Rotating Gas Turbine Water Wash Head Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wash systems face difficulties in efficiently directing wash liquid into the core of a gas turbine engine when the fan is operating, as the rotation of the fan complicates the delivery of wash fluid, leading to reduced effectiveness in cleaning and potential dispersal of wash fluid through bypass airflow.
Innovation Solution
A water wash system with a head unit and base assembly that includes a mounting structure with an inner friction surface for secure attachment to the front hub of the gas turbine engine, allowing the head unit to rotate with the fan and ensuring continuous and efficient spraying of wash fluid into the core engine, utilizing a rotary connector and press unit to maintain contact and apply force for effective fluid delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the fan operates during washing, then mechanical engagement between water and components is enhanced, but wash fluid delivery becomes difficult and wash results are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static wash fluid delivery system to a dynamic one where the head unit rotates with the fan. The mounting structure with friction surface enables the head unit to follow the fan's rotation, maintaining continuous fluid delivery to the core engine while the fan operates, thus resolving the contradiction between washing efficiency and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure with friction surface acts as an intermediary between the rotating fan and the wash fluid delivery system. This intermediary enables the head unit to be carried along with the fan rotation without direct mechanical connection, allowing wash fluid to be delivered effectively during fan operation.
2Reliability
If mechanical fasteners are used to attach the head unit, then secure attachment is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical fastening systems with a friction-based mounting structure. The friction surface creates sufficient attachment security through friction alone, eliminating the need for bolts, clips, or other mechanical fasteners, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting structure utilizes the rotational motion of the fan itself to maintain attachment. The centrifugal force and friction work together to keep the head unit securely attached during rotation, with the system's own operation providing the attachment mechanism rather than external fasteners.
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 system enables continuous and efficient spraying of wash fluid into the core turbine engine, enhancing cleaning efficiency and reducing the need for mechanical fasteners, thereby improving wash fluid delivery and engine maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
The mounting structure defines an inner friction surface for contacting the front hub of the gas turbine engine
Implementation Method 2
the base assembly configured to press the head unit towards the front hub to fix the inner friction surface against the front hub
Implementation Method 3
one or more wash fluid lines for spraying a wash fluid into the gas turbine engine
Data Source
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AI summary
A water wash system (200) for a gas turbine engine (100) having a fan (126) and a front hub (136), the front hub (136) can be rotated with the fan (126). The water wash system (200) generally includes a head unit (202) and a base assembly (204). The head unit (202) includes a mounting structure (206) and one or more wash fluid lines (208) for spraying a wash fluid into the gas turbine engine (100). The mounting structure (206) defines an inner friction surface (252) for contacting the front hub (136) of the gas turbine engine (100). Additionally, the base assembly (204) is operatively connected to the head unit (202) and is configured to press the head unit (202) towards the front hub (136) to fix the inner friction surface (252) against the front hub (136).