Abstract: An actuation system to control clearance in a turbomachine including a shaft bearing including at least one axially displaceable thrust bearing. The axially displaceable thrust bearing configured to axially displace a rotating component relative to a stationary component to control the clearance therebetween. The system further including a plurality of actuators coupled to the at least one axially displaceable thrust bearing and configured to actuate the at least one axially displaceable thrust bearing to control the clearance. The plurality of actuators is configured to deactivate a diametrically opposed actuator in the event of an actuator failure to maintain zero moment. In a topography network, each diametrically opposed actuator pair is coupled to a single control line. In an alternate topography network, alternating actuators are coupled to a single control line. In addition, a method of actuating a thrust bearing to control clearance in a turbomachine is disclosed.

Abstract: An actuation system to control clearance in a turbomachine including a shaft bearing including at least one axially displaceable thrust bearing. The axially displaceable thrust bearing configured to axially displace a rotating component relative to a stationary component to control the clearance therebetween. The system further including a plurality of actuators coupled to the at least one axially displaceable thrust bearing and configured to actuate the at least one axially displaceable thrust bearing to control the clearance. The plurality of actuators is configured to deactivate a diametrically opposed actuator in the event of an actuator failure to maintain zero moment. In a topography network, each diametrically opposed actuator pair is coupled to a single control line. In an alternate topography network, alternating actuators are coupled to a single control line. In addition, a method of actuating a thrust bearing to control clearance in a turbomachine is disclosed.

Abstract: A method implemented using at least one processor includes receiving a plurality of measured operational parameters of a turbo machine having a rotor and a stator. The plurality of measured operational parameters includes a plurality of real-time operational parameters and a plurality of stored operational parameters. The method further includes generating a finite element model of the turbo machine and generating a plurality of snapshots based on the finite element model and the plurality of stored operational parameters. The method further includes generating a reduced order model based on the plurality of snapshots. The method also includes determining an estimated clearance between the rotor and the stator during operation of the turbo machine, based on the reduced order model and the plurality of real-time operational parameters.

Abstract: A labyrinth seal design, an actuation control clearance strategy, and a method of operating a turbomachine. The labyrinth seal design including a plurality of features configured to open and close radial clearances in response to relative axial movement between a stationary component and a rotating component. The actuation control clearance strategy and method of operating a turbomachine effective to achieve relative motion between a rotating component and a stationary component of the turbomachine using active elements. Axial displacement of the rotating component relative to the stationary component provides an adjustment in a radial clearance at one or more sealing locations between the rotating component and the stationary component to suit a given operating condition of the turbomachine.