Gas Turbine Compressor Diffuser Dirt Separator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines face issues with dirty air passing through the compressor section, which can clog cooling passages and contaminate combustion processes, leading to reduced component lifespan and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A dirt separator is integrated downstream of the compressor and upstream of the combustion section within the compressor diffuser, utilizing curved surfaces to direct dirty air radially outward and cleaner air radially inward for cooling and combustion purposes, while also providing a convenient mounting location for a pressure sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If air is passed through the compressor section, then the gas turbine engine can operate, but dirty air with impurities will clog cooling passages and contaminate combustion
Solution Approach 1:
The air flow from the compressor is segmented into two separate paths: a radially outward path directing dirty air away from the combustion section, and a radially inward path directing cleaner air toward the combustion section and cooling passages. This segmentation allows simultaneous engine operation with protection against contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The dirt separator acts as an intermediary component between the compressor and combustion section. It introduces curved surfaces that mediate the air flow direction, using the existing air flow to separate clean and dirty air streams without requiring additional power or complex mechanisms.
2Temperature
If air is used for cooling components through small passages, then components can be cooled, but dirt and impurities will clog those passages
Solution Approach 1:
The dirt separator performs preliminary separation of clean and dirty air before the air reaches the cooling passages. By directing cleaner air radially inward through the curved surfaces, the system pre-prevents dirt from entering the small cooling passages, eliminating the need for filtration after the fact.
3Device complexity
If air passes directly from compressor to combustion section, then the system is simple, but dirty air contaminates the combustion process
Solution Approach 1:
The dirt separator employs curved surfaces within the diffuser to redirect air flow radially. These curved surfaces create two distinct flow paths: one directing dirty air radially outward and another directing cleaner air radially inward toward the combustion section. This curvature-based approach adds minimal complexity while effectively separating air streams.
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 solution effectively separates cleaner air from dirty air, reducing contamination in the combustion section and cooling passages, thereby extending component lifespan and maintaining engine efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The dirt separator is configured such that it directs relatively dirty air downstream to radially outermost passages within the gas turbine engine. The air delivered to radially inner locations for cooling purposes, and into the combustion section is largely cleaner air, which is directed radially inwardly by the dirt separator.
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor diffuser for a gas turbine engine is provided with a dirt separator. The dirt separator ensures the air having moved downstream of the compressor section, and moving toward the combustion section, is separated into a dirtier air flow path directly radially outwardly, and a cleaner airflow path directed radially inwardly. In this manner, the air reaching a combustion section, and the air being utilized for radially inner cooling air is relatively cleaner air. Further, the dirt separator provides a convenient surface for mounting a pressure sensor. In one embodiment, the dirt separator is mounted within the diffuser housing, and in a second embodiment, it is mounted immediately downstream.