US20130019600A1 - Turbine exhaust arrangement - Google Patents
Turbine exhaust arrangement Download PDFInfo
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- US20130019600A1 US20130019600A1 US13/185,145 US201113185145A US2013019600A1 US 20130019600 A1 US20130019600 A1 US 20130019600A1 US 201113185145 A US201113185145 A US 201113185145A US 2013019600 A1 US2013019600 A1 US 2013019600A1
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- exhaust
- steam
- section
- flow
- arrangement structure
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01D—NON-POSITIVE DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, e.g. STEAM TURBINES
- F01D25/00—Component parts, details, or accessories, not provided for in, or of interest apart from, other groups
- F01D25/30—Exhaust heads, chambers, or the like
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F01—MACHINES OR ENGINES IN GENERAL; ENGINE PLANTS IN GENERAL; STEAM ENGINES
- F01K—STEAM ENGINE PLANTS; STEAM ACCUMULATORS; ENGINE PLANTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; ENGINES USING SPECIAL WORKING FLUIDS OR CYCLES
- F01K9/00—Plants characterised by condensers arranged or modified to co-operate with the engines
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05D—INDEXING SCHEME FOR ASPECTS RELATING TO NON-POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES OR ENGINES, GAS-TURBINES OR JET-PROPULSION PLANTS
- F05D2220/00—Application
- F05D2220/30—Application in turbines
- F05D2220/31—Application in turbines in steam turbines
Definitions
- the subject matter disclosed herein relates to an exhaust arrangement for a turbine, and more specifically to an exhaust arrangement for a turbine having an exhaust arrangement structure for guiding steam flow into a condenser.
- the steam exiting the last stage buckets of a steam turbine flows through a passage in a turbine casing and into a collector or exhaust hood.
- the steam then travels into a condenser.
- the condenser In one type of a steam turbine having a down flow type exhaust hood, the condenser is located below the exhaust hood and the steam is directed into the condenser in a generally downward direction.
- the exhaust hood typically includes an upper exhaust hood and a lower exhaust hood. A portion of the steam is directed into the lower exhaust hood and flows directly in the downward direction and into the condenser.
- the remaining steam in the upper exhaust hood is usually guided by a steam guide located in the upper exhaust hood and into the condenser.
- the steam located in the upper exhaust hood is guided by the steam guide from a vertically upward direction into a vertically downward direction over an inner casing of the turbine.
- This arrangement tends to create a vortex flow behind the steam guide in the upper exhaust hood.
- the vortex flow reduces the effective flow area between the steam guide and an outer wall of the exhaust hood.
- the vortex flow also increases back pressure in the top portion of the exhaust hood, which in turn reduces the turbine's efficiency.
- the steam exiting the exhaust hood and entering the condenser should also have a generally smooth flow.
- achieving a relatively smooth flow into the condenser may be challenging because the steam flows in an axial direction out of the last stage buckets, but then changes direction and flows in a radial direction into the condenser.
- an exhaust arrangement structure is placed within the exhaust hood.
- the exhaust arrangement structure includes a downstream channel that directs steam located in the upper exhaust hood into the condenser.
- this approach involves increasing the shaft length of the turbine, and also reduces the bearing cone foundation.
- vanes are placed in the exhaust hood.
- the vanes generally direct the steam exiting the last stage buckets from an axial direction into a radial direction.
- the vanes may not be effective at re-directing the flow of steam into the radial direction at some operating conditions. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a cost effective and efficient exhaust flow arrangement that directs steam in the upper exhaust hood to the condenser.
- an exhaust arrangement for a turbine having an inner turbine casing, a condenser, an exhaust arrangement structure, and a bearing cone.
- the inner turbine casing includes a plurality of last stage buckets.
- a steam flow passes through the inner turbine casing and out of the plurality of last stage buckets.
- the condenser receives the steam flow.
- the exhaust arrangement structure has a diffuser, a lower section and an upper section.
- the lower section has an exhaust section.
- the lower section receives the steam flow from the last stage buckets of the inner turbine casing through the diffuser and guides the steam flow out of the exhaust section in a direction generally towards the condenser.
- the upper section has a receiving section and a guiding section.
- the receiving section receives the steam flow from the last stage buckets of the inner turbine casing through the diffuser.
- the guiding section is oriented in a direction generally radially outwardly from a center axis of the turbine and is in fluid communication with the receiving section.
- the exhaust section of the lower section is in fluid communication with the guiding section to direct the steam flow into the condenser.
- the bearing cone is positioned along the center axis of the turbine and partially defines the steam flow path in the lower section and the upper section.
- FIG. 1 is a cross-sectioned view of an exemplary steam turbine having an exhaust arrangement structure
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectioned view of the exhaust arrangement structure shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the exhaust arrangement structure shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a portion of the exhaust arrangement structure shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the exhaust arrangement structure shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 6 is an alternative embodiment of the exhaust arrangement structure shown in FIG. 5 .
- FIG. 1 is an illustration of an exemplary steam turbine 10 having a rotor 12 , a plurality of turbine buckets 14 , an inner turbine casing 16 , a steam inlet 20 , a condenser 22 , and a guide plate that is an exhaust arrangement structure 30 .
- the steam turbine 10 is a down flow type steam turbine where the condenser 22 is located below the exhaust arrangement structure, and steam is directed into the condenser 22 in a generally downward direction.
- the steam turbine 10 could also be a double flow steam turbine, where opposing turbine buckets could be located on opposite axial sides of the turbine 10 to drive the rotor 12 .
- the inner turbine casing 16 includes the plurality of turbine buckets 14 that provide a steam flow through the inner turbine casing 16 .
- the steam flows out of the inner turbine casing 16 though a plurality of last stage buckets 32 .
- the exhaust arrangement structure 30 is mounted to the inner turbine casing 16 . Specifically, in the embodiment as shown, the exhaust arrangement structure 30 is attached to a downstream end 34 of the inner turbine casing 16 .
- the condenser 22 is mounted in a location that is generally below the exhaust arrangement structure 30 for receiving steam flow.
- a diffuser 40 is created between a bearing cone 44 and steam guides 46 .
- the diffuser 40 is located between the downstream end 34 of the inner turbine casing 16 and is part of the exhaust arrangement structure 30 .
- the diffuser 40 is employed to guide steam out of the inner turbine casing 16 and into the exhaust arrangement structure 30 .
- the bearing cone 44 may include a generally frustoconical outer profile.
- the bearing cone 40 is placed in an axial direction that is generally parallel to a center axis A-A of the turbine 10 , and is placed on the rotor 12 and located within the exhaust arrangement structure 30 .
- the exhaust arrangement structure 30 is employed to guide a steam flow 50 exiting the last stage buckets 32 of the inner turbine casing 16 and into the condenser 22 .
- the exhaust arrangement structure 30 includes a lower section 54 and an upper section 56 , a front wall 57 and an end wall 58 . In the embodiment as shown, a portion of the front wall 57 creates the diffuser 40 .
- the steam flow 50 exits the last stage buckets 32 flowing in a generally axial direction that may be substantially parallel with the center axis A-A of the turbine 10 .
- the steam flow 50 is then re-directed by the lower section 54 and the upper section 56 of the exhaust arrangement structure 30 into a generally radial direction towards the condenser 22 .
- the lower section 54 of the exhaust arrangement structure 30 directs the steam flow 50 exiting the last stage buckets 32 in a generally radial direction with respect to the center axis A-A of the turbine 10 , and towards the condenser 22 .
- a lower portion 60 of the diffuser 40 and the steam guides 46 cooperate together to guide steam out of the last stage buckets 32 and into the lower section 54 of the exhaust arrangement structure 30 .
- a lower outer surface 62 of the bearing cone 44 and the lower portion 60 of the diffuser 40 create a passageway 64 that defines a path for the steam flow 50 .
- the steam flow 50 is guided though the passageway 64 and out of the exhaust arrangement structure 30 into the condenser 22 .
- an exhaust section 74 of the lower portion 54 guides the steam flow 50 in a generally radial direction into the condenser 22 .
- the upper section 56 of the exhaust arrangement structure 30 includes a receiving section 70 and a guiding section 72 .
- the upper section 56 of the exhaust arrangement structure 30 is in fluid communication with the lower portion 54 of the exhaust arrangement structure 30 .
- the exhaust section 74 of the lower portion 54 receives the steam flow 50 from the upper section 56 and guides the steam flow 50 in a generally radial direction into the condenser 22 .
- An upper portion 76 of the diffuser 40 and the steam guides 46 cooperate to guide the steam flow 50 exiting the last stage buckets 32 in an axial direction and into the receiving section 70 of the upper section 56 of the exhaust arrangement structure 30 .
- An upper outer surface 78 of the bearing cone 44 and the upper portion 76 of the diffuser 40 create a passageway 80 . As shown in FIG.
- a portion of the steam flow 50 in the upper section 56 is guided though the passageway 80 and flows from a generally axial direction and into a generally vertical direction away from the condenser 22 . That is, the steam flow 50 flowing through an uppermost portion 81 of the upper portion 56 of the exhaust structure 30 (shown in FIGS. 1-3 ) is oriented in a generally vertical direction away from the condenser 22 .
- FIG. 2 is a side view of the exhaust arrangement structure 30 .
- the exhaust arrangement structure 30 includes a front end 82 that attaches to the downstream end 34 of the inner turbine casing 16 ( FIG. 1 ).
- the lower section 54 and the upper section 56 are each located between the front wall 57 and the end wall 58 .
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the exhaust arrangement structure 30 .
- the guiding section 72 of the upper portion 56 is in fluid communication with and receives the steam flow 50 from the receiving section 70 .
- the guiding section 72 is oriented to guide the steam flow 50 in a radial direction.
- the steam flow 50 is guided in a direction that is oriented generally radially outwardly from the center axis A-A of the turbine 10 .
- the exhaust section 74 of the lower section 54 is in fluid communication with and receives the steam flow 50 from the guiding section 72 of the upper section 56 .
- the guiding section 74 directs the steam flow into the condenser 22 (shown in FIG. 1 ).
- FIGS. 2-3 also illustrate the steam flow 50 being guided out of the lower section 54 of the exhaust arrangement structure 30 .
- the vortex flow that occurs in conventional down flow exhaust hoods is reduced or substantially eliminated in the steam flow 50 located in the upper section 56 of the exhaust arrangement structure 30 .
- flow diffusion of the steam flow 50 in the upper section of the exhaust arrangement structure 30 is typically increased when compared to conventional down flow exhaust hoods. Increased flow diffusion usually results in a reduction of back pressure of the turbine, which results in greater turbine efficiency.
- the exhaust arrangement structure 30 may be less expensive and complex when compared to some down flow hoods that are currently available. This is because the outer casing of the hood can be omitted, as the exhaust arrangement structure 30 acts as a guide to receive the steam flow from the last stage buckets 32 of the inner turbine casing 16 .
- the exhaust arrangement structure 30 can be supported directly by a foundation of the turbine 10 (not shown), which results in enhanced machine reliability. Some approaches that are currently available may reduce vortex flow in a conventional exhaust hood, however some of these approaches involve increasing the shaft length of the turbine. Increasing the shaft length of the turbine will in turn increase the overall axial dimensions of the turbine. In contrast, the exhaust arrangement structure 30 does not substantially increase the length of the turbine 10 .
- FIG. 4 a bottom view of a portion of the exhaust flow arrangement structure 30 is shown.
- the steam flow 50 enters the exhaust flow arrangement 30 at an inlet 94 located at the front end 82 .
- a flow diffusion portion 90 of the exhaust arrangement structure 30 is indicated by a phantom line.
- the flow diffusion portion 90 of the exhaust arrangement structure 30 represents where flow diffusion of the steam flow 50 occurs. This is because a remaining portion 92 of the exhaust flow structure 30 is generally located within the inner turbine casing 16 (which is shown in FIG. 1 ), and therefore flow diffusion of the steam flow 50 can not typically occur.
- the flow diffusion portion 90 of the exhaust flow arrangement 30 has a height H that is measured between the end wall 58 of the exhaust arrangement structure 30 and an outer surface 97 of the exhaust arrangement structure 30 .
- the height H can be adjusted depending on the particular system requirements of the turbine 10 . Specifically, an increased height H of the portion 90 results in a greater Effective Area Ratio (EAR).
- the EAR is the ratio between the inlet 94 of the exhaust arrangement structure 30 and an outlet 96 (shown in FIG. 1 ) of the exhaust arrangement structure 30 .
- a greater EAR results in greater pressure recovery of the steam flow 50 that flows through the exhaust flow arrangement 30 .
- FIGS. 5-6 illustrate a portion of the outer profile of the exhaust arrangement structure 30 .
- the flow diffusion portion 90 of the exhaust arrangement structure 30 includes an edge surface 98 .
- a flow diffusion portion 190 may include a filleted edge 198 instead.
- the filleted edge 198 represents where the inner wall (not shown) of the exhaust arrangement structure 130 corresponds to the filleted edge 198 .
- an inner wall of the exhaust arrangement structure 130 includes a generally curved profile.
- the inner wall may also include other non-rectangular cross-sections as well, such as, for example, an elliptical profile.
- the curved profile may be used in an effort to enhance the flow characteristics of the exhaust arrangement structure 130 .
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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Abstract
An exhaust arrangement for a turbine is provided having an inner turbine casing, a condenser, an exhaust arrangement structure, and a bearing cone. The inner turbine casing includes a plurality of last stage buckets. A steam flow passes through the inner turbine casing and out of the plurality of last stage buckets. The condenser for receives the steam flow. The exhaust arrangement structure has a diffuser, a lower section and an upper section. The lower section has an exhaust section. The lower section receives the steam flow from the last stage buckets of the inner turbine casing through the diffuser and guides the steam flow out of the exhaust section in a direction generally towards the condenser. The upper section has a receiving section and a guiding section.
Description
- The subject matter disclosed herein relates to an exhaust arrangement for a turbine, and more specifically to an exhaust arrangement for a turbine having an exhaust arrangement structure for guiding steam flow into a condenser.
- The steam exiting the last stage buckets of a steam turbine flows through a passage in a turbine casing and into a collector or exhaust hood. The steam then travels into a condenser. In one type of a steam turbine having a down flow type exhaust hood, the condenser is located below the exhaust hood and the steam is directed into the condenser in a generally downward direction. The exhaust hood typically includes an upper exhaust hood and a lower exhaust hood. A portion of the steam is directed into the lower exhaust hood and flows directly in the downward direction and into the condenser. The remaining steam in the upper exhaust hood is usually guided by a steam guide located in the upper exhaust hood and into the condenser. Specifically, the steam located in the upper exhaust hood is guided by the steam guide from a vertically upward direction into a vertically downward direction over an inner casing of the turbine. This arrangement tends to create a vortex flow behind the steam guide in the upper exhaust hood. The vortex flow reduces the effective flow area between the steam guide and an outer wall of the exhaust hood. The vortex flow also increases back pressure in the top portion of the exhaust hood, which in turn reduces the turbine's efficiency.
- In an effort to increase turbine efficiency, the steam exiting the exhaust hood and entering the condenser should also have a generally smooth flow. However, achieving a relatively smooth flow into the condenser may be challenging because the steam flows in an axial direction out of the last stage buckets, but then changes direction and flows in a radial direction into the condenser. Several approaches exist to reduce or substantially eliminate the occurrence of vortex flow in the upper exhaust hood and provide a generally smooth flow of steam into the condenser. For example, in one approach an exhaust arrangement structure is placed within the exhaust hood. The exhaust arrangement structure includes a downstream channel that directs steam located in the upper exhaust hood into the condenser. However, this approach involves increasing the shaft length of the turbine, and also reduces the bearing cone foundation.
- In another approach, multiple sets of vanes are placed in the exhaust hood. The vanes generally direct the steam exiting the last stage buckets from an axial direction into a radial direction. However, the vanes may not be effective at re-directing the flow of steam into the radial direction at some operating conditions. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a cost effective and efficient exhaust flow arrangement that directs steam in the upper exhaust hood to the condenser.
- According to one aspect of the invention, an exhaust arrangement for a turbine is provided having an inner turbine casing, a condenser, an exhaust arrangement structure, and a bearing cone. The inner turbine casing includes a plurality of last stage buckets. A steam flow passes through the inner turbine casing and out of the plurality of last stage buckets. The condenser receives the steam flow. The exhaust arrangement structure has a diffuser, a lower section and an upper section. The lower section has an exhaust section. The lower section receives the steam flow from the last stage buckets of the inner turbine casing through the diffuser and guides the steam flow out of the exhaust section in a direction generally towards the condenser. The upper section has a receiving section and a guiding section. The receiving section receives the steam flow from the last stage buckets of the inner turbine casing through the diffuser. The guiding section is oriented in a direction generally radially outwardly from a center axis of the turbine and is in fluid communication with the receiving section. The exhaust section of the lower section is in fluid communication with the guiding section to direct the steam flow into the condenser. The bearing cone is positioned along the center axis of the turbine and partially defines the steam flow path in the lower section and the upper section.
- These and other advantages and features will become more apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings.
- The subject matter, which is regarded as the invention, is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
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FIG. 1 is a cross-sectioned view of an exemplary steam turbine having an exhaust arrangement structure; -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectioned view of the exhaust arrangement structure shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the exhaust arrangement structure shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a portion of the exhaust arrangement structure shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the exhaust arrangement structure shown inFIG. 1 ; and -
FIG. 6 is an alternative embodiment of the exhaust arrangement structure shown inFIG. 5 . - The detailed description explains embodiments of the invention, together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawings.
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FIG. 1 is an illustration of anexemplary steam turbine 10 having arotor 12, a plurality ofturbine buckets 14, aninner turbine casing 16, asteam inlet 20, acondenser 22, and a guide plate that is anexhaust arrangement structure 30. In the embodiment as shown, thesteam turbine 10 is a down flow type steam turbine where thecondenser 22 is located below the exhaust arrangement structure, and steam is directed into thecondenser 22 in a generally downward direction. In one exemplary embodiment, thesteam turbine 10 could also be a double flow steam turbine, where opposing turbine buckets could be located on opposite axial sides of theturbine 10 to drive therotor 12. Theinner turbine casing 16 includes the plurality ofturbine buckets 14 that provide a steam flow through theinner turbine casing 16. The steam flows out of theinner turbine casing 16 though a plurality oflast stage buckets 32. Theexhaust arrangement structure 30 is mounted to theinner turbine casing 16. Specifically, in the embodiment as shown, theexhaust arrangement structure 30 is attached to adownstream end 34 of theinner turbine casing 16. Thecondenser 22 is mounted in a location that is generally below theexhaust arrangement structure 30 for receiving steam flow. - A
diffuser 40 is created between abearing cone 44 andsteam guides 46. Thediffuser 40 is located between thedownstream end 34 of theinner turbine casing 16 and is part of theexhaust arrangement structure 30. Thediffuser 40 is employed to guide steam out of theinner turbine casing 16 and into theexhaust arrangement structure 30. Thebearing cone 44 may include a generally frustoconical outer profile. Thebearing cone 40 is placed in an axial direction that is generally parallel to a center axis A-A of theturbine 10, and is placed on therotor 12 and located within theexhaust arrangement structure 30. - The
exhaust arrangement structure 30 is employed to guide asteam flow 50 exiting thelast stage buckets 32 of theinner turbine casing 16 and into thecondenser 22. Theexhaust arrangement structure 30 includes alower section 54 and anupper section 56, afront wall 57 and anend wall 58. In the embodiment as shown, a portion of thefront wall 57 creates thediffuser 40. Thesteam flow 50 exits thelast stage buckets 32 flowing in a generally axial direction that may be substantially parallel with the center axis A-A of theturbine 10. Thesteam flow 50 is then re-directed by thelower section 54 and theupper section 56 of theexhaust arrangement structure 30 into a generally radial direction towards thecondenser 22. Specifically, thelower section 54 of theexhaust arrangement structure 30 directs thesteam flow 50 exiting thelast stage buckets 32 in a generally radial direction with respect to the center axis A-A of theturbine 10, and towards thecondenser 22. Alower portion 60 of thediffuser 40 and the steam guides 46 cooperate together to guide steam out of thelast stage buckets 32 and into thelower section 54 of theexhaust arrangement structure 30. A lowerouter surface 62 of the bearingcone 44 and thelower portion 60 of thediffuser 40 create apassageway 64 that defines a path for thesteam flow 50. Thesteam flow 50 is guided though thepassageway 64 and out of theexhaust arrangement structure 30 into thecondenser 22. Specifically, anexhaust section 74 of thelower portion 54 guides thesteam flow 50 in a generally radial direction into thecondenser 22. - The
upper section 56 of theexhaust arrangement structure 30 includes a receivingsection 70 and a guidingsection 72. Theupper section 56 of theexhaust arrangement structure 30 is in fluid communication with thelower portion 54 of theexhaust arrangement structure 30. Specifically, theexhaust section 74 of thelower portion 54 receives thesteam flow 50 from theupper section 56 and guides thesteam flow 50 in a generally radial direction into thecondenser 22. Anupper portion 76 of thediffuser 40 and the steam guides 46 cooperate to guide thesteam flow 50 exiting thelast stage buckets 32 in an axial direction and into the receivingsection 70 of theupper section 56 of theexhaust arrangement structure 30. An upperouter surface 78 of the bearingcone 44 and theupper portion 76 of thediffuser 40 create apassageway 80. As shown inFIG. 1 , a portion of thesteam flow 50 in theupper section 56 is guided though thepassageway 80 and flows from a generally axial direction and into a generally vertical direction away from thecondenser 22. That is, thesteam flow 50 flowing through anuppermost portion 81 of theupper portion 56 of the exhaust structure 30 (shown inFIGS. 1-3 ) is oriented in a generally vertical direction away from thecondenser 22. - Turning now to
FIGS. 2-3 , theexhaust arrangement structure 30 is illustrated.FIG. 2 is a side view of theexhaust arrangement structure 30. Theexhaust arrangement structure 30 includes afront end 82 that attaches to thedownstream end 34 of the inner turbine casing 16 (FIG. 1 ). Thelower section 54 and theupper section 56 are each located between thefront wall 57 and theend wall 58.FIG. 3 is a perspective view of theexhaust arrangement structure 30. Referring now toFIGS. 1-3 , the guidingsection 72 of theupper portion 56 is in fluid communication with and receives thesteam flow 50 from the receivingsection 70. The guidingsection 72 is oriented to guide thesteam flow 50 in a radial direction. Specifically, thesteam flow 50 is guided in a direction that is oriented generally radially outwardly from the center axis A-A of theturbine 10. Theexhaust section 74 of thelower section 54 is in fluid communication with and receives thesteam flow 50 from the guidingsection 72 of theupper section 56. The guidingsection 74 directs the steam flow into the condenser 22 (shown inFIG. 1 ).FIGS. 2-3 also illustrate thesteam flow 50 being guided out of thelower section 54 of theexhaust arrangement structure 30. - The vortex flow that occurs in conventional down flow exhaust hoods is reduced or substantially eliminated in the
steam flow 50 located in theupper section 56 of theexhaust arrangement structure 30. Also, flow diffusion of thesteam flow 50 in the upper section of theexhaust arrangement structure 30 is typically increased when compared to conventional down flow exhaust hoods. Increased flow diffusion usually results in a reduction of back pressure of the turbine, which results in greater turbine efficiency. Moreover, theexhaust arrangement structure 30 may be less expensive and complex when compared to some down flow hoods that are currently available. This is because the outer casing of the hood can be omitted, as theexhaust arrangement structure 30 acts as a guide to receive the steam flow from thelast stage buckets 32 of theinner turbine casing 16. Theexhaust arrangement structure 30 can be supported directly by a foundation of the turbine 10 (not shown), which results in enhanced machine reliability. Some approaches that are currently available may reduce vortex flow in a conventional exhaust hood, however some of these approaches involve increasing the shaft length of the turbine. Increasing the shaft length of the turbine will in turn increase the overall axial dimensions of the turbine. In contrast, theexhaust arrangement structure 30 does not substantially increase the length of theturbine 10. - Turning now to
FIG. 4 , a bottom view of a portion of the exhaustflow arrangement structure 30 is shown. Thesteam flow 50 enters theexhaust flow arrangement 30 at aninlet 94 located at thefront end 82. Aflow diffusion portion 90 of theexhaust arrangement structure 30 is indicated by a phantom line. Theflow diffusion portion 90 of theexhaust arrangement structure 30 represents where flow diffusion of thesteam flow 50 occurs. This is because a remainingportion 92 of theexhaust flow structure 30 is generally located within the inner turbine casing 16 (which is shown inFIG. 1 ), and therefore flow diffusion of thesteam flow 50 can not typically occur. Theflow diffusion portion 90 of theexhaust flow arrangement 30 has a height H that is measured between theend wall 58 of theexhaust arrangement structure 30 and anouter surface 97 of theexhaust arrangement structure 30. The height H can be adjusted depending on the particular system requirements of theturbine 10. Specifically, an increased height H of theportion 90 results in a greater Effective Area Ratio (EAR). The EAR is the ratio between theinlet 94 of theexhaust arrangement structure 30 and an outlet 96 (shown inFIG. 1 ) of theexhaust arrangement structure 30. A greater EAR results in greater pressure recovery of thesteam flow 50 that flows through theexhaust flow arrangement 30. -
FIGS. 5-6 illustrate a portion of the outer profile of theexhaust arrangement structure 30. Turning now toFIG. 5 , in one embodiment, theflow diffusion portion 90 of theexhaust arrangement structure 30 includes anedge surface 98. Turning now toFIG. 6 , in an alternative embodiment of anexhaust arrangement structure 130, aflow diffusion portion 190 may include a filletededge 198 instead. The filletededge 198 represents where the inner wall (not shown) of theexhaust arrangement structure 130 corresponds to the filletededge 198. That is, an inner wall of theexhaust arrangement structure 130 includes a generally curved profile. The inner wall may also include other non-rectangular cross-sections as well, such as, for example, an elliptical profile. The curved profile may be used in an effort to enhance the flow characteristics of theexhaust arrangement structure 130. - While the invention has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, while various embodiments of the invention have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (20)
1. An exhaust arrangement for a turbine, comprising:
an inner turbine casing including a plurality of last stage buckets, a steam flow passing through the inner turbine casing and out of the plurality of last stage buckets;
a condenser for receiving the steam flow;
an exhaust arrangement structure comprising:
a diffuser for guiding the steam flow out of the plurality of last stage buckets of the inner turbine casing;
a lower section having an exhaust section, the lower section receiving the steam flow from the plurality last stage buckets of the inner turbine casing through the diffuser and guiding the steam flow out of the exhaust section in a direction generally towards the condenser;
an upper section having a receiving section and a guiding section, the receiving section receiving the steam flow from the plurality of last stage buckets of the inner turbine casing through the diffuser and the guiding section oriented in a direction generally radially outwardly from a center axis of the turbine and in fluid communication with the receiving section, and the exhaust section of the lower section in fluid communication with the guiding section to direct the steam flow into the condenser; and
a bearing cone positioned along the center axis of the turbine and partially defining the steam flow path in the lower section and the upper section.
2. The exhaust arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the exhaust arrangement structure is attached to a downstream end of the inner turbine casing.
3. The exhaust arrangement of claim 1 , comprising a plurality of steam guides, wherein the diffuser and the steam guides cooperate together to guide the steam flow out of the plurality of last stage buckets of the inner turbine casing.
4. The exhaust flow arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the bearing cone is positioned within the exhaust arrangement structure, and partially defines the lower section and the upper section.
5. The exhaust flow arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the exhaust arrangement structure includes a flow diffusion portion, wherein flow diffusion of the steam flow occurs within the flow diffusion portion.
6. The exhaust flow arrangement of claim 5 , wherein the flow diffusion portion includes a height that is measured between an end wall of the exhaust arrangement structure and an outer surface of the exhaust arrangement structure.
7. The exhaust flow arrangement of claim 6 , wherein the height is adjustable depending on the system requirements of the turbine.
8. The exhaust flow arrangement of claim 7 , wherein increasing the height results in a greater Effective Area Ratio (EAR), and wherein the EAR is the ratio between an inlet of the exhaust arrangement structure and an outlet of the exhaust arrangement structure.
9. The exhaust flow arrangement of claim 1 , wherein a portion of an outer surface of the exhaust arrangement structure includes a filleted edge, and wherein an inner wall of the exhaust arrangement structure corresponds to the filleted edge.
10. The exhaust flow arrangement of claim 1 , wherein the turbine is a double flow steam turbine.
11. A steam turbine, comprising:
an inner turbine casing having a downstream end and including a plurality of last stage buckets, a steam flow passing through the inner turbine casing and out of the plurality of last stage buckets;
a condenser for receiving the steam flow;
an exhaust arrangement structure attached to a downstream end of the inner turbine casing, the exhaust arrangement structure comprising:
a diffuser for guiding the steam flow out of the plurality of last stage buckets of the inner turbine casing;
a lower section having an exhaust section, the lower section receiving the steam flow from the plurality of last stage buckets of the inner turbine casing through the diffuser and guiding the steam flow out of the exhaust section;
an upper section having a receiving section and a guiding section, the receiving section receiving the steam flow from the plurality of last stage buckets of the inner turbine casing through the diffuser and the guiding section oriented in a direction generally radially outwardly from a center axis of the turbine and in fluid communication with the receiving section, and the exhaust section of the lower section in fluid communication with the guiding section to direct the steam flow into the condenser; and
a bearing cone positioned along the center axis of the and within the exhaust arrangement structure, the bearing cone partially defining the steam flow path in the lower section and the upper section.
12. The steam turbine of claim 11 , comprising a plurality of steam guides, wherein the diffuser and the steam guides cooperate together to guide the steam flow out of the plurality of last stage buckets of the inner turbine casing.
13. The steam turbine of claim 11 , wherein the exhaust arrangement structure includes a flow diffusion portion, wherein flow diffusion of the steam flow occurs within the flow diffusion portion.
14. The steam turbine of claim 13 , wherein the flow diffusion portion includes a height that is measured between an end wall of the exhaust arrangement structure and an outer surface of the exhaust arrangement structure.
15. The steam turbine of claim 14 , wherein the height is adjustable depending on the system requirements of the turbine.
16. The steam turbine of claim 15 , wherein increasing the height results in a greater Effective Area Ratio (EAR), and wherein the EAR is the ratio between an inlet of the exhaust arrangement structure and an outlet of the exhaust arrangement structure.
17. The steam turbine of claim 11 , wherein a portion of an outer surface of the exhaust arrangement structure includes a filleted edge, and wherein an inner wall of the exhaust arrangement structure corresponds to the filleted edge.
18. The steam turbine of claim 11 , wherein the turbine is a double flow steam turbine.
19. A steam turbine, comprising:
an inner turbine casing including a plurality of last stage buckets, a steam flow passing through the inner turbine casing and out of the plurality of last stage buckets;
a condenser for receiving the steam flow;
an exhaust arrangement structure comprising:
a diffuser for guiding the steam flow out of the plurality of last stage buckets of the inner turbine casing;
a lower section having an exhaust section, the lower section receiving the steam flow from the plurality of last stage buckets of the inner turbine casing through the diffuser and guiding the steam flow out of the exhaust section;
an upper section having a receiving section and a guiding section, the receiving section receiving the steam flow from the plurality of last stage buckets of the inner turbine casing through the diffuser and the guiding section oriented in a direction generally radially outwardly from a center axis of the turbine and in fluid communication with the receiving section, and the exhaust section of the lower section in fluid communication with the guiding section to direct the steam flow into the condenser;
a flow diffusion portion where flow diffusion of the steam flow occurs, the flow diffusion portion including a height that is measured between an end wall of the exhaust arrangement structure and an outer surface of the exhaust arrangement structure, the height being adjustable depending on the system requirements of the steam turbine; and
a bearing cone positioned along the center axis of the and within the exhaust arrangement structure, the bearing cone partially defining the steam flow path in the lower section and the upper section.
20. The steam turbine of claim 19 , comprising a plurality of steam guides, wherein the diffuser and the steam guides cooperate together to guide the steam flow out of the plurality of last stage buckets of the inner turbine casing.
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/185,145 US20130019600A1 (en) | 2011-07-18 | 2011-07-18 | Turbine exhaust arrangement |
DE102012106398A DE102012106398A1 (en) | 2011-07-18 | 2012-07-16 | Turbinenauslassvorrichtung |
FR1256880A FR2978201A1 (en) | 2011-07-18 | 2012-07-17 | TURBINE EXHAUST DEVICE |
RU2012131213/06A RU2012131213A (en) | 2011-07-18 | 2012-07-17 | TURBINE RELEASE DEVICE |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/185,145 US20130019600A1 (en) | 2011-07-18 | 2011-07-18 | Turbine exhaust arrangement |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20130019600A1 true US20130019600A1 (en) | 2013-01-24 |
Family
ID=47469721
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/185,145 Abandoned US20130019600A1 (en) | 2011-07-18 | 2011-07-18 | Turbine exhaust arrangement |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20130019600A1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE102012106398A1 (en) |
FR (1) | FR2978201A1 (en) |
RU (1) | RU2012131213A (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140348647A1 (en) * | 2013-05-24 | 2014-11-27 | Solar Turbines Incorporated | Exhaust diffuser for a gas turbine engine exhaust system |
CN109790756A (en) * | 2016-10-03 | 2019-05-21 | 通用电器技术有限公司 | Turbine exhaust structure with special designing |
CN110242368A (en) * | 2018-03-08 | 2019-09-17 | 三菱重工业株式会社 | The exhaust chamber and steam turbine system of steam turbine |
EP4130443A1 (en) * | 2021-07-29 | 2023-02-08 | Solar Turbines Incorporated | Exhaust diffuser with collector |
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US5257906A (en) * | 1992-06-30 | 1993-11-02 | Westinghouse Electric Corp. | Exhaust system for a turbomachine |
US7600962B2 (en) * | 2005-03-31 | 2009-10-13 | Hitachi, Ltd. | Turbine exhaust system and method for modifying the same |
US20100162705A1 (en) * | 2008-12-30 | 2010-07-01 | Sharrow Edward J | Methods, systems and/or apparatus relating to steam turbine exhaust diffusers |
US7780403B2 (en) * | 2006-09-08 | 2010-08-24 | Siemens Energy, Inc. | Adjustable turbine exhaust flow guide and bearing cone assemblies |
US8317467B2 (en) * | 2009-12-29 | 2012-11-27 | General Electric Company | Radial channel diffuser for steam turbine exhaust hood |
-
2011
- 2011-07-18 US US13/185,145 patent/US20130019600A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2012
- 2012-07-16 DE DE102012106398A patent/DE102012106398A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2012-07-17 FR FR1256880A patent/FR2978201A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2012-07-17 RU RU2012131213/06A patent/RU2012131213A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US5257906A (en) * | 1992-06-30 | 1993-11-02 | Westinghouse Electric Corp. | Exhaust system for a turbomachine |
US7600962B2 (en) * | 2005-03-31 | 2009-10-13 | Hitachi, Ltd. | Turbine exhaust system and method for modifying the same |
US7780403B2 (en) * | 2006-09-08 | 2010-08-24 | Siemens Energy, Inc. | Adjustable turbine exhaust flow guide and bearing cone assemblies |
US20100162705A1 (en) * | 2008-12-30 | 2010-07-01 | Sharrow Edward J | Methods, systems and/or apparatus relating to steam turbine exhaust diffusers |
US8317467B2 (en) * | 2009-12-29 | 2012-11-27 | General Electric Company | Radial channel diffuser for steam turbine exhaust hood |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20140348647A1 (en) * | 2013-05-24 | 2014-11-27 | Solar Turbines Incorporated | Exhaust diffuser for a gas turbine engine exhaust system |
CN109790756A (en) * | 2016-10-03 | 2019-05-21 | 通用电器技术有限公司 | Turbine exhaust structure with special designing |
CN109790756B (en) * | 2016-10-03 | 2022-07-22 | 通用电器技术有限公司 | Turbine exhaust structure with special design |
US11702960B2 (en) * | 2016-10-03 | 2023-07-18 | General Electric Technology Gmbh | Turbine exhaust structure of particular design |
CN110242368A (en) * | 2018-03-08 | 2019-09-17 | 三菱重工业株式会社 | The exhaust chamber and steam turbine system of steam turbine |
EP4130443A1 (en) * | 2021-07-29 | 2023-02-08 | Solar Turbines Incorporated | Exhaust diffuser with collector |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
FR2978201A1 (en) | 2013-01-25 |
DE102012106398A1 (en) | 2013-01-24 |
RU2012131213A (en) | 2014-01-27 |
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Owner name: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY, NEW YORK Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:NEELI, SUDHAKAR;JOHN, JOSHY;SADHU, ANTANU;REEL/FRAME:026614/0151 Effective date: 20110624 |
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