Diffuser Particle Trap Layout for Gas Turbine Cooling Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The accumulation of particles within gas turbine engines leads to increased wear and damage of components, particularly in high-temperature regions, blocking cooling features and reducing operational capability.
Innovation Solution
A particle separator system with a diffuser and integrated or external traps that utilize centrifugal acceleration to collect particles within cavities along the flow path, reducing particle ingress and preventing blockage of cooling features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current particle separators are used, then particle removal is achieved, but additional measures are needed to further improve performance and reduce wear
Solution Approach 1:
The trap is integrated directly into the diffuser structure, merging two previously separate components (particle separator and diffuser) into a single unified structure. This eliminates the need for additional standalone particle removal devices, thereby improving particle removal effectiveness while avoiding increased system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it performs its primary function of diffusing exhaust gases while simultaneously incorporating traps that capture particulate matter. This multi-functionality allows the same structure to address both gas diffusion and particle removal, enhancing reliability without adding separate dedicated components
2Reliability
If traps are integrated into the diffuser, then particle accumulation is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser is divided into multiple segments or sections, with traps integrated at specific locations within the diffuser structure. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing where trap components can be independently fabricated and then assembled into the diffuser, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining protective functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The trap structures are nested within the diffuser geometry, with trap cavities formed as integral parts of the diffuser walls. This nesting approach allows the traps to be manufactured as part of the diffuser casting or forming process, avoiding the need for separate manufacturing steps and reducing production complexity while still providing effective particle capture
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 reduces particle accumulation, minimizing wear and damage to engine components, enhancing performance and operational capability by maintaining efficient cooling pathways.
Implementation Method 1
A particle separator system with a diffuser and integrated or external traps that utilize centrifugal acceleration to collect particles within cavities along the flow path
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A particle separator system (10) includes a diffuser (12) extending along an axis (A) to define a fluid path and a trap (34) having walls (36, 38, 40) that bound a cavity (35) in fluid communication with the fluid path. The diffuser (12) includes an inlet (20), an outlet (22), an inner wall (14), and an outer wall (16). The inlet (20) fluidly communicates with a fluid source. The outlet fluidly communicates with an exhaust. The inner wall (14) and the outer wall (16) diverge from the inlet (20) towards the outlet (22) and the outer wall (16) is radially outward from the inner wall (14). The cavity (35) fluidly communicates with the fluid path adjacent to the outer wall (16). The cavity (35) is open towards the inlet (20) of the diffuser (12).