Susan Mary Kron

US Patent:

52579069, Nov 2, 1993

Filed:

Jun 30, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/906343

Inventors:

Lewis Gray - Winter Springs FL
Douglas C. Hofer - Orlando FL
Susan M. Kron - Orlando FL
Robert C. Wynn - Winter Springs FL

Assignee:

Westinghouse Electric Corp. - Pittsburgh PA

International Classification:

F01D 2530

US Classification:

415226

Abstract:

An exhaust system for an axial flow turbomachine is provided having a diffuser that directs the flow of working fluid from a turbine exit to an exhaust housing having a bottom opening, thereby turning the flow 90. degree. from the axial to radial direction. In the exhaust housing, the flow exiting at the top of the diffuser turns 180. degree. from the vertically upward direction to the downward direction. The strength of the vortex formed in the exhaust housing as a result of this turning is minimized by orienting the outlet of an outer exhaust flow guide portion of the diffuser so that it lies in a plane that makes an angle with a plane perpendicular to the turbine axis. As a result, the minimum axial length of the outer flow guide occurs at a location remote from the exhaust housing outlet and the maximum axial length occurs at a location proximate the opening, thereby crowding the vortex against a radially extending baffle in the exhaust housing.