Compressor Inner Band Cooling Circuit for Turbine Engine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines face challenges in effectively cooling critical components like the compressor and turbine, which operate in high-temperature environments, leading to potential damage and reduced operational lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A cooling circuit is implemented within the compressor, utilizing radially spaced bands, vanes, and seals, with a cooling air circuit that introduces air through an inlet on the upper surface of the inner band and directs it through an outlet near the seal fingers, enhancing heat dissipation and component cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling circuits are added to cool compressor components, then temperature control and component lifespan are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling circuit is nested within the compressor structure by routing cooling air passages through the inner band itself. The inlet passage receives cooling air and directs it through the band material to the outlet passage, effectively cooling the seal finger mounting structure from within. This nested approach integrates the cooling function into the existing structural component without adding separate external cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner band serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the seal finger, defines the flow path geometry, and acts as a heat sink through the integrated cooling circuit. By combining these functions into a single component, the design avoids adding separate cooling devices while achieving effective temperature control of the compressor components.
2Loss of energy
If cooling air is routed through the inner band, then heat dissipation from seal fingers is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inner band incorporates internal cooling passages that allow cooling air to flow through its structure. These passages are integrated into the band's制造工艺, allowing the solid structural component to also function as a fluid conduit for heat removal. The band's structure is designed with internal voids or channels that guide the cooling air from the inlet passage, through the band material near the seal finger, to the outlet passage.
3Reliability
If the outlet is located near the seal finger, then cooling effectiveness at the critical location is improved, but flow path complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling circuit is designed to deliver cooling air specifically to the region where the seal finger is mounted on the inner band. The outlet passage is positioned to discharge cooling air in close proximity to the seal finger base, creating a localized cooling zone at the most thermally stressed location. This targeted approach concentrates cooling effectiveness where needed without requiring complex cooling throughout the entire compressor structure.
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 reduces the temperature of critical components, preventing damage and extending their operational lifespan by efficiently routing cooling air through the compressor, thereby improving engine performance and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
routing compressor air through an inner band supporting a vane by introducing the compressor air into an inlet in an upper surface of the band, and emitting the routed compressor air through an outlet located near a seal finger
Implementation Method 2
A cooling circuit is implemented within the compressor, utilizing radially spaced bands, vanes, and seals, with a cooling air circuit that introduces air through an inlet on the upper surface of the inner band and directs it through an outlet near the seal fingers, enhancing heat dissipation and component cooling
Data Source
AI summary
A compressor for a turbine engine comprises radially spaced inner and outer bands defining a flow path between them, at least one vane extending between the inner and outer bands, a seal adjacent the inner band, and a cooling air circuit through the inner band proximate the seal.