Gas Turbine Diffuser Strut Fairing with Flow Manifold
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Solution Overview
Problem
The aerodynamic performance of gas turbines is compromised during part-load operation due to increased swirl of combustion gases, leading to flow separation from diffuser struts, which negatively impacts efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A diffuser strut fairing with a flow manifold and openings on the suction side is introduced, which delays or prevents flow separation by injecting compressed working fluid through these openings to enhance the boundary layer energy across the diffuser struts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If diffuser struts are optimized for base-load operation, then aerodynamic performance is improved during full-speed/full-load operation, but flow separation occurs during part-load operation due to increased swirl
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser strut design is made adaptive to different operating conditions through the flow manifold system that can dynamically adjust flow characteristics. The manifold includes flow paths with different characteristics (first flow path with lower pressure loss and second flow path with higher pressure loss) that can be selectively activated based on operating conditions, allowing the strut to maintain optimal performance across part-load and base-load operations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the flow parameters (pressure, velocity distribution) across the diffuser strut by utilizing the flow manifold system. By adjusting which flow paths are active and modifying the pressure distribution through the manifold, the aerodynamic parameters of the strut can be optimized for different operating conditions, preventing flow separation during part-load operation
2Productivity
If flow separation is prevented during part-load operation, then aerodynamic performance is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional flow manifold and openings
Solution Approach 1:
The flow manifold serves multiple functions simultaneously: it distributes flow to different paths based on operating conditions, acts as a structural component of the diffuser strut, and provides the opening mechanism for flow control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving flow separation prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The flow manifold acts as an intermediary system between the main flow passage and the diffuser strut surface. It mediates the flow distribution and provides a controlled interface for introducing or redirecting flow to prevent separation, rather than requiring direct complex modifications to the strut itself
3Adaptability or versatility
If flow manifold with multiple flow paths is used, then adaptability to different operating conditions is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow manifold is segmented into distinct flow paths (first flow path with lower pressure loss characteristics and second flow path with higher pressure loss characteristics), each optimized for different operating conditions. This segmentation allows independent design and manufacturing of each path, simplifying the overall fabrication process while maintaining adaptability across part-load and base-load operations
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 solution improves the aerodynamic performance and reduces heat rate of the gas turbine by delaying flow separation, thus enhancing overall output and extending the operating envelope beyond base-load conditions.
Implementation Method 1
enhance the boundary layer energy across the diffuser struts
Implementation Method 2
delays or prevents flow separation by injecting compressed working fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A diffuser strut fairing includes a top portion, a bottom portion, a pressure side portion, a suction side portion, an inner surface and an outer surface. The pressure side portion and the suction side portion extend between the top portion and the bottom portion. The exhaust diffuser strut faring further includes a flow manifold that is at least partially defined between the pressure side portion and the suction side portion. A plurality of openings is disposed along the suction side portion and are in fluid communication with the flow manifold.