Compartment Baffle System for Gas Turbine Casing Fire Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engine casings made of composite materials are prone to structural weakness and potential failure due to temperature excursions beyond a predetermined range, which can be exacerbated by fires spreading within the annular compartments housing auxiliary equipment and combustible fluids, leading to reduced lifespan or permanent damage.
Innovation Solution
A compartment baffle system comprising first and second baffle portions extending radially outward from the casing, with gaps between the baffle edges and the cowl, designed to limit fire spread and maintain cooling airflow, while accommodating piping and equipment through apertures and jog features, thereby segregating the compartment and preventing excessive temperature exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If insulation is added to protect the composite casing from fire and excessive temperatures, then the casing's thermal protection is improved, but the engine weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The annular compartment is segmented into multiple fire zones using baffle portions that extend radially outward from the casing. These baffles create separate compartments that limit fire spread, providing thermal protection to the casing without requiring heavy insulation materials throughout the entire compartment.
2Reliability
If fire containment structures are installed in the annular compartment, then fire spread is limited, but the cooling airflow to auxiliary equipment is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The baffle portions are designed with varying configurations - some extend fully radially to contain fire, while others include gaps or openings to maintain cooling airflow. This local differentiation allows fire containment in critical areas while preserving cooling flow paths to auxiliary equipment and piping in other areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The baffle structure acts as an intermediary element that selectively blocks fire spread while permitting cooling airflow through designated gaps and openings. The baffles mediate between the conflicting requirements of fire containment and cooling flow by providing partial obstruction rather than complete sealing.
3Reliability
If the annular compartment is fully enclosed to prevent fire spread, then fire containment is improved, but the auxiliary equipment cannot be accessed or maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The compartment is segmented into fire zones by baffles rather than fully enclosed, creating a modular structure that contains fire locally while maintaining open access paths for equipment maintenance and inspection throughout the annular compartment.
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 baffle system effectively reduces the risk of fire-induced structural damage to the composite casing while ensuring continuous cooling airflow, thereby extending the casing's lifespan and maintaining the structural integrity of the gas turbine engine.
Implementation Method 1
A method and system for segregating an annular compartment... compartment baffle system... limit fire spread... segregating the compartment
Implementation Method 2
The second baffle portion further includes a radially inner edge supported by the first baffle portion and a radially outer edge extending proximate an inner surface of a radially outer cowl. The compartment baffle system also includes a gap extending between the radially outer edge and the inner surface.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for a compartment baffle system are provided. The compartment baffle system includes a first baffle portion extending along an axial length of a casing, the first baffle portion extending radially outwardly from an outer surface of the casing and a second baffle portion extending at least partially radially outwardly from the first baffle portion. The second baffle portion further includes a radially inner edge supported by the first baffle portion and a radially outer edge extending proximate an inner surface of a radially outer cowl. The compartment baffle system also includes a gap extending between the radially outer edge and the inner surface.