Abstract: The present application provides a self locking nut and bolt assembly for a stack of rotating wheels. The self locking nut and bolt assembly may include a tie bolt extending through the stack of rotating wheels, a locking nut positioned on a first end of the tie bolt, and a locking washer positioned on the one end of the tie bolt within the locking nut.

Abstract: Method and system are provided for controlling a thermal differential within a turbine rotor for use with a turbine system. A thermal barrier coating is applied to a surface of the turbine rotor. The surface is proximate to a wheel rim of the turbine rotor.

Abstract: The present application provides a self locking nut and bolt assembly for a stack of rotating wheels. The self locking nut and bolt assembly may include a tie bolt extending through the stack of rotating wheels, a locking nut positioned on a first end of the tie bolt, and a locking washer positioned on the one end of the tie bolt within the locking nut.

Abstract: Method and system are provided for controlling a thermal differential within a turbine rotor for use with a turbine system. A thermal barrier coating is applied to a surface of the turbine rotor. The surface is proximate to a wheel rim of the turbine rotor.

Abstract: A method facilitates assembling a turbine. The method includes coupling buckets to a turbine wheel. The method also includes coupling a first end of a cover plate to the turbine wheel such that at least one projection extending from the turbine wheel retains the cover plate in position relative to the turbine wheel and inserting a fastening mechanism through an opening defined in the turbine wheel to secure the cover plate against the turbine wheel. The cover plate facilitates reducing dovetail leakage across the buckets coupled to the turbine wheel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the clearance in a gas turbine are provided. A temperature of a shaft of the gas turbine may be determined, and a desired temperature of an inner turbine shell of the turbine may be determined based upon the temperature of the shaft. The desired temperature of the inner turbine shell may be associated with a turbine clearance at which the gas turbine may be ignited. The temperature of the inner turbine shell may be altered by controlling the temperature of a gas that is circulated within the inner turbine shell, and a determination may be made that the temperature of the inner turbine shell exceeds the desired temperature. The gas turbine may be ignited subsequent to the determination that the temperature of the inner turbine shell exceeds the desired temperature.

Abstract: A cooling circuit serves to provide cooling air in a rotor having a compressor rotor and a turbine rotor. The cooling circuit includes a first cooling path through the compressor rotor in series with a second cooling path through the turbine rotor such that one amount of cooling air is used for cooling both the compressor rotor and the turbine rotor. The construction enables a reduction in cooling air requirements, thereby increasing power plant efficiency.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the clearance in a gas turbine are provided. A temperature of a shaft of the gas turbine may be determined, and a desired temperature of an inner turbine shell of the turbine may be determined based upon the temperature of the shaft. The desired temperature of the inner turbine shell may be associated with a turbine clearance at which the gas turbine may be ignited. The temperature of the inner turbine shell may be altered by controlling the temperature of a gas that is circulated within the inner turbine shell, and a determination may be made that the temperature of the inner turbine shell exceeds the desired temperature. The gas turbine may be ignited subsequent to the determination that the temperature of the inner turbine shell exceeds the desired temperature.

Abstract: A cooling circuit serves to provide cooling air in a rotor having a compressor rotor and a turbine rotor. The cooling circuit includes a first cooling path through the compressor rotor in series with a second cooling path through the turbine rotor such that one amount of cooling air is used for cooling both the compressor rotor and the turbine rotor. The construction enables a reduction in cooling air requirements, thereby increasing power plant efficiency.

Abstract: A method facilitates assembling a turbine. The method includes coupling buckets to a turbine wheel. The method also includes coupling a first end of a cover plate to the turbine wheel such that at least one projection extending from the turbine wheel retains the cover plate in position relative to the turbine wheel and inserting a fastening mechanism through an opening defined in the turbine wheel to secure the cover plate against the turbine wheel. The cover plate facilitates reducing dovetail leakage across the buckets coupled to the turbine wheel.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling the clearance in a gas turbine. The current clearance between a turbine blade and a casing of the gas turbine is determined. Then, a determination is made as to whether the current clearance is within a predetermined clearance threshold and a control action is taken if the current clearance is outside of the predetermined clearance threshold.

Abstract: Stacked wheels of the rotor of a rotary machine are axially coupled to one another by tie bolt assemblies. Each tie bolt assembly includes a stud having forward and aft ends. The aft end of the stud includes a self-locking nut to thereby lock the stud/nut assembly against rotation relative to the rotor.

Abstract: In a compressor rotor assembly including a plurality of rotor disks affixed to a rotor body, and wherein at least one radially directed cooling tube is supported from a radially outer end within a rotor shaft, with an opposite, radially inner free end extending toward a longitudinal axis of the rotor, an improvement comprising a ring member loosely secured to the tube at the free end.