Diffuser Plate Homogeneous Flow Distribution Gas Turbine Exhaust
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine systems face challenges in managing exhaust flow velocities, which can lead to rapid deterioration and damage of silencer baffles due to high temperatures and velocities, necessitating a solution to reduce flow velocity while maintaining efficient operation and noise reduction.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a diffuser plate within the exhaust stack, configured to provide a homogenous flow distribution and reduce the velocity of the mixed exhaust and ventilation airflow, using a pair of perforated plates arranged in a v-shape with support bars, positioned upstream of the silencer section to absorb kinetic energy without affecting static pressure levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the exhaust flow is directed through the silencer section at high velocity, then the exhaust stack can effectively remove heat and exhaust products, but the silencer baffles experience rapid deterioration and damage
Solution Approach 1:
A diffuser plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the exhaust collector and the silencer section. This plate distributes the high-velocity exhaust flow across multiple streams, reducing the direct impact velocity on silencer baffles while maintaining overall exhaust removal efficiency through distributed flow paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The exhaust flow is segmented into multiple smaller streams by the diffuser plate with multiple outlets. Instead of a single high-velocity stream directly impacting the silencer, the flow is divided into several lower-velocity streams that pass through the silencer section, reducing mechanical stress and thermal loading on individual baffle elements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a diffuser plate is added to the exhaust stack, then the flow velocity is reduced and homogenous distribution is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser plate incorporates a porous or perforated structure that allows flow distribution through multiple openings. This design achieves homogenous flow distribution by passing the exhaust through numerous small passages, creating uniform velocity distribution without requiring complex external flow control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser plate changes the flow parameters (velocity, pressure distribution) by introducing a transition section with varying cross-sectional area and multiple outlets. This geometric parameter change naturally distributes the flow homogenously without requiring active control systems or complex mechanical components.
3Force
If the diffuser plate is positioned upstream of the silencer section, then the kinetic energy is absorbed before entering the silencer, but the static pressure levels may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser plate performs preliminary flow conditioning upstream of the silencer section, distributing and slowing the exhaust flow before it enters the silencer. This preliminary action reduces the kinetic energy that would otherwise be dissipated as noise and vibration within the silencer, while the gradual diffusion process minimizes static pressure losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser plate employs curved or angled surfaces to gradually redirect the exhaust flow. These curved geometries promote smooth flow transitions that reduce turbulence and pressure losses, allowing kinetic energy absorption without significant static pressure degradation. The curved paths enable gradual deceleration while maintaining flow attachment and minimizing separation losses.
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 extends the life of silencer baffles, reduces noise emissions, and enhances the efficiency of the silencer section by maintaining efficient operation of the eductor while ensuring a controlled flow distribution for optimal silencer performance.
Implementation Method 1
an exhaust driven eductor configured to draw an air flow through and out of the gas turbine engine enclosure using the exhaust flow
Implementation Method 2
a diffuser plate disposed within the exhaust stack, wherein the diffuser plate is configured to provide a homogenous flow distribution for the mixed flow downstream of the diffuser plate
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a gas turbine enclosure. The system also includes a gas turbine engine disposed in the gas turbine enclosure, wherein the gas turbine engine is configured to output an exhaust flow. The system further includes an exhaust driven eductor configured to draw an air flow through and out of the gas turbine engine enclosure using the exhaust flow. The system yet further includes an exhaust stack coupled to the gas turbine enclosure, wherein the exhaust stack is configured to output a mixed flow of the exhaust flow and the air flow. The system still further includes a diffuser plate disposed within the exhaust stack, wherein the diffuser plate is configured to provide a homogenous flow distribution for the mixed flow downstream of the diffuser plate.