Ceramic Composite Cooling Tube for Gas Turbine Engines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems in gas turbine engines face challenges in maintaining the effectiveness of cooling fluids in extremely hot environments, where metallic tubes with insulation are heavy and inefficient, and there is a need for a lightweight, efficient cooling solution that can withstand high temperatures and provide thermal insulation.
Innovation Solution
A ceramic-based composite cooling tube, which can be either a ceramic matrix composite or an organic matrix composite, is used to transfer cooling fluid between structures within the engine, including within the exit vanes and bearing compartments, and features a retaining collar to secure the tube, acting as a non-metallic, non-insulated heat shield for metallic tubes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If metallic tubes with insulation are used for cooling fluid transfer, then thermal insulation is provided, but weight increases and efficiency decreases in high-temperature environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a ceramic matrix composite tube with an integrated thermal barrier coating layer. The ceramic matrix composite provides structural integrity at high temperatures while the thermal barrier coating provides thermal insulation, eliminating the need for separate metallic tubes with insulation and reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters by transitioning from metallic materials to ceramic matrix composite materials that can withstand high temperatures without additional insulation. The thermal barrier coating is designed with specific thickness and material properties to provide the required thermal insulation at reduced weight.
2Weight of moving object
If ceramic-based composite tubes are used, then weight is reduced and thermal insulation is provided, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by forming the thermal barrier coating layer during the ceramic matrix composite tube manufacturing process itself, rather than as a separate post-processing step. This integrated approach reduces manufacturing complexity despite the advanced materials used.
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 ceramic-based composite cooling tube effectively maintains cooling fluid temperature, providing thermal insulation and durability in high-temperature environments while being lightweight, thus enhancing engine durability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The cooling tube is configured to transfer a cooling fluid from the cooling source to the second structure... effectively maintains cooling fluid temperature, providing thermal insulation
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling arrangement for a turbine engine includes a cooling source and first and second structures. A ceramic-based composite cooling tube fluidly provides a fluid connection between the first and second structures. The cooling tube is configured to transfer a cooling fluid from the cooling source to the second structure.