Pressure Temperature Actuation System for Gas Turbine Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas turbine cooling systems face inefficiencies due to uncontrolled cooling air flow, leading to performance losses and high costs, as they either allow cooling air to enter all operating conditions without control or require complex external piping systems.
Innovation Solution
A pressure and temperature actuation system with a high-temperature low-pressure zone and a low-temperature high-pressure zone, separated by a boundary with a pressure actuated valve mechanism and a temperature actuated valve mechanism, allowing controlled gas flow between the zones based on specified pressure and temperature conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If an open cooling passage is created to allow cooling air to flow into the forward wheel space, then cooling air can be supplied to the turbine, but cooling air enters at all operating conditions without flow control resulting in unwanted extraction and loss of gas turbine performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pressure-actuated valve mechanism that dynamically opens and closes based on real-time pressure differential conditions between the low-temperature high-pressure zone and the high-temperature low-pressure zone. This dynamic control ensures cooling air flows only when pressure conditions are favorable, preventing unwanted extraction and maintaining gas turbine performance while still providing necessary cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes changes in pressure parameters to control cooling air flow. The pressure-actuated valve responds to pressure differentials created during varying operating conditions, automatically adjusting cooling air supply based on the pressure state rather than allowing continuous uncontrolled flow. This parameter-based control resolves the contradiction between providing cooling and maintaining performance.
2Ease of operation
If a dedicated external piping system is provided for supplying cooling air to the forward wheel space, then cooling air flow can be controlled, but the system becomes costly and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the cooling air supply function into the existing gas turbine structure by utilizing the pressure differential already present in the turbine zones. The pressure-actuated valve serves multiple purposes: it controls cooling air flow to the forward wheel space while simultaneously responding to the natural pressure differential between zones. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated external piping systems, reducing complexity while maintaining flow control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the gas turbine's own pressure differential to automatically control cooling air flow through the pressure-actuated valve. The valve self-regulates based on the pressure conditions created by the turbine's operational state, eliminating the need for external control systems or complex piping arrangements. The turbine essentially serves itself by using its inherent pressure variations to manage cooling air supply.
3Temperature
If cooling air is supplied to maintain acceptable temperature levels in internal components, then component temperature is controlled, but efficiency increases as combustion gas temperature increases which creates a conflict between cooling needs and efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure-actuated valve dynamically adjusts cooling air supply based on real-time pressure differential conditions, which vary with operating conditions. During high-efficiency operating modes, the valve restricts cooling air flow to minimize temperature reduction, while during conditions requiring cooling, it opens to provide adequate cooling air. This dynamic adjustment resolves the conflict between maintaining component temperature and preserving combustion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow rate parameter of cooling air based on pressure differential conditions. By modulating the amount of cooling air supplied according to the pressure state between zones, the system optimizes the balance between component cooling requirements and combustion efficiency, allowing higher combustion temperatures for efficiency while preventing excessive component heating.
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
This system enables controlled delivery of cooling air to turbine components, enhancing efficiency by modulating cooling air flow according to operating conditions, thereby reducing performance losses and costs.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure actuated valve mechanism is configured for opening at a specified gas pressure in the low-temperature high-pressure zone, the high-temperature low-pressure zone, or a pressure differential between the low-temperature high-pressure zone and the high-temperature low-pressure zone
Implementation Method 2
The temperature actuated valve mechanism is configured for opening at a specified gas temperature in either the low-temperature high-pressure zone or the high-temperature low-pressure zone
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure and temperature actuation system is provided having a high-temperature low-pressure zone, a low-temperature high-pressure zone, a boundary, a pressure actuated mechanism, and a temperature mechanism. A gas located in the high-temperature low-pressure zone has a greater gas temperature than the gas located in the low-temperature high-pressure zone. The gas located in the low-temperature high-pressure zone has a greater gas pressure than the gas located in the high-temperature low-pressure zone. The boundary separates the high-temperature low-pressure zone from the low-temperature high pressure zone. The pressure actuated mechanism is located within the boundary and is configured for opening at a specified gas pressure in either the high-temperature low-pressure zone or the low-temperature high-pressure zone. The temperature actuated mechanism is located within the boundary and is configured for opening at a specified gas temperature in either the high-temperature low-pressure zone or the low-temperature high-pressure zone.