Scroll Structure Thermal Insulation via Inverted Press Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal insulation structures for scroll structures in turbines face challenges such as difficulty in construction, thermal expansion mismatches, thickness adjustment issues, and potential damage from working fluid flow, leading to reduced reliability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A thermal insulation structure is designed with a securing portion extending from the outer wall, a press plate with a gap, and a thermal insulation member sandwiched between the outer wall and the press plate, allowing for easy attachment, adjustment of thickness, and absorption of thermal expansion differences, preventing contact with the working fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the thermal insulation structure is disposed inside the scroll structure, then the thermal insulation effect is achieved, but the structure is damaged by thermal expansion mismatch and working fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by disposing the thermal insulation structure outside the scroll structure rather than inside. The insulation layer is positioned on the outer peripheral surface of the scroll structure, with the cooling fluid supply path formed between the scroll structure and the thermal insulation structure. This inversion eliminates exposure to working fluid flow while maintaining thermal insulation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal insulation structure serves as an intermediary element that mediates between the scroll structure and the external environment. It provides thermal insulation while the cooling fluid supply path acts as an intermediary channel for heat dissipation, preventing direct contact between the working fluid and the insulation material.
2Shape
If the thermal insulation structure is formed into a three-dimensional shape like the scroll structure, then the insulation fits the geometry, but it is difficult to construct
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal insulation structure is segmented into multiple independent insulation members rather than forming a single complex three-dimensional structure. Each insulation member can be independently manufactured and assembled, significantly reducing construction difficulty while still providing comprehensive thermal insulation coverage for the scroll structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal insulation members are disposed to wrap around or enclose the scroll structure in a nested arrangement. The insulation structure conforms to the outer geometry of the scroll structure without requiring complex three-dimensional forming, achieving geometric conformity through layered or wrapped positioning.
3Strength
If cooling fluid is sprayed to lower the temperature of the scroll structure, then material strength is satisfied, but a separate supply system is required and efficiency is deteriorated
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling fluid supply path is merged with the thermal insulation structure design. The cooling fluid flows through the space between the scroll structure and the thermal insulation structure, combining the insulation function with the cooling function in a single integrated arrangement rather than requiring separate cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal insulation structure itself facilitates the cooling process by providing an integrated pathway for cooling fluid circulation. The structure serves dual purposes: providing thermal insulation while enabling self-cooling through the embedded cooling fluid supply path, eliminating the need for external complex cooling systems.
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 solution ensures reliable and adjustable thermal insulation, preventing damage from working fluid flow and maintaining efficiency by positioning the thermal insulation member outside the structural member, allowing for easy attachment and adjustment, and absorbing thermal expansion differences.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal insulation member (56) disposed between the outer wall (21) and the press plate (55)
Implementation Method 2
when a thermal extension amount of the outer casing and a thermal extension amount of the inner wall are different from each other, a difference between the thermal extension amounts is not absorbed
Data Source
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AI summary
To provide a thermal insulation structure for a structural member and a scroll structure which can be easily used even in integrally constructed structural members and which can ensure reliability and thermal insulation properties. Provided are securing portions (52 and 53) extending outward from an outer wall of the structural member; a press plate (55) attached to the securing portions (52 and 53), with a gap between the press plate and the outer wall; and a thermal insulation member (56) disposed between the outer wall and the press plate (55).