Endwall Arc Segments with Ceramic Cover for Gas Turbine Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines face efficiency challenges due to the need for compressor bleed cooling, which penalizes engine efficiency by relying on pressure differential, making it difficult to lower volume, increase velocity, or raise temperature of compressor bleed while maintaining high pressure and low temperature requirements.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of endwall arc segments with airfoils and a movable ceramic cover that spans joints between these segments, reducing the need for compressor bleed by enhancing thermal resistance and sealing, thereby reducing gas leakage and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If compressor bleed cooling is used, then cooling effect is achieved, but engine efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/compression-based cooling system (compressor bleed) with a thermally insulating cover system made of ceramic or ceramic-matrix composite materials. This substitution eliminates the need to extract compressed air for cooling purposes, thereby maintaining engine efficiency while achieving the required cooling effect through thermal insulation barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs ceramic or ceramic-matrix composite materials for the cover, which provides superior thermal resistance compared to conventional materials. These composite materials create an effective thermal barrier that reduces heat transfer to the endwall, achieving cooling protection without the energy penalties associated with compressor bleed systems.
2Temperature
If thermal resistance is enhanced, then cooling requirement is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the endwall into modular arc segments that can be assembled together to form complete annular structures. Each segment includes integrated airfoils and mating surfaces, allowing the thermal management system to be implemented in a modular fashion. This segmentation reduces overall complexity by enabling standardized manufacturing and assembly while maintaining enhanced thermal resistance across the entire endwall surface.
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 enhances thermal resistance and reduces the need for compressor bleed cooling, improving engine efficiency by minimizing gas leakage and allowing for higher temperature compressor bleed without compromising pressure differential.
Implementation Method 1
The introduction of endwall arc segments with airfoils and a movable ceramic cover that spans joints between these segments, reducing the need for compressor bleed by enhancing thermal resistance and sealing
Implementation Method 2
A cover on the gaspath side spans across at least a portion of the joint
Data Source
AI summary
An article includes first and second endwall arc segments that include a gaspath side and airfoils on the gaspath side. Each of the first and second endwall arc segments include first and second circumferential mate faces. The first circumferential mate face of the first endwall arc segment forms a joint with the second circumferential mate face of the second endwall arc segment. A cover on the gaspath side spans across at least a portion of the joint.