Variable Vane Gas Turbine Power Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas turbine systems face limitations in rapidly changing power configurations, requiring inefficient acceleration of high-pressure spools to achieve desired torque outputs, which can be time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of independently variable turbine and compressor vanes allows for rapid changes in power delivery by adjusting vane angles and fuel flow to maintain constant spool speeds, enabling quick transitions between operating conditions without accelerating high-pressure spools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-pressure spools are accelerated to achieve desired torque outputs, then power configuration changes are achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes operating parameters (turbine vane angles, compressor vane angles, fuel flow rates) to rapidly transition between power configurations without requiring mechanical acceleration of the high-pressure spool. This allows the engine to achieve desired torque outputs through aerodynamic parameter adjustments rather than mechanical speed changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs dynamically adjustable vanes in both the turbine and compressor sections, allowing real-time modification of airflow characteristics and power distribution. These movable components enable rapid reconfiguration of the engine's operating state without physical reassembly or mechanical acceleration delays.
2Productivity
If turbine and compressor vanes are made independently variable, then rapid power delivery changes are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into distinct control mechanisms for turbine vanes, compressor vanes, and fuel flow, allowing independent adjustment of each parameter. This modular approach enables complex power reconfiguration through coordinated simple actions, managing overall system complexity while achieving rapid response.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable vane mechanism serves multiple functions: controlling power output, adjusting torque distribution, and optimizing efficiency across different operating conditions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control systems for each function, thereby managing complexity while enhancing productivity.
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 approach enables rapid and efficient changes in torque output, reducing the time required for power adjustments and improving the responsiveness of gas turbine engines to changing demands.
Implementation Method 1
a turbine (56) having a plurality of rows of independently movable variable vanes
Implementation Method 2
a compressor (52) having a plurality of rows of independently movable variable vanes
Implementation Method 3
a combustor (54)
Data Source
AI summary
A gas turbine engine is provided having a variety of forms and features. The gas turbine engine can include a compressor having movable vanes. In one form of operation the compressor can close down the vanes to a relatively low flow capacity position and the compressor can be operated at a higher speed, whereupon the vanes can be repositioned and the gas turbine engine operated at a different condition. The gas turbine engine can include a turbine having movable vanes. In one form of operation the turbine can change the vane positions to a relatively low torque position and the engine operated at a higher fuel flow condition, whereupon the vanes can be repositioned and the gas turbine engine operated at a different condition. The gas turbine engine can have a heater that adds heat to a flow stream, a motor that provides energy to a shaft, and an external load.