Axial-Flow Compressor Multi-Stage Variable Stator Vanes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing axial-flow compressors with variable stator vanes at a single stage require modification to efficiently and cost-effectively introduce variable stator vanes at multiple stages, enhancing performance while minimizing manufacturing complexity and costs.

Innovation Solution

The axial-flow compressor is modified by incorporating stator vane rows at multiple stages with variable vanes that rotate around rotary shafts, connected by rings, levers, connecting rods, and a cylinder to adjust vane angles, allowing for the integration of additional stages using existing components with minimal additional structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If variable stator vanes are added at multiple stages to improve compressor performance, then the pressure ratio and efficiency are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompressor performanceVSAvoiddriving device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using a single rotary shaft to hold multiple levers that control variable stator vanes at different stages. The rotary shaft serves multiple functions: it integrates the control of multiple stator vane rows, enables synchronized rotation of levers, and connects to the driving mechanism through a unified interface. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate driving devices needed, thereby lowering device complexity while maintaining multi-stage variable vane capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple control functions into a unified driving mechanism. The levers corresponding to different rings are held by the same rotary shaft and connected through it, combining what would traditionally be separate control systems into one integrated assembly. This merging approach reduces the overall complexity of the driving device while enabling coordinated control of variable stator vanes across multiple stages

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If variable stator vanes are added at multiple stages to improve compressor performance, then the pressure ratio is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure ratioVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The rotary shaft serves as a universal component that controls multiple stator vane rows simultaneously. By designing the shaft to hold multiple levers that can be pivotally connected to different rings, the system achieves multi-stage variable vane control through a single manufactured component. This universality reduces the number of separate parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering manufacturing cost while achieving improved pressure ratio

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the control mechanism into modular components: multiple levers, each corresponding to a ring, are held by a common rotary shaft. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing of individual levers and rings that can be assembled in different configurations, reducing overall manufacturing cost through component standardization while enabling multi-stage variable vane implementation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2497957B1Modification method for an axial-flow compressor
Publication Date: 2020.11.25 MITSUBISHI POWER LTD
  • EP2497957B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2497957B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2497957B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An axial-flow compressor (100) includes: stator vane rows (1) that are located at the plurality of stages and include variable stator vanes (3) that extend in a radial direction of the axial-flow compressor (100) and rotate around rotary shafts (2) of the variable stator vanes (3) so as to adjust angles of the variable stator vanes (3); a plurality of rings (11) that are connected to the stator vane rows (1) located at the plurality of stages and drive and rotate the variable stator vanes (3) of the stator vane rows (1) that correspond to the rings (11), respectively; a plurality of levers (12) that correspond to the plurality of rings (11), respectively.