Ejector Nozzle Segmentation for Turbo-Machine Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ejectors in turbo-machines face inefficiencies in entrainment ratios and mixing processes between high-energy and low-energy fluids, leading to suboptimal performance and increased operating costs.
Innovation Solution
The ejector design incorporates a nozzle with a secondary pilot inlet and a nozzle outlet featuring multiple primary openings and a single secondary opening, enhancing shear layer interaction and surface area for fluid mixing, which increases the entrainment ratio and reduces mixing length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional single-opening nozzle is used, then the device complexity is low, but the entrainment ratio and mixing efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle outlet is segmented into multiple primary openings and a secondary opening, replacing a single opening design. This segmentation increases the surface area for fluid interaction and improves the entrainment ratio by creating multiple shear layers between high-energy and low-energy fluids, directly addressing the contradiction between simplicity and performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-point discharge (0D/1D) to a multi-point distributed discharge pattern (2D/3D). By arranging multiple primary openings and a secondary opening in specific spatial configurations, the patent creates extended interaction zones that enhance mixing efficiency and entrainment ratio without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
2Length of moving object
If the mixing length is reduced, then the ejector length decreases, but the mixing efficiency may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the discharge into multiple primary openings and a secondary opening, the patent creates multiple simultaneous mixing zones along the mixing tube. This distributed segmentation allows mixing to occur over a shorter axial length while maintaining high efficiency through increased interfacial area between fluids.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple openings create turbulent shear layers and flow instabilities that act as natural mixing enhancement mechanisms. The chaotic flow patterns generated by multiple jets interacting promote rapid mixing within a compact length, eliminating the need for long mixing sections.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple primary openings and a secondary opening are used in the nozzle outlet, then the surface area for fluid interaction increases, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is designed with segmented openings that can be manufactured using standard machining processes. The segmentation into primary and secondary openings with defined geometric parameters allows for systematic manufacturing while achieving increased surface area for fluid interaction.
4Productivity
If the entrainment ratio is increased, then more low-energy fluid can be pumped, but the operating costs may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented nozzle design improves entrainment ratio by creating multiple shear layers and increasing the effective surface area for momentum transfer. This allows more low-energy fluid to be entrained and pumped without requiring additional high-energy fluid input, thereby improving productivity while controlling energy losses.
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 improves the entrainment ratio and mixing efficiency, allowing for faster fluid mixing and reduced material and operational costs, while enabling the ejector to effectively pump low-energy fluid using kinetic energy from high-energy fluid, enhancing the overall performance of the turbo-machine.
Implementation Method 1
The ejector may utilize momentum of a motive flow of the high-energy fluid through a nozzle to create a suction flow of low-energy fluid surrounding the nozzle
Implementation Method 2
Interlayer shear may operate between the high-energy fluid and low-energy fluid within the ejector resulting in an entrainment (suction flow) of the low-energy fluid with the high-energy fluid stream
Implementation Method 3
Interlayer shear may operate between the high-energy fluid and low-energy fluid within the ejector resulting in an entrainment (suction flow) of the low-energy fluid with the high-energy fluid stream
Implementation Method 4
Ejectors are commonly used in a turbo-machine, such as a gas turbine for pumping the low-energy fluid from one section to another section by utilizing a kinetic energy of the high-energy fluid
Data Source
AI summary
An ejector is presented. The ejector includes a primary fluid inlet to receive a primary fluid. The ejector further includes a secondary fluid inlet to receive a secondary fluid. Furthermore, the ejector includes a nozzle fluidly coupled to the primary fluid inlet and the secondary fluid inlet. The nozzle includes a secondary pilot inlet to receive at least a portion of the secondary fluid from the secondary fluid inlet, and a nozzle outlet including a plurality of primary openings for discharging the primary fluid and a secondary opening for discharging the secondary fluid. A turbo-machine having the ejector is also presented.