Multi-Seal Hydrogen Fuel Coupling for Gas Turbine Leak Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines face challenges in sealing hydrogen fuel due to its gaseous state and small molecule size, which traditional liquid jet fuel seals cannot adequately address, leading to potential leakage and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A triple seal interface with multiple independent failure modes is designed for the fuel system, comprising a female and male joint portion with three distinct seals: a face-to-face contact seal, an axially compressed gasket seal, and a sealant ring seal, to ensure effective sealing of hydrogen fuel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional single-seal interfaces are used for liquid jet fuel, then the sealing structure is simple, but the seal reliability is insufficient for gaseous hydrogen fuel
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing interface is divided into three independent seal elements (first seal, second seal, third seal) arranged in series, where each seal provides a separate sealing mechanism. This segmentation allows each seal to address specific leakage paths while maintaining overall system reliability through redundancy
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates multiple redundant seals before failure can occur, creating a fail-safe system where the loss of one seal does not result in fuel leakage. The third seal acts as a backup cushioning layer that prevents leakage if the first or second seal fails
2Adaptability or versatility
If hydrogen fuel is used in gas turbine engines, then alternative fuel capability is achieved, but sealing challenges arise due to hydrogen's gaseous state and small molecule size
Solution Approach 1:
Different seal elements are positioned at specific locations within the coupling interface to address local leakage risks. The first seal addresses the primary interface, the second seal addresses radial leakage paths, and the third seal provides additional protection at a different location, creating localized sealing zones throughout the coupling
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system uses multiple seal materials with different properties (e.g., metal-to-metal contact for the first seal, elastomeric gasket for the second seal, and sealant ring material for the third seal) to create a composite sealing approach that leverages the advantages of each material type against hydrogen's unique challenges
3Reliability
If multiple independent seals are implemented in the coupling, then leakage prevention is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling design integrates multiple sealing functions into a single universal coupling structure that can be used across different fuel types. The three seals are incorporated into the standard coupling geometry, allowing the same coupling design to provide multi-functional sealing protection without requiring different coupling types for different seal configurations
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-seal coupling (50) for fluidly interconnecting a first component (52) and a second component (54) within a hydrogen fuel supply system (40) of a gas turbine engine (10) includes a female joint portion (56) and a male joint portion (58). A first seal (100), a second seal (110) and a third seal (120), all of which are hydrogen fuel seals, are formed between the male joint portion (56) and the female joint portion (58). The first seal (100) is formed by face-to-face abutting contact between a first axially-facing surface (61) of the male joint portion (56) and an axially-facing surface (71) of the female joint portion (58). The second seal (110) is formed by a gasket (76) axially compressed between the first axially-facing surface (61) of the male joint portion (56) and the female joint portion (58). The third seal (120) is formed by a sealant ring (122) disposed between a second axially-facing surface (63) of the male joint portion (58) and an adjacent surface (124) of the female joint portion (56).