Gas Turbine Shroud Hanger Cooling Passage Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Debris obstructing cooling passages in shroud hanger assemblies of gas turbine engines reduces cooling air flow to shrouds, leading to high shroud distress, shortened engine life, and increased maintenance cycles.
Innovation Solution
A shroud hanger assembly with a cavity and interdependent cooling passages, coupled with a screen to prevent debris entry and ensure airflow, directs cooling air through the passages to an impingement baffle for effective shroud cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling passages are provided in the shroud hanger assembly, then cooling air flow to shrouds is enabled, but debris may obstruct the passages reducing cooling effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling passage system is segmented into multiple independent passages rather than a single passage. This segmentation ensures that if one passage becomes obstructed by debris, other passages remain functional and can continue to provide cooling air flow to the shrouds, thereby maintaining cooling effectiveness and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
A debris removal mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component within the shroud hanger assembly. This mechanism actively removes debris from the cooling passages before it can cause complete obstruction, serving as a mediator between the cooling air flow and potential blockages from compressor debris
2Productivity
If debris is allowed to travel downstream from the compressor, then compressor operation is maintained, but cooling passages may be obstructed reducing turbine performance
Solution Approach 1:
The debris removal mechanism converts the harmful effect of debris (potential obstruction) into a beneficial function by actively capturing and removing debris before it can obstruct cooling passages. The system accepts debris presence as inevitable but transforms it from a harmful factor into a managed condition that does not compromise turbine performance
3Duration of action of moving object
If high shroud distress occurs due to cooling passage obstruction, then short-term operation is maintained, but shroud life is shortened and maintenance frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The debris removal mechanism performs preliminary action by removing debris from cooling passages before it can cause complete obstruction and high shroud distress. This preventive measure extends shroud life by maintaining adequate cooling, thereby reducing maintenance frequency without significantly limiting operational time
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 solution ensures consistent cooling air flow to shrouds, enhancing their durability and turbine efficiency while reducing maintenance needs and extending engine component life.
Implementation Method 1
channeling cooling air towards the impingement baffle to facilitate cooling a shroud hanging from the shroud hanger
Implementation Method 2
discharging the air from the plurality of cooling passages towards an impingement baffle to facilitate cooling a shroud
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a gas turbine engine is provided. The method includes channeling cooling air towards a shroud hanger assembly such that the cooling air flows through a cavity defined in the shroud hanger assembly, directing the cooling air through a plurality of cooling passages extending from the cavity, and discharging the air from the plurality of cooling passages towards an impingement baffle to facilitate cooling a shroud hanging from the shroud hanger.