Movable Sealing Device for Turbomachine Guide Vane Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Turbomachines experience efficiency losses due to bypass flows outside the main flow through rotor and stator blading, which existing seals fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A movable sealing device is configured relative to the guide vane, capable of transitioning between open and closed positions to seal leakage flows between the guide vane and an inner ring, utilizing a tongue and groove connection and stop hooks to effectively reduce leakage flows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If existing seals are configured on vane assemblies to reduce bypass flows, then efficiency losses are reduced, but the seals fail to adequately address leakage flows between the guide vane and inner ring
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device is configured to be movable relative to the guide vane, transitioning between an open configuration during installation/maintenance and a closed configuration during operation to seal leakage flows. This dynamic capability allows the seal to adapt to operational requirements while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing device acts as an intermediary element between the guide vane and the inner ring, filling the gap and preventing direct leakage flow. The tongue and groove connection serves as the intermediary mechanism that enables the sealing function while allowing for proper positioning and movement.
2Reliability
If a movable sealing device is introduced to seal leakage flows, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device is divided into distinct functional segments: the sealing element itself, the tongue and groove connection components, and the stop hooks for positioning. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing device utilizes the existing leakage flow to drive its own movement from the open to closed configuration. The pressure differential across the seal automatically positions the sealing element against the inner ring, eliminating the need for additional actuation mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If the sealing device is positioned in a closed configuration, then leakage flows are sealed, but flow disturbances to adjacent guide vanes are minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device extracts or removes the leakage flow path by creating a barrier between the guide vane and inner ring. By blocking the bypass flow, the sealing device prevents the extraction of useful flow energy and eliminates the harmful flow disturbances that would otherwise affect adjacent guide vanes and compressor stage stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A guide vane (300) for a turbomachine, having a sealing device (27, 27′) at the radially inner end region of the guide vane (300) for sealing leakage flows (25) between the guide vane (300) and an inner ring (7) joined thereto. The sealing device (27, 27′) is movably configured relative to the guide vane (300). The sealing device (27, 27′) is positionable in at least one open or in a closed configuration for sealing the leakage flows (25). Also, a guide vane (100), as well as a turbomachine.