With Safety Device Patents (Class 60/39.091)
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Patent number: 9637223Abstract: An afterbody flow control system is used for aircraft or missile flow control to provide enhanced maneuverability and stabilization. A method of operating the flow control system is also described. The missile or aircraft comprises an afterbody and a forebody; at least one activatable flow effector on the missile or aircraft afterbody; at least one sensor having a signal, the at least one sensor being positioned to detect forces or flow conditions on the missile or aircraft afterbody; and a closed loop control system; wherein the closed loop control system is used for activating and deactivating the at least one activatable flow effector based on at least in part the signal of the at least one sensor.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2012Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: Orbital Reseach Inc.Inventors: Jack DiCocco, Troy Prince, Mehul Patel, Tsun Ming Terry Ng
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Patent number: 9632009Abstract: Functional faults of a turbo-machine are determined by operating the turbo-machine as a test object in a test stand using one or more gas pressure pulses which are not superimposed onto a substantially constant gas flow and detecting dynamic behavior of the test object using measuring devices, a measuring and control system and an evaluation unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2012Date of Patent: April 25, 2017Assignee: AVL List GmbHInventor: Hartmut Berger
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Patent number: 9605597Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a compressor, a combustor adjacent the compressor, a turbine adjacent the combustor, a shaft, a motor, a variable frequency drive, a stored energy source and a ride thru unit. The motor is coupled to the shaft. The variable frequency drive is electrically connected to the motor and to an AC power source. The ride thru unit electrically connects to the variable frequency drive, the AC power source and the stored energy source. The ride thru unit includes at least one DC to DC voltage converter.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2013Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: Solar Turbines IncorporatedInventors: Rachel Bruno, Daniel Fingleton, Scott Hitoshi Kato
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Patent number: 9518422Abstract: A fire door stop system for retrofitting a fire door assembly so as to bring the assembly into compliance with fire safety codes. The fire door stop system has a profile strip includes at least one flange and intumescent seal that is attachable to a fire door frame. The fire door stop system further includes, as needed, edge protectors for a wood fire door, such as a horizontal edge protector, a vertical edge protector, and a bottom-edge extender, and a latch protector.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2015Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Inventor: Charles A. Noble, III
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Patent number: 9506401Abstract: A method of detecting shaft break in a gas turbine engine having a shaft system. The shaft system including a shaft that couples a compressor and a turbine. First construct a frequency model of the shaft system. Then determine a notch frequency and a first torsional frequency for the shaft system from the model. Then in real time measure a rotational speed of the shaft; detect the presence or absence of a feature at least one of the notch frequency and the first torsional frequency in the measured speed; and generate a shaft break signal in response to the absence of at least one of the features.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2012Date of Patent: November 29, 2016Assignee: ROLLS-ROYCE plcInventors: Marko Bacic, Stephen Granville Garner
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Patent number: 9441598Abstract: A fuel supply system includes a fuel supply line, a fuel filter, a filter bypass line, a first differential pressure sensor, a second differential pressure sensor, and a filter bypass valve. The fuel filter is disposed in series in the fuel supply line to remove particulate from the fuel. The filter bypass line has a fuel inlet upstream of the fuel filter, and an outlet that is downstream of the fuel filter. The first differential pressure sensor continuously senses differential pressure across the fuel filter, and the second differential pressure sensor selectively senses differential pressure across the fuel filter. The filter bypass valve is movable between a first non-bypassing position and a second bypassing position and controls whether only the first differential pressure sensor or both the first and second differential pressure sensors sense the differential pressure across the fuel filter.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Paul W. Futa, Gregory Kline, Eric Hechtl
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Patent number: 9340296Abstract: An aircraft fuel storage device having at least one main reservoir designed to contain a first batch of fuel and at least one feed line for supplying a propulsion engine of the aircraft with the first batch of fuel contained in the main reservoir and having at least one auxiliary reservoir, designed to contain a second batch of fuel separate from the first batch of fuel, and wherein the auxiliary reservoir is connected to the main reservoir. The device also having an intake line for bringing the second batch of fuel contained in the auxiliary reservoir toward a combustion chamber of the aircraft independent of the propulsion engine of the aircraft.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2012Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: DASSAULT AVIATIONInventor: Renaud Loison
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Patent number: 9273614Abstract: A gas turbine engine provides mechanical shaft power. Two parameters relating to engine operation are sensed that are representative of two different pressures, two different temperatures, or a pressure and a temperature associated with the engine. A value representative of the shaft power is determined during engine operation as a function of these two parameters. This value may be used for engine monitoring including making one or more adjustments to operational aspects of the engine, regulating/controlling engine function, and/or providing one or more power indicators.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2006Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: INDUSTRIAL TURBINE COMPANY (UK) LIMITEDInventors: Dan Martis, Paul Fletcher, Betka Rebhi, Vincent Perez, Robert Doke
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Patent number: 9261027Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling operation of an engine in an aircraft. A time when a cutoff speed for the aircraft will be reached at which a flow of fuel is to be stopped is identified. A delay between sending a command to move a switch to an off position and the time at which the engine ceases operation is also identified. The command is sent based on the predicted time and the delay. The command causes the switch to move to the off position moving a fuel control switch for the engine of the aircraft to a shut off position to stop the flow of fuel to the engine.Type: GrantFiled: July 16, 2014Date of Patent: February 16, 2016Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANYInventors: Darren Gordon McDonald, Bryan Douglas Welsh
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Patent number: 9206739Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of increasing the safety of a power plant (10) provided with at least one heat engine (1, 2) and a gearbox (BTP), said engine (1, 2) driving said gearbox (BTP), said gearbox (BTP) having a lubrication system implemented using an aqueous medium stored in a reserve (30), in which method a fluid comprising water is injected into said heat engine (1, 2) to increase the power developed by the heat engine (1, 2) without increasing the temperature of a member of the heat engine (1, 2), or to decrease said temperature without modifying the power developed by the engine (1, 2), said fluid being taken from said reserve (30).Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2010Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: Airbus HelicoptersInventors: Michel Vialle, Alban Corpron, Frederic Dyrla
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Patent number: 9194334Abstract: A propellant feed system for swirl-coaxial injection of a liquid propellant includes a reservoir having a bottom plate and at least one tube originating in the bottom plate and extending therefrom. The tube has rectangular slits defined in and distributed tangentially and evenly about a portion of the tube that is disposed in the bottom plate. Drain holes are provided in the bottom plate and tunnels are defined in the bottom plate. Each tunnel fluidly couples one of the drain holes to a corresponding one of the rectangular slits. Each tunnel includes (i) a bend of at least 90°, and (ii) a straight portion leading to its corresponding rectangular slit wherein the straight portion is at least five times as long as a hydraulic diameter of the corresponding rectangular slit.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2014Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventor: David Christopher Reynolds
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Patent number: 9046040Abstract: A detection method for detecting ingestion of water or hail in a gas turbine engine, the engine including at least a compressor, a combustion chamber, and a turbine, the method including: estimating a value of a first indicator representative of water or hail being ingested; estimating a value of a second indicator representative of water or hail being ingested, the second indicator being different from the first indicator; and calculating a value of a global indicator by summing at least the first indicator and the second indicator.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2011Date of Patent: June 2, 2015Assignee: SNECMAInventors: Cedrik Djelassi, Alexandra Riou
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Patent number: 9038362Abstract: A turbofan engine (10) employs a flow control device (41) that changes an effective exit nozzle area (40) associated with a bypass flow path (B) of the turbofan engine. A spool (14) couples a fan (20) to a generator (52). The turbofan emergency power system includes a controller (50) that communicates with the flow control device (41). Upon sensing an emergency condition, the controller manipulates the flow control device to reduce the effective nozzle exit area (40) of the bypass flow path, which chokes the flow through the bypass flow path thereby increasing the rotational speed of the fan. In this manner, the generator is driven at a higher rotational speed than if the flow through the bypass flow path was not choked, which enables a smaller generator to be utilized.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2006Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventors: Michael Winter, Charles E. Lents
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Patent number: 9032706Abstract: A turbofan engine which has a composite fan case surrounding a fan with a plurality of fan blades is disclosed. The composite fan case includes a containment zone having an inner fabric layer composed of resin-impregnated fibers substantially uni-axially oriented in a common angular direction corresponding to a blade release angle of the fan blades. The fan case also includes a composite outer shell and an energy absorbing core disposed radially between the inner fabric layer and the composite outer shell. The energy absorbing core includes non resin impregnated multidirectional fibers.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2008Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP.Inventor: Andrew R. Marshall
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Patent number: 9027353Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a compressor section, a combustor in fluid communication with the compressor section, a turbine section in fluid communication with the combustor, a fan section configured to be driven by the turbine section via a geared architecture, and a buffer system that communicates buffer air to a portion of the gas turbine engine. The buffer system includes a first circuit configured to selectively mix a first bleed air supply having a first pressure and a second bleed air supply having a second pressure that is greater than the first pressure to provide a first buffer supply air having an intermediate pressure compared to the first pressure and the second pressure.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2014Date of Patent: May 12, 2015Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Jorn A. Glahn, Clifton J. Crawley, Jr., Philip S. Stripinis, William K. Ackermann
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Publication number: 20150113937Abstract: One embodiment includes a fuel manifold segment for supplying fuel to a fuel injector. The fuel manifold segment contains a fuel line surrounded by a first firesleeve. A pigtail line connects to the fuel line. A connector on the pigtail line connects to a fuel injector inlet fitting. A second firesleeve surrounds the first firesleeve. A cuff surrounds the pigtail line, portion of first firesleeve, and portion of fuel line to which the pigtail line is connected. A boot then surrounds the connector.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2014Publication date: April 30, 2015Applicant: Delavan Inc.Inventor: Daniel Edward Bleeker
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Publication number: 20150089921Abstract: An auxiliary power supply architecture includes one APU and a fuel supply basic circuit with a common fuel storage tank, a primary circulation conduct and secondary conducts for injecting such fuel into the combustion chambers of the APU unit through appropriate injectors. Such architecture also includes another independent fuel supply circuit to supply the APU unit with an emergency tank, a specific primary conduct for emergency fuel circulation and secondary conducts for injecting emergency fuel into the combustion chambers through appropriate injectors.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2013Publication date: April 2, 2015Applicant: MICROTURBOInventor: Microturbo
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Patent number: 8991148Abstract: A jet pump (14) is inserted between the low-pressure pump and a high-pressure fuel pump (16). A fuel metering unit (20) includes a metering valve (22) which delivers a regulated fuel flow to a feed line (30), and a bypass valve (24) which diverts to a primary intake (14a) of the jet pump the excess fuel flow supplied by the high-pressure pump. An overspeed protection unit (50) includes a control element (54) of the bypass valve (24) which causes said to fully open in the event of an overspeed of the engine. A shutoff and pressurization checkvalve (42) is mounted on the feed line and controlled by a servo-valve (44) having a high-pressure port (44a) brought to the high fuel pressure, a low-pressure port brought to the pressure of the primary intake (14a) of the jet pump and an output setting the pressure in a control chamber (42a) of the shutoff valve (42) to a value between those prevailing at the high pressure and low pressure ports.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2011Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: SNECMAInventors: Bastien Dore, Loïc Pora
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Patent number: 8991191Abstract: A thermally actuated venting system includes a thermally actuated vent for opening a vent outlet in a gas turbine engine associated compartment with a passive thermal actuator located in the compartment based on a temperature of the compartment. Outlet may be located at or near a top of a core engine compartment, a fan compartment, or a pylon compartment. Actuator may be operably connected to a hinged door of vent for opening outlet. Actuator may be actuated by a phase change material disposed in a chamber and having a liquid state below a predetermined actuation temperature and a gaseous state above the predetermined actuation temperature. Actuator may include a thermal fuse for closing door during a fire. Thermal fuse may include at least a portion of piston rod or a cylinder wall of actuator being made of a fuse material having a melting point substantially above the predetermined actuation temperature.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2009Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Carlos Enrique Diaz, Daniel Jean-Louis Laborie, Stephen Dennis Geary
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Patent number: 8991242Abstract: A device for detecting a fault in a low-pressure fuel pump of a turbojet. The pump is driven by an accessory gearbox including a gear for mechanically driving the accessories. The device measures the vibration frequencies of the accessory gearbox and detects, from among the frequencies, at least one vibration frequency of the low-pressure fuel pump. The device allows a fault in the low-pressure fuel pump to be detected as soon as it occurs.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2010Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: SNECMAInventor: Jonathan Benitah
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Publication number: 20150082802Abstract: An aircraft turbine engine comprising at least one spool rotating at speed N1 and a monitoring system (1) comprising: a regulating module (REG) comprising at least one regulation measurement channel (A, B) suitable for obtaining a measurement (N1A, N1B) of the speed N1 and means for comparing the obtained speed measurement (N1A, N1B) with a thrust setpoint (N1cons) to provide a thrust status (EREG); and a module (ENG) for engaging a protection function of the UHT or ATTCS type of the turbine engine, the turbine engine also comprising a system for protection against overspeed in order to prevent the ejection of high-energy debris outside said turbine engine, the protection system comprising at least one overspeed measurement channel (AS, BS) suitable for obtaining an overspeed (N1AS, N1Bs) of the rotating spool of the turbine engine, the turbine engine being characterised in that the engagement module (ENG) comprises means for comparison of at least one overspeed obtained (N1AS, N1BS) with at least one refType: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2013Publication date: March 26, 2015Applicant: SNECMAInventors: Cecile Valerie Marie Cointe, Michael Dinsart, Cedrik Djelassi, Bruno Robert Gaully
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Publication number: 20150082769Abstract: The invention relates to a turbine engine exhaust casing (1), characterised in that it comprises: a hub (2), an outer ring (3); a plurality of structural arms (10) arranged circumferentially between the hub (2) and the outer ring (3); a stiffener (11) extending along at least a portion of the inner circumference of the hub (2), the hub (2) comprising at least one discharge hole (15), and the stiffener (11) comprising at least one discharge slot (16), so as to enable the discharge of a fluid from the casing (1). The invention also relates to a turbine engine comprising such an exhaust casing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2014Publication date: March 26, 2015Applicant: SNECMAInventors: Frederic NOEL, Benoit Argemiro Matthieu DEBRAY, Mario Cesar DE SOUSA, Gregory GHOSAROSSIAN-PRILLIEUX
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Patent number: 8984895Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for a gas turbine spool design combining metallic and ceramic components in a way that controls clearances between critical components over a range of engine operating temperatures and pressures. In a first embodiment, a ceramic turbine rotor rotates just inside a ceramic shroud and separated by a small clearance gap. The ceramic rotor is connected to a metallic volute. In order to accommodate the differential rates of thermal expansion between the ceramic rotor and metallic volute, an active clearance control system is used to maintain the desired axial clearance between ceramic rotor and the ceramic shroud over the range of engine operating temperatures. In a second embodiment, a ceramic turbine rotor rotates just inside a ceramic shroud which is part of a single piece ceramic volute/shroud assembly.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2011Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: ICR Turbine Engine CorporationInventors: James B. Kesseli, Matthew Stephen Baldwin
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Patent number: 8984854Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for rapidly counteracting a transient low-pressure condition, that can occur intermittently in the exhaust section of a power plant or other such industrial facility upstream of exhaust fans as a result of an event that interrupts the generation and/or flow of exhaust gases, using jet nozzles disposed in the exhaust section and connected to a source of pressurized air or other suitable momentum material. By orienting the jet nozzles in a direction generally opposite to the flow of exhaust gas and actuating the system to release a burst of compressed air, for example in the event of a power plant interruption, the low-pressure condition can be ameliorated preventing damage to the exhaust section.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2007Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: AecomInventor: Frederick Robert Rosse
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Publication number: 20150068216Abstract: A turbine rotor with at least one rotor disk is provided. The turbine rotor includes a heating arrangement for heating at least a part of the rotor disk. The heating arrangement has a conductor for conducting electric current. The conductor is positioned such that in presence of the electric current in the conductor, Eddy current is generated in the part of the rotor disk. The electric current is an alternating current. The Eddy currents so generated in the part of the rotor disk result in inductive heating of the part of the rotor disk.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2013Publication date: March 12, 2015Inventors: Sven Exnowski, Stefan Kulig, Harald Nimptsch
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Publication number: 20150047366Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a gas turbine power plant, including a gas turbine, a HRSG following the gas turbine, an exhaust gas blower, and a carbon dioxide separation plant which separates the carbon dioxide contained in the exhaust gases and discharges it to a carbon dioxide outlet, the gas turbine, HRSG, exhaust gas blower, and carbon dioxide separation plant being connected by means of exhaust gas lines. According to the method a trip of the gas turbine power plant includes the steps of: stopping the fuel supply, switching off the exhaust gas blower, and controlling the opening angle of a VIGV at a position bigger or equal to a position required to keep a pressure in the exhaust gas lines between the HRSG and the exhaust gas blower above a minimum required pressure. The invention relates, further relates to a gas turbine power plant configured to carry out such a method.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2014Publication date: February 19, 2015Inventors: Richard Carroni, Jürgen Hoffmann
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Publication number: 20150048202Abstract: In order to provide a firewall that is capable of preventing flame passage through a through-hole without any sealant in a connecting part of a component in which a fastener through-hole is formed, a firewall 50 is provided which can prevent a flame from leaking out of the connecting part which connects a first member 51 to a second member 55, particularly through the fastener through-hole TH defined therein. In the firewall 50, the connecting part is a part of a fire-protection chamber 52. As sealing pieces 51d and 51e which also constitute a part of the fire-protection chamber 52 are in contact with each other, the flame is unable to enter into a closed space CA. Thus, the flame would not reach the connecting part, thereby preventing the flame from leaking out of the firewall 50 to the outside of a nacelle 23.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2014Publication date: February 19, 2015Applicant: Mitsubishi Aircraft CorporationInventor: Akira Takeuchi
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Publication number: 20150040578Abstract: An aeroderivative gas turbine including an air intake plenum; a compressor with a compressor air intake in fluid communication with the air intake plenum; a combustor; a high pressure turbine; a power turbine. A forced air-stream generator is arranged in fluid communication with the air intake plenum. A shutter arrangement is provided in a combustion-air flow path, arranged and controlled to close the combustion-air flow path for pressurizing said air intake plenum by means of the forced air-stream generator to a pressure sufficient to cause pressurized air to flow through the aeroderivative air turbine.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2013Publication date: February 12, 2015Inventors: Tommaso Betti, Antonio Baldassarre, Filippo Viti, Stefano Meucci, Marco Lazzeri, Roberto Merlo, Daniele Marcucci
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Patent number: 8943791Abstract: A separator device is provided for separating dirt particles from a flow of cooling air fed to airfoils of the turbine section of a gas turbine engine. In use the separator device extends across a conduit which bypasses the combustor of the engine to convey pressurized cooling air carrying dirt particles from the compressor section of the engine to openings which direct the air into the airfoils. The separator device is configured to direct a first portion of the impinging cooling air flow away from the openings and to allow a second portion of the impinging cooling air to continue to the openings. The first portion of cooling air has a higher concentration of the coarsest dirt particles carried by the cooling air than the second portion of cooling air.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2010Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Rolls-Royce PLCInventors: Ian Tibbott, Dougal Jackson
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Publication number: 20150027100Abstract: A control system is provided for performing staging control of a multi-stage combustor of a gas turbine engine. The fuel is fed to the combustor by a fuel supply system comprising: a plurality of fuel manifolds distributing fuel to respective stages of the combustor, a fuel metering valve operable to control the rate at which fuel passes to the fuel manifolds, and an actuating arrangement which splits the fuel flow from the fuel metering valve between the fuel manifolds. The control system includes a fuel pressure sensor arrangement which senses the fuel pressure at entry to the actuating arrangement, and/or in one or more of the fuel manifolds. The control system further includes a controller which repeatedly: calculates a fuel split between the fuel manifolds based on the sensed fuel pressure(s), and issues a command signal to the actuating arrangement to implement the calculated fuel pressure-based fuel split.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2014Publication date: January 29, 2015Inventors: Yong QIN, Andrew STEVENSON
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Patent number: 8938973Abstract: An aircraft air system includes a gas turbine engine, a bleed air duct directing compressed air bled from a compressor to an inner compartment within the aircraft, and an air contamination detector located downstream of the gas turbine engine compressor. The air contamination detector includes a visual indicator which detects the presence of a fluid contaminant within the bleed air.Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2010Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.Inventors: Kevin Allan Dooley, Kiritkumar Patel
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Publication number: 20150013343Abstract: A method and a device are disclosed for the safe operation of a gas turbine plant, whose operation is both controlled by at least one process controller, which at least triggers and/or influences operationally relevant processes of the gas turbine plant, and is also monitored by a separate protection unit that is operated independently of the process controller on the basis of at least one first limit value for a safety-relevant operating parameter, wherein the gas turbine plant is subjected to an emergency switch-off once the at least one first limit value is exceeded. In that in the case of a defined transient operating state of the gas turbine plant that can be detected by the protection unit, the at least one first limit value of the safety-relevant operating parameter is raised to a second limit value, wherein the gas turbine plant is protected by an emergency switch-off of the gas turbine plant once said second limit value is exceeded.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2014Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventor: Andreas BELZNER
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Publication number: 20150007574Abstract: A system includes a gas turbine system including a compressor, a combustor, and a turbine. The system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the gas turbine system and configured to control operations of the gas turbine system. The system further includes a life consumption model configured to determine an operating life of the gas turbine system based on both a health status of one or more components of the gas turbine system and operating conditions of the gas turbine system. The controller is configured to utilize at least the life consumption model to derive a control action for the gas turbine system.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2013Publication date: January 8, 2015Inventors: Rex Allen Morgan, Lewis Berkley Davis, Jr., Harold Lamar Jordan, Scott Richard Baker
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Patent number: 8926317Abstract: Method of controlling the operation of a combustion device to provide safe and reliable operation while reducing NOx emission that includes providing a flow of fuel and diluent at a determined volume ratio to a flame in the combustion device; providing a flame stability sensor to generate a measurement of a characteristic of the flame, providing a flow measurement for each of the fuel and diluent, and controlling the determined volume ratio of fuel:diluent using the measurement from the flame stability sensor and/or flow measurements. A combustion system incorporating this method also is included.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2009Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: ExxonMobil Research and Engineering CompanyInventors: John T. Farrell, San Chhotray, Gary T. Dobbs, Manuel S. Alvarez, Patrick D. Schweitzer
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Publication number: 20150000247Abstract: A system for detecting airfoil clashing within a compressor comprises a compressor having a row of rotor blades and an adjacent row of stator vanes, an acoustic emission detection system that generates an acoustic emissions signal, a rotor blade monitoring system that generates a blade pass signal, and a processing unit that is in electronic communication with the acoustic emission detection system and the rotor blade monitoring system. The processing unit is configured to fuse the acoustic emissions signal with the blade pass signal to provide a combined signal that is indicative of an airfoil clashing event between the rotor blades and the adjacent row of stator vanes.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2013Publication date: January 1, 2015Inventor: Achalesh Kumar Pandey
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Patent number: 8915089Abstract: A system is provided for detecting and controlling flashback and flame holding in a combustor of a gas turbine. The system includes at least one flame indicator disposed in a combustor and at least one detector disposed downstream from the flame indicator. The flame indicator may be configured to produce light when exposed to a flame and the detector may be configured to detect the light produced by the flame indicator.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2010Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Geoffrey David Myers, Timothy Joseph Rehg, Timothy Andrew Healy, Anthony Wayne Krull
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Patent number: 8904804Abstract: In an overspeed protection apparatus for a gas turbine engine having a turbine rotated by combustion gas injected from a combustion chamber to drive a compressor, a fuel shutoff valve to shut off fuel to be supplied to the engine and a controller controlling operation of the fuel shutoff valve based on a turbine rotational speed to protect the turbine from overspeed, an outlet pressure of the compressor is detected and compared with a threshold value when a shutoff command is outputted, and the fuel shutoff valve is determined to be failed when the detected pressure is not less than the threshold value, thereby enabling to promptly detect the fuel shutoff valve failure without additional installing sensor, thereby enhancing the reliability.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2010Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Makoto Tezuka, Koji Fukutomi
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Patent number: 8893507Abstract: A method for warming the rotor of a gas turbine during extended periods of downtime comprising feeding ambient air to an air blower; extracting compressed air from the air blower; feeding a portion of the compressed air to one side of a heat exchanger and steam (typically saturated) from e.g. a gas turbine heat recovery steam generator; passing the resulting heated air stream from the exchanger into and through into defined flow channels formed within the rotor; continuously monitoring the air temperature inside the rotor; and controlling the amount of air and steam fed to the heat exchanger using a feedback control loop that controls the amount of air and steam feeds to the exchanger and/or adjusts the flow rate of heated air stream into the rotor.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2011Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Prabhakaran Saraswathi Rajesh, Rajarshi Saha, Durgaprasad Janapaneedi, Satyanarayana Venkata Ravindra Emani
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Patent number: 8876482Abstract: A blade for use in a gas turbine engine has an airfoil including a leading edge and a trailing edge. A sheath is positioned at the leading edge and secured to the airfoil by a first adhesive formed of a first material. The sheath is formed of a second material that is distinct from said first material. The first material is less electrically conductive than the second material. A grounding element is in contact with the sheath. The grounding element is in contact with a portion of the airfoil formed of a third material that is more electrically conductive than the first material. The grounding element and the portion of the airfoil together form a ground path from the sheath into the airfoil.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2012Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventor: James R. Murdock
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Publication number: 20140322479Abstract: A flame resistant shield includes two opposing walls between which are positioned at least: a first insulating layer, the first layer being capable of distributing heat in the plane formed by the first layer and being insulating across its thickness, a second insulating layer, one of the opposing walls which covers the first layer being produced from a refractory antioxidant material or having at least the surface intended to be exposed to flames covered with a material preventing this surface from being oxidised, the other wall being a support.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 7, 2012Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: Astrium SASInventors: Cedric Plaindoux, Simon Schers, Benjamin Moura
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Patent number: 8857150Abstract: A device and method for monitoring a high-pressure pump in a turbomachine fuel supply circuit by detecting opening of a pressurizing and shut-off valve mounted on an outlet side of a fuel flow regulating valve, by measuring rotational speed of the turbomachine corresponding to the opening of the pressurizing and cut-off valve, and by monitoring change in a value of the rotational speed to propose replacement of the high-pressure pump when the measure value rotational speed reaches a predetermined threshold.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2008Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: SNECMAInventors: Christian Aurousseau, Jonathan Benitah, Xavier Flandrois, Jean-Remi Masse, Mickael Sauzedde, Franck Godel, Julien Maille
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Patent number: 8844643Abstract: A local fire shield is provided for protecting an attachment point of a fireproof system in an engine during a fire event. The local fire shield includes a mounting plate mounted on the attachment point; and a cover coupled to the mounting plate for covering the attachment point during the fire event.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2011Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Justin C. Mickelsen, Martin C. Baker
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Publication number: 20140260307Abstract: An engine wash manifold delivers wash liquid to an engine that includes an inlet, a fan, a case with an exhaust duct and a core inlet splitter. The manifold includes a wash delivery segment comprising a pipe shaped to follow at least in part engine case curvature with a first end to interface with the core inlet splitter and a second end with an inlet to receive wash fluid. The manifold further includes a retention system to secure the wash delivery segment to the engine and one or more nozzles on the first end of the wash delivery segment to spray wash fluid. The wash fluid may be atomized. The manifold further may include nozzles that deliver atomized wash liquid to the aft side of fan blades and may be used in conjunction with an inlet mounted manifold.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: ECOSERVICES, LLCInventors: Kurt Dorshimer, William J. Welch, Robert M. Rice, Sebastian Nordlund, Wayne Zadrick
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Publication number: 20140260308Abstract: A retention system includes a structure clamp to connect the retention system to another structure; and a manifold clamp connected to the structure clamp, the manifold clamp including a trough to receive a pipe, a plurality of tube clamps with split cylinders extending through the trough, a collar to clamp around the pipe, and a spring to bias the trough from the collar.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 13, 2013Publication date: September 18, 2014Applicant: ECOSERVICES, LLCInventors: Kurt Dorshimer, William J. Welch, Robert M. Rice, Sebastian Nordlund, Wayne Zadrick
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Patent number: 8813505Abstract: Method for conditioning a power supply for starting a jet engine having an electrical starting system with an auxiliary power unit in parallel with a DC power supply.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2012Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: GE Aviation Systems LLCInventors: Dinesh Nath Taneja, Krishna Jonnalagadda, Pranav N. Patel
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Patent number: 8818684Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for detecting failure in gas turbine hardware. According to an example embodiment of the invention, a method for detecting a failure in a gas turbine is provided. The method can include monitoring a parameter associated with the turbine, wherein the monitored parameter comprises at least one turbine bucket temperature, detecting an event associated with operation of the turbine, wherein the event is based at least in part on the monitored parameter, and initiating shutdown of the turbine upon detection of the event wherein the monitored parameter is above a predetermined value for at least a predetermined time duration.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2010Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Justin V. John, Nirm Velumylum Nirmalan, John Charles Intile, Scott William Szepek, Daniel Joseph Peczka, Bradley Steven Carey
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Publication number: 20140216053Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a fan and a compressor. A combustor drives a turbine, including a first turbine with a shaft to drive the compressor. A fan drive turbine drives the fan through a speed reduction. A sensor senses a speed of rotation of the fan and communicates sensed speed information to a control. The control develops an expected speed for the fan. A problem is identified should the sensed speed be less than the expected speed by more than a predetermined amount. A method is also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2012Publication date: August 7, 2014Inventors: Michael E. McCune, Frederick M. Schwarz
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Publication number: 20140208712Abstract: A component having a heat protection system is provided. The heat protection system includes an intumescent coating which extends over a surface of the component. The heat protection system further includes a heat resistant wrapping which covers the coating on the component. The wrapping is expandable when the coating intumesces to maintain the wrapping's coverage of the coating.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 17, 2013Publication date: July 31, 2014Applicant: ROLLS-ROYCE PLCInventor: David DOWDELL
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Publication number: 20140196434Abstract: A system has a surface intended to separate two chambers within the system. The surface has an aperture for allowing passage of at least one communication conduit. A shroud is positioned on the surface at the aperture, and has at least two portions defining a central opening to allow the communication conduit to pass through the aperture and shroud. The two portions of shroud have mating clamp ears in contact with each other. Securement members tighten the clamp ears against each other to provide a seal at an end of the shroud remote from the surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2012Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATIONInventor: UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
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Publication number: 20140196461Abstract: A tuning process is provided for dynamically tuning a gas-turbine (GT) engine to correct for flashback events without directly measuring occurrences of the flashback events at the GT engine. Initially, readings are taken that measure low-frequency dynamics at the GT engine. A determination of whether flashback criteria are met by an instantaneous signal that quantifies a detected spike within the measured low-frequency dynamics is carried out, where the flashback criteria include the following: identifying the spike overcomes a multiple of an average of the low-frequency dynamics measured over a predefined period of time; and identifying the spike overcomes a preestablished minimum amplitude. Upon the spike meeting the flashback criteria, a count is added to a running record of spikes, which is compared to an alarm limit. If the alarm limit is triggered, action(s) are invoked to address the flashback events, such as adjusting fuel-flow splits of the GT engine.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2013Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: ALSTOM TECHNOLOGY LTD.Inventors: SUMIT SONI, DONALD GAUTHIER, HANY RIZKALLA, KHALID OUMEJJOUD, PETER STUTTAFORD