Turbomachine Compressor Air Circulation via Stator Vane Bleed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Turbomachine compressors face inefficiencies due to parasite airflows that reduce aerodynamic performance, and existing solutions rely on energy-consuming suction pumps to manage boundary layer flows.
Innovation Solution
An air circulation method and compressor arrangement that utilizes natural airflow bleed from functional clearances between rotor blades and stator vanes, directing bled air to useful systems without forced suction means, such as suction pumps, to reduce parasite flows and enhance compression efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If suction pumps are used to eliminate boundary layer flows, then parasite flows are reduced and aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the compressor's own compressed air to create the suction effect through pressure differential, eliminating the need for external suction pumps. The high-pressure air from later compression stages naturally flows backward through the clearances to suction the boundary layer, making the system self-sufficient and energy-efficient
Solution Approach 2:
Compressed air from subsequent stages acts as an intermediary medium to transfer the suction effect. This intermediary air flow creates the necessary pressure differential to remove boundary layers without requiring direct mechanical suction devices, thereby reducing energy consumption and system complexity
2Reliability
If suction pumps are installed to manage boundary layer flows, then parasite leaks are reduced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The compressor system serves itself by using its own operational output (compressed air from later stages) to achieve boundary layer control. This eliminates the need for additional suction pumps and complex control systems, simplifying the overall device while maintaining compression efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The compressed air from later stages serves multiple functions: it drives the turbine, powers auxiliary systems, and simultaneously creates the suction effect for boundary layer control. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated suction devices, reducing device complexity
3Reliability
If functional clearances are minimized to reduce parasite flows, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase and operational reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful parasite flows through functional clearances into a beneficial suction mechanism. The same clearances that previously caused losses now enable the high-pressure air to flow backward and suction the boundary layer, transforming a defect into a functional advantage
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the pressure parameter distribution by introducing high-pressure air from later stages into the earlier stages. This pressure differential drives the suction flow through clearances, allowing larger clearances to be used without sacrificing aerodynamic efficiency
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 approach eliminates or significantly reduces parasite leaks with low-pressure loss, eliminating the need for energy-intensive suction systems, thereby improving compressor performance and reducing noise.
Implementation Method 1
air present in the inner flowpath is sucked in and sent to at least one vane of said stator
Implementation Method 2
at least one bleed operation during which air is bled in said at least one vane of said stator, and is sent outside the compressor
Data Source
AI summary
An air circulation method in a turbomachine compressor includes minimizing an inner flowpath between two adjacent blades by providing labyrinths on an inner casing between the two adjacent blades, and sucking in air from the minimized inner flowpath through a radially inner orifice of a vane faced by the labyrinths. The method further includes directing the sucked in air through the vane, bleeding the air from the vane through a radially outer opening of the vane and through an orifice of an outer casing. The air is collected from the vane into a manifold outside the compression stage. A compressor arrangement for circulating air includes a suction device for sucking in air present in the inner flowpath between labyrinths and the vane, and for sending the air into the vane of the stator. The arrangement also includes a device for bleeding air in the vane of the stator and for sending the air outside the compressor.