Steam Turbine Stator Vane Condensation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measures are ineffective in addressing coarse droplet formation on stator vane surfaces due to wall surface condensation in steam turbines, leading to moisture loss and erosion of rotor blades.
Innovation Solution
A stator vane design with a hollow section divided by a division wall into leading and trailing edge sections, where a slit on the partition walls allows for the supply of a heating fluid to the leading edge section and suction of coarse droplets into a trailing edge section, preventing wall surface condensation and droplet scattering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a hollow section with a slit is formed to suck in liquid films, then coarse droplets accumulating on the vane surface can be removed, but wall surface condensation occurring at any stage cannot be effectively addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow section is divided into a first hollow section (leading edge side) and a second hollow section (trailing edge side) by a first division wall. The first hollow section is configured to be supplied with a heating fluid to prevent wall surface condensation, while the second hollow section communicates with the outside through a slit to suck out coarse droplets. This segmentation allows independent functional zones within the hollow section.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the hollow section are assigned different functions: the leading edge region (first hollow section) is dedicated to heating to prevent condensation, while the trailing edge region (second hollow section) is dedicated to droplet removal through suction. This local differentiation of function addresses both condensation prevention and droplet removal effectively.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a heating fluid is supplied to the first hollow section to heat the vane surface, then wall surface condensation is suppressed, but the structural complexity of the stator vane increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow section serves multiple functions: it acts as an insulation layer, a heating chamber for preventing wall surface condensation, and a droplet collection and removal system through the slit. By combining these functions into a single integrated structure, the design avoids adding separate complex systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating fluid supply system is nested within the hollow section structure. The first and second hollow sections are integrated into the stator vane's internal geometry, with the division wall forming part of the overall hollow section architecture rather than adding external complexity.
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 design effectively suppresses coarse droplet formation and subsequent moisture loss and erosion by heating the vane surface and removing droplets, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency and longevity of steam turbine components.
Implementation Method 1
supplying a heating liquid to the first hollow section
Implementation Method 2
evaporate droplets adhering to the vane surface
Implementation Method 3
suck in a liquid film formed of coarse droplets accumulating on the vane surface into the inside of the stator vane through the slit
Implementation Method 4
wall surface condensation that occurs at wall surfaces that have a relatively low temperature compared to steam
Data Source
AI summary
A stator vane for a steam turbine includes: a vane body having an airfoil cross section including a pressure-side partition wall having a concave surface shape and a suction-side partition wall having a convex surface shape, the vane body having a hollow section formed between an inner surface of the pressure-side partition wall and an inner surface of the suction-side partition wall; and a first division wall dividing the hollow section into a first hollow section positioned at a leading edge side and a second hollow section positioned at a trailing edge side. The first hollow section is configured to be supplied with a fluid, or as a sealed space, and a slit is formed on at least one of the pressure-side partition wall or the suction-side partition wall, the slit being in communication with the second hollow section.