Power Turbine Test Apparatus Using Compressor Load Recovery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power turbine testing methods require expensive equipment and high testing costs due to the need for large auxiliary blowers and dynamometers, which increase operational expenses.

Innovation Solution

A power turbine test apparatus that uses an air compressor to supply compressed air to a combustor, generating combustion gas to drive the power turbine, with the turbine's power being recovered by the compressor, eliminating the need for dynamometers and large auxiliary blowers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a large size auxiliary blower and dynamometer are used to conduct independent operation test on power turbine, then the power turbine can be tested, but the equipment cost becomes high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting capabilityVSAvoidequipment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the auxiliary blower and power turbine into a single integrated system where the power turbine's output shaft is directly coupled to the auxiliary blower's input shaft. This combination eliminates the need for separate dynamometer equipment, as the auxiliary blower itself serves as the load absorption device, thereby reducing equipment cost while maintaining testing capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary blower serves dual functions: it provides compressed air to the power turbine during normal operation and simultaneously acts as a load absorption device (dynamometer) during testing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated testing equipment, reducing both equipment cost and complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a large size auxiliary blower is used to supply compressed air to power turbine, then the power turbine can be driven for testing, but the electric power consumption becomes high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting capabilityVSAvoidelectric power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the power turbine's output power, which would normally be wasted and require absorption by a dynamometer, into useful work by directly coupling it to drive the auxiliary blower. This energy conversion eliminates the need for external electric power to drive the auxiliary blower, significantly reducing electric power consumption while maintaining testing capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If reduction gears and dynamometer are used for load absorption, then the power turbine can be tested, but the equipment cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting capabilityVSAvoidequipment cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the unnecessary reduction gears and dynamometer from the testing system by directly coupling the power turbine's output shaft to the auxiliary blower's input shaft. This simplification removes complex mechanical transmission components while maintaining the essential testing functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary blower is designed to serve as both the air supply device for the power turbine and the load absorption device for testing, eliminating the need for separate reduction gears and dynamometer equipment, thereby reducing equipment cost and complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Significantly reduces equipment and testing costs by eliminating the need for dynamometers and large auxiliary blowers, making independent operation tests more cost-effective.

Implementation Method 1

an air compressor that supplies compressed outside air to a combustor positioned on a downstream side

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

a combustor which combusts the compressed outside air and fuel to generate combustion gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Implementation Method 3

a power turbine that drives a driven machinery using combustion gas or steam

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy conversion: Heat Engine

Data Source

PatentUS7810384B2Power turbine test apparatus

Publication Date: 2010.10.12 MITSUBISHI HEAVY IND LTD

AI summary

The invention provides a power turbine test apparatus able to significantly reduce the equipment cost and testing cost required for an independent operation test of a test object power turbine. The power turbine test apparatus for independently operating and testing a power turbine that drives a driven machinery using combustion gas or steam, comprises: an air compressor that supplies compressed outside air to a combustor positioned on a downstream side; a first air duct that guides the outside air compressed by the air compressor into the combustor; a combustor which combusts the compressed outside air and fuel to generate combustion gas; and a second air duct that guides the combustion gas generated by the combustor to the power turbine installed on the downstream side; wherein a rotating shaft of the power turbine and a rotating shaft of the air compressor are joined to each other, and power of the power turbine is recovered by the air compressor.