Deflector Assembly Labyrinth Seal for Heat Engine Leakage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current combustor assemblies for heat engines face challenges in controlling leakage and flow variation, which affect combustion efficiency and performance, particularly in the hot sections of heat engines.
Innovation Solution
The combustor assembly incorporates a deflector assembly with a radially extended first wall and an axially extended second wall, defining a cavity that may include a seal, which together form a labyrinth seal assembly to control leakage and flow variation, with adjustable radial gaps and acute radial angles to optimize fluid flow and combustion efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a combustor assembly uses conventional wall assemblies without advanced flow control features, then the device complexity is lower, but leakage control and combustion efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The wall assembly is segmented into multiple functional components including a deflector assembly with first and second walls, a liner wall, and a seal assembly. Each segment performs a specific function: the deflector assembly controls flow direction, the seal assembly prevents leakage, and the liner wall provides structural containment. This segmentation allows for improved leakage control while keeping each individual component relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
A seal is introduced as an intermediary element between the deflector assembly and the liner wall. This seal acts as a mediator to prevent fluid leakage through the interface between these two components, thereby improving leakage control without requiring the deflector assembly or liner wall themselves to be overly complex.
2Productivity
If the deflector assembly uses fixed wall configurations, then the manufacturing precision requirements are lower, but flow variation control and combustion efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector assembly incorporates adjustable radial gaps between the first wall and the liner wall, and between the second wall and the first wall. These gaps can be adjusted to optimize flow control for different operating conditions. The adjustability is achieved through mechanisms such as adjustable support structures or movable wall sections, allowing the assembly to adapt to varying flow requirements while maintaining reasonable manufacturing tolerances.
3Reliability
If the seal assembly is extended 360 degrees through the cavity, then leakage control is improved, but the device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly is configured to extend 360 degrees through the cavity formed by the deflector assembly and liner wall, creating a complete annular seal. This provides comprehensive leakage prevention at the critical interface. The seal material is concentrated at the most critical leakage path, providing maximum sealing effectiveness with optimized material usage rather than distributing sealing features throughout the entire 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 configuration improves leakage control, reduces combustion emissions and dynamics due to excessive leakage, and enhances overall engine efficiency by limiting flow variation across the deflector assembly into the combustion chamber.
Implementation Method 1
the second wall and the first wall together define a labyrinth seal assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A combustor assembly for a heat engine is generally provided. The combustor assembly includes a liner wall defining a combustion chamber, and a deflector assembly. The deflector assembly includes a radially extended first wall disposed adjacent to the combustion chamber, and further an axially extended second wall disposed forward of the first wall and adjacent thereto. The second wall is coupled to the liner wall.