Steam Turbine Nozzle Hydrophilic Patterning for Moisture Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steam turbines face performance degradation and erosion due to moisture condensation, which leads to reduced efficiency and shortened lifespan of turbine components, as conventional methods like erosion shields and steam heating are inadequate in managing moisture effectively.
Innovation Solution
A steam turbine with hydrophilic surface patterns, specifically laser-etched nano-scale patterns, is used to direct moisture towards extraction openings, enhancing moisture removal and reducing erosion by optimizing the number and size of these openings, thereby improving aerodynamic efficiency and extending the lifespan of turbine components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional erosion shields and steam heating methods are used, then moisture protection is provided, but moisture management effectiveness is insufficient leading to continued erosion and performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the surface energy parameter of the nozzle by applying a hydrophilic coating, transforming the surface from hydrophobic to hydrophilic. This parameter change causes condensed moisture to be attracted to and directed along the hydrophilic surface toward extraction openings, significantly improving moisture management effectiveness and reducing erosion compared to conventional methods
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophilic coating acts as an intermediary between the condensed moisture and the extraction openings. It mediates the moisture transport process by providing a preferential pathway that directs moisture along the nozzle surface, enhancing the effectiveness of the extraction system and reducing the harmful effects of moisture
2Productivity
If extraction openings are increased in number and size to remove moisture, then moisture removal efficiency improves, but aerodynamic efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating a hydrophilic zone specifically at the nozzle surface where moisture condensation occurs. This localized treatment directs moisture toward extraction openings without requiring extensive openings throughout the system, thereby maintaining aerodynamic efficiency in non-critical areas while improving moisture removal where needed
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrophilic coating performs preliminary action by pre-directing moisture along the nozzle surface toward the extraction openings before the moisture reaches critical areas. This preliminary organization of moisture flow reduces the amount of moisture that would otherwise require large extraction openings to handle, thus maintaining aerodynamic efficiency
3Quantity of substance
If more extraction openings are added to the nozzle, then moisture removal capacity increases, but manufacturing complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrophilic coating provides self-service by automatically directing moisture along the nozzle surface toward the extraction openings without requiring complex control systems or additional mechanical components. The surface property itself performs the moisture guidance function, simplifying the overall system while maintaining effective moisture removal
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 hydrophilic surface patterns significantly enhance moisture management, reducing erosion and improving turbine efficiency by directing moisture efficiently, minimizing the need for additional extraction openings and materials, and maintaining the original airfoil shape for longer periods.
Implementation Method 1
At least one hydrophilic surface pattern on a removal surface of at least one of the turbine casing, the bucket, and the nozzle is configured to, in use, direct moisture on the removal surface in a predetermined direction
Implementation Method 2
The hydrophilic surface pattern is configured to, in use, direct the moisture as a result of an orientation of a specific patterning of the hydrophilic surface pattern
Implementation Method 3
A steam turbine with hydrophilic surface patterns, specifically laser-etched nano-scale patterns, is used to direct moisture towards extraction openings
Data Source
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AI summary
A hydrophilic surface pattern (135) on a removal surface (134) of a steam turbine (100) directs surface moisture in at least one predetermined direction to enhance moisture management by enhancing moisture removal or otherwise reducing erosion caused by moisture in the steam turbine (100). In some embodiments, the removal surface (134) is located on the outer surface (145) of the nozzle wall (141) adjacent an extraction opening (137). In some embodiments, the removal surface (134) is located on the surface of the bucket (131) and directs moisture toward the turbine rotor (101). In some embodiments, the removal surface (134) is located on the surface of the turbine casing (130) or the surface of the nozzle (133) and directs moisture toward a drain (139) in the turbine casing (130). The hydrophilic surface pattern (135) is preferably laser-etched as a nano-scale pattern to create the hydrophilic surface. In some embodiments, the hydrophilic surface pattern (135) creates a superhydrophilic surface