Mechanically Alterable Gas Turbine Vane Throat Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines face inefficiencies in controlling the throat area between rotating and stationary vanes, leading to suboptimal compression and expansion processes due to fixed geometry, which results in flow separation and associated energy losses.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a mechanically alterable vane system with a moveable barrel and fluidic jets that adjust the throat area and flow characteristics, allowing for dynamic control of the gas flow path to prevent flow separation and optimize energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If fixed geometry vanes are used in the gas turbine engine, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the throat area control is inefficient leading to flow separation and energy losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the fixed geometry vane structure into a dynamic system where the barrel can move axially within the cavity. This movement allows the vane throat area to be adjusted dynamically during engine operation, enabling optimization of gas flow characteristics and prevention of flow separation, thereby reducing energy losses without requiring complete redesign of the entire vane structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the throat area parameter through barrel displacement. The barrel's axial position within the cavity directly controls the effective throat area of the vane, allowing continuous adjustment of this critical geometric parameter to match varying operating conditions, thus optimizing performance across different engine states
2Productivity
If the throat area is fixed, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the compression and expansion processes are suboptimal due to inability to adapt to varying flow conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the vane structure into distinct functional components: the stationary cavity and the moveable barrel. This segmentation allows the barrel to be independently positioned and adjusted within the cavity, enabling dynamic control of the throat area while keeping the overall manufacturing process manageable through modular assembly of standardized components
3Loss of energy
If no flow control mechanism is added, then the device complexity remains low, but flow separation occurs leading to reduced energy transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing a system where the barrel's axial position automatically adjusts the throat area in response to varying gas flow conditions. The moveable barrel acts as a self-regulating flow control element that prevents flow separation and optimizes energy transfer without requiring external control systems or complex actuation mechanisms, thereby achieving improved energy efficiency with minimal added complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Gas turbine engine systems involving mechanically alterable vane throat areas are provided. In this regard, a representative vane for a gas turbine engine includes: a leading edge; a trailing edge; a suction side surface extending between the leading edge and the trailing edge; a cavity having an aperture located in the suction side surface; and a barrel located within the cavity and being moveable therein such that movement of the barrel alters an extent to which the barrel protrudes through the aperture.