Turbine Nozzle Support Ring Axial Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
As gas turbines increase in power output, their size and footprint expand, necessitating larger facilities and higher costs, with existing support systems for turbine nozzles becoming less optimal due to the need for a shorter combustion section, which can compromise compressor efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an inner barrel with a first fitting and a nozzle support ring with a complementary second fitting, allowing for axial separation and reduced axial length between the diffuser and turbine nozzles, eliminating the need for bolted connections, thereby enabling a shorter combustion section while maintaining support and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the combustion section is shortened to reduce gas turbine footprint, then the axial length between diffuser and turbine nozzles is reduced, but the compressor efficiency is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into separate components: a nozzle support ring and an inner barrel with distinct fitting features. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component while maintaining their functional relationship, enabling shorter axial length without compromising support reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle support ring is positioned within the inner barrel structure, with the support ring's forward portion nested against the inner barrel's aft end. This nested arrangement maximizes space utilization and minimizes the axial distance between diffuser and turbine nozzles while maintaining structural integrity
2Reliability
If bolted connections are used to support turbine nozzles, then reliable support is provided, but assembly complexity and hardware costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting features integrate the support ring and inner barrel into a unified structural arrangement. The complementary fitting geometry combines the functions of support, positioning, and connection into a single integrated system, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and reducing assembly complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The bolted connection hardware is extracted and removed from the system. Instead of using separate fasteners, the fitting features themselves provide the connection function, simplifying the overall structure and reducing hardware requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A system for supporting a turbine nozzle includes an inner barrel having a forward end, an aft end and an outer surface that extends between the forward end and the aft end. A first fitting that extends through the outer surface is defined within the inner barrel. The system further includes a nozzle support ring that defines a second fitting that is complementary to the first fitting defined within the inner barrel.