Multipurpose Gas Turbine Support Frame for Overhaul
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for gas turbine overhaul are time-consuming and result in significant downtime, leading to revenue losses due to the need for multiple transfers between support frames during removal, transport, and reinstallation, which increases the time required for engine exchange.
Innovation Solution
A multipurpose gas turbine support frame that couples to the engine for both operation and transport, featuring flexible and rigid supports, locating guides, and a removable gas fuel metering system, allowing for independent support and separation of engine components, reducing the need for multiple transfers and streamlining the overhaul process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple transfers between different support frames are used during overhaul stages, then the gas turbine can be properly supported during removal and transport, but the time required for engine exchange increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame is designed to perform multiple functions: supporting the gas turbine during operation, removal, transport, and reinstallation. The frame includes both rigid supports for structural stability and flexible supports for transport conditions, eliminating the need to transfer between different support frames during overhaul stages
2Manufacturing precision
If connections are disconnected and turbine realigned during reinstallation, then proper installation is achieved, but the overhaul time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame is pre-configured with locating guides and alignment features that automatically guide the turbine into correct position during reinstallation. This preliminary preparation of alignment features eliminates the need for time-consuming manual realignment operations
Solution Approach 2:
The support frame acts as an intermediary device that maintains turbine alignment during removal and reinstallation. The locating guides and alignment features on the frame serve as mediators that ensure precise positioning without requiring complex realignment procedures
3Ease of repair
If the gas turbine is removed and transported from its location, then maintenance can be performed, but revenue is lost due to engine downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The support frame incorporates both rigid and flexible support elements that can adapt to different operational and transport conditions. This dynamic capability allows the turbine to be quickly transitioned between operational and transport states, minimizing downtime
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is segmented into rigid supports for operational stability and flexible supports for transport, allowing the turbine to be efficiently handled in different states without requiring complete disassembly or complex handling procedures
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a gas turbine engine and a multipurpose gas turbine engine support frame couple to the gas turbine engine. The multipurpose gas turbine support frame is configured to support the gas turbine engine during both operation and transport of the gas turbine engine.