Offset Transition Duct Support for Turbine Thermal Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Turbine systems with offset transition ducts face issues due to thermal expansion, leading to undesirable shifts and stresses that can cause duct failure, as existing support assemblies do not adequately account for thermal growth.
Innovation Solution
A support assembly with protrusions and a support structure that allows movement of transition ducts about multiple axes, including tangential, radial, and longitudinal axes, to accommodate thermal expansion and prevent stress buildup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If offset transition ducts are used to shift hot gas flow radially or tangentially, then the efficiency and power output of the turbine system are increased, but thermal expansion causes undesirable shifts and stresses that can lead to duct failure
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly incorporates movable support structures that allow the transition duct to dynamically adjust its position in response to thermal expansion. The support structure includes sliders or rollers that enable the duct to move along the longitudinal axis while maintaining proper alignment, transforming the static support system into a dynamic one that adapts to thermal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the support system by introducing elements with different thermal expansion coefficients. The support structure uses materials or mechanisms that can accommodate the thermal growth of the duct, allowing controlled movement while preventing excessive stresses. This may include using expansion joints or flexible connection elements.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the transition duct is rigidly fixed to prevent movement, then structural stability is improved, but thermal expansion generates stresses and strains that can cause duct failure
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly divides the support function into multiple segments: fixed support points that provide structural stability and movable support points that accommodate thermal expansion. The duct is supported at multiple locations along its length, with some supports allowing controlled movement while others maintain fixed positions, creating a segmented support system that balances stability and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces intermediary elements between the duct and the fixed structure, such as sliders, rollers, or expansion joints. These intermediary components act as mediators that allow the duct to move freely in response to thermal expansion while maintaining connection to the fixed support structure, preventing direct transmission of thermal stresses to the duct walls.
3Stress or pressure
If the transition duct is allowed to move freely to accommodate thermal expansion, then stress buildup is reduced, but the duct may shift along or about various axes causing misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly uses asymmetric support configurations where different types of supports are positioned at different locations along the duct. Some supports constrain movement in certain directions while allowing movement in other directions. For example, supports at the ends may allow longitudinal movement while supports along the sides prevent lateral displacement, creating an asymmetric but controlled movement pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention addresses alignment control by adding dimensional constraints. The support structure incorporates guides or rails that constrain movement to a specific dimension (longitudinal axis) while preventing movement in other dimensions (radial or tangential directions). This transforms the movement from multi-dimensional freedom to controlled one-dimensional movement.
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 support assembly effectively manages thermal expansion, reducing the risk of duct failure by enabling controlled movement of transition ducts, thereby enhancing the durability and efficiency of turbine systems.
Implementation Method 1
thermal expansion of the ducts can cause undesirable shifts in the ducts along or about various axes
Data Source
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AI summary
A support assembly (100) for a turbine system (10) is disclosed. The support assembly (100) includes a transition duct (50) extending between a fuel nozzle and a turbine section. The transition duct (50) has an inlet (52), an outlet (54), and a passage (56) extending between the inlet (52) and the outlet (54) and defining a longitudinal axis (90), a radial axis (94), and a tangential axis (92). The outlet (54) of the transition duct (50) is offset from the inlet (52) along the longitudinal axis. The support assembly (100) further includes a plurality of protrusions (102) extending from the transition duct (50). The plurality of protrusions (102) are configured to allow movement of the transition duct (50) about at least one axis. A corresponding turbine system is also provided.