Abstract:
The present invention provides a system and method of operating a combined-cycle powerplant at part-load without shutting down an HRSG and steam turbine. The present invention may apply to a powerplant operating in an open-cycle mode. The present invention may also apply to a powerplant operating in a closed-cycle mode.
Abstract:
An airfoil is provided and includes an airfoil body having a pressure surface extendable between radial ends and a fluid path in an airfoil interior defined therein. The pressure surface is formed to further define a passage by which coolant is deliverable from the fluid path in the airfoil interior, in a perimetric direction from the pressure surface for the purpose of cooling a portion on the surface of the radial end.
Abstract:
In a gas turbine having a compressor discharge casing, a cooling circuit diverts compressor discharge air toward a high pressure packing (HPP) circuit. The cooling circuit includes an inlet pipe that receives compressor discharge air. One or several cooled cooling air pipes are in fluid communication with the inlet pipe via a pipe manifold, which distributes the discharge air across the cooled cooling air pipes. A seal is disposed upstream of an entrance to the HPP circuit to limit flow into the HPP circuit, and a second seal is disposed downstream of the HPP circuit at turbine wheelspace to limit ingestion and thus the purge flow air required. The circuit serves to reduce required purge flow in the HPP circuit so that an amount of compressor discharge air can be put back to the main flow path, thereby improving turbine performance.
Abstract:
Systems and methods are provided for determining a final heading of a turning vehicle, such as a rotorcraft. The system may include an algorithm that calculates an advance prediction of a final heading that will be achieved after control input is terminated. The system may also include a device, such as a display, for conveying predicted final heading information to an aircraft controller, such as a pilot.
Abstract:
A seal assembly for installation between rotating and stationary components of a machine includes a first plurality of leaf spring segments secured to the stationary component in a circumferential array surrounding the rotating component, the leaf spring segments each having a radial mounting portion and a substantially axial sealing portion, the plurality of leaf spring segments shingled in a circumferential direction.
Abstract:
A cooling system for turbomachinery includes a compressor bleed air passageway for supplying bleed cooling air to a plurality of circumferentially spaced, generally axially extending passages in communication with a cavity within the inner barrel in which the flanges of the turbine and compressor rotors are secured to one another. The exit ends of the passages have swirl devices for turning the flow from the general axial direction to a tangential direction corresponding to the direction of rotation of the combined rotors. A leakage seal is provided between the rotor and the stationary component to provide a pressure drop across a plenum and cavity to increase the velocity of air flowing into the cavity. Consequently, cooling air is supplied the cavity at a tangential velocity approaching the rotor velocity with reduced windage and lower temperature, thereby improving the performance of the turbomachinery.
Abstract:
An airfoil is provided and includes an airfoil body having a pressure surface extendable between radial ends and a fluid path in an airfoil interior defined therein. The pressure surface is formed to further define a passage by which coolant is deliverable from the fluid path in the airfoil interior, in a perimetric direction from the pressure surface for the purpose of cooling a portion on the surface of the radial end.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention provide a S-EGR process that yields an exhaust stream that includes a relatively high concentration of a desirable gas and is also substantially oxygen-free. This desirable gas includes, but is not limited to: Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Nitrogen (N2), or Argon.
Abstract:
Systems and methods are provided for determining a final heading of a turning vehicle, such as a rotorcraft. The system may include an algorithm that calculates an advance prediction of a final heading that will be achieved after control input is terminated.
Abstract:
A turbine bucket may generally include an airfoil formed from a metal-based material. The airfoil may include a base and a tip disposed opposite the base. The airfoil may also include a pressure side wall and a suction side wall extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge. Additionally, the turbine bucket may include a tip cap disposed between the pressure side wall and the suction side wall. The tip cap may be formed from a ceramic matrix composite material.