Adjustable Tangential On-Board Injector Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas turbine engines with tangential on-board injectors (TOBIs) face inefficiencies due to fixed airflow characteristics, which can lead to significant losses and fluctuations in cooling flow pressure ratios, especially when using Variable Area Turbines (VATs), affecting engine performance and part life.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates adjustable vanes within the TOBI, which rotate about a pivot or hinge, allowing for modulation of airflow characteristics, including volume, velocity, and direction, to minimize losses and optimize airflow to the turbine blades, thereby improving engine efficiency and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If fixed airflow characteristics are used in TOBI, then device complexity is reduced, but engine efficiency deteriorates due to significant losses and fluctuations in cooling flow pressure ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the TOBI airflow characteristics adjustable through rotating vanes that can change their position dynamically. The vanes are configured to rotate about an axis, allowing the airflow passage area and direction to be modulated in response to varying engine operating conditions, thereby reducing energy losses while adapting to different operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by varying the airflow characteristics (area, direction, velocity) through the rotating vane mechanism. By changing the vane rotation angle, the effective airflow passage parameters are adjusted to optimize cooling flow pressure ratios under different operating conditions, directly addressing the energy loss problem without requiring complete system redesign
2Productivity
If adjustable vanes are added to modulate airflow characteristics, then engine efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating vane mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it controls airflow area, directs airflow angle, and regulates flow velocity. This multi-functionality allows a single adjustable component system to address multiple performance requirements (efficiency, cooling distribution, adaptability) without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustability of the vanes enables the system to adapt to varying operating conditions, improving overall engine efficiency and part life. The ability to modulate airflow characteristics in real-time compensates for the added complexity by providing operational flexibility and performance optimization across different flight regimes
3Loss of energy
If cooling air velocity is reduced to minimize losses, then energy efficiency improves, but cooling effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing cooling air with optimized velocity and direction to specific regions of the turbine blades where cooling is most needed. The rotating vanes enable targeted delivery of cooling flow to different blade sections, ensuring adequate cooling effectiveness is maintained at critical locations while minimizing overall energy losses through optimized flow distribution
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
This adjustable TOBI design enhances engine efficiency and part life by minimizing airflow losses and optimizing cooling flow distribution, reducing specific fuel consumption and improving throttle response, while maintaining minimal loss in cooling air velocity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one adjustable vane configured to control an airflow through the TOBI, the at least one adjustable vane moveable to change an airflow characteristic within the TOBI
Implementation Method 2
the at least one adjustable vane comprises a body defining a fixed portion and at least one flap portion, wherein the at least one flap portion is moveable relative to the body
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2
AI summary
A tangential on-board injector (TOBI) for a gas turbine engine and methods of making the same are provided. The TOBI includes at least one adjustable strut 320 configured to control an airflow through the TOBI, the at least one adjustable strut 320 moveable to change an airflow characteristic within the TOBI.