15th European Conference on Turbomachinery Fluid dynamics & Thermodynamics
Authors
Abstract
Presented research deals with the phenomenon of natural convection and heat transfer which occurs while the gas turbine cools down after operation. Experimental facilities for measuring temperature field in a double annulus is described and studied. At the base of the experimental facilities is emulated numerical model. Nowadays, there is an effort to minimize radial clearances as it brings the benefit of higher efficiency. On the other hand, it also requires the ability to understand and predict the transient cooling cycle to avoid critical failures. Experimental facilities represent a simplified flow path of double annulus in the section of the turbine flow path. The time dependence of the temperature fields were monitored. In addition, the dependence of the temperature differences between each top and bottom double annulus is stated. This is important to determine the thermal bow of the rotor and has a significant impact on the safety and trouble-free operation of the gas turbine engine. A computational study is performed with different geometrical setups. It has been shown that the thermal rotor bow caused by natural convection can be significantly influenced by the choice of the geometry and additional obstacles in this region. Results of the study have shown several options to mitigate the rotor bow of a gas turbine.
ETC2023-379