Core Air Bleed Eductor Layout for Debris Removal and Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for bleeding air from an aircraft engine flowpath have room for improvement in terms of efficiency and effectiveness, particularly in managing debris and ensuring stable operation.
Innovation Solution
An assembly is provided for a turbine engine that includes an engine core with compressor and turbine rotors, a geartrain, and an air system with bleed ports, passages, and an eductor, which facilitates parallel coupling of air flows for debris removal and cooling, while using valves and variable vanes to regulate airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If air is bled from the core flowpath using existing systems, then air can be removed from the flowpath, but the systems lack efficiency and effectiveness in managing debris and ensuring stable operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the air bleeding function into two separate parallel pathways: a first bleed port for stable operation control and a second bleed port for debris removal. This segmentation allows each pathway to be optimized for its specific function, improving both reliability and productivity simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
An eductor device is introduced as an intermediary mechanism that uses a nozzle to create a vacuum effect, drawing debris-laden air through the second bleed port. This intermediary device enhances debris removal efficiency without compromising the stability provided by the first bleed port
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single bleed port system is used, then the system structure is simple, but it cannot effectively manage both debris removal and stable operation simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The air system is segmented into two parallel bleed ports with separate control mechanisms, enabling independent optimization of debris removal and operational stability without requiring complex integrated control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The parallel bleed port system provides multi-functionality by handling both debris removal and stability control through separate pathways, allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements without increasing overall structural complexity
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
The system effectively removes debris, stabilizes engine operation, and enhances cooling efficiency by utilizing parallel air flow paths and regulated airflow management.
Implementation Method 1
The second passage may include a convergent section, a divergent section and a throat between the convergent section and the divergent section. The nozzle may project through the throat and into the divergent section to a tip of the nozzle.
Implementation Method 2
The first bleed port fluidly couples the core flowpath to the first passage and the second passage in parallel. The second bleed port fluidly couples the core flowpath to the nozzle.
Implementation Method 3
The engine core may also include an air cooled component along the core flowpath downstream of the second compressor rotor. An outlet from the second passage may be fluidly coupled to the air cooled component.
Data Source
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AI summary
An engine core (24) includes a compressor section (36) and a core flowpath (66). The compressor section (36) includes first and second compressor rotors (48, 49). The core flowpath (66) extends across the first compressor rotor (48) and the second compressor rotor (49) between an inlet (70) into the core flowpath (66) and an exhaust (72) from the core flowpath (66). An air system (28) includes an eductor (118), a first bleed port (84), a second bleed port (114), a first passage (88) and a second passage (90). The eductor (118) includes a nozzle (120) disposed in the second passage (90). The first bleed port (84) is disposed along the core flowpath (66) at a downstream end of the first compressor rotor (48). The first bleed port (84) fluidly couples the core flowpath (66) to the first passage (88) and the second passage (90) in parallel. The second bleed port (114) is disposed along the core flowpath (66) at a downstream end of the second compressor rotor (49). The second bleed port (114) fluidly couples the core flowpath (66) to the nozzle (120).