Rotor Thrust Balance Flow Control Without Turbine Shutdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for recalibrating rotor thrust balance in gas turbine engines are costly and require machine downtime for recalibration due to the use of fixed orifices, and there is a need for a system that can calibrate in the field without shutdown during normal operation.
Innovation Solution
An online rotor thrust adjustment system using a manual valve and open loop flow regulator, with components that can be assembled on-site, allowing real-time recalibration and operation without shutdown, utilizing flexible hoses to manage thermal expansions and vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed orifices are used to regulate axial thrust balance flow, then the system is simple and reliable, but recalibration requires physical disassembly and machine downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed orifices with a dynamic valve mechanism that can be adjusted during operation. The valve allows continuous modification of the axial thrust balance flow rate through manual or automated actuation, enabling recalibration without physical disassembly or machine shutdown, thus eliminating downtime while maintaining system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables change of flow rate parameters during operation through the valve mechanism. By adjusting valve position, the axial thrust balance flow rate can be modified in real-time to compensate for changes in engine operating conditions, part deterioration, or configuration changes without requiring physical replacement of orifices
2Device complexity
If fixed orifices are used for axial thrust balance regulation, then the system structure is simple, but adaptability to operating changes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism introduces dynamic adjustability to the previously static orifice system. The valve can be manually operated or automated to adapt the axial thrust balance flow rate to changing operating conditions, such as engine wear, part replacement, or configuration changes, while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor axial thrust balance conditions and automatically adjust valve position accordingly. This enables the system to adapt to operating changes through continuous monitoring and adjustment, improving versatility without significantly increasing complexity
3Ease of operation
If manual valve with external wheel is used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve wheel and portion of the stem are extracted from the engine enclosure and positioned externally. This allows operators to manually adjust the axial thrust balance flow rate from outside the engine package without requiring disassembly of the engine housing, significantly improving ease of operation while the valve mechanism itself remains integrated into the existing system architecture
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
Enables real-time recalibration of rotor thrust balance during engine operation, reducing downtime and operational costs while maintaining system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The rotating parts of a turbine unit always generate an axial thrust under the action of the pressure difference between the intake and exhaust
Implementation Method 2
an open loop flow regulator is arranged along the axial thrust balance flow net, to regulate the size of the passage through the axial thrust balance flow net
Implementation Method 3
at least part of the axial thrust balance flow net is comprised of flexible hoses
Data Source
AI summary
An online rotor thrust adjustment system is disclosed. The online rotor thrust adjustment system comprises at least an axial thrust balance flow net between a compressor and an expander of a gas turbine, the axial thrust balance flow net feeding high pressure gas from the compressor to an axial thrust balance piston cavity; wherein an open loop flow regulator is arranged along the axial thrust balance flow net.