17806317. TURBINE COMPONENT WITH HEATED STRUCTURE TO REDUCE THERMAL STRESS simplified abstract (General Electric Company)
TURBINE COMPONENT WITH HEATED STRUCTURE TO REDUCE THERMAL STRESS
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Brandon Lee Cox of Greenville SC (US)
Brad Wilson Vantassel of Greer SC (US)
Benjamin Paul Lacy of Greer SC (US)
TURBINE COMPONENT WITH HEATED STRUCTURE TO REDUCE THERMAL STRESS - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17806317 titled 'TURBINE COMPONENT WITH HEATED STRUCTURE TO REDUCE THERMAL STRESS
Simplified Explanation
The patent application describes a turbine component that includes two structures: one exposed to hot gas and the other isolated from the hot gas path. The first structure has a fluid passage to deliver a thermal transfer fluid (e.g., air) to cool it. The second structure has a fluid passage in communication with the first structure.
- The first structure is exposed to hot gas, while the second structure is isolated from it.
- A fluid passage in the first structure delivers a thermal transfer fluid (e.g., air) to cool the first structure.
- The second structure has a fluid passage that is connected to the first structure.
- After heat transfer in the first structure, the thermal transfer fluid becomes hotter than the second structure, increasing its temperature.
- This heat transfer reduces the temperature difference between the two structures, preventing thermal stress.
- The heating of the second structure extends the lifespan of the component and reduces the need for early maintenance.
Potential Applications
This technology can be applied in various turbine components, such as:
- Gas turbines
- Steam turbines
- Wind turbines
Problems Solved
The technology addresses the following problems:
- Thermal stress between turbine structures due to temperature differences
- Early maintenance requirements
- Limited lifespan of turbine components
Benefits
The use of this technology provides the following benefits:
- Reduced thermal stress between turbine structures
- Extended lifespan of turbine components
- Decreased need for early maintenance
Original Abstract Submitted
A turbine component includes a first structure exposed to a hot gas path and a second structure integral with the first structure but isolated from the hot gas path. A first fluid passage in the first structure delivers a thermal transfer fluid, e.g., air, through the first structure to cool the first structure. A second fluid passage is defined within the second structure and is in fluid communication with the first fluid passage. After heat transfer in the first structure, the thermal transfer fluid is hotter than a temperature of the second structure and thus increases the temperature of the second structure. The heat transfer to the second structure reduces a temperature difference between the first structure and the second structure that would, without heating, cause thermal stress between the structures. The heating of the second structure reduces the need for early maintenance and lengthens the lifespan of the component.
