Multi-Stage Compressor Air Extraction Valve for Gas Turbine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines face inefficiencies during low turn down and operation below design temperatures due to insufficient pressure in air extraction from compressor stages, leading to suboptimal performance and increased energy input when supplementing with high-pressure air.
Innovation Solution
A system with multiple extraction air ports and valves in a multi-stage compressor and turbine allows selective routing of high-pressure air to both high and low-pressure input ports during non-optimal conditions, optimizing air distribution and reducing fuel consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If high pressure air is used to supplement cooling air during low turn down conditions, then sufficient cooling air pressure is achieved, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to excessive work input
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between different compressor stage extractions based on operating conditions. During low turn down conditions, the valve system redirects air extraction from medium pressure stages to high pressure stages to maintain adequate cooling air pressure. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize energy efficiency by selecting the most appropriate extraction stage for current operating conditions rather than using a fixed extraction point.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the extraction pressure parameter by switching between different compressor stages. The valve system enables transition from extracting air at medium pressure during normal operation to extracting air at high pressure during low turn down conditions. This parameter change allows the system to maintain sufficient cooling air pressure while adapting to varying operational demands and improving overall energy efficiency.
2Use of energy by moving object
If air extraction is limited to mid level compressor stages, then energy efficiency is maintained, but cooling air pressure becomes insufficient during low turn down conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system provides dynamic control over air extraction points, enabling the system to switch between mid-level and high-pressure compressor stages based on real-time operating conditions. During low turn down conditions, the system dynamically activates high-pressure extraction to maintain adequate cooling air pressure, while during normal operation it uses mid-level extraction for energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The air extraction system is designed with multi-functionality, capable of serving multiple purposes across different operating conditions. The same extraction system can operate efficiently at mid-level stages during normal conditions and switch to high-pressure stages when additional cooling air pressure is required, making the system universally applicable across the full operating range.
3Stress or pressure
If supplemental air from higher compressor stages is used, then cooling air pressure is increased, but the pressure differential between extraction stages increases causing inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the extraction configuration based on operating conditions. During low turn down conditions, the valve system is configured to extract air from high-pressure stages and deliver it to the turbine, eliminating the need for pressure differential management between multiple extraction stages. This dynamic reconfiguration reduces energy loss by simplifying the extraction architecture under specific operating conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing air from a multi-stage to a turbine includes a turbine having a high pressure input port and a low pressure input port. The system also includes a compressor having at least one high pressure extraction air output and at least one low pressure extraction air output. A valve is fluidly connected to the at least one high pressure extraction air output, at least one low pressure extraction air output and low pressure input port of the turbine. The valve is selectively operated to fluidly connect the at least one low pressure extraction air output with the low pressure input port during normal operating conditions and fluidly connect the at least one high pressure extraction air output and the low pressure input port during a turn down condition or below design temperature operation to enhance turbine engine performance.