Combustor Panel T-Junction Cooling via Upstream Edge Passages
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engine combustor sections face high thermal loads, and existing cooling arrangements are insufficient in effectively managing thermal distress at T-junctions, where thermal loads are particularly high.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of edge cooling passages oriented upstream relative to the combustion gas flow, integrated into a rail structure that defines the outer edge surface of heat shields, which are angled and displaced to effectively purge combustion gases from gaps, including circumferential and axial gaps at T-junctions, utilizing transpiration cooling to reduce metal temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional cooling arrangements are used, then basic cooling is provided, but thermal distress at T-junctions is not effectively managed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing specialized edge cooling passages at the T-junction areas of heat shields, where thermal loads are most severe. These passages are specifically positioned at the intersections of multiple heat shield panels to deliver targeted cooling to the most thermally stressed regions, rather than applying uniform cooling throughout.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is segmented into multiple independent edge cooling passages distributed across different heat shield panels meeting at T-junctions. Each passage is independently configured to address specific thermal zones, allowing differentiated cooling strategies for different locations based on their thermal exposure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If edge cooling passages are oriented upstream, then combustion gases are effectively purged from gaps, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The edge cooling passages are oriented upstream relative to the combustion gas flow direction, performing the purging action before the hot gases can penetrate into the gaps between heat shield panels. This preliminary cooling action prevents thermal distress before it occurs, rather than responding after thermal intrusion has happened.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful combustion gas flow into a beneficial cooling mechanism by positioning the cooling passages to utilize the existing gas flow direction. The upstream orientation allows the cooling air to counteract and purge the harmful hot gases from gaps, transforming the flow dynamics into a protective mechanism.
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 configuration reduces metal temperatures by actively purging combustion gases from gaps, effectively mitigating thermal distress and maintaining temperature within safe limits, achieving a temperature reduction of approximately 150 F (65 C).
Implementation Method 1
utilizing transpiration cooling to reduce metal temperatures
Implementation Method 2
direct cooling air generally upstream relative to a combustion gas flow
Data Source
AI summary
A heat shield for a combustor of a gas turbine engine includes an outer edge surface with an outlet of an edge cooling passage, the edge cooling passage oriented to direct cooling air generally upstream relative to a combustion gas flow.