Turbine assembly and method for flow control
10233782 ยท 2019-03-19
Assignee
Inventors
Cpc classification
F05D2270/80
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F05D2220/40
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F01D25/246
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F01D17/167
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
International classification
F01D5/02
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F01D9/04
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F01D5/12
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F01D17/12
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
F01D25/24
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
Abstract
A turbine assembly of an engine is disclosed. The turbine assembly includes a nozzle ring for receiving exhaust gases from a combustion chamber having a plurality of guide vanes for guiding the exhaust gases, a stator ring disposed downstream to the nozzle ring, and a rotor disposed circumferentially within the stator ring. The stator ring includes a plurality of stator vanes adapted to receive the exhaust gases through the guide vanes of the nozzle ring. The stator ring is axially movable between a first position and a second position along at least one cross-key pin disposed between the stator ring and a turbine casing. Each of the plurality of stator vanes moves into a throat plane of each pair of the plurality of guide vanes in the first position of the stator ring, and moves out of the throat plane in the second position of the stator ring.
Claims
1. A turbine assembly of an engine, the turbine assembly comprising: a nozzle ring adapted to receive exhaust gases from a combustion chamber of the engine, the nozzle ring comprising a plurality of guide vanes disposed along a circumference of the nozzle ring for guiding the exhaust gases; a stator ring disposed downstream to the nozzle ring, the stator ring comprising a plurality of stator vanes, disposed circumferentially along an inner surface of the stator ring, adapted to receive the exhaust gases through the plurality of guide vanes of the nozzle ring, the stator ring being axially movable between a first position and a second position along at least one cross-key pin disposed between an outer surface of the stator ring and an inner surface of a turbine casing, wherein each of the plurality of stator vanes moves into a throat plane of each pair of the plurality of guide vanes in the first position of the stator ring, and moves out of the throat plane in the second position of the stator ring; and a rotor, disposed circumferentially within the stator ring, adapted to receive the exhaust gases from the stator ring, wherein the rotor comprises a plurality of rotor blades disposed circumferentially along an outer surface of the rotor.
2. The turbine assembly of claim 1 comprising at least one pressure sensor adapted to detect a first pressure of the exhaust gases when the exhaust gases are between the nozzle ring and the stator ring, and a second pressure of the exhaust gases when the exhaust gases are between the stator ring and the rotor.
3. The turbine assembly of claim 2 comprising a controller, in communication with the at least one pressure sensor and the stator ring, adapted to control the axial movement of the stator ring between the first position and the second position, based on the first pressure and the second pressure of the exhaust gases.
4. The turbine assembly of claim 2 comprising a set of sensors adapted to detect at least one value of one or more parameters pertaining to ambient air conditions, wherein the one or more parameters include at least one of a temperature, a pressure, and humidity of the air surrounding the turbine assembly.
5. The turbine assembly of claim 4 comprising a controller, in communication with the at least one pressure sensor, the set of sensors, and the stator ring, adapted to control the axial movement of the stator ring between the first position and the second position, based on the first pressure and the second pressure of the exhaust gases, and the at least one value of the one or more parameters.
6. The turbine assembly of claim 2 comprising at least one seal, disposed between the stator ring and the turbine casing, adapted to maintain the second pressure between the stator ring and the rotor.
7. The turbine assembly of claim 1, wherein the stator ring comprises at least one slot adapted to accommodate the at least one cross-key pin coupled to the inner surface of the turbine casing.
8. A turbine assembly of an engine, the turbine assembly comprising: a nozzle ring adapted to receive exhaust gases from a combustion chamber of the engine, the nozzle ring comprising a plurality of guide vanes disposed along a circumference of the nozzle ring for guiding the exhaust gases; a stator ring, disposed downstream to the nozzle ring, comprising a plurality of stator vanes disposed circumferentially along an inner surface of the stator ring adapted to receive the exhaust gases through the guide vanes of the nozzle ring, the stator ring being axially movable between a first position and a second position along at least one cross-key pin disposed between an outer surface of the stator ring and an inner surface of a turbine casing, wherein the stator ring moves towards the nozzle ring in the first position and moves away from the nozzle ring in the second position; a rotor, disposed circumferentially within the stator ring, adapted to receive the exhaust gases from the stator ring, wherein the rotor comprises a plurality of rotor blades disposed circumferentially along an outer surface of the rotor; at least one pressure sensor adapted to detect a first pressure of the exhaust gases when the exhaust gases are between the nozzle ring and the stator ring, and a second pressure of the exhaust gases when the exhaust gases are between the stator ring and the rotor; and a controller, in communication with the at least one pressure sensor and the stator ring, adapted to control the axial movement of the stator ring between the first position and the second position, based on the first pressure and the second pressure of the exhaust gases.
9. The turbine assembly of claim 8 comprising a set of sensors adapted to detect at least one value of one or more parameters pertaining to ambient air conditions, wherein the one or more parameters include at least one of a temperature, a pressure, and humidity of the air surrounding the turbine assembly.
10. The turbine assembly of claim 9, wherein the controller is adapted to, receive, from the at least one pressure sensor, the first pressure and the second pressure of the exhaust gases; receive, from the set of sensors, the at least one value of the one or more parameters; regulate the second pressure of the exhaust gases based on the first pressure of the exhaust gases and the at least one value of the one or more parameters; and control the axial movement of the stator ring between the first position and the second position, based on the regulation of the second pressure.
11. The turbine assembly of claim 8, wherein the stator ring comprises at least one slot adapted to accommodate the at least one cross-key pin being coupled to the inner surface of the turbine casing.
12. The turbine assembly of claim 8 comprising at least one seal disposed between the stator ring and the turbine casing, adapted to maintain the second pressure between the stator ring and the rotor.
13. The turbine assembly of claim 12, wherein the at least one seal is a piston ring seal.
14. The turbine assembly of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of stator vanes moves into a throat plane of each pair of the plurality of guide vanes in the first position of the stator ring.
15. The turbine assembly of claim 8, wherein each of the plurality of stator vanes moves out of a throat plane of each pair of the plurality of guide vanes in the second position of the stator ring.
16. A method for controlling flow of exhaust gases through a turbine assembly of an engine, the method comprising: receiving, by a controller, a first pressure of exhaust gases between a nozzle ring and a stator ring of the turbine assembly and a second pressure of the exhaust gases between the stator ring and a rotor of the turbine assembly; receiving, by the controller, at least one value of one or more parameters pertaining to ambient air conditions; regulating, by the controller, the second pressure of the exhaust gases based on the first pressure of the exhaust gases and the at least one value of the one or more parameters; and controlling, by the controller, an axial movement of the stator ring between a first position and a second position, based on the regulation of the second pressure, the axial movement of the stator ring being along at least one cross-key pin which is disposed between an outer surface of the stator ring and an inner surface of a turbine casing, wherein the stator ring moves towards the nozzle ring in the first position and moves away from the nozzle ring in the second position for controlling the flow of exhaust gases through the turbine assembly.
17. The method of claim 16 comprising regulating, by the controller, the second pressure by drawing air, between the stator ring and the rotor, from a compressor.
18. The method of claim 16 comprising detecting, by at least one pressure sensor, the first pressure and the second pressure of the exhaust gases.
19. The method of claim 16 comprising detecting, by a set of sensors, the at least one value of the one or more parameters.
20. The method of claim 16, wherein the one or more parameters include at least one of a temperature, a pressure, and humidity of the air surrounding the turbine assembly.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
(11) Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or the like parts.
(12) An air-fuel mixture may pass through a compressor 102 before entering a combustion chamber (not shown) through an intake manifold (not shown). In the combustion chamber, the air-fuel mixture may be combusted and consequently, exhaust gases may be generated within the combustion chamber. From the combustion chamber, the exhaust gases may be delivered to the turbine 104 of the turbine assembly 100 through an exhaust conduit (not shown).
(13) The turbine assembly 100 of the present disclosure includes the compressor 102, the turbine 104 fluidly coupled to the compressor 102, and a flow control system 106 in communication with the compressor 102 and the turbine 104. The turbine 104 includes a nozzle ring 202 (shown in
(14) The flow control system 106 includes at least one pressure sensor 108 for determining pressure of the exhaust gases in the turbine 104, a set of sensors 110 for determining ambient conditions, and a controller 112 in communication with the at least one pressure sensor 108 and the set of sensors 110.
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(16) After passing through the nozzle ring 202, the exhaust gases may impact the stator ring 204 which is disposed downstream to the nozzle ring 202. In the illustrated embodiment, the stator ring 204 includes a plurality of stator vanes 214, individually referred to as the stator vane 214, disposed circumferentially along an inner surface 216 of the stator ring 204. The plurality of stator vanes 214 may be adapted to receive the exhaust gases through the plurality of guide vanes 212 of the nozzle ring 202. In another embodiment, the plurality of stator vanes 214 may be disposed circumferentially along an outer surface 218 of the stator ring 204, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
(17) In one embodiment, the rotor 206 may be circumferentially disposed within the stator ring 204. In another embodiment, the rotor 206 may be disposed downstream to the stator ring 204, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The rotor 206 may be adapted to receive the exhaust gases from the stator ring 204. The rotor 206 includes a plurality of rotor blades 220, individually referred to as the rotor blade 220, disposed circumferentially along an outer surface 222 of the rotor 206. In another embodiment, the plurality of rotor blades 220 may be disposed circumferentially along an inner surface 224 of the rotor 206, without departing from the scope of present disclosure. The impact of the exhaust gases on the plurality of rotor blades 220 results into a rotation of the rotor 206 which would further be transmitted to another component (not shown) through a drive shaft (not shown) for generation of power. In one embodiment, the turbine assembly 100 further includes a support ring 225 (shown in
(18) The turbine assembly 100 further includes a turbine casing 302 (shown in
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(20) In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one cross-key pin 304 is coupled to the inner surface 306 of the turbine casing 302. In order to accommodate the at least one cross-key pin 304, the stator ring 204 includes at least one slot 308 on the outer surface 218. Therefore, when engaged, the at least one slot 308 accommodates the at least one cross-key pin 304 coupled to the inner surface 306 of the turbine casing 302. In another embodiment, the at least one cross-key pin 304 may be disposed on the outer surface 218 of the stator ring 204. In such an embodiment, the turbine casing 302 may include at least one hole 311 on the inner surface 306 to retain a cross-key pin 304, which engages the stator ring 204.
(21) The turbine assembly 100 further includes at least one seal 310 disposed between the inner surface 306 of the turbine casing 302 and the outer surface 218 of the stator ring 204. In one embodiment, the seal 310 may be a piston seal ring 310. The at least one seal 310 is adapted to maintain a second pressure P2 of the exhaust gases between the stator ring 204 and the rotor 206. In one embodiment, the second pressure P2 may be understood as the pressure of the exhaust gases between the stator ring 204 and the support ring 225.
(22) In the present embodiment, the stator ring 204 engages with the turbine casing 302 for the axial movement through four cross-key pins 304.
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(26) The turbine 104 may be in an operable communication with the flow control system 106. Referring back to
(27) Further, the set of sensors 110 is adapted to detect at least one value of one or more parameters pertaining to ambient air conditions. The one or more parameters may be understood as environmental factors affecting the operation of the turbine 104. In one embodiment, the one or more parameters may include, but are not limited to, a temperature, a pressure, and humidity of the air surrounding the turbine assembly 100. In one example, the set of sensors 110 may include a thermocouple for measuring temperature of air entering through an inlet of the compressor 102.
(28) The at least one pressure sensor 108 and the set of sensors 110 are in communication with the controller 112. The data as detected by the at least one pressure sensor 108 and the set of sensors 110 are forwarded to the controller 112. The controller 112 is adapted to control the axial movement of the stator ring 204 between the first position and the second position. In one embodiment, the controller 112 controls the axial movement of the stator ring 204 based on the first pressure P1 and the second pressure P2 of the exhaust gases. In another embodiment, the controller 112 controls the axial movement of the stator ring 204 based on the first pressure P1, the second pressure P2, and the at least one value of the one or more parameters. The constructional and operational details of the controller 112 are explained in the description of
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(30) The interface 904 may facilitate multiple communications within wide variety of protocols and networks, including wired network. Further, the interface 904 may include a variety of software and hardware interfaces. In another embodiment, the interface 904 may include, but is not limited to, peripheral devices, such as a keyboard, a mouse, an external memory, and a printer. The interface 904 may facilitate multiple communications within wide variety of protocols and networks, including wired network. In one example, the interface 904 may include one or more ports for connecting the controller 112 to an output unit (not shown).
(31) In one embodiment, the memory 906 may include any non-transitory computer-readable medium. In one example, the non-transitory computer-readable medium may be a volatile memory, such as static random access memory and a non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory, erasable programmable ROM, and flash memory.
(32) The controller 112 may also include modules 908 and data 910. The modules 908 include routines, programs, objects, components, and data structures, which perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. In one embodiment, the modules 908 include a data receiving module 912, a determining module 914, and a controlling module 916. The data 910 may include a repository for storing data processed, received, and generated by one or more of the modules 908. The data 910 include a determining data 918 and a controlling data 920.
(33) The data receiving module 912 receives the data as detected by the at least one pressure sensor 108. In the present embodiment, the data may include, but are not limited to, the first pressure P1 of the exhaust gases between the nozzle ring 202 and the stator ring 204, and the second pressure P2 of the exhaust gases between the stator ring 204 and the rotor 206. The first pressure P1 may be understood as an operating pressure of the turbine 104. The data receiving module 912 also receives the data as detected by the set of sensors 110. The data may include, but are not limited to, the at least one value of the one or more parameters which correspond to the environmental factors. In one embodiment, the details pertaining to the data receiving module 912 may be stored in the determining data 918.
(34) Upon receiving the data from the at least one pressure sensor 108 and the set of sensors 110 by the data receiving module 912, the determining module 914 determines a desired second pressure P3 of the exhaust gases, based on the first pressure P1 and the at least one value. Therefore, the desired second pressure P3 may vary according to the operational pressure of the turbine 104 and the environmental factors. Based on the second pressure P2 and the desired second pressure P3, the determining module 914 determines whether the second pressure P2 has to be increased or decreased to achieve the desired second pressure P3. In one embodiment, details pertaining to the determining module 914 may be stored in the determining data 918.
(35) Following the determination of whether the second pressure P2 has to be increased or decreased to achieve the desired second pressure P3, the controlling module 916 regulates the second pressure P2. In other words, the controlling module 916 regulates the second pressure P2 based on the first pressure P1 and the at least one value of the one or more parameters. The controlling module 916 may control the second pressure P2 by introducing air into the exhaust gases when the exhaust gases are between the stator ring 204 and the rotor 206. In one embodiment, the controlling module 916 may control the second pressure P2 by introducing air into the cavity 227 between the stator ring 204 and the support ring 225.
(36) In one embodiment, the air is drawn from the compressor 102 which is connected to the turbine 104 through a conduit (not shown). The conduit may be adapted to carry the air from the compressor 102 to the cavity 227 between the stator ring 204 and the support ring 225. The controlling module 916 may vary the second pressure P2 by varying an amount of air to be introduced between the stator ring 204 and the support ring 225. In one embodiment, the amount of air from the compressor 102 to the turbine 104 may be controlled by a check valve (not shown) disposed in the conduit. In one example, in a closed state of the check valve, the second pressure P2 may be less than the first pressure P1 as a result of a normal pressure drop across the stator ring 204. In another example, in an open state of the check valve, the second pressure P2 may be greater than the first pressure P1. In another embodiment, the air may be drawn from a reservoir (not shown).
(37) The axial movement of the stator ring 204 between the first position and the second position is controlled based on the regulation of the second pressure P2 by the controlling module 916. In one embodiment, when the second pressure P2 is greater than the first pressure P1, the stator ring 204 achieves the first position by making the forward axial movement along the at least one cross-key pin 304. In another embodiment, when the second pressure P2 is greater than the first pressure P1, the stator ring 204 achieves the second position by making the rearward axial movement along the at least one cross-key pin 304. Therefore, the stator ring 204 is a pressure-activated stator ring 204 making axial movements along the at least one cross-key pin 304. In one embodiment, the seal 310 enables variable pressure across the stator ring 204 resulting into the axial movement of the stator ring 204. In one embodiment, details pertaining to the controlling module 916 may be stored in the controlling data 920.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
(38) The present disclosure relates to the turbine assembly 100 and a method 1000 of controlling flow of the exhaust gases in the engine. The turbine assembly 100 includes the nozzle ring 202 having the plurality of guide vanes 212, the stator ring 204 having the plurality of stator vanes 214, and the rotor 206 having the plurality of rotor blades 220. The stator ring 204 is axially movable between the first position and the second position, along the at least one cross-key pin 304 accommodated in the at least one slot 308 disposed between the turbine casing 302 and the stator ring 204. The axial movement of the stator ring 204 is based on the first pressure P1 and the second pressure P2. When the second pressure P2 is greater than the first pressure P1, the stator ring 204 achieves the first position by moving towards the nozzle ring 202. When the second pressure P2 is less than the first pressure P1, the stator ring 204 achieves the second position by moving away from the nozzle ring 202. The flow control system 106 of the turbine assembly 100 controls the second pressure P2 based on the first pressure P1 and the at least one value of the one or more parameters.
(39) Although the turbine assembly 100 of the present embodiment is explained to be installed for controlling the flow of exhaust gases before being introduced into the after-treatment system of the engine, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to such an application. The turbine assembly 100 can be employed in any application and any industry for the purpose of controlling flow of a fluid, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
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(41) At block 1002, the method 1000 includes receiving the first pressure P1 and the second pressure P2 of the exhaust gases. In one embodiment, the first pressure P1 and the second pressure P2 are detected by the at least one pressure sensor 202. In one embodiment, the data receiving module 912 of the controller 112 of the flow control system 106 receives the first pressure P1 and the second pressure P2 of the exhaust gases.
(42) At block 1004, the method 1000 includes receiving the at least one value of the one or more parameters. The one or more parameters are indicative of environmental factors affecting the operation of the turbine 104 of the turbine assembly 100. The one or more parameters may include, but are not limited to, the temperature, the pressure, and humidity of the air surrounding the turbine assembly 100. In one embodiment, the at least one value is detected by the set of sensors 110. In one embodiment, the data receiving module 912 of the controller 112 of the flow control system 106 receives the at least one value of the one or more parameters.
(43) At block 1006, the method 1000 includes regulating the second pressure P2 based on the first pressure P1 and the at least one least one value. The second pressure P2 is regulated to achieve the desired second pressure P3. In one embodiment, the second pressure P2 may be regulated by drawing air into the cavity 227 between the stator ring 204 and the support ring 225 from the compressor 102. In one embodiment, the controlling module 916 of the controller 112 of the flow control system 106 may regulate the second pressure P2 of the exhaust gases.
(44) At block 1008, the method 1000 includes controlling the axial movement of the stator ring 204 between the first position and the second position. The axial movement is controlled based on the regulation of the second pressure P2. The stator ring 204 makes the axial movement along the at least one cross-key pin 304 which is disposed between the outer surface 218 of the stator ring 204 and the inner surface 306 of the turbine casing 302. In the first position, the stator ring 204 moves towards the nozzle ring 202. In the second position, the stator ring 204 moves away from the nozzle ring 202. The axial movement of the stator ring 204 facilitates in controlling the flow of exhaust gases through the turbine assembly 100.
(45) The turbine assembly 100 and the method 1000 of the present disclosure offer a comprehensive approach for controlling flow of the exhaust gases in the engine. The stator ring 204 of the turbine 104 of the turbine assembly 100 move axially with respect to the turbine casing 302 for blocking or releasing the flow of exhaust gases through the turbine 104. Since the turbine assembly 100 includes the stator ring 204 having the stator vanes 214, the requirement of multiple shafts for moving individual stator vanes is eliminated. As a result, cost and inconvenience pertaining to sealing between the multiple shafts and the turbine casing 302 are also eliminated. Further, the axially moveable stator ring 204 is completely internal to the turbine assembly 100 and can be designed to operate in a bimodal (open/closed) position without an external actuation mechanism. The absence of the external actuation mechanism for moving the stator vanes 214 lead to a significant reduction in the number of moving parts involved in turbine operation, thereby resulting into a simpler construction, simpler operation and less maintenance costs of the turbine assembly 100. Further, for enabling the axial movement of the stator ring 204, the at least one cross-key pin 304 and the at least one slot 308 are utilized. The at least one cross-key pin 304 is disposed between the stator ring 204 and the turbine casing 302 and is accommodated in the at least one slot 308 formed on the stator ring 204. The at least one cross-key pin 304 allows the axial movement of the stator ring 204 and in turn of the stator vanes 214 while accommodating differences in radial growth and maintaining position to a centerline of the turbine assembly 100.
(46) In addition, the number, the dimension, and the positioning of the at least one cross-key pin 304 and the at least one slot 308 may be varied according to dimensional and operational characteristics of the turbine 104. Also, the operation of the turbine 104 may be varied based on the ambient air conditions by controlling the flow of exhaust gases in the turbine 104. This would ensure an effective operation of the turbine 104 in at least two conditions. Further, there is flexibility with regard to implementation and operation of the present invention resulting into a wide scope of application of the present disclosure.
(47) Further, the axial movement of the stator ring 204 is enabled based on the first pressure P1 and the second pressure P2. The stator ring 204 of the present disclosure is pressure activated and move based on the pressure difference between the first pressure P1 and the second pressure P2. Therefore, the number of mechanical components disposed for the application of the present disclosure is minimal leading to a simple construction and operation of the turbine assembly 100. In addition, owing to simpler construction and easy operation, maintenance concerns are also minimal. Moreover, an overall operation cost of the turbine assembly 100 is significantly low. Therefore, the present disclosure offers the turbine assembly 100 and the method 1000 for controlling the flow of exhaust gases in the engine that are simple, effective, economical, flexible, and time saving.
(48) While aspects of the present disclosure have been particularly shown and described with reference to the embodiments above, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various additional embodiments may be contemplated by the modification of the disclosed machines, systems and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of what is disclosed. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the present disclosure as determined based upon the claims and any equivalents thereof.