Compressor Rim Thermal Management via Venturi Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
High compressor temperatures in gas turbine engines lead to reduced component lifespan, particularly at the last stage of the high-pressure compressor, due to repeated exposure to excess temperatures, necessitating improved temperature control measures.
Innovation Solution
A flow system within the gas turbine engine featuring a diffuser case with strategically positioned struts and mixing chambers, including a venturi design in the secondary flow system, which mixes cooled air with ambient air to efficiently cool compressor components by reducing the static pressure of diverted secondary air, allowing for effective cooling without excessive pressurization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If compressor efficiency is increased, then energy efficiency is improved, but compressor temperature approaches desired limits and component lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts hot compressed air from the compressor discharge and separates it from the main flow path. A portion of this hot air is routed through a heat exchanger to be cooled, then mixed with cooler air from the bypass flow to create a temperature-controlled cooling air supply for the compressor rim, thereby managing the temperature consequence of high efficiency operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a heat exchanger as an intermediary component between the hot compressed air and the compressor rim. This heat exchanger acts as a thermal mediator, transferring heat from the compressed air to a cooling fluid, thereby enabling temperature control without directly exposing the compressor components to excessive temperatures
2Temperature
If cooled air is mixed with ambient air to cool compressor components, then temperature control is improved, but static pressure of diverted secondary air must be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a venturi structure that dynamically adjusts the flow characteristics of the secondary air. The venturi creates a region of reduced static pressure through its converging-diverging geometry, enabling the system to draw in and mix cooled air with the diverted secondary air at the required pressure differential, thereby achieving temperature control while managing pressure constraints
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 system effectively cools compressor components by increasing the Mach number of diverted secondary air, enabling efficient cooling of the compressor rim and other critical areas, thus extending component lifespan and maintaining efficiency despite high temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
the venturi includes a neck portion disposed between a converging portion and a diverging portion
Data Source
AI summary
A flow system for use in a gas turbine engine includes a diffuser case strut defining a first opening at a first radial end, a second opening at a second radial end, and a strut passage radially therethrough between the first and second openings. A first chamber wall and a second chamber wall define a first mixing chamber disposed radially inward of the diffuser case strut in fluid communication with the strut passage. A third chamber wall extends between the second flowpath wall and the second chamber wall to define a second mixing chamber disposed between the diffuser case strut and the first mixing chamber. The second flowpath wall and the second chamber wall are shaped to form a venturi in the second mixing chamber.