Diffuser With Passlets for Compact Combustor Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Advanced turbomachine engines require higher performance while maintaining a similar weight and size envelope, and the length of the diffuser in the combustor is a significant factor affecting engine core length and weight.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of diffusers with embedded passlets that guide high-pressure flow directly towards combustor components, reducing diffuser length and weight, and enhancing airflow efficiency by minimizing pressure loss and enabling shorter engine shafts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If traditional diffuser designs are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but diffuser length and engine core length increase, leading to increased weight
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser is segmented into multiple functional surfaces including a primary diffuser surface, a secondary diffuser surface, and a tertiary diffuser surface. Each surface serves specific flow guidance functions, allowing the diffuser to achieve effective flow management in a shorter axial length, thereby reducing overall diffuser length and engine core weight
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a multi-surface geometry that utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement of diffuser surfaces. The secondary and tertiary surfaces extend in directions that optimize flow guidance without increasing axial length, effectively using dimensional optimization to reduce the diffuser's axial footprint while maintaining performance
2Productivity
If diffuser length is reduced, then engine weight and length decrease, but airflow guidance efficiency may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Each diffuser surface (primary, secondary, tertiary) is designed with specific local geometric characteristics optimized for its particular flow guidance function. The surfaces have varying angles and orientations tailored to guide flow in specific directions, ensuring efficient airflow management throughout the compact diffuser structure
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser employs nested surfaces where the secondary diffuser surface is positioned relative to the primary surface, and the tertiary surface is positioned relative to both previous surfaces. This nested arrangement allows multiple flow guidance functions to be accomplished within a compact volume, maintaining airflow efficiency while minimizing diffuser length
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 design achieves improved airflow efficiency, reduced engine weight, and shorter engine length, resulting in enhanced performance and dynamics.
Implementation Method 1
a passage configured to cause air to flow along the passage to a first component of the combustor
Implementation Method 2
The passage is configured to cause air to flow along the passage
Implementation Method 3
The first annular surface includes an opening that is configured to cause air to flow in a direction away from the passage to a second component of the combustor
Data Source
AI summary
A diffuser for a combustor of a turbomachine engine. The diffuser includes a body having a first annular surface and a second annular surface that define a passage, the passage being configured to cause air to flow along the passage to a first component of the combustor. The first annular surface includes an opening that is configured to cause air to flow in a direction away from the passage to a second component of the combustor.