Patent ID: 6481211
Filing Date: 2002-11-19
Classification: F01D,F05D

Abstract:
A method of reducing thermal stresses in thermally cycled components of a turbine engine, said engine having commanded phases of operation, comprising the steps ofa) providing a source of coolant and a conveying system for delivering said coolant to said thermally cycled components, b) providing flow control valves in said conveying system, c) providing temperature sensors for said thermally cycled components, d) providing a controller having the temperature ranges of said thermally cycled components for all operating phases and a pre-determined temperature-time schedule of temperature change to prevent thermal shock to said thermally cycled components, e) providing a cooler and a heater operatively connected to said conveying system to condition said coolant, f) operatively connecting said controller to said temperature sensors, said flow control valves, said cooler and said heater, g) said controller comparing the present temperature of the current phase of operation with a target temperature of a commanded different phase of operation, h) said controller activating said flow control valves, or said cooler, or said heater, in accordance with the current temperature gradient and said temperature-time schedule for the determined amount of time to reach said target temperature.