Segmented Turbine Diffuser for In-Situ Maintenance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas powered turbines require the complete disassembly and removal of the combustor section to access and maintain internal components, such as the diffuser, which is time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A diffuser frame with interconnected rings and ribs provides structural support to the turbine engine, allowing for the removal and replacement of diffuser case sections without disassembling the entire combustor section, enabling in-situ access and maintenance of internal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the entire combustor section is removed and disassembled to access internal components, then complete access to internal components is achieved, but maintenance time and operational downtime increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser assembly is segmented into modular diffuser case sections that can be individually removed from the combustor section. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to access internal components by removing only specific diffuser case sections rather than disassembling the entire combustor section, thereby reducing maintenance time while maintaining complete access to required components.
2Ease of repair
If the entire combustor section is removed and disassembled for maintenance, then all internal components become accessible, but operational downtime and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser assembly is divided into separate diffuser case sections that can be independently removed. This modular segmentation enables maintenance personnel to access and service internal components by removing only the specific diffuser case section containing the component of interest, rather than removing the entire combustor section. This significantly reduces operational downtime and maintenance costs while maintaining full access capability to all internal components.
3Ease of operation
If diffuser case sections are removed for maintenance, then access to internal components is enabled, but structural integrity of the combustor section may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser assembly is segmented into removable diffuser case sections that are designed to be independently removed while the combustor section remains intact. The structural framework of the combustor section maintains its integrity even when individual diffuser case sections are removed for maintenance, as the diffuser sections are modular attachments rather than load-bearing structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser case sections act as intermediary components between the external environment and the internal components of the combustor section. These intermediary diffuser sections can be removed to provide access to internal components without requiring disassembly of the main combustor structure, thereby preserving the structural integrity of the combustor section while enabling maintenance access.
Data Source
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AI summary
A turbine engine (10) includes a diffuser (32) connecting a compressor section (20) and a turbine section (40). The diffuser (32) includes a diffuser frame (110) and multiple diffuser case sections (130) are connected to the diffuser frame (110). A corresponding method of maintaining a turbine engine is also provided.