JP5809464B2 - Compressible support for turbine engines - Google Patents

Description

  The subject matter disclosed herein relates to turbine engines and, more particularly, to assembly, support, and alignment of turbine engine components.

  In certain applications, the turbine may include various sections that are designed to be assembled during installation. Each turbine can be encased by a “shell” (also referred to as a “cradle”) or a turbine shell supported by an exhaust frame and its bearings. The turbine shell can include arms or other extensions, which can be supported by a support, such as by a vertical support on the pedestal itself. The turbine shell can also be supported vertically by legs attached to the ground.

  The bearing housing typically covers and protects the turbine bearing. During installation, the bearing housing is positioned so that the rotor is concentric with the turbine shell and avoids interference with other components. A support on the exhaust frame can engage a support portion on the bearing housing to align and support the bearing housing in the vertical and / or horizontal direction. Depending on the support of the exhaust frame and the bearing housing support, the operating clearance may increase or decrease. These changes in clearance can lead to uncertainty in the position of the bearing with respect to the stationary part and can result in friction or interference between such parts.

  The turbine shell generally covers and protects the rotating parts of the turbine. During installation, the turbine shell is generally aligned with the rotating parts to avoid interference with the parts. A support for the ground can engage a support portion on the turbine shell to align and support the turbine shell in a vertical and / or horizontal direction. Due to the thermal expansion of the support portion and / or the support of the pedestal, it may be difficult to obtain the desired clearance. For example, the clearance may increase or decrease during operation depending on the configuration of the pedestal support and support portion. These varying clearances can result in uncertainty in the position of the turbine shell relative to the rotating parts, which can ultimately result in friction or interference between these parts.

US Pat. No. 7,414,413

  Several embodiments of the invention described in the scope of claims of the present application will be summarized. These embodiments do not limit the technical scope of the invention described in the claims, but simply summarize possible forms of the invention. Indeed, the invention is not limited to the embodiments set forth below but encompasses various different embodiments.

  In a first embodiment, a system includes a turbine engine including a turbine shell, and a support assembly including a keyway configured to support the turbine engine and defined by at least first and second protrusions; A jib extending from the turbine shell and configured to mate with the keyway and a first shim disposed between the jib and the first protrusion and including a metal foam.

  In a second embodiment, the system comprises a first turbine alignment component for a turbine engine and a shim that includes a metal foam, the shim having a first surface of the first turbine alignment component, a second And a second surface of the turbine alignment component.

  In a third embodiment, a system includes a keyway having a bottom, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side, and inserted into the keyway to provide a turbine engine. And a first shim disposed in the keyway between the key and the first side, the support feature for the turbine engine including a key configured to provide lateral alignment of the turbine shell And a second shim disposed in the keyway between the key and the second side, wherein the first shim and the second shim include a metal foam.

  These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention may be better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings in which: Throughout the drawings, like reference numerals are used for like members.

1 is a schematic flow diagram of one embodiment of a combined cycle power generation system having a gas turbine, a steam turbine, and a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) system. The perspective view of the turbine base part and turbine shell which concern on one Embodiment of this invention. 1 is a schematic front view of a turbine support feature according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. The graph of the stress / strain curve of the metal foam which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a keyway protrusion of the turbine support feature of FIG. 3 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a keyway protrusion of the turbine support feature of FIG. 3 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

  The following describes one or more specific embodiments of the present invention. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features in an actual implementation may not be described herein. As with any engineering or design project, when developing for implementation, implementation-specific to achieve specific developer goals (such as complying with system and operational constraints) that vary from implementation to implementation It will be clear that many decisions need to be made. Furthermore, while such development efforts may be complex and time consuming, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art who have access to the disclosure herein only routine design, assembly and manufacture.

  When introducing components of various embodiments of the present invention, what is written in the singular means that there are one or more of the components. The terms “comprising”, “comprising” and “having” are inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed components.

  Embodiments of the present invention provide a compliant shim (eg, metal foam shim) for aligning steam or gas turbine turbine components (eg, turbine shell) supported on a turbine support (eg, pedestal). Including. The metal foam shim can be installed as a shim between the keyway of the turbine part and the jib of the turbine support. In operation, the metal foam shim can be compressed in response to the thermal expansion of the hot turbine components to ensure that the desired clearance remains between the keyway and the jib. In some embodiments, a wear pad (eg, a stellite wear pad) may be provided between the metal foam shim and the keyway to support any shear load exerted by the jib and / or keyway. In some embodiments, the thickness, relative density, and material of the metal foam shim can be chosen to ensure that the metal foam shim provides the desired linear elasticity and long life.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic flow diagram of one embodiment of a combined cycle power generation system 10 having a gas turbine 12, a steam turbine 22, and an exhaust heat recovery boiler (HRSG) system 32. The system 10 can utilize one or more support features to align various components in the gas turbine 12, the steam turbine 22, and a heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) system 32. As discussed below, the support features include one or more compliant shims (eg, metal foam shims) to maintain a suitable clearance despite thermal expansion of the hot turbine components.

  The system 10 can include a gas turbine 12 that drives a first load 14. The first load 14 can be, for example, a generator for generating electric power. The gas turbine 12 may include a turbine 16, a combustor or combustion chamber 18, and a compressor 20. The system 10 can also include a steam turbine 22 for driving the second load 24. The second load 24 can also be a generator for generating power. However, both the first and second loads 14, 24 may be other types of loads that can be driven by the gas turbine 12 and the steam turbine 22. In addition, the gas turbine 12 and the steam turbine 22 can drive separate loads 14 and 16 as shown in the illustrated embodiment, but are utilized in a tandem configuration to provide a single load via a single shaft. May be driven. In the illustrated embodiment, the steam turbine 22 may include one low pressure section 26 (LP ST), one intermediate pressure section 28 (IP ST), and one high pressure section 30 (HP ST). However, the particular configuration of the steam turbine 22 as well as the gas turbine 12 can be unique at the time of implementation and can include any combination of sections.

  Each section of the steam turbine 22, such as the low pressure section 26, the intermediate pressure section 28, and the high pressure section 30, can generally be supported and separated by an intermediate pedestal 29 (eg, a cradle). Similarly, the end pedestal 31 (eg, a cradle) can generally support the ends of the high pressure section 30 and the low pressure section 26. The pedestals 29, 31 can be disposed along the axis of the turbine 22 and can include various components such as supports, pickups, and piping between the turbine sections 26, 28, 30. As will be described in detail below, the pedestals 29, 31 also provide lateral (ie, horizontal) alignment of the turbine shells of the sections 26, 28, 30 via jib and keyway engagement. be able to. Engagement between the jib and keyway can be adjusted through the use of a metal foam shim as described herein. The gas turbine 12 may also include a similar arrangement of one or more sections and pedestals, and further utilizes a jib, keyway, and metal foam shim for lateral alignment as discussed below. It should be understood that this is possible.

  The system 10 can also include a multi-stage HRSG 32. The components of HRSG 32 in the illustrated embodiment are simplified representations of HRSG 32 and are not intended to be limiting. Rather, the illustrated HRSG 32 is shown to convey the general operation of such an HRSG system. The heated exhaust gas 34 from the gas turbine 12 can be transferred to the HRSG 32 and used to heat the steam used to transmit power to the steam turbine 22. The exhaust gas from the low pressure section 26 of the steam turbine 22 can be sent to a condenser 36. Condensate from the condenser 36 can be sent to the low pressure section of the HRSG 32 using a condensation pump 38.

  The condensate can then flow through a low pressure economizer 40 (LPECON), which is an apparatus configured to heat the feedwater with a gas that can be used to heat the condensate. A portion of the condensate from the low pressure economizer 40 can be sent to the low pressure evaporator 42 (LPEVAP) and the remainder of the condensate can be pumped towards the medium pressure economizer 44 (IPECON). Steam from the low pressure evaporator 42 can be returned to the low pressure section 26 of the steam turbine 22. Similarly, some of the condensate from the medium pressure economizer 44 can be sent to the medium pressure evaporator 46 (IPEVAP) and the remainder of the condensate must be pumped to the high pressure economizer 48 (HPECON). Can do. Steam from the intermediate pressure evaporator 46 may be sent to the intermediate pressure section 28 of the steam turbine 22. Again, the illustrated embodiment is merely illustrative of the general operation of the HRSG system that can utilize the specific aspects of embodiments of the present invention, so the connection between the economizer, evaporator, and steam turbine 22 is similar. May vary from implementation to implementation.

  Finally, the condensate from the high pressure economizer 48 can be sent to the high pressure evaporator 50 (HPEVAP). Steam exiting the high pressure evaporator 50 can be sent to a primary high pressure superheater 52 and a final high pressure superheater 54 where the steam is superheated and ultimately sent to the high pressure section 30 of the steam turbine 22. The exhaust gas from the high pressure section 30 of the steam turbine 22 can be sent to the intermediate pressure section 28 of the steam turbine 22. The exhaust gas from the intermediate pressure section 28 can be sent to the low pressure section 26 of the steam turbine 22.

  The interstage attemperator 56 can be disposed between the primary high pressure superheater 52 and the final high pressure superheater 54. The interstage attemperator 56 can allow for more robust control of the steam discharge temperature from the final high pressure superheater 54. Specifically, the interstage attemperator 56 injects the low temperature feed water spray into the superheated steam upstream of the final high pressure superheater 54 whenever the discharge temperature of the steam flowing out from the final high pressure superheater 54 exceeds a predetermined value. Thus, the temperature of the steam flowing out from the final high pressure superheater 54 can be controlled.

  In addition, the exhaust gas from the high pressure section 30 of the steam turbine 22 can be sent to a primary reheater 58 and a secondary reheater 60 where the exhaust gas is reheated and then recirculated in the steam turbine 22. The pressure section 28 can be sent. Primary reheater 58 and secondary reheater 60 may also be associated with an interstage attemperator 62 for controlling the exhaust steam temperature from the reheater. Specifically, the interstage attemperator 62 applies a low-temperature feed water spray to the superheated steam upstream of the secondary reheater 60 whenever the discharge temperature of the steam from the secondary reheater 60 exceeds a predetermined value. By injecting, the temperature of the steam exiting from the secondary reheater 60 can be controlled.

  In a combined cycle system, such as system 10, hot gas 34 can flow from gas turbine 12 through HRSG 32, which can be used to produce high pressure hot steam. The steam produced by HRSG 32 can then pass through a steam turbine for power generation. In addition, the generated steam can also be fed to any other process in which superheated steam can be used. The gas turbine 12 cycle is often referred to as the “topping cycle” and the steam turbine 22 generation cycle is often referred to as the “bottoming cycle”. By combining these two cycles as shown in FIG. 1, the combined cycle power generation system 10 can provide higher efficiency in both cycles. In particular, the exhaust heat from the topping cycle can be taken and used to generate steam for use in the bottoming cycle.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a turbine pedestal 70 (eg, intermediate pedestal 29 and end pedestal 31) that supports a turbine shell 72, such as the shells of the low pressure section 26, the medium pressure section 28, and the high pressure section 30. is there. The pedestal 70 can include an upper half 74 and a lower half 76, and the turbine shell 72 can include an upper half turbine shell 78 or a lower half turbine shell 80. Turbine shell 72 may be supported and aligned by a support frame disposed on pedestal 70, such as generally in the region indicated by arrow 79. The support feature supports the turbine shell 72 aligned laterally along the x-axis, such as the direction indicated by arrow 81, through engagement of the jib and keyway and adjustment of one or more metal foam shims. Can do. As described above, the gas turbine 12 may also use support features to similarly align the pedestal and one or more shells of the gas turbine laterally.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a turbine support feature 82 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the turbine support feature 82 includes a keyway 84 on the pedestal 70 and a protrusion (eg, a jib (also referred to as a “key”)) that extends from the turbine shell lower half 80. Can be included. The keyway 84 can be defined by a protrusion 88 extending from the pedestal 70. A space 83 between the protrusions 88 can define a keyway 84. In some embodiments, the protrusion can be machined from the pedestal 70, welded onto the pedestal 70, or manufactured by any suitable technique. The jib 86 is configured to mate with the keyway 84 and provide alignment and support for the turbine shell 72 along the x-axis.

  The clearance between the keyway 84 and the jib 86 can be set during "cold" conditions, such as when the turbine section is not in operation and is below operating temperature. For example, some clearance can be provided between the keyway 84 and the protrusion of the jib 86 to prevent damage to the jib 86. In operation, the jib 86 can thermally expand within the keyway 84 as the turbine section and turbine shell 72 heat up. To ensure the desired attachment between the jib 86 and the keyway 84, one or more compliant shims (eg, metal foam shim 90) between the jib 86 and each protrusion defining the keyway 84. ) Can be arranged. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the first metal foam shim 90A can be inserted between one side of the jib 86 and the protrusion 88, and the second metal foam shim 90B can be inserted between the other side of the jib 86. It can be inserted between the side and the protrusion 88. As the turbine shell 72 heats up and the jib 86 grows in the keyway 84, the metal foam shim 90 is pressurized and the clearance between the jib 86 and the side of the keyway 84 can be maintained.

  As described further below, the metal foam shim 90 can include a FeCrAlY foam, a stainless steel foam, a copper foam, an Inconel foam, a nickel foam, an aluminum foam, or any suitable foam, The thickness, relative density, and material of the metal foam can be selected to ensure that the metal foam maintains linear elasticity in response to the force exerted by the expanding jib 86. In addition, the metal foam shim 90 is sufficiently compliant to prevent damage to the jib 86 and / or keyway during the thermal expansion of the jib 86, and in addition, any desired between the jib 86 and the keyway 84. Sufficient rigidity can be maintained to maintain lateral alignment, i.e., maintain alignment of the turbine shell 72. Advantageously, the metal foam allows for adjustment of the support features at low temperatures and makes assembly easier. In addition, the metal foam shim 90 in the support feature can eliminate or minimize any low or high temperature lateral position uncertainty and provide a tighter clearance between the stationary and rotating parts of the turbine. it can.

As described above, the metal foam can be selected to provide the desired linear elasticity, such as by selecting a metal foam having a desired yield strength or Young's modulus. As will be appreciated, both yield strength or Young's modulus can be a function of relative density. FIG. 4 depicts a strength / strain curve 94 for an exemplary metal foam, such as, for example, a FeCrAlY metal foam having a 15% relative density. As shown in FIG. 4, the y-axis corresponds to the metal foam stress (lbf / in ² ) for a given strain (in / in) on the x-axis. The linear region 96 corresponds to the corresponding portion of the stress / strain curve of the FeCrAlY metal foam exhibiting linear elasticity. For example, in the linear region depicted in FIG. 4, the Young's modulus of the FeCrAlY metal foam can be about 61259 psi. Other regions may include a stable region 98 where the stress of the metal foam does not change with respect to strain, and a high density region 99 where the density of the metal foam increases with strain and the stress increases rapidly. it can.

  Thus, when selecting a metal foam for use as a shim in the manner described above, the metal foam is expected to be induced in the metal foam shim during turbine operation or during expansion of the turbine shell 70. Can be chosen to reliably provide up to linear elasticity. As noted above, the metal foam can include FeCrAlY foam, stainless steel foam, copper foam, Inconel foam, nickel foam, aluminum foam, or any suitable foam. Further, the metal foam can comprise an open cell metal foam or a closed cell metal foam. In addition, the metal foam used has a relative density greater than about 5%, such as at least about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, or more. Can have.

  For example, referring to the jib 86 and keyway 84 described above in FIG. 3, a steady state of 600 ° F. and 300 ° F. in a jib 86 that is about 6 inches wide, about 8 inches high, and about 20 inches long. At the state jib temperature, the stress generated by the 15% relative density FeCrAlY metal foam is about 860 psi and is in the linear elastic region 96 depicted in FIG. In addition, in such an embodiment, the total lateral force generated on the metal foam is 137,600 lbf.

  In some embodiments, the metal foam shim 90 can be used with additional components. FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of a keyway protrusion 88 having a wear pad 100 and a retaining plate 102, and FIG. 6 depicts a perspective view of the keyway protrusion 88 without the retaining plate 102. Yes. As shown in FIG. 5, the wear pad 100 is capable of absorbing some or all of the shear load exerted by the jib 86 on the keyway protrusion 88 as indicated by arrow 104. As shown in FIG. 6, the wear pad 100 can be disposed between the metal foam shim 90 and the jib 86. In some embodiments, the wear pad 100 can be stellite, steel, or any other suitable material, or combinations thereof. The retaining plate 102 can be used to hold the metal foam shim 90 and the wear pad 100 in alignment with the keyway protrusion 88. For example, the retaining plate 102 can hold the wear pad 100 against any shear load acting on the pad in the direction indicated by arrow 104. Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the wear pad 100 is mechanically attached to the metal foam shim 90 by one or more fasteners 106, such as nails, screws, bolts, rivets, or any other suitable fastener. Can be fixed. In other embodiments, the wear pad 100 can be joined to the metal foam shim 90 by brazing, welding, gluing, or any other suitable process. Thus, in some embodiments, the wear pad 100 and the metal foam shim 90 can be joined together to form a single part, and in other embodiments, the wear pad 100 is not the metal foam shim 90. It may be a separate part. In other embodiments, the wear pad 100 may be omitted, and the metal foam shim 90 may be the only part disposed between the jib 86 and the keyway protrusion 88. Similarly, the retaining plate 102 can be mechanically secured to the keyway protrusion 88 by one or more fasteners 108, such as nails, screws, or any other suitable fastener. As also shown in FIG. 6, the protrusion 88 can include a recess 110 configured to position / receive a shim 90 in a special area of the protrusion 88. The recess 110 can be defined by one or more depressions or extensions on the inner surface of the protrusion 88. In some embodiments, the one or more protrusions 88 that define the keyway 84 can include a recess.

  It should be understood that in other embodiments, the keyway can be positioned on the turbine shell 72 and the jib 86 can be positioned on the turbine pedestal. In such an embodiment, the metal foam shim 90 can be used to provide the desired clearance between the jib and the keyway as described above. Furthermore, compliant shims (eg, metal foam shims) as described above can be used in other support features having, for example, first and second alignment features, male and female alignment features, and the like. Please understand the point.

  This specification discloses the invention, including the best mode, and is described by way of example to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using the device or system and implementing the method. I have done it. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples have components that have no difference in the wording of the claims, or equivalent components that have no substantial difference from the language of the claims. It belongs to the technical scope described in the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Power generation system 12 Gas turbine 22 Steam turbine 32 HRSG system 14 1st load 16 Turbine 18 Combustion chamber 20 Compressor 24 2nd load 26 Low pressure section 28 Medium pressure section 30 High pressure section 29 Intermediate pedestal part 31 End pedestal part 34 Heating Exhaust gas 36 Condenser 38 Condensation pump 40 Low pressure economizer 42 Low pressure evaporator 44 Medium pressure economizer 46 Medium pressure evaporator 48 High pressure economizer 50 High pressure evaporator 52 High pressure superheater 54 High pressure superheater 56 Interstage attemperator 58 Primary reheater 60 Secondary reheater 62 Interstage attemperator 70 Turbine pedestal 72 Turbine shell 74 Upper half 76 Lower half 78 Upper half turbine shell 80 Lower half turbine shell 79 Arrow 81 Arrow 82 Turbine support feature 83 Space 84 Keyway 86 88 projecting portion 90 the metal foam shim 94 stress / strain curve 96 linear region 98 stable region 99 high-density region 100 wear pad 102 fastened plate 104 arrow 106 fasteners 108 fasteners 110 recess

Claims (10)

A turbine engine (12) including a turbine shell (72);
A support assembly (70) configured to support the turbine engine (12) and including a keyway (84) defined by at least first and second protrusions (88);
A jib (86) extending from the turbine shell (72) and configured to mate with the keyway (84);
A system (10) comprising a first shim (90A) disposed between the jib (86) and the first protrusion (88) and comprising a metal foam.   The system of claim 1, wherein the metal foam comprises at least one of FeCrAlY, stainless steel, copper, inconel, nickel, or aluminum. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the metal foam has a relative density of at least 5 % or more. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the support assembly (70) reduces or prevents lateral movement of the turbine shell (72). The system according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a second shim (90B) disposed between the jib (86) and the second protrusion (88) and comprising a metal foam. The support assembly (70), said turbine engine bearing at the distal end portion of the turbine stages (26, 28, 30) of (12), lubrication system, and comprises at least one of the rotor, to claim 1 6. The system according to any one of 5 . A keyway (84) having a bottom, a first side, and a second side opposite the first side, and inserted into the keyway (84) to A support feature (82) for the turbine engine (12), including a key (86) configured to provide lateral alignment of the turbine shell (72);
A first shim (90A) disposed in the keyway (84) between the key (86) and a first side;
A system (10) comprising a second shim (90B) disposed in the keyway (84) between the key (86) and a second side, wherein the first shim (90A ) And the second shim (90B) comprise a metal foam.   The first side includes a first recess (110) configured to receive a first shim (90A), and the second side is configured to receive a second shim (90B) The system of claim 7, comprising a second recessed portion (110).   A first retaining plate (102) configured to hold a first shim (90A) in a first recess (110) and a second shim (90B) in a second recess (110) The system of claim 8, comprising a second retaining plate (102) configured in such a manner. A first wear pad (100) disposed between a first shim (90A) and the key (86) and a second shim (90B) disposed between the key (86); A second wear pad (100) ,
The first wear pad (100) and the second wear pad (100) are configured to receive a shear force exerted by the key (86) in the keyway (84) ;
The system of claim 8, wherein the first wear pad (100) is coupled to the first shim (90A) and the second wear pad (100) is coupled to the second shim (90B).