CPC F04D 29/462 (2013.01) [F04D 17/10 (2013.01); F04D 29/444 (2013.01)] | 15 Claims |
1. An inlet guide vane assembly for a centrifugal compressor, the inlet guide vane assembly comprising:
a plurality of guide vanes;
a drive structure coupled to the plurality of guide vanes, the drive structure being configured such that rotation of the drive structure transitions the plurality of guide vanes from a first position to a second position, the drive structure including a drive ring;
an actuator; and
an actuation mechanism configured to cause the drive structure to transition the plurality of guide vanes between the first and second positions based on operation of the actuator, the actuation mechanism including a gear operatively connected to the actuator and a linkage that is pivotally coupled between the gear and the drive ring and is movable with respect to the drive ring and the gear, with the drive ring, the gear and the linkage being independently formed as separate members,
the actuation mechanism being configured to impart
a first amount of rotational force to drive the drive structure when the guide vanes are in the first position and
a second amount of rotational force when the guide vanes arc in the second position, and
the actuation mechanism being configured to provide a mechanical advantage to the actuator when the guide vanes are in the first positions as compared to when the guide vanes are in the second position.
|