Variable turbine cooling flow system
US6931859B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 17, 2003 |
| Grant date | Aug 23, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 17, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/7781
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Cooling air to the blades and disks of a gas turbine may be modulated to provide a variable turbine cooling flow. A bellows may be extended by providing a high pressure compressor discharge flow to an interior of the bellows. The bellows may be compressed when the interior of the bellows communicates with ambient pressure air. The extension/compression of the bellows moves an arm over orifices in a cooling air flow path. The pressure inside of the bellows is metered to move the arm over at least one orifice, thereby restricting cooling air flow when the engine is running at low power. The pressure inside of the bellows is metered to move the arm to uncover all of the slots to provide maximum cooling flow when the engine is running at high power. The resulting variable cooling flow system results in less need for cooling air at low powers, thus reducing engine fuel consumption.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.