WO2015086715A2

WO2015086715A2 - A turbine

Info

Publication number: WO2015086715A2
Application number: PCT/EP2014/077293
Authority: WO
Inventors: Liam BARR
Original assignee: Universal Engineering Solutions Limited; Liam BARR
Priority date: 2013-12-10
Filing date: 2014-12-10
Publication date: 2015-06-18
Also published as: WO2015086715A3; GB201321853D0

Abstract

A turbine having a plurality of blades and an apparatus for adjusting the angle of all or part of at least one blade. The adjustment of the blade allowing for adaption of the angle of at least part of the blade to match operating conditions.

Description

A TURBINE

The present invention relates to a turbine for a turbo charger and in particular to a turbine apparatus with an improved range of optimum performance.

There are numerous applications of the radial inflow turbine but the most common of these uses is the turbocharger. Turbocharging is a means of increasing the power output from an engine by availing of the energy in the exhaust gas. The most common form of automotive turbochargers use exhaust gas to drive a radial inflow turbine which in turn provides power to a compressor wheel. Both the radial turbine and the compressor wheel are assembled together on a common shaft. The compressor wheel then compresses air taken from the surrounding atmosphere and directs it to the engine intake manifold. This additional mass of air allows more fuel to be burned within the engine therefore increasing the output power at each engine speed. The principal objective of turbocharging is to increase the power output per volume and cost of engine.

A radial turbine designed for optimum efficiency at a single operating point, i.e. the design point, will, in theory, experience zero incidence loss. At the design point the incidence angle, defined as the angle of difference between the relative fluid flow just upstream of rotor inlet and the leading edge blade angle, will be at its optimum value. As the radial turbine deviates from the design point operating condition to off-design conditions, such as those experienced during acceleration, the angle at which the fluid flow interacts with the turbine will also move away from its optimum value thus increasing the incidence losses and lowering turbine performance.

In vehicle turbocharging applications the turbine spends a significant part of its operating time accelerating from relatively low speeds in response to engine transients. Consequently, the turbine often operates at an isentropic velocity ratio value well below the optimum design value, and rarely above the optimum value. Transient engine performance, and particularly transient exhaust emission, is closely related to the level of boost pressure achievable. Research has shown that a 1% increase in turbine performance would result in around 5% more torque available for turbocharger acceleration and significantly reduce the time taken for the turbocharger to reach full boost pressure during a transient (turbo lag). Therefore, improvements in turbine efficiency at lower values of isentropic velocity ratio would yield significant benefit during the engine transients that account for much of engine operating time, benefiting engine response and emissions.

It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate the problem of lower performance of a radial turbine during operation at off-design conditions.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a turbine having a plurality of blades and a means for adjusting the angle of all or part of at least one blade with respect to an oncoming inlet fluid flow.

Advantageously, the adjustment of the blade allows for adaption of the angle, with respect to the flow, to match operating conditions.

Ideally, the turbine is a radial turbine

In an alternative arrangement, the at least one blade has a moveable portion.

Ideally, the oncoming inlet flow is a generally radial flow optionally with a tangential component.

Ideally, the radial turbine has a means for adjusting the movable portion of the at least one blade.

Preferably, the movable portion of the at least one blade is pivotally coupled to the blade.

Preferably, the movable portion of the blade is pivotally coupled at or about a leading edge of the blade.

Ideally, the moveable portion of the blade is coupled at or about a leading edge of the blade by hinge means.

Preferably, the hinge means comprises the leading edge of at least one blade defining movable portion engaging means.

Ideally, the hinge means comprises a trailing edge of the movable portion having movable portion engaging means.

Ideally, the blade engaging means and the movable portion engaging means have axial bores alignable when the movable portion is movably coupled to the blade.

In an alternative embodiment, the movable portion of the blade is locatable at or about the trailing edge of the blade.

Preferably, the hinge means comprises the leading edge of at least one blade defining at least one notch and a trailing edge of the movable portion having at least one tongue formed for insertion into the notch.

Ideally, the leading edge of at least one blade defines three notches and the trailing edge of the movable portion having three tongues formed for insertion into the three notches defined by the leading edge of the at least one blade.

Ideally, the hinge means comprises the leading edge of the at least one blade defining the at least one notch with a pair of lateral members on each side of the at least one notch, each lateral member having a cavity such as a throughbore opening into the at least one notch, the lateral members being spaced apart along the leading edge of the at least one blade.

Preferably, the throughbore runs through each notch in an alignable fashion where more than one notch is defined by the leading edge of the at least one blade.

Ideally, the hinge means further comprising the trailing edge of the movable portion having at least one tongue with a through cavity such as a bore extending axially along the tongue so that the through bore of the at least one tongue aligns axially with the throughbores of the lateral members for receiving a hinge pin.

Preferably, the at least one tongue is formed for insertion into the at least one notch.

Preferably, at least one hinge pin pivotably couples the at least one tongue section to the blade.

Ideally, the hinge pin extends through the lateral members of the at least one notch and the at least one tongue section.

Preferably, the hinge pin extends into each of the axial cavities such as throughbores of each lateral member of the at least one notch.

Alternatively, the at least one tongue has two hinge inserts housed within recesses of the tongue on opposing lateral edges of the tongue so as to be in alignment with the cavities such as bores of the lateral members.

Preferably the hinge inserts are insertable into the cavities such as bores of the lateral members.

Ideally, the hinge inserts pivotably couple the at least one tongue section to the blade.

Preferably, at least one of the hinge inserts of the at least one tongue is retractable into the recess in the tongue.

Ideally, the at least one retractable hinge insert is held in its protruding position under normal conditions by a biasing means.

Advantageously, the retractable hinge insert can be retracted to allow the at least one tongue section to be pivotably coupled to the blade.

Alternatively, the blade is, at least in part, deformable.

Ideally, the deformable section is plastically deformable.

Advantageously, a force is applied to the deformable blade portion adjusting the angle, the deformable section returning to its original position once applied force is removed.

Preferably, the means for adjusting the moveable portion of the one or more blade is an axially adjustable powered actuator means coupleable to or formed integrally with the moveable portion of the blade.

Preferably, the means for adjusting the moveable portion of the one or more blade is an axially and/or radially adjustable powered actuator means coupleable to or formed integrally with the moveable portion of the blade.

Ideally, the movable portion has engagement means for engaging with the powered actuator means.

Preferably, the engagement means of the movable portion comprise a shaft protruding laterally from the movable portion at or about a leading edge thereof.

Ideally, the protruding shaft of the movable portion is movable and preferably slidable relative to the powered actuator means.

Ideally, the protruding shaft of the movable portion is movable and preferably slidable relative to the blade coupling means.

Ideally, the axially adjustable powered actuator means is movably mounted on a shaft of the radial turbine.

Preferably, the axially adjustable powered actuator means and shaft of the radial turbine have engagement means therebetween.

Preferably, the engagement means formed between the axially adjustable powered actuator means and shaft of the turbine allow axial and/or rotational motion between the axially adjustable powered actuator means and shaft of the turbine.

Ideally, the engagement means comprise one or more outer spline members locatable on the shaft of the radial turbine and one or more inner spline members locatable on the axially adjustable powered actuator means.

Preferably, the engagement means comprise one or more inner spline members locatable on the shaft of the turbine and one or more outer spline members locatable on the axially adjustable powered actuator means.

Preferably, the one or more outer spline members and one or more inner spline members are engagable.

Ideally, the one or more outer spline members and one or more inner spline members are helical spline members.

Advantageously, as the axially adjustable powered actuator means is moved in an axial direction, the one or more engaged helical inner and outer spline members guide the axially adjustable powered actuator means in a controlled axial and/or rotational movement.

Preferably, the axially adjustable powered actuator means has blade coupling means.

Ideally, the blade coupling means comprise radial arm means which extend from the portion of the axially adjustable powered actuator means in engagement with the shaft of the radial turbine towards the movable portion of each blade in a hub and spoke arrangement.

Preferably, the movable portion of each blade has its own corresponding spoke.

Ideally, the spokes are engagable with the movable portion of their corresponding blades at or about their end distal the end extending from the portion of the axially adjustable powered actuator means in engagement with the shaft of the radial turbine.

Preferably, the spokes are in slidable engagement with the movable portion of their corresponding blades.

Ideally, the spokes have means for receiving a protruding coupling shaft of the movable portion of the blade.

Ideally, the spokes have a cavity such as an elongated bore for receiving a protruding coupling shaft of the movable portion of the blade.

Preferably, the coupling shaft of the movable portion of the blades are slidable within the elongated bore of their corresponding spoke.

Advantageously, as the axially adjustable powered actuator means rotates, the spokes also rotate, causing the portion of the spoke coupleable to the movable portion of the corresponding blade to act upon the protruding coupling shaft of the movable portion of the blade and effect movement of the movable portion of the blade.

Preferably, the axially adjustable powered actuator means has biasing means.

Preferably, the axially adjustable powered actuator means has an axial biasing means.

Ideally the biasing means is locatable between the radial turbine and a radial turbine facing surface of the axially adjustable powered actuator means.

Preferably, the axial biasing means is a spring.

Preferably, the axial biasing means is an axial spring.

Ideally, the spring is a helical spring.

Preferably, in an unbiased condition, the biasing means urges the axially adjustable powered actuator means away from the radial turbine.

Ideally, when the axially adjustable powered actuator means is moved towards the radial turbine, the biasing means is biased such that removal of the biasing force causing the axially adjustable powered actuator means to move towards the radial turbine will allow the biasing means to urge the axially adjustable powered actuator means away from the radial turbine.

Ideally, a fixing means is fixably attachable on the shaft of the radial turbine at the end of the axially adjustable powered actuator means distal the end having the spokes extending therefrom.

Preferably, the fixing means is a circlip.

Advantageously, the circlip prevents excess axial movement of the axially adjustable powered actuator means away from the radial turbine head.

Preferably, the axially adjustable powered actuator means is rotatably mountable within a bearing.

Ideally, the axially adjustable powered actuator means is rotatably mountable within an axial bearing.

Preferably, the axial is a spindle bearing.

Advantageously, the spindle bearing permits free rotation of axially adjustable powered actuator means.

Preferably, the bearing is mountable within a bearing housing.

Preferably, the axially adjustable powered actuator means is releasably couplable to the radially adjustable actuator means couplable to the moveable portion of the blade.

Ideally, the shaft is a power transfer shaft.

Advantageously, the power generated by the rotation of the turbine can be transferred via the shaft and utilised in another application or process such as a turbo compressor.

Preferably, the axially adjustable powered actuator means has a collar for slidable adjustment along the shaft.

Preferably, the axially adjustable powered actuator means has a tapered actuator head for engagement with the radially adjustable actuator means.

Ideally, the collar has a spline formed on its interior surface.

Preferably, the shaft has a spline formed on its surface mateable with the spline formed on the inner surface of the collar.

Advantageously, the spline joint between the collar and the shaft restricts relative rotational movement between the two components.

Ideally, the radially adjustable actuator means is a first order lever having a first free end formed for operable engagement with the axially adjustable powered actuator means and a second end formed for operable engagement with the movable portion of the blade.

Ideally, the lever is pivotally mounted between its two ends on the backface of the radial turbine plate.

Preferably, the portion of the lever contactable with the tapered actuator head has a tapered surface aligned with a tapered surface of the tapered actuator head as the tapered actuator head is axially adjusted.

Advantageously, as the tapered actuator head moves axially towards the lever, the head applies a torque to the lever causing the lever to rotate about its pivot point ultimately adjusting the angle of the moveable portion of the blade.

Preferably, the other end of the lever has means for coupling with the movable portion.

Ideally, the other end of the lever has a cavity such as an elongated bore for receiving a protruding coupling shaft of the movable portion.

Ideally, the lever has a biasing means.

Preferably, the lever biasing means is a spring.

Ideally, the lever biasing means is a torsion spring.

Preferably, the lever biasing means is mounted around the lever pivot point.

Ideally, the lever biasing means has a bore concentric with the lever pivot point when mounted thereon.

Preferably, the lever biasing means is couplable at a first end to the radial turbine.

Ideally, the lever biasing means is couplable at a second end to the lever.

Advantageously, the lever biasing means applies a torque to the lever so that the tapered surface of the free end of the lever remains in constant contact with the tapered surface of the tapered collar.

Ideally, the tapered actuator head is a tapered collar.

Preferably, a plurality of radially adjustable actuator means are spaced angularly around the backface of the radial turbine plate.

Ideally, the radially adjustable actuator means are equi-spaced angularly around the backface of the radial turbine plate.

Ideally, the tapered collar has an internal cavity.

Advantageously, the tapered collar has a frustoconical shape.

Preferably, the tapered collar has a biasing means mounted within the internal cavity.

Ideally, the biasing means is a spring.

Advantageously, the spring allows movement of the tapered collar towards the main turbine when force is applied, but also returns the tapered collar to its original position when no force is present.

Ideally, the collar is rotatably mountable within a collar bearing.

Preferably, the collar bearing is a spindle bearing.

Advantageously, the collar bearing permits free rotation of the tapered collar.

Ideally, the axial movement of the collar bearing is guided by the matable splines formed on the inner surface of the collar and on the shaft.

Preferably, the collar bearing is mountable within a collar bearing housing.

Ideally, a circlip is fixably attachable on the shaft at the end of the tapered collar distal the tapered lever contacting end.

Advantageously, the circlip prevents excess axial movement of the tapered collar away from the radial turbine head.

Ideally, the turbine blade and at least one movable portion are made from an Inconel alloy.

Ideally, the hinge pin is manufactured from Inconel alloy.

Alternatively, the hinge pin is manufactured from a steel alloy.

Preferably, the moveable portion of the at least one blade is moveable in a direction opposite to the direction of angular rotation.

Ideally, the range of movement of the moveable portion of the blade is greater than 10 degrees.

Preferably, the range of movement of the moveable portion of the blade is greater than 20 degrees.

Ideally, the range of movement of the moveable portion of the blade is less than 50 degrees.

Preferably, the range of movement of the moveable portion of the blade is less than 40 degrees.

Most preferably, the range of movement of the moveable portion of the blade is 30 degrees.

Ideally, a control means for controlling the means for adjusting the angle of all or part of the blade comprises an electronic control unit.

Preferably, the electronic control unit has sensing means for sensing operating conditions of the oncoming inlet flow at any point upstream of the turbine such as operating pressure, temperature, and/or flow rate for the basis of its control.

Ideally, the electronic control unit has sensing means for sensing operating conditions of the outlet flow at any point downstream of the turbine such as operating pressure, temperature, and/or flow rate for the basis of its control.

Ideally, the electronic control unit has a sensing means for sensing the rotational speed of the shaft.

Ideally, the output of the sensing means is operably connectable with the electronic control unit.

Preferably, the sensing means comprises pressure, temperature, flow rate, and/or shaft rotational speed sensors.

Advantageously, the output of the sensing means can be used for the basis of any adjustments made by the electronic control unit. As the sensors detect variations in the operating parameters of the inlet flow or shaft rotational speed, the electronic control unit can cause adjustments to the movable portion of the blade to ensure optimized turbine operation.

Ideally, the electronic control unit has a software control program having a module executable thereon for analyzing the data received from the sensors and in response to this analysis, the software control program having a module with means for generating control signals for controlling the operation of the means for adjusting the angle of all or part of at least one blade.

Preferably, the means for adjusting the angle of all or part of at least one blade comprises an electromechanical actuator.

Ideally, the means for adjusting the angle of all or part of at least one blade comprises an electrically controlled bi-directional linear actuator.

Preferably the electrically controlled bi-directional linear actuator is a linear stepper motor.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which show by way of example two embodiments of a radial turbine in accordance with the invention. In the drawings:-

Figure 1 is a vertical section view of the turbine with the movable portion of the blade in a radial position;

Figure 2 is a partial close up perspective view of the radially adjustable actuator means and axially adjustable powered actuator interface;

Figure 3 is a front elevation view of the turbine with the movable portion of the blade in a radial position;

Figure 4 is a front elevation view of the turbine with the movable portion of the blade in a backswept position;

Figure 5 is a back elevation view of the turbine with the movable portion of the blade in a radial position;

Figure 6 is a back elevation view of the turbine with the movable portion of the blade in a backswept position;

Figure 7 is a side view of the turbine with the movable portion of the blade in a radial position;

Figure 8 is a side view of the turbine with the movable portion of the blade in a backswept position;

Figure 9 is an isometric view of the turbine with the movable portion of the blade in a radial position;

Figure 10 is an isometric view with the movable portion of the blade in a backswept position;

Figure 11 is a vertical sectional view of the lever and pivot point;

Figure 12 is an isometric view of the lever and pivot point;

Figure 13 is a vertical sectional view of a second embodiment of the turbine having a backdisc;

Figure 14 is a perspective view of the backdisc of the second embodiment of the turbine;

Figure 15 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the turbine with the bearing and housing thereof removed;

Figure 16 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the turbine; and

Figure 17 is a vertical sectional view of the second embodiment of the turbine having a backdisc and showing a control unit in operable engagement therewith.

In the drawings, generally there is shown a radial turbine indicated generally by the reference numeral 1

The radial turbine 1 has a plurality of blades 2 and an arrangement indicated generally by a reference numeral 3 for adjusting the angle of part of the blades 2 with respect to a generally radial fluid flow. The adjustment of the blade 2 allows for adaption of the blade angle, with respect to the flow, to match operating conditions. The blade 2 has a moveable portion 4. The radial turbine 1 has an arrangement, also indicated generally by reference numeral 3, for adjusting the movable portion 4 of the blades 2. The moveable portion 4 of the blade 2 is coupled at the leading edge 5 of the blade 2 by hinge 6. The leading edges of the blades 2 define three notches 7 and the trailing edge of the movable portion 4 has three tongues 8 which are inserted into the notches 7 – see Figure 1. It will of course be appreciated that the number of notches can be adjusted to accommodate the specific conditions and three is given as exemplary only.

The hinge 6 is formed by the leading edges 5 of the blades 2 defining three notches 7 with a pair of lateral members 9 on each side of each notch 7, each lateral member 9 has a cavity 10 opening into a notch 7. The lateral members 9 are spaced apart along the leading edge 5 of the blades 2. The trailing edge 11 of the movable portion 4 has three tongues 8 with a through bore extending axially along the tongues 8 and the through bore 12 of the tongues 8 aligns axially with the cavaties 10 of the lateral members 9 and recieves a hinge pin 13. The hinge pin 13 pivotably couples the tongue sections 8 to the blade 2. The hinge pin 13 extends through the lateral members 9 and the tongue sections 8, and into each of the axial cavities 10 of each lateral member 9.

The moveable portion 4 of the blade 2 is adjusted by an axially adjustable

powered actuator assembly

17, 22, 29, 30 coupled to a radially

adjustable actuator assembly

14, 18, 19, 24, 25 which is in turn coupled to the moveable portion 4. The axially adjustable

powered actuator assembly

17, 22, 29, 30 is movably mounted on the power transfer shaft 15 (see Figure 2) of the radial turbine 1 and has a collar 16 for sliding adjustment along the shaft 15, and a tapered collar 17 for engagement with the radially

adjustable actuator assembly

14, 18, 19, 24, 25. The collar 16 has splines formed on its inner surface which mate with corresponding splines 32 formed on the outer surface of the shaft 15. The radially

adjustable actuator assembly

14, 18, 19, 24, 25 has a first free end 18 in operable engagement with the tapered collar 17 and a second end 19 in operable engagement with the movable portion 4 of the blade 2. The lever 14 is pivotally mounted between its two ends 18, 19 on a backface 20 of the radial turbine plate 21. The portion of the lever 14 contactable with the tapered collar 17 has a tapered surface 23 aligning with a tapered surface 22 of the tapered collar 17 as it is axially adjusted. As the tapered collar 17 moves axially towards the lever 14 the expanding tapered surface of the collar 17 applies a torque to the lever 14 causing the lever to rotate about its pivot point 24 ultimately adjusting the angle of the moveable portion 4 of the blade 2. The other end of the lever 14 has a cavity such as an elongated bore 25 for receiving a protruding coupling shaft 26 of the movable portion 4 of the blade 2. The levers 14 are equi-spaced angularly around the backface 20 of the radial turbine plate 21.

The lever 14 has a torsion spring 33 with a concentric bore. The torsion spring 33 is mounted around the lever pivot point 24 with one end coupled to the backface 20 of the radial turbine plate 21 and its other end coupled to the lever 14. The torsion spring 33 applies a torque to the lever 14 so that the tapered surface 23 of the free end 19 of the lever 14 remains in constant contact with the tapered surface 22 of the tapered collar 17.

The tapered collar 17 is a frustoconical shape containing an internal cavity 27 (see Figure 1) and has a biasing member 28 mounted within the internal cavity 27. The spring 28 allows movement of the tapered collar 17 towards the main turbine 1 when force is applied by an electromechanical actuator 210 via an electronic control unit 200 (see figure 17), but also returns the tapered collar 17 to its original position when no force is present. The collar 16 is mounted within a collar bearing 29 which permits free rotation of the tapered collar 17. The axial movement of the collar bearing 29 is guided by the matable splines 32 formed on the inner surface of the collar 16 and on the shaft 15.

The collar bearing 29 is mountable within a collar bearing housing 30. A circlip 31 is attached on the shaft 15 at the end of the tapered collar 17 distal the tapered lever 14 contacting end. The circlip 31 prevents excess axial movement of the tapered collar 17 away from the radial turbine head 1.

The turbine blade 2 and tongue 8 are manufactured from an Inconel alloy and the hinge pin 13 is manufactured from an inconel alloy or a steel alloy. The movable portion 4 of the blade 2 is capable of moving up to 30 degrees in a direction opposite to the direction of angular rotation.

A second embodiment of the turbine is shown in figures 13 to 16 wherein the moveable portion of the blades is adjusted by axially adjustable powered actuator 51 which is movably mounted on a shaft 52 of the radial turbine. The axially adjustable powered actuator 51 and shaft 52 of the radial turbine have engagement means therebetween in the form of

splines

53, 54. Outer spline members 53 are locatable on the shaft of the radial turbine 52 and inner spline members 54 are locatable on the axially adjustable powered actuator 51. The outer spline members 53 and inner spline members 54 are helical spline members and as the axially adjustable powered actuator 51 is moved in an axial direction, the engaged helical inner and

outer spline members

53, 54 guide the axially adjustable powered actuator 51 in a controlled rotational movement.

The axially adjustable powered actuator 51 has radial arms 55 which extend from the portion 56 of the axially adjustable powered actuator in engagement with the shaft of the radial turbine towards the movable portion of each blade 57 in a hub and spoke arrangement, each blade 57 having its own corresponding radial arm 55. The radial arms 55 are in slidable engagement with the movable portion of their corresponding blades 57 at or about their end 58. The radial arms 55 have an elongated bore 59 for receiving a protruding coupling shaft 60 of the movable portion of the blade 57, the coupling shaft 60 of the movable portion of the blades 57 being slidable within the elongated bore 59 of their corresponding radial arm 55.

As the axially adjustable powered actuator 51 rotates, the radial arms 55 also rotate, causing the portion of the radial arm 55 coupled to the movable portion of the corresponding blade 57 to act upon the protruding coupling shaft 60 and effect movement of the movable portion of the blade 57.

The axially adjustable powered actuator 51 has a helical spring 61 locatable between the radial turbine and a radial turbine facing surface of the axially adjustable powered actuator 51. In an unbiased condition, the spring 61 urges the axially adjustable powered actuator 51 away from the radial turbine. When the axially adjustable powered actuator is moved towards the radial turbine, the spring 61 is biased such that removal of the biasing force causing the axially adjustable powered actuator 51 to move towards the radial turbine will allow the biasing means to urge the axially adjustable powered actuator 51 away from the radial turbine.

A circlip 62 is attached on the shaft 52 of the radial turbine at the end of the axially adjustable powered actuator distal the end having the radial arms 55 extending therefrom, which prevents excess axial movement of the axially adjustable powered actuator 51 away from the radial turbine head.

The axially adjustable powered actuator 51 is rotatably mountable within a spindle bearing 63 which permits free rotation of axially adjustable powered actuator means 51 and is itself mountable within an axial bearing housing 64.

An electronic control unit 200 (see figure 17) is in operational engagement with the turbine. The electronic control unit 200 has sensors for sensing operating conditions of the oncoming inlet flow at any point upstream of the turbine, such as operating pressure sensors 201, temperature sensors 202, and/or flow rate sensors 203 for the basis of its control. The electronic control unit 200 has further sensors, for sensing operating conditions of the outlet flow at any point downstream of the turbine such as operating pressure sensors 204, temperature sensors 205, and/or flow rate sensors 206 for the basis of its control, and rotational speed sensors 207 for sensing the rotational speed of the shaft. The outputs of all sensors 201-207 are in communication with the electronic control unit 200.

The output of the sensors 201-207 can be used for the basis of any adjustments made by the electronic control unit 200. As the sensors 201-207 detect variations in the operating parameters of the inlet flow, outlet flow, or shaft rotational speed, the electronic control unit 200 can control adjustments to the movable portion of the blade 57 to ensure optimized turbine operation. The electronic control unit 200 has a software control program having a module 208 executable thereon for analyzing the data received from the sensors 201-207 and in response to this analysis, the software control program having a module 209 with means for generating control signals for controlling the adjustment of the angle of the movable portion of the blades 57 via an electrically controlled bi-directional linear actuator 210 such as a stepper motor.

In relation to the detailed description of the different embodiments of the invention, it will be understood that one or more technical features of one embodiment can be used in combination with one or more technical features of any other embodiment where the transferred use of the one or more technical features would be immediately apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art to carry out a similar function in a similar way on the other embodiment.

In the preceding discussion of the invention, unless stated to the contrary, the disclosure of alternative values for the upper or lower limit of the permitted range of a parameter, coupled with an indication that one of the said values is more highly preferred than the other, is to be construed as an implied statement that each intermediate value of said parameter, lying between the more preferred and the less preferred of said alternatives, is itself preferred to said less preferred value and also to each value lying between said less preferred value and said intermediate value.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description or the following drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing a disclosed function, or a method or a process of attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may separately, or in any combination of such features be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

A turbine having a plurality of blades and a means for adjusting the angle of all or part of at least one blade.
A turbine as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one blade has a moveable portion.
A turbine as claimed in claim 2, wherein the turbine has a means for adjusting the movable portion of the at least one blade.
A turbine as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the movable portion of the at least one blade is pivotally coupled to the blade.
A turbine as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the moveable portion of the blade is preferably coupled at or about a leading edge of the blade by hinge means, and/or the movable portion of the blade is coupled at or about the trailing edge of the blade by hinge means.
A turbine as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein the pivotal coupling or hinge means comprises the leading edge of at least one blade defining blade engaging means and a trailing edge of the movable portion having movable portion engaging means.
A turbine as claimed in claim 6, wherein the blade engaging means and the movable portion engaging means have axial bores alignable when the movable portion is movably coupled to the blade.
A turbine as claimed in any one of claims 5 to claim 8, wherein the hinge means comprises the leading edge of at least one blade defining at least one notch.
A turbine as claimed in any one of claims 8, wherein a trailing edge of the movable portion has at least one tongue formed for insertion into the notch.
A turbine as claimed in claim 3, wherein the means for adjusting the moveable portion of the one or more blade is an axially and/or radially adjustable powered actuator means coupleable to or formed integrally with the moveable portion of the blade.
A turbine as claimed in claim 10, wherein the powered actuator means is movably mounted on a shaft of the turbine.
A turbine as claimed in claim 11, wherein the powered actuator means and shaft of the turbine having engagement means therebetween.
A turbine as claimed in claim 12, wherein the engagement means formed between the powered actuator means and shaft of the turbine allow axial and/or rotational motion between the powered actuator means and shaft of the turbine.
A turbine as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the engagement means comprise one or more outer spline members locatable on the shaft of the turbine and one or more inner spline members locatable on the powered actuator means, the one or more outer spline members and one or more inner spline members being engagable.
A turbine as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the engagement means comprise one or more inner spline members locatable on the shaft of the turbine and one or more outer spline members locatable on the powered actuator means, the one or more outer spline members and one or more inner spline members being engagable.
A turbine as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein the one or more outer spline members and one or more inner spline members are helical spline members.
A turbine as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the one or more engaged inner and outer spline members guide the powered actuator means in a controlled axial and rotational movement.
A turbine as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein the powered actuator means has blade coupling means.
A turbine as claimed in claim 18, wherein the blade coupling means comprise at least one radial arm means which extend from the portion of the axially adjustable powered actuator means in engagement with the shaft of the turbine towards the movable portion of the at least one blade in a hub and spoke arrangement.
A turbine as claimed in claim 19, wherein the movable portion of each blade has its own corresponding spoke, the spokes being engagable with the movable portion of their corresponding blades.
A turbine as claimed in claim 19 or 20, wherein the one or more spokes are in slidable engagement with the movable portion of their corresponding blade.
A turbine as claimed in any one of claim 19 to 21, wherein the one or more spokes have means for receiving a protruding coupling shaft of the movable portion of the blade.
A turbine as claimed in claim 22, wherein the means for receiving a protruding coupling shaft of the movable portion of the blade is a cavity such as an elongated bore.
A turbine as claimed in claim 23, wherein the coupling shafts of the movable portions of the blades are slidable within the elongated bore of their corresponding spokes.
A turbine as claimed in any one of claim 22 to 24, wherein the powered actuator means being rotatable for causing the portion of the spoke coupleable to the movable portion of the corresponding blade to act upon the protruding coupling shaft of the movable portion of the blade, movable portion of the blade being movable as a result thereof.
A turbine as claimed in any one of claim 10 to 25, wherein the powered actuator means has biasing means.
A turbine as claimed in claim 26, wherein the biasing means is locatable between the turbine and a turbine facing surface of the powered actuator means.
A turbine as claimed in claim 27, wherein the biasing means is a spring such as a helical spring.
A turbine as claimed in claim 28, wherein in an unbiased condition, the biasing means urges the powered actuator means away from the turbine.
A turbine as claimed in claim 26, wherein the powered actuator means is movable towards the turbine against the biasing means, the biasing means being biased to urge the powered actuator means away from the turbine.
A turbine as claimed in claim 10, wherein the powered actuator means is rotatably mountable within a bearing.
A turbine as claimed in claim 31, wherein the bearing is a spindle bearing for allowing free rotation of powered actuator means.
A turbine as claimed in claim 31, wherein the bearing is mountable within an axial bearing housing.
A turbine as claimed in claim 10, wherein a fixing means is fixably attachable on a shaft of the turbine for preventing movement of the powered actuator means away from the turbine head.
A turbine as claimed in claim 34, wherein the fixing means is a circlip.
A turbine as claimed in claim 10, wherein a plurality of radially adjustable actuator means are equi-spaced angularly around a backface of the turbine plate.
A turbine as claimed in claim 10, wherein the powered actuator means has a collar for slidable adjustment along the shaft and a tapered actuator head for intermittent engagement with the radially adjustable actuator means.
A turbine as claimed in claim 10, wherein the powered actuator means has a collar for slidable adjustment along the shaft and a tapered actuator head for engagement with the radially adjustable actuator means.
A turbine as claimed in claim 10 or any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein the radially adjustable actuator means is a first order lever having a first free end formed for operable engagement with the powered actuator means and a second end formed for operable engagement with the movable portion of the blade.
A turbine as claimed in claim 39, wherein the lever is pivotally mounted between its two ends on a backface of the turbine plate.
A turbine as claimed in claim 39 when dependent on claim 37 or claim 38, wherein the portion of the lever contactable with the tapered actuator head has a tapered surface alignable with a tapered surface of the tapered actuator head as the tapered actuator head is axially adjusted.
A turbine as claimed in claim 41, wherein the end of the lever distal the end having the tapered surface has a cavity such as an elongated bore for receiving a protruding coupling shaft of the movable portion of the blade.
A turbine as claimed in claim 39, wherein the radially adjustable actuator means has a biasing means such as a spring, and most preferably a torsion spring, mounted around the lever pivot point.
A turbine as claimed in claim 43, wherein the radially adjustable actuator means biasing means is couplable at a first end to the turbine and coupleable at a second end to the radially adjustable actuator means.
A turbine as claimed in claim 43, wherein the radially adjustable actuator means biasing means applies a torque to the radially adjustable actuator means so that the tapered surface of the free end of the radially adjustable actuator means remains in constant contact with the tapered surface of the tapered actuator head.
A turbine as claimed in claim 37 or 38, wherein the tapered actuator head has an internal cavity.
A turbine as claimed in claim 46, wherein the tapered actuator head has a biasing means such as a spring mounted within the internal cavity thereof the spring allowing movement of the tapered actuator head towards the main turbine when force is applied, but also returns the tapered actuator head to its original position when no force is present.
A turbine as claimed in claim 37 or 38, wherein the collar is rotatably mountable within a collar bearing.
A turbine as claimed in claim 48, wherein the collar bearing is a spindle bearing.
A turbine as claimed in claim 37 or 38, wherein the axial movement of the collar is guided by matable axial splines formed on the inner surface of the collar and on the shaft, the spline joint between the collar and the shaft being capable of restricting relative rotational movement between the two components.
A turbine as claimed in claim 48, wherein the collar bearing is mountable within a collar bearing housing.
A turbine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the turbine blade, and/or the movable portion of the blade, and/or the hinge pin are manufactured from an Inconel alloy or a steel alloy.
A turbine as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 52, wherein the moveable portion of the at least one blade is moveable in a direction opposite to the direction of angular rotation.
A turbine as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 53, wherein the range of movement of the moveable portion of the blade is between 10 degrees and 40 degrees, and most preferably approximately 30 degrees.
A turbine as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 54, wherein a control means for controlling the means for adjusting the angle of all or part of the blade comprises an electronic control unit.
A turbine as claimed in clam 55, wherein the electronic control unit has sensing means such as pressure, temperature, and/or flow rate sensors for sensing operating conditions of the oncoming inlet flow and/or outlet flow of the turbine such as operating pressure, temperature, and/or flow rate for the basis of its control.
A turbine as claimed in any one of claims 55 or 56, wherein the electronic control unit has a sensing means such as rotational speed sensor for sensing the rotational speed of the shaft.
A turbine as claimed in any one of claims 56 or 57, wherein the electronic control unit has a software control program having a module executable thereon for analyzing the data received from the sensors and in response to this analysis, the software control program having a module with means for generating control signals for controlling the operation of the means for adjusting the angle of all or part of at least one blade.
A turbine as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 58, wherein the means for adjusting the angle of all or part of at least one blade comprises an electromechanical actuator.
A turbine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the oncoming inlet flow is a generally radial flow, optionally with a tangential component.
A turbine as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the turbine is a radial turbine.
A turbine substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.