Turbine Casing Cooling Manifold Dynamic Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing cooling manifold attachment methods for turbine casings fail to maintain a constant air gap between the manifolds and the casing skin, especially during temperature changes, leading to ineffective cooling and potential contact issues during turbine operation.
Innovation Solution
A device with a support system comprising N cooling manifolds and N−1 support elements, where each support element is attached to the casing and connected to the manifold support, maintaining a constant air gap through temperature-compatible deformation, using blades with grooves and various connecting means to ensure proper spacing and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cooling manifolds are attached to the casing using fixed flanges in the cold state, then the air gap is sufficient in the cold state, but the air gap becomes insufficient in the hot state due to thermal expansion of the casing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fixed flange attachments with a dynamic support system that allows the manifolds to move relative to the casing. The support elements are connected to the casing through flexible connections or adjustable mechanisms that accommodate thermal expansion, enabling the air gap to remain sufficient both in cold and hot states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces adjustable support elements that can change their position or dimensions in response to temperature changes. The support elements are designed with thermal compensation features, such as expansion joints or temperature-dependent positioning mechanisms, that automatically adjust the manifold position to maintain the required air gap despite casing expansion.
2Productivity
If the manifolds are positioned close to the casing skin for effective cooling, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the manifolds may contact the casing during hot operation due to thermal dilation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic positioning system where the manifolds are supported by elements that can move independently of the casing. This allows the manifolds to maintain optimal proximity to the casing skin for effective cooling while automatically adjusting their position to prevent contact during thermal expansion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates pre-designed clearance and flexible support mechanisms that provide a buffer between the manifolds and casing. The support elements are positioned and dimensioned to accommodate expected thermal expansion, preventing manifold-casing contact before it can occur during hot operation.
3Device complexity
If fixed flange attachments are used for manifolds, then the structure is simple in the cold state, but the positioning becomes inaccurate in the hot state due to differential expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the attachment system into separate components: support elements that are independently connected to both the manifolds and the casing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the support elements providing precise positioning that is independent of the flange structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces support elements as intermediary components between the manifolds and the casing. These support elements serve as mediators that maintain accurate manifold positioning while accommodating thermal expansion, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms while ensuring precise positioning in both cold and hot states.
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 solution maintains a consistent air gap between the manifolds and the casing skin, enhancing cooling efficiency and extending the turbine's lifespan by accommodating thermal expansion.
Implementation Method 1
the metal casing C tends to dilate radially, but especially longitudinally... the support elements being attached to the casing and connected to the manifold support by connecting means... these support elements... are subjected to the same variations of temperature as the casing and dilate following its deformations
Implementation Method 2
the casing C is cooled by using the technology of cooling by impingement... The air under pressure transiting through these openings provides for ventilation by impingement of the casing C
Data Source
AI summary
A device for attaching manifolds for cooling the casing of a preferably low-pressure turbine of a turbine engine by air jets. The device includes a mounting for the manifolds, shaped such as to keep the manifolds spaced apart from one another. A plurality of elements support the manifold mounting, each supporting element being attached to the casing, and connected to the manifold mounting by a connector. The device includes N cooling manifolds and N-1 supporting elements, each supporting element being arranged between two adjacent cooling manifolds.