Gas turbine engines and methods for reducing spool thrust in a turbine section thereof
US12345173B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 27, 2023 |
| Grant date | Jul 1, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 10, 2044 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF05D2270/09
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Gas turbine engines and methods for reducing spool thrust in a turbine section thereof are provided. The engines include a turbine disk, a shaft coupled to the turbine disk, an inner cavity downstream of the turbine disk, a thrust bearing assembly mechanically coupled to the shaft, a seal assembly having a seal land, and a controller. The controller is configured to detect a loss of oil event to the thrust bearing assembly and, in response: actuate the seal assembly to move the seal land toward a downstream face of the turbine disk to form a continuous axial seal about the inner cavity, supply a pressurized gas to the inner cavity to increase pressure in therein to an extent greater than an operating pressure thereof, and maintain the axial seal and the pressure within the inner cavity and thereby reduce the axial loads on the shaft.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.