Conical Helix Nozzle for Steam Turbine Velocity Enhancement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid nozzles fail to adequately increase the velocity of fluids and improve efficiency in industrial applications, such as steam turbines, due to insufficient outlet velocity and flow characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle design featuring a conical helix path with a decreasing passage diameter from a larger inlet to a smaller outlet, centered on a central axis, which enhances fluid velocity by directing the fluid through a spiral path within a body portion composed of multiple quadrants that can be assembled and fixed together.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a small orifice is used to increase fluid velocity, then the outlet velocity is improved, but the flow characteristics and efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a helical curvature to the fluid passage, transforming the straight cylindrical path into a spiral conical path. This curvature generates centrifugal forces and rotational flow patterns that enhance mixing and energy distribution, thereby improving flow characteristics and efficiency while maintaining high outlet velocity through the tapered termination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a conical taper along the helical passage that continuously changes the cross-sectional area parameters from inlet to outlet. This parameter change optimizes the velocity profile and pressure distribution throughout the passage, enabling both high outlet velocity and improved flow characteristics by adapting the geometry to the flow conditions at each location.
2Speed
If a conical helix path with decreasing passage diameter is used, then fluid velocity is increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complex helical conical passage into multiple discrete segments or sections along its length. Each segment can be manufactured separately using standard machining processes and then assembled, reducing the complexity of individual manufacturing steps while achieving the overall complex geometry through modular assembly.
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 design effectively increases the velocity of the fluid to higher speeds than traditional nozzles, improving efficiency and flow characteristics, making it suitable for use in steam turbines and other industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
the fluid passage is formed on a conical helix path through the body portion and is centered on and coiled about the center axis
Implementation Method 2
the passage diameter decreases from the inlet port to the outlet orifice
Implementation Method 3
the fluid passage is formed on a conical helix path through the body portion and is centered on and coiled about the center axis
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle is provided for increasing the velocity of a fluid flowing therethrough, such as steam or other working fluid. The nozzle generally includes a body portion with a conical helical passage formed through the body portion to define an unlet port and an outlet orifice. The passage diameter can decreases continuously from the inlet port to the outlet orifice. Further, the conical helical passage can be a right-handed helix. To aid in manufacture and repair, the body can be divided into quadrants, where each plane of division passes through the center axis of the body portion. The present nozzle can be, for example, inserted into a steam turbine nozzle box as s retrofit for increasing the velocity of the steam incident on the turbine blades to increase turbine efficiency.