Turbine Casing Cooling Duct Reverse Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbine cooling systems are inefficient due to limited space for installation, high costs, low reliability, and negative performance impacts from excessive cooling air, which complicates effective cooling of hot turbine parts.
Innovation Solution
A gas turbine design featuring an inner and outer casing with an outer cooling channel that redirects cooling fluid flow opposite to the main working fluid direction, allowing for efficient cooling of both surfaces of the inner casing and reducing air consumption by optimizing flow direction and channel shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional cooling systems are installed to cool turbine parts, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cooling function with the existing turbine casing structure by forming an annular cooling channel between the inner and outer casings. This integrates the cooling system into the existing architecture rather than adding separate cooling components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining cooling effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular space between the inner and outer casings serves dual purposes: it provides structural support as part of the turbine casing while simultaneously functioning as a cooling channel. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated cooling components, reducing overall system complexity.
2Temperature
If complex cooling systems are installed, then cooling coverage is improved, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the cooling channel into the turbine casing structure itself, the patent reduces the number of separate cooling components and connections. This simplification reduces potential failure points and improves reliability while maintaining adequate cooling coverage through the annular channel design.
3Temperature
If high amount of cooling air is used, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but turbine performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies cooling locally where it is most needed by directing cooling air through the annular channel along the hot surfaces of the turbine casing. This targeted approach provides effective cooling at critical locations while minimizing the total amount of cooling air required, thereby preserving turbine performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of introducing cooling air from the inside of the turbine, the patent introduces cooling air from the outer casing and directs it to cool the outer surfaces of the inner casing. This reverse approach allows for more efficient heat removal with less cooling air, reducing the negative impact on turbine performance.
4Volume of stationary object
If limited space is available for cooling system installation, then structural compactness is maintained, but cooling effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the cooling channel within the existing turbine casing structure by utilizing the annular space between the inner and outer casings. This nested arrangement provides an effective cooling path without requiring additional external space, maintaining structural compactness while achieving adequate cooling effectiveness.
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 design enhances cooling efficiency, reduces material costs by allowing the use of cheaper materials for the inner casing, and improves turbine performance by minimizing tip clearances and air consumption, while maintaining effective thermal convection.
Implementation Method 1
The outer cooling channel (103) comprises a fluid inlet (104) through which a cooling fluid is injectable from an outer volume (Vo) of the turbine (100) into the outer cooling channel (103)... The cooling fluid is exhausted through a fluid outlet (105) of the cooling channel into an inner volume (Vi) of the turbine (100)
Data Source
AI summary
A turbine includes an inner casing to which at least a stator vane of a turbine section is mountable, and an outer casing arranged around the inner casing in such a way that an outer cooling channel is formed between the inner casing and the outer casing. The outer cooling channel includes a fluid inlet through which a cooling fluid is injectable from an outer volume of the turbine into the outer cooling channel. The cooling channel includes a fluid outlet such that the cooling fluid is exhausted into an inner volume of the turbine. The fluid inlet is located with respect to the fluid outlet such that the cooling fluid inside the outer cooling channel includes a flow direction which has a component that is orientated in opposite direction with respect to a main flow direction of a working fluid of the turbine.