Best practice in combustor transition piece design

摘要

The reliable prediction of thermal loads in transition pieces is crucial to increase their life span. Power Systems Mfg. LLC (PSM) discusses best practices in transition piece design to allow aerodynamic pieces that optimize and combine improved cooling effectiveness with low pressure drop and reduced emissions operation. The transition piece (TP) is a critical part of a gas turbine, leading the hot gas from the combustion chambers to the turbine guide vanes. Due to its complex design, however, it experiences high thermal stress levels, limiting its life expectations and making it one of the most critical components of the entire engine. The reliable prediction of such thermal loads is hence a crucial aspect to increase the transition piece life span and to assure safe operation.