Variable Turbine Nozzle Width via Movable Shroud
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional turbines have a fixed nozzle configuration, limiting their ability to adapt to varying operating conditions and fluid flow requirements, which restricts their hydraulic range and efficiency across different applications.
Innovation Solution
A turbine design featuring a housing with a volute, an impeller, and two shrouds forming a variable nozzle area, where the second shroud is movable relative to the first, allowing the nozzle width to be adjusted to control fluid flow, thereby varying the hydraulic range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed nozzle configuration is used in conventional turbines, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the hydraulic range and efficiency are limited across different operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the nozzle width variable through the movement of the second shroud relative to the first shroud. The nozzle width can be adjusted during operation to adapt to different fluid flow requirements, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one that can optimize performance across varying operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the nozzle width parameter through shroud movement. This allows the turbine to adjust its hydraulic characteristics to match different operating conditions, thereby expanding the hydraulic range and improving efficiency without fundamentally changing the overall turbine structure.
2Productivity
If the nozzle width is varied to optimize fluid flow, then the hydraulic range increases, but the device complexity increases due to movable components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by allowing the second shroud to move automatically in response to fluid pressure differentials. The fluid flow itself provides the force to move the shroud to the optimal position, eliminating the need for external actuators or complex control systems while still achieving fluid flow optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes pneumatic and hydraulic principles by employing fluid pressure to drive the movement of the second shroud. The pressure differential across the shroud creates a force that automatically adjusts the nozzle width to optimize fluid flow, replacing mechanical actuation systems with a simpler fluid-driven mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a movable second shroud is introduced to adjust nozzle width, then the hydraulic range expands, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the nozzle structure into two separate shrouds (first shroud and second shroud) that can move independently relative to each other. This modular approach allows each shroud to be manufactured separately using standard techniques, and then assembled together, simplifying the manufacturing process compared to creating a single complex movable component.
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 enhances the hydraulic range of the turbine by enabling adjustable nozzle width, optimizing fluid flow and pressure according to different operating conditions, reducing energy consumption and improving performance across various applications, including reverse osmosis systems and natural gas processing.
Implementation Method 1
The second shroud is movable relative to the first shroud to vary the width so that fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet is variable
Implementation Method 2
communicating fluid to a first control cavity disposed between a piston of the second shroud and a pocket in the housing, moving the second shroud relative to the first shroud to change the nozzle width in response to communicating fluid to the first control cavity
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A turbine and method of operating the same a turbine includes a housing (202) having a volute (232), an inlet (24) and an outlet (30) an impeller (224) rotatable coupled to the housing, a first shroud (228) disposed within the housing comprising a plurality of nozzle vanes (234) and a second shroud (230) disposed within the housing adjacent to the first shroud so that a nozzle area is formed between the first shroud and the second shroud, said nozzle area having a variable width (240). The second shroud is movable relative to the first shroud to vary the width so that fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet is variable.