Oblong Bleed Ports for Turbine Compressor Stator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Circular bleed ports in turbine engines disturb airflow, reducing efficiency and power output due to aerodynamic losses and pressure loss issues, despite attempts to improve air-drawing characteristics.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of oblong bleed ports with a concave profile between stator vanes, terminating near the leading edge of one vane and the trailing edge of another, oriented concave toward the suction sidewall, which reduces airflow disturbances and pressure loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If circular bleed ports are used, then adequate air-drawing characteristics are provided, but airflow is disturbed and engine efficiency and power output are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the bleed port shape from circular to oblong with a specific orientation. The oblong shape has its major axis positioned at an angle to the radial direction, creating an asymmetric configuration that optimizes airflow patterns. This asymmetric design allows the bleed port to draw air effectively while minimizing disruption to the overall airflow through the compressor, thereby resolving the contradiction between air-drawing characteristics and energy loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the bleed port. Specifically, the shape is changed from circular to oblong, and the orientation parameter is set such that the major axis is angled relative to the radial direction. These parameter changes optimize the balance between air extraction effectiveness and minimal disturbance to compressor airflow, thereby improving engine efficiency while maintaining adequate air-drawing characteristics.
2Quantity of substance
If circular bleed ports are used, then air can be drawn off for cooling and buffering, but pressure loss across the ports is not minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric oblong shape with its major axis oriented at an angle to the radial direction creates optimized pressure distribution across the bleed port. This asymmetric configuration reduces pressure loss by aligning the port geometry with the natural airflow patterns in the compressor, allowing air to be extracted with minimal pressure penalty while maintaining effective air-drawing characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the bleed port from a circular shape to an oblong shape with specific dimensional ratios and orientation. These parameter changes optimize the pressure characteristics across the port, minimizing pressure loss while maintaining the ability to extract the required amount of air for cooling and buffering functions.
3Quantity of substance
If fluid removal openings are positioned near the suction side of a vane, then air drawing characteristics are improved, but aerodynamic losses due to airflow separation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The oblong shape with its major axis oriented at an angle to the radial direction creates an asymmetric configuration that strategically positions the effective air-drawing region. This asymmetric orientation allows the bleed port to access air effectively without creating severe airflow separation on the vane suction side, thereby reducing aerodynamic losses while maintaining good air-drawing characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the bleed port, specifically the shape (oblong rather than circular) and the orientation angle of the major axis relative to the radial direction. These parameter changes optimize the position and orientation of the air-drawing function, allowing effective air extraction while minimizing disruption to the airflow over the vane surfaces and reducing aerodynamic losses from flow separation.
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 design minimizes airflow disturbances and pressure loss, enhancing engine efficiency and power output by optimizing bleed air extraction without sacrificing performance.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one bleed port defines an oblong profile having a first end terminating near a leading edge of a first stator vane... and a second end, substantially opposed from the first end, terminating near a trailing edge of a second stator vane
Data Source
AI summary
A stator assembly for a turbine engine is disclosed. The stator assembly has a stator support ring, a plurality of stator vanes protruding radially inwardly from the stator support ring, and at least one bleed port disposed on the stator support ring between at least two adjacent stator vanes of the plurality of stator vanes. The at least one bleed port defines an oblong profile having a first end terminating near a leading edge of a first stator vane of the at least two adjacent stator vanes, and a second end, substantially opposed from the first end, terminating near a trailing edge of a second stator vane of the at least two adjacent stator vanes. The profile may be concave toward a suction sidewall of the second stator vane of the at least two adjacent stator vanes.