Airfoil Shape Defined by Cartesian Coordinates for Gas Turbine Rotor Buckets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbines face challenges in achieving optimal efficiency and reducing thermal and mechanical stresses in airfoil profiles, particularly in rotor buckets, where existing designs fail to effectively manage the interaction between various stages and maintain performance under varying operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
The development of a unique airfoil shape for rotor buckets defined by specific Cartesian coordinates, which enhances aerodynamic efficiency and reduces thermal and mechanical stresses by providing a robust profile that accounts for manufacturing tolerances and temperature changes, while allowing for geometric scaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional airfoil profiles are used in rotor buckets, then manufacturing is simpler with standard profiles, but aerodynamic efficiency is insufficient and thermal/mechanical stresses are not effectively reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the geometric parameters of the airfoil profile through specific coordinate definitions. The unique loci of points with carefully selected X, Y, and Z coordinates optimize the airfoil shape to reduce thermal and mechanical stresses while improving aerodynamic efficiency, directly resolving the contradiction between performance and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional two-dimensional airfoil profiles to a three-dimensional defined surface approach by specifying coordinates in X, Y, and Z dimensions. This dimensional expansion allows for optimized stress distribution and aerodynamic performance that cannot be achieved with traditional 2D profiles, effectively resolving the efficiency-complexity contradiction
2Productivity
If standard airfoil profiles are used, then design process is simpler, but interaction between various stages is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes stage interaction by precisely controlling the three-dimensional geometry parameters of the airfoil. The unique coordinate definitions allow the airfoil to interact more effectively with adjacent stages in the turbine, improving overall system efficiency while accepting increased design complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The optimized airfoil profile serves multiple functions simultaneously: it improves aerodynamic efficiency, reduces thermal and mechanical stresses, and enhances interaction between various stages. This multi-functionality approach resolves the contradiction by achieving multiple performance goals through a single integrated design
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional airfoil designs are used, then manufacturing tolerances are easier to meet, but thermal and mechanical stresses are not reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces thermal and mechanical stresses by optimizing the geometric parameters of the airfoil profile. The unique coordinate definitions create a stress-distributing geometry that mitigates harmful thermal and mechanical loads, while the specification of manufacturing tolerances ensures practical fabricability
Solution Approach 2:
The airfoil profile is designed with built-in stress mitigation features through its unique geometry. The optimized shape anticipates and cushions against thermal and mechanical stresses before they cause damage, while the defined tolerances provide a buffer for manufacturing variations, resolving the contradiction between stress reduction and manufacturing precision
Data Source
AI summary
An article of manufacture having a nominal profile substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z set forth in a table. The table selected from the TABLE. Wherein X and Y are distances in inches which, when connected by smooth continuing arcs, define airfoil profile sections at each distance Z in inches. The profile sections at the Z distances being joined smoothly with one another to form a complete airfoil shape.