Translating Seal Assembly With Integrated Fluid Coupling Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seal assemblies in gas turbine engines face challenges with high temperatures and thermal stresses due to rubbing friction between stationary and rotating components, which can lead to fatigue and inefficiencies in cooling techniques.
Innovation Solution
A seal assembly is designed with a guide rail, a translating device, and a fluid coupling device, which includes fluid passages to direct coolant fluid from the guide rail to the translating device and ultimately to the seal element, facilitating effective cooling and reducing thermal stresses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling techniques are applied to seal assemblies, then thermal stresses are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid coupling device is nested within the translating device, which is mounted on the guide rail. The fluid passages are nested within the coupling device structure. This nesting approach integrates cooling functionality into existing components without adding separate cooling systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity while still achieving thermal stress reduction through fluid circulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The translating device serves multiple functions: it provides sealing action against the rotating seal land and simultaneously serves as a conduit for coolant fluid delivery. The fluid coupling device couples both fluid flow and mechanical translation functions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated cooling components, reducing device complexity while maintaining effective cooling.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fluid coupling device is made axially slidable, then adaptability to thermal expansion is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid coupling device is designed with axial slidability, transforming it from a static component to a dynamic one that can adjust its position. This dynamic capability allows the device to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the guide rail and translating device, maintaining proper fluid coupling despite dimensional changes. The sliding mechanism uses standard tolerances rather than precision fits, reducing manufacturing complexity.
3Reliability
If seal element contacts rotating seal land, then sealing function is achieved, but friction generates high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
Coolant fluid acts as an intermediary substance that absorbs heat generated at the seal interface. The fluid is delivered through passages in the translating device and fluid coupling device, flowing across the seal element and rotating seal land contact area. This intermediary fluid transfers thermal energy away from the friction interface, maintaining sealing effectiveness while controlling temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
A hydraulic cooling system using liquid coolant is implemented to manage friction-generated heat. The coolant is pumped through integrated fluid passages in the translating device and fluid coupling device, delivering cooling fluid directly to the seal interface. This hydraulic approach efficiently removes heat without interfering with the mechanical sealing function, maintaining reliability while controlling temperature.
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 described seal assembly effectively cools the seal elements by circulating coolant fluid, mitigating thermal stresses and fatigue, and enhancing the overall performance and longevity of the gas turbine engine components.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid coupling device is configured with a coupling device fluid passage adapted to direct fluid from the rail fluid passage to the translating device fluid passage
Implementation Method 2
The described seal assembly effectively cools the seal elements by circulating coolant fluid, mitigating thermal stresses and fatigue
Implementation Method 3
The translating device is configured with a translating device fluid passage adapted to receive the fluid from the coupling device and direct the fluid to a seal element
Data Source
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AI summary
An assembly (10) is provided for a gas turbine engine. This gas turbine engine assembly includes a pin (32), a seal support assembly (34) and a seal element (30). The pin (32) is configured with a pin fluid passage (80). The seal support assembly (34) is mated with and slidable along the pin (32). The seal element (30) is mounted to the seal support assembly (34). The seal element (30) is configured with a seal element fluid passage (56) that is fluidly coupled with the pin fluid passage (80) through the seal support assembly (34).