Gas Turbine Blade Pedestal Array Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas turbine engine airfoil sections, particularly those downstream of the combustor, face high thermal and mechanical loads due to combustion temperatures, leading to reduced service life and increased maintenance costs, with existing cooling techniques failing to adequately address localized stress issues at the trailing edge.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system for gas turbine engine airfoils featuring an internal cooling cavity with staggered rows of pedestals, where the first row is further from the trailing edge and the lowermost pedestal is closer to the platform, and subsequent rows are progressively closer to the trailing edge, distributing load and stress more evenly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If air is directed into an internal cavity proximate to the trailing edge for cooling, then cooling efficiency is improved, but localized stresses at the trailing edge-platform intersection increase beyond acceptable limits
Solution Approach 1:
The pedestal array structure implements local quality by creating a graduated distribution of support elements where pedestals are concentrated near the platform and become sparser toward the trailing edge. This non-uniform distribution optimizes stress management at the critical platform-airfoil intersection while providing adequate cooling coverage throughout the trailing edge region.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-plane cooling approach to a three-dimensional pedestal array extending through the airfoil thickness. By arranging pedestals in multiple rows at different depths and positions, the solution adds spatial dimensions to stress distribution, effectively spreading centrifugal loads across a volumetric framework rather than a single surface.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If cooling structures are added to reduce thermal loads, then service life is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pedestal array serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support to manage centrifugal loads, acts as a thermal conduction pathway for cooling, and maintains aerodynamic contouring. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate cooling systems and structural reinforcements, thereby extending service life without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the cooling cavity structure with the structural support framework by integrating pedestals that serve both thermal and mechanical functions. The internal cooling cavity is combined with the pedestal array, eliminating the need for separate cooling channels and structural ribs, thus extending service life while controlling overall system complexity.
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 enhances cooling efficiency while reducing localized stresses and extending the service life of airfoil components by evenly distributing centrifugal loads and maintaining aerodynamic performance.
Implementation Method 1
an internal cooling cavity located within the airfoil; and a first row of pedestals extending between opposite sides of the internal cavity... distributing load and stress more evenly
Data Source
AI summary
A component for a gas turbine engine is provided. The component having: a platform; an airfoil secured to and extending radially from the platform, the airfoil having an exterior surface extending from a leading edge and a trailing edge; an internal cooling cavity located within the airfoil; and a first row of pedestals extending between opposite sides of the internal cavity and a second row of pedestals adjacent to the first row of pedestals and extending between opposite sides of the internal cavity, wherein the first row of pedestals are further from the trailing edge than the second row of pedestals and a lowermost pedestal of the first row of pedestals is further from the platform than a lowermost pedestal of the second row of pedestals.