CMC Combustor Heat Shield Segmentation and Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing combustor heat shields in gas turbine engines require cooling to withstand high combustion gas temperatures, which negatively impacts turbine emissions and efficiency, and are difficult to fabricate and assemble due to complex shapes.

Innovation Solution

An annular ceramic matrix composite (CMC) heat shield with a plurality of segments or rings is positioned between the combustor dome and combustion chamber, attached using adapters and collars that align with dome apertures, reducing the need for cooling fluid and simplifying assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If traditional heat shields are used in combustor assemblies, then they can protect components from high temperatures, but they require cooling fluid which negatively impacts turbine emissions and efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat shield temperature resistanceVSAvoidturbine emissions

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs ceramic matrix composite (CMC) materials for the heat shield, which can withstand high combustion gas temperatures without requiring cooling fluid. The CMC material provides inherent high-temperature resistance, eliminating the need for cooling systems that would otherwise increase emissions and reduce efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the material parameters by transitioning from traditional metals to CMC materials, which have fundamentally different thermal properties. This parameter change allows the heat shield to operate at higher temperatures without cooling, directly addressing the emissions and efficiency problems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If non-traditional high temperature materials like CMC are used for heat shields, then they can withstand extreme temperatures without cooling, but they have complex shapes that are difficult to fabricate and assemble

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat shield temperature resistanceVSAvoidheat shield fabrication difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The CMC heat shield is divided into multiple segments or sections that can be manufactured separately using simpler processes and then assembled together. This segmentation reduces the fabrication complexity of individual components while maintaining the overall complex shape needed for high-temperature protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The heat shield segments are designed to nest within or fit together in a hierarchical manner, simplifying the assembly process. The nested structure allows complex three-dimensional shapes to be constructed from simpler component forms, reducing manufacturing difficulty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Temperature

If CMC heat shields with complex shapes are used, then they can protect against high temperatures, but they require numerous intricate metal pieces for assembly with the combustor dome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat shield temperature resistanceVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the CMC heat shield segments with the combustor dome using fewer connection points and simplified mounting features. By merging design considerations between the heat shield and dome components, the number of intricate metal pieces and assembly steps is reduced.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The CMC heat shield segments are designed with multi-functional features that serve both protective and structural roles, eliminating the need for separate intricate metal pieces. The universal design allows the same component to fulfill multiple functions, reducing overall assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 CMC heat shield effectively protects components from high temperatures without cooling fluid, improving turbine performance and efficiency while reducing emissions and simplifying the assembly process.

Implementation Method 1

Non-traditional high temperature materials, such as ceramic matrix composite (CMC) materials, are more commonly being used for various components within gas turbine engines. For example, because CMC materials can withstand relatively extreme temperatures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS11441777B2Combustor heat shield and attachment features

Publication Date: 2022.09.13 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO

AI summary

Combustor assemblies are provided. For example, a combustor assembly includes a combustor liner defining a combustion chamber and an annular combustor dome positioned at a forward end of the combustor liner that defines a plurality of dome apertures. The combustor assembly further includes an annular heat shield positioned between the combustor dome and the combustion chamber, a plurality of adapters positioned forward of the heat shield, and a plurality of collars. The heat shield defines a plurality of heat shield apertures that are aligned with the dome apertures. One adapter is attached to the combustor dome at each dome aperture, and the adapters are. One collar extends through each heat shield aperture to couple the heat shield to the combustor dome. Further, ceramic matrix composite (CMC) heat shields are provided that may include an annular body defining a plurality of heat shield apertures, as well as inner and outer wings.