Gap control system for turbine engines

US7234918B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Siemens Power Generation, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Dieter Brillert · Orlando, US
• Wayne Giddens · North Palm Beach, US
• Harald Hoell · Wächtersbach, DE
• Robert W. Sunshine · Hobe Sound, US
• Juergen Hermeler · Haltern, DE
• Hans-Thomas Bolms · Wetter (Ruhr), DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 16, 2004
• Grant date: Jun 26, 2007
• Expiry date: Jan 16, 2025

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F01D11/025
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention relate to a system and method for controlling the size of gaps in a turbine engine. In many instances, it is desirable to minimize the size of the gaps between neighboring rotating and stationary components in a turbine engine, such as between a disc cover plate and a proximate pre-swirler. According to embodiments of the invention, each component can be provided with a sealing surface. The sealing surfaces can be angled relative to the axis of rotation. The sealing surfaces are spaced from each other so as to form a gap therebetween. The sealing surfaces may or may not be substantially parallel. As a result of such configuration, the size of the gap can be controlled by axial and radial movement of the components. For example, the gap between the cover plate and the pre-swirler can be adjusted by axially movement of the rotor.