Aftframe Micro-Cooling Channels for Combustor Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The aft frame in a gas turbine combustor is exposed to high operational temperatures, leading to potential deterioration of the igniter housing and reduced performance due to inadequate cooling.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of micro-channels for cooling within the aft frame, which are designed to effectively dissipate thermal energy using compressed air, with preformed cover plates that enclose and enhance the cooling channels, allowing for efficient heat transfer and structural support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the aft frame is exposed to high operational temperatures without adequate cooling, then the structural strength and reliability are maintained, but the igniter housing deteriorates over time and performance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a cooling system that uses compressed air (gas) flowing through micro-channels embedded in the aft frame. This pneumatic cooling approach removes heat from the igniter housing without requiring liquid cooling systems, thereby improving reliability while managing high operational temperatures through gas-based heat transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameters of the aft frame by embedding micro-channels that alter the heat transfer characteristics. The cooling system modifies the temperature distribution within the igniter housing, maintaining critical components below deterioration thresholds while allowing the overall system to operate at high temperatures
2Temperature
If micro-channels are embedded in the aft frame for cooling, then thermal management is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling system directly into the aft frame structure by embedding micro-channels within the frame itself. This integration combines the structural support function with the thermal management function in a single component, improving temperature control while avoiding the need for separate external cooling systems that would increase overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin-walled structures with embedded micro-channels that maintain structural integrity while enabling efficient heat transfer. The thin film approach allows the cooling channels to be integrated close to the heat-generating components without adding significant structural complexity
3Loss of energy
If preformed cover plates are used to enclose cooling channels, then heat transfer efficiency is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses preformed cover plates that are manufactured separately with cooling channels already formed, then assembled to the aft frame. This preliminary preparation of cooling components allows for optimized heat transfer efficiency while simplifying the overall manufacturing process by enabling modular assembly rather than requiring complex in-situ channel formation
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 micro-cooling channels significantly improve the thermal management of the aft frame, reducing thermal stresses and extending the lifespan of the igniter housing by effectively transferring heat away from critical components, thereby enhancing the overall performance and reliability of the gas turbine.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of micro-cooling channels are formed along an inner surface of the aft frame... effectively transferring heat away from critical components
Implementation Method 2
designed to effectively dissipate thermal energy using compressed air
Data Source
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AI summary
An aft frame (100) for a duct (38) of a combustor (14) includes a rail (102) that extends circumferentially around the aft frame (100) and that defines an outer surface (112) of the aft frame (100). A preformed cover plate (116) having an inner surface (118) is attached to the outer surface (112) of the aft frame (100). A plurality of micro-cooling channels (114) is formed within at least one of the inner surface (118) of the preformed cover plate (116) and the outer surface (112) of the aft frame (100). The preformed cover plate (116) extends across the plurality of micro-cooling channels (114).