Turbine Diaphragm Alignment Pin for Load Sharing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbines face efficiency losses and mechanical failures due to component deformation caused by creep, thermal stresses, and uneven loads, as well as misalignment during installation, which can lead to significant operational issues.
Innovation Solution
An alignment apparatus using an alignment pin that couples adjacent turbine nozzle diaphragms, ensuring proper alignment and load distribution by engaging with pre-drilled holes in the diaphragms, thereby reducing deformation and enhancing assembly precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If components are installed without proper alignment, then assembly speed is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates leading to deformation and mechanical failure
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment pin is pre-installed in the first diaphragm before assembling the second diaphragm. This preliminary action establishes a precise alignment reference that guides the positioning of the second diaphragm, ensuring accurate alignment without requiring complex alignment procedures during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment pin acts as an intermediary element between the first and second diaphragms. It provides a mechanical reference that mediates the alignment process, allowing the second diaphragm to be precisely positioned relative to the first diaphragm through the pin's engagement with holes in both components.
2Device complexity
If diaphragms are not properly aligned, then assembly complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to deformation from uneven loads
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment pin is installed in advance in the first diaphragm, creating a pre-established alignment reference. This preliminary action simplifies the subsequent assembly process by providing a clear guiding reference, while simultaneously ensuring reliable alignment that prevents deformation under operational loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment pin serves as a simple intermediary mechanism that provides reliable alignment between diaphragms. Rather than requiring complex alignment procedures or fixtures, the pin engages with holes in both diaphragms to provide a straightforward, reliable alignment solution that prevents deformation.
3Manufacturing precision
If alignment pins are used to couple diaphragms, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment pin is a simple, relatively inexpensive component compared to complex alignment fixtures or machinery. It provides the necessary alignment precision through its straightforward geometry and engagement mechanism, avoiding the need for complex and costly alignment apparatus while achieving the required manufacturing precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the disclosure include an alignment apparatus for assembly alignment and load sharing. The alignment apparatus may include: an alignment pin including a first end and an opposing, second end, wherein the first end is configured to couple with a first hole in a first turbine nozzle diaphragm and the second end is configured to couple with a second hole in a second, adjacent turbine nozzle diaphragm. Embodiments of the disclosure may also include a turbine and a combined-cycle power plant. The turbine may include: a first nozzle diaphragm; and a second, adjacent nozzle diaphragm, wherein the first diaphragm is directly coupled to the second diaphragm. The combined-cycle power plant may include: a steam turbine; a gas turbine; a first nozzle diaphragm within the gas turbine; a second, adjacent nozzle diaphragm within the gas turbine; and an alignment pin coupling the first diaphragm directly to the second diaphragm.