Turbomachine Fan Blade Design Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current jet engine fan designs face challenges in achieving optimal efficiency and reducing fuel consumption, with excessive fan blades increasing cost and weight without significant benefits, and reducing their number compromising aeromechanical stability and operability.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a fan design with an increased average fan chord width and reduced blade count, guided by specific performance factors such as the First Performance Factor (FPF) and Second Performance Factor (SPF), which relate fan parameters like chord width, diameter, pressure ratio, and tip speed to optimize engine efficiency and fuel efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of stationary object
If the number of fan blades is reduced, then weight and cost are reduced, but aeromechanical stability and operability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the fan blades, specifically increasing the average fan chord width while reducing the number of blades. This parameter change allows the fan to maintain aeromechanical stability with fewer blades by optimizing the remaining blades' dimensions and spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different chord widths to different portions of the fan blades, with the average chord width optimized according to performance factors. This local optimization allows each blade to be designed for maximum efficiency while maintaining overall stability with reduced blade count.
2Productivity
If the average fan chord width is increased, then aerodynamic efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes specific performance factors (FPF and SPF) that define optimal parameter ranges for chord width, diameter, pressure ratio, and tip speed. By staying within these engineered ranges, the design achieves high aerodynamic efficiency while remaining manufacturable using conventional techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent accounts for dynamic operating conditions by incorporating corrected fan tip speed and pressure ratio into the performance factors. This allows the fan design to maintain optimal aerodynamic efficiency across varying operating conditions while using standard manufacturing processes.
3Ease of manufacture
If the fan blade count is reduced, then cost is reduced, but operability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the remaining blades' parameters (chord width, spacing, angle) to compensate for the reduced number of blades. This ensures that the fan maintains proper operability and performance characteristics with fewer blades, reducing manufacturing cost while preserving functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the fan system to achieve multiple performance goals simultaneously - reduced cost through fewer blades, improved efficiency through optimized chord width, and maintained operability through performance factor constraints. This multi-functional design approach resolves the contradiction between cost and operability.
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 approach results in improved aerodynamic efficiency and reduced fuel consumption by allowing for a wider range of chord widths and reduced fan blade counts, enhancing stability and reducing weight and cost, while maintaining efficient propulsion.
Implementation Method 1
a fan and a core arranged in flow communication with one another... air is provided from the fan to an inlet of the compressor section
Data Source
AI summary
A turbomachine includes an annular casing and a fan disposed inside the annular casing and mounted for rotation about an axial centerline. The fan includes fan blades that extend radially outwardly toward the annular casing. The fan has an average chord fan width according to a first performance factor. The fan has a quantity of fan blades according to a second performance factor.