Rotating Cross-Flow Sump Pressurization in Gas Turbines
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing gas turbine engines face efficiency reduction due to high pressure and high temperature bleed air used to pressurize the sump, which requires significant energy and increases cooling air needs, necessitating a more efficient method to pressurize the sump.
Innovation Solution
A rotating cross flow arrangement is implemented, which fluidly couples the compressor section to the sump using low pressure and low temperature compressed air from a low pressure center vent flow, crossing it with a purge air flow within the turbine section to pressurize the sump, thereby reducing the need for high pressure cooled cooling air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high pressure and high temperature bleed air is used to pressurize the sump, then the sump can be effectively pressurized to support bearing operation, but engine efficiency is reduced due to significant energy consumption and increased cooling air needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the air used for sump pressurization from high pressure and high temperature to low pressure and low temperature. This is achieved by utilizing low pressure center vent flow instead of traditional high pressure bleed air, thereby reducing the energy required for pressurization while maintaining adequate sump pressure for bearing operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the engine's own low pressure center vent flow to pressurize the sump, eliminating the need for dedicated high pressure bleed air extraction. The system serves itself by using internally available low energy air for the pressurization function
2Stress or pressure
If high pressure bleed air is used to pressurize the sump, then adequate pressure is provided for bearing support, but the need for cooling air increases due to temperature effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the pressurization air from high temperature to low temperature by using low pressure center vent flow. This reduction in temperature directly decreases the cooling air requirement while maintaining sufficient pressure for bearing support through the low pressure air supply
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 efficiency and longevity of gas turbine engine components by utilizing lower pressure and temperature air to pressurize the sump, reducing energy consumption and increasing overall engine efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
crossing it with a purge air flow within the turbine section to pressurize the sump
Data Source
AI summary
A gas turbine engine including a compressor section including a compressor and a turbine section located downstream of the compressor section. The turbine section including a high pressure turbine, a low pressure turbine, a sump positioned between the high pressure turbine and the low pressure turbine, and a rotating cross flow arrangement defining a plurality of guiding passages fluidly coupling the compressor to the sump.