Active Clearance Control Calibration via Squeeze Test
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Universal control logic for active clearance control systems in turbine engines fails to account for variations between engines, leading to inefficient operation due to inappropriate clearance settings, which can result in reduced efficiency and premature wear.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for calibrating active clearance control systems by performing a squeeze test for each turbine engine to determine optimal clearance settings, allowing for individualized control logic adaptation and recalibration based on performance data, including wear considerations, to maintain optimal tip clearance across various operating conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If universal control logic is used for active clearance control systems, then implementation simplicity is improved, but clearance control precision deteriorates due to engine variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs squeeze tests to determine actual clearance parameters for each specific engine, then adjusts control logic parameters based on measured engine characteristics. This transforms the universal fixed-parameter approach into a customized parameter-set approach that accounts for engine variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback from squeeze test measurements and operational performance data to continuously refine and recalibrate control logic. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to engine variations and wear, improving clearance control precision while maintaining implementation simplicity through automated calibration.
2Productivity
If universal control logic is applied to all turbine engines, then system deployment speed is improved, but engine efficiency deteriorates due to inappropriate clearance settings
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary squeeze tests during engine assembly or initial operation to establish baseline clearance parameters before full deployment. This preliminary characterization enables rapid deployment of customized control logic without sacrificing efficiency, as each engine is pre-calibrated to its specific characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts clearance control parameters based on engine-specific measurements and operational conditions. By changing parameters from universal defaults to engine-customized values, the system maintains high deployment speed while eliminating efficiency losses from inappropriate clearance settings.
3Device complexity
If fixed clearance settings are used, then maintenance complexity is reduced, but component wear increases due to rubbing from clearance variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration through automated squeeze tests and performance monitoring, eliminating the need for complex manual maintenance adjustments. The control logic automatically adapts to wear by continuously measuring clearance and recalibrating, reducing maintenance complexity while preventing rubbing through real-time clearance optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from fixed clearance settings to dynamic, adaptive clearance control. Clearance parameters are continuously adjusted based on real-time measurements and operational conditions, allowing the system to maintain optimal clearance throughout the component lifecycle without increasing maintenance complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for calibrating an active clearance control system for a plurality of turbine engines. During this method, a squeeze test is performed between a tip of a rotor blade and a shroud. Results of the squeeze test are applied to adjust a gap between the tip and the shroud. The performance of the squeeze test and the application of the results may be individually performed for each of the turbine engines.