assembly 200 and heat exchanger circuit 232 in which first line 252 and second line 256 each include a flow regulator 244 in the form of a constant flow pump to maintain at least a minimum flow rate of each cooling fluid for heat absorption in, for example, generator heat exchanger 250 and intermediate heat exchanger 254. First line 252 may include a flow regulator 244 coupled to controller 240 (FIG. 7) and / or second line 256 may include a flow regulator 244 coupled to controller 240 (FIGS. 8, 9) for active control of flow of one or more cooling fluids in first line 252 and / or second line 256. Flow regulator 244 coupled to controller 240 may include a variable flow valve for selectively reducing the flow of cooling fluid in lines 252, 256, independent of flow provided via pumps elsewhere in the lines. The adjustable flow regulators 244 are operable to recirculate, redirect, or otherwise secondarily control the flow rate of the one or more cooling fluids in the lines 256 to affect the cooling fluid temperature. In the case of variable flow valves, the one or more flow regulators 244 may be operatively coupled to the controller 240 such that the controller 240 adjusts the one or more variable flow valves based on a difference between a target temperature of the generator 202 and one or more temperatures monitored by the one or more temperature sensors 242.

[0055] 7 and 8, the adjustable flow regulator 244 (e.g., a variable flow valve) is operable to adjust a minimum flow rate therethrough to increase or decrease the flow rate of cooling fluid in the return conduits (also known as "return lines," "exit conduits," etc.) of lines 252, 256 for supplying heated fluid to the cooling fluid source 230 or the intermediate heat exchanger 254. In yet another alternative shown in FIG. 9, the adjustable flow regulator(s) 244 (e.g., a variable flow valve) can divert at least a portion of the heated cooling fluid in the return conduit of the second line 256 to the inlet conduit of the second line 256, thereby mixing with (and heating) one or more cold fluids from the cooling fluid source 230 (i.e., cooling fluid that has not yet exchanged heat with the generator 202 and / or another cooling fluid via the intermediate heat exchanger 254). Thus, one or more adjustable flow regulators 244 (e.g., variable flow valves) may be used in conjunction with one or more non-adjustable flow regulators 244 (e.g., constant flow pumps) to provide at least a minimum amount of cooling within the generator 202 while simultaneously enabling active temperature control through one or more controllers 240.

[0056] 10 provides yet another example of an assembly 200 in which adjustable flow regulators 244 and non-adjustable flow regulators 244 may be used together to affect the temperature of one or more cooling fluids transmitted to the generator heat exchanger 250 via one or more first lines 252. As with the other embodiments, each line 252, 256 may include a non-adjustable flow regulator 244 in the form of a constant flow pump such that each line 252, 256 transmits at least a minimum flow rate of cooling fluid therethrough. Additionally, the first line 252 may include one or more adjustable flow regulators 244 in the form of a fluid mixing valve operably coupled to the controller 240. The one or more fluid mixing valves in the first line 252 may divert a portion of the heated cooling fluid exiting the generator heat exchanger 250 back to the inlet conduit of the first line 252 before being cooled in the intermediate heat exchanger 254. The diverted fluid mixes with the cooled fluid exiting the intermediate heat exchanger 254 to provide hot cooling fluid to the generator heat exchanger 250. A flow regulator 244 in the form of a fluid mixing valve is operable to mix the hotter cooling fluid with one or more cooler fluids being transmitted to the generator heat exchanger 250. While this particular embodiment may be suitable for maintaining a target temperature in the form of a minimum operating temperature, it may be less preferred when a lower temperature (e.g., a temperature lower than or equal to the temperature of the ambient fluid supplied to the heat exchange circuit 232) is desired.

[0057] 11 provides yet another example of an assembly 200 in which the controller 240 may regulate the temperature of one or more cooling fluids in the heat exchange circuit 232 without the aid of one or more flow regulators 244. In this case, the first line 252 (additionally or alternatively, the second line 256) may include or be in thermal communication with an auxiliary heat exchanger ("auxiliary exchanger") 260, e.g., another heat exchanger, heat source, and / or heat sink for varying the temperature of the one or more cooling fluids in the first line 252. The auxiliary heat exchanger 260 may include, for example, a low temperature reservoir or a high temperature heat source that may be selectively placed in thermal communication with the one or more cooling fluids in the first line 252. In other embodiments, the auxiliary heat exchanger 260 may simply be another heat exchanger, whether sealed or unsealed, that carries another cooling fluid. However implemented, the auxiliary heat exchanger 260 may be placed in or removed from thermal communication with the lines 252, 256 via a mechanically adjustable component (e.g., opening or closing a thermal impediment barrier between the auxiliary heat exchanger 260 and the lines 252, 256) to affect the temperature of one or more cooling fluids before entering the generator heat exchanger 250 and / or the intermediate heat exchanger 254. If the auxiliary heat exchanger 260 contains different heat exchange fluids, the amount of heating or cooling may be controlled by varying the temperature of one or more fluids therein and / or the heat exchanging one or more fluids in the auxiliary heat exchanger 260. The auxiliary heat exchanger 260 is particularly suited to achieving a target temperature below the ambient temperature of one or more cooling fluids in the cooling fluid supply 230; for example, water, air and / or other fluids obtained from the environment in which the powertrain assembly is operated may be cooled to below ambient temperature via the auxiliary heat exchanger 260. The auxiliary heat exchanger 260 may also be particularly useful for reducing or eliminating higher temperature peaks, i.e., flattening the temperature profile over time of the generator 202. In some cases, the embodiment of Figure 11 may selectively (via the controller 240) induce a step change in the temperature of the generator 202 to deliberately induce a mechanical response in the generator 202 from a sudden temperature fluctuation.

[0058] FIG. 12 provides yet another example of the heat exchange circuit 232 in the assembly 200, in which a wetted surface cooler 262 (also known as an "evaporative cooler," a device that cools air by the evaporation of water) is included in the heat exchange circuit 232 by being in fluid and / or thermal communication with the first line 252. The wetted surface cooler 262 may be configured to absorb heat from one or more cooling fluids in the first line 252 before or after they are used to cool the generator 202 via the generator heat exchanger 250. Similar to the embodiment using the auxiliary heat exchanger 260 (FIG. 11), the wetted surface cooler 262 may control the temperature of the cooling fluid to a desired level, and in particular may reduce the temperature of the cooling fluid(s) below the temperature of the cooling fluid source 230 (e.g., below the temperature of the plant cooling water, the generator liquid, and / or an ambient-based cooling source). Regulating the temperature of the cooling fluid passing through wetted surface cooler 262 may be accomplished, for example, by adjusting one or more fans in wetted surface cooler 262 between "on" and "off" states and / or by adjusting fan speed and / or other subcomponents of wetted surface cooler 262, or perhaps other components of GT engine 100, generator 202, steam turbine 210, and / or other mechanisms of assembly 200. Wetted surface cooler 262 may be particularly desirable for assembly 200 in dry environments, for example, where cooling fluid source 230 has a relatively high temperature and / or where other types of cooling are not feasible.

[0059] Yet another embodiment of the assembly 200 and the heat exchanger circuit 232 is operable for use with only one type of cooling fluid. FIG. 13, for example, illustrates an implementation of the assembly 200 operable to control the temperature of the generator 202 using only one type of cooling fluid and / or a thermal expansion circuit. FIG. 13 illustrates an example in which a flow regulator 244 in the form of a bypass valve connects a portion of the first line 252 that supplies cooling fluid to the generator heat exchanger to another portion of the first line 252 that collects hot cooling fluid from the generator heat exchanger 250. The flow regulator 244 in the form of a bypass valve may be coupled to the controller 240, allowing active control of the amount of cooling fluid passing through the flow regulator 244. Another flow regulator 244 in the form of a constant flow pump may be present in the first line 252 to maintain at least a minimum fluid flow between the cooling fluid source 230 (e.g., a plant air-cooled heat exchanger) and the generator heat exchanger 250. During operation, the one or more bypass valves may divert a portion of the cooling fluid from one portion of the first line 252 to another, bypassing the generator heat exchanger 250 and preventing heat exchange between the diverted fluid and the generator 202. The controller 240 adjusts the position of the bypass valve to control what percentage of the cooling fluid bypasses the generator heat exchanger 250 and is therefore not placed in communication with the generator 202. A greater percentage of the cooling fluid that is diverted maintains a higher temperature within the generator 202, and a lower percentage of the cooling fluid that is diverted provides more cooling to the generator 202. Through this approach, the controller 240 calculates the difference between the monitored temperature from the temperature sensor 242 and opens or closes the one or more bypass valves to affect the temperature of the generator 202 via the cooling fluid in the first line 252.

[0060] FIG. 14 illustrates yet another example of an assembly 200, similar to the embodiment of FIG. 13, but with a flow regulator 244 in the form of a fluid mixing valve diverting one or more cooling fluids to the first line 252 before returning to the cooling fluid source 230. In this case, the fluid mixing valve divertes a portion of the heated cooling fluid exiting the generator heat exchanger 250 to a portion of the line 252 where the cooling fluid has not yet entered the generator heat exchanger 250. A controller 240 may be operatively coupled to the fluid mixing valve, allowing an operator of the assembly 200 to intentionally increase the temperature of the cooling fluid before it reaches the generator heat exchanger 250. The one or more flow regulators 244 in the form of a fluid mixing valve may be located downstream of other uncontrollable flow regulators (e.g., constant flow pumps) in the first line 252. The controller 240 may operate by regulating the proportion of the cooling fluid that is recirculated to the generator heat exchanger 250 via the one or more fluid mixing valves. As with other embodiments, the controller 240 may be coupled to one or more temperature sensors 242 for monitoring temperature within the generator 202 and adjusts one or more fluid mixing valves to achieve target thrust bearing loads, vibration parameters, and / or other desired mechanical conditions within the assembly 200.

[0061] FIG. 15 illustrates yet another embodiment of the assembly 200 in which the temperature of one or more cooling fluids in the first line 252 is controlled without the one or more flow regulators 244. An auxiliary heat exchanger 260 may be in thermal and / or fluid communication with the first line 252. In particular, although the auxiliary heat exchanger 260 is shown as being coupled to a portion of the first line 252 for transferring one or more cooling fluids to the generator heat exchanger 250, the auxiliary heat exchanger may additionally or alternatively be coupled to a portion of the first line 252 downstream of the generator heat exchanger 250. Thus, the embodiment of the assembly 200 illustrated in FIG. 15 is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 11 described elsewhere herein, i.e., the controller 240 may adjust the auxiliary heat exchanger 260 to either lower the temperature of the cooling fluid in the first line 252 below the temperature of the cooling fluid source 230 or to raise the temperature of the cooling fluid above the temperature of the cooling fluid source 230. The controller 240 may communicate with the temperature sensor 242 to monitor the temperature within the generator 202 and may control the amount of heating or cooling provided via the auxiliary heat exchanger 260, such as by increasing or decreasing the amount of auxiliary heat exchange fluid in thermal communication with the incoming cooling fluid, and may selectively place and / or remove the auxiliary heat exchanger 260 from thermal communication with the first line 252, as described in other examples. In this scenario, the cooling fluid in the first line 252 does not necessarily need to be recirculated to other portions of the first line 252. However, each of the various embodiments described herein may be combined or modified as desired to control the temperature of the generator 202 within a particular range and / or to accommodate various deployment configurations.

[0062] 5-15 provide some example components for active control of the temperature of one or more cooling fluids in the heat exchange circuit 232, the controller 240 may affect the temperature of one or more cooling fluids and the generator 202 via any now known or later developed mechanism or combination of mechanisms for varying the temperature of the cooling fluid. Furthermore, any or all of the various embodiments described herein may be used together in any conceivable combination for more accurate and robust control of cooling fluid temperature to meet the needs of a wide range of operating environments and / or conditions.

[0063] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide various technical and commercial advantages, examples of which are described below. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be particularly useful for managing the temperature, mechanical stresses and thermal expansion of the assembly 200 and / or other powertrain systems that rely on only a single shaft, such as a power plant with a GT engine 100 (FIGS. 2, 3) and a steam turbine 210 mounted on each shaft 111. The embodiments of the present disclosure may also benefit the operation of multi-shaft powertrain assemblies with little or no modification from the various examples described herein. Active control of the temperature of the generator 202 with reference to the parameters of the thrust bearing 214, the vibrations and / or other mechanical parameters of the assembly 200, through cooling fluid management, may provide mechanical benefits such as reducing the axial expansion of the shaft 111 and / or the loads under which the one or more clutches 212 and the one or more thrust bearings 214 operate. Further advantages include, for example, reduced variation in axial load across different types of operating conditions, reduced occurrence of slippage of clutch 212, and reduced variation in where the axial end of shaft 111 is located within assembly 200 (i.e., the distance of the axial end of shaft 111 relative to thrust bearing 214). The teachings of the present disclosure may then reduce uncertainty in the location of any components, equipment, etc. driven by shaft 111 (e.g., interface points of monitoring strips, indicator wheels, collector rings, fans, seals, etc.). Embodiments of the present disclosure further increase the ability of controller 240 and / or interconnected control systems (e.g., plant management software) to respond to changing conditions and / or other variables that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to control via other adjustable components.

[0064] The devices and apparatus of the present disclosure are not limited to any particular turbomachine, engine, turbine, jet engine, power generation system, or other system, but may be used with other turbomachines, such as aircraft systems, power generation systems, and / or related systems (e.g., combined cycle, simple cycle, nuclear reactors, etc.). Additionally, the devices of the present disclosure may be used with other systems not described herein that may benefit from the improved efficiency of the devices and apparatus described herein.

[0065] Approximate expressions used in the present specification and claims are applied to describe a quantity that can vary within a tolerance range without causing a change in the basic function to which the quantity relates. Thus, values ​​modified with terms such as "about", "approximately" and "substantially" are not limited to their exact numerical value. In at least some cases, the approximate expressions correspond to the precision of the instrument that measures the value. In some cases, the approximate expressions correspond to the precision of the instrument that measures the value. In the present specification and claims, ranges of numerical limitations are combinable and / or interchangeable with each other. Such ranges specify and include all subranges contained within the ranges, unless otherwise clear from the context. The term "about" used in conjunction with a particular value of a range applies to the upper and lower limits and may indicate ±10% of the stated numerical value, except where it depends on the precision of the instrument that measures the value.

[0066] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of the elements identified by functional descriptions in the following claims include any structures, materials, or acts that perform the function in combination with other elements specifically described in the claims. The description of the present disclosure is for the purpose of illustration and explanation, and is not exhaustive or limited to the disclosed form. Numerous modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. The embodiments of the present disclosure have been selected and described to best suitably explain the principles and practical applications of the present disclosure and to enable those skilled in the art to understand the disclosure regarding various embodiments and various modifications suitable for specific applications. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 100 Gas Turbine Engine 102 Compressor 104 Combustor 111 Shaft 200 Powertrain Assembly 202 Generator 210 Steam Turbine 212 Clutch 214 Thrust bearing 222 Low pressure steam turbine parts 224 Intermediate pressure steam turbine parts 226 High pressure steam turbine parts 230 Cooling fluid supply source 232 Heat exchange circuit 240 Controller 242 Temperature Sensor

Claims

1. a temperature sensor configured to monitor a temperature of a generator component of a powertrain assembly, the powertrain assembly including a powertrain component in thermal communication with a cooling fluid and mounted on the same shaft as the generator component; a controller coupled to the temperature sensor and to a heat exchange circuit for regulating a temperature of the cooling fluid, the controller being configured to calculate a target temperature for the generator component based on a target thrust bearing parameter or a target vibration parameter of the powertrain assembly, and to regulate a supply of the cooling fluid to the powertrain component based on a difference between the monitored temperature and the target temperature; An apparatus comprising:

2. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to regulate the supply of the cooling fluid by increasing or decreasing the amount of the cooling fluid supplied to or extracted from the generator component via a variable flow pump.

3. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to regulate the supply of cooling fluid by increasing or decreasing an amount of the cooling fluid routed from a return conduit to an inlet conduit via a variable flow valve.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to regulate the supply of the cooling fluid by regulating a mixing valve that diverts a portion of the cooling fluid exiting the heat exchange circuit to the generator component.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to regulate the supply of cooling fluid by regulating a temperature of a wetted surface cooler in the heat exchange circuit.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to regulate the supply of the cooling fluid through an auxiliary heat exchanger in the heat exchange circuit.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to calculate a target temperature based on a target axial length or a target thermal expansion of the shaft.

8. a powertrain assembly in which a generator component and a powertrain component are mounted on the same shaft; a temperature sensor configured to monitor a temperature of the generator component; a heat exchange circuit in thermal communication with the generator components, the heat exchange circuit configured to cool the generator components with a cooling fluid; a controller coupled to the temperature sensor and to the heat exchange circuit for calculating a target temperature for the generator component based on a target thrust bearing parameter or a target vibration parameter of the powertrain assembly, and for adjusting a supply of the cooling fluid to the powertrain component based on a difference between the monitored temperature and the target temperature; A system comprising:

9. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to regulate the supply of the cooling fluid by increasing or decreasing the amount of the cooling fluid supplied to or extracted from the generator component via a variable flow pump.

10. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to regulate the supply of cooling fluid by increasing or decreasing an amount of the cooling fluid routed from a return conduit to an inlet conduit via a variable flow valve.

11. 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to regulate the supply of the cooling fluid by regulating a mixing valve that diverts a portion of the cooling fluid exiting the heat exchange circuit to the generator component.

12. The system of claim 8 , wherein the controller is configured to regulate the supply of cooling fluid by regulating a temperature of a wetted surface cooler in the heat exchange circuit.

13. The system of claim 8 , wherein the controller is configured to regulate the supply of the cooling fluid through an auxiliary heat exchanger in the heat exchange circuit.

14. The system of claim 8 , wherein the controller is further configured to calculate a target temperature based on a target axial length or a target thermal expansion of the shaft.

15. monitoring a temperature of a generator component of a powertrain assembly, the powertrain assembly including a powertrain component in thermal communication with a cooling fluid and mounted on the same shaft as the generator component; calculating a target temperature for the generator component based on a target thrust bearing parameter or a target vibration parameter of the powertrain assembly; adjusting a supply of the cooling fluid to the powertrain component based on a difference between a monitored temperature and a target temperature; The method includes:

Images