Gas Turbine Compressor Offline Wash via Crank-Generated Air
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The compressor section of gas turbine engines accumulates deposits over time, reducing efficiency and power output, and existing wash systems either require online operation, manual intervention, or are inefficient in cleaning the compressor blades effectively.
Innovation Solution
An offline crank wash system that uses a pressurized air supply assembly to cranking the compressor rotor assembly, distributing a cleaner through the compressor while shutting off fuel, and utilizing a secondary air system to buffer and clean the compressor components, reducing the need for shop air and improving cleaning efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If an offline crank wash system is used to clean the compressor, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the complexity of the air supply system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the compressor cranking function and the air supply function into a single integrated system. The compressor, when cranked by an external motor, serves dual purposes: it rotates the compressor rotor for cleaning and simultaneously generates pressurized air for the wash process, eliminating the need for separate shop air supplies and reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the compressor's own operation to generate the air supply needed for cleaning. By cranking the compressor rotor assembly, the system self-generates the pressurized air required for the wash process, making the system self-sufficient and reducing external dependencies
2Manufacturing precision
If pressurized air is supplied to cooling passages during wash, then turbine blade cleaning is improved, but air supply requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressurized air generated by the compressor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides cleaning air for the compressor sections, supplies buffer air to bearing assemblies, and delivers cooling air to turbine blade passages. This multi-functional use of a single air supply system eliminates the need for separate air supplies for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the air supply requirements for compressor cleaning, bearing protection, and turbine cooling into a single integrated air distribution system. The same pressurized air from the compressor is distributed to multiple locations through a unified network, reducing total air consumption compared to separate systems
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 system effectively cleans the compressor blades, improving engine efficiency and reducing maintenance needs by providing a more frequent and thorough cleaning process without the drawbacks of traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
supplying compressed air to a cooling air path of the gas turbine engine via a secondary air system
Implementation Method 2
spraying a cleaner into the compressor
Implementation Method 3
cranking a compressor rotor assembly of the gas turbine engine
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for washing a gas turbine engine. The method for washing the gas turbine engine includes coupling a pressurized air supply assembly to an air supply and to a secondary air system, cranking a compressor rotor assembly of the gas turbine engine, supplying pressurized offline buffer air from the air supply to the pressurized air supply assembly, and spraying a cleaner into the compressor.