Integrated Strut Vane Nozzle Segmentation for Gas Turbine Flow Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

In gas turbine engines, integrated strut and turbine vane nozzle arrangements face challenges in minimizing interface mismatch between multiple-piece components, leading to engine performance losses, and conventional mechanical joints like bolts are prone to seizing in hot environments.

Innovation Solution

A multiple-piece integrated strut and turbine vane nozzle arrangement where vane nozzle segments are removably attached to the interturbine duct using lug and groove or T-shaped dovetail engagements, eliminating interface mismatch and reducing the risk of bolt seizing by using a single-piece strut component with corresponding vane airfoils.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a multiple-piece arrangement of integrated strut and vane nozzle is used, then flow adjustment flexibility is improved, but interface mismatch between parts increases causing performance losses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow adjustment flexibilityVSAvoidinterface mismatch

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The vane nozzle is divided into multiple segments that can be independently adjusted and mixed with different classes of segments to achieve proper engine flow, while the strut remains as a single integrated piece to eliminate interface mismatch

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The strut is merged with the vane nozzle segments through integration, where the strut forms a continuous structure that interfaces with multiple vane segments, combining structural support with flow control functions while maintaining manufacturing precision at the interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If conventional mechanical joints like bolts are used in the integrated strut and vane nozzle, then assembly flexibility is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to bolt seizing in hot environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly flexibilityVSAvoidbolt seizing resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Conventional mechanical bolt joints are replaced with a integrated strut design that eliminates the need for bolts in the hot environment, using instead a continuous strut structure that interfaces with vane nozzle segments through non-bolted means, thereby preventing bolt seizing while maintaining assembly flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If a single-piece integral integrated strut and vane nozzle is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but flow adjustment capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidflow adjustment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The vane nozzle portion is segmented into multiple interchangeable segments that can be mixed and matched to achieve different flow characteristics, while the strut remains as a single integrated piece, combining manufacturing simplicity with flow adjustment capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design allows dynamic reconfiguration of the vane nozzle segments to adjust flow characteristics during different operating conditions, while maintaining the structural integrity and manufacturing simplicity of the integrated strut

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2860354B1Integrated strut and turbine vane nozzle arrangement

Publication Date: 2020.12.02 PRATT & WHITNEY CANADA CORP

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AI summary

An integrated strut and turbine vane nozzle (ISV) arrangement (28) includes a single-piece interturbine duct (ITD) (29) having inner and outer duct walls (32, 30) with an array of circumferentially spaced apart struts (34), and a plurality of vane nozzle segments (40) removably attached to a plurality of receivers (60, 64) in downstream end sections of the ITD inner and outer duct walls. Vane airfoils (46) of the vane nozzle segments in combination with trailing edge portions (38) of the struts form a vane nozzle integrated with the ITD (29).