Multi-channel particle separator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inlet particle separator systems for gas turbine engines are inefficient in removing fine dust particles and are too large to be incorporated within the APU inlet duct system, leading to significant pressure losses.
Innovation Solution
A multi-channel particle separator system with rotatable splitters and a ring-shaped support structure that defines flow channels and a scavenge volume, allowing for selective separation and collection of fine particles while minimizing pressure losses by adjusting the position of the splitters based on particulate concentration or aircraft altitude.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing particle separator systems are designed to remove fine dust particles effectively, then particle separation performance is improved, but the system size increases and pressure losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The particle separator is divided into multiple independent channels, each with its own vanes and splitters. This segmentation allows the system to achieve effective particle separation through multiple parallel pathways without requiring a single large complex structure, thereby reducing overall pressure losses while maintaining separation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The splitters are designed to be rotatable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment of the scavenge volume configuration. This enables the system to optimize particle collection efficiency under varying operating conditions while maintaining lower pressure losses compared to static large-scale systems.
2Reliability
If existing particle separator systems are designed to remove fine dust particles effectively, then particle separation performance is improved, but the system size increases making it impossible to mount inside APU inlet duct
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-channel particle separator is designed with a compact nested structure where multiple functional channels are integrated within a confined space. The vanes, splitters, and scavenge volumes are arranged in a space-efficient configuration that allows the entire system to be mounted within the APU inlet duct without external modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement of multiple channels and rotatable splitters to achieve effective particle separation within a compact volume. By optimizing the spatial configuration rather than relying on a single large dimension, the system fits within the APU inlet duct constraints.
3Reliability
If existing particle separator systems are designed to remove fine dust particles effectively, then particle separation performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The particle separator is divided into multiple identical or similar channel modules, each with standardized vanes and splitters. This modular segmentation simplifies the design and manufacturing process compared to a single complex system, while achieving the required particle separation performance through the combined effect of multiple channels.
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
Effectively removes fine dust particles from APU inlet airflow with minimal pressure losses, enabling integration within the APU inlet system and improving overall engine performance by reducing particle ingestion and associated damage.
Implementation Method 1
the splitter is spaced apart from the second side wall to place the scavenge volume in fluid communication with the flow channel
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
A multi-channel particle separator (152) includes a plurality of vanes (202). Each vane is spaced apart from at least one other adjacent vane to define a flow channel (204), and includes a leading edge (206), a trailing edge (208), a first side wall (212), a second sidewall (214), and a splitter (216). The first side wall extends between the leading edge and the trailing edge. The second side wall is spaced apart from the first side wall and extends from the leading edge toward the trailing edge. The splitter is rotationally coupled to the trailing edge and extend toward the leading edge. The splitter is spaced apart from the first side wall to define a scavenge volume (218) and is rotatable between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the splitter (216) is spaced apart from the second side wall (214) to place the scavenge volume (218) in fluid communication with the flow channel (204). In the retracted position, the splitter (216) engages the second side wall (214) to fluidly isolate the scavenge volume (218) from the flow channel (204). The splitter is moved between the extended and retracted position via an actuator (154), which is coupled to each splitter (216). The vanes may also be coupled to a ringshaped structure.