Composite impeller with replaceable blades

Abstract

A composite impeller for a turbofan system is disclosed. The impeller includes a hub and a plurality of replaceable impeller blades coupled to the hub. Each replaceable impeller blade includes a root, a tip, a platform extending laterally from the root, and a shroud extending laterally from the tip to engage another tip of an adjacent impeller blade. The plurality of replaceable impeller blades and hub define a closed centrifugal impeller.

Description

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 956,408, filed on September 29, 2022, entitled “COMPOLYED IMPELLER WITH REPLACEABLE BLADES,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to turbomachinery, and more particularly to a composite impeller with replaceable blades. Background Art

[0004] Typically, impellers for compressors, fans and / or blowers are constructed by welding impeller blades / blades (i.e., radially extending elements) to a rear disk / back cover and / or a central hub. In some cases, a front cover is also fixedly connected to the blades, thereby sandwiching the blades between the front cover and the back cover. In most cases, these impellers are made of steel, so the blades are welded to the rear disk, the central hub and / or the front cover. Therefore, the final impeller is usually very heavy and usually has a high moment of inertia. In addition, at least because precise welding operations must be performed in a very narrow space at the edge of the blade, and due to weight issues, these complex welds sometimes need to be performed on site, so these impellers are usually difficult to manufacture. In addition, these welded steel structures are very difficult to repair and / or maintain and / or repair and / or maintenance costs are high, because repairs usually require (e.g., by cutting metal and / or welded joints) welding repairs and / or disassembly of the impeller. In addition, the impeller may need to be transported to a separate factory for repair.

[0005] To address some of these issues, some impellers have been made from fiber composite materials. Typically, these fiber composite impellers have a generally similar geometry to steel impellers and provide a relatively monolithic / integral impeller. Changing materials can improve the performance of the impeller and / or reduce the burden / cost of shipping and manufacturing compared to steel impellers. For example, fiber composites have higher static and fatigue strengths, are lighter in weight, and have lower moments of inertia. Unfortunately, to date, these fiber composite impellers have proven to be too complex and costly to produce. In addition, these monolithic fiber composite impellers cannot be repaired. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present disclosure relates to a composite impeller assembly for a turbomachinery such as a centrifugal blower. In some aspects, a composite centrifugal impeller blade comprises a root, a tip opposite the root, a platform extending laterally from the root in a first direction, and a shroud extending laterally from the tip in a second direction. At least one of the platform and the shroud is configured to engage with a second impeller blade to form at least a portion of an impeller and a cover plate together with a plurality of additional impeller blades.

[0007] In one aspect, the blade root can be configured to engage with the hub. The impeller blade can cooperate with the hub, the second impeller blade, and a plurality of additional impeller blades to define a closed impeller. Each of the plurality of additional blades (including the second impeller blade) can include an additional platform; and the platform of the impeller blade can cooperate with the additional platforms of the plurality of impeller blades to define a back plate supporting the impeller. Each of the plurality of additional blades (including the second impeller blade) can further include an additional shroud. The shroud of each impeller blade can cooperate with the additional shroud of the plurality of impeller blades to define a cover plate.

[0008] In some cases, the platform may engage the root of the second impeller blade.

[0009] In one embodiment of the centrifugal impeller blade, the second direction may be parallel to the first direction, and the shroud is configured to engage with the tip of the second impeller blade. Alternatively, the second direction may be opposite and parallel to the first direction, and the shroud may engage with the tip of the third impeller blade.

[0010] According to one or more embodiments, a closed centrifugal impeller includes a hub and a plurality of replaceable impeller blades, the plurality of replaceable impeller blades being connected to the hub. Each replaceable impeller blade includes a root, a tip, a platform extending laterally from the root, and a shroud extending laterally from the tip to engage with another tip of an adjacent impeller blade. The plurality of replaceable impeller blades and the hub together define a closed centrifugal impeller.

[0011] In some aspects, shrouds of a plurality of replaceable impeller blades may cooperate to define a cover plate.

[0012] In some embodiments, at least one of the platform and the shroud may include an engagement mechanism for coupling a plurality of replaceable impeller blades.

[0013] In some cases, each platform of each replaceable impeller blade can be configured to engage with another root of an adjacent impeller blade to define a back plate. Alternatively, each platform of each replaceable impeller blade can be configured to engage with another root of another impeller blade to define a back plate.

[0014] In some aspects, each replaceable impeller blade is removably coupled to the hub.

[0015] According to another embodiment, a method for repairing a centrifugal impeller includes removing a damaged impeller blade from a hub of the centrifugal impeller and securing a new impeller blade to the hub. The impeller blade includes a platform and a shroud. The method further includes engaging the tip of an adjacent impeller blade with the shroud of the new impeller blade to complete a cover plate, and using the platform to complete a back plate.

[0016] In some cases, the method may include engaging the root of an adjacent impeller blade with the platform. Alternatively, the method may include engaging the root of a second adjacent impeller blade with the platform.

[0017] In some embodiments, removing the damaged impeller blade from the hub may include separating a platform of the damaged impeller blade from an adjacent impeller blade. Alternatively, removing the damaged impeller blade from the hub may include separating a platform of the damaged impeller blade from a second adjacent impeller blade.

[0018] In some aspects, removing the damaged impeller blade from the hub may include separating a shroud of the damaged impeller blade from adjacent impeller blades. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In order to complete the description and provide a better understanding of the technology proposed in this application, a set of drawings is provided. The drawings constitute an integral part of this description and illustrate embodiments of the present application, which should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present application, but only as an example of how to implement the technology proposed in this article. The drawings include the following figures:

[0020] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a turbofan system including an impeller formed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0021] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the impeller of a turbofan system.

[0022] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of a portion of an impeller, with the cover plate omitted for clarity.

[0023] Figure 4A According to the first embodiment Figure 2 A perspective view of the impeller blades of an impeller.

[0024] Figure 4B According to the second embodiment Figure 2 A perspective view of the impeller blades of an impeller.

[0025] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a securing mechanism for attaching an impeller blade to a hub according to one or more embodiments.

[0026] Figure 6 is a flow chart of a method for repairing a centrifugal impeller according to an embodiment.

[0027] Throughout the disclosure, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following description should not be understood in a limiting sense, but is given only for the purpose of describing the broad principles of the present invention. Embodiments of the present application will be described by way of example with reference to the above-mentioned drawings, which show elements and results according to the technology proposed herein.

[0029] In general, the present application relates to a composite impeller for a turbofan system having interchangeable composite blades or blades. Each blade includes a lateral extension (e.g., a platform and a shroud) that defines a portion of a back plate (e.g., a rear plate or a support plate) or a portion of a cover plate (e.g., a front plate, a shroud, a wheel cone, or a rim). The lateral extension is formed integrally with the blade, so that assembling a plurality of blades to a central hub can define the back plate and the cover plate. In other words, a closed impeller is formed by mechanically fixing the inner portion (root) of each blade to a central hub (e.g., a metal hub) and mechanically fixing the lateral extension of each blade to one or more adjacent blades. In at least some cases, a fixing element can connect the inner portion of the blade to the hub. Alternatively, the inner portion can be directly connected to the hub. In either case, the blade is removably connected to the hub (i.e., the blade is supported by the hub) via a blade surface that is substantially parallel to the hub surface.

[0030] Regardless of how the multiple blades are connected to the hub, the assembled composite impeller may be stronger than a conventional steel impeller. For example, the lateral extension of the composite blade (e.g., the portion defining the back plate and the portion defining the cover plate) can provide greater strength and lighter weight than a steel impeller, which has a welded T-joint between the blade and the back plate and between the blade and the cover plate. That is, as described herein, the composite impeller may be able to withstand greater stress and / or strain than a heavier metal impeller of similar size. Therefore, compared to a steel impeller, the composite impeller may also have a lower moment of inertia, thereby having a reduced amount of power required to start the impeller. The lower density of the selected composite material can reduce the centrifugal force of the blade, thereby reducing the stress inside the blade. In addition, the replaceable composite blade can be easily removed and replaced without sending the impeller to a distant factory for repair. Therefore, the user can repair the composite impeller at the location of the turbofan system. Another advantage over conventional impellers includes reduced complexity (e.g., no internal welding or complex composite molding technology) when manufacturing blades and assembling impellers. Still further advantages include adjusting the flow rate of the impeller by reconfiguring the inlet area and outlet area of ​​the impeller. For example, the size of the hub can be adjusted, and / or the downstream portion of the impeller can be expanded with an outlet attachment.

[0031] Reference now Figure 1An exemplary embodiment of a turbofan system 1 according to an embodiment is described. The turbofan system 1 includes an impeller 10 housed in a housing 20. The impeller 10 is connected to a motor 30 via a bearing unit 40. A support structure 50 supports the impeller 10, the housing 20, the motor 30, and the bearing unit 40. The housing 20 includes a base portion 20A and a cover portion 20B. The cover portion 20B defines an inlet 22 of the impeller 10, and the base portion 20A defines a volute and an outlet 24 for receiving the impeller 10. The motor 30 and the bearing unit 40 are configured to rotate the impeller 10 to guide an air flow or other gas component flow from the inlet 22 through the impeller 10 and the housing 20 to the outlet 24. The motor 30 may have a variable frequency drive that adjusts the rotation speed of the impeller based on a control signal, or the motor may have a fixed speed. The bearing unit 40 supports the impeller and the shaft in the axial and radial directions.

[0032] Reference now Figure 2 , illustrates a composite impeller 10 according to an embodiment. The impeller 10 is a centrifugal impeller having a hub 12, an axial inlet 10A, a radial outlet 10B, a back plate 14, a cover plate 16, and composite blades or paddles 100 that are mechanically coupled or fastened together. For clarity, Figure 2 Dashed lines are included that generally define the location of the blades 100. These dashed lines do not constitute a part of the impeller 10. Instead, the dashed lines help describe how each blade 100 extends from an upstream end 101 at an axial inlet 10A to a downstream end 103 at a radial outlet 10B. Thus, the upstream end 101 of the blade 100 defines the axial inlet 10A, and the downstream end 103 of the blade 100 defines the radial outlet 10B of the impeller 10. In addition, each blade 100 is engaged with a first adjacent blade 100' and / or a second engaged blade 100" such that when engaged (e.g., mechanically coupled together), the blade 100 defines a back plate 14 and a cover plate 16. That is, each blade 100 is disposed between a first adjacent blade 100' and a second adjacent blade 100". In the depicted embodiment, the impeller 10 also includes a plurality of bladelets 150 between the blades 100, but these bladelets 150 are not required. In fact, in some embodiments, these bladelets 150 may be omitted.

[0033] The impeller 10 can be made of a composite material. For example, each blade 100 can be formed of a prepreg composite fabric, carbon fiber, resin, or any other suitable material. Since the blade 100 defines the back plate 14 and the cover plate 16, they are also formed of the same composite material as the blade 100. In addition, the hub 12 can also be formed of a metal or a composite material (e.g., carbon fiber, glass fiber, and / or resin). Composite materials allow the impeller 10 and the blades 100 to be easily formed into any desired shape, including easily defining coupling elements. Therefore, the blades 100 can be connected to each other via coupling elements without sacrificing the structural integrity of the composite impeller. In fact, compared to a steel impeller, mechanically connecting the composite blades 100 together can improve the overall integrity of the composite impeller 10. In addition, composite materials provide strength comparable to steel, but are much lighter. Therefore, the moment of inertia of the composite impeller 10 may be much smaller than that of a steel impeller of comparable size.

[0034] During operation, the impeller 10 rotates in a rotational direction R. The blades 100 direct the air flow through the axial inlet 10A, through the impeller 10 and out of the radial outlet 10B. The back plate 14 and the cover plate 16 help direct the air flow through the impeller 10 while also structurally strengthening the impeller 10. In the depicted embodiment, the rotational direction R is illustrated in a counterclockwise direction about the hub 12. However, in some embodiments, the blades 100 can be configured to rotate in a clockwise direction to direct the air flow from the inlet 10A to the outlet 10B.

[0035] Figure 3 The impeller 10 is illustrated with the cover plate 16 and the bladelets 150 omitted to depict the arrangement of the blades 100 forming the back plate 14. As mentioned above, the blades 100 are circumferentially arranged between a first adjacent blade 100' and a second adjacent blade 100". In addition, the blades 100 are mechanically coupled or otherwise secured to the hub 12. The hub 12 includes an upstream end 12A, a downstream end 12B (depicted in phantom), and a curved outer surface 12C (see Figure 4A and Figure 4B ). In the depicted embodiment, the inner portion of each blade 100 follows the contour of the outer surface 12C of the hub 12 and extends beyond the hub 12. That is, the blade 100 extends from the upstream end 12A of the hub 12 along the outer surface 12C and beyond the downstream end 12B of the hub 12. The blade 100 may extend axially and / or radially beyond the downstream end 12B of the hub 12 to define the back plate 14. However, in other embodiments, the inner portion of each blade may extend along the hub 12 in any desired manner (and the hub 12 may have any desired shape or size).

[0036] The back plate 14 is defined by a platform 110 extending from a blade root 102 (e.g., a bottom or proximal edge) of each blade 100. More specifically, each blade 100 includes a pressure side 106 and a suction side 108 opposite the pressure side 106, and the platform 110 extending from the pressure side 106 in a circumferential direction (e.g., a rotational direction R) along the blade root 102. The platform 110 may extend substantially vertically from the blade root 102. That is, the transition between the platform 110 and the blade root 102 may be curved to define a radius.

[0037] In the depicted embodiment, a first adjacent blade 100' is disposed on the pressure side 106 of the initial blade 100 (e.g., circumferentially offset in the direction of rotation R), and a second adjacent blade 100" is disposed on the suction side 108 of the initial blade 100 (e.g., circumferentially offset in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation R). Thus, the platform 110 of the initial blade 100 extending from the pressure side 106 will extend toward the first adjacent blade 100' and may be coupled to the first adjacent blade 100'. The final blade 100 then cooperates with the adjacent blade 100' to define the back plate 14.

[0038] Furthermore, in the depicted embodiment, the pressure side 106, the suction side 108, and the platform 110 extend from the upstream end 101 to the downstream end 103. Thus, the platform 110 extending to the first adjacent blade 100' will close any open space between the pressure side 106 of the blade 100 and the suction side 108 of the first adjacent blade 100'. That is, the platform 110 extends from the pressure side 106 of the blade 100 in the direction of rotation R and engages with the suction side 108 of the first adjacent blade 100' to form a complete portion of the back plate 14 between the pressure side 106 and the suction side 108. Likewise, the platform 110' of the first adjacent blade 100' engages with another blade adjacent to the first adjacent blade 100'. At the same time, the platform 110" of the second adjacent blade 100" engages with the suction side 108 of the initial blade 100. Thus, each platform 110 of each blade sequentially engages with the adjacent blade until the platform 110 ″ of the second adjacent blade 100 ″ engages with the initial blade 100 , thereby forming the impeller 10 and the complete back plate 14 .

[0039] In some embodiments, the platform 110 can be engaged with the platform 110' of a first adjacent blade 100' or the platform 110" of a second adjacent blade 100". That is, the platform 110 can extend in the rotation direction R or in a direction opposite to the rotation direction R. Regardless of the direction in which the platform 110 extends, the platform 110 cooperates with the adjacent blades 100', 100" to define at least a portion of the backplate 14.

[0040] In addition, in any case, the platforms of adjacent blades can be engaged in any desired manner. In the depicted embodiment, the initial blade 100 is fixed to the hub 12, and the platform 110 of the blade 100 is engaged with the first adjacent blade 100' which is also fixed to the hub 12. In some cases, this may be sufficient to position the blade in a position to create an engagement between adjacent platforms and / or blades. In addition or alternatively, the platform can be mechanically coupled together. For example, the platform can define mechanical features that allow adjacent blades to be nested, matched and / or keyed to each other. In addition, adjacent blades can be fixed together by one or more fasteners, pawl structures, offset structures or any combination thereof. However, advantageously, when the blade is formed by a composite material (e.g., carbon fiber), fasteners (or any other connector / connection technology) can be spaced apart along overlapping surfaces and / or contact surfaces (e.g., three fasteners connecting the platform to the roots of adjacent blades are evenly spaced apart).

[0041] Now turn to Figure 4A and Figure 4B The blade 100 further defines a cover plate 16 in a similar manner to the back plate 14. As an example, Figure 4A and Figure 4B Depicted are spacer blades 200, 300 having shroud portions or rim portions 220, 320 according to two embodiments, each of which may represent Figure 2 and Figure 3 The blades 100, 100' and 100 shown in (provided that each blade can be circumferentially patterned to form a complete impeller). Figure 4A The illustration shows a spacer blade 200 having a U-shaped configuration, Figure 4B The illustration shows a spacer blade 300 having a Z-shaped configuration. Although differently constructed, the two shroud portions 220, 320 may cooperate with adjacent blades (not shown) to define the cover plate 16 (see Figure 2 ).

[0042] Each of these blades will be described in more detail below. However, before turning to the depicted embodiment, it should be understood that the shroud portions (e.g., shroud portions 220, 320) of adjacent blades can be engaged with each other in any desired manner, similar to the platform (although it is clear that the platform and shroud portions do not need to be engaged in the same manner). For example, in the depicted embodiment, multiple blades 200, 300 can be coupled to the hub 12, and this may be sufficient to position the blades in a position to create an engagement between adjacent shroud portions and / or blades. In addition or alternatively, the shroud portions can be mechanically coupled together. For example, the shroud portions can define mechanical features that allow adjacent blades to be nested, mated and / or keyed to each other. In addition, adjacent blades can be fixed together by one or more fasteners, pawl structures, offset structures, or any combination thereof. However, to reiterate, when the blades are formed of a composite material (e.g., carbon fiber), the fasteners (or any other connector / connection technology) can be spaced apart along the overlapping surfaces and / or contact surfaces (e.g., three fasteners connecting the shroud to the tips of adjacent blades are evenly spaced apart).

[0043] Reference now Figure 4A In the present embodiment, the blade 200 includes a blade root 202 (e.g., bottom edge) and a blade tip 204 (e.g., top edge). The blade root 202 is a portion of the blade 200 that is adjacent to and engaged with the hub 12. The blade tip 204 is a portion of the blade 200 that is opposite to the blade root 202. More specifically, the blade root 202 is a radially inner portion of the blade 200 at the upstream end 201 and transitions to an axially rearward portion of the blade 200 at the downstream end 203. Therefore, the blade root 202 follows the arcuate surface 12C of the hub 12 and extends beyond the downstream end 12B of the hub 12. Meanwhile, the blade tip 204 is a radially outer portion of the blade 200 at the upstream end 201 and transitions to an axially forward portion of the blade 200 (relative to the blade root 202) at the downstream end 203.

[0044] The platform 210 extends laterally / circumferentially from the pressure side 206 of the blade root 202, and the shroud portion 220 extends laterally / circumferentially from the pressure side 206 of the blade tip 204. The shroud portion 220 may extend generally perpendicularly from the blade tip 204. That is, the transition between the blade tip 204 and the shroud portion 220 may be curved to define a radius.

[0045] exist Figure 4AIn the illustrated embodiment, the platform 210 and the shroud portion 220 extend in parallel in the same circumferential direction (e.g., counterclockwise or rotational direction R about the hub 12). The platform 210 includes an upstream portion 210A extending along the hub 12 and a downstream portion 210B extending beyond the hub 12. That is, the downstream portion 210B is the portion of the platform 210 that extends beyond the downstream end 12B of the hub 12. The dashed line separates the upstream portion 210A from the downstream portion 210B. The downstream portion 210B forms a portion of the back plate 14. Therefore, each downstream portion 210B of each platform 210 of each blade 200 is joined to the downstream portion of the platform of the adjacent blade to define the back plate 14 (see Figure 3 In some embodiments, the downstream portion 210B of each platform 210 is aligned with an adjacent blade (eg, Figure 2 and Figure 3 In yet another embodiment, the entire portion of the platform 210 is joined to the suction side 208 of the blade root 202 of the blade 100' in the embodiment. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The platforms and / or blade roots 202 of adjacent blades 100 ′) are joined.

[0046] Meanwhile, the shroud portion 220 extends from the upstream end 201 to the downstream end 203 along the blade tip 204. The shroud portion 220 further extends in the rotation direction R (eg, counterclockwise) to be aligned with adjacent blades (eg, Figure 2 When a plurality of blades 200 are arranged around the hub 12, each shroud portion 220 of each blade 200 is engaged with a blade tip and / or shroud portion of an adjacent blade (e.g., a first adjacent blade 100') to form a shroud having a plurality of blades 200 disposed about the hub 12. Figure 3 The mid-platform 110 defines at least a portion of the cover plate 16 in a manner that defines the back plate 14. Thus, each shroud portion 220 of each blade 200 is aligned with an adjacent blade (e.g., Figure 2 Adjacent tips and / or shroud portions of adjacent blades 100 ′) in the embodiment of the present invention are joined to define a cover plate 16 .

[0047] Reference now Figure 4B , illustrates a blade 300 according to a second embodiment. The blade 300 is generally similar to the U-shaped blade 200, and like reference numerals identify like elements; however, the blade 300 has a Z-shaped configuration. For example, the blade 300 includes a platform 310 extending from a blade root 302 in a rotational direction R (e.g., counterclockwise) about the hub 12. A dashed line separates an upstream portion 310A of the platform 310 from a downstream portion 310B of the platform 310.

[0048] The blade 300 further includes a shroud portion 320 extending circumferentially from the blade tip 304 in a clockwise direction around the hub 12. The transition between the blade tip 304 and the shroud portion 320 may be curved to define a radius. Ultimately, the shroud portion 320 extends from the blade tip 304 parallel to and opposite to the platform 310. Thus, when a plurality of blades 300 are secured to the hub 12, each blade 300 is aligned with a first adjacent blade (e.g., Figure 2 adjacent blade 100' in the middle) and a second adjacent blade (eg, Figure 2 That is, each platform 310 is engaged with a first adjacent blade (eg, Figure 2 The adjacent blades 100') in the back plate 14 are joined to define the back plate 14, and each shroud portion 320 of each blade 300 is joined to a second adjacent blade (eg, Figure 2 The tips 304 and / or shroud portions 320 of adjacent blades 100 ″) are joined to define the cover plate 16 .

[0049] Reference now Figure 5 , and continue to refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , illustrates a coupling or securing mechanism 400 for mechanically securing each blade 100 to the hub 12. In the depicted embodiment, the spacer blade 100 may represent Figure 4A and Figure 4B 4 and 5. The blades 200 and 300 in FIG. 4 are shown in FIG. 4 , wherein the shroud portions 220 and 320 are omitted. The fixing mechanism 400 may include a protrusion 402 and a groove 404. In the depicted embodiment, the groove 404 is disposed in the hub 12 and generally follows the contour of the platform 110 of the blade 100. In addition, the protrusion 402 generally follows the groove 404 and is configured to couple the platform 110 and / or the blade root 102 to the hub 12 via an interference fit between the protrusion 402, the blade 100, and the groove 404. That is, when the protrusion 402 and the blade root 102 and / or the platform 110 are disposed in the groove 404, the protrusion 402 presses the blade root 102 and / or the platform 110 into close contact with the groove 404, and friction prevents movement of the blade 100. Thus, the blade 100 is mechanically fixed to the hub 12. In addition, each blade 100 may be fixed to the hub 12 by a corresponding fixing mechanism 400. That is, a plurality of tabs 402 and recesses 404 may be disposed about hub 12 to receive a plurality of blades 100. Additionally or alternatively, a single tab may couple a plurality of blades 100 to a plurality of recesses 404. Furthermore, a plurality of tabs 402 may be used to couple a single blade 100 to hub 12.

[0050] Alternatively, the groove 404 may be omitted from the fixing mechanism 400, and a plurality of protrusions 402 may couple the plurality of blades 100 to the hub 12. For example, the plurality of blades 100 may be arranged with a plurality of protrusions 402 around the hub 12. Each protrusion 402 may apply fixing pressure to each adjacent blade in turn until the protrusion 402 corresponding to another blade applies fixing pressure to the initial blade 100 and the protrusion 402. As the blade 100 is fixed to the hub 12, the shroud portion (not shown) of the blade 100 may be aligned with the adjacent blade (see Figure 2 ) and the platform of the blade may be joined to an adjacent blade (see Figure 3 ) of the blade root and / or platform of the hub 12. Thus, the protrusions 402 couple the blades 100 together along the hub 12 by an interference fit, and the assembled blades 100 form the back plate 14 and the cover plate 16. In addition, removing one protrusion 402 can separate the blade 100 from the hub 12, thereby allowing one or more blades 100 to be replaced. In some embodiments, a single fixing mechanism can couple two or more blades 100 together. For example, the fixing mechanism can have a comb-like shape and have a plurality of protrusions extending from a base that engage the roots of a plurality of blades.

[0051] In some embodiments, the fixing mechanism 400 can adjust the impeller 10 (see Figure 2 ) flow rate or flow rate. For example, the fixing mechanism 400 can be attached to the hub 12, the blade root and / or the platform and has a function of determining the impeller inlet 10A (see Figure 2 ) area. The flow rate of the impeller can be based at least in part on the area of ​​the impeller inlet 10A. Therefore, selecting the radial thickness of the fixing mechanism 400 can set the flow rate of the impeller 10.

[0052] Additionally or alternatively, the blade 100 may be replaced with a blade having a platform with a different radial thickness than the original blade platform, thereby increasing or decreasing the area of ​​the impeller inlet 10A, thereby changing the flow rate or flow rate of the impeller. Additionally or alternatively, the new blade may have a longer or shorter downstream portion 210B, 310B (see Figure 4A and Figure 4B ) to increase or decrease the overall radius of the impeller 10. Therefore, the impeller outlet 10B (see Figure 2 ) can be increased or decreased, thereby increasing or decreasing the flow rate of the impeller. Therefore, the impeller 10 can be easily modified to adjust the flow rate and / or flow rate.

[0053] However, in some embodiments, the blade need not be coupled to the hub 12 via a fixing mechanism, and the blade shroud portions 220, 320 and / or the blade platform 110 may cooperate to directly couple the blade 100 to each other and / or the hub 12. For example, as previously described, the platform 110 and / or the shroud portions 220, 320 may each include engagement mechanisms that are configured to be coupled to another blade root 102 / platform 110 and blade tip 104 / shroud portions 220, 320, respectively. For example, the platform 110 may include a first protrusion that is configured to engage a first receiving member (e.g., a slot) disposed in the blade root 102 and / or platform 110 of an adjacent blade 100'. Similarly, the shroud portions 220, 320 may include a second protrusion that is configured to engage a first receiving member (e.g., a slot) disposed in an adjacent blade (e.g., Figure 2 The blade tip 104 of the first adjacent blade 100' and / or the second adjacent blade 100" in the platform 110 and / or the second receiving member in the shroud portion 220, 320. Therefore, the engagement mechanism of the platform 110 and the shroud portion 220, 320 can couple the blades 100 together around the hub 12. The coupling of multiple blades 100 around the hub 12 can cause the blade root 102 and / or the platform 110 to apply pressure to the hub 12 to create an interference fit therebetween. Therefore, the blades 100 and the hub 12 are coupled together to define a closed impeller 10.

[0054] In some embodiments, the arcuate surface 12C of the hub 12 may include an anti-skid feature to prevent the hub 12 from rotating independently of the plurality of blades 100. For example, the arcuate surface 12C may be a rough surface to increase the friction between the coupled blades 100 and the hub 12. Additionally or alternatively, the anti-skid feature may include one or more protrusions (i.e., keying features) extending vertically from the arcuate surface 12C. The one or more protrusions may engage a receiving element (e.g., a slot) in one or more blades 100 to prevent rotation between the hub 12 and the blades 100. Alternatively, the anti-skid feature may include at least one protrusion extending from at least one blade 100 and configured to engage at least one receiving element in the hub 12, thereby preventing movement between the hub 12 and the blades 100. In some embodiments, the anti-slip feature may include a plurality of protrusions extending from each of the hub 12 and blade 100 assemblies and configured to engage corresponding receiving elements (e.g., slots) in each of the blade 100 assembly and the hub 12, thereby preventing movement between the hub 12 and blade 100 assembly. In some cases, one or more blades 100 may be coupled to the hub 12 via screws or bolts.

[0055] Embodiments are not limited to any particular means for removably securing blades 100 to hub 12. Regardless of the specific securing means, blades 100 are removably coupled to each other and hub 12 to define impeller 10 having back plate 14 and cover plate 16. Thus, if a portion of impeller 10 is damaged, one or more damaged blades 100 can be mechanically disassembled or removed from the blade assembly and replaced with one or more new blades to repair impeller 10.

[0056] refer to Figure 6 , depicting a method 600 for repairing a centrifugal impeller (e.g., impeller 10). The method includes removing a damaged impeller blade from a hub of the centrifugal impeller in operation 610, and fastening a new impeller blade to the hub in operation 620, the impeller blade having a platform and a shroud. The method further includes engaging the tip of an adjacent impeller blade with the shroud of the new impeller blade to complete a cover plate in operation 630; and completing a back plate with the platform in operation 640. In some embodiments, the method may further include engaging the blade root of an adjacent impeller blade with the platform. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the method may further include engaging the blade root of a second adjacent impeller blade with the platform.

[0057] In some embodiments, removing the damaged impeller blade from the hub may include separating the platform of the damaged impeller blade from an adjacent impeller blade or a second adjacent impeller blade. Additionally or alternatively, removing the damaged impeller blade from the hub may include separating the shroud of the damaged impeller blade from an adjacent impeller blade.

[0058] Each example embodiment disclosed herein includes one or more different features. However, all disclosed example embodiments are designed to work together as part of a single larger system or method. The present disclosure explicitly contemplates composite embodiments that combine multiple previously discussed features in different example embodiments into a single system or method.

[0059] Although the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details shown, as it will be apparent that various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims. In addition, different features from one embodiment may be combined in another embodiment. It is appropriate, therefore, that the appended claims be interpreted broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the present disclosure set forth in the following claims.

[0060] Reference may be made to the spatial relationship between different components and the spatial orientation of different aspects of the components as depicted in the accompanying drawings. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art upon complete reading of this disclosure, the devices, components, members, equipment, etc. described herein may be positioned in any desired direction. Therefore, the use of terms such as "above," "below," "up," "down," "top," "bottom," or other similar terms to describe the spatial relationship between components or to describe the spatial orientation of various aspects of such components shall be understood to describe the relative relationship between these components or the spatial orientation of aspects of such components, respectively, because the components described herein may be oriented in any desired direction. When used to describe the size and / or other features (e.g., time, pressure, temperature, distance, etc.), operation, condition, etc., of an element, the phrase "between X and Y" represents a range including X and Y.

[0061] For example, it should be understood that terms such as "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "front", "back", "side", "height", "length", "width", "up", "down", "inside", "outside", "medial", "lateral", etc., as may be used herein, merely describe reference points and do not limit the present invention to any particular orientation or configuration. Additionally, the term "exemplary" is used herein to describe an example or illustration. Any embodiment described herein as exemplary should not be construed as a preferred or advantageous embodiment, but rather as one example or illustration of possible embodiments.

[0062] Further, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and / or letters in various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity, and does not in itself define the relationship between the various embodiments and / or configurations discussed.

[0063] Similarly, when used herein, the term "comprises" and its derivatives (such as "comprising", etc.) should not be understood in an exclusive sense, that is, these terms should not be interpreted as excluding the possibility that the things described and defined may include additional elements, steps, etc. At the same time, when used herein, the term "approximately" and its family terms (such as "approximate", etc.) should be understood to indicate values ​​that are very close to those accompanying the above terms. That is, deviations within reasonable limits from the exact values ​​should be accepted, because those skilled in the art will understand that such deviations from the indicated values ​​are inevitable due to measurement inaccuracies, etc. The same applies to the terms "about", "around", and "substantially".

[0064] As used herein, unless expressly provided otherwise, the use of the phrases "at least one," "one or more," "and / or," variations thereof, and the like, are open-ended expressions that are conjunctions and transitions in operation of any and all possible combinations of the associated listed items. For example, each of the expressions "at least one of X, Y, and Z," "at least one of X, Y, or Z," "one or more of X, Y, and Z," "one or more of X, Y, or Z," and "X, Y, and / or Z" may be represented as any of the following: 1) X, but not Y and not Z; 2) Y, but not X and not Z; 3) Z, but not X and not Y; 4) X and Y, but not Z; 5) X and Z, but not Y; 6) Y and Z, but not X; or 7) X, Y, and Z.

[0065] In addition, unless otherwise expressly provided, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are intended to distinguish the specific nouns (e.g., elements, conditions, nodes, outlets, inlets, valves, modules, activities, operations, etc.) that they modify. Unless otherwise expressly provided, the use of these terms is not intended to indicate any type of order, rank, importance, time sequence or hierarchy of the modified nouns. For example, "first X" and "second X" are intended to specify two "X" elements that are not necessarily limited by any order, rank, importance, time sequence or hierarchy of the two elements. Further as mentioned in this article, "at least one" and "one or more" can be represented using "(s)" nomenclature (e.g., one or more elements).

Claims

1. A centrifugal impeller blade, comprising: roots; a tip opposite the root; a platform extending laterally from the root in a first direction; as well as a shield extending laterally from the tip in a second direction, Wherein, at least one of the platform and the shroud is configured to engage with a second impeller blade to form at least a portion of an impeller and a cover plate together with a plurality of additional impeller blades.

2. The centrifugal impeller blade according to claim 1, wherein: The root of the blade is configured to engage with the hub.

3. The centrifugal impeller blade according to claim 2, wherein: The impeller blade is configured to cooperate with the hub, the second impeller blade, and the plurality of additional impeller blades to define a closed impeller.

4. The centrifugal impeller blade according to claim 3, wherein: each impeller blade of the plurality of further blades comprising a further platform, the plurality of further impeller blades including the second impeller blade; and The platform of the impeller blade is configured to cooperate with the further platforms of the plurality of impeller blades to define a back plate supporting the impeller.

5. The centrifugal impeller blade according to claim 4, wherein: each impeller blade of the plurality of additional blades further comprising an additional shroud, the plurality of additional impeller blades including the second impeller blade; and The impeller blade shroud is configured to cooperate with the further shrouds of the plurality of impeller blades to define the cover plate.

6. The centrifugal impeller blade according to claim 1, wherein: The platform is configured to engage a root of the second impeller blade.

7. The centrifugal impeller blade according to claim 1, wherein: The second direction is parallel to the first direction, and the shroud is configured to engage a tip end of the second impeller blade.

8. The centrifugal impeller blade according to claim 1, wherein: The second direction is opposite and parallel to the first direction, and the shroud is configured to engage a tip end of a third impeller blade.

9. A closed centrifugal impeller comprising: Wheel hub; as well as a plurality of replaceable impeller blades coupled to the hub, each replaceable impeller blade comprising: roots; Tip; a platform extending laterally from the root; and a shroud extending laterally from the tip end to engage with another tip end of an adjacent impeller blade, Wherein, the plurality of replaceable impeller blades and the hub define the closed centrifugal impeller.

10. The closed centrifugal impeller of claim 9, wherein: The shrouds of the plurality of replaceable impeller blades cooperate to define a cover plate.

11. The closed centrifugal impeller of claim 9, wherein: At least one of the platform and the shroud includes an engagement mechanism for coupling the plurality of replaceable impeller blades.

12. The closed centrifugal impeller of claim 9, wherein: Each platform of each replaceable impeller blade is configured to engage with another root of the adjacent impeller blade to define a back plate.

13. The closed centrifugal impeller of claim 9, wherein: Each platform of each replaceable impeller blade is configured to engage with another root of another impeller blade to define a back plate.

14. The closed centrifugal impeller of claim 9, wherein: Each replaceable impeller blade is removably coupled to the hub.

15. A method for repairing a centrifugal impeller, comprising: removing damaged impeller blades from a hub of the centrifugal impeller; securing a new impeller blade to the hub, the impeller blade having a platform and a shroud; engaging the tip of an adjacent impeller blade with the shroud of the new impeller blade to complete the cover plate; as well as The back panel is completed using the platform.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising engaging roots of the adjacent impeller blades with the platform.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising engaging a root of a second adjacent impeller blade with the platform.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein: Removing the damaged impeller blade from the hub includes separating the platform of the damaged impeller blade from the adjacent impeller blade.

19. The method according to claim 15, wherein: Removing the damaged impeller blade from the hub includes separating the platform of the damaged impeller blade from a second adjacent impeller blade.

20. The method according to claim 15, wherein: Removing the damaged impeller blade from the hub includes separating the shroud of the damaged impeller blade from the adjacent impeller blade.

Images