Turbine Engine Combustor–Distributor Cooling Flow Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbomachine assemblies suffer from local recirculations of hot gas flow and poor distribution of cooling air flows, leading to premature degradation of flanges and distributor platforms.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of surface irregularities, such as recesses or protrusions, on the flanges and rims of the combustion chamber and distributor platforms to enhance the distribution of cooling air flows, ensuring a more homogeneous circulation and reducing the risk of degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional smooth flanges and rims are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but local recirculations of hot gas flow occur causing premature degradation of flanges and distributor platforms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing surface irregularities (protrusions or recesses) at specific locations on the flanges and rims where hot gas recirculation occurs. These localized geometric modifications target the problem areas without requiring complete redesign of the entire component surface, thereby improving reliability at critical locations while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetry by introducing non-uniform surface features (protrusions or recesses) that break the symmetric smooth surface. These asymmetric features disrupt the flow patterns and prevent localized recirculation of hot gases, addressing the degradation problem while adding minimal complexity to the overall structure.
2Reliability
If cooling air flow is increased to prevent hot gas recirculation, then component degradation is reduced, but the distribution of cooling air becomes uneven and promotes localized overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The surface irregularities are strategically positioned to create localized flow disturbance zones that promote uniform distribution of cooling air. By concentrating flow modification features at specific locations, the design achieves homogeneous cooling air distribution without requiring excessive overall cooling air flow, thereby maintaining thermal protection while improving distribution uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes curved surface features (protrusions or recesses) that guide and redirect cooling air flow paths. These curved geometric elements smoothly redirect the flow, preventing turbulent recirculation patterns and ensuring uniform cooling air distribution across the component surfaces, thereby improving both thermal protection and flow uniformity.
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 improved air flow distribution effectively reduces the risk of premature deterioration of critical components by maintaining consistent cooling, thereby extending the lifespan of the turbomachine components.
Implementation Method 1
said rim of the distributor or said radial portion of the flange of the combustion chamber comprises at least one surface irregularity facing the side of the annular air circulation space, said surface irregularity being formed by a recess or a protruding area
Implementation Method 2
During operation of the turbomachine, bypass air 23 circulates in the spaces 24 and 25 delimited respectively by the outer casing 9 and the outer shell 4, on the one hand, and by the inner casing 8 and the inner shell 3, on the other hand. This bypass air 23 passes through the multiple perforations, so as to limit the heating of the downstream parts 21 of the inner and outer shells 3, 4.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly for a turbine engine extending along an axis and comprising: - a combustion chamber (1) comprising, at the downstream end thereof, a downstream flange (6) comprising a radially extending part; - a distributor (2) disposed downstream of the combustion chamber (1) and comprising a platform (11, 12), from which at least one blade (13) extends radially, the platform (11, 12) comprising an upstream rim extending radially and delimiting, with the radial part of the downstream flange (6) disposed opposite, an annular space for the circulation of cooling air leading into the combustion chamber (1) at the radially internal end thereof and comprising, at the radially external end thereof, sealing means fixed to the distributor (2).