A Comparison of Steam Turbine Control Valve Geometries and Their Dynamic Behavior at Part Load
Research output: Contribution to journal › Research article › Contributed › peer-review
Contributors
Abstract
A growing significance of flexible steam turbine operation challenges the control of turbines, as part load operation using control valves can be accompanied by highly unsteady flow conditions. The increased dynamic load induced by pressure forces can reduce the reliable operating range, weaken the valve, and lead to mechanical failures. The geometry of the valve plays a major role in the reduction of dynamic forces. Using a scaled control valve, experiments were conducted with a focus on the dynamic behavior of the valve head. A spherical valve shape favoring unstable operation was used as a reference case, and the desired instability was proven by measurements. Different modified valve geometries based on literature featuring separation edges were then tested against the spherical shape. Results indicate the improved stability of the modified geometries over the reference geometry. For most of the operating range, vibrations were drastically reduced, and the overall flow stabilized.
Details
Original language | English |
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Article number | 55 |
Number of pages | 17 |
Journal | International Journal of Turbomachinery Propulsion and Power |
Volume | 8 |
Issue number | 4 |
Publication status | Published - 18 Dec 2023 |
Peer-reviewed | Yes |
External IDs
Scopus | 85180546244 |
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Keywords
ASJC Scopus subject areas
Keywords
- Control valve, Part load operation, Steam turbine, Vibration, part load operation, vibration, control valve, steam turbine