Gas Turbine Combustor Liner Panel Diffusion Interface Passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The interfaces between combustor liner panels in gas turbine engines are prone to steps, dead regions, cooling challenges, and adverse local aerodynamics due to their conical or cylindrical arrangement, which affects durability and flow path efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a diffusion interface passage between the forward and aft circumferential rails of the liner panels, oriented at an angle to the gas path flow, which includes a pre-diffuser and diffuser section to promote airflow ejection and film attachment on the hot side, enhancing cooling effectiveness and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If liner panels are arranged in a conical or cylindrical array, then the combustor can accommodate thermal growth and segmented design, but the interfaces between panels create steps, dead regions, and adverse local aerodynamics
Solution Approach 1:
A transition passage is introduced as an intermediary element between adjacent liner panels at their interfaces. This passage serves as a mediator that connects the panels while eliminating the harmful effects of direct abutment, specifically preventing steps and dead regions from forming at the panel interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition passage is specifically positioned only at the interfaces between adjacent liner panels, applying a localized solution to the specific problem areas where steps and dead regions occur, while leaving the rest of the panel structure unchanged.
2Reliability
If cooling airflow is provided to meet durability requirements, then thermal stress is reduced, but dead regions at panel interfaces create cooling challenges
Solution Approach 1:
The transition passage acts as an intermediary channel that guides cooling airflow between adjacent liner panels. By providing this intermediate flow path, the system overcomes the cooling challenges in dead regions that would otherwise exist at the panel interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition passage ensures continuous cooling airflow through the interface regions between panels. This eliminates dead regions where cooling would be interrupted or ineffective, maintaining continuous protective cooling across the entire liner panel assembly.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If panel interfaces are designed for thermal growth accommodation, then service life is extended, but steps and dead regions reduce flow path efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The transition passage serves as a mediating structure at panel interfaces that allows thermal growth accommodation while simultaneously maintaining flow path efficiency. It eliminates steps and dead regions that would otherwise disrupt the flow path.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition passage features curved surfaces that smoothly connect adjacent liner panels, eliminating sharp steps and creating a continuous, streamlined flow path. This curved geometry maintains aerodynamic efficiency while accommodating panel movement for thermal growth.
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 configuration improves the cooling efficiency and durability of the combustor by promoting effective airflow and film attachment on the hot side of the liner panels, reducing thermal stress and enhancing the engine's operational lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a diffusion interface passage between the forward and aft circumferential rails of the liner panels
Implementation Method 2
promote airflow ejection and film attachment on the hot side, enhancing cooling effectiveness
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A liner panel (72A;74A) for use in a combustor of a gas turbine engine, the liner panel (72A;74A) including a cold side (110); and a rail (124a;122b) that extends from the cold side (110), the rail (124a;122b) includes a first diffusion interface passage surface (156;160) and a second diffusion interface passage surface (158;162), the first diffusion interface passage surface (156;160) angled with respect to the second diffusion interface passage surface (158;162).