Automatic Filter Exchange Mechanism for Gas Turbine Ducts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter exchange systems for gas turbines require shutdown for manual filter material replacement, leading to increased downtime and inefficiency, as they rely on worker intervention and do not allow for continuous operation.
Innovation Solution
A filter exchange device with a moving mechanism and control system that enables automatic exchange of filter materials while the gas turbine is operational, using a blocking unit to prevent foreign substances from passing through during the exchange process, and a conveyor system for rapid unloading of used filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual filter material replacement is performed, then filter exchange can be completed with simple device structure, but gas turbine shutdown is required and work efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The filter exchange device enables automatic self-service operation through a control unit that coordinates the moving device and exchange mechanism. The system autonomously positions the exchange device main body, activates the blocking unit, and executes the filter material replacement without requiring manual intervention, thereby significantly improving work efficiency while maintaining reasonable device complexity through automated control sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking unit is activated before the filter material exchange process begins, preliminarily sealing the duct to prevent foreign substance infiltration. This preliminary action ensures that the exchange mechanism can safely remove used filter materials and install new ones without contamination risks, enabling efficient automated operation while maintaining system integrity.
2Loss of time
If filter material exchange is performed during gas turbine operation, then downtime is reduced, but foreign substances may enter the system during exchange
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking unit performs preliminary anti-action by sealing the duct opening before the filter material exchange process commences. This preemptive sealing prevents foreign substances from entering the system during the exchange operation, allowing the gas turbine to continue operating without shutdown while maintaining protection against contamination. The blocking unit remains active throughout the entire exchange sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking unit acts as an intermediary element between the external environment and the filter material exchange zone. By positioning the blocking unit at the duct opening, it mediates the potential harmful effect of foreign substance infiltration while allowing the automated exchange mechanism to operate freely inside the duct, thus enabling continuous operation without compromising system purity.
3Extent of automation
If automatic exchange mechanism is implemented, then labor requirements are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The exchange mechanism implements self-service automation through a control unit that automatically coordinates all exchange operations. The system autonomously moves the exchange device main body to the filter material location, activates the blocking unit, executes the removal and installation sequence, and manages the discharge of used materials. This high level of automation significantly reduces labor requirements while the modular design keeps device complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The exchange mechanism incorporates multi-functional components that perform multiple operations within a single integrated system. The moving device simultaneously handles positioning and transport functions, the blocking unit provides both sealing and protection functions, and the exchange mechanism itself performs both removal and installation operations. This universality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity despite high automation levels.
4Loss of time
If filter materials are exchanged manually, then device structure remains simple, but working time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated exchange system performs self-service operations through the control unit that coordinates the moving device and exchange mechanism. The system automatically navigates to the filter material location, activates the blocking unit, executes the exchange sequence, and discharges used materials without human intervention. This automation dramatically reduces working time from manual operations while the integrated design keeps device complexity at acceptable levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The moving device enables continuous useful action by automatically transporting the exchange device main body to the filter material location and returning it after exchange. This continuous automated operation eliminates the interruptions and manual handling time associated with manual exchange, significantly reducing total working time while maintaining a relatively simple device structure through efficient motion planning and control.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a filter exchange device attached to a holding frame disposed in a duct and configured to exchange a plurality of filter materials configured to filter a gas flowing through the duct, and the filter exchange device includes an exchange device main body, a moving device configured to move the exchange device main body, and a control device configured to control the exchange device main body and the moving device, wherein the exchange device main body has a casing in which an accommodating space is formed, an exchange mechanism configured to remove a used filter material attached to the holding frame and attach a filter material for exchange accommodated in the casing, and a blocking unit configured to block a gas flowing through the duct from passing through a portion to which the filter material is attached.