Axial Compressor Vane Apertures for High Mach Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing axial flow gas turbine engines face challenges in achieving adequate operation over a range of corrected flow speeds, particularly in high Mach number flight conditions, due to limitations in flow control and pressure rise across compressor stages.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of axial flow compressor vanes with apertures for blowing high-pressure working fluid, which alters the flow direction and magnitude downstream, enhancing the pressure rise and efficiency by injecting pressurized fluid through momentum and coanda apertures, thereby modifying the flow vector and increasing the loading on blades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If conventional axial flow compressor vanes are used, then the structure is simple, but the pressure rise and operational efficiency are insufficient particularly in high Mach number conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The vane incorporates apertures (porous structure) that allow working fluid to be blown through the vane, creating a porous flow control mechanism that enhances pressure rise and operational efficiency without requiring complete structural redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic principles by blowing high-pressure working fluid through the vane apertures to alter downstream flow characteristics, utilizing gas pressure and flow dynamics to achieve enhanced compressor performance
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing flow control methods are used, then the system is simple, but the operational range over corrected flow speeds is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The vane with integrated apertures serves multiple functions: it maintains the primary compression function while simultaneously providing flow control capability across different operating conditions, enabling adequate operation over a range of corrected flow speeds
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the flow parameters (direction and magnitude) by blowing working fluid through the apertures, allowing the compressor to adapt to different operational conditions and corrected flow speeds without requiring multiple separate control systems
3Speed
If high-pressure working fluid is blown through vane apertures, then the flow direction and magnitude are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vane is designed with apertures creating a porous structure that enables controlled flow of working fluid, allowing modification of downstream flow speed and direction while maintaining a relatively simple integrated structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the working fluid already present in the compressor as the blowing medium, eliminating the need for separate control fluids or complex external control systems, as the working fluid serves dual purposes
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 solution enables improved operational efficiency and pressure rise across compressor stages, particularly in high Mach number conditions, by altering the flow vector and increasing the loading on blades, thus enhancing the performance of gas turbine engines.
Implementation Method 1
blowing working fluid from a vane aperture of an axial flow compressor vane... A flow vector of the working fluid downstream of the vane is altered in either magnitude or direction, or both, from a non-blowing state to a blowing state
Implementation Method 2
The vane aperture may be operated in a blowing state by flowing pressurized working fluid... through momentum and coanda apertures, thereby modifying the flow vector
Data Source
AI summary
A gas turbine engine axial compressor vane is disclosed having an aperture capable of flowing a relatively high pressure working fluid to change a direction of a flow vector downstream of the vane. The relatively high pressure working fluid can originate from a compressor discharge. The vane may have any number of apertures.