Integrated Actuator for Gas Turbine Cooling Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas turbine engines have complex and costly cooling systems with separate actuators for modulated turbine cooling and core compartment cooling, leading to increased weight and complexity.
Innovation Solution
An integrated actuator with a piston valve and modulation device that can be fully open or less than fully open, allowing for simultaneous control of cooling air flow to both systems, reducing the need for multiple actuators and simplifying the engine design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate actuators are used for modulated turbine cooling and core compartment cooling, then each cooling system can be independently controlled, but the weight and complexity of the engine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate actuators (one for modulated turbine cooling and one for core compartment cooling) into a single integrated actuator. This integrated actuator uses a common extension rod that simultaneously controls both the turbine cooling valve and the core compartment cooling valve, thereby reducing the number of actuators from two to one while maintaining independent control capability through a unified mechanical linkage system.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated actuator is designed as a multi-functional component that performs the cooling control functions of both the turbine and core compartment systems. The single actuator body with extension rod serves multiple purposes: it acts as the actuating mechanism for turbine cooling air flow control and simultaneously serves as the actuating mechanism for core compartment cooling air flow control, eliminating the need for separate dedicated actuators.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate actuators are used for modulated turbine cooling and core compartment cooling, then each cooling system can be independently controlled, but the weight of the engine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate actuator assemblies into one integrated actuator unit. By combining the actuator bodies, extension rods, and valve control mechanisms into a single unified structure, the total weight of the actuating system is reduced. The integrated design eliminates redundant components such as separate actuator mounts, separate control linkages, and duplicate mechanical elements that would exist with two independent actuators.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple actuators are used for cooling control, then precise control of cooling air flow is achieved, but the cost of the engine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated actuator reduces manufacturing cost by consolidating two separate actuator assemblies into one unit. This eliminates the need to manufacture, assemble, and quality-test two complete actuator systems, thereby reducing production expenses. The single actuator body with integrated extension rod and valve control mechanisms requires fewer parts, less assembly time, and lower material costs compared to producing and installing two separate actuators.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems for operating an integrated actuator are provided. The integrated actuator comprises an actuator body, an extension rod coupled to the actuator body. The extension rod includes a piston valve and is configured for selective movement between a first position in a first mode of operation where the piston valve is fully open and a second position in a second mode of operation where the piston valve is less than fully open. The integrated actuator further comprises a flow body coupled to the actuator body such that the flow body houses the piston valve and a modulation device coupled to the extension rod. The modulation device is operable by movement of the extension rod and is configured to be fully open in the first mode of operation and is configured to be less than fully open in the second mode of operation. Corresponding gas turbine engine and operating method are also provided.