Aero-actuated Turbomachinery Vanes with Aerodynamic Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stator vane actuation systems in gas turbine engines are complex and heavy, necessitating a more efficient and lightweight solution for optimizing airflow incidence across varying speed ranges.
Innovation Solution
A turbomachinery vane system featuring a trunnion pivot point and a lock system that utilizes aerodynamic loads to pivot the vane body between locked positions, eliminating the need for mechanical actuators and incorporating a solenoid-type or magnetic latch mechanism for precise positioning and re-engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mechanical actuation systems are used for stator vanes, then reliable positioning is achieved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes mechanical actuators, linkages, and complex positioning mechanisms from the vane actuation system. Only essential components (aerodynamic surfaces, pivot points, and minimal locking features) are retained, extracting unnecessary complexity while preserving reliable positioning through aerodynamic self-actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The vane system actuates itself using aerodynamic forces generated during engine operation. The airflow patterns and pressure differentials automatically pivot the vanes to appropriate positions without external mechanical actuators, making the system self-servicing and eliminating complex actuation mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If conventional mechanical actuators are used for vane actuation, then precise control is achieved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical actuation systems with aerodynamic actuation. Instead of using motors, linkages, and mechanical actuators to pivot the vanes, the system uses airflow patterns and aerodynamic pressure differentials to achieve precise vane positioning, eliminating heavy mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The aerodynamic system automatically positions the vanes based on engine operating conditions without requiring external control mechanisms. The airflow self-regulates to pivot vanes to optimal positions, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical actuators while maintaining precise control.
3Productivity
If variable stator vanes are implemented to optimize airflow incidence, then engine performance improves, but actuation system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The variable stator vane system automatically adjusts airflow incidence angles based on engine operating conditions without complex control systems. Aerodynamic forces self-regulate to pivot vanes to optimal positions for different speed ranges, maintaining engine performance while eliminating complex actuation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The vane system dynamically adjusts to changing engine operating conditions through aerodynamic forces. As engine speed and airflow patterns change, the aerodynamic actuation automatically pivots vanes to appropriate positions, providing continuous optimization without complex mechanical actuation systems.
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 reduces complexity and weight while enabling efficient actuation of stator vanes, optimizing airflow and engine performance across different operating conditions without mechanical actuators, thereby enhancing gas turbine engine efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
aerodynamic loads to pivot the vane body
Implementation Method 2
lock system operatively connected to the trunnion and configured to lock the vane body in a plurality of locked positions
Implementation Method 3
the lock system includes at least one of a solenoid-type mechanism
Implementation Method 4
the lock system includes a magnetic latch
Data Source
AI summary
A turbomachinery vane includes a vane body defining a longitudinal axis, a trunnion extending from the vane body and defining a pivot point for pivoting the vane body about the longitudinal axis, and a lock system operatively connected to the trunnion and configured to lock the vane body in a plurality of locked positions. A gas turbine engine includes a turbomachinery component including a row of actuated stators, wherein the actuated stator row includes a plurality of the turbomachinery vanes. A method of actuating a vane by aerodynamic loads includes moving the vane about a pivot point from a first position to a second position by a first set of by aerodynamic loads.