Gas Turbine Combustor Flow Sleeve Assembly Thermal Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The rigid connection between the flow sleeve and the cap assembly in existing combustors is ineffective for gas turbines with a combustion module that experiences varying thermal growth during start-up, turn-down, and shut-down, leading to relative motion between the fuel distribution manifold and the fuel injector assembly.
Innovation Solution
A flow sleeve assembly with an annular support sleeve and aft frame, where the flow sleeve is axially separated into forward and aft ends, and an annular impingement sleeve connects the flow sleeve to the aft frame, allowing for relative movement and structural support through a spring seal that accommodates thermal transients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid connection is used between the flow sleeve and the cap assembly, then structural support is improved, but the ability to accommodate thermal expansion differences deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow sleeve assembly transitions from a rigid fixed connection to a dynamic configuration where the flow sleeve can move axially relative to the cap assembly. This is achieved by allowing the flow sleeve to slide along the combustion liner while maintaining circumferential support, enabling the system to adapt to thermal expansion differences between the first and second outer casings during various operating conditions.
2Ease of manufacture
If the flow sleeve is rigidly fixed to the cap assembly, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but reliability under thermal transients deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow sleeve assembly is segmented into distinct components: the cap assembly, the combustion liner, and the flow sleeve. This segmentation allows each component to move independently in response to thermal transients, with the flow sleeve able to slide axially relative to the cap assembly while maintaining its circumferential support function, thereby improving reliability without significantly complicating manufacturing.
3Device complexity
If a fixed position connection is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to handle relative motion between casings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The combustion liner serves as an intermediary element between the cap assembly and the flow sleeve. The flow sleeve slides along the combustion liner, which acts as a guide and mediator, allowing relative axial motion while maintaining proper alignment and circumferential support. This intermediary approach handles relative motion between casings without requiring complex connection structures.
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 solution enables the flow sleeve assembly to accommodate thermal expansion differences between outer casings, ensuring continuous support and reducing the risk of damage during operational mode changes, thereby enhancing the reliability and mechanical performance of the combustion module.
Implementation Method 1
the combustion module, the first outer casing and the second outer casing transition through various thermal transients which results in varying rates of thermal growth between the first and second outer casings and the combustion module
Data Source
AI summary
A flow sleeve assembly for a combustor of a gas turbine includes an annular support sleeve disposed at a forward end of the flow sleeve assembly. The support sleeve includes a forward portion axially separated from an aft portion. An aft frame is disposed at an aft end of the flow sleeve assembly. An annular flow sleeve extends from the aft portion of the support sleeve towards the aft frame. The flow sleeve includes a forward end that is axially separated from an aft end. The forward end of the flow sleeve circumferentially surrounds the aft end of the support sleeve. An annular impingement sleeve extends between the aft end of the flow sleeve and the aft frame. A forward end of the impingement sleeve is connected to the aft end of the flow sleeve, and an aft end of the impingement sleeve is connected to the aft frame.