De-icing Splitter Notch Segmentation for Axial Compressor

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing de-icing splitters for axial turbine engines are complex and expensive, with manufacturing tolerances impairing operating conditions and the risk of ice accumulation leading to potential damage from ice blocks breaking off and being ingested by the compressor.

Innovation Solution

A simplified de-icing splitter design featuring an internal annular wall with radially passing notches and axially extending slots, allowing for efficient circulation of hot de-icing fluid, which reduces material requirements and maintains de-icing effectiveness across temperatures, while minimizing flow restrictions and maintaining structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex interface arrangement with axial grooves is used to optimize de-icing flow, then de-icing effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvede-icing effectivenessVSAvoidinterface arrangement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The splitter is divided into two separate walls (internal and external) that are joined together, with the de-icing flow path segmented into distinct sections (inlet section, passage section, outlet section). This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured separately with simpler requirements, then assembled, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining de-icing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The notches in the internal wall serve as intermediary elements that facilitate the connection between the de-icing fluid source and the outlet passages. These notches simplify the interface arrangement by providing direct flow paths without requiring complex axial grooves, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining effective de-icing flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If complex passages with strict manufacturing tolerances are used, then de-icing flow is optimized, but manufacturing precision requirements increase cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvede-icing flow efficiencyVSAvoidpassage geometry tolerance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The passage is segmented into multiple sections (inlet, intermediate, outlet) with notches providing flow transitions. This segmentation allows each section to be manufactured with more relaxed tolerances compared to a single complex passage, reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining overall flow efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of creating complex internal passages within a single wall, the design inverts the approach by using separate walls with notches that create the flow paths through their arrangement. This inversion simplifies the geometry of individual components, making them easier to manufacture within standard tolerances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Strength

If more material is used to ensure structural integrity, then strength is improved, but weight and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesplitter structural integrityVSAvoidsplitter weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The internal and external walls are merged through the joining section with interlocking notches and passages, creating a unified structure that distributes mechanical loads across both walls. This merging provides structural integrity comparable to a single thick wall while using less total material, thereby reducing weight while maintaining strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The splitter effectively uses a composite structure of two separate walls joined together, where each wall can be optimized for its specific function (internal wall for de-icing flow, external wall for structural support). This composite approach provides the necessary structural integrity with reduced material usage compared to a monolithic design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution reduces the complexity and cost of the splitter, maintains effective de-icing performance independent of temperature, and minimizes the risk of ice accumulation, ensuring uniform heating and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the upstream edge of the internal wall comprises at least one notch which passes radially through the internal wall so as to allow de-icing fluid to circulate through the internal wall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

allows for efficient circulation of hot de-icing fluid, which reduces material requirements and maintains de-icing effectiveness across temperatures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentUS10017259B2De-icing splitter for an axial turbine engine compressor

Publication Date: 2018.07.10 SAFRAN AERO BOOSTERS SA

AI summary

A de-icing and anti-icing splitter for an axial turbine engine low-pressure compressor has an external annular wall delimiting the secondary or bypass flow, and an internal annular wall; notably an external stator shroud; delimiting the primary or main stream. The upstream edge of the internal wall is fixed to the upstream annular hook of the external wall. The splitter has a series of notches which pass radially through the internal wall to allow de-icing fluid to circulate through the hook. The notches may form crescents. The splitter becomes simpler while at the same time maintaining optimal efficiency.