Fluidic Steam Turbine Scroll Inlet for Flow Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low pressure steam turbines experience uneven and non-uniform steam flow into the first stage, leading to energy losses, pressure imbalances, and reduced efficiency due to turbulent flow and non-optimal angles of incidence, which complicates maintenance and limits retrofit options.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a flow diversion system with strategically located and oriented flow diversion ports and conduits to redirect steam flow circumferentially, ensuring even distribution and uniform angles of incidence at the steam outlet, without the need for additional internal components, thereby minimizing maintenance and preserving the original casing geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If steam flows directly through the annular inlet chamber to the steam outlet, then the steam flow path is short and simple, but the steam does not flow evenly or uniformly, causing turbulent flow and energy losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the steam flow path by introducing multiple flow diversion ports (216) at different locations around the annular inlet chamber. These ports divide the single direct stream into multiple smaller streams that are redistributed circumferentially, creating a more uniform flow pattern across the steam outlet and reducing turbulent energy losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces flow diversion ports as intermediary elements between the main steam inlet and the steam outlet. These ports act as mediators that redirect and redistribute the steam flow, transforming the non-uniform direct stream into a more uniform circumferential distribution without requiring major modifications to the original turbine structure.
2Loss of energy
If vanes are added inside the annular inlet chamber to direct steam circumferentially, then steam flow uniformity improves, but device complexity increases and maintenance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flow diversion function from the internal structure of the annular inlet chamber and relocates it to the housing walls. By positioning flow diversion ports in the housing rather than inside the inlet chamber, the patent eliminates the need for complex internal vanes while achieving the same flow redistribution effect, thereby simplifying the device and reducing maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical vane system with a fluidic control system using flow diversion ports. Instead of using physical vanes to redirect steam, the patent uses strategically positioned ports to achieve flow redistribution through fluid dynamics principles, reducing mechanical complexity and maintenance needs.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the angle of incidence variation is reduced from ±40 degrees to ±15 degrees, then energy transfer improves and turbine efficiency increases, but the flow diversion system requires precise port orientation and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning flow diversion ports at specific locations and orientations on the housing walls. Each port is strategically placed to address local flow non-uniformities in different regions of the annular inlet chamber, with ports oriented to redirect steam at appropriate angles for their specific locations, achieving overall flow uniformity through localized adjustments.
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 reduces the angle of incidence variation from ±40 degrees to ±15 degrees, enhances energy transfer, and maintains turbine efficiency while allowing for non-invasive maintenance and easy retrofitting, reducing energy losses and extending rotor blade life.
Implementation Method 1
The introduction of a flow diversion system with strategically located and oriented flow diversion ports and conduits to redirect steam flow circumferentially, ensuring even distribution and uniform angles of incidence at the steam outlet
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
A turbine inlet (26, 500) includes an annular housing (202) and a main inlet (200) port, a steam (24) outlet, and a flow diversion port in the annular housing (202). A center axis (224, 230, 232) of flow from the flow diversion port avoids intersecting a center axis (224, 230, 232) of the steam (24) outlet. A turbine system (700) includes a turbine inlet (26, 500), a fluid supply, and a flow diversion supply conduit (214, 216, 707, 807). The turbine inlet (26, 500) has an annular housing (202) including a main inlet (200) port therein, a steam (24) outlet therein, and a flow diversion port therein. The flow diversion supply conduit (214, 216, 707, 807) couples the fluid supply to the flow diversion port. A method of retrofitting a turbine inlet (26, 500) in a turbine system (700) comprises opening a flow diversion port through an annular housing (202) of a turbine inlet (26, 500), connecting a flow diversion supply conduit (214, 216, 707, 807) to the flow diversion port, and connecting the flow diversion supply conduit (214, 216, 707, 807) to the fluid supply.