Gas Turbine Compressor Vane Control via Electric Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine systems face instability and unsuitable fluid flow and pressure during various operating modes due to fixed vane configurations, which affect compressor and turbine performance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system with adjustable inlet guide vanes and variable stator vanes controlled by electric actuators and motors, allowing for precise pitch adjustments based on operating conditions, such as start-up, steady-state, or full-load modes, to optimize flow and pressure profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fixed vane configurations are used in the compressor, then the device complexity is reduced, but the operability and stability across different operating modes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing variable pitch vanes (inlet guide vanes and variable stator vanes) that can dynamically adjust their angle according to operating conditions. The vanes are connected to actuators that enable real-time pitch adjustment, transforming the static vane configuration into a dynamic system that adapts to different operating modes such as start-up, steady-state, and full-load conditions, thereby improving operability without significantly increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the pitch angle parameter of the vanes to optimize performance across different operating modes. By changing the vane pitch parameter dynamically through actuator control, the system can maintain stable and efficient operation during transitions between different operating conditions, resolving the contradiction between simple fixed configuration and adaptable variable configuration
2Reliability
If variable stator vanes and inlet guide vanes with multiple actuators are implemented, then the flow and pressure control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the control system into multiple independent actuators, each responsible for controlling specific sets of vanes (inlet guide vanes and variable stator vanes). This segmentation allows for distributed control that improves reliability through redundancy and fault isolation, while the modular actuator design manages complexity by breaking down the overall control system into manageable, independent units
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control mechanisms where the control system continuously monitors flow and pressure conditions and adjusts the vane pitch accordingly. This feedback loop ensures stable and reliable flow and pressure control by automatically compensating for deviations, thereby improving reliability while the automated control reduces the need for complex manual intervention
3Manufacturing precision
If physical stops and spring mechanisms are added to the actuator, then the manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating spring mechanisms that provide cushioning and shock absorption before the shaft reaches the physical stops. This pre-cushioning approach protects the mechanical components from impact forces, improves manufacturing precision by ensuring controlled movement, and enhances reliability by preventing damage from abrupt stops, while the spring mechanism is a relatively simple component that does not significantly complicate the manufacturing process
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
This solution enhances the operability and stability of gas turbine systems by dynamically adjusting vane pitches, improving flow rates and pressure control, thereby ensuring predictable and efficient operation across different modes.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is coupled to a spring support defining a second physical stop that may constrain axial movement of the shaft when the at least one frusto-conical washer contacts the spring support
Data Source
AI summary
A gas turbine system includes a compressor. The compressor has a plurality of inlet guide vanes disposed at an inlet of the compressor. Furthermore, the compressor may have at least one unison ring coupled to a plurality of variable stator vanes disposed between the inlet and an outlet of the compressor. The gas turbine system includes a first actuator that may adjust a first pitch of the plurality of inlet guide vanes and a second actuator that may adjust a second pitch of the plurality of variable stator vanes. A first electric motor may drive the first actuator, while a second electric motor may drive the second actuator.