Thermal-Responsive Turbine Throttle for Cooling Flow Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing throttle mechanisms for turbines, particularly those using supercritical CO2 media, face challenges in easily adjusting the cross-sectional area of the cooling medium flow path according to operating states, leading to inefficiencies in cooling medium supply, especially during startup and rated operation, due to complex configurations and potential leakage issues.
Innovation Solution
A throttle mechanism that autonomously adjusts the cross-sectional area of the flow path by utilizing materials with different linear expansion coefficients or Young's modulus changes in response to temperature, allowing for self-regulation of the flow path without external actuation, thereby optimizing cooling medium flow based on operational conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a valve driven by an actuator is installed in a pipe to change the cross-sectional area of the flow path, then the cross-sectional area can be adjusted according to operating state, but the configuration becomes more complex and installation space is required
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path forming member utilizes its own thermal expansion or elastic deformation in response to temperature changes to automatically adjust the cross-sectional area of the flow path, eliminating the need for external actuators or complex control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties of the flow path forming member (linear expansion coefficient or Young's modulus) are selected to change in response to temperature, causing the cross-sectional area to adjust automatically according to operating conditions
2Adaptability or versatility
If a pipe needs to be installed to penetrate through the turbine casing, then the flow path can be adjusted, but leakage of the working medium may occur and cost may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path adjusting function is merged into the turbine rotor structure itself, with the flow path forming member being an integral part of the rotor that does not require penetration through the turbine casing
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path forming member autonomously adjusts the flow path cross-sectional area through thermal expansion or elastic deformation, eliminating the need for external pipes and actuators that would require sealing through the casing
3Reliability
If the cross-sectional area is adjusted for rated operation time with large differential pressure, then cooling is effective, but the cooling medium does not easily flow to downstream stages at startup time with small differential pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-sectional area of the flow path is made dynamic by using a flow path forming member that automatically changes its dimensions in response to temperature variations, allowing the flow area to be large at startup (low temperature) and small at rated operation (high temperature)
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path forming member is made of material with specific linear expansion coefficient that causes the member to expand at high temperatures (reducing flow area) and contract at low temperatures (increasing flow area), automatically adapting to operating conditions
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 enables efficient and autonomous adjustment of the cooling medium flow, ensuring sufficient supply to turbine stages during startup and rated operation, reducing complexity and potential leakage, while maintaining operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
making a cross-sectional area of the flow path change autonomously according to temperature
Implementation Method 2
utilizing materials with different linear expansion coefficients or Young's modulus changes in response to temperature
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided a throttle mechanism and the like that are capable of easily changing a cross-sectional area of a flow path according to an operating state. The throttle mechanism in an embodiment is a throttle mechanism that controls a flow rate of a fluid flowing through a flow path, and is configured to make a cross-sectional area of the flow path change autonomously according to temperature.