Modular Turbine Module with Integrated Annular Distributor
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complex structure of existing gas-turbine engine turbine modules requires intricate assembly and numerous parts, making them difficult to mount and manage, and significant structural modifications are often necessary for simplification.
Innovation Solution
A modular turbine module design featuring an annular distributor with ring sector elements and axial hooks for attachment, allowing for simplified assembly and reduced part count, with at least two stages and optionally forming a monoblock assembly, utilizing abradable material plates for sealing and cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional turbine module structure with multiple separate parts (distributors, sealing rings, hooks) is used, then reliable sealing and gas flow distribution are achieved, but assembly complexity and number of parts increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the distributor and sealing ring into a single integrated component. The distributor element includes both the flow distribution function and the sealing function in one piece, eliminating the need for separate sealing rings and reducing the number of parts while maintaining reliable sealing between the rotor blades and stator elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributor element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes gas flow to the turbine stages, provides sealing against the rotor blades, and structurally supports the turbine module assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the overall complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If traditional turbine module structure with multiple separate parts is used, then reliable gas flow distribution is achieved, but assembly ease and mounting simplicity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the distributor and sealing ring into one integrated element, the number of assembly steps is reduced. The single element can be mounted as one unit rather than assembling multiple separate components, significantly improving assembly ease while maintaining reliable gas flow distribution through the integrated distributor channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The turbine module is divided into interchangeable stages, each with its own integrated distributor element. This segmentation allows for modular assembly where complete stages can be installed independently, simplifying the overall assembly process while maintaining reliable gas flow distribution in each stage.
3Reliability
If traditional turbine module structure is used, then proven sealing performance is achieved, but structural modifications required for simplification become significant
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the sealing function directly into the distributor element eliminates the need for separate sealing ring assemblies and their associated mounting hardware. This reduces structural modification complexity while maintaining proven sealing performance through the integrated design.
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
Enables efficient and straightforward mounting of turbine stages without substantial modifications to the engine environment, reducing the number of parts and assembly complexity while maintaining effective sealing and cooling.
Implementation Method 1
The rings 13A to 13 E are composed of sectors of plate that include the sealing segments 14, in material of the abradable type, which engage with the extremity of the rotor blades, here a claw fitted with radial blades, so as to form of the labyrinth type sealing joints.
Implementation Method 2
The interstage rings engage with plates in abradable material brazed onto the internal platforms of the distributor. The interstage rings form a guidance channel for the cooling air between an internal supply source and the blade roots housed in their sockets
Data Source
AI summary
A turbine module for a gas turbine engine includes at least an annular distributor and a turbine rotor inside a casing, where the annular distributor includes a plurality of elements in the form of a ring sector, of which a first part supports fixed blades positioned radially towards the turbine axis, and a second part forms a seal with the tips of the turbine rotor blades. The elements in the form of a ring sector are held inside the casing by attachment resources.