Transition Duct Support Ring Segments for Leakage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing transition duct support systems in turbine engines face issues with sealing, complex and wear-prone subcomponents, high thermal stresses, and labor-intensive assembly, leading to performance and emissions concerns due to leakage and precise tolerance requirements.
Innovation Solution
A transition duct support system comprising a support ring formed by circumferentially arrayed segments with lateral openings and flexible seals, which engage the transition duct body to minimize leakage and accommodate thermal stresses, using a central column and arcuate spans with seals and braces to attach to a stationary structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a known support system with seals is used to attach the transition duct to the stationary structure, then the transition duct can be supported and aligned, but leakage occurs at the interfaces due to large tolerances and transient deflections, adversely affecting engine performance and emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into multiple support brackets distributed around the transition duct circumference. Each bracket independently supports a sector of the duct, allowing localized adaptation to tolerances and deflections without requiring a complex continuous sealing system. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining sealing reliability at each interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The support brackets are designed with adjustable positioning capabilities and compliance features that allow them to adapt to varying tolerances and transient deflections. By changing the positional parameters and mechanical compliance of the support brackets, the system maintains reliable sealing without requiring overly complex sealing mechanisms.
2Reliability
If very precise tolerances are required to set the exit end of each transition duct in place for proper seal engagement, then sealing can be maintained, but the manufacturing and assembly complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The support brackets incorporate dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow positioning to be optimized during assembly rather than requiring fixed precise tolerances. The brackets can be adjusted to accommodate variations in duct positioning, transforming a static precision requirement into a dynamic adjustment process, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The support brackets are designed with self-aligning features that automatically compensate for tolerance variations during assembly. This self-service capability eliminates the need for very precise manual positioning, as the brackets themselves perform the alignment function, reducing both manufacturing precision requirements and assembly complexity.
3Reliability
If the known support system with multiple subcomponents is used, then the transition duct can be supported, but the system becomes wear-prone and requires expensive manufacturing and repair techniques, increasing system downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The support brackets are designed as simplified, cost-effective components that can be easily manufactured and replaced. Rather than using expensive, complex subcomponents that require sophisticated manufacturing and repair techniques, the brackets are designed to be economical to produce and simple to replace, reducing maintenance costs and system downtime even if periodic replacement is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates unnecessary complex subcomponents from the known support system. By removing redundant elements and simplifying the overall structure to essential support functions, the system becomes less wear-prone and easier to maintain, reducing both manufacturing complexity and repair difficulty.
4Reliability
If the known support system is used, then the transition duct can be attached to the stationary structure, but large thermal stresses develop at the support attachment locations
Solution Approach 1:
The support brackets incorporate flexible or compliant elements that can accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the transition duct. These flexible features allow the attachment points to move slightly with thermal cycles, significantly reducing thermal stresses while maintaining reliable attachment. The compliance built into the bracket design absorbs thermal stress without compromising support reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the invention relate to a system for supporting the exit end of a transition duct. The system includes a plurality of support ring segments that collectively form an annular support ring assembly. Each support ring segment can have an outer span and an inner span that are joined by a central column. Lateral openings can be defined on each side of the central column. The lateral openings of two adjacent support ring segments can cooperate to form an opening. An outlet region of a transition duct can be inserted into a respective opening and engage seals provided along the opening. The interface of adjacent ring segments occurs along an imaginary line across the outlet of the common transition duct body. Each support ring segment can be attached to the transition duct as well as to a fixed portion of the engine such as the turbine stationary support structure.