Stroke Transmitter Segmentation for Gas Turbine Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbines face inefficiencies due to burner interference, leading to increased NOX emissions, uneven flame temperatures, and oscillations, which existing orifice adjustments fail to address effectively, and piezoelectric valves are prone to damage from high temperatures and space constraints.
Innovation Solution
A stroke transmitter design with a piezoelectric actuator outside the fluid conduit, connected via a pipe to a valve unit inside the conduit, allowing pressure communication without direct fluid contact, and using metallic bellows to reduce friction and ensure precise fluid dosing, with the actuator and valve arranged at an angle or perpendicular for enhanced design flexibility and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If piezoelectric valves are used to control mass flow, then flow control precision is improved, but the actuator is damaged by hot fluid contact
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate units: a valve unit that contacts the hot fluid and an actuating unit that remains outside the conduit. This segmentation allows the piezoelectric actuator to maintain precision while being protected from thermal damage by placing it in a separate, cooler environment.
Solution Approach 2:
A pipe serves as an intermediary connection between the actuating unit and the valve unit, transmitting the actuating force or control signal without direct contact between the actuator and the hot fluid. This intermediary allows precision control to be transmitted while isolating the actuator from thermal damage.
2Measurement precision
If piezoelectric actuators are placed inside the conduit for direct control, then flow control precision is improved, but available space is limited by auxiliary systems
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the valve unit from the actuating unit, the system can place the compact valve inside the conduit where space is limited, while the larger actuating unit can be positioned outside where more space is available. This segmentation resolves the spatial constraint while maintaining control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating unit is positioned in a different spatial dimension (outside the conduit) rather than trying to fit it within the constrained internal space. This dimensional relocation allows the actuator to have sufficient volume while still controlling the valve precisely through the connecting pipe.
3Ease of manufacture
If orifices are used to equalize fluid flow, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but frequent adjustment is required which increases maintenance time
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric-controlled valve unit provides active, automated flow control that self-adjusts to maintain equalization without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability eliminates the need for frequent manual adjustments of orifices, reducing maintenance time while preserving manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive mechanical orifice system is replaced with an actively controlled valve system driven by a piezoelectric actuator. This substitution transforms the need for manual mechanical adjustment into an automated control system that maintains flow equalization without time-consuming interventions.
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
Prevents actuator damage from high temperatures, improves design flexibility, and ensures precise fluid control, enhancing gas turbine efficiency by maintaining actuator reliability and reducing the need for frequent orifice adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
an actuating unit (2) for increasing pressure in an hydraulic fluid... an actuator (3) for increasing the pressure in the hydraulic fluid in the first block (10)
Implementation Method 2
a pipe (6) connecting the actuating unit (2) and the valve unit (4) for communicating the pressure of the hydraulic fluid between the actuating unit (2) and the valve unit (4)
Implementation Method 3
The first block (10) and/or the second block (15) are metallic bellows
Data Source
AI summary
A stroke transmitter is presented. The stroke transmitter includes a conduit for providing a passage to a fluid, an actuating unit for increasing pressure in an hydraulic fluid, a valve unit configured to operate depending on the pressure of the hydraulic fluid, the valve unit arranged inside the conduit to regulate a flow of the fluid, and a pipe connecting the actuating unit and the valve unit for communicating the pressure of the hydraulic fluid between the actuating unit and the valve unit. The actuating unit is arranged outside the conduit.