Selective Steam Cooling Control for Turbine Engine Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for recovering and utilizing steam in gas turbine engines using hydrogen fuel face inefficiencies and challenges in managing thermal loads and stresses, particularly with non-hydrocarbon fuels like hydrogen, which exacerbate thermal hot spots and require improved cooling methods.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive cooling system utilizing steam-cooled zones within the turbine engine, where steam distribution is selectively controlled based on operating modes to tailor cooling needs, reducing thermal loads and stresses by distributing steam to specific zones as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If steam is distributed uniformly to all zones, then cooling coverage is maximized, but steam consumption increases and cooling efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The combustor is divided into multiple steam-cooled zones with independent steam injection capability. Each zone can receive steam independently based on its specific thermal load requirements, allowing selective cooling rather than uniform distribution to the entire combustor.
Solution Approach 2:
Different zones within the combustor are provided with different steam cooling intensities according to their local thermal conditions. Zones with higher thermal loads receive more steam, while zones with lower thermal loads receive less or no steam, optimizing overall cooling efficiency and reducing total steam consumption.
2Strength
If high-temperature materials are used in steam-cooled zones, then thermal resistance increases, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful thermal load into a beneficial cooling mechanism by injecting steam directly into the combustor zones. The steam absorbs excess heat through phase change and convection, transforming the thermal problem into a cooling solution that eliminates the need for high-temperature resistant materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameters of the combustor zones by introducing steam, which fundamentally alters the temperature distribution and thermal stress conditions. This parameter change allows the use of conventional materials instead of specialized high-temperature materials.
3Reliability
If steam cooling is applied continuously, then thermal protection is maximized, but energy efficiency decreases due to unnecessary steam consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The steam cooling system is designed to be dynamic and adaptive, with steam injection rates and distributions adjusted in real-time based on operating conditions. The control system monitors thermal loads and modifies steam delivery accordingly, enabling the system to provide necessary thermal protection only when and where needed, thereby optimizing energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control mechanisms that monitor thermal conditions in different combustor zones and adjust steam injection rates相应地. This feedback loop ensures that steam cooling is applied at the optimal level to maintain thermal protection while minimizing unnecessary steam consumption and energy waste.
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 system enhances durability of turbine components by reducing overheating and potentially eliminating the need for high-temperature materials, while also lowering NOx production through tailored steam cooling.
Implementation Method 1
selectively distributing the steam to the steam cooled zones to reduce thermal loads and stresses
Data Source
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AI summary
A control method is provided during which a turbine engine (20) is operated. The turbine engine (20) includes a plurality of steam cooled zones (106) along a flowpath (52) within the turbine engine (20). Steam is distributed between the steam cooled zones (106) based on a first distribution while the turbine engine (20) is operating in a first mode. The steam is distributed between the steam cooled zones (106) based on a second distribution while the turbine engine (20) is operating in a second mode. The second distribution is different than the first distribution.