Refractory Ceramic Resonator for Gas Turbine Combustor Cracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The annular resonator in combustor arrangements of gas turbines is a weak point due to cracking issues, leading to high maintenance and replacement costs, which are complex and costly, especially under increasing operational demands.
Innovation Solution
A refractory ceramic annular resonator with a conically tapering outer surface and radially acting spring elements for axial and radial bracing, allowing for thermal expansion compensation and secure fixation, combined with additively produced perforations for tailored damping frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a metallic resonator is used in the combustor arrangement, then acoustic combustion oscillations can be reduced, but the resonator exhibits cracking and limits service life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metallic to refractory ceramic, which fundamentally alters the cracking behavior. The refractory ceramic material has different thermal and mechanical properties that prevent cracking under the thermal stress conditions in the combustor, thereby extending service life while maintaining acoustic damping functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs refractory ceramic material which can be considered a composite or specialized material combining high-temperature resistance with acoustic damping properties. This material composite approach allows the resonator to withstand the harsh thermal environment without cracking, resolving the reliability issue.
2Reliability
If the resonator is produced from refractory ceramic, then cracking tendency is reduced and service life is extended, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies additive manufacturing (3D printing) technology to produce the resonator with integrated cooling channels and perforations before installation. This preliminary action of pre-forming complex geometries through additive manufacturing simplifies subsequent assembly operations and reduces on-site manufacturing complexity, while the refractory ceramic material provides inherent crack resistance.
3Ease of operation
If spring elements are added for bracing the resonator, then radial and axial bracing is achieved with thermal expansion compensation, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces spring elements at specific locations on the resonator where bracing is most needed. These localized spring elements provide radial and axial support while allowing thermal expansion, achieving the necessary mechanical support with minimal additional components. The conically tapering outer surface works in conjunction with the spring elements to provide focused bracing at critical stress points.
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 ceramic resonator significantly reduces cracking tendencies, simplifies and cost-reduces maintenance by providing a durable and adjustable solution for acoustic damping, enabling efficient thermal management and reduced operational stress.
Implementation Method 1
at the temperatures prevailing during operation of a combustor arrangement, the resonator has a significantly lower tendency for cracking
Implementation Method 2
produced from refractory ceramic
Implementation Method 3
enabling thermal expansion differences to be compensated
Implementation Method 4
spring elements acting in the radial direction... permit radial and axial bracing
Implementation Method 5
annular resonator having a multiplicity of perforations... for reducing acoustic combustion oscillations
Implementation Method 6
designed to direct the hot gas produced by the combustor to a turbine... acoustic combustion oscillations
Data Source
AI summary
An annular resonator with a multiplicity of perforations for installation into a combustor arrangement of a static gas turbine installation, wherein the resonator is produced from refractory ceramic. A combustor arrangement for a gas turbine installation with a combustor unit, has a combustor, with a transfer line, which is arranged downstream of the combustor unit and which is designed to conduct hot gas generated by the combustor to a turbine, and with at least one resonator.