Turbomachine Blade Throat Distribution and Linear Trailing Edge
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Turbomachines, such as gas turbines, face inefficiencies due to high aerodynamic losses and mechanical stress on blades, which can lead to reduced performance and shorter operational lifespan.
Innovation Solution
The design of blades with a specific airfoil shape featuring a linear trailing edge profile offset in both axial and circumferential directions, along with a tailored throat distribution between adjacent blades, reduces aerodynamic losses and improves loading, thereby enhancing efficiency and longevity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional blade designs are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but aerodynamic losses increase and performance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing a specific throat distribution pattern across different regions of the blade passage. The throat area is optimized at various span locations (root, mid-span, tip) to control flow characteristics locally, reducing aerodynamic losses while maintaining overall blade functionality. This localized optimization of geometric parameters allows performance improvement without requiring complete redesign of the entire blade system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of optimization by defining throat distribution not just as a single parameter but as a spatial distribution across the blade passage height. The throat area ratio is varied as a function of span position, creating a three-dimensional optimization approach that controls flow behavior in multiple directions simultaneously, thereby reducing aerodynamic losses more effectively than conventional two-dimensional blade designs.
2Power
If blades operate at high stress conditions, then power output increases, but mechanical resistance decreases and operational lifespan shortens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by modifying the throat area ratio distribution along the blade span to optimize the balance between power output and mechanical stress. By adjusting geometric parameters (throat area ratios at different span locations) rather than material properties, the design achieves improved aerodynamic loading that increases power output while the optimized flow distribution reduces stress concentrations, thereby extending operational lifespan.
3Productivity
If aerodynamic loading is increased, then efficiency improves, but mechanical stress on blades increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing differentiated throat area ratios at various span locations to optimize aerodynamic loading distribution. The root section, mid-span, and tip sections each have optimized throat area ratios that control local flow characteristics, achieving efficient aerodynamic loading while preventing stress concentration at critical regions. This localized flow control allows high efficiency operation with reduced mechanical stress.
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
This design reduces aerodynamic losses, improves mechanical resistance, and extends the operational lifespan of turbomachine blades by optimizing fluid flow and stress distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a throat distribution measured at a narrowest region in a pathway between adjacent blades... at which adjacent blades extend across the pathway between opposing walls to aerodynamically interact with fluid flow
Data Source
AI summary
A blade has an airfoil, and the blade is configured for use with a turbomachine. The airfoil has a throat distribution measured at a narrowest region in a pathway between adjacent blades, at which adjacent blades extend across the pathway between opposing walls to aerodynamically interact with fluid flow. The airfoil defines the throat distribution, and the throat distribution reduces aerodynamic loss and improves aerodynamic loading on the airfoil. The airfoil has a linear trailing edge profile.