Compressor Intake Strut Asymmetry for Pressure Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing intake structure of compressors experiences significant pressure loss due to the obstruction caused by struts in the annular channel, as intake gas changes direction, leading to inefficient flow and potential blade vibration.
Innovation Solution
The intake structure is designed with transverse struts that tilt towards the intake port and are curved to conform to the flow direction, reducing obstruction and pressure loss, and can be configured with varying curvatures and arrangements to optimize flow and manufacturing cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If struts are arranged in the annular channel to maintain structural support, then structural stability is improved, but pressure loss increases due to flow obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by configuring the struts with non-symmetric arrangements where the number, positioning, and orientation of struts vary around the annular channel. Specifically, struts are positioned at different angular locations and have different orientations relative to the flow direction, creating an asymmetric structure that adapts to the flow pattern and reduces obstruction while maintaining structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by making each strut or group of struts have different characteristics tailored to their specific location and flow conditions. The struts have varying orientations, positions, and sometimes different numbers in different regions of the annular channel, optimizing each local area's contribution to both structural support and flow efficiency.
2Strength
If struts are positioned to maintain structural integrity, then structural strength is improved, but flow obstruction increases leading to higher pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric strut configuration where struts are positioned and oriented differently based on local flow conditions and structural requirements. This asymmetric arrangement allows optimization of both structural strength and flow characteristics, reducing pressure loss while maintaining integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by designing struts with flexible configurations that can adapt to flow conditions. The struts are positioned and oriented to work with the flow pattern rather than against it, and the asymmetric arrangement allows the structure to dynamically respond to varying flow conditions while maintaining strength.
Data Source
AI summary
An intake structure of a compressor includes an intake duct forming an intake port opening in a direction away from a central axis of the compressor and a bellmouth forming an annular channel expanding from an inlet of the compressor toward an inner space of the intake duct. The bellmouth includes a plurality of struts connecting an inner casing positioned inside the annular channel and an outer casing positioned outside the annular channel. At least one of a plurality of transverse struts, of the plurality of struts, which are located on both sides of a center plane passing through the central axis of the compressor and the center of the intake port has a trailing edge positioned on a virtual plane passing through the central axis of the compressor and a leading edge positioned on a side of the intake port with respect to the virtual plane.