Compact Gas Turbine Combustor Mounting via Segmented Brackets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting schemes for gas turbine combustors are impractical for newer, compact designs due to reduced access and combined transition piece and liner components, making installation and removal challenging in smaller compressor discharge casings.
Innovation Solution
A combustor support assembly that includes a compressor discharge casing with a combustor opening and outer mating surface, an outer turbine shell with an inner mating surface, and a fuel distribution manifold with a mounting flange and annular support ring, along with a fuel injection assembly featuring an annular support sleeve and aft frame, which are coupled to the compressor discharge casing and turbine shell for secure mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the outer circumference of the compressor discharge casing is decreased to reduce the overall size of the gas turbine, then the footprint of the gas turbine is reduced, but access to the combustor during installation and removal is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate mounting brackets that can be independently positioned on the compressor discharge casing, allowing the combustor to be accessed and removed without requiring large clearance around the entire combustor perimeter. This segmentation enables better access in compact designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting brackets extend in a radial dimension from the compressor discharge casing, providing access points that are not limited by the axial or radial footprint of the combustor itself. This dimensional approach allows installation and removal access independent of the reduced overall size.
2Device complexity
If the transition piece and combustion liner are combined into a single component to decrease the number of individual components, then device complexity is reduced, but the existing mounting schemes become ineffective and impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting brackets are designed to accommodate the combined transition piece and liner component through universal mounting features that can interface with the integrated structure. The brackets provide both positioning and support functions for the multi-functional component.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting brackets serve as intermediary elements between the compressor discharge casing and the combined transition piece/liner assembly. These brackets provide the necessary mechanical interface to securely mount the integrated component while maintaining ease of installation and removal.
3Reliability
If a spring seal or hula seal is used to provide sealing and mounting support between components, then sealing is achieved, but the mounting scheme becomes more complex and less practical for compact designs
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function and mounting support function are merged into the mounting bracket assembly. The brackets incorporate sealing capabilities directly into the mounting structure, eliminating the need for separate spring seals or hula seals while maintaining both sealing and mounting functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A gas turbine comprises a compressor discharge casing that is coupled to an outer turbine shell. The compressor discharge casing includes a combustor opening that extends through the compressor discharge casing and an outer mating surface that circumferentially surrounds the combustor opening. The outer turbine shell defines an inner mating surface. A combustion module extends through the combustor opening. The combustion module includes a forward end that is circumferentially surrounded by a mounting flange and an aft end that is circumferentially surrounded by an aft frame. The mounting flange extends circumferentially around the combustor opening. The mounting flange is coupled to the outer mating surface of the compressor discharge casing and the aft frame is coupled to the inner mating surface of the outer turbine shell.