Dual-Sleeve Compressor Valve Layout for Aircraft Surge and Add-Heat
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional compressor systems for aircraft require significant space and multiple actuators due to the use of separate butterfly valves for surge and add-heat functions, leading to inefficiencies in air distribution and stability.
Innovation Solution
A dual-sleeve valve system that combines surge bleed and add-heat functions in a compact design, using a single actuator to operate both valves and ensuring uniform air recirculation through a concentric and coaxial arrangement, reducing space and weight requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate butterfly valves are used for surge and add-heat functions, then the compressor system can perform surge prevention and air temperature increase, but the space required in the nacelle increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate valve functions (surge valve and add-heat valve) into a single integrated valve assembly. The first sleeve valve handles surge prevention by venting to atmosphere, while the second sleeve valve handles add-heat by recirculating air back to the inlet. This merging eliminates the need for two separate butterfly valves and their associated actuators, significantly reducing nacelle space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested valve structure where the second sleeve valve is positioned inside the first sleeve valve. The inner sleeve valve (add-heat) is concentric with and nested within the outer sleeve valve (surge). This nested arrangement allows both valves to share the same physical space, minimizing the overall footprint in the constrained nacelle environment while maintaining independent functionality.
2Ease of operation
If separate actuators are used for each valve, then independent control of surge and add-heat functions is achieved, but the weight and space consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single actuator that can perform multiple functions by controlling both the first and second sleeve valves. The actuator is designed to independently adjust each valve's opening degree, enabling it to handle surge prevention, add-heat operations, and any combination thereof. This multi-functional actuator replaces two separate actuators, reducing overall weight and space while maintaining independent control capability for both valve functions.
3Productivity
If the plenum is sized for maximum recirculation, then add-heat capacity is maximized, but uniform air distribution to the compressor inlet is compromised when add-heat flow is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic valve opening mechanism where the second sleeve valve's opening degree can be precisely adjusted based on operational requirements. When add-heat flow is low, the valve opening is reduced to maintain proper flow dynamics and ensure uniform air distribution to the compressor inlet. When maximum add-heat capacity is needed, the valve opening is increased. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the system to optimize both add-heat capacity and distribution uniformity under different operating conditions.
4Reliability
If inlet guide vanes and unison ring are added to enhance compressor stability, then compressor surge resistance improves, but the device complexity and number of actuators increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated dual-sleeve valve system performs multiple functions that would otherwise require separate components. By combining surge venting and add-heat recirculation in a single valve assembly with a multi-functional actuator, the patent eliminates the need for additional inlet guide vanes and unison rings. The valve system itself provides the necessary flow control and stability enhancement, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining or improving compressor stability.
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 dual-sleeve valve system effectively manages compressor surging and enhances air temperature distribution, eliminating the need for inlet guide vanes and reducing the overall number of actuators, thereby optimizing space and performance in aircraft compressor systems.
Implementation Method 1
the first sleeve valve is operable between a closed state and an open state. When the first sleeve valve is in the open state, the outlet air in the plenum is vented to atmosphere to reduce or prevent compressor surging
Implementation Method 2
when the second sleeve valve is in the open state, the outlet air in the plenum is provided to the passageway for recirculation through the compressor
Data Source
AI summary
Compressor valves for aircraft are described herein. An example valve for a compressor includes a first end plate, a second end plate, and a first sleeve valve disposed between the first and second end plates. The first the first sleeve valve is operable between a closed state and an open state. The example valve also includes a second sleeve valve disposed between the first and second end plates and within the first sleeve valve such that a plenum is formed between the first end plate, the second end plate, the first sleeve valve, and the second sleeve valve. The plenum is to receive outlet air from an outlet of the compressor. A passageway is formed through a center of the valve to be fluidly coupled to an inlet of the compressor. The second sleeve valve is operable between a closed state and an open state.