Boost Compressor for Third Air Flow Path in Gas Turbine
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Solution Overview
Problem
In gas turbine engines, particularly in military applications, there is a need for adaptive performance that can generate high thrust quickly, but the secondary lower pressure air flow path has limited downstream uses due to its low pressure, especially when compared to the exhaust nozzle.
Innovation Solution
A gas turbine engine design featuring a fan rotor with multiple stages that delivers air into a low pressure duct, which is selectively communicated across a boost compressor, allowing for increased pressure and utilization of air for cooling or propulsion, with a valve and clutch system to control airflow and a gear box for speed adjustment, enabling efficient use of the third air flow path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a secondary mid-fan supplies a third air flow path at lower pressure, then cooling applications are enabled, but the pressure is too low for exhaust nozzle integration and downstream uses are limited
Solution Approach 1:
A boost compressor is introduced as an intermediary device between the low-pressure third air flow path and the high-pressure exhaust nozzle. The boost compressor selectively compresses air from the third flow path to match exhaust nozzle pressure, enabling integration of the cooling air path with high-pressure propulsion systems while maintaining the ability to supply cooling air at lower pressures when needed
2Temperature
If the third air flow path is maintained at low pressure for cooling, then cooling efficiency is improved, but adaptability for high thrust generation and exhaust nozzle integration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a boost compressor with selective engagement capability that can dynamically adjust the pressure of the third air flow path based on operational requirements. The compressor can be engaged to increase pressure for high-thrust operations and exhaust nozzle integration, or disengaged to maintain low pressure for optimized cooling efficiency, providing adaptive versatility
3Adaptability or versatility
If a boost compressor is added to increase third flow path pressure, then adaptability and downstream uses are expanded, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The boost compressor is designed to serve multiple functions: it can compress air from the third flow path for exhaust nozzle integration to enable high-thrust operations, or it can compress air for alternative downstream applications. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing a single component that addresses multiple operational requirements and expands downstream application flexibility
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 enhances the adaptive performance by increasing the pressure of the third air flow path to match the exhaust nozzle, enabling its use for both cooling and propulsion, thereby expanding its applications and improving engine efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a boost compressor, allowing for increased pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A gas turbine engine has a fan rotor including at least one stage, with the at least one stage delivering a portion of air into a low pressure duct, and another portion of air into a compressor. The compressor is driven by a turbine rotor, and the fan rotor is driven by a fan drive turbine. A channel selectively communicates air from the low pressure duct across a boost compressor.