Integrated Heat Pipe Layout for Compact Turbine Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern gas turbine engines face challenges in efficiently cooling internal components due to the inefficiencies of bleeding compressed air for cooling, which also complicates the inclusion of internal passages for routing bleed air, especially as engines become more compact.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a heat pipe system within the turbine engine that includes an evaporator and condenser region, with fluid passages to circulate a working fluid in a closed-loop circuit, effectively transferring heat away from critical components like the electric machine and bearings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If bleed air is used for cooling internal components, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but engine efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical bleed air cooling system with a heat pipe-based thermal management system. The heat pipe uses phase change of working fluid (evaporation at hot end, condensation at cold end) to transfer heat passively without requiring compressed air extraction, thereby eliminating the energy loss associated with bleed air while maintaining effective cooling of internal components
Solution Approach 2:
The heat pipe utilizes phase transitions of the working fluid between liquid and vapor states. At the evaporator section adjacent to hot components, the working fluid absorbs heat and vaporizes. The vapor then travels to the condenser section where it releases heat and condenses back to liquid, creating a continuous passive heat transfer cycle that effectively cools components without energy loss
2Temperature
If internal passages for routing bleed air are added, then cooling capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex network of internal passages required for routing bleed air is replaced by the heat pipe structure. The heat pipe's internal capillary channels provide the necessary fluid pathways in a more compact and integrated manner, eliminating the need for separate bleed air routing passages while achieving the same cooling function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the cooling function with the structural components themselves. The heat pipe is integrated directly into the housing or support structures, combining thermal management with structural support functions. This integration eliminates the need for separate cooling passages and reduces overall system complexity
3Productivity
If engine size is reduced for compactness, then productivity is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heat pipe structure employs a nested configuration where the evaporator, adiabatic section, and condenser are arranged concentrically or in nested layers. This nested arrangement allows efficient heat transfer in a compact volume, enabling engine size reduction while maintaining cooling capability and simplifying the manufacturing of integrated thermal management components
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 provides efficient heat transfer and cooling without the need for bleed air, maintaining engine efficiency and allowing for compact design by utilizing a passive heat transfer mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a heat pipe extending axially along an axis from a first end of the heat pipe to a second end of the heat pipe. The heat pipe extends circumferentially around the axis. The heat pipe includes an evaporator region, a condenser region and a plurality of fluid passages
Implementation Method 2
The heat pipe may include a working fluid. The heat pipe may be configured to circulate the working fluid through the closed-loop internal fluid circuit. The first fluid passage may be a liquid passage. The heat pipe may be configured to flow the working fluid in a liquid phase through the liquid passage from the condensing region to the evaporator region. The second fluid passage may be a gas passage. The heat pipe may be configured to flow the working fluid in a gaseous phase through the gas passage from the evaporator region to the condenser region
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus is provided for a powerplant (20). The apparatus includes a heat pipe (90) extending axially along an axis (26) from a first end (92) of the heat pipe (90) to a second end (94) of the heat pipe (90). The heat pipe (90) extends circumferentially around the axis (26). The heat pipe (90) includes an evaporator region (124), a condenser region (120) and a plurality of fluid passages (100A, 100B, 102). The evaporator region (124) is disposed at the second end (94) of the heat pipe (90). The condenser region (120) is disposed at the first end (92) of the heat pipe (90). The condenser region (120) is disposed radially inboard of the evaporator region (124). The fluid passages (100A, 100B, 102) are axially between and fluidly couple the evaporator region (124) and the condenser region (120).