Gas Turbine Eductor Distribution Shield for Air Flow Uniformity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Gas turbine engines with integral exhaust flow educators in confined environments with low ambient air circulation face issues of non-uniform air flow distribution due to sideward mounting of the eductor inlet, leading to dominant air flow along the length proximate the inlet and potential oil leakage hazards from the heat exchanger onto the combustor housing.

Innovation Solution

A gas turbine engine design featuring a sideward eductor inlet with an eductor distribution shield within the housing, having a deflection surface that directs air flow around the combustor perimeter, and multiple channels and perforations to optimize air flow distribution and prevent oil leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the eductor inlet is mounted sideward for convenience, then the device complexity is reduced, but the air flow uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting complexityVSAvoidair flow uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A distribution shield is introduced as an intermediary component between the sideward eductor inlet and the combustor. The shield includes a deflection surface that redirects air flow and multiple channels (first, second, third channels) that distribute air uniformly around the combustor perimeter, thereby maintaining air flow uniformity while preserving the convenient sideward mounting configuration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The distribution shield segments the air flow path into multiple distinct channels (first channel, second channel, third channel) that route air to different locations around the combustor. This segmentation ensures uniform air distribution along the entire combustor perimeter despite the single sideward inlet position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If the eductor inlet is positioned at top dead centre over the combustor housing, then the mounting is simplified, but oil leakage hazard increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting simplicityVSAvoidoil leakage hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution shield acts as a protective intermediary barrier positioned between the eductor inlet and the combustor housing. It includes a deflection surface and channels that redirect air flow around the combustor while preventing direct paths for oil leakage, thereby reducing fire hazard while maintaining simplified top-dead-centre positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The distribution shield extracts and redirects the air flow path away from direct contact with the combustor housing surface where oil leakage could occur. By routing air through defined channels and over the deflection surface, it creates a protective barrier that eliminates the direct leakage path while preserving the simplified mounting position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If air flow is allowed to dominate along the length proximate the eductor inlet, then the air flow rate increases, but the air flow uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair flow rateVSAvoidair flow uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution shield segments the high-velocity air flow from the eductor inlet into multiple lower-velocity streams through first, second, and third channels. This segmentation distributes the air flow uniformly around the combustor perimeter, preventing dominance at any single location while maintaining overall high air flow rate for effective cooling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution enhances uniform air flow distribution around the combustor and eductor housing, improving engine performance and preventing oil leakage hazards, thereby ensuring safer and more efficient operation in confined environments.

Implementation Method 1

an integral eductor coupled to the exhaust of the gas turbine engine to induce rapid air flow for cooling purposes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEductor effect: Venturi Effect

Implementation Method 2

an eductor distribution shield mounted within the eductor housing between the eductor inlet and the combustor with a deflection surface that deflects the intake of the eductor inlet around the combustor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid deflection:

Implementation Method 3

an air-cooled heat exchanger over the inlet for the eductor that circulates and cools engine lubrication oil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentUS8245494B2Gas turbine engine with eductor and eductor flow distribution shield

Publication Date: 2012.08.21 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP

AI summary

A gas turbine engine comprises: a combustor with an aft end exhaust nozzle that discharges along an axis of the combustor; an eductor with a housing that circumscribes the combustor that has a sideward eductor inlet that intakes generally normal to the combustor axis and an aft end eductor outlet that circumscribes the combustor exhaust nozzle and exhausts along the combustor axis; and an eductor distribution shield mounted within the eductor housing between the eductor inlet and the combustor with a deflection surface that deflects the intake of the eductor inlet around the combustor.