Variable Buffer Air Supply for Smooth Compressor Pressure Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Gas turbine engines face damage and wear due to rapid pressure changes when switching between high and low compressor pressure locations during varying engine power output, affecting the buffer system's performance.

Innovation Solution

A buffer system with a variable valve and actuator that allows simultaneous passage of pressurized air from low and high pressure supply lines, regulated by sensors and an actuator to adjust the valve position based on engine speed, enabling smooth pressure transitions between modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pressurized air is supplied from different compressor locations during varying engine power output, then the buffer system can maintain adequate pressure, but rapid pressure changes cause damage and wear to components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebuffer system performanceVSAvoidcomponent wear and damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A variable pressure regulator valve is introduced as an intermediary device between the high-pressure and low-pressure supply lines and the buffer system. This valve smoothly transitions between supplying air from the high-pressure location during low power output and the low-pressure location during high power output, preventing rapid pressure changes and component damage while maintaining buffer system performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between two pressure supply sources based on engine power output conditions. The variable pressure regulator valve adjusts in real-time to select the appropriate supply location, enabling the buffer system to adapt to varying operational requirements without subjecting components to harmful pressure fluctuations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a variable valve with actuator is added to regulate pressure, then pressure transitions become smooth and component wear is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent wear and damageVSAvoidbuffer system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The variable pressure regulator valve incorporates an internal mechanism that automatically responds to pressure differential changes between the high-pressure and low-pressure supply lines. This self-regulating capability eliminates the need for external actuators, sensors, and control systems, reducing device complexity while still achieving smooth pressure transitions and protecting components from wear

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3039263B1Variable pressure air supply

Publication Date: 2021.09.22 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP

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Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to engine buffer systems. An engine buffer system (200) may include a low pressure supply line (230) and a high pressure supply line (240). A continuously variable valve (250) may be coupled to and/or in fluid communication with the low pressure supply line and the high pressure supply line. The continuously variable valve may be adjusted to supply any pressure between a pressure of the low pressure supply line and a pressure of the high pressure supply line to a buffer line (260).