Turbine Casing Merging Multiple Working Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional turbine systems require multiple rotors and complex shaft dynamics to manage multiple working fluids, leading to increased size, cost, and complexity, as well as inefficiencies in space usage and energy extraction.
Innovation Solution
A casing design that combines two or more working fluids into a co-fluent flow within the turbine casing, allowing a single rotor to be driven by multiple fluids, reducing the need for separate rotors and simplifying shaft dynamics, while using convergent-divergent nozzles and annuli for efficient fluid distribution and torque enhancement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate turbine rotors are used to process different working fluids, then each fluid can be processed independently, but the system size, cost, and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple turbine rotors into a single integrated rotor assembly where different working fluids are processed simultaneously through separate fluid supply channels. This merging approach reduces the number of separate rotors and simplifies shaft dynamics while maintaining the ability to process multiple fluids independently through the unified structure
Solution Approach 2:
The single turbine rotor is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple working fluids through different fluid supply channels. Each channel is configured to direct a specific working fluid onto appropriate blades, allowing one rotor to perform the work of multiple separate rotors while reducing overall system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate turbine rotors are used to manage multiple working fluids, then each fluid can be processed independently, but the system size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple turbine rotors into a single integrated rotor assembly with multiple fluid supply channels, reducing the overall system size and associated costs while maintaining the capability to process multiple working fluids independently through the unified structure
Solution Approach 2:
The single turbine rotor is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple working fluids through different fluid supply channels, allowing one rotor to replace multiple separate rotors and thereby reducing system size, material requirements, and manufacturing costs
3Device complexity
If a single rotor is used to process multiple working fluids, then system size and cost are reduced, but the working fluids must be combined into co-fluent flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid flow paths within the single rotor by providing separate fluid supply channels for different working fluids. Each channel is configured to direct its specific fluid onto appropriate blades at optimized angles, ensuring that energy extraction efficiency is maintained despite the unified rotor structure
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the turbine rotor are optimized for different working fluids, with each fluid supply channel and corresponding blade section configured with local quality characteristics suited to its specific fluid. This allows each fluid to be processed with optimal efficiency while using a single integrated rotor
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 increases torque output, reduces system size and cost, and enhances space efficiency by allowing a single rotor to extract work from multiple fluids, simplifying engineering implementation and improving energy recovery.
Implementation Method 1
The first fluid supply channel and the second fluid supply channel are arranged to direct the first working fluid and the second working fluid from separate inlets to the casing to form a co-fluent flow of first working fluid and second working fluid to be directed onto a set of turbine blades of the turbine rotor
Implementation Method 2
using convergent-divergent nozzles and annuli for efficient fluid distribution and torque enhancement
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention is related to a multiple-inlet turbine casing (16) for a turbine rotor (60) which comprises a first fluid supply channel (70) configured to direct a first working fluid onto the turbine rotor (60) and a second fluid supply channel (74) configured to direct a second working fluid to impart torque on the turbine rotor (60) in the same direction as the direction in which torque is imparted on the turbine rotor (60) by the first working fluid. The first working fluid is an exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine and the second fluid may be steam and the turbine may be an inverted-Brayton-cycle turbine for recovery of waste energy from the exhaust gas of said internal combustion engine. Thus, the number of turbine rotors is reduced in comparison to a system comprising a single turbine for each distinct working fluid.