Gas Turbine Coolant Channel Flow Modifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing coolant channel designs in gas turbine engines, with apertures on the exterior surface, lead to inefficient coolant flow, increasing specific fuel consumption due to uneven pressure distribution and flow rates across the apertures, which affects engine efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating flow modifiers within the coolant channel to adjust pressure locally at apertures, ensuring that the coolant flow through each aperture is optimized based on the external pressure conditions, thereby matching flow rates with external pressure differences and reducing unnecessary coolant distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If coolant flows through the coolant channel and exits via apertures to form a surface film, then cooling effect is provided, but engine efficiency decreases and specific fuel consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the pressure distribution locally at different aperture regions through flow modifiers. Each aperture region has tailored pressure conditions to optimize coolant flow rates according to local cooling requirements, rather than using a uniform pressure distribution throughout the coolant channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressure parameter locally within the coolant channel by incorporating flow modifiers that create pressure variations. This allows the coolant flow rate through each aperture to be adjusted by changing the local pressure conditions, optimizing the balance between cooling effect and energy consumption.
2Temperature
If coolant flow rates through apertures are increased to improve cooling, then temperature control improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by creating region-specific pressure conditions within the coolant channel using flow modifiers. This allows each aperture region to have optimized coolant flow rates matched to its specific thermal requirements, preventing energy waste from excessive cooling in regions that do not require high flow rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow modifiers are configured to automatically create the appropriate pressure distribution and coolant flow rates without requiring external control mechanisms. The system self-regulates the coolant distribution based on the geometric configuration of the flow modifiers and apertures, optimizing energy usage while maintaining temperature control.
3Device complexity
If uniform pressure distribution is maintained in the coolant channel, then flow distribution is simplified, but cooling efficiency decreases due to mismatched flow rates and external pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing flow modifiers at specific locations within the coolant channel to create localized pressure variations. Each flow modifier is positioned and dimensioned to produce the specific pressure distribution needed at its associated aperture region, optimizing cooling efficiency without requiring complex overall system redesign.
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 configuration enhances the utilization of coolant, optimizing flow rates through apertures and reducing specific fuel consumption by aligning coolant pressure with external pressure conditions, thereby improving engine efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a flow modifier, configured to locally change the pressure of the coolant flowing in the coolant channel in the region of the aperture relative to a region of the coolant channel adjacent another aperture
Data Source
AI summary
A component for a gas turbine engine, comprising: a first wall defining an exterior surface of the component; a second wall, arranged such that a coolant channel is defined by the space between the first and second walls; and a plurality of apertures provided through the first wall to connect the coolant channel to the exterior surface of the component; wherein adjacent at least one aperture the coolant channel comprises a flow modifier, configured to locally change the pressure of the coolant flowing in the coolant channel in the region of the aperture relative to a region of the coolant channel adjacent another aperture.