Mid-Turbine Frame Inner Manifold Air Segregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas turbine engine designs result in excessively heated air entering turbine stages due to air routing through a purge air section of the mid-turbine frame, leading to reduced turbine component lifespan, increased maintenance, and higher manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an inner manifold with tie-rods and flow distribution panels to segregate air from the mid-stage compressor, minimizing heat absorption and evenly distributing air to turbine sections, thereby reducing temperature-related performance issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If air is routed through the purge air section of the mid-turbine frame, then the air can be distributed to turbine stages, but the air becomes excessively heated leading to reduced turbine component lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the air distribution system into separate segments: a purge air section for cooling the mid-turbine frame and an inner manifold system for supplying air to turbine stages. This segmentation prevents heated purge air from mixing with turbine supply air, resolving the temperature-reliability contradiction by maintaining distinct thermal zones for different functional requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the turbine supply air pathway from the heated purge air section by introducing a separate inner manifold that receives air directly from the compressor. This extraction removes the harmful thermal influence from the turbine supply path while preserving the purge air cooling function, thereby extending turbine component lifespan without compromising frame cooling
2Temperature
If an inner manifold is introduced to segregate air flow, then air temperature to turbines is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inner manifold is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as both the air distribution system for turbine stages and the structural framework for mounting bearing support members. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by consolidating air routing and mechanical support into a single integrated structure rather than adding a separate complex manifold system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the inner manifold is positioned within the mid-turbine frame structure, and bearing support members are mounted on the manifold. This nesting approach allows the air distribution system to be housed within existing structural boundaries, minimizing additional space requirements and reducing overall 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 cools the air before it reaches the turbine sections, extending component lifespan, reducing maintenance and manufacturing costs, and enhancing gas turbine engine performance.
Implementation Method 1
a tie-rod having an internal gas passage for connecting a gas flow to the inner manifold
Implementation Method 2
flow distribution panels comprising a plurality of holes operable to approximately evenly distribute air passing from the gas passage into the inner manifold
Implementation Method 3
an inner manifold comprising a seal operable to prevent a majority of air from escaping the inner manifold other than through an outlet passage
Data Source
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AI summary
A mid-turbine frame (MTF) for a gas turbine engine includes an inner manifold directing air to a turbine rotor of the gas turbine engine. The MTF includes an outer MTF case and an inner MTF case. The inner manifold of the MTF is located in the inner case of the MTF.