Turbine Seal Ring with Segmented Cooling Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional turbomachine rings face efficiency penalties due to significant radial clearances between blade tips and the ring at varying temperatures, with one-piece rings limited in temperature range and sectored rings being costly and bulky.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece ring with an annular cooling air circulation channel and circumferential clearances between segments, supported by a continuous external part, allowing for effective cooling and radial expansion control, and utilizing additive manufacturing for cost-effectiveness and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of stationary object
If a monobloc ring is used, then the cost, mass, and radial dimensions are reduced, but the radial clearances become significant outside a limited temperature range
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is divided into multiple axial segments that can expand and contract independently in the radial direction. Each segment is separated by circumferential clearances that allow for thermal expansion without compromising the overall structural integrity. This segmentation enables the ring to maintain optimal clearance with blade tips across a wider temperature range while keeping the overall structure compact and cost-effective.
2Reliability
If a sectorized ring is used, then the clearances between ring sectors and blade vertices are controlled, but the mass, radial dimension, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is divided into multiple axial segments that can expand and contract independently in the radial direction. Each segment is separated by circumferential clearances that allow for thermal expansion without compromising the overall structural integrity. This segmentation enables the ring to maintain optimal clearance with blade tips across a wider temperature range while keeping the overall structure compact and cost-effective.
3Reliability
If a sectorized ring is used, then the clearances between ring sectors and blade vertices are controlled, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is divided into multiple axial segments that can expand and contract independently in the radial direction. Each segment is separated by circumferential clearances that allow for thermal expansion without compromising the overall structural integrity. This segmentation enables the ring to maintain optimal clearance with blade tips across a wider temperature range while keeping the overall structure compact and cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
A cooling system is implemented that circulates fluid through channels within the ring segments. This pneumatic/hydraulic system actively manages thermal expansion by cooling specific areas of the ring, allowing for precise control of radial clearances. The cooling fluid flow paths are designed to target high-temperature zones, enabling the ring to maintain dimensional stability despite temperature variations.
4Ease of manufacture
If monobloc rings are used, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but they cannot operate optimally outside a limited temperature range
Solution Approach 1:
The ring is divided into multiple axial segments that can expand and contract independently in the radial direction. Each segment is separated by circumferential clearances that allow for thermal expansion without compromising the overall structural integrity. This segmentation enables the ring to maintain optimal clearance with blade tips across a wider temperature range while keeping the overall structure compact and cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
A cooling system is implemented that circulates fluid through channels within the ring segments. This pneumatic/hydraulic system actively manages thermal expansion by cooling specific areas of the ring, allowing for precise control of radial clearances. The cooling fluid flow paths are designed to target high-temperature zones, enabling the ring to maintain dimensional stability despite temperature variations.
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 solution provides efficient cooling, reduces radial expansion, and maintains low cost and mass, enhancing turbomachine performance across temperature ranges while minimizing leakage and pressure losses.
Implementation Method 1
an annular cooling air circulation channel being radially delimited between the external support part and the internal part delimiting the channel
Implementation Method 2
the circumferential clearances between the segments limit radial expansion
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a ring (1) for a turbomachine turbine, intended to surround a bladed disc (2) of a turbine rotor, said ring (1) extending circumferentially about an axis and comprising a radially outer annular support part (9) and a part (10) delimiting a radially inner gas-flow circulation duct (6) and comprising a plurality of angular segments (13) distributed over the periphery and situated adjacently with respect to one another so as to form an annular part delimiting the duct (6), circumferential clearances (j) being formed between the circumferential ends of the adjacent segments (13) situated facing one another, each segment (13) being connected to the support part (9) via a connecting region (14), an annular cooling-fluid circulation passage (15) being delimited radially between the outer support part (9) and the inner part (10) delimiting the duct.