Turbine Stator Segmentation and Sealing for Thermal Stress Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
High temperatures in gas turbine stator components lead to increased thermal stress and reduced lifespan, as existing technologies fail to effectively manage temperature distribution along the hot gas path.
Innovation Solution
A turbine assembly design featuring circumferentially adjacent components with longitudinal slots and axial grooves to receive a sealing member, where a cooling fluid is flowed to control temperature by being directed along the hot side surfaces, enhancing heat transfer and reducing wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high combustion temperatures are used to improve efficiency and performance, then thermal energy conversion efficiency is improved, but thermal stress and component lifespan are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The stator component is divided into multiple segments (first stator component, second stator component, etc.) that are circumferentially adjacent. Each segment has its own cooling channels and sealing members, allowing independent temperature control and stress management for each segment, thereby extending overall component lifespan while maintaining high combustion temperatures for efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Cooling channels and grooves are strategically positioned at specific locations (leading edges, trailing edges, and along the hot gas path surfaces) where thermal stress is most critical. This localized cooling approach maintains high temperatures in the combustion zone for efficiency while providing targeted temperature reduction in vulnerable areas to extend component lifespan.
2Use of energy by moving object
If high temperatures are maintained in stator components to improve combustion efficiency, then energy conversion is improved, but thermal stress increases and component wear accelerates
Solution Approach 1:
A sealing member is introduced as an intermediary element between the hot gas path and the cooling fluid channels. This sealing member allows the hot combustion gases to maintain high temperatures for efficiency while preventing direct contact between the hot gases and the cooling fluid, thereby mediating the thermal stress on the stator component surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Cooling fluid is circulated through channels and grooves within the stator components to provide active thermal management. This hydraulic cooling system allows continuous removal of excess heat from critical areas, maintaining combustion efficiency through high temperatures while preventing excessive thermal stress and wear through active cooling.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If cooling fluid channels are added to reduce thermal stress, then component lifespan is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling channels, grooves, and sealing member retention features are merged into the stator component structure itself rather than being separate attachments. The slots for receiving sealing members are formed directly in the component bodies, and cooling grooves are integrated into the hot gas path surfaces, reducing the number of separate parts and simplifying assembly while still providing effective cooling to extend component lifespan.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple stator components are assembled circumferentially to form the turbine assembly, then adaptability and coverage are improved, but sealing complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing members are designed to be retained within slots formed in the stator components themselves, allowing the components to self-seal at the circumferential interfaces. This self-service sealing mechanism eliminates the need for complex external sealing systems and simplifies assembly, while still providing effective sealing between multiple circumferentially adjacent stator components to maintain turbine assembly integrity.
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 effectively reduces thermal stress and extends the lifespan of stator components by maintaining lower temperatures through improved heat management and cooling fluid distribution within the assembly.
Implementation Method 1
flowing a cooling fluid along an outer portion of the first and second stator components and into a cavity formed by first and second slots
Implementation Method 2
directing the cooling fluid axially in a groove along a hot side surface of each of the first and second slots to control a temperature
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect of the invention, a turbine assembly includes a first component, a second component circumferentially adjacent to the first component, wherein the first and second components each have a surface proximate a hot gas path and a first side surface of the first component to abut a second side surface of the second component. The assembly also includes a first slot formed longitudinally in the first side surface, a second slot formed longitudinally in the second side surface, wherein the first and second slots are configured to receive a sealing member, and a first groove formed in a hot side surface of the first slot, the first groove extending axially from a leading edge to a trailing edge of the first component.