Transition Duct Cooling via Segmented Impingement Sheet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial gas turbine engines face challenges in efficiently cooling their transition ducts due to complex flange assemblies required for attaching impingement sheets, which complicate the assembly process and may not effectively distribute cooling air.
Innovation Solution
A transition duct assembly with a flange extending from the exhaust end towards the intake end, allowing a non-flanged outlet end of the impingement sheet to attach, facilitating cooling air flow and simplifying the attachment process by using cooling holes and mechanical fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex flange assembly is used to attach the impingement sheet to the transition duct, then the attachment is structurally secure, but the assembly process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The flange assembly is segmented into multiple components: a flange attached to the transition duct, and a separate attachment mechanism on the impingement sheet. This segmentation allows for simpler individual parts that can be easily aligned and connected, reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
A simplified intermediate attachment mechanism is introduced between the impingement sheet and transition duct, replacing the complex flange assembly. This intermediary component facilitates easier connection while ensuring reliable attachment through proper mechanical engagement.
2Reliability
If cooling holes are formed in the impingement sheet, then cooling air flow is facilitated and cooling efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The impingement sheet is designed with cooling holes forming a porous structure that allows cooling air to pass through. This porous configuration efficiently distributes cooling air across the transition duct surface while the holes can be manufactured using standard drilling or punching techniques, minimizing manufacturing complexity.
3Reliability
If the impingement sheet is positioned about the exterior of the transition duct with inlet end adjacent to intake end, then cooling air distribution is optimized, but the assembly requires precise alignment increasing assembly time
Solution Approach 1:
The impingement sheet and flange are designed with asymmetric features including positioning protrusions and corresponding recesses. These asymmetric elements provide self-alignment capabilities, ensuring the inlet end of the impingement sheet automatically positions adjacent to the intake end of the transition duct during assembly, eliminating the need for precise manual alignment.
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 enhances cooling efficiency and simplifies the assembly of impingement sheets on transition ducts, improving the thermal management of gas turbine engines while reducing assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the impingement sheet being operative to be positioned about an exterior of a transition duct such that cooling air is directed to flow about the transition duct
Data Source
AI summary
Transition duct assemblies and gas turbine engine systems involving such assemblies are provided. In this regard, a representative a transition duct assembly for a gas turbine engine includes: an impingement sheet having cooling holes formed therethrough, an inlet end and a non-flanged outlet end, the impingement sheet being operative to be positioned about an exterior of a transition duct such that cooling air is directed to flow about the transition duct; the non-flanged outlet end of the impingement sheet being operative to attach the impingement sheet to the transition duct such that the inlet end is positioned adjacent to an intake end of the transition duct and the outlet end is positioned adjacent to an exhaust end of the transition duct.