Mixed Flow Turbine Angular Stator Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mixed flow turbines face challenges in vapor injection and extraction at intermediate pressures, which can increase the radial and axial dimensions of the rotor disc and affect rotary dynamics, particularly in radial-axial turbines, leading to inefficiencies and performance issues.
Innovation Solution
The integration of vapor injection and extraction means within the angular stator stage of a mixed flow turbine, utilizing alternating arrays of stator and rotor blades, allows for fluid diversion from radial to axial expansion without increasing the radial or axial dimensions of the rotor disc, ensuring minimal impact on turbine performance by aligning speed vectors and reducing mixing losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If vapor injection or extraction is implemented in a radial-axial turbine, then multi-level thermodynamic cycle efficiency is improved, but the radial and axial dimensions of the rotor disc increase, adversely affecting rotary dynamics
Solution Approach 1:
The injection or extraction means are merged with the existing angular stator stage structure. The stator blades are designed to simultaneously perform their primary function of directing radial flow to axial flow and serve as the injection/extraction means, eliminating the need for separate injection/extraction components that would increase rotor disc dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The angular stator stage is designed with multi-functionality: it serves both as a flow direction changer (diverting radial flow to axial flow) and as the injection/extraction means for multi-level vapor. This universal design allows the same structural element to fulfill multiple functions without increasing overall turbine dimensions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If injection or extraction ducts are added to the turbine, then vapor injection/extraction capability is improved, but the axial extension of the turbine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The injection/extraction capability is merged into the angular stator stage structure rather than being implemented as separate axial extension ducts. The stator blades themselves are configured to enable injection or extraction of vapor at intermediate pressures while maintaining the original turbine axial dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the turbine axially to accommodate injection/extraction ducts, the solution utilizes the radial-dimentional space within the angular stator stage. The injection/extraction means are positioned in the radial plane where the stator blades naturally direct flow, converting a potential axial dimension problem into a radial plane solution.
3Ease of manufacture
If vapor injection occurs upstream of a stator, then injection simplicity is improved, but fluid scrambling and mixing losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The injection/extraction operation is performed at a specific location within the angular stator stage where local flow conditions are optimized. The injection occurs where the stator blades are already directing flow in a controlled manner, creating favorable local conditions that minimize fluid scrambling and mixing losses while maintaining injection simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The angular stator blades act as an intermediary structure that mediates between the injected vapor and the main flow. Rather than direct injection into the flow path, the stator blades provide a structured interface that guides both the injected vapor and main flow in a coordinated manner, reducing turbulence and mixing losses.
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 efficient vapor injection and extraction without increasing the turbine's size or affecting its dynamics, enhancing overall cycle efficiency by minimizing fluid scrambling and maintaining performance, even with high flow rates, and allowing for co-generation of energy.
Implementation Method 1
at least one array stator or rotor blades, defined as angular blades, configured to divert the working fluid from an substantially radial expansion direction to an absolute motion axial expansion direction
Implementation Method 2
an array of stator blades and an array of rotor blades, mutually alternated... a support shaft of the rotor blades rotatable on the relative rotary axis
Data Source
AI summary
A mixed flow turbine (1) for the expansion phase of steam thermodynamic cycles of an organic Rankine cycle provided with a first section (A) in which a first expansion of a main flow of working fluid takes place, in a substantially radial direction having at least one stator stage (S1, S2, . . . Sn) and at least one rotor stage (R1, R2, . . . Rn) of a second section (B) in which a second expansion of the main flow of the working fluid takes place in a substantially axial direction having at least one stator stage and at least one rotor stage and, between the first and the second section, with at least one angular stator stage (S4) comprising an array of angular blades which deflect the main flow of working fluid from the initial radial direction to a substantially axial direction. The turbine (1) is provided with means for injection (60) and/or means for extraction (70) of a second flow of working fluid, placed in proximity of the stator stage (S4).