Axial Compressor Plasma Actuator Clearance Leakage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
A clearance between the airfoil body of a variable stator vane and the casing in an axial compressor leads to fluid leakage, resulting in increased losses due to vortex generation, which affects compressor performance.
Innovation Solution
A plasma actuator is integrated into the casing, generating a plasma annularly distributed around the compressor, intersecting with the clearance between the variable stator vanes and the casing, to deflect leakage fluid and suppress vortex formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a clearance is formed between the airfoil body of the variable stator vane and the casing to allow swinging motion, then the variable stator vane can adjust its swing angle to optimize performance under different operating conditions, but part of the working fluid leaks from the pressure side to the suction side through the clearance, generating vortices and increasing losses
Solution Approach 1:
A plasma actuator is introduced as an intermediary device between the variable stator vane and the casing. The plasma actuator generates plasma that interacts with the leaked fluid, controlling the vortex formation and reducing the harmful effects of the clearance leakage while maintaining the swing capability of the variable stator vane.
Solution Approach 2:
The plasma actuator changes the physical parameters of the fluid in the clearance region by generating plasma. This alters the fluid properties and flow characteristics, reducing the vortex strength and energy loss associated with the leakage through the clearance.
2Loss of energy
If the clearance between the variable stator vane and the casing is reduced to minimize fluid leakage, then energy losses are reduced, but the variable stator vane cannot swing freely, limiting its ability to adapt to different operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma actuator serves as a mediator that allows the system to maintain a practical clearance size while compensating for its negative effects. By actively controlling the fluid flow through plasma generation, it enables the variable stator vane to swing freely without excessive leakage losses.
3Loss of energy
If the plasma actuator is positioned to intersect with the clearance between the variable stator vane and the casing, then it can effectively control the leakage flow and reduce vortex losses, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful vortex generation process is extracted and targeted by the plasma actuator. By positioning the plasma actuator to intersect with the clearance, the system specifically addresses the vortex problem zone without requiring a complete redesign of the variable stator vane mechanism.
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 plasma actuator effectively reduces losses by improving the velocity component and inflow angle of the working fluid, thereby enhancing compressor efficiency and preventing stall occurrence.
Implementation Method 1
a plasma actuator configured to generate plasma annularly distributed in a circumferential direction of the compressor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
An axial compressor includes: a casing (7) having a tubular shape; variable stator vanes (12) each having a vane shaft (17) as a swing center, provided in the casing (7) as stator vanes or inlet guide vanes, and arranged in a circumferential direction of the casing (7); rotor blades (13) provided on a trailing edges side of the variable stator vanes (12) in the casing (7) and arranged in the circumferential direction of the casing (7); and a plasma actuator (40) configured to generate a plasma annularly distributed in the circumferential direction of the casing (7), the plasma actuator (40) being attached on an inner circumferential surface (7a) of the casing (7) and intersects with a clearance (32) between each variable stator vane (12) and the inner circumferential surface (7a) of the casing (7).