A Comparison of Steam Turbine Control Valve Geometries and Their Dynamic Behavior at Part Load

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-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 languageEnglish
Article number55
Number of pages17
JournalInternational Journal of Turbomachinery Propulsion and Power
Volume8
Issue number4
Publication statusPublished - 18 Dec 2023
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 85180546244

Keywords

Keywords

  • Control valve, Part load operation, Steam turbine, Vibration, part load operation, vibration, control valve, steam turbine