System for assembling turbomachinery

Abstract

The system (1000) for assembling turbomachinery allows assembling at least two turbomachinery modules arranged on different supports, namely a first slide (10, 100, 200) configured to support a first turbomachinery module (91) and a base (60) configured to support a second turbomachinery module (92). The system (1000) further comprises a guide (50), in particular a track preferably comprising two rails (51, 52). The first slide (10, 100, 200) is configured to perform a movement along a longitudinal direction, typically a horizontal direction (Y), defined by the guide (50). The first slide (10, 100, 200) is further configured to allow an adjustment of the position of the first turbomachinery module (91) by translating it along a lateral direction (X) and / or a vertical direction (Z) and / or a longitudinal direction (Y). The mechanical coupling between the first module (91) and the second module (92) for assembling the turbomachine results at least from the first module (91) moving towards the second module (92) in a first direction (Y) on the guide (50).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to a system for assembling a turbomachine. [Background technology]

[0002] Typically, turbomachines, e.g., gas turbines, are made from various (complex) modules that are assembled together at a final assembly station before delivery to the customer. It should be noted that the tolerances required for the assembly of these machines are very small. In the state of the art, two different methods are known for the final assembly of turbomachines. The first method is to assemble different turbomachine modules horizontally (i.e., positioning the axes of the modules horizontally), where the modules are suspended and moved horizontally to be coupled together, forming a horizontally oriented turbomachine; the second method is to assemble different turbomachine modules vertically (i.e., positioning the axes of the modules vertically), where the modules are suspended and moved vertically to be coupled together, forming a vertically oriented turbomachine resting on the ground.

[0003] However, both of these assembly methods have drawbacks, particularly with regard to the safety and reproducibility of the assembly work. In particular, known horizontal assembly methods are performed between two suspended modules, thus making accurate connection more difficult. On the other hand, known vertical assembly methods subject the modules to strong gravity, which can cause damage to the modules themselves, for example, due to collisions or friction between the modules, and can also expose the operator working with the modules to safety risks, for example, when connecting the modules with their arms placed between them. In fact, both of these methods (horizontal or vertical suspension) expose the operator to safety risks in the event of an object falling, and require the operator to remain under or very close to the suspended object, as the operator is forced to manually drive at least one body to find the correct alignment between the modules. Summary of the Invention

[0004] It would be desirable to have a system for assembling turbomachinery that is safer, has no hanging parts, and allows for adjustment of the connections between modules so that, for example, the same method can be repeated for each part of the same turbomachinery model.

[0005] According to one aspect, the subject matter disclosed herein relates to a system for assembling turbomachinery capable of coupling two or more turbomachinery modules, wherein at least a first turbomachinery module is movable along a first direction on a guide, e.g., a track having two parallel rails, and at least a second turbomachinery module is supported by a base such that coupling between the turbomachinery modules is performed by moving the first turbomachinery module on the guide toward the second turbomachinery module. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] A complete understanding of the disclosed embodiments of the present invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a highly simplified diagram of an embodiment of a system for assembling a turbomachine. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a highly simplified diagram of an embodiment of a system for assembling a turbomachine. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram of a first slide embodiment of a system for assembling a turbomachine. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a simplified diagram of another embodiment of a first slide of a system for assembling a turbomachine. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a simplified diagram of another embodiment of a first slide of a system for assembling a turbomachine. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a simplified diagram of one embodiment of a base of a system for assembling a turbomachine. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a simplified diagram of an embodiment of a base of a system for assembling a turbomachine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] According to one aspect, the subject matter disclosed herein primarily relates to a system for assembling turbomachinery made up of different modules, particularly for aeroderivative gas turbines. The system allows for horizontal assembly of at least two turbomachinery modules arranged on different supports, at least one of which can move, particularly slide, along guides defining a longitudinal direction as well as lateral and vertical directions. The mechanical coupling of the turbomachinery modules is performed at least by moving at least one turbomachinery module along the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, alignment of the two turbomachinery modules, particularly alignment of the axes of the two turbomachinery modules, can be performed by adjusting the position of at least one turbomachinery module, preferably both turbomachinery modules, along the longitudinal, lateral, and vertical directions. Advantageously, the adjustment of the turbomachinery modules can be performed using linear actuators configured to translate the turbomachinery modules along the longitudinal, lateral, and vertical directions and / or to rotate the turbomachinery modules about their axes.

[0008] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example and drawing is provided for the purpose of explaining the disclosure and should not be construed as limiting the disclosure. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. In the following description, like reference numerals are used in the illustrative embodiment figures to indicate elements that perform the same or similar functions. Moreover, for clarity of illustration, some reference numerals may not be repeated in all figures.

[0009] 1A and 1B show top and side views, respectively, of a highly simplified diagram of an embodiment of a system for assembling turbomachinery, generally designated by reference numeral 1000. The system 1000 comprises a guide 50, which is typically positioned horizontally on the ground, for example, on the floor of a building. In particular, the guide rests on the ground so that modules of the turbomachinery can be assembled by sliding on the guide, as will be better explained below. The guide 50 a first direction Y, which is longitudinal (typically horizontal) and preferably the main direction of deployment of the guide 50; a second direction X, which is a transverse direction perpendicular to the first direction Y; a third direction Z, which is a vertical direction perpendicular to the first direction Y and the second direction X; Advantageously, the guide 50 is a track preferably comprising two rails 51 and 52. It should be noted, however, that the number of rails may be different. Preferably, the rails 51 and 52 are parallel and, optionally, the rails 51 and 52 extend along first and second axes parallel to the longitudinal direction Y.

[0010] With non-limiting reference to FIG. 1, the system 1000 includes: a first slide 10, 100, 200 (it should be noted that the first slide 10 of FIG. 1 may also be realized for example as the embodiment 100 of the slide of FIG. 2 or the embodiment 200 of the slide of FIG. 3) configured to support the first turbomachine module 91, preferably isotropically, and configured to perform a movement on a guide 50 along a first direction Y; a base 60 configured to preferably isotropically support the second turbomachine module 92, positioned and configured so that the axis of the second turbomachine module 92 corresponds to the axis A of the turbomachine and is parallel to the first direction Y.

[0011] In other words, as better explained below, the system 1000 is configured such that the first turbomachinery module 91 and the second turbomachinery module 92 can be assembled such that the respective axes of the turbomachinery modules 91 and 92 coincide with the turbomachine axis A. The mechanical coupling between the first turbomachinery module 91 and the second turbomachinery module 92 to assemble the turbomachine results at least from the movement of the first turbomachinery module 91 on the guides 50 towards the second turbomachinery module 92 along a first direction Y (see the thick black arrow in FIG. 1A ). Alternatively, the axis of the second turbomachinery module 92 may not be parallel to the first direction Y (but may be slightly inclined), and the mechanical coupling between the first turbomachinery module 91 and the second turbomachinery module 92 still results at least from the first turbomachinery module 91 moving along the first direction Y on the guide 50 towards the second turbomachinery module 92, for example, so that the coupling surfaces of the first turbomachinery module 91 and the second turbomachinery module 92 to be assembled are arranged flush with each other. For example, the first slide 10 may be a carriage having at least four wheels or may be a sledge that performs movement along the first direction Y on the guide 50. Advantageously, the vertical position of one or more of the wheels is adjustable so that the wheels can be easily disengaged from the rails and / or the ground.

[0012] Preferably, system 1000 further comprises a winch 81 positioned at an end of guide 50 for moving at least one slide of the system along first direction Y. As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, system 1000 may comprise a first winch 81 positioned at a first end of guide 50 for moving at least one slide in a first orientation along first direction Y, and a second winch 82 positioned at a second end of guide 50 for moving at least one slide in a second orientation along first direction Y. Advantageously, at least one slide has a hook, preferably two hooks 71 and 72, namely a first hook 71 arranged towards a first end of the guide 50 and a second hook 72 arranged towards a second end of the guide 50, so that the first hook 71 can be coupled to a first winch 81, in particular to the end of a first rope of the first winch 81, and the second hook 72 can be coupled to a second winch 81, in particular to the end of a second rope of the second winch 82.

[0013] The first slide 10 is configured to allow adjustment of the position of the first turbomachinery module 91 by translating the first turbomachinery module 91 along the second direction X and / or the third direction Z. Preferably, the first slide 10 is further configured to allow adjustment of the position of the first turbomachinery module 91 by translating the first turbomachinery module 91 along the first direction Y.

[0014] Advantageously, the first slide 10 comprises at least one linear actuator, which is configured to translate the first turbomachinery module 91 along the first direction Y or the second direction X or the third direction Z. Preferably, as will become apparent below, the first slide 10 comprises two or more linear actuators, for example a plurality of linear actuators, configured to translate the first turbomachinery module 91 along the first direction Y and / or the second direction X and / or the third direction Z. Advantageously, the one or more linear actuators are further configured to rotate the first turbomachinery module 91 (for example by a few degrees) around an axis oriented as the first direction Y and / or the second direction X and / or the third direction Z. Preferably, the linear actuator is a worm screw or a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder.

[0015] Figures 2 and 3 show simplified diagrams of first slide embodiments 100 and 200, which are only shown in a very simplified manner in Figure 1. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of the first slide 100 having, for example, four wheels 153, 154, 155 and 156 (note that only two of them are visible in Figure 2) configured to roll on rails 51 and 52 so that the first slide 100 can translate along the first direction Y. The first slide 100 preferably has two hooks 171, 172 configured to be coupled to the first winch 81 and the second winch 82, respectively, for moving the first slide 100 along the first direction Y.

[0016] As already explained above, the first slide 100 is configured to support a first turbomachinery module (not shown in FIG. 2 ). In particular, the first turbomachinery module 91 supported by the first slide 100 can have a shaft extending in a first direction Y. In some embodiments, the shaft may extend substantially in the first direction Y (if the shaft is supported only at one end, i.e., cantilevered, it may be subject to bending deformations). Advantageously, the system 1000 further comprises a support shaft, which is coupled, for example, to the free end of the shaft during assembly of the turbomachinery. Advantageously, the system 1000 further comprises a laser system, in particular a laser system having four lasers arranged in a cross shape (known per se to those skilled in the art). The laser can detect the position of the shaft of the first turbomachinery module 91 while it slides inside the second turbomachinery module 92 in the first direction Y. As will become clear below, detecting the position of the shaft serves to adjust the position of the first turbomachinery module 91. It should be noted that the use of lasers, in particular a laser system having four lasers arranged in a cross shape (to precisely adjust one or more positions of a turbomachinery module before and / or during the mechanical coupling of the turbomachinery module), is not limited to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, but may also be applied to other embodiments, in particular the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0017] To facilitate the mechanical coupling between the first turbomachinery module 91 and the second turbomachinery module 92, the first slide 100 can have a support system 110 that extends at least partially beyond the wheels 153, 154, 155, 156 of the first slide 100. Advantageously, the support system 110 comprises a base 120 and a rod 115, e.g., a long, inclined arm, fixed to the carriage such that the base projects beyond the carriage. The support system 110, in particular the base 120 of the support system 110, is configured to support the first turbomachinery module 91. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that when the first turbomachinery module 91 is supported by the first slide 100, in particular by the support system 110, the position of the center of gravity of the first slide 100 is displaced beyond the position of the wheels 154 and 156. Advantageously, the first slide 100 further comprises a counterweight 101 for balancing the first slide 100 due to the fact that the position of the center of gravity of the first slide 100 is not only distributed relative to the wheels but also outside the support area defined by the wheels 153, 154, 155 and 156.

[0018] Advantageously, the base 120 of the first slide 100 may further comprise at least one guide 111, preferably four guides 111 (note that in FIG. 2 only two guides 111A and 111B are shown), configured to prevent movement of the first turbomachinery module 91 along the first direction Y and the second direction X. Advantageously, the base 120 of the first slide 100 may further comprise at least one linear actuator 112, preferably a plurality of linear actuators 112, configured to translate the first turbomachinery module 91 along the third direction Z. Advantageously, the linear actuator is arranged between the base 120 and the rod 115. In particular, the linear actuator 112 is mechanically coupled to the base 120 and the rod 115. Preferably, the linear actuator is a worm screw or a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder.

[0019] 2 , the base 120 may comprise a plurality of support plates 121, 122, 123, and 124 mechanically coupled to one another, as better described below. The first support plate 121 may be mechanically coupled to a rod 115 and may be translated by a linear actuator 112. Advantageously, the base 120 may further comprise at least one ball joint 104, preferably four ball joints 104 (note that only two ball joints 104A and 104B are shown in FIG. 2 ), to accommodate reaction movements of the first turbomachinery module 91 during mechanical coupling of the turbomachinery modules. In particular, the ball joint 104 may be disposed between the first support plate 121 and the second support plate 122. More specifically, the ball joint 104 is configured to cancel out force and load components along the first direction Y and / or the second direction X, allowing self-adjustment of the position of the module 91 along the first direction Y and / or the second direction X during mechanical coupling, as well as rotation about the third direction Z. The second support plate 122 can be mechanically coupled to the third support plate 123. Advantageously, the guide 111 is arranged between the second support plate 122 and the third support plate 123, and possibly between the first support plate 121 and the third support plate 123. Advantageously, the base 120 can further comprise at least one spring 102, preferably four springs 102 (note that in FIG. 2 only two springs 102A and 102B are shown). Preferably, the springs 102 are preload springs configured to reduce the forces, typically along the third direction Z, exerted between the turbomachinery modules during mechanical coupling, in particular thanks to the reaction force of the springs 102. In other words, the springs 102A and 102B serve to support from below the turbomachinery module 91 to be assembled. The turbomachinery module 91 can be arranged on a fourth support plate 124 mechanically coupled to the third support plate 123.Advantageously, a load cell 105 is arranged between the third support plate 123 and the fourth support plate 124 in order to generate an electrical signal related to the variations in loads and forces along the third direction Z, which are applied between the turbomachinery modules during their assembly. Advantageously, the electrical signal generated by the load cell 105 is fed, for example via a wired connection, to a display (not shown), on which an operator can check the variations in loads and forces in real time. It is noted that the use of springs (to reduce the forces exerted between the turbomachinery modules during their mechanical coupling) and / or ball joints (to accommodate reaction movements of the turbomachinery modules during their mechanical coupling) is highly advantageous and is not intended to be limited to the embodiment shown in Figure 2 but can be applied to other embodiments, in particular the embodiments shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0020] It should be noted that in the state of the art, turbomachinery modules are assembled in a suspended manner. In particular, at least one of the turbomachinery modules is moved horizontally or vertically to be coupled to another turbomachinery module to form a horizontally or vertically positioned turbomachine. It should also be noted that suspended turbomachinery modules are much easier to support. In fact, four tie rods per module are sufficient to ensure all degrees of freedom of the turbomachinery modules.

[0021] 3A and 3B show two views of another embodiment of a first slide 200 having four wheels 253, 254, 255 and 256 (note that only two of which are visible in FIG. 3A ) arranged to roll on rails 51 and 52 so that the first slide 200 can translate along a first direction Y. The first slide 200 preferably has two hooks 271, 272 configured to be coupled to a first winch 81 and a second winch 82, respectively, for moving the first slide 200 along the first direction Y.

[0022] As already explained above, the first slide 200 is configured and arranged to support a first turbomachinery module (not shown in Figures 3A and 3B). Advantageously, the first slide 200 comprises a first frame 201, preferably comprising wheels 253, 254, 255, 256, and supported by guides 50, and a second frame 202, supported by the first frame 201 and configured to support the first turbomachinery module. Advantageously, the first frame 201 and / or the second frame 202 are configured to allow adjustment of the position of the second frame 202 relative to the first frame 201, by translating and / or rotating the second frame 202 relative to the first frame 201. It is noted that an adjustment of the position of the second frame 202 may correspond to an adjustment of the position of the first turbomachinery module 91. In particular, the first slide 200 may further comprise at least one slider 280, preferably four sliders 280 (note that only two sliders 280A and 280B are shown in FIG. 3A ), configured to accommodate a reaction movement of the first turbomachinery module during mechanical coupling of the turbomachinery modules. In particular, the sliders 280 may be disposed between the first frame 201 and the second frame 202. More particularly, the sliders 280 are configured to counteract force and load components along the first direction Y and / or the second direction X and to enable self-adjustment of the position of the first turbomachinery module along the first direction Y and / or the second direction X and rotation about the third direction Z during mechanical coupling.

[0023] Advantageously, the first slide 200 comprises at least one linear actuator, for example, one of linear actuators 211A, 211B, 211C, 211D, 212A, 212B (see, for example, FIG. 3B , in which several linear actuators are shown) configured to translate the second frame 202 relative to the first frame 201. Preferably, the linear actuators are worm screws or pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders. For example, the linear actuators 212A, 212B can translate the second frame 202 along a first direction Y relative to the first frame 201, and the linear actuators 211A, 211B, 211C, 211D can translate the second frame 202 along a second direction X relative to the first frame 201, for example, through appropriate coordinated movement.

[0024] Advantageously, the first slide 200 comprises at least two linear actuators, for example two of the linear actuators 211A, 211B, 211C, 211D, 212A, 212B (see, for example, FIG. 3B where several linear actuators are shown) configured to rotate the second frame 202 relative to the first frame 201. For example, the linear actuators 211A and 211D, 211B and 211C, for example through suitable coordinated action, can rotate the second frame 202 around an axis oriented as the third direction Z.

[0025] 3A and 3B, advantageously, the second slide 200 comprises a rotary support 204, in particular having rollers, for rotatably supporting the first turbomachinery module 91. In particular, the rotary support 204 allows the first turbomachinery module 91 to rotate about an axis substantially parallel to the first direction Y. Advantageously, the rotary support 204 is also configured to allow adjustment of the position of the first turbomachinery module 91, for example by changing the position of the rotary support 204 relative to the second frame 202, for example by translating the first turbomachinery module 91 along the third direction Z.

[0026] 3A and 3B, advantageously, the second slide 200 further comprises mechanical jacks, preferably two mechanical jacks 206A and 206B configured to support the first turbomachinery module 91. Advantageously, the mechanical jacks 206A and 206B are configured to allow adjustment of the position of the first turbomachinery module 91 by translating the first turbomachinery module 91 along the first direction Y and / or the second direction X and / or the third direction Z. It should be noted that the mechanical jacks 206A, 206B are also configured to allow adjustment of the position of the first turbomachinery module 91 by rotating the first turbomachinery module 91 around axes oriented as the first direction Y and / or the second direction X and / or the third direction Z, for example by performing different translations between the mechanical jacks 206A and 206B while changing the position of the rotating support 204 relative to the second frame 202, or by performing different translations between the mechanical jacks 206A and 206B.

[0027] According to another embodiment, the system 1000 further comprises a third slide configured to preferably isotropically support the third turbomachine module and configured to perform a movement on the guide 50 along the first direction Y. In particular, the mechanical coupling of the third turbomachine module for assembling the turbomachine results at least from the movement of the third turbomachine module on the guide 50 along the first direction Y. Preferably, the third slide is configured to enable adjustment of the position of the third turbomachine module by translating the third turbomachine module along the first direction Y and / or the second direction X and / or the third direction Z. It should be noted that the third slide may be identical or similar to the slide 10 or 100 or 200. In other words, the innovative assembly system may comprise two slides in addition to at least one base (fixed or movable), and a turbomachine may be created by assembling three or more turbomachine modules. For example, the system may include both one slide 100, such as that shown in FIG. 2, and one slide 200, such as that shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0028] As previously indicated, the system 1000 comprises a base 60 configured to support a second turbomachinery module 92 mechanically coupled to the first turbomachinery module 91. It should be noted that the base 60 may be fixed to the (typically horizontal) ground, e.g., a building floor, or, according to some embodiments, may slide along a guide 50. For example, the base 60 may comprise a second slide 20 (see FIG. 1B ) configured to perform movement along the first direction Y on the guide 50. For example, the second slide 20 may be a carriage having at least four wheels or may be a sledge. Advantageously, the vertical position of one or more of these wheels is adjustable so that the wheels can be easily disengaged from the rails and / or the ground. Advantageously, the second slide 20 is configured to isotropically support the second turbomachinery module 92. As will be clear to those skilled in the art, the mechanical coupling between the first turbomachine module 91 and the second turbomachine module 92 to assemble the turbomachine may result solely from the first turbomachine module 91 moving (e.g., on the guide 50) towards the second turbomachine module 92 along the first direction Y, or from the first turbomachine module 91 moving (e.g., on the guide 50) towards the second turbomachine module 92 along the first direction Y and the second turbomachine module 92 moving (e.g., on the guide 50) towards the first turbomachine module 91 along the first direction Y.

[0029] Advantageously, the system 1000 may further comprise another base 300 (see FIG. 4) configured to preferably isotropically support a fourth turbomachine module positioned and configured such that the axis of the fourth turbomachine module corresponds to the axis A of the turbomachine.

[0030] Advantageously, according to the embodiment of Figure 4, the base 300 is configured to allow adjustment or movement of the fourth turbomachine module along a first direction Y, and the mechanical coupling of the fourth turbomachine module to assemble the turbomachine can be obtained from the adjustment of the fourth turbomachine module along the first direction Y. As will become clear below, the base 300 is further configured to allow adjustment of the position of the fourth turbomachine module by translating the fourth turbomachine module along the second direction X and / or the third direction Z. Advantageously, the base 300 comprises a third frame 301 fixed to the (typically horizontal) ground, for example on a building floor, and a fourth frame 302 mechanically coupled to the third frame 301 and configured to support the fourth turbomachine module. Advantageously, the third frame 301 and / or the fourth frame 302 are configured to allow adjustment of the position of the fourth frame 302 relative to the third frame 301 by translating and / or rotating the fourth frame 302 relative to the third frame 301. It should be noted that the adjustment or movement of the position of the fourth frame 302 may correspond to an adjustment of the position of the fourth turbomachinery module. In particular, the base 300 may further comprise at least one slider 380, preferably four sliders 380 (it should be noted that only two sliders 380A and 380B are shown in FIG. 4A ), configured to accommodate a reaction movement of the fourth turbomachinery module during mechanical coupling of the turbomachinery modules. In particular, the slider 380 may be arranged between the third frame 301 and the fourth frame 302. More specifically, the slider 380 is configured to counteract force and load components along the first direction Y and / or the second direction X and enable self-adjustment of the position of the first turbomachinery module along the first direction Y and / or the second direction X and rotation about the third direction Z during mechanical coupling.

[0031] 4A and 4B, the base 300 includes at least one linear actuator, such as one of linear actuators 311A, 311B, 311C, 311D, 312A, 312B, 312C, and 312D (see, e.g., FIG. 4B, which shows several linear actuators) configured to translate the fourth frame 302 relative to the third frame 301. Preferably, the linear actuator is a worm screw or a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder. For example, the linear actuators 312A, 312B, 312C, and 312D can translate the fourth frame 302 along a first direction Y relative to the third frame 301, and the linear actuators 311A, 311B, 311C, and 311D can translate the fourth frame 302 along a second direction X relative to the third frame 301.

[0032] Advantageously, the base 300 comprises at least two linear actuators, for example, two of linear actuators 311A, 311B, 311C, 311D, 312A, 312B, 312C, 312D (see, for example, FIG. 4B , in which several linear actuators are shown) configured to rotate the fourth frame 302 relative to the third frame 301. For example, the linear actuators 312A and 312D, 312B and 312C can rotate the fourth frame 302 about an axis oriented as the third direction Z, and the linear actuators 311A ​​and 311D, 311B and 311C can rotate the fourth frame 202 about an axis oriented as the third direction Z.

[0033] 4A and 4B, the base 300 comprises a rotary support 304, in particular having rollers, for rotatably supporting the fourth turbomachinery module. Advantageously, the rotary support 304 is also configured to allow adjustment of the position of the fourth turbomachinery module, for example by translating the fourth turbomachinery module along the third direction Z, for example by changing the position of the rotary support 304 relative to the fourth frame 302.

[0034] 4A and 4B, the base 300 further comprises mechanical jacks, preferably two mechanical jacks 306A, 306B configured to support the fourth turbomachinery module. Advantageously, the mechanical jacks 306A, 306B are configured to allow adjustment of the position of the fourth turbomachinery module by translating the fourth turbomachinery module along the first direction Y and / or the second direction X and / or the third direction Z. It should be noted that the mechanical jacks 306A, 306B are also configured to allow adjustment of the position of the fourth turbomachinery module by rotating the fourth turbomachinery module around axes oriented as the first direction Y and / or the second direction X and / or the third direction Z, for example by performing different translations between the mechanical jacks 306A and 306B, or by performing different translations between the mechanical jacks 306A and 306B while changing the position of the rotary support 304 relative to the fourth frame 302.

[0035] The system described above can be used, for example, to assemble a gas turbine engine (particularly an aeroderivative) having four turbomachinery modules: a first turbomachinery module, e.g., a high-pressure (=HP) compressor and combustor module (sometimes referred to as a "core module") supported by a slide such as that shown in Figure 3 or a base such as that shown in Figure 4; a second turbomachinery module, e.g., a high-pressure (=HP) turbine and shaft module supported by a slide such as that shown in Figure 2; a third turbomachinery module, e.g., a low-pressure (=LP) compressor supported by a slide such as that shown in Figure 3; and a fourth turbomachinery module, e.g., a low-pressure (=LP) turbine supported by a base such as that shown in Figure 4. It should be noted that one or more of these turbomachinery modules may be assembled at the same or different locations where final assembly as described herein occurs.

[0036] An assembly system as described herein can be located, for example, on the premises of a turbine engine manufacturer. Furthermore, it may be useful to locate an assembly system as described herein at or near the location where the turbine engine is installed and used. In this way, facility personnel can easily disassemble (and then reassemble) the turbine engine, for example, for maintenance purposes.

[0037] According to a possible method for assembling a turbomachine, e.g., a gas turbine engine, a first turbomachine module and a second turbomachine module may be supported by a first module support associated with a guide, e.g., a slide, and a second module support associated with a base (which may be fixed or movable in practice), respectively. Preferably, the first module support and the second module support are supported by the guide and can slide along the guide. For example, the first module support and the second module support may be the slide and base of the system shown in FIG. 1. Preferably, the first module support and the second module support provide isotropic support to the turbomachine modules. The first turbomachine module can be mechanically coupled to the second turbomachine module by simply moving the slide along the guide toward the base (which may be fixed or movable in practice) until at least a portion of the first turbomachine module and at least a portion of the second turbomachine module abut. In particular, the guide may be a track including one or more rails. The position of the first turbomachinery module and / or the second turbomachinery module may be adjusted before, during, and / or after the movement of the first and / or second turbomachinery modules, for example, by translating and / or rotating the first and / or second turbomachinery modules. Once the first and second turbomachinery modules are fixed to one another (e.g., via flanges in the modules) to produce a first assembly, the third turbomachinery module is preferably isotropically supported, for example, by another slide disposed on a guide, allowing the third turbomachinery module to move along the guide toward the first assembly. The third turbomachinery module may be mechanically coupled to the first assembly by simply moving the third turbomachinery module and / or the first assembly along the guide until at least a portion of the third turbomachinery module and at least a portion of the first assembly abut, and then fixed to one another (e.g., via flanges in the modules) to produce a second assembly.It should be noted that the position of the third turbomachine module may be adjusted before, during, and / or after the movement of the third turbomachine module and / or the first assembly, for example, by translating and / or rotating the third turbomachine module. Finally, the second assembly may be mechanically coupled to a fourth turbomachine module supported by a base located at one end of the guide, for example, by sliding the second assembly along the guide and allowing movement of the second assembly toward the fourth turbomachine module. It should be noted that the position of the fourth turbomachine module may be adjusted before, during, and / or after the movement of the second assembly, for example, by translating and / or rotating the fourth turbomachine module. It should be noted that the position of the turbomachine module and / or the assembly of turbomachine modules on the module support may be adjusted by translation along the longitudinal direction and / or translation along the lateral direction by translation along the vertical direction and / or rotation about the longitudinal direction and / or rotation about the lateral direction by rotation about the vertical direction.

Claims

1. A system (1000) for assembling a turbomachine, comprising: A guide (50) is arranged horizontally on the ground and defines a first direction (Y) which is a longitudinal direction, a second direction (X) which is a lateral direction perpendicular to the first direction (Y), and a third direction (Z) which is a vertical direction perpendicular to the first direction (Y) and the second direction (X); a first slide (10, 100, 200) configured to support a first turbomachine module (91) and configured to perform a movement along said first direction (Y) on said guide (50); a base (60) configured to support a second turbomachine module (92), the base (60) being positioned and configured such that an axis of the second turbomachine module (92) corresponds to an axis (A) of the turbomachine; the first slide (10, 100, 200) is configured to allow adjustment of the position of the first turbomachinery module (91) by translating the first turbomachinery module (91) along the second direction (X) and / or the third direction (Z); a mechanical coupling between the first turbomachine module (91) and the second turbomachine module (92) for assembling the turbomachine results at least from the first turbomachine module (91) moving on the guide (50) towards the second turbomachine module (92) along the first direction (Y); The system (1000) further comprises wheels (153, 154, 155, 156) and a support system (110) extending at least partially beyond the wheels (153, 154, 155, 156) in the first direction (Y) and supporting a first turbomachinery module (91), the support system (110) including one or more springs (102A, 102B) for reducing forces exerted between turbomachinery modules during mechanical coupling of the turbomachinery modules, a preload spring, and / or one or more ball joints (104A, 104B) for accommodating reaction movements of the first turbomachinery module (91) during mechanical coupling of the turbomachinery modules.

2. the base (60) comprises a second slide (20) configured to perform a movement along the first direction (Y) on the guide (50); 2. The system of claim 1, wherein a mechanical coupling between the first turbomachine module (91) and the second turbomachine module (92) for assembling the turbomachine results from at least the first turbomachine module (91) moving toward the second turbomachine module (92) on the guide (50) along the first direction (Y), and the second turbomachine module (92) moving toward the first turbomachine module (91) on the guide along the first direction (Y).

3. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the guide (50) is a track including two rails (51, 52).

4. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first slide (10, 100, 200) is configured to allow adjustment of the position of the first turbomachinery module (91) by translating the first turbomachinery module (91) along the first direction (Y).

5. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first slide (10, 100, 200) is configured to enable adjustment of the position of the first turbomachinery module (91) by rotating the first turbomachinery module (91) about an axis oriented as the first direction (Y).

6. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first slide (10, 100, 200) is configured to enable adjustment of the position of the first turbomachinery module (91) by rotating the first turbomachinery module (91) about an axis oriented as the second direction (X).

7. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first slide (10, 100, 200) is configured to enable adjustment of the position of the first turbomachinery module (91) by rotating the first turbomachinery module (91) about an axis oriented as the third direction (Z).

8. The first slide (200) comprises: a first frame (201) supported by said guide (50); a second frame (202) supported by the first frame (201); 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first frame (201) and / or the second frame (202) are configured to allow adjustment of the position of the second frame (202) relative to the first frame (201) by translating and / or rotating the second frame (202) relative to the first frame (201).

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the first slide (200) comprises a rotational support (204) for rotatably supporting the first turbomachinery module (91).

10. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first slide further comprises a counterweight for balancing the position of the center of gravity of the first slide when the first turbomachinery module is supported by the first slide.

11. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a support shaft coupled to the first turbomachine module (91) during assembly of the turbomachine.

12. a third slide configured to support a third turbomachine module and configured to perform movement along the first direction (Y) on the guide (50); the third slide is configured to allow adjustment of the position of the third turbomachinery module by translating the third turbomachinery module along the first direction (Y) and / or the second direction (X) and / or the third direction (Z), 2. The system of claim 1, wherein a mechanical coupling of the third turbomachine module to assemble the turbomachine results at least from the third turbomachine module moving along the first direction (Y) on the guide (50).

13. a further base (300) configured to support a fourth turbomachine module, the base (300) being positioned and configured such that an axis of the fourth turbomachine module corresponds to the axis (A) of the turbomachine; The other base (300) is allowing adjustment or movement of the fourth turbomachine module along the first direction (Y); and enabling adjustment of the position of the fourth turbomachine module by translating the fourth turbomachine module along the second direction (X) and / or the third direction (Z); 2. The system of claim 1, wherein a mechanical coupling of the fourth turbomachine module to assemble the turbomachine results from at least the fourth turbomachine module moving along the first direction (Y).

14. 2. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one winch (81) positioned at an end of the guide (50) for moving at least one slide of the system along the first direction (Y).

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