Foundation Heat Shield Layout for Gas Turbine Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engine support foundations often exceed their maximum rated operational temperature due to heat radiation from the engine, which can weaken the foundation over time.
Innovation Solution
A foundation temperature control system comprising a heat shield, an insulation pack, and an air gap positioned between the rotary machine and the foundation, which facilitates heat transfer through conduction and convection to maintain the foundation temperature below the maximum rated operational temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a gas turbine engine is installed on a foundation, then the engine can operate and generate energy, but the foundation temperature exceeds the maximum rated operational temperature due to heat radiation from the engine
Solution Approach 1:
A heat shield is introduced as an intermediary component between the gas turbine engine and the foundation. The heat shield reflects and blocks thermal radiation from the engine, preventing direct heat transfer to the foundation. This mediator allows the engine to operate at high temperatures while protecting the foundation from excessive heat exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal protection system is segmented into multiple functional layers: a reflective heat shield layer, an insulating material layer, and a protective coating layer. This segmentation allows each layer to address specific thermal management requirements, with the heat shield blocking radiant heat, the insulation reducing conductive heat transfer, and the coating providing additional thermal resistance.
2Strength
If the foundation temperature exceeds the maximum rated operational temperature, then the foundation structural integrity weakens over time, but removing or replacing the engine is not feasible due to cost and operational requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal protection system is installed on the foundation before the gas turbine engine is placed on it. This preliminary action ensures that the foundation is pre-protected against thermal exposure, allowing future engine upgrades or replacements without requiring foundation modifications. The protective system is established in advance to preserve foundation integrity throughout the engine's operational lifecycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat shield and insulation materials serve as intermediaries that decouple the thermal environment of the engine from the foundation. This intermediary protection layer allows different engine models with varying thermal characteristics to be installed on the same foundation without compromising structural integrity, enhancing system adaptability.
3Temperature
If thermal protection components (heat shield, insulation pack, air gap) are added between the engine and foundation, then the foundation temperature is maintained below the maximum rated operational temperature, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat shield is implemented as a thin, flexible reflective barrier that can be conformally applied to the engine support structure. This thin-film approach provides effective thermal protection while minimizing the thickness and material volume required, reducing the overall complexity of the support system.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal protection functionality is extracted as a separate, modular component system (heat shield, insulation pack, air gap) that can be independently installed and maintained. This extraction allows the protection system to be added without redesigning the entire support structure, simplifying the integration process and reducing overall system complexity.
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
Effectively prevents the foundation temperature from exceeding its maximum rated operational temperature, thereby maintaining structural integrity and reducing the need for costly foundation modifications during rotary machine upgrades.
Implementation Method 1
facilitates heat transfer through conduction and convection to maintain the foundation temperature below the maximum rated operational temperature
Implementation Method 2
facilitates heat transfer through conduction and convection to maintain the foundation temperature below the maximum rated operational temperature
Implementation Method 3
the combustor section and the turbine section radiate heat from the combusted gases. Heat generated within the combustor section and the turbine section may radiate out of the rotary machine into a foundation used to support the rotary machine
Data Source
AI summary
A foundation temperature control system for use with a rotary machine is positioned between the rotary machine and a foundation. The foundation temperature control system includes a heat shield, an insulation pack positioned below the heat shield, and an air gap at least partially defined by the heat shield and the insulation pack. The heat shield, the insulation pack, and the air gap are oriented to facilitate maintaining a temperature of the foundation supporting the rotary machine below a maximum rated operating temperature of the foundation.