Fluidic Nozzle Assembly for Turbine Cooling Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engines face inefficiency due to excessive cooling airflow to turbine section components, which can be unnecessary depending on operating modes, reducing overall engine efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic nozzle assembly is positioned upstream of the cooling air passage in the combustion section, featuring internal nozzle channels and a valve to regulate cooling airflow, allowing for controlled induction of cooling airflow based on operating conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling airflow is provided to turbine section components regardless of operating mode, then components are maintained below temperature threshold, but overall engine efficiency is reduced due to excess cooling airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The fluidic nozzle assembly dynamically adjusts the cooling airflow rate based on operating conditions. The nozzle is positioned to induce cooling airflow through its opening, and the degree of induction varies with engine operating mode, allowing the system to adapt cooling provision to actual thermal demands rather than providing constant excessive cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of cooling airflow rate according to operating conditions. By utilizing the fluidic nozzle's ability to induce airflow at varying rates, the system adjusts the cooling airflow parameter to match the thermal requirements of different operating modes, thereby reducing energy loss while maintaining component temperature below threshold.
2Loss of energy
If cooling airflow is reduced to improve engine efficiency, then energy loss is reduced, but component temperature may exceed threshold
Solution Approach 1:
The fluidic nozzle assembly operates as a feedback-controlled cooling system where the induced cooling airflow rate automatically adjusts in response to operating conditions. The nozzle's position and design create a self-regulating mechanism that ensures sufficient cooling is maintained while minimizing excess airflow, thus preventing temperature threshold exceedance while optimizing engine efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluidic nozzle assembly provides self-regulating cooling by inducing airflow through its opening based on the operating conditions themselves. The system uses the engine's own operating parameters to automatically modulate the cooling airflow rate, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms while ensuring temperature thresholds are maintained.
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 enables precise management of cooling airflow, conserving energy by providing only the necessary cooling, thus enhancing the efficiency of the gas turbine engine.
Implementation Method 1
The fluidic nozzle defines an opening and is operable to induce cooling airflow through the opening
Data Source
AI summary
A gas turbine engine includes a turbine having a stage of turbine rotor blades. The gas turbine engine additionally includes a combustion section defining a cooling air passage for providing a cooling airflow to the stage of turbine rotor blades. The gas turbine engine additionally includes a fluidic nozzle assembly having a fluidic nozzle positioned in or immediately upstream of the cooling air passage of the combustion section. The fluidic nozzle defines an opening and is operable to induce cooling airflow through the opening to increase or decrease an amount of cooling air provided to the stage of turbine rotor blades to, e.g., increase an efficiency of the gas turbine engine.