Internal-Passage Seal Element for Turbine Friction Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seal assemblies in gas turbine engines face high thermal stresses and fatigue due to rubbing friction between stationary and rotating carbon seal elements, which current cooling techniques do not adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A seal assembly for rotational equipment that includes a seal land and a seal element, where the seal element is mounted to a seal carrier translating along a guide rail, with fluid passages extending through both the seal element and the guide rail, allowing for effective cooling and thermal management by fluid flow through the seal element passage and guide rail passage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional cooling techniques are used for seal assemblies, then some cooling effect is achieved, but the thermal stresses and fatigue from rubbing friction are not adequately addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydraulic cooling by channeling fluid through the seal element's internal passages. The fluid flows through the seal element body and exits at the sealing interface, providing direct cooling to the high-stress contact area between the seal element and seal land, thereby reducing thermal stresses and improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The seal element incorporates porous material structure that allows fluid penetration and distribution throughout the material matrix. This porous structure enables efficient heat dissipation through the seal element body while maintaining mechanical integrity under thermal stress
2Temperature
If fluid passages are added to cool the seal element, then thermal management improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling passages are integrated directly into the seal element structure itself, merging the sealing function and cooling function into a single component. The seal element serves dual purposes: maintaining the seal and dissipating heat, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite adding cooling capability
Solution Approach 2:
The seal element is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs sealing and thermal management functions. The same structural features that enable sealing also facilitate fluid flow and heat dissipation, eliminating the need for separate cooling devices and reducing overall system complexity
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 mitigates heat-related stresses and degradation of the seal elements by cooling them through fluid flow, enhancing the sealing performance and extending the lifespan of the seal components.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for effective cooling and thermal management by fluid flow through the seal element passage and guide rail passage
Implementation Method 2
The seal element passage extends through the seal element to an interface between the seal element surface and the seal land surface
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly is provided for rotational equipment. This assembly includes a seal land and a seal element. The seal land extends circumferentially around and is rotatable about an axial centerline. The seal land includes a seal land surface. The seal element extends circumferentially around the axial centerline. The seal element includes a seal element surface and a seal element passage. The seal element surface is abutted against and is sealingly engaged with the seal land surface. The seal element passage extends through the seal element to an interface between the seal element surface and the seal land surface.