Particle Separator for Turbomachine Cooling Air
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Solution Overview
Problem
Turbomachines, such as gas turbine engines, face reduced cooling effectiveness and shortened component lifespan due to particle accumulation from sand and particulate matter in cooling air circuits, leading to increased maintenance costs and downtime.
Innovation Solution
A particle separator is introduced that utilizes the difference in inertia between particles and air molecules to separate particles by diverting fluid flow through a fluid diversion passage, reducing particle entry into cooling passages and maintaining cooling system effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling air is drawn through the compressor and channeled through cooling air circuits, then high temperature components are cooled, but particles accumulate around small features such as rims, film cooling holes, and turbulators, decreasing cooling effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The particle separator is positioned upstream in the cooling air circuit to remove particles before the cooling air reaches the high temperature components. This preliminary action prevents particle accumulation around rims, film cooling holes, and turbulators, maintaining cooling effectiveness without requiring post-treatment or component redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The particle separator acts as an intermediary device between the cooling air source and the high temperature components. It selectively removes particles from the cooling air stream while allowing the cleaned air to proceed to cooling critical areas, thus mediating between the need for cooling and the harm caused by particles
2Duration of action of stationary object
If particles enter the cooling air circuits, then cooling air is prevented from directly contacting heat transfer surfaces, but the service life of turbine components is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing particle separation before the cooling air enters the cooling circuits, the system proactively prevents particle-related damage to turbine components. This extends component service life by avoiding particle accumulation that would otherwise block cooling holes and reduce cooling effectiveness, thereby maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The particle separator converts the potentially harmful particle-laden cooling air into beneficial clean cooling air. By removing particles that would cause damage, the system transforms a harmful flow into a protective cooling stream, extending component life while maintaining cooling performance
3Reliability
If a particle separator is introduced to remove particles, then particle accumulation is reduced and component service life is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The particle separator utilizes the existing cooling air flow and compressor outlet conditions to perform particle separation without requiring external power sources or complex control systems. The separator leverages the natural flow dynamics and pressure differentials in the cooling air circuit, making the system self-sufficient and minimizing additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The particle separator employs pneumatic principles by using the pressurized cooling air flow from the compressor to drive the separation process. Particles are removed through flow dynamics and pressure differentials rather than mechanical filtration, reducing structural complexity while maintaining effective particle removal
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 particle separator effectively reduces particle accumulation, extends engine component service life, and decreases maintenance costs by ensuring cleaner cooling air and reducing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
utilizes the difference in inertia between particles and air molecules to separate particles
Implementation Method 2
The at least one fluid diversion passage is configured to divert fluid from the at least one primary fluid passage to the at least one auxiliary fluid passage in a direction at least partially opposed to the direction of fluid flow through the at least one primary fluid passage
Data Source
AI summary
A particle separator for a turbomachine includes a first portion including a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The turbomachine includes a first wall and a second wall defining a primary fluid passage. The first wall further defines an auxiliary fluid passage. The first end is coupled to the first wall. The second end extends from the first wall into the at least one primary fluid passage and extends in a direction defined by the fluid flow through the primary fluid passage. The second end and the first wall define a fluid diversion passage coupled in flow communication with the primary fluid passage and the auxiliary fluid passage. The fluid diversion passage is configured to divert fluid from the primary fluid passage to the auxiliary fluid passage in a direction at least partially opposed to the fluid flow through the primary fluid passage.