Transition Piece Support Structure for Gas Turbine Combustor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transition piece support structures in gas turbines experience continuous gas leakage due to insecure fixation and rotational deformation, particularly in lower combustors subjected to opposing rotational moments, leading to increased thermal expansion and functional issues.
Innovation Solution
A transition piece support structure featuring a flange with a bolting plate, a support bracket integrated with a flow sleeve, and a hinged connection piece with rotation control members, allowing unidirectional rotation and secure fixation to the turbine inlet, preventing rotary deformation and gas leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional flange fixation structure is used, then the structure is simple, but gas leakage occurs due to insecure fixation and rotational deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple functional components: a support bracket integrated with the flow sleeve, a connection piece coupled to the turbine end, and a rotation control member with teeth-shaped protrusions. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively preventing gas leakage through secure fixation and rotational deformation control
Solution Approach 2:
The connection piece is designed to be rotatable relative to the support bracket, allowing the flange to pivotally approach the turbine inlet during installation and operation. This dynamic capability enables the structure to accommodate thermal expansion and operational movements while maintaining secure fixation through the rotation control member
2Reliability
If the flange is securely fixed to prevent rotation, then gas leakage is prevented, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation control member acts as an intermediary mechanism between the support bracket and connection piece. Its teeth-shaped protrusions engage with corresponding features to control rotational movement, preventing the flange from rotating away while still allowing controlled pivotal approach. This intermediary structure prevents gas leakage without requiring a fully rigid and complex fixation mechanism
3Ease of operation
If the lower combustor is subjected to rotational moment from gravity, then installation is simplified, but the flange spacing increases causing gas leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation control member with teeth-shaped protrusions is designed to counteract the rotational moment caused by gravity before it can cause harmful flange separation. The engagement features provide preliminary resistance to gravitational rotation, maintaining flange spacing within acceptable limits and preventing gas leakage while still allowing the combustor to be installed in the lower position
Data Source
AI summary
A transition piece support structure for a gas turbine combustor, and a method of installing same, reliably prevent leakage at the flange of a lower-side combustor, which is greatly influenced by gravity. The structure supports a rear end portion of a transition piece when fixed to a turbine end and includes a flange provided at a rear end of the transition piece, to be coupled to the end of the turbine, the flange having a shape to fit a periphery of a turbine inlet; a support bracket integrated with an upper surface of a flow sleeve surrounding an outer surface of the transition piece, to face the end of the turbine coupled to the flange; and a connection piece fixed to the end of the turbine and configured to be coupled to the support bracket in a hinged manner allowing the flange to pivotally approach the turbine inlet.