Magnetic Floating Seal Assembly for Gas Turbine Clearance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing assemblies for gas turbines are not effective at all operating conditions, particularly during transient conditions, as they rely on reaching steady-state temperatures for optimal performance, leading to inefficiencies and increased risk of rub conditions due to varying clearances between rotating and stationary components.
Innovation Solution
A sealing arrangement using a floating seal with a plurality of magnets positioned between stationary and rotating components, which maintains alignment and prevents contact through repulsive magnetic forces, ensuring consistent sealing performance across varying operating conditions by 'floating' within the clearance and minimizing frictional wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a smaller clearance is used between rotating and stationary components, then fluid leakage is reduced and performance is improved, but the risk of rub conditions increases
Solution Approach 1:
A magnetic seal assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the rotating and stationary components. The seal assembly includes magnetic elements that create magnetic attraction forces to maintain a small clearance and restrict fluid leakage, while magnetic repulsion forces prevent direct contact and rub conditions between the rotating and stationary components.
Solution Approach 2:
The clearance between rotating and stationary components is dynamically controlled by changing the magnetic field parameters. By adjusting the strength and distribution of magnetic forces, the seal assembly maintains an optimal clearance that minimizes fluid leakage while preventing rub conditions during various operating conditions including transient and steady-state operations.
2Reliability
If a traditional sealing assembly is used, then sealing is effective at steady state conditions, but sealing performance deteriorates during transient conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic seal assembly is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to adapt to changing operating conditions. The magnetic forces automatically adjust to maintain proper sealing during transient conditions when components are expanding or contracting, ensuring consistent sealing performance across all operating states without requiring manual adjustment or reaching steady-state temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic seal assembly is self-regulating and automatically adjusts its sealing characteristics based on the operating conditions. The magnetic attraction and repulsion forces dynamically balance themselves to maintain optimal clearance and sealing effectiveness during both transient and steady-state operations, without requiring external control systems or reaching thermal equilibrium.
3Loss of energy
If components are positioned close to one another to improve sealing, then fluid leakage is reduced, but frictional wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
Magnetic forces serve as an intermediary mechanism that maintains close spacing between components for effective sealing while preventing direct physical contact. The magnetic attraction forces hold the components in close proximity to minimize fluid leakage, while magnetic repulsion forces act as a protective barrier that eliminates frictional wear and extends seal life.
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
The solution effectively restricts leakage and maintains efficiency across all operating conditions, reducing the risk of rub conditions and prolonging seal life by maintaining consistent alignment and preventing contact between components, thus enhancing the overall performance and longevity of the gas turbine.
Implementation Method 1
a floating seal with a plurality of magnets positioned between stationary and rotating components, which maintains alignment and prevents contact through repulsive magnetic forces
Data Source
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AI summary
A sealing arrangement (200) includes a stationary component (202). a first slot (216) is defined between an outer wall (208) and a first inner wall (210). a second slot (218) is defined between the outer wall (208) and a second inner wall (212). A rotating component (204) moves in a circumferential direction relative to the stationary component (202). The rotating component (204) includes a tip rail (106). A floating seal (224) positioned between the stationary component (202) and the rotating component (204). The floating seal (224) includes an axial member (226) having a first arm (228) extending into the first slot (216) and a second arm (230) extending into the second slot (218). The floating seal (224) includes a first radial member (232) and a second radial member (234) that extends from the axial member (226). A plurality of magnets (235) coupled to the stationary component (202), the rotating component (204), and the floating seal (224). The plurality of magnets (235) is arranged such that the floating seal (224) is contained between the stationary component (202) and the rotating component (204).