Parallel Tip Shroud Geometry for Turbomachine Leakage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbomachine designs fail to adequately limit flow leakage between blades and stationary structural components, leading to reduced efficiency in turbomachines like turbines and compressors.
Innovation Solution
A turbomachine blade tip shroud and stationary structural component configuration where the leading edge portions are arranged in a generally parallel configuration, creating a more tailored clearance to reduce leakage and mixing losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing tip shroud and seal design is used, then structural requirements are met, but flow leakage between blades and stationary structural component is not adequately limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring the leading edge portion of the tip shroud and the corresponding portion of the stationary structural component in a generally parallel arrangement. This localized geometric modification creates a more tailored clearance specifically at the leading edge, reducing flow leakage in that critical region without requiring changes to the entire shroud or casing structure.
2Reliability
If existing stationary structural component design is used, then structural support is provided, but flow leakage between blades and stationary structural component is not adequately limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the stationary structural component by configuring its leading edge portion in a generally parallel arrangement with the tip shroud. This localized change creates a more precise clearance control at the critical leading edge interface, reducing flow leakage without compromising the overall structural support function of the stationary component.
3Reliability
If clearance between tip shroud and stationary structural component is reduced to block fluid flow, then leakage is reduced, but mixing losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The parallel configuration of the leading edge portions creates a more tailored clearance that specifically targets fluid flow leakage paths. By locally optimizing the clearance geometry rather than uniformly reducing the entire clearance, the design achieves effective fluid flow blockage while minimizing the creation of harmful mixing flows in the clearance region.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention include a turbomachine having a turbomachine blade (22) and a stationary structural component (23). The turbomachine blade (22) includes a tip shroud (50) having a leading edge portion (54) where the leading edge portion has a first surface. The stationary structural component (23) is disposed about the turbomachine blade (22) and includes a corresponding portion (56) corresponding to the leading edge portion (54) of the tip shroud (50), where the corresponding portion (56) has a second surface, where the first surface and the second surface have generally parallel contours.