Thermal Coupling Assembly for Gas Turbine Fuel Conduits

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Solution Overview

Problem

In gas turbine engines, the fuel manifold is exposed to heat transfer from the core engine, leading to increased temperatures in fuel conduits and fuel, causing coke accumulation, reduced combustion efficiency, and shorter service intervals due to fluid-coupled dynamics issues.

Innovation Solution

A thermal coupling assembly comprising a thermally conductive element, an insulative wrap, and a cover is used to facilitate heat transfer between fuel conduits, reducing temperature differences and shielding them from additional heat sources, thereby reducing coke accumulation and improving engine performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the fuel manifold is positioned adjacent the core engine to improve fuel delivery, then fuel can be efficiently supplied to the combustion chamber, but the fuel conduits and fuel are exposed to heat transfer from the core engine through radiation and convection, causing temperature increase and coke accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefuel delivery efficiencyVSAvoidheat transfer from core engine

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a thermal coupling assembly as an intermediary component between the fuel manifold and core engine. This assembly includes a thermally conductive element that couples the fuel conduit to a heat sink, and an insulative wrap that shields the fuel conduit from direct radiant and convective heat transfer from the core engine, thereby mediating the harmful thermal interaction while maintaining functional proximity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful heat transfer from the core engine into a beneficial thermal coupling mechanism. By positioning a thermally conductive element in contact with both the fuel conduit and heat sink, the assembly utilizes thermal conduction to actively cool the fuel conduit, transforming the previously harmful radiant and convective heat transfer into a controlled and beneficial cooling process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If thermal coupling assembly is added to reduce heat transfer and coke accumulation, then fuel temperature is controlled and service intervals are extended, but device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereduction of coke accumulationVSAvoidnumber of components in thermal coupling assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple thermal management functions into a single integrated assembly. The thermal coupling assembly combines the thermally conductive element, insulative wrap, and cover into one unified component that simultaneously provides thermal conduction, insulation, and structural support, thereby reducing the need for separate components and simplifying installation while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 thermal coupling assembly effectively reduces fuel coke build-up, enhances engine efficiency, and extends service intervals by minimizing temperature differences between fuel conduits and reducing radiative thermal transfer.

Implementation Method 1

a thermally conductive element configured to provide heat transfer between a relatively hot outer surface of a first fuel conduit and a relatively cool outer surface of a second fuel conduit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

an insulative wrap configured to reduce thermal transfer from a thermal environment around the first and second fuel conduits

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS10584927B2Tube thermal coupling assembly

Publication Date: 2020.03.10 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

AI summary

A thermal coupling assembly for facilitating thermal transfer between a heat source and a heat sink is provided herein. The thermal coupling assembly includes a thermally conductive element, an insulative wrap, and a cover. The thermally conductive element includes a first end wall configured to engage a surface of the heat source, a second end wall configured to engage a surface of the heat sink, and a body including a thermal conductor. The insulative wrap at least partially surrounds the thermally conductive element, the heat source, and the heat sink. The cover at least partially surrounds at least one of said insulative wrap, the thermally conductive element, the heat source, and the heat sink.