Induction Heater for Gas Turbine Static Component Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines face thermal stress issues due to thermal gradients between components, limiting startup speed and performance, which existing solutions like thermal blankets address inadequately due to slow heat application and constant heat requirements.
Innovation Solution
An induction heating system using an induction heater with a coil surrounding static components to preheat them before ignition and during transient conditions, reducing thermal differences through electromagnetic induction, allowing for rapid heating without external contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal blankets are used to keep casings warm, then thermal stress is reduced, but heating speed is slow and constant heat application is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical thermal blanket system with an electromagnetic induction heating system. The induction heater uses electromagnetic fields to directly heat the casing components, eliminating the need for physical contact through thermal blankets. This substitution enables rapid heating while reducing thermal stress, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity.
2Reliability
If acceleration rate limits are implemented to manage thermal stresses, then material damage is prevented, but engine startup speed and performance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The induction heating system applies preliminary heating to the casing components before the turbine reaches full operating conditions. By pre-heating the bulk casing material, the system eliminates thermal gradients that would otherwise require acceleration rate limits. This allows the engine to startup faster while preventing material damage, resolving the contradiction between reliability and speed.
3Reliability
If pre-heating of static components is applied, then thermal difference between components is reduced, but additional heating equipment and complexity are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex thermal blanket systems with a more efficient electromagnetic induction heating system. The induction heater uses electromagnetic fields to directly induce currents within the casing material, generating heat internally without requiring complex external heating apparatus. This reduces device complexity while achieving effective pre-heating and thermal gradient reduction.
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 method enables faster startup and improved performance by minimizing thermal stress, allowing for quicker energy supply during transient conditions while reducing material weaknesses and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
An induction heater located proximate to a static component of the gas turbine engine... the induction heater is adapted to heat the static component prior to ignition and during transient conditions
Implementation Method 2
an electric component for transmitting electricity through the coil surrounding the static component, the transmission of electricity heats the static component
Data Source
AI summary
An induction heater is employed with a gas turbine engine in order to heat a static component of the gas turbine engine. The heating of the static component is performed prior to the ignition of the gas turbine engine and during transient conditions. This minimizes thermal differences between the components of the gas turbine engine during transient conditions to thereby increase the life span of the components.