Segmented Radiation Shield for Gas Turbine Fuel Joint Venting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional insulation methods for gas turbine fuel systems are risky due to the risk of explosion when gaseous fuel leaks, and they fail to prevent radiative heat transfer effectively, which can damage electrical components within the enclosure.

Innovation Solution

A radiation shield comprising two shield portions with an inner and outer shell and insulation in between, featuring a pipe connection bracket for coupling to gas turbine piping connection joints, providing a clearance for ventilation while blocking radiative heat transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If traditional insulation (thermal insulative wraps) is used on gas fuel conveying components, then thermal insulation is provided, but the risk of explosion increases due to trapped gas fuel and radiative heat transfer is not effectively prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal insulationVSAvoidexplosion risk

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The radiation shield is divided into multiple segments (first radiation shield segment and second radiation shield segment) that can be assembled around the gas fuel conveying component. This segmentation allows the shield to enclose the component while maintaining accessibility and ease of installation, effectively blocking radiative heat transfer without trapping gas fuel in a single enclosed space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The radiation shield acts as an intermediary barrier between the hot gas fuel conveying component and the surrounding environment. It includes thermal insulation material between its inner and outer surfaces to block radiative heat transfer, while its open structure with gaps prevents gas fuel entrapment, thus mediating between thermal protection and safety requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If traditional insulation is applied to gas fuel conveying components, then thermal protection is achieved, but radiative heat transfer to electrical components is not effectively blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal protectionVSAvoidradiative heat transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The radiation shield employs composite construction with an inner surface, thermal insulation material, and outer surface. The insulation material has low thermal conductivity to block radiative heat transfer, while the overall shield structure includes gaps to prevent gas fuel entrapment. This composite approach simultaneously addresses thermal protection and radiative heat transfer blocking requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a fully enclosed radiation shield is used, then radiative heat transfer is blocked, but ventilation is prevented and gas fuel leaks cannot be detected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveradiative heat transfer blockingVSAvoidventilation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The radiation shield implements local quality by providing thermal insulation at critical areas while maintaining open structures with gaps at other locations. The gaps are positioned to allow ventilation and gas fuel leak detection while the insulated portions effectively block radiative heat transfer. This localized approach balances thermal protection with ventilation requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 radiation shield effectively prevents radiative heat transfer to electrical components, ensures safe ventilation in case of leaks, and reduces the risk of explosion, while being easily disassembled for maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the at least two shield portions includes an inner shell, an outer shell, and insulation between the inner shell and the outer shell

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation blocking: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS12129799B2Thermal radiation shield for a gaseous fuel circuit

Publication Date: 2024.10.29 GE INFRASTRUCTURE TECH LLC

AI summary

A thermal radiation shield for blocking thermal radiation at a gas turbine piping connection joint is provided. The thermal radiation shield is configured to surround the gas turbine piping connection joint. The thermal radiation shield includes at least two shield portions in contact with one another at a pair of flanged ends. The at least two shield portions collectively define an opening. Each shield portion of the at least two shield portions includes an inner shell, an outer shell, and insulation disposed between the inner shell and the outer shell. One of the inner shell or the outer shell includes a pipe connection bracket that extends into the opening.