Adapter Structure for Compressor Gas Turbine Foundation Retrofit
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing method of mounting compressors and gas turbines on power plant foundations is manufacturer-specific, requiring new foundations when replacing equipment, leading to costly and time-consuming downtimes, as well as potential loss of operating licenses due to the need for foundation renewal.
Innovation Solution
An adapter construction using metallic base plates and anchor points is employed to compensate for differences in anchor point positions and numbers between existing and new compressor and gas turbine types, allowing for installation on the same foundation without requiring foundation renewal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a new foundation is built to accommodate a different type of compressor and gas turbine, then the new equipment can be properly installed with correct anchor point positions, but the power plant experiences extended downtime and high costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter structure as an intermediary component between the existing foundation and the new compressor/gas turbine. This adapter structure includes mounting plates and adjustment mechanisms that enable different types of equipment to be installed on the same foundation by adapting the anchor point positions, thereby avoiding the need to replace the entire foundation and reducing power plant downtime
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter structure is designed to be universal and compatible with multiple types of compressors and gas turbines. By providing a standardized interface that can accommodate various anchor point configurations, the same foundation can support different equipment types without requiring custom foundation modifications for each equipment type
2Adaptability or versatility
If the foundation is replaced to accommodate different anchor point configurations, then the new compressor and gas turbine can be properly mounted, but the process becomes very time-consuming and costly
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than replacing the entire foundation, the patent uses an adapter structure as a mediator that interfaces between the existing foundation and the new equipment. This approach simplifies the modification process by focusing only on the necessary adapter components rather than undertaking a complete foundation replacement, thereby reducing both time and cost
3Strength
If foundation renewal is undertaken to install different types of compressors and gas turbines, then proper structural support is achieved, but additional approval procedures and operating license issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter structure serves as a minimal modification that maintains the integrity of the original foundation while providing the necessary support for new equipment. Since the foundation itself is not replaced but rather augmented with adapter components, the original operating license and approvals remain valid, avoiding the need for additional permitting procedures
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for installing a compressor (1) and a gas turbine (2) of a first type at a position of an existing power plant (3) where previously a compressor and a gas turbine of a second type were installed on a foundation (4) specially designed for said second type. The two types differ from each other at least with respect to the position and/or the number of anchoring points at which the compressor and the gas turbine are connected to the foundation via support structures. The invention is characterized in that the installation of the new compressor (1) and the new gas turbine (2) is carried out using an adapter structure (7) on the existing foundation (4). The invention additionally relates to a corresponding adapter structure (7).