Gas Turbine Stator Sealing Slots for Cooling and Wear Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine stator components face high thermal stress and reduced lifespan due to exposure to high temperatures in the hot gas path, necessitating effective temperature control and cooling solutions.
Innovation Solution
The gas turbine stator assembly incorporates longitudinally aligned slots with grooves on the side surfaces of abutting components, which receive a sealing member and direct cooling fluid to cool the components, featuring tapered cross-sectional geometry to prevent seal member wear and enhance heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If stator components are exposed to high temperatures in the hot gas path, then combustion efficiency is improved, but component lifespan is reduced due to thermal stress
Solution Approach 1:
The stator component is divided into multiple segments (first component and second component) that can be assembled together. Each segment includes cooling channels and sealing surfaces, allowing the system to maintain efficient hot gas path operation while distributing thermal stress across multiple replaceable units, thereby extending overall system lifespan
Solution Approach 2:
A sealing member is introduced as an intermediary component between the first and second components. This sealing member prevents hot gas leakage across the joint interface, maintaining combustion efficiency while isolating the sealing interface from extreme thermal conditions, thus protecting the joint structure
2Temperature
If cooling fluid channels are added to cool stator components, then component temperature is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling channels are merged with the sealing structure by forming grooves on the sealing surfaces of both components. The cooling fluid path is integrated into the joint interface between components, combining sealing and cooling functions into a single structural arrangement, thereby reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The grooves formed on the sealing surfaces serve multiple functions: they provide sealing contact surfaces for the sealing member, define cooling fluid flow paths, and create heat dissipation channels. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate cooling system components
3Temperature
If grooves are formed on sealing surfaces to direct cooling fluid, then heat transfer is enhanced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The grooves are designed with specific geometric parameters (depth, width, orientation) that optimize cooling fluid flow and heat transfer. By carefully selecting these parameters, the design achieves effective cooling while maintaining manufacturability through standard machining processes
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 configuration provides improved cooling and extended component life by preventing seal member wear and optimizing heat transfer, thereby managing thermal stress and enhancing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of grooves are formed in the slot for receiving the cooling fluid to cool the lower portion
Implementation Method 2
cooling fluid to cool the components, featuring tapered cross-sectional geometry to prevent seal member wear and enhance heat transfer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A turbine assembly (100), in particular a gas turbine stator assembly, includes a second component (104) circumferentially adjacent to a first component (102), wherein the first and second components, in particular shroud or nozzle segments, each have a surface proximate a hot gas path and a first side surface of the first component to be joined to a second side surface of the second component. The assembly (100) also includes a first slot (128) formed longitudinally in the first component which extends from a first slot inner wall to the first side surface (120) and a second slot formed longitudinally in the second component which extends from a second slot inner wall to the second side surface (120). The first and second slots are configured to receive a sealing member. The assembly (100) also includes a first groove formed in a hot side surface of the first slot, the first groove extending from the first slot inner wall to the first side surface (120), wherein the first groove comprises a tapered cross-sectional geometry.