Numerical and experimental investigation of axial gap variation in high pressure steam turbine stages

TitleNumerical and experimental investigation of axial gap variation in high pressure steam turbine stages
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2017
AuthorsBellucci J, Rubechini F, Arnone A, Arcangeli L, Maceli N, Paradiso B, Gatti G
JournalJournal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power
Volume139
Issue5
Pagination052603 (9 pages)
Date Published01/2017
ISSN Number0742-4795
Accession NumberWOS:000398435700022
Abstract

This work aims at investigating the impact of axial gap variation on aerodynamic performance of a HP steam turbine stage. Numerical and experimental campaigns were conducted on a 1.5-stage of a reaction steam turbine. This low speed rig was operated in different operating conditions. Two different configurations were studied, in which blades axial gap was varied in a range from 40% to 95%. Numerical analyses were carried out by means of three-dimensional, viscous, unsteady simulations, adopting measured inlet/outlet boundary conditions. Two set of measurements were performed. Steady measurements, from one hand, for global performance estimation of the whole turbine. Steady and unsteady measurements, on the other hand, were performed downstream of rotor row, in order to characterize the flow structures in this region. The fidelity of computational setup was proven by comparing numerical results to measurements. Main performance curves and span-wise distributions shown a good agreement in terms of both shape of curves/distributions and absolute values. Moreover, the comparison of two dimensional maps downstream of rotor row shown similar structures of the flow field. Finally, a comprehensive study of the axial gap effect on stage aerodynamic performance was carried out for four blade spacings, and five aspect ratios. The results pointed out how unsteady interaction between blade rows affects stage operation, in terms of pressure and flow angle distributions, as well as of secondary flows development. The combined effect of these aspects in determining the stage efficiency is investigated and discussed in detail.

URLhttp://gasturbinespower.asmedigitalcollection.asme.org/article.aspx?articleid=2580913
DOI10.1115/1.4035158
Refereed DesignationRefereed