Variable Turbine Nozzle Radial Vane Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbine designs with static vanes face inefficiencies due to varying operating conditions and have a limited lifespan, requiring costly and time-consuming overhauls, while variable vane designs suffer from wear issues and leakage, necessitating regular maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle design featuring a vane with an airfoil shape, an outer shroud segment with a radially extending hole, and a vane extension sleeve with a bushing and actuator for rotating the vane, allowing for radial removal and adjustment of the vane's surface area without disassembling the turbine, along with a modulated cooling system to optimize performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If static vanes are used in turbine nozzles, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the efficiency decreases under varying operating conditions and the lifespan is limited due to harsh environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from static vanes to variable area vanes that can rotate to different positions. The vane area is made variable through rotational movement around its longitudinal axis, allowing the nozzle to adapt to varying operating conditions (temperature, mass flow) and maintain optimal efficiency across different operational states while extending component lifespan through reduced stress from optimized flow conditions
2Productivity
If variable vanes with sleeve bearings are used to enhance flow direction and pressure, then the efficiency improves, but wear issues on mating components occur and regular overhaul is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bearing function from the vane assembly by providing bearings in the nozzle body rather than within the vane itself. The vane is made separable from the nozzle body, allowing the vane to be removed and replaced independently without removing the entire nozzle assembly. This extraction of the bearing support structure enables easier maintenance and reduces wear-related overhauls
3Loss of energy
If moveable vanes are sealed against the outer casing and rotor to prevent leakage, then the sealing improves, but the design is still unsuitable for prolonged field operation and costly overhauls are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the nozzle into separable components: the nozzle body containing bearings and the vane assembly that can be independently removed. The vane is retained by retainers that allow radial removal through passages in the nozzle body. This segmentation enables the vane to be accessed, removed, and replaced without disassembling the entire turbine nozzle assembly, significantly improving ease of repair while maintaining sealing effectiveness through proper retainer design
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
This design enables efficient fluid flow direction and pressure adjustment across a range of conditions, extends the lifespan of components, and allows for maintenance without dismantling the turbine, reducing labor and downtime costs.
Implementation Method 1
a bushing disposed on an interior of the vane extension sleeve
Implementation Method 2
this design may fail to address prolonged field operation due to wear issues on mating components
Implementation Method 3
the vane extension journal further being in operable connection with an actuator for actuating a rotation of a vane, the rotation varying a surface area of the vane exposed to a fluid flow path
Implementation Method 4
Each nozzle has an airfoil or vane shape configured such that when a set of nozzles are positioned about a rotor of the turbine, they direct the gas flow in an optimal direction and with an optimal pressure against the rotor blades
Implementation Method 5
along with a modulated cooling system to optimize performance
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle is disclosed for use in a turbine or compressor. In an embodiment, each of a plurality of vanes is supported by an outer shroud including a plurality of outer shroud segments disposed adjacent to adjoining segments in end-to-end relationship. Each segment includes a hole therethrough, dimensioned to receive a vane extension sleeve. This system may be used in conjunction with a modulated cooling system and may allow for improved removal for overhaul.