Thermal actuated valve for clearance control
AssigneeGeneral Electric Company
InventorWilliam R. Patterson
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A shroud closely surrounding a high thermal inertia rotor is provided with a support structure having low thermal inertia characteristics. The support structure is selectively exposed to different temperature mediums during transient operation by way of a thermal actuated valve so as to cause a rapid growth thereof during periods of engine acceleration and a slow shrinkage thereof during periods of deceleration of the engine. In this manner the clearance relationship between the shroud and enclosed rotor is maintained at a minimum during periods of steady-state and transitional operation to thereby increase the efficiency of the combination.
Claims6
A thermal valve responsive to the temperature of a fluid to which it is exposed comprising:
- a. a first ring having a relatively low thermal coefficient of expansion;
- b. a second ring axially spaced from and relatively fixed with respect to said first ring and having a specified diameter and a relatively low thermal coefficient of expansion;
- and
- c. cylinder having a relatively high thermal coefficient of expansion and a diameter different from that of said second ring, said cylinder having its one end rigidly connected to said first ring and its other end axially overlapping a portion of said second ring and radially spaced therefrom to mutually define a flow path having an inlet and outlet, the area of said flow path being variable in response to changes in the fluid temperatures.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.