Self-Synchronizing Clutch for Gas Turbine Shaft Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In gas turbine power plants, coupling a steam turbine with a gas turbine at a random coupling angle can lead to mechanical imbalances, highlighting the need for a specific, mechanically predetermined coupling angle to minimize these imbalances.
Innovation Solution
A self-synchronizing clutch design with a ratchet wheel arrangement and a coding wheel allows for a mechanically specified coupling angle, enabling the clutch to be adjusted to achieve optimal balance by ensuring the pawl assembly engages at a single circumferential position, which can be adjusted to minimize imbalances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a random coupling angle is used during shaft coupling, then the coupling process is simple and quick, but mechanical imbalances occur leading to increased vibration and reduced system stability
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device automatically determines and achieves the optimal coupling angle through its own mechanisms (sensor detection of imbalance, automated adjustment of coupling position) without requiring external intervention or complex manual alignment procedures, thus maintaining operational simplicity while eliminating mechanical imbalance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical alignment methods with sensor-based detection systems that measure vibration and imbalance, using electronic control signals to automatically adjust the coupling angle, thereby substituting manual mechanical procedures with automated sensing and control mechanisms
2Manufacturing precision
If a fixed mechanically predetermined coupling angle is specified during manufacturing, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to different operational conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device transitions from a static fixed-angle design to a dynamic adjustable system where the coupling angle can be modified in real-time based on operational conditions, allowing the system to adapt to changing load requirements, maintenance needs, or performance optimization goals while maintaining precise angular control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables change of the coupling angle parameter from a fixed manufacturing specification to a variable operational parameter that can be adjusted through control signals, allowing optimization of system performance under different operating conditions while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled adjustment mechanisms
3Ease of operation
If multiple coupling angles are allowed in the ratchet wheel arrangement, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to random coupling angles
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device incorporates sensors that detect the actual coupling angle and provide feedback to a control system, which then adjusts the coupling position to achieve the optimal predetermined angle, ensuring manufacturing precision is maintained while allowing operational flexibility through automated correction
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
This solution ensures a controlled and precise coupling angle, reducing mechanical stress and allowing for quick adaptation to optimal imbalance conditions, even during operation or maintenance, thereby enhancing the efficiency and stability of the turbine coupling.
Implementation Method 1
The first shaft has a portion with helical grooves, a sliding component is attached to the helical grooves such that the sliding component moves in the axial direction of the first shaft due to the helical grooves when the rotational speed of the first shaft and the sliding component do not match
Implementation Method 2
A ratchet assembly is attached to the sliding component. The second shaft has a pawl assembly which engages the ratchet assembly when the first shaft has a higher rotational speed than the second shaft
Implementation Method 3
The sliding component can be brought into a position that the first shaft and the second shaft are frictionally connected by moving in the axial direction of the first shaft
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention relates to the coupling of a first shaft (2) to a second shaft (6), said coupling being designed such that the first shaft (2) is coupled to the second shaft (6) when the first shaft (2) has a higher speed than the second shaft (6). A coupling angle between the first shaft (2) and the second shaft (6) is mechanically specified by the coupling (1). The invention also relates to a method for coupling a first shaft (2) to a second shaft (6). A coupling device is used with which a coupling angle between the first shaft (2) and the second shaft (6) is mechanically specified. At the same time, the coupling process is controlled by influencing the rotational speed of the first shaft (2) and/or the second shaft (6) and/or by influencing the coupling time such that the control of the coupling process supports the mechanical specification of the coupling angle.