Heated Booster Splitter Plenum Ice Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing designs for aircraft turbine engine booster splitters are inefficient in preventing ice buildup due to heat loss from fan bypass air, leading to potential compressor stalls and mechanical damage from ingested ice.
Innovation Solution
A splitter with an internal plenum supplied with heated air, featuring an annular configuration with a convex-curved leading edge, an annular floorplate, and bulkheads that define a plenum with jumper tube assemblies to distribute heated air effectively, reducing ice accumulation and shedding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If hot air is injected directly into the splitter, then heating is provided, but heat loss to fan bypass air causes insufficient heating at the nose
Solution Approach 1:
The splitter is divided into multiple zones with separate heating systems: a first heating system for the fan air-exposed portion and a second heating system for the compressor air-exposed portion. This segmentation allows each zone to be heated independently, preventing heat loss to fan air while ensuring adequate heating at the nose and other critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the splitter are provided with different heating characteristics tailored to their specific thermal requirements. The nose and fan-exposed areas receive heating from the first system, while the compressor-exposed areas receive heating from the second system, optimizing heating effectiveness for each local region.
2Temperature
If heating systems are made larger to compensate for heat loss, then heating effectiveness improves, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into multiple independent systems that can be activated based on actual thermal needs. This allows the system to provide effective heating only where required, avoiding the need for an overly large single heating system and reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating systems are designed to be dynamically controllable, allowing selective activation of the first and second heating systems based on flight conditions and thermal requirements. This dynamic control optimizes heating effectiveness while minimizing energy consumption and system complexity.
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 solution effectively reduces ice buildup and shedding, minimizing the risk of compressor stalls and mechanical damage, while also protecting composite components from excessive heat and reducing the size and weight of heating systems.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of jumper tube assemblies passing through the first bulkhead, each configured to pass air flow from the exterior of the splitter into the plenum
Implementation Method 2
The outer wall, the floorplate, and the bulkhead collectively define an annular splitter plenum positioned adjacent the leading edge of the outer wall
Implementation Method 3
injection of hot air directly into the splitter would lead to insufficient heating at the nose due to heat loss to the fan air
Data Source
AI summary
A splitter apparatus for a gas turbine engine includes: a splitter including: an annular outer wall which defines a convex-curved leading edge at a forward end thereof; an annular floorplate positioned radially inboard of the outer wall; and an annular first bulkhead spanning between the outer wall and the floorplate. The outer wall, the floorplate, and the bulkhead collectively define an annular splitter plenum positioned adjacent the leading edge of the outer wall. At least one exhaust passage formed in the outer wall extends past the floorplate and communicates with the exterior of the splitter. At least one jumper tube assembly passes through the first bulkhead, each configured to pass air flow from the exterior of the splitter into the plenum.