Combustor Panel Effusion Hole Orientation for Cooling Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heat shield panels in gas turbine combustors face challenges in efficiently cooling regions aft of dilution holes, where complex fluid mechanics and vortical structures disrupt the cooling air film, leading to unstable cooling and potential overheating.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a panel configuration with effusion holes oriented in two directions (left-to-right and right-to-left) downstream of dilution holes, with specific angles and densities to align with the local flow field, enhancing cooling film stability and effectiveness by maximizing effusion cooling flux and film coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional effusion holes are used in regions aft of dilution holes, then cooling air is provided to the panel, but the complex fluid mechanics and vortical structures disrupt the cooling air film leading to unstable cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating effusion hole orientations based on location relative to dilution holes. In regions aft of dilution holes, effusion holes are oriented at angles (e.g., 45 degrees) to align with local flow fields and vortical structures, while effusion holes in other regions may have different orientations. This location-specific adaptation stabilizes the cooling air film where it is most disrupted by combustion gas flow patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes geometric parameters of effusion holes, specifically their orientation angles, to optimize cooling performance. By adjusting the angle of effusion holes relative to the panel surface and to each other, the cooling air film stability is improved in high-velocity regions aft of dilution holes, transforming the unstable cooling condition into a controlled, stable cooling regime.
2Reliability
If effusion holes are oriented to align with local flow field, then cooling film stability is enhanced, but panel configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by applying different effusion hole orientations only in specific regions aft of dilution holes where flow disruption occurs, rather than uniformly across the entire panel. This localized approach enhances cooling stability where needed while maintaining simpler configurations in regions where the flow field is less complex, thereby balancing performance improvement with manufacturing complexity.
3Temperature
If effusion cooling flux is maximized, then panel temperature is reduced, but cooling film stability may be compromised in high-velocity regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes multiple parameters simultaneously: effusion hole orientation angles, hole density distribution, and hole size. By carefully selecting these parameters, the design achieves sufficient cooling flux to maintain acceptable panel temperatures while the oriented holes stabilize the cooling film in high-velocity regions aft of dilution holes, resolving the trade-off between cooling intensity and film stability.
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 approach reduces panel temperatures and increases the durability of combustor components by creating a more stable and effective cooling film structure, even in complex flow regions.
Implementation Method 1
directing the compressed air through the plurality of effusion holes to establish a cooling film on the hot side of the panel
Implementation Method 2
stabilize the cooling film to protect the panel from overheating
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A liner assembly for use in a combustor (56) of a gas turbine engine (20) is disclosed. In various embodiments, the liner assembly includes a panel (200; 300) defining a left side and a right side and a hot side (202) and a cold side, the panel having a dilution hole (206; 306) and a plurality of effusion holes (204; 304) extending between the hot side (202) and the cold side. In various embodiments, the plurality of effusion holes (204; 304) includes a first subgrouping (320) of effusion holes (204; 304) disposed downstream of the dilution hole (206; 306) and aligned in a generally left to right orientation toward a dividing line (318) extending downstream of the dilution hole (206; 306) and a second subgrouping (322) of effusion holes (204; 304) disposed downstream of the dilution hole (206; 306) and aligned in a generally right to left orientation toward the dividing line (318) extending downstream of the dilution hole (206; 306).