Flow Modifying Pedestals for Turbomachine Cooling Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current turbomachinery components with cooling channels lack enhanced cooling efficiency and thermal regulation, despite the use of pedestals and other features like bumps and ribs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating flow modifying pedestals with a rounded diamond cross-sectional shape and strategically positioned flow features within the cooling channels to guide and mix the cooling airflow, enhancing heat transfer and flow distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional pedestals are used in cooling channels, then structural support is provided, but cooling efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The pedestal is segmented into multiple functional zones with different cross-sectional shapes along its length. The first portion has a rounded diamond cross-section while the second portion has a different cross-section, allowing each segment to perform specific flow control functions that collectively improve cooling efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The pedestal transitions from a simple two-dimensional cross-section to a three-dimensional complex geometry with varying cross-sectional shapes along its length. This dimensional complexity enables the pedestal to manipulate cooling flow in multiple directions and create turbulence that enhances heat transfer
2Temperature
If cooling channels are added to turbomachinery components, then thermal regulation is improved, but flow distribution uniformity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the pedestal have different cross-sectional geometries tailored to local flow requirements. The rounded diamond section creates specific flow patterns in one region while other sections create different patterns, ensuring uniform heat transfer distribution across the entire component surface
Solution Approach 2:
The pedestal geometry parameters (cross-sectional shape, size, orientation) are varied along its length to optimize flow distribution. This parametric variation ensures that cooling flow is evenly distributed across different regions of the component, preventing hot spots and improving overall thermal regulation
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 solution significantly improves cooling efficiency and thermal regulation by directing airflow effectively towards the component surfaces and increasing thermal transfer, leading to superior performance in turbomachine components.
Implementation Method 1
The flow feature can include a flow guide angled to guide flow within the channel toward at least one inner surface of the body that defines the interior cooling channel
Implementation Method 2
The flow feature can include a turbulence feature extending into a flow path to mix the cooling flow within the interior channel
Implementation Method 3
Certain turbomachinery components (e.g. turbine blades, compressor blades, turbine vanes, compressor vanes, blade outer air seals, combustor panels, etc.) include cooling channels defined therein for passing a cooling airflow through the interior of the components
Implementation Method 4
These cooling channels can include cylindrical pedestals defined therein which add structural support and increase thermal conductivity between the outer surfaces of the component and the cooling flow passing therethrough
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
A turbomachine component includes a body defining an interior cooling channel (203) in fluid communication with the exterior of the body for fluid communication with a cooling flow source. At least one flow modifying pedestal (205) is disposed within the interior cooling channel extending in a first direction. The flow modifying pedestal includes at least one flow feature (207) that extends from the pedestal in a second direction.