Steam Turbine Casing Thermal Expansion Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low-pressure turbine casings experience upward deformation and vibrations due to external loads and thermal expansion, which existing configurations struggle to fully suppress while allowing necessary expansion.
Innovation Solution
A turbine casing design featuring an extension portion with a support structure that restricts vertical displacement while allowing horizontal thermal expansion, using a bolt, nut, and washer configuration to manage stresses and reduce frictional forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the upper-half portion of the turbine casing is not fixed to the base plate, then thermal expansion is allowed, but upward deformation and vibrations occur due to atmospheric pressure load
Solution Approach 1:
The support portion is divided into a fixed portion (attached to base plate) and a movable portion (supporting extension portion), creating a segmented support system that can simultaneously provide vertical stabilization and horizontal movement capability for thermal expansion
Solution Approach 2:
The support portion provides different support characteristics at different locations and directions: full support in vertical direction at the fixed portion, and controlled movement in horizontal direction at the movable portion, creating localized quality differences to resolve the contradiction
2Stability of the object's composition
If the extension portion is completely fixed to suppress displacement, then upward deformation is reduced, but thermal expansion is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The support portion transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic system where the movable portion can shift horizontally to accommodate thermal expansion while the fixed portion maintains vertical stability, allowing the system to adapt to changing thermal conditions
3Volume of moving object
If the exhaust port is formed on the side surface of the turbine casing, then space is saved, but a moment around the axis is generated causing vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The extension portion extends the exhaust port structure in the horizontal radial direction from the turbine casing body, creating an L-shaped configuration that redirects the moment load away from the vertical axis, preventing vibrations while maintaining compact space utilization
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 design effectively suppresses upward deformation and vibrations, enabling stable operation of the steam turbine by allowing controlled thermal expansion and reducing stress on the turbine casing.
Implementation Method 1
the low-pressure turbine casing is internally in a vacuum state in order to promote smooth exhaust
Implementation Method 2
due to heat of the steam, thermal expansion occurs in the turbine casing
Data Source
AI summary
A turbine casing comprises: a turbine casing body, which covers a rotor of a steam turbine from the outer side, and in which is formed an exhaust port through which steam is horizontally exhausted; an overhanging part that horizontally widens from the outer surface of the turbine casing body; and a support part that supports the overhanging part on a baseplate; the support part restraining vertical displacement of the overhanging part relative to the baseplate, and securing the overhanging part to the baseplate so as to allow the overhanging part to be horizontally deformed or displaced.