Electromagnetic Clearance Control for Gas Turbine Fan Blades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engine fan blades frequently experience physical contact with the casing due to expansion during flight conditions, leading to blade tip loss and damage, as existing clearance control systems fail to dynamically adjust the clearance effectively.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetically-actuated clearance control system utilizing an electromagnetic coil, ferromagnetic sheet, and compression springs, in conjunction with proximity sensors, to actively widen or narrow the clearance between fan blades and the casing based on flight conditions, preventing blade tip loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing clearance control systems are used, then the structure is simple, but the clearance cannot be dynamically adjusted effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic clearance adjustment by making the clearance between fan blades and casing variable rather than fixed. The system uses electromagnetic actuators that can dynamically change the position of the blades relative to the casing based on real-time operational conditions, allowing the clearance to adapt during different flight phases and operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical clearance control mechanisms with an electromagnetic actuation system. Instead of using mechanical linkages, cam mechanisms, or adjustable shrouds, the system employs electromagnetic coils to actuate ferromagnetic components that control blade position, thereby reducing mechanical complexity while enabling dynamic adjustment.
2Productivity
If fan blades are made closer to casing to reduce drag, then aerodynamic efficiency improves, but blade tip loss and damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the radial position of fan blades based on operational conditions. During cruise conditions, the blades are positioned closer to the casing to minimize drag and maximize aerodynamic efficiency. During takeoff, landing, or high-stress conditions, the blades are repositioned outward to increase clearance and prevent contact with the casing, thereby preventing blade tip loss and damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the radial position parameter of the fan blades based on operational requirements. By varying the blade-to-casing clearance as a function of operating conditions (speed, temperature, load), the system optimizes both aerodynamic efficiency and blade durability. The electromagnetic actuators enable precise control of this geometric parameter in real-time.
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 system effectively mitigates blade tip loss by dynamically adjusting the clearance, reducing the frequency of blade-casing contact and extending the lifespan of rotor blades by responding to changes in fan blade expansion and retraction.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic coil coupled to a first end of a facesheet, the electromagnetic coil to generate a magnetic field in response to a connection of a power supply
Implementation Method 2
a ferromagnetic sheet coupled to a second end of the facesheet, the ferromagnetic sheet drawn radially-inward toward the electromagnetic coil when the magnetic field is generated
Implementation Method 3
a first end of the ferromagnetic sheet coupled to a first compression spring and a second end of the ferromagnetic sheet coupled to a second compression spring, the first and second compression springs to compress in response to the ferromagnetic sheet being drawn radially-inward
Data Source
AI summary
Clearance control systems with electromagnetic actuators are disclosed. An example electromagnetically-actuated clearance control system for a gas turbine engine comprises an electromagnetic coil coupled to a first end of a facesheet, the electromagnetic coil to generate a magnetic field in response to a connection of a power supply, a ferromagnetic sheet coupled to a second end of the facesheet, the ferromagnetic sheet drawn radially-inward toward the electromagnetic coil when the magnetic field is generated, a first end of the ferromagnetic sheet coupled to a first compression spring and a second end of the ferromagnetic sheet coupled to a second compression spring, the first and second compression springs to compress in response to the ferromagnetic sheet being drawn radially-inward.