Self-Actuated Compressor Bleed Valve to Minimize Flutter
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bleed valves in gas turbine engines are inefficient in reducing rotational energy during start-up and present packaging challenges due to their bulkiness and tendency to flutter, which affects their operational effectiveness and integration in streamlined applications.
Innovation Solution
A self-actuated bleed valve design featuring a flapper assembly with a pivotally mounted flapper and a biasing member, where the flapper is angled to create a larger sealing area and a compact footprint, allowing direct connection between fluid paths without additional ducts, and utilizing a split valve body for simplified installation and reduced flapper flutter through a balanced force mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional bleed valves are used to reduce rotational energy during start-up, then energy reduction is achieved, but the valve becomes bulky and causes packaging challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The flapper is designed to dynamically adjust its angle relative to the valve body inlet based on fluid flow conditions. During start-up, the flapper angles toward the inlet to maximize flow and reduce rotational energy requirements. During steady-state operation, the flapper returns to a neutral position. This dynamic positioning allows the valve to achieve effective flow control with a more compact design compared to conventional fixed-geometry valves.
2Productivity
If conventional bleed valves are used for flow control, then flow regulation is achieved, but the valve experiences flapper flutter affecting operational effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The flapper's angular position is dynamically changed based on operating conditions. The flapper angles toward the valve body inlet during high-flow start-up conditions and returns to neutral during steady-state operation. This parameter change optimizes flow control effectiveness while maintaining flapper stability by reducing the angle between the flapper and incoming fluid flow, thereby minimizing flutter.
3Productivity
If the flapper is angled towards the valve body inlet, then flow control effectiveness is improved, but the sealing area increases requiring larger valve components
Solution Approach 1:
The flapper dynamically angles toward the valve body inlet only during start-up conditions when maximum flow control effectiveness is needed. During steady-state operation, the flapper returns to a neutral position, minimizing the effective sealing area. This dynamic adjustment allows the valve to achieve high flow control effectiveness during critical periods without permanently requiring larger sealing surfaces or valve components.
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 solution reduces rotational energy requirements during engine start-up, minimizes flapper flutter, and enables compact packaging, enhancing the operational efficiency and integration of bleed valves in gas turbine engines.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member, such as a spring, is coupled between the flapper and the outlet end of the valve body, and exerts a biasing force that urges the flapper toward the open position
Implementation Method 2
fluid moving through the valve body exerts force on the flapper, urging the flapper towards the closed position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A bleed valve (100) for a gas turbine engine compressor has a valve body (102) and a flapper (116). The valve body (102) defines a flow path and includes a flapper seat (112). The flow path extends through the valve body (102). The flapper (116) is pivotally connected to the valve body (102) and is movable between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position the flapper (116) seats against the flapper seat (112) and blocks the flow path. In the open position the flapper (116) is angled towards the valve body inlet such that fluid moving through the valve body (102) exerts force on the flapper (116), urging the flapper (116) towards the closed position. A biasing member operatively connects the valve body (102) and the flapper (116) and has a biasing force urging the flapper toward the open position.