Brush Seal Radially Split Inner Ring Turbomachine Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Turbomachines face significant circulating air leakage issues due to irreversible gaps created by sealing webs, which reduce compressor efficiency and increase component count and weight.
Innovation Solution
A radially split inner ring with a brush seal is used to seal the gap between the inner ring and the rotor portion, eliminating the need for rotor-side sealing webs and pivot pins, and allowing the brush seal to deform elastically to prevent gap formation, thereby reducing leakage and component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rotor-side sealing webs are used to seal the gap between the inner ring and rotor portion, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but component count and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is extracted from the rotor-side sealing webs and transferred to a brush seal mounted on the inner ring. This eliminates the need for separate rotor-side sealing components, reducing overall component count while maintaining sealing effectiveness through the brush seal's contactless sealing mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The inner ring is given multiple functions: it provides structural support for the guide vanes and simultaneously houses the brush seal for sealing the gap with the rotor portion. This consolidation reduces the need for separate sealing components on the rotor side
2Reliability
If rotor-side sealing webs are used to seal the gap, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is extracted from heavy rotor-side sealing webs and implemented using a lighter brush seal assembly mounted on the inner ring, thereby reducing overall component weight while maintaining sealing effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The brush seal uses consumable brush elements that can be easily replaced when worn, instead of using durable but heavy metal sealing webs. This approach reduces weight while providing adequate sealing service life
3Reliability
If sealing webs are used, then sealing is achieved, but irreversible gaps are created increasing leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The brush seal employs flexible brush elements that can dynamically adapt to rotor movement and deformation. The brushes deform elastically in response to relative movement between rotor and stator, maintaining continuous sealing contact without creating permanent gaps, unlike rigid sealing webs
4Stability of the object's composition
If pivot pins and bearing bushings are used to support guide vanes, then guide vane stability is improved, but component count increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support function for guide vanes is merged into the inner ring structure itself. The inner ring directly supports the guide vanes without requiring separate pivot pins and bearing bushings, thereby reducing component count while maintaining guide vane stability through the rigid inner ring structure
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The brush seal effectively minimizes circulating air leakage, reduces component weight and count, and enhances compressor efficiency by integrating the sealing function into the inner ring, allowing for a more compact and cost-effective turbomachine design.
Implementation Method 1
The brushes, respectively the brush portion of the brush seal, deform(s) elastically in response to a relative movement of the rotor toward the stator, so that no plastic gaps remain even after a substantial relative movement
Data Source
AI summary
Described is an adjustable guide vane ring of a turbomachine having an inner ring which is split radially and mounted axially together, on which a brush seal is configured, an inner ring for a guide vane ring of this kind, as well as a turbomachine.