Compact Compressor Intake with Integrated Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine systems face challenges in maintaining optimal airflow temperature for efficient operation, as heating the airflow to prevent icing and reduce density can increase noise levels and require costly noise reduction systems with large footprints.
Innovation Solution
A compact side inlet air intake system with a heating portion and silencer modules, where heated fluid is distributed via conduits with varying opening geometries to control airflow temperature and reduce noise without acoustic nozzles, allowing for efficient mixing and reduced complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If airflow is heated within the air intake to increase temperature and reduce density, then airflow temperature is improved, but noise from the compressor and heating system exceeds regulated noise limits
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is divided into multiple heating zones with separate heating elements positioned at different locations within the air intake. This segmentation allows distributed heating that reduces localized turbulence and noise generation while achieving the required temperature increase across the airflow.
Solution Approach 2:
Heating elements are strategically positioned in specific zones where they can efficiently heat the airflow without creating excessive noise. The heating density and intensity are varied locally to optimize temperature control while minimizing noise generation in sensitive areas.
2Temperature
If traditional heating systems and noise control systems are added to the air intake, then airflow temperature control is improved, but system cost and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is integrated directly into the air intake structure itself, combining the air intake function with the heating function in a single unified component. This eliminates the need for separate, space-consuming heating units and reduces overall system footprint and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The air intake structure serves multiple functions: it intakes airflow, heats the airflow through integrated heating elements, and directs the heated airflow to the compressor. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, lowering system cost and simplifying the overall design.
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 effectively controls airflow temperature, reduces noise, and minimizes costs by eliminating the need for acoustic nozzles, while maintaining efficient gas turbine operation and reducing icing risks.
Implementation Method 1
The inlet heating system includes a first conduit substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein the first conduit is configured to distribute a heated fluid directly to the airflow via a plurality of openings
Implementation Method 2
one or more silencer modules upstream of the heating portion relative to the airflow through the side inlet air intake
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes an inlet duct disposed about an inlet axis, wherein the inlet duct is configured to direct an airflow along the inlet axis to a compressor inlet. The inlet includes an inlet heating system and a heating portion having a longitudinal axis that is substantially perpendicular to the inlet axis. The inlet heating system includes a first conduit substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis that is configured to distribute a heated fluid directly to the airflow via a first set of openings of a first end zone of the first conduit and a second set of openings of a second zone of the first conduit. The first end zone is configured to receive the heated fluid from a heating source, the second zone is coupled to the first end zone, and the second zone is configured to receive the heated fluid from the first end zone.