Acoustic Particle Agglomeration in Turbine Diffuser Air Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Debris entrained in air ingested into the core of a turbine engine clogs cooling passages and builds up on impingement surfaces, reducing efficiency and durability of engine components, particularly in the combustor and turbine sections, due to the small particle size reached after passing through the compressor.
Innovation Solution
A gas turbine engine equipped with particle separators and agglomerators that utilize acoustic signals to cause particle agglomeration, followed by centrifugal and electrostatic separation to remove entrained particles from the air flow, using diffuser OD and ID flow paths to protect downstream components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If particles are removed using conventional filtration methods, then particle removal efficiency is improved, but the system complexity and pressure loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical filtration systems with an acoustic field-based particle agglomeration system. Acoustic waves are used to induce particle clustering through acoustic radiation pressure and streaming effects, eliminating the need for complex mechanical filters and reducing pressure loss while maintaining effective particle removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and distribution parameters of particles by applying acoustic energy. The acoustic field modifies particle velocity, position, and aggregation state, transforming dispersed particles into agglomerated clusters that can be more easily separated from the gas flow without complex mechanical systems.
2Quantity of substance
If small particles are removed through compression, then particle size reduction is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces high-energy mechanical compression with low-energy acoustic field manipulation. Acoustic radiation pressure and acoustic streaming enable particle aggregation and size modification without the substantial energy input required by mechanical compressors, significantly reducing energy consumption while achieving effective particle size control.
3Reliability
If acoustic signals are used to agglomerate particles, then particle agglomeration is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary field to mediate particle interactions. The acoustic field acts as a mediator that transfers energy and momentum to particles, inducing agglomeration through acoustic radiation pressure and streaming without requiring direct mechanical contact or complex control systems, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.
4Reliability
If particle separators are installed in diffuser flow paths, then particle separation is improved, but the flow area and engine performance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical particle separator installations in diffuser flow paths with an acoustic field-based separation method. Acoustic waves are directed into the flow path to agglomerate particles in situ without obstructing the flow area, maintaining engine performance while achieving effective particle separation through non-intrusive acoustic energy application.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively removes a wide range of particle sizes, reducing the risk of fouling and enhancing the durability and efficiency of engine components by providing clean air for cooling and operation.
Implementation Method 1
The particle agglomerator is configured to produce acoustic signals that causes agglomeration of particles entrained in an air flow within the turbine engine
Implementation Method 2
followed by centrifugal and electrostatic separation to remove entrained particles from the air flow
Implementation Method 3
followed by centrifugal and electrostatic separation to remove entrained particles from the air flow
Data Source
AI summary
A turbine engine having an axial centerline is provided that includes a compressor section, a combustor section, an outer casing, an inner diffuser case, a turbine section, a particle separator, and a particle agglomerator. The outer casing is disposed radially outside of and spaced apart from an annular combustor. A diffuser outer diameter (OD) flow path is disposed radially between the outer casing and the outer combustor wall. The inner diffuser case is disposed radially inside of and spaced apart from the annular combustor. A diffuser inner diameter (ID) flow path is disposed radially between the inner combustor wall and the inner diffuser case. The particle agglomerator is configured to produce acoustic signals that causes agglomeration of particles entrained in an air flow within the turbine engine.