Segmented Gas Turbine Combustor Cap Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The thermal expansion caused by heat generation in gas turbine combustors leads to stress and potential cracking in combustor cap components without adequate cooling or relief mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A segmented combustor cap design with air effusion ports and a backing plate that directs air flow for impingement cooling, allowing for thermal expansion relief through radial and circumferential movement, reducing thermal stresses and cracking risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a solid combustor cap is used to maintain structural integrity, then strength is improved, but thermal expansion causes thermal stresses and cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The combustor cap is divided into multiple segments that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows the cap to accommodate thermal expansion without generating excessive thermal stresses, while maintaining overall structural integrity through the coordinated movement of segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The combustor cap transitions from a static solid structure to a dynamic segmented structure capable of radial and circumferential movement. This dynamic capability allows the cap to adapt to thermal expansion conditions in real-time, reducing thermal stresses and preventing cracking.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the combustor cap is made rigid to maintain shape, then shape stability is improved, but thermal expansion relief is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the combustor cap, the design achieves both shape stability (through the overall geometric configuration) and thermal expansion relief (through independent segment movement). Each segment maintains its shape while allowing relative movement to accommodate thermal effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The design changes the operational parameters of the combustor cap by allowing controlled radial and circumferential movements. This parameter change enables the cap to maintain shape stability under normal conditions while accommodating thermal expansion when temperatures increase.
3Reliability
If cooling air flow is increased to reduce thermal stresses, then thermal stress reduction is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented design reduces thermal stresses through mechanical movement rather than relying solely on increased cooling air flow. This approach reduces energy consumption by utilizing the inherent thermal expansion of materials to drive segment movement, rather than requiring additional cooling energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The combustor cap segments utilize their own thermal expansion to drive relative movement and relieve thermal stresses. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for external cooling energy input, as the system uses its own thermal effects to maintain reliability.
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 segmented design with air effusion ports and impingement cooling effectively reduces thermal stresses and cracking in the combustor cap by facilitating air cooling and accommodating thermal expansion, enhancing the durability and reliability of the gas turbine combustor.
Implementation Method 1
A segmented combustor cap design with air effusion ports and a backing plate that directs air flow for impingement cooling
Implementation Method 2
the heat can cause thermal expansion of various components, which in turn can lead to thermal cracks and other problems without suitable cooling or relief
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprises a turbine combustor cap. The turbine combustor cap includes a plurality of segments. Each segment of the plurality of segments has edges abutting at least two fuel nozzle receptacles. Moreover, each segment of the plurality of segments does not completely surrounding any one fuel nozzle receptacle.