Compressor Stator Blade Airfoil Profile Design
Solution Overview
Problem
The hot gas path of a turbine requires compressor airfoil stator blade profiles that optimize efficiency and loading, while ensuring aerodynamic efficiency and extending aeromechanic life, but existing profiles fail to achieve these objectives effectively.
Innovation Solution
A stator blade airfoil profile defined by specific Cartesian coordinate values, which are scaled to maintain shape integrity, ensuring smooth arcs and optimal interaction with surrounding airfoils to maximize compressor efficiency and pressure rise capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a conventional compressor airfoil profile is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but aerodynamic efficiency and loading optimization are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the airfoil profile geometry through specific coordinate values and manufacturing tolerances (±0.100 inches). The airfoil shape parameters including thickness distribution, camber line, and leading/trailing edge configurations are optimized to enhance aerodynamic efficiency and loading characteristics while maintaining manufacturability through defined tolerance zones.
2Productivity
If the airfoil profile is optimized for maximum efficiency, then aerodynamic performance improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by specifying manufacturing tolerances of ±0.100 inches from the nominal profile surface, which provides sufficient precision for aerodynamic performance without requiring excessive manufacturing accuracy. This tolerance zone allows for practical manufacturing while maintaining the optimized airfoil shape characteristics necessary for enhanced pressure rise capability and efficiency.
3Reliability
If the airfoil interaction with surrounding stages is optimized, then overall compressor performance improves, but the design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing the airfoil profile characteristics at specific locations along the blade span, with the nominal profile and tolerance specifications tailored to achieve proper aerodynamic interaction with upstream and downstream stages. The coordinate-based definition allows for localized profile adjustments that enhance aerodynamic balance and stability without requiring complex overall redesign.
Data Source
AI summary
Tenth stage stator vanes for a compressor comprise airfoil profiles substantially in accordance with Cartesian coordinate values of x, Y and Z set forth in inches in Table I, wherein the Z coordinate values are perpendicular distances from planes normal to a radius from the compressor centerline and containing the X and Y values with the Z value commencing at zero in the X, Y plane at a radial aerodynamic section of the airfoil. X and Y are coordinate values defining the airfoil profile at each distance Z. The X, Y and Z values may be scaled to provide a scaled-up or scaled-down airfoil section for each stator vane.