Nozzle Tube Support Plate With Mechanical Buffer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional support structures for nozzle tubes in gas turbine combustors are prone to damage from thermal expansion and natural vibrations, leading to reduced combustor lifetime and cumbersome maintenance processes.
Innovation Solution
A plate with an inner frame and fixing frame, equipped with mechanical buffers, is designed to stabilize nozzle tubes by absorbing radial and axial displacements, facilitating easy assembly and disassembly for maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed support structure is used for nozzle tubes, then the structure provides stable support, but it is damaged or broken due to thermal expansion or vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure transitions from a fixed rigid connection to a dynamic flexible connection using elastic elements. The elastic elements allow the inner frame to move relative to the outer frame, absorbing thermal expansion and vibration effects while maintaining support functionality, thus preventing structure damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates elements with variable stiffness characteristics. The elastic elements change their mechanical properties based on operating conditions, providing rigidity when needed for support while allowing flexibility to accommodate thermal and vibrational variations, resolving the contradiction between stability and durability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed support structure is used for nozzle tubes, then the structure provides stable support, but it requires cumbersome installation and disassembly processes
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into separable components: an outer frame fixed to the combustor, an inner frame holding the nozzle tubes, and elastic elements connecting them. This segmentation allows the inner frame to be independently installed and removed, simplifying maintenance operations while the combination of all parts provides stable support during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic elements serve as intermediaries between the fixed outer frame and the movable inner frame. They enable easy assembly and disassembly by allowing the inner frame to be inserted and retained without permanent fixation, while still providing the stable support function when assembled.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed support structure is used for nozzle tubes, then the structure provides stable support, but thermal expansion causes cracks and reduces combustor lifetime
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic elements are pre-installed in the support structure to provide cushioning against thermal expansion and vibration effects before they cause damage. These elements absorb the stresses generated during combustion operation, preventing crack formation and extending the combustor's service life while maintaining support stability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed support structure is used for nozzle tubes, then the structure provides stable support, but natural vibrations cause shocks and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates dynamic flexibility through elastic elements that allow the inner frame to move with vibrations rather than resisting them rigidly. This dynamic response reduces shock transmission and vibration-induced damage while maintaining adequate support stability for nozzle tube positioning.
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 mitigates damage from thermal expansion and vibrations, extending the combustor's lifetime and simplifying maintenance by providing stable support and damping mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a mechanical buffer disposed between the fixing frame and the inner frame
Implementation Method 2
The nozzle tubes are also easily exposed to natural vibrations caused by the operation of the turbine and other factors
Data Source
AI summary
A plate for supporting a plurality of nozzle tubes in a combustion casing of a combustor stably supports the nozzle tubes and adsorbs displacement due to thermal expansion or natural vibrations, thereby reducing combustor maintenance and extending the lifetime of the combustor. The plate includes an inner frame having a plurality of through holes for respectively receiving the plurality of nozzle tubes; a fixing frame fixed on an inner circumferential surface of the combustion casing and configured to support the inner frame; and a mechanical buffer disposed between the fixing frame and the inner frame. The fixing frame has an inner circumferential surface in which a fixing recess having a U-shaped cross-section is formed to receive the mechanical buffer and an outer edge of the inner frame and to receive the mechanical buffer. A method of assembly the nozzle tube support plate facilitates its initial installation and subsequent maintenance.