Searching for Possible Design Solutions to Extend the Service Life of the HPC of a Powerful NPP Turbine after Damage to the Rotor Blades

Abstract

The aim of this research was to analyze and evaluate possible design solutions for the flow path of the high-pressure cylinder (HPC) of the K-1000-60/3000 turbine and the possibility of their short-term implementation in a nuclear power plant after an accidental destruction of the working blades of the last stage of the HPC in conditions of the shortage of generating capacities and a tense operation state of the power system. To achieve the set goals, an appropriate methodology was developed; a mathematical model of thermo-and gas dynamic processes in the flow path of a steam turbine was improved. To make appropriate decisions on changing the design of the turbine, the necessary computational studies of the HPC of the K-1000-60/3000 turbine of the designed structure, the structure without rotor blades of the 5th stage and the structure with four first stages (without the fifth stage) were carried out for both turbine steam flows. The results of the study of thermo- and gas dynamic parameters of the flow showed the presence of differences in the operating conditions of all turbine stages, and these are the most significant for the 4th and 5th stages. A significant redistribution of thermal differences in the stages, and a decrease in the internal power of the HPC of the turbine by 35.5 MW and 6.6 MW respectively, as well as a decrease in their internal efficiency by 11.8 % and 2.1 %, respectively, were noted. Taking into account all the aspects related to the operation of the power unit, the most successful solution for the rapid resumption of operation of a powerful turbine plant used by a nuclear power plant after an accidental damage to the working blades is a HPC design without the working blades of the fifth stage. It is planned to carry out additional studies of the HPC design by replacing the nozzle apparatus of the fifth stage with an appropriate simulator.