Turbine Thrust Control via Dynamic Packing Seal Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Turbine systems face instability due to thrust pressures that can approach zero, leading to mechanical stress issues on thrust fittings, which are designed to handle directional thrust but not well-suited for rapid directional changes, particularly under high temperatures and pressures.
Innovation Solution
A control system that includes a controller and sensor to move packing seals to specific clearance positions in response to thrust pressures exceeding target levels, ensuring net positive or negative thrust is maintained, thereby stabilizing the turbine system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If thrust pressure is allowed to approach zero for efficient turbine operation, then operating efficiency is improved, but mechanical stability deteriorates due to inability of thrust fittings to handle rapid directional changes
Solution Approach 1:
A controller is introduced as an intermediary between the thrust pressure source and the packing seal. The controller receives thrust pressure measurements and automatically adjusts the packing seal position to maintain stable thrust conditions, eliminating the need for manual intervention while preventing mechanical instability during efficient operation
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback mechanism is implemented where a sensor continuously measures thrust pressure and feeds this information to the controller. The controller then adjusts the packing seal position based on the measured thrust pressure, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains stability while allowing efficient operation at optimized thrust pressures
2Reliability
If packing seal clearance is reduced to control thrust pressure, then thrust pressure control is improved, but mechanical stress on thrust fitting increases
Solution Approach 1:
The packing seal position is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The controller can modify the clearance position in real-time based on operating conditions, allowing optimization of thrust pressure control while preventing excessive mechanical stress by adjusting clearance as needed
Solution Approach 2:
The clearance position parameter of the packing seal is changed dynamically by the controller based on measured thrust pressure. By adjusting this geometric parameter, the system achieves reliable thrust pressure control while avoiding conditions that would create excessive mechanical stress on the thrust fitting
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 system effectively manages thrust pressures, preventing instability and mechanical stress on turbine components by dynamically adjusting packing seal positions, ensuring operational stability within permissible temperature and pressure limits.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor coupled to the controller and configured to detect the thrust pressure
Implementation Method 2
a pressure drop across the packing seal exceeding a target pressure drop; wherein the selected clearance position causes one of a net positive thrust and a net negative thrust against the thrust fitting
Implementation Method 3
This thrust force can be created through a combination of the fluid inertia acting on the turbine buckets, and the pressure developed by variation in cross-sectional area acting against portions of the system
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and programs for controlling thrust in a turbine by adjusting the clearance between a packing seal and a rotating component are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a controller configured to move a packing seal to a selected clearance position in response to a thrust pressure exceeding a target pressure, and a sensor coupled to the controller and configured to detect the thrust pressure.