Supersonic Compressor Operation With Adjustable Shock Bodies at Part Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compressor designs struggle to maintain high pressure ratios and efficiency during part-load operations, particularly in supersonic compressors, due to aerodynamic losses and difficulties in adjusting to varying mass flow rates without using expensive components or reducing rotary speed.
Innovation Solution
A supersonic compressor design with helically adjustable shock generating bodies in supersonic compression passageways, allowing for adjustments in throat cross-sectional area through a geared interface, enabling efficient operation across varying mass flow rates while maintaining output pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If rotor speed is increased to achieve higher pressure ratio, then pressure ratio is improved, but aerodynamic losses increase and efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor is divided into multiple stages, each with its own rotor-stator pairs. By segmenting the compression process into discrete stages, the patent achieves high overall pressure ratios while maintaining efficient operation at each individual stage, avoiding the aerodynamic losses associated with single-stage high-speed compression
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs variable geometry components including adjustable inlet guide vanes and variable stator vanes that can change their angle of attack dynamically. This allows the compressor to maintain optimal aerodynamic conditions across varying operating speeds and pressure ratios, preventing aerodynamic losses while achieving required compression
2Stress or pressure
If number of compressor stages is increased to achieve higher pressure ratio, then pressure ratio is improved, but device complexity and capital cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes key operational parameters including rotor blade angles, stator vane angles, and inlet guide vane settings to optimize performance. By carefully selecting and adjusting these parameters, the system achieves high pressure ratios with fewer stages, reducing complexity while meeting performance requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces axial and radial positioning adjustments of rotor and stator components, adding dimensional control variables. This allows optimization of flow paths and pressure distribution across multiple dimensions, achieving high compression ratios more efficiently with reduced stage count
3Quantity of substance
If rotor speed is reduced during part-load operation to match lower mass flow, then mass flow is matched, but pressure ratio and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamically adjustable inlet guide vanes and variable stator vanes that can change their geometry in real-time. During part-load operation, these components adjust to maintain optimal flow angles and pressure distribution, allowing the compressor to deliver required pressure ratios even at reduced mass flow rates without simply reducing rotor speed
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters including vane angles, flow coefficients, and pressure ratios dynamically. By adjusting these parameters in response to varying mass flow demands, the compressor maintains efficient operation and required pressure ratios across the full range of part-load conditions
4Stress or pressure
If adjustable components are added to maintain pressure ratio during part-load operation, then pressure ratio is maintained, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable inlet guide vanes and variable stator vanes serve multiple functions: they control mass flow rate, maintain optimal flow angles, prevent aerodynamic losses, and maintain pressure ratio. By making these components multi-functional, the patent achieves pressure ratio maintenance without adding separate dedicated adjustment mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
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 design achieves turndown capabilities of 60-70% of full load capacity with minimal efficiency loss, maintaining output pressure and efficiency across varying conditions, using a two-rotor system with adjustable shock generating bodies for precise control.
Implementation Method 1
supersonic compression passageways with adjustable shock wave generating bodies
Data Source
AI summary
A method of continuously compressing gas in a supersonic compressor. A gas compressor system is provided. The gas compressor may include a two rotor low pressure stage and a two rotor high pressure stage. The two rotor low pressure stage and the two rotor high pressure stage each have a first rotor with subsonic blades and a second rotor with supersonic compression passageways. The supersonic passageways each include a helically adjustable centerbody and boundary layer bleed passageways. The compressor continuously compresses inlet gas to provide a first compressed gas stream. That stream is cooled, then fed to the low pressure inlet of the high pressure stage, and compressed to provide a second compressed gas stream. For part load operation, the rotating speeds are higher than the nominal design rotating speed for full mass flow operation.