Clearance control for a turbine
US8939709B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 18, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jan 27, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 23, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S277/932
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system for operating a turbine includes a rotating component and a non-rotating component separated from the rotating component by a clearance. A first actuator is connected to the non-rotating component, and the first actuator comprises a shape-memory alloy. A method for operating a turbine includes sensing a parameter reflective of a clearance between a non-rotating component and a rotating component and generating a parameter signal reflective of the clearance. The method further includes generating a control signal to at least one actuator based on the parameter signal and moving at least a portion of the non-rotating component relative to the rotating component to change the clearance.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.