Patent · US Active

Systems and methods for adjusting clearances in turbines

US9151176B2 · kind B2 · utility

3Cited by
1References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMay 16, 2012
Grant dateOct 6, 2015
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 3, 2034

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T29/49238
  • WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention can provide systems and methods for adjusting clearances in a turbine. According to one embodiment, there is disclosed a turbine system. The system may include one or more turbine blades, a turbine casing encompassing the one or more turbine blades, a thermoelectric element disposed at least partially about the turbine casing, a cooling system in communication with the thermoelectric element, and a controller in communication with the cooling system and the thermoelectric element. The controller may be operable to control the expansion or contraction of the turbine casing by heating or cooling at least a portion of the turbine casing with the thermoelectric element and by adjusting the cooling system such that a clearance between the one or more turbine blades and the turbine casing is adjusted.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.