Passlet Diffuser Structure for Shorter Turbomachine Combustors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Advanced turbomachine engines require higher performance while maintaining a similar weight and size envelope, and the length of the diffuser in the combustor is a significant factor affecting engine core length and weight.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of diffusers with embedded passlets that guide high-pressure flow directly to combustor components, reducing the diffuser length and weight, and enhancing airflow efficiency by minimizing pressure loss and enabling better pressure recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the diffuser length is reduced to decrease engine core length and weight, then weight and size are improved, but airflow guidance and pressure recovery may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser is segmented into multiple functional zones with embedded passlets that create localized flow guidance structures. These passlets divide the diffuser passage into inner and outer flow paths, allowing each segment to independently manage airflow characteristics and achieve pressure recovery without requiring a longer overall diffuser length.
Solution Approach 2:
The design introduces a radial dimension to flow guidance by embedding passlets that extend from the inner wall toward the outer wall of the diffuser. This creates three-dimensional flow control structures that guide high-pressure flow directly to combustor components, achieving effective airflow management in a compact axial space.
2Length of moving object
If the diffuser length is reduced to decrease engine core length, then engine length is improved, but pressure loss may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The embedded passlets perform preliminary flow guidance and pressure management within the diffuser, directing high-pressure flow along optimized paths before it reaches the combustor components. This preliminary action ensures that pressure is maintained and distributed efficiently, reducing subsequent pressure losses despite the reduced diffuser length.
3Productivity
If passlets are embedded in the diffuser to guide high-pressure flow, then airflow efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The passlets are merged with the diffuser structure as integrated embedded features rather than separate components. This combining approach allows the flow guidance function to be incorporated into the existing diffuser geometry, achieving enhanced airflow efficiency without proportionally increasing overall device complexity or manufacturing steps.
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 results in a shorter engine shaft, reduced overall engine length, lower operational losses, and improved performance by aligning airflow with combustor components for enhanced cooling and reduced weight.
Implementation Method 1
a passage defined between a forward surface and an aft surface. The passage is configured to cause air to flow along the passage to a first component of the combustor
Implementation Method 2
The passage is configured to cause air to flow along the passage to a first component of the combustor
Implementation Method 3
The first annular surface includes an opening that is configured to cause air to flow in a direction away from the passage to a second component of the combustor
Data Source
AI summary
A diffuser in flow communication with a combustor of a turbomachine engine. The diffuser includes an outer annular wall, an inner annular wall, and at least one tube extending from one of an outer passlet defined by the outer annular wall or an inner passlet defined by the inner annular wall. The inner annular wall and the outer annular wall together define a primary passage therebetween that extends in an aft direction of the diffuser such that air flows through the primary passage in the aft direction. The at least one tube is arranged such that a portion of the air within the primary passage flows through the at least one tube at an angle relative to the aft direction.