Compressor Airfoil Shape for Stress Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stator compressor vanes in gas turbines face challenges in achieving optimal aerodynamic efficiency and reducing thermal and mechanical stresses across various stages, particularly in the 14th stage, where existing designs fail to balance efficiency and stress requirements effectively.
Innovation Solution
A unique airfoil shape defined by specific Cartesian coordinates is introduced, which improves aerodynamic efficiency and reduces thermal and mechanical stresses by providing a robust profile that maintains mechanical and aerodynamic functions despite variations in temperature and mechanical loading, allowing for scalable designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional airfoil profiles are used in the 14th stage compressor, then the design meets basic operational requirements, but aerodynamic efficiency is insufficient and thermal/mechanical stresses are excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the airfoil geometry parameters (coordinates X, Y, Z at various sections) to optimize the balance between aerodynamic efficiency and stress distribution. The specific coordinate values in Table 1 represent optimized parameters that simultaneously improve efficiency and reduce stresses in the 14th stage environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by defining different coordinate characteristics at different sections of the airfoil. Each cross-section has specific X, Y, Z coordinates tailored to the local thermal and mechanical conditions, allowing the airfoil to have varying properties along its length to optimize both efficiency and stress resistance locally.
2Productivity
If the airfoil profile is optimized for maximum aerodynamic efficiency, then compressor performance improves, but thermal and mechanical stresses increase beyond acceptable limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes to find the optimal set of geometric parameters that maximize compressor performance while keeping stresses within acceptable limits. The coordinated modification of multiple X, Y, Z coordinates allows for systematic optimization of the trade-off between productivity and stress reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by creating an airfoil profile that can adapt to varying operational conditions. The robust design maintains mechanical and aerodynamic functions across different temperature and loading conditions, effectively making the profile dynamically responsive to environmental variations.
3Manufacturing precision
If manufacturing tolerances are tight to achieve precise airfoil geometry, then aerodynamic performance improves, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent defines a specific set of coordinate parameters that balance manufacturing feasibility with aerodynamic performance. By specifying concrete X, Y, Z values at defined sections, the patent provides a manufacturable profile that doesn't require excessively tight tolerances while still achieving the desired performance.
Data Source
AI summary
An article of manufacture having a nominal profile substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of X, Y and Z set forth in TABLE 1. X and Y are distances in inches which, when connected by smooth continuing arcs, define airfoil profile sections at each distance Z in inches. The profile sections at the Z distances are joined smoothly with one another to form a complete airfoil shape.