Angled Hub Extension for Gas Turbine Deswirl Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines face reduced combustor performance due to inappropriate orientation of the compressor section exit, leading to suboptimal fluid flow into the combustor.
Innovation Solution
A deswirl system comprising a deswirl shroud, vanes, and a hub with a hub extension that directs fluid flow at specific angles to improve combustor performance, including a hub extension that extends beyond the deswirl shroud and is angled relative to the diffuser and combustor, optimizing fluid trajectory into quench holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the compressor section exit is oriented in a conventional manner, then the structure is simple, but the combustor performance deteriorates due to suboptimal fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
A deswirl system comprising deswirl vanes and a deswirl hub is introduced as an intermediary component between the compressor section and combustor. The deswirl vanes are mounted on the deswirl hub and extend radially outwardly to redirect the fluid flow from the compressor exit at optimized angles, improving combustor performance without requiring redesign of the primary compressor or combustor structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The deswirl hub is segmented into a body portion and an extension portion that extends beyond the deswirl shroud. This segmentation allows the hub to perform multiple functions: the body portion supports the deswirl vanes for flow redirection, while the extension portion provides structural support and defines the exit flow path, enabling complex flow control without increasing overall system footprint.
2Productivity
If the compressor exit directs fluid flow directly into the combustor, then the flow path is short, but the fluid flow orientation reduces combustor efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The deswirl vanes redirect the fluid flow from the compressor exit in a radial direction perpendicular to the axial flow direction. This dimensional change in flow orientation allows the fluid to be redirected at optimized angles into the combustor without significantly increasing the axial length of the flow path, thereby improving combustor efficiency while maintaining compact engine dimensions.
3Reliability
If the hub extension extends beyond the deswirl shroud, then the flow direction control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hub extension is integrally formed with the deswirl hub body, merging the support function and the flow direction control function into a single unified structure. This integration eliminates the need for separate support structures or additional components, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining improved flow direction control beyond the deswirl shroud.
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 deswirl system enhances combustor performance by directing fluid flow at optimal angles, improving pressure recovery and reducing back pressure, thereby increasing efficiency and extending the life of the combustor.
Implementation Method 1
A deswirl system comprising a deswirl shroud, a hub, and a plurality of deswirl vanes spaced apart from one another and extending between the deswirl hub and the deswirl shroud. The hub includes a body portion and an extension portion that extends beyond a terminal end of the deswirl shroud in a direction of fluid flow through the deswirl system.
Data Source
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AI summary
A deswirl system for a gas turbine engine includes a deswirl shroud, and at least one deswirl vane having a leading end and a trailing end. The deswirl system includes a deswirl hub spaced apart from the deswirl shroud by the at least one deswirl vane. The deswirl hub includes a hub body that extends at a first angle and a hub extension that extends beyond the trailing end of the at least one deswirl vane. The hub extension extends from the hub body at a second angle, and the first angle is different than the second angle.